October 18, 2003
$87 Billion For the Homeless?
by Fred H. Arm
Congress voted overwhelmingly on Friday in favor of President Bush's request for $87 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan, handing him a solid mandate for the continued occupation and reconstruction of Iraq. It would be an interesting thought to instead, see the money used to benefit the homeless in America.
Even in a booming economy, at least 2.3 million adults and children, or nearly 1 percent of the U.S. population, are likely to experience a spell of homelessness at least once during a year. (Urban Institute, Feb. 2000) Thus, if we gave every homeless man, woman and child that money, it would amount to $37,826.09 for each such person!
Basic economic theory teaches us that for each dollar injected into the economy, a huge multipler effect translates into an enormous increase in the gross national product. Imagine solving our economic problems and the homeless situation all in one swoop.
Sound too good to be true? It certainly is a provacative thought. What do you think?
New Charter School For Point Richmond
A dynamic group of parents, entrepreneurs, and educators is coming together to develop a new, small-scale public charter school beginning with grade 7 and growing to grade 12. Known as the Richmond Urban Institute, this new-from-the-ground up secondary school will put hands-on civic improvement and leadership training at the heart of the learning process. Theyare seeking a facility in the Pt. Richmond/Marina Bay area that will ultimately accommodate 400 students (66 students per grade level, in classrooms of ~ 22 students each.)
The school will draw on the resources of the whole East Bay—including UC Berkeley––to create internships and service-learning options focused on: Health & Biosciences; Environmental Design & Architecture; and Engineering & Technology. The school could open as early as Fall, 2004––depending on the interest and support of parents & community members. If you have children—or just care deeply about our community’s future
Awfully short notice, but this event will be today October 18th at 10:30 to 1:00 pm at the Baltic at 135 Park Place in Point Richmond. For more information, contact Lana Husser at (510) 232-6885 or LanaHusser@aol.com
Brunch & refreshments will be available for purchase