People want to attain the “American Dream”...a dream that’s history for a vast majority of Americans.  When a family with two incomes can’t afford a decent home, there’s something very wrong.  

In the 1970′s a family of six - father, mother and four children - could afford a three bedroom home with only the husband working.  I’m referring to my family and my Dad was a carpenter who also was - guess what - a card-carrying labor union member.

In 1981, Republican President Ronald Reagan fired 11,000 (insane right?) striking air traffic controllers. Replacements from the military, retired air traffic controllers and others crossed the picket lines (labeled “scabs” by union workers).  

Republicans, greedy businesses and corporate interests began a smear campaign against unions and union labor. They used Reagan’s union busting tactics as an opportunity to spread propaganda and lies to convince Americans that all union workers were selfish and overpaid and the union “bosses” were corrupt.  Not long after, if union workers went on strike, businesses and corporations brought in scabs to replace them.  This crippled the unions by taking away their bargaining power.    

And thus began the destruction of the middle class and the American Dream.  There was a gigantic sucking sound as all the profits and wealth got siphoned off to those at the top and it’s been going for over forty years.  

That’s how we all got fucked by the Republicans and the capitalist pigs who to this day still own them.  

Today on the podcast, Ariel talks to Melissa Bowman, cofounder of the group Waterloo Region Yes In My Backyard (WRYIMBY) about what a YIMBY group is, what some actions are that it might take, the issues that it might address, and how to start up a YIMBY group in your area, if there’s not one already!

The Unseen Faces of 2023 - Homelessness Beyond the Streets

The year 2023 paints a picture of technological advancements, societal progress, and economic growth. Yet, beneath this facade lies an issue that has persisted through the ages – homelessness. Today, the definition of homelessness extends beyond the conventional image of individuals on the streets. It encompasses those living out of their vehicles, those who don’t fit the stereotypical image, and…

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Tell me about income and wealth disparity in America

I went to a panel tonight on Reimagining Public Health in NYC - A Discussion on the Racial and Wealth Gap and Health Equity

Me:

Can you write an essay about the connection between redlining, income and wealth gap, and health outcomes in the Black community? Highlight the disparity in maternal mortality race based upon race

ChatGPT:

The connection between redlining, income and wealth gap, and health outcomes in the Black community is multifaceted and complex. Redlining, a discriminatory practice that involves denying financial services or access to housing based on race, has had a significant impact on the economic wellbeing of Black families. This, in turn, has contributed to the widening income and wealth gap between Black and white households, which has led to disparities in health outcomes.

Redlining began in the 1930s and was a federal government policy that allowed banks and other financial institutions to deny loans and insurance to people living in certain neighborhoods. These neighborhoods were typically populated by Black families and other minorities, and the practice was based on the assumption that these communities were risky investments. As a result, these neighborhoods were deprived of essential resources such as quality education, healthcare, and healthy food options.

The legacy of redlining has contributed to the income and wealth gap between Black and white households. According to a study by the Brookings Institution, the median wealth of white households is ten times that of Black households. This disparity is largely due to historical and ongoing discrimination that has limited Black families' access to education, employment, and housing opportunities.

The income and wealth gap has had a profound impact on the health outcomes of the Black community. Black Americans have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which are often linked to poverty and limited access to healthcare. They are also more likely to die from these diseases than white Americans.

One area where the impact of these disparities is particularly stark is maternal mortality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This disparity cannot be explained by differences in income or education level, as it persists across all socioeconomic levels.

There are several reasons for this disparity, including the fact that Black women are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy, such as hypertension and pre-eclampsia. They are also more likely to receive substandard care during pregnancy and childbirth, including being ignored or dismissed when they report symptoms of distress. Studies have shown that implicit bias and stereotypes about Black women's pain and abilities to cope with childbirth are also factors.

To address these disparities, it is essential to address the root causes of redlining, income and wealth gap, and implicit bias in healthcare. Policies and initiatives that promote equitable access to education, employment, and affordable housing are essential. Additionally, healthcare providers must receive training to recognize and address implicit biases that may affect their care of Black patients. Finally, Black women must be empowered to advocate for their health and hold healthcare providers accountable for providing high-quality care.

In conclusion, the connection between redlining, income and wealth gap, and health outcomes in the Black community is a complex and multi-layered issue. The legacy of redlining has contributed to the income and wealth gap between Black and white households, which, in turn, has led to disparities in health outcomes, including maternal mortality. Addressing these disparities will require a comprehensive approach that involves addressing the root causes of redlining, income and wealth gap, and implicit bias in healthcare.

"Nurturing Families, Stronger Bonds"

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Thousands of people on affordable housing waitlists as construction continues [Video]

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Working on this piece….9 panels of the Westlake Daly city house. The mid century modern home is still an icon of high design and of affordable housing. Bring me the mod in the modular without looking like a shipping container. George Carlin once said “You know why the call it the American Dream? Because, you would have to be asleep to believe it”. … .. . . . #urbandevelopment #dalycity #spectacle&sprawl #americanbones #contemoraryart #affordablehousing #workerhousing #midcenturymodern #midcentury #midcenturyarchitecture #urbansprawl #urbanpatterns #hyperobject #archdigest #spectacle #contemporarypaintings #architecturelovers #architectandartist #imagetransfer #artrep #artconsultants #interiordesigner #designbuild #gridpainting #artcollector #artcurator #archi_focus_on #dalycity100 (at Daly City, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdw5my3ov44/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Live in Luxury: Adish Aradhra's Exquisite Apartments in Chandapura, Bangalore!

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Supporting Your Emotional Well-being, Together.

Archbishop Nelson Perez blesses new housing community in Delaware County [Video]

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