The Press-Dispatch
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The Press-Dispatch Opinion Wednesday, Februar y 21, 2018 B- 9 Pursuit of the Cure by Star Parker A new look into poverty in America In 2015, as told on the Center for Ad- vancing Opportunity website, John- ny C. Taylor Jr., then-president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, heard libertarian billionaire business- man Charles Koch, in a T V interview, discussing eliminating barriers to op- portunity. Taylor reached out to Koch, and the result was a Koch contribution of $25.6 million to the TMCF to establish the Center for Advancing Opportunity. Although there is no shortage of re- search on the causes and challenges of poverty in America, CAO's innova- tion is to study the problem by going into these communities, seeing how the locals think and devising local solu- tions. The Center, according to Koch, "brings together students and faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with community mem- bers to study and collect data about criminal justice, education, and entre- preneurship and formulate locally in- formed solutions to them." Now CAO has brought in another partner, Gallup, and has released its first major survey: "The State of Op- portunity in America: Understanding Barriers and Identifying Solutions." The research examines "fragile" communities, defined as "areas with high proportions of residents who struggle financially in their daily lives and have limited opportunities for so- cial mobility." Gallup combined in-depth surveys of four such fragile communities — Bir- mingham, Ala.; Cleveland, Ohio; Fres- no, Calif.; Chicago — with a national survey. Sixty-six percent of these communi- ties are black or Hispanic, 58 percent earn less than $ 34,999, and 12 percent of the population have a bachelor's de- gree or more. The survey results point to some conclu- sions that are not so sur- prising, but also to some that are. Not so surprising is that individuals in these communities are strug- gling. Forty-four percent say that there were times during the past year that they were unable to af- ford food. Forty percent say that they are "finding it difficult" or "very diffi- cult" to get by on their current income. Thirty-eight percent work full time for an employer. Fifty-one percent be- lieve crime in their community has in- creased "over the last few years." Only 32 percent strongly agree or agree that all children in their commu- nity have access to high-quality pub- lic schools. But despite challenging life circum- stances, individuals in these commu- nities remain resilient and optimistic. This is the best and most encourag- ing news. Sixty-eight percent of the residents of these communities, compared to 79 percent of all Americans, agree that Americans "can get ahead" by "work- ing hard." Only 32 percent are pessi- mistic that everyone can "get ahead." Twenty-one percent indicate plans to move in next 12 months. Fifty-nine percent say they would like to move. Changing a residence requires opti- mism and initiative. These are healthy signs of vitality in these distressed communities. What concerns me are the per- ceptions that residents of these frag- ile communities have regarding pol- icies that they say they think will improve their sit- uations. Raise the minimum wage, more funds to public schools, more government spending. This demonstrates the great need for conservative thought leaders to spend quality time in these com- munities educating resi- dents about ideas that have failed — in fact, the very ideas resi- dents think work — and discussing innovative ideas that can bring the re- sults they seek. How can we change the tax and regulatory realities of these commu- nities to attract business? How can school vouchers and tax credits cre- ate schools that can serve the special needs of these communities? How can housing vouchers provide the flexibili- ty for these individuals to benefit from government housing assistance but still allow them to move and choose where they want to live? The partnership between Koch and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund is an exciting and innovative develop- ment. The meeting of minds between the libertarian Kochs and the largely traditionally Democratic communities of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities can produce new under- standing and insights to fight the chal- lenge of poverty in our country. Star Parker is an author and presi- dent of CURE, Center for Urban Renew- al and Education. Contact her at www. urbancure.org. LENT Continued from page 8 Court Report CRIMINAL Pike Circuit Court Anthony W. Kendall charged with count I domestic battery, a level 6 fel- ony, and count II pointing a firearm. Austin Martin charged with two counts of child solicitation, a level 4 felony. Anna E. Smutzer charged with do- mestic battery, a level 6 felony. Shadenna Fettinger charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony. April D. Hotz charged with domes- tic battery, a level 6 felony. Special investigation. CIVIL Pike Circuit Court American Express Centurion Bank sues John Radcliff on complaint. Bank of America sues John Radcliff on complaint. Bank of America sues John Radcliff on complaint. Wells Fargo Bank sues Dennis Dil- lon, Oakland City University, Jayand- Bee Inc. and Allied Collection Servic- es on complaint. John Brackney sues Kim Brackney for dissolution of marriage. SMALL CLAIMS Pike Circuit Court Sycamore Apartments sues Gary White on complaint. Medical and Prof. Collection Servic- es sues Sherry M. Small on complaint. Medical and Prof. Collection Servic- es sues Kristie A. Culbertson and Del K. Culbertson on complaint. Medical and Prof. Collection Servic- es sues Dale Holesinger, Jr. and Rose M. Holesinger on complaint. Ernie's Package Store sues Tame- la S. Sebren and John Sebren on com- plaint. Ernie's Package Store sues Shane Lashbrook on complaint. TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR Pike Circuit Court Paul T. Clapp charged with domes- tic battery. Crystal L. Catiller charged with driving while suspended. Juan A. Castilla Hernandez charged with operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license. INFRACTIONS Pike Circuit Court Lincoln Baker charged with driving left of center. Bryan Baumert charged with speed- ing, 69 mph in a 55 zone. Robert Bogle charged with stopping, standing or parking where prohibited. Richard Brewster charged with seat- belt violation. Brian Corbell charged with speed- ing, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Emily Falks charged with speeding, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Shelly Freeland charged with seat- belt violation. Daniel Johnson charged with seat- belt violation. Janet Luna charged with speeding, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Joseph Manges charged with seat- belt violation. Barry Murray charged with seatbelt violation. Therese Neidige charged with seat- belt violation. Bawi Nung charged with speeding, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Kerry Onyett charged with seatbelt violation. Donald Priest charged with speed- ing, 60 mph in a 35. Christopher Spradlin charged with seatbelt violation. Charles Sumner charged with seat- belt violation. Meredith Twyman charged with speeding, 98 mph in a 70 zone. Jeffrey Visoky charged with speed- ing, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Michael Walburn charged with seat- belt violation. Joshua Wasserman charged with speeding, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Mara White charged with speeding, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Garett Wilson charged with seatbelt violation. Kimberly Wright charged with speeding, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Jason Zierke charged with speeding, 84 mph in a 70 zone. Jessica Colvin charged with speed- ing, 49 mph in a 35 zone. Samuel Feury charged with speed- ing, 90 mph in a 70 zone. Maxwell Huebner charged with speeding, 49 mph in a 35 zone. Scott McCrary charged with seat- belt violation. Bradley Neer charged with speed- ing, 49 mph in a 35 zone. Joan Parks charged with speeding, 68 mph in a 55 zone. Timothy Schwenk charged with seatbelt violation. Andrew Simmons charged with seat- belt violation. Summer Smith charged with speed- ing, 88 mph in a 70 zone. Kelly Walton charged with speed- ing, 49 mph in a 35 zone. Continued from page 8 CAMPUS Continued from page 8 MURDER tion is its roots in religion. Regardless what anyone thinks of Christianity, it still points the world away from war and destruction, to a spiritual life of broth- erhood. Jesus taught to "de- ny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me." To be a real disciple requires showing and living love. Christians have been called to live Christ before the nations. The founda- tional teachings of Jesus are found in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chap- ters 5 -7. Christ, the third way, challenged the faithful to living a way of righteous- ness: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoev- er slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Jesus told the crowds, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be ex- ceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven… "Matthew 5:11-12]. These are hard words because they go against human nature. The human condition is centered upon the ego, of the "I want." John in his first epistle wrote that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life culti- vates sin and destruction. Jesus, the Third Way, had even harder teach- ings that we still fail to grasp: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and per- secute you," Christ is the third way— Peter absorbed the teach- ing of the Master and that is evident when He wrote, "For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." Lent: what are you doing about it? Lent can be used as a time to rethink your atti- tudes about life, violence, and "just war." Lent can be used as a time to discover that Jesus extended love and help to the masses as he taught about the Kingdom of God. Lent can be a time to re- move the lint from the soul, and seek Christ! Think about it! Continued from page 8 CHEEK ny tucked tail and surren- dered to student demands. They've cravenly disinvit- ed speakers and, yes, re- stricted students to "free- speech zones." Fortunately, some brave students and organizations — such as Intercollegiate Studies Institute (where I'm a trustee), Students for Liberty, the Leadership Institute, and the Founda- tion for Individual Rights in Education — have been challenging these zones in court. And they've been succeeding. "In the last year, state legislatures, including those in Colorado, Tennes- see and Utah, have stepped in and banned free-speech areas," according to Inside Higher Education. "Virgin- ia, Missouri and Arizona also previously outlawed the zones. Florida's Leg- islature will consider a bill this session that wouldn't allow them." The zones are hanging on in some locations, so the job isn't finished. But Frank LoMonte, director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida, thinks their days are num- bered. "Every public col- lege in America is going to do away with the notion of free-speech zones," he predicts. Free speech is hard. The fact that John Adams, of all people, could sign the Alien and Sedition Acts is proof of that. That's why we should be grateful this key right is enshrined in the Constitution. Even then, as we see throughout our history and right down to the present day, we must fight to maintain it. Don't let the bullies win. Let's all speak up proudly for the right to disagree — and ensure that the U.S. again becomes one giant free-speech zone. Ed Feulner is founder of The Heritage Foundation (www.heritage.org). It requires constant discernment and careful choices for the decisions we make everyday. I have heard and read from the great saintly minds that true happi- ness comes from being wise, being prudent, being self-sacrificing, be- ing joyful in taking care of others and ourselves. The latter most of the time in that order. The more I read on the story of Jesus and His life and teach- ings, the more I am convinced His trea- sures of instructions are the surest way to true happiness. And this season of Lent is the time to reflect upon those hidden treasures. It is often said we much preach good things, sometimes with words. A trivia: The English word Lent is a shorthand form of the old English word len (c) ten meaning "spring season," or an old Dutch language "lente"(Old Dutch Lenten), or the German word "Lenz." • • • The second topic that weighs heav- ily on my mind is the many countless tragedies we hear about schooltrage- dies, massacres and shootings. I often have heard so many arguments about the need for gun control, the need for strong security enforcements in schools, the need to be alert and report to authorities if we sense something does not seem right. The need to spot for unfortunate human beings who spi- ral down to a point of hopelessness and then madness, that make them commit violent acts. The thing I have always advocated and shared with many are the following thoughts and questions. In the field of psychology and psychi- atry, we can usually trace the history of human behavior from the time of birth to the time of commission of vi- olent acts. The horror of one's violent thinking do not happen suddenly, they are influ- enced and molded by factors like the values of society and the culture, the influence of family values a human be- ing sees, experiences and grows up in- to, the influence of spiritual nourish- ment, the influence of peer groups and peer pressure, the influence of role models whether they impart good or bad values. Then there's drugs that gets into the mix of the nightmare. In the field of health care I was privileged to partic- ipate in, one of the things that I had absolutely found true is to ask the fol- lowing questions: What is this prob- lem? What caused it from the very be- ginning? What influenced and modi- fied the course of this problem? What can we find out that are quite obvious and what are not the so obvious caus- ing the problem. Then the solution generally is some- what easier to remedy or cure or some- times accept. I cannot imagine a prob- lem solver in the mystery of ailment doing this: "Ah, you have a headache, lets give you a pain pill." "Umm, you have a belly ache? Let's give you an an- ti-acid." Rather we should painstaking- ly get to the root of the problem from point A, then hopefully arrive at point Z or near it until we solve it. Let's re- member, the whole world is watching and wondering what is going on in our country we call home. Sorry, this sounds pretty heavy and sad. But it is indeed a heavy burden to our beloved Nation. I also have often read and heard this expression... "If there is indeed a God who could have prevented this, where was He then? The answer... "Excuse me, did you not push Me out of your institutions? " company advertisements, and how to raise pigs. So none of the folks in Stuhr were surprised when, as a matter of course, he offered to marry Theresa that next summer, and she accept - ed. The town bustled in- to the church and sang hymns, David and There- sa exchanged vows, then shook hands instead of a kiss—it was just that kind of marriage. But even so, a few people commented, later on, that they were surprised Theresa never smiled at the wedding. Letter to the Editor American Holocaust More than seven de- cades after the fall of Na- zi Germany, the haunting memory of six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust lingers on. It is painful to ponder how "civilized" people looked away as millions of Jews and other "inferior" races were annihilated by the Nazis, and yet, in what can only be called a holo- caust of the unborn, more than 60 million American babies have been aborted since Roe versus Wade. Sadly, the American abortion-mills have proven to be a much more persis- tent killing machine than the Nazi death-camps. We kill them not in the name of the Fuhrer, or the Master Race, but in the name of "choice," though that choice destroys all fu- ture choices of the preborn baby, and "family-plan- ning" though I can't imag- ine how you plan a family by killing it. We have slaughtered nearly 10 times more of our progeny, than Jews mur- dered by the Nazis. Our Holocaust has con- sumed a million more lives than the combined 2016 populations of California (39.25 million), and New York (19.75 million). We have annihilated nearly nine and a half times the 2016 population of our Hoosier state (6.633 mil- lion). In 2017, and again this year, Representative Curt Nisly introduced the Pro- tection at Conception bill to protect all pre-born ba- bies from the moment of conception to natural death, but Representative Ben Smaltz, House Speak- er Brian Bosma's hand- picked chair of the House Public Policy Committee, refused to give the bill a hearing or a vote. And so the holocaust continues. Jim Arnold net edition pressdispatch.net/edition Web, Smartphone, Tablet Streamline the Headline! 812-354-8500 • 820 Poplar St., Petersburg, IN • ads@pressdispatch.net