Essay 322

The Midweek MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Newsweek reported that Caucasian Katrina evacuees seeking homes received preference over Blacks. In fact, Blacks were charged more or turned away 66% of the time. Additionally, online ads for housing actually sought a “white American family” or a “white couple.” A HUD official remarked, “Because [the bias] is so subtle, it’s extremely effective.” Not sure why anyone would view the bias as so subtle.

• GOP strategist Rob Allyn landed a contract with Mexico’s Foreign Ministry to create a campaign to improve the country’s image in the U.S. Let’s hope Allyn’s contract was not awarded based on his campaign to improve the GOP’s image in the U.S.

• A new study showed injuries resulting from cheerleading have doubled from 1990 through 2002 — with about 208,800 hospital visits reported. Maybe it’s time for cheerleaders to start using steroids and performance-enhancement drugs.

• A couple from California spent New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas — and left their 5- and 9-year-old kids to fend for themselves. What happens in Vegas does not necessarily stay in Vegas.

• The border wars are becoming increasingly violent, as the drug cartels battle over the $140 billion drug trade. Tijuana is particularly deadly, especially for journalists who speak out against the cartels. Hey, somebody should offer a free Tijuana vacation to Bill O’Reilly.