One of the huge problems with racial disparity in the Peoria area is that we have a high concentration of high paying jobs here because of Caterpillar's headquarters and the Tech Center (Engineers)... yet the minority community is not sharing in that prosperity.

@joepyeweed That's because you have to go to school and study to get job at Cat. They are NOT going to hire you just because you got a participant award in school.

-- Removed by Author --

@EyeintheSky :What does that have to do with minorities?

@joepyeweed :There are a lot of people of all races in Peoria not sharing in that prosperity.

@joepyeweed Cat and any other company is NOT going to hire someone who doesn't spend time getting education and then show up dressed to get job. They are NOT doing hand outs like the government does. ALL the minorities have same chances and some even better do to quotas schools must follow to get degrees. So not buying the poor me BS they have the options they choose NOT to use them and then complain about.

@EyeintheSky :Are you sure about that?
www.nber.org/digest/ sep03/w9873.html

Guys,We all know that this is a complex issue with complex reasons. But the truth is, black folks have not fared well historically in Peoria. There is certainly enough blame to go around on all sides for this. History shows that blacks didn't have the same opportunities that others had. Even many blue collar jobs were limited for blacks. (My dad was a Peoria cop, and when I was a kid in the late 60's & early 70's, I can only recall a few "token" black cops being on the force. Same with the fire department). However, doors have been opening for African- Americans over the last few decades. Yet, many have not taken advantage of these opportunities here in Peoria. Maybe many can't break out of a cycle of poverty and lack of education. Maybe there aren't enough strong male role models for kids to follow. Again, this is a complex societal issue.Instead of blaming each other for this problem, we should look for "positive" ways to improve it. (just my 2 cents :-))

@tapeworm :That's the point of white privilege.. You never feel it, you just have it.
Its not your fault.... but it exists.

we have a black president.

@joepyeweed

@tapeworm :Ah yes, so racism is over, hallejuia!

i never said racism is over. racism is everywhere. hell, china and japan don't even get along and they're both asian!

@joepyeweed

@tapeworm :So your post about having a black president meant what?