Islandman; My Brother's Keeper:

[HL]

Two issues.

1. The philanthropic initiatives proposed to address the system failures which affect young black men is at best OK . A long tem fix would be a POLICY initiatives.......

2. I have maintained that the majority of "OUR" problem are self inflicted. "WE" have to begin to take responsibility for our actions. The Black family structure must start to address changes. It will solve teen-age pregnancy, "black-on-black" crime...etc...etc...

I applaud the President for this bold move. just wish that Policy changes were incl.

The Travon Martin type issues will not be solved if money is the only remedy employed to solve young Black men issues.

[Islandman]

I agree money alone certainly cannot solve it, just as charity and aid money alone cannot solve the problem of poverty in the world.

Policy changes can help, for example laws that govern the criminal justice system. However more than that boots on the ground are needed, community involvement from those who are in a position to do so. By the way that is a WHOLE LOT of US, but most of us prefer to yap,yap and do nothing.

What I like about Obamas initiative is that he acknowledges that he made mistakes as we all do, but in certain communities making those same mistakes are unforgiving and a life sentence.

What I HOPE will come out of this is that he will provide some leadership in saying that WE have to realise this will not change on its own, WE have to decide that we are sick and tired of being victims, and WE have to do something about it.

He hinted that he will be focused on this issue after he leaves office. That would be really great.