The Rumble Underneath the Roar of Approval

The passage of health care legislation should not be the biggest news for Black folks coming out of the White House recently, especially when unemployment approaches 20%.

 Defense of the Obama Administration’s leadership in the health care process has been a little perplexing, to say the least. Although there is a clear need to improve the accessibility of health care coverage for all Americans, the primary issues involved in the health care debate – lower cost for quality coverage and decreased impact on the national economy – were clearly overlooked with the legislation.

We cannot do the same in regards to the overall economic outlook for the youth and Black America.

Despite experiencing what many are calling victorious times for Americans in need, the grim reality of consistently-high unemployment rates only reflect a deeper problem: policies that threaten long-term employment vitality will hinder the overall health of Americans in need, regardless of government-mandated health care laws. And for those that have been caught up with defending the president against the fringe elements of the conservative movement and denouncing the Tea Party, there are items out there that are also worthy of such staunch dedication.

For starters, it should include walking away from the Tax Party celebrations of health care reform and looking forward policies that impact what matters most: jobs.