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SAVE THE DATE

In 2013, the United States of America accepted its challenge to support its citizens equally and fairly, particularly concerned about the middle class. As State Political Action Chair, we registered more than 16,000 people for the 2012 general election-more than 192% of the state's goal. There are 637 days left until Election Day, Nov. 4, 2014 - "The Time is now - Keep it Movin!" We can do it. We reelected President Barack Obama. We embraced his vision--indeed most Americans' vision of a classless society in which we all share equally in opportunities to access the American Dream. Yes talent, family and personal wealth and education prepare many to access The Dream most conveniently and more efficiently. But their privilege should not be used to bar anyone who else. America's vast resources once included plentiful employment at every level. Back then, manufacturers, corporations, the medical industry, and financial institutions accepted their roles weaving the fabrics of society. American families were weft, warp or woof, strong yarn held this nation so tightly together, we fashioned of it the most dynamic nation known to history. The fabric of society must cover and provide quality medical care, women's rights, marital equality, fair taxation, an efficient viable educational system, and quality communities. Good neighborhoods where people live and work are esthetically validating to those who live there and to all other communities. Everyone cannot be wealthy it seems, but we our government must treat everyone fairly. Our national, state, city, and county governments; the vast loom of school boards, city policies and political administrative procedures must be made to weave our dreams into citizens' equally accessed realities. Commitment to equal access supports the vision to "Keep America "Moving Forward!" My contribution to the fabric is to lead the Springfield NAACP's concern about personal political agendas put before the best interest of our community. The NAACP speaks for those who can't,who won't and don't speak. Our children's futures seem no longer the best interest of the agencies chosen to represent our communities, our families. I mean, no longer an interest in every family, despite wealth or ethnicity or educational accomplishment. Personally, I am chagrinned to think that the 10th Street Rail Corridor has been selected for high-speed rail through East Springfield, a move that will send the African American Community once again across the tracks, substantially isolated in a city when up to 40 trains daily will cut through where there are few to no overpasses. However, since that is the corridor to be, the NAACP continues to lobby for community improvements in streets and sidewalks and in business opportunities with shops and vendors, opportunities produced in the presence of such a corridor. In addition, I am concerned about consistent implementation of the District 186 Federal Consent Decree who provides the equally fair treatment of every student in every school, an assurance of equitable policies and procedures, similarly well-trained, qualified teachers, relative up-to-date technologies, sound well-ventilated, heated and cooled buildings, and reasonably appointed classrooms. Insist on District 186 School representative employment at every level of underrepresented groups. Nationally, continue to support union brothers and sisters for fair treatment across our nation, i.e., fair pay, equal access to education, and affordable, appropriate health care. Imagine, in 2013, coordinated attacks on civil and human rights still occur. The time still is to stand and fight, to do what's right, to take a stand. The time now is to do what you can, to give back. The time is now is A MATTER OF FACT! Keep It Movin!

Teresa Haley, President