Essay 2099

On the road with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• According to an analysis of the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances conducted by the Consumer Federation of America, Blacks pay more interest on auto loans than Whites—7 percent for Blacks versus 5 percent for Whites. “It’s hard to believe that any differences in creditworthiness explain all of these rate gaps,” said a spokesperson of the consumer federation. “They size you up, the car salesmen and finance and interest guys. They must think African Americans are more vulnerable to a markup.” Or an industry holdup.

• Sen. Barack Obama urged automakers to go greener. “So here’s the deal,” Obama told the Detroit Economic Club. “We’ll help to partially defray those health-care costs—but only if manufacturers are willing to invest the savings right back into the production of more fuel-efficient cars and trucks.” And then Blacks will pay more green than Whites for auto loans.

• A woman in Ohio is dumping her beloved Starbucks after taking offense to a message printed on a cup. The statement read, “Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure.” The woman said, “As someone who loves God, I was so offended by that. I don’t think there needs to be religious dialogue on it. I just want coffee.” What would Jesus drink?

• Energy drink Cocaine has been pulled from store shelves following concerns about its name. The Food and Drug Administration warned the company last month that its product name and marketing indicated it was illegally selling a street drug alternative and dietary supplement. The label and website touted the juice as “Speed in a Can” and “Liquid Cocaine.” The company plans to relaunch the product with a new name. Possibilities include “Canned Crack” and “Blow Beverage.”