News For, By and About People
In the last edition December 7, 2008 – December 20, 2008, my teenage son, Gianni, wrote about bike riding. But it was not his article that sparked something in me, it was an e-mail that I received from Pastor Edward A. Thomas of Antioch Church in Lansing.
Holiday shopping is about to begin. As I read the stories in this edition,especially the one about the Nyaka School, I begin to cringe at the thought of overspending this Christmas.
Dear Readers,
A new President will be in the White House. It’s interesting to me that even in my short lifetime. I’ve seen so many things happen that show the world is changing for the better.
I was recently reading an article on Black PR Wire and recalled an interview that I had with a reporter at the “State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People” symposium. The reporter asked me which Presidential candidate, John McCain or Barack Obama had the best health care plan. I said neither because we need a health care plan now to deal with issues that are escaping the politicians. I don’t understand why Congress isn’t working harder to deal with these issues. Readers, if you’re in a job and uninsured or even if you’re in a job and insured by a third party, please note the best thing that you can do is to vote. Readers, if you’re paying a large portion of your paycheck to a hospital because you waited too long to go to the doctor, please vote.
Off to school again for the 1st and 2nd grade children in the Risper household. I think that summer dragged on this year and I was starting to feel it in my bones. Labor Day marks less labor for me. It seems like I work harder in the summer. I think that children get lazy and restless. They stay up late and if you have the leisure, you don’t have to worry about them getting up to do anything. Early morning cartoons and late night features become a major part of their lives and then Labor Day hits.
We’re having a symposium and we would love to see you there. Bethlehem Temple is a beautiful church and has welcomed many people from all walks of life. It’s close to the highway and the CATA bus line so it will be easy for people to get there.
I felt very special covering my first Presidential rally. Barack Obama spoke on August 4th (Obama’s birthday) at the Lansing Center. I was up early and excited about the opportunity. I was so comfortable and nervous at the same time.
I hope that your summer is going well. I’ve finally calmed down after my son Gianni’s graduation. I don’t remember a time when I was more joyful.
I carried an article around with me in 1996 when JonBenet Patricia Ramsey was murdered the day after Christmas. My birthday is December 27, so to hear about such a heinous crime on a day that was supposed to be so joyful for me stuck to the hairs on the back of my neck like a yoke.
As we prepare ourselves to go through the next growing phase at The New Citizens Press, we’re beginning to experience growing pains.