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Page 2, Portland Observer, October 28, 1987
Along the Color Line
by O' M.inntng Mar thh*
Biden's Fall, Jackson's Gain
Delaware Senator Joe Biden's dramatic withdrawal from the 1988
Democratic Presidential race over plagarism charges last month, sharply
alters the current campaign — and simultaneously — improves Jesse
Jackson's chances considerably.
On paper at least, Joe Biden seemed to be a formidable candidate.
Bright and articulate, he evoked liberal rhetorical images reminiscent of
Bobby Kennedy. Biden attracted a number of major investors to this cam
paign, and recruited a highly regarded team of organizers, especially in
Iowa. These obvious strengths obscured several profound weaknesses.
Like Gary Hart, Biden consciously misrepresented his background to the
media. He was neve a popular or influential figure in the Senate, where
his arrogance and ambition created many enemies inside his own party.
Some Democratic party officials felt privately all along that Biden was "too
liberal" on too many public policy issues to win the general election. Thus,
when the press learned that Biden had used parts of other people s lectures
in his own campaign speeches without full attribution, the subsequent
charges of dishonesty and poor judgement sank his presidential bid.
The departure of Biden and Hart from the race has clarified the Demo
cratic presidential field considerably. Two leading white candidates have
now surfaced: Missouri Representative Richard A. Gephardt and Governor
Michael S. Dukakis of Massachusetts. Gephardt has consolidated a sub
stantial lead in Iowa, site of the crucial presidential caucuses early next
year. He appeals to many sections of organized labor because of his strong
stance favoring protectionism and the limitation of foreign imports. Gep
hardt represents a white, blue-color, conservative district in St. Louis, and
he will probably gain the support of many rightwing Democrats who had
hoped that Georgia Senator Sam Nunn would run. Astutely, Gephardt
has also succeeded in attracting a tiny but talented group of minorities and
liberals behind him. Black Congressman Alan Wheat, an ideological
moderate, has endorsed Gephardt; Donna Brazile, an energetic, dynamic
lieutenant of Jesse Jackson during his 1984 presidential effort, has now
become Gephardt's field coordinator. These liberals sense that the Mis
souri Congressman will win the Democratic nomination, and have posi
tioned themselves to profit from this political possibility.
Dukakis is the leader in two critical categories. First, he's the odds-on
favorite to win the Democratic primary in New Hampshire. The significance
of this is revealed by a single political fact: no Democratic presidential
candidate in decades who has lost the New Hampshire primary in February
has ever won a November general election. Second, Dukakis is the leader
in money. His campaign has generated over $7 million, compared to $3
million for Gephardt. Dukakis is more liberal than Gephardt on many policy
issues, but has experienced a more difficult time recruiting Black supporters
and campaign workers.
The remaining white candidates continue to be plagued by problems.
Tennessee Senator Al Gore is too liberal to pick up most of Nunn's South
ern white supporters, and he's failed miserably to win supporters in both
Iowa and New Hampshire. Former Governor Bruce Babbitt has had money
difficulties, and hasn't recovered from the terrible assessments he received
after the Democratic candidates' televised debate this summer. Illinois
Senator Paul Simon has had several severe problems inside his campaign
organization, and is viewed by most party leaders as too liberal for the
nomination. The net result is that there's a real possibility of a duel between
Gephardt and Dukakis from Iowa all the way to the Atlanta convention
next summer.
The real beneficiary, therefore, is Jesse Jackson. The "Country Prea
cher" will do very well in the Southern primaries; he is receiving 11 to 12
percent in the public opinion polls in Iowa; he’s acquired more exposure
and experience at national campaigning than any other prospective or cur
rent Democratic candidate. Moreover, of the 23 members of the Congres
sional Black Caucus, thirteen currently are leaning toward Jackson or have
already endorsed him. Several mayors of major cities, including Harold
Washington of Chicago, have endorsed Jackson. Donna Brazile explains
the willingness of many Black politicians to back the Rainbow Coalition's
candidate, even when they harbor personal grudges against him: "Right
now, Black leaders know Jesse is going to the convention. (They say) I can
make my reservations in Atlanta today if I am with Jesse.
The longer white moderate and conservative Democrats feud and
bicker among themselves over which white male candidate to support,
the greater the leverage and influence of Jesse Jackson in Atlanta. The
elevation of Gephardt and Dukakis virtually guarantees more clout of the
Rainbow Coalition.
• *' '
starter and creative problem-solver? In a home-base business, you are
alone at the top — there is no boss to oversee when you get started and
whether you stay on track. By the same token, ask yourself whether you're
a self-stopper. People who work at home sometimes have a problem let
ting go of their work and tending to other personal or family matters. They
find it difficult to ignore a business problem that is sitting in the next room.
The isolation of working at home presents a problem for others. They
miss the opportunity to gather by the water cooler to bounce ideas off col
leagues. To succeed at working at home, it also helps if you're the type of
person who is not easily distracted. It can be difficult to concentrate on
business when you know the kitchen is a mess and the lawn needs to be
mowed. And both you and your family must be willing to sacrifice some of
your personal space. One craft designer admitted that for two years her
family couldn't eat off the dining room table.
The major drawback that concerns many established home-based
workers is the fact that they are just not taken seriously. Somehow they
lack legitimacy in the eyes of others, regardless of how much they're earn
ing or how successful they may be. Often even family members and friends
who know you work at home don't take your work seriously. They think
nothing about stopping by your home to chat - something they wouldn't
dream of doing if you were off in a corporate office somewhere.
If working at home seems like it would suit you, the first thing you II
have to do is decide on a product or service. The best kind of business for
you is based on your own knowledge, skills and interests. Do you like shop
ping? Travelling? Gardening? Foreign languages? Although the fastest-
growing segment of home businesses is the area of computer data and
word processing, almost any business can be done out of the home. There
are bridal consultants and calligraphers, elderly-care specialists and chil
dren's entertainers, investment counselors and messenger services — all
run by entrepreneurs working out of their homes.
To get started, no matter how big or small you see your business idea,
get a business plan down on paper. Your local library can provide you with
hundreds of sources to guide you through this important exercise. Writing
a business plan helps you to organize your thoughts and focus on your
objectives.
In brief, you'll want to open your business plan with a description of
your product or service and the market you hope to attract. You should
identify the competition and why you think people would prefer to buy from
you. Questions like how much space, equipment and supplies you'll need
will have to be addressed. And, of course, the financial needs of your busi
ness and how you plan to finance them will need to be included.
Don't overlook the need to consult with professionals. You might first
want to check with local officials regarding licensing, zoning and other
regulations that may apply to your business. You will have to decide what
legal form (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation) your business should
take. A certified public accountant can help you determine how to set up
your books and recordkeeping systems as well as how to select the appro
priate tax status for your business. You will also need advice on the com
plexities of home office tax deductions. This is an area where the Internal
Revenue Service is very strict. But as a general rule, to take a tax deduction
for using a part of your home for business, that part must be used exclu
sively and regularly as: 1) the prinicipal place of your business, or 2) a place
where you meet or deal with your clients or customers in the normal course
of business.
If you live in a house with 2,000 square feet of living space and the
area you use as an office measures 200 square feet, you are entitled to deduct
10% of certain expenses of maintaining your home. To be deductible, the
expense must be related in some way to the part of your home used for
business. Examples of these expenses are real estate taxes, mortgage
interest, rent, utilities, insurance, repairs and depreciation. Those expenses
that benefit only the part of your home you use for business (like painting
or repairs) are fully deductible. The tax laws governing home office deduc
tions are complicated and closely scrutinized by the IRS so be sure to con
sult with a knowledgeable tax professional.
It has often been said that anyone can start a business - the hard part
is staying in business. CPAs suggest that if you give careful thought and
planning at starting your home-based business, you stand a better chance
of succeeding. And, if anyone tries to minimize your business because you
work at home, remind them that the President of the United States does,
too.
Looking for a CPA in your community? Call the Oregon Society of
Certified Public Accountants at 1 800 255-1470 (Oregon toll-free) or 641-
7200 (Portland Metro).
___________________________________________
Dr Manning Marable is Chairperson of the Black Studies Department, Ohio State University,
Columbus, Ohio. "A long the Color Line" appears in over 140 newspapers internationally.
STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUC^
*
MONEY MANAGEMENT
William E. Davis
A w eekly column on personal finance distributed by
the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants
The Work-At-Home
Alternative
What person who has nudged along in rush hour traffic day-after-day
hasn't dreamed of working at home? No clock to punch. No office politics
to contend with. And, no daily commute. As appealing as that may sound
to you, the Oregon Society of CPAs cautions that home-based businesses,
like all other business ventures, have their own set of rewards and perils,
many of which have to do with your personality. And starting a home-
based business, say CPAs, isn't all that different than starting any other
business. In fact, to do it right, you'll want to do all the same things you
would do if you were starting any other business.
First, let's look at the bright side. Many home-based business owners
are quick to cite the freedom and flexibility they have. If you re the type
that works best in the late evening hours, you need only walk down the hall
to execute the absolutely brilliant idea that strikes you at 11 p.m. Starting
a business at home requires less capital, allowing you to test a business idea
with a minimum inve' »lent. And it should come as no surprise that many
people decide to sta . a business at home because that's where their child
ren live. The home-based business provides the compromise between work
and family responsibilities that many parents with young children are
seeking.
As good as this may sound, there are some serious drawbacks you
c id o r H o fr
c t a r t i n n a business in your home.
Are you a self-
Till» » f
O’ Pi|i ■
New.p.tpe'
Publishers
Assn. .Hion
The Campuses:
Advances on Many Fronts
by William E. Davis
As students return to college and university classes this fall, Oregon
ians have reason to be optimistic about — and proud of — what is happen
ing on our eight publicly supported campuses.
Oregon public higher education has imposed tougher standards that
are improving student's preparation for college work, is improving access
for students and the public, and is promoting Gov. Neil Goldschmidt's Ore
gon Comeback.
Consider these examples:
Capital construction: Significant, lottery-financed buildings are being
built or completed on four campuses in Portland, Corvallis, Eugene and
Klamath Falls, and the 1987 Oregon Legislature authorized $141 million in
general-fund and bond-financed new construction on all eight campuses.
These projects will not only enhance teaching and research, but also
create jobs for a year for the equivalent of more than 7,000 Oregonians.
Economic development: In 1985, when higher education won in
creased financing for capital construction and more-competitive faculty
salaries, we said it would boost the economy. Although higher education
cannot claim sole responsibility, we did play a role in reducing statewide
unemployment whose month-to-month average is lower than at any time
since 1978 (May's figure was the lowest since 1973) and returning millions
of dollars to Oregon taxpayers.
**’
MEMBER
W° r Gifts, grants, and contacts: We have reason to believe federal, state
and other dollars for research, Extension and public service will have
doubled during 1986-87 from four years before. Although Systemwide
figures are not yet available, Oregon State University appears to be leading
the way with notices of awards of $103.5 million last year compared with
just $51.3 million during 1985-86, only one year before.
Academic calendar: Work is progressing well on an early-semester
schedule, effective Fall 1990, which will replace quarters with semesters.
The new calendar will start classes earlier (in late August) and conclude in
May instead of June. For the first time in the State System s 55-year his
tory this is permitting every academic department to take a look simultan
eously at what it is doing and why. In addition, the new calendar will give
students more in-depth exposure to subjects (in 15-week semesters instead
of 10-week quarters), increase instructional time by annually eliminating
one registration period, one "dead" week and one final-exam week, give
faculty members more time to prepare for classes and require students to
buy fewer books.
Library automation: Students, faculty and the public will have faster,
easier access to books and documents as a result of a State Board of High
er Education decision to begin automating campus libraries as money be
comes available internally.
Tuition reciprocity: We have expanded our agreement with Washing
ton state to charge in-state tuition rates to a limited number of students
from the neighboring state. This is giving students greater educational
choice.
I believe this is the kind of quality that Governor Goldschmidt was
talking about recently when, in a cordial meeting with the State Board of
Higher Education, he said quality of education at all levels is the first con
cern of business and industry representatives looking at our state.
He challenged us to examine programs for cost effectiveness and to
focus on areas in which our campuses can excel. He said he expects high
productivity, cost-effective management, excellence in teaching and re
newed emphasis on research.
On behalf of 60,000-plus students who are returning to our campuses
to receive a superior higher education, we are delighted to continue accep
ting these challenges.
fin c a
COALITION ON
SOUTHERN AFRICA
The Coalition of Southern Africa, a group of leading, predominantly
Black religious leaders and educators, today called upon the U.S. Congress
to closely re-examine its current posture towards South Africa and its
neighbors.
Bishop Richard L. Fisher, President of the Coalition said "W hile some
sanctions may be necessary in the short term, a far more enlightened
approach would be for Congress to build better bridges to South Africa's
Black community. Programs which enhance Black economic opportunity,
educational improvement and managerial development are an essential
complement to pressure on Pretoria, and they are morally preferable to
some punitive strategies which leave damaged lives in their wake."
In his letter to individual members of Congress Fisher went on to say
" . . . we agree with the recent statement of U.S. Secretary of State Shultz
that 'American companies have been in the forefront in the business com
munity in promoting equal opportunity for their employees and in develop
ing managerial skills of Blacks.' I recently wrote President Reagan a letter
in support of the continued good works of American firms in South Africa.
The Coalition would reject as counterproductive any attempt by Congress
to require disinvestment by American corporations."
"Congress must encourage the Reagan Administration to follow
through on its pledge to work hard for apartheid's demise. Nelson Mandela
must be freed, legitimate political parties and organizations must be un
banned, and negotiations must begin soon if another cycle of violence is
to be avoided." Fisher concluded.
Letters to the Editor
I Gave $100.00
Democratic National Committee
430 South Capitol St., S.E.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Friends
I'm very much for Jesse Jackson, Democrat, to be elected president
of the United States.
Jackson has all the required qualifications. He is a powerful, persua
sive speaker with a great platform. I have heard him several times before
huge crowds. He is well ahead of all his rivals. He stirs great enthusiasm
with the depth of his insight.
I'm not wealthy at all but have already given him $100.00. He is a
money-raiser in addition to oratory.
I think he can win. You would be wise to support him.
I'm white, a politician of long standing and experience. I was elected
to twelve years in the Oregon State Legislature (House), 1963-1975, Demo
crat.
Back Jackson and win!
PORTLAND OBSERVER
Box 3137 Portland OR 97208
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among all college-bound students, as well.
Affirmative action: We will bring 146 Black, Hispanic and Native-
American student onto our campuses this fall under a tuition-waiver plan
for minorities who are underrepresented on our campuses. This is among
the nation's most aggressive affirmative action initiatives of its type.
Admissions standards: Strengthened requirements, effective Fall
1985, are paying off in students earning superior Scholastic Aptitude Test
scores (Oregon ranks second only to New Hampshire) and enrolling in
tougher high school and college courses. Also, fewer students are flunk
ing out or dropping out because they were poorly prepared for college
Portland Observer
The f>Tiluntl O h ir n r r tUSPS 969 580I is p ."'Shed ever,.
Thursday by Ene Publishing Company, Inc
'* 6 3 N E Killings
worth Portland Oregon 9 7 ? " Post Office Bo. 3137 Portland
Oregon 97?Of) Second class p o s ta g e paid at Portland, Oregon
The /S.ri/urid O h w rin r yyas estatlisbed in 19X1
USPS
Cm PuNn»"«» Co .
Students: We are enrolling more students than at any time since 19«1.
And for the first time in nine years, the percentage of Oregon s top high
school students indicating a preference for out-of-state colleges has de
clined, while the State System's share (in both numbers and percentages)
has increased. Preference for our campuses also improved significantly
N a tio n a l A d v artisin q R ap raa an tat
A m a lg a m a te d P u b lis h e r* In»
N a w Yorh
Street