The Banner on March 13 wrote a wonderful article about newly instated New York, Governor David Paterson. On one side of the article there was a quote in bold print that stated this, about Paterson, "He's a guy who has two handicaps: his blindness and his race. And he never made excuses for it." The article went on to attribute this quote to none other then Rev. Al Sharpton.

I am an African American Women from the Dorchester community. I did not know that I needed to make some type of an excuse for myself, because of the God given color of my skin or that the race that I was born into has made me handicap.

This article was poorly written and lacked consideration towards the population of people that the Banner purposes to represent. Even though they used a quote from another source, I believe that it is the editor's responsibility to know the creditability of the sources from which they choose to quote from. If Mr. Sharpton would like to own this quote, that someone being blind and their race can be spoken in the same terms as a handicap. As a resourceful person I should look to a more progressive man of color for information concerning the African American population.

As a person of color I cannot look to this as an attributing source for the advancement of my race. This quote should not have been used as a viable source, nor should it have been given stand out prominence on the top page above the fold. This is an offensive statement and is not true. It is an offensive to Mr. Paterson as well as an entire race of people.

The color of your skin is not a deficit and it does not impede you with a handicap. What are you really trying to insinuate by using that quote in this article and why use this type of a demeaning quote? What are you really saying here, should all people of color run out and petition the government for disability benefits? Let's, not be absurd, I do not think so. This is the type of subliminal racist messages that need not be projected, exalted, or even used in a resourceful, knowledgeable community newspaper.

The powers that edited and write the Banner need to be more socially conscious about their written work. We all know that there are many people of color that have what we call, "internalized racism." As a person of color I feel sad for Al Sharpton that he would make a statement like this. Maybe Al and the Banner have not heard of, Martin Luther King or one of his famous quotes in his, “I Have A Dream Speech.” That assures, "one day people will be judged by the content of their, character and not by the color of their skin."

Governor David Paterson has a number of other characteristics and achievements that could have well been bleared out in bold print with red borders. We as social conscious people need to be more aware of how we convey our messages to the public.

Some people will always see the glass half full instead of all of the possibilities that can be achieved because of people like Mr. Paterson. The color of an African American’s skin is not a handicap but a greatness that allows them to see and approach life from a prospective that is always striving against the odds. The old African American proverb inspires, “ it takes pressure to make a diamond.” Governor Paterson is a diamond purified by trails and tribulations and he has achieved powerfully.

He comes from a mighty race of people that have contributed a great deal to the social fabric making and building of America. The color of his skin is not a handicap but a part of his greatness. Mr. Paterson may be blind but his track record in life shows that he can see more clearly, than those that have eyes. I would like to think that the Banner would retract this offensive statement on their front page that was quoted by an unreliable source.

Theses series of Presidential primary elections and caucuses is one of the first steps in the process of electing the President of the United States of America. The primary elections are run by state and local government organizations. In States where they do not have caucuses. What is a caucus all about? A caucus is mostly defined as being a meeting of supporters or members of a political party or movement. The term is frequently used to discuss the caucuses used by some states to select presidential nominees, such as the Iowa caucuses. A state primary election usually determines which candidates for president will be supported by that state at the national convention of each political party.

Super Tuesday is approaching us. This is your time to vote. There will be Primaries/caucuses for both parties in 19 states, plus three Democratic-only caucuses and one Republican-only primary. I would like to remind the community to come out and vote in the February 5^th primary election.

January 16, 2008 was the last day to have registered and also the last date to change your party affiliation. If you want to vote in this primary coming up you must be registered as either a member of that party or un-enrolled. To vote in this up coming primary election you must be registered with one of the political parties, which are the, Democratic Party, Republican Party or the Green Party. If you are not registered to vote you will not be able to vote on the Primary Election Day. But remember if you miss voting in the primary elections you can still get registered, so that you can vote in the Presidential election for November 2008.

Here are some others ways to be involved in the election process. We need to get out and vote, but we also need help around organization of the voting process. Please get the word out about voting. Remind all of your friends; family and networks circle to vote and how important it is to cast your vote. You can also volunteer to work at the polls, this is very important to the political process. We need people to hold signs up about the different candidates at various sites. You can find out more about this on the www.CityofBoston.gov.

An Exclusive event, who will be the first to see, "The Water Horse, Legend Of The Deep." The Marr Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester will host an exclusive opportunity for friends, members and the community to participate in an advanced screening of this new and innovative movie, a must see. Please come out and engage in this private advanced screening of The Water Horse Legend Of The Deep. This is a fundraiser for the Marr Boys and Girls Club. For more information please contact: Deb Versackas at 617-288-7120 ex 144. The Flyer and logos are attached.

Did you know about the book drive that has been going on since 1987? This annual book fair, given by City Councilor Yancy, will help to promote the importance of reading in our youth. As the saying goes, "those who read will lead". City-Councilor Yancey's Book Fair has given over 300,000 books to our youth through the years.

The event will be held at the William Reed Auditorium.

March 1,2007
24 Washington St Dorchester Mass.
From: 12:00 to 3:00
Donations of books accepted: New only
Children books please: informational, educational, adventure, science, novels,
and more for children and youth between the ages of 5-18 years old.

Get ready for this up-coming book fair. What a great time to promote reading skills for your child. Remember, "the children that read," are, "the children that lead". Let's give our children a head start on promoting reading as apart of their lives. Come out to the Book Fair. Again, Thanks to our City Councilor Charles C. Yancy, looking forward to you having another successful year with your, "Book Drive".