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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 11, 2004)
August h , 2004__________________________________ JJortlanò (¡Dbseruer___________________________ Page as Minority Journalists Quiz Kerry Says nation is divided by race and money Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., speaks at the Unity: Journalists o f Color conference in Washing ton, D.C. (A P)— Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said America remains a nation divided along ra cial and economic lines, and pledged to “lift up those who are left out.” In an appearance Thursday be fore minority journalists, the M as sachusetts senator was asked if he would havejumped into action more quickly than President Bush did on Sept. 11,2001, when he learned of the terrorist attacks. The president spent seven min utes reading to Florida elementary school children after learning that hijacked planes had been flown into the W orld Trade Center in New York. “Had 1 been reading to children and had my top aide whisper in my ear that America is under attack, I would have told those kids very nicely and politely that the presi dent o f the United States has some thing that he needs to attend to,” Kerry said. Kerry drew applause when he referred derisively to Bush’s recent decision not to speak before the NAACP. He said that as president, he would meet with the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, civil rights groups and other m inor ity organizations as part o f an effort to build a more united nation. “America is still a house divided, in health status, living standards, access to capital, schools, all the things that make a difference,” he said. Kerry cited statistics that 50 per cent o f black men in New YorkCity are without work, while in some cities 40 percent o f Hispanic chil dren are school dropouts. “How can we accept the fact that one o f every five Asian-Americans attem pting to buy or rent a home faces discrim ination?” he asked. Kerry also pledged to “open the doors o f the White House to Native Americans.” And in an unusual pledge, he said he would prod the nation’s news executives to in crease the number of jobs for Na tive Americans in the media. Bush, Kerry to Visit Friday Sen. John Kerry and President U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon George Bush will both visit Port Democrat, said Kerry will speak on land on Friday. issues including the econom y, Kerry is expected to arrive in health care and homeland security. Medford on Thursday, then head “On the issues that matter most to Portland on Friday for a public to our state — like jobs and the rally at Waterfront Park, downtown. economy, health care, and educa tion — the Kerry-Edwards ticket re p re s e n ts O re g o n ’s v a lu e s ,” Wyden said. Tracey Schmitt, a W hite House spokeswoman, said the president intends to attend a small business summit. Portland rap duo Dynam ic to perform their new song "Chillaxin'on the MAX"before the game. Portland Beavers vs. Salt Lake Stingers Saturday, August 14 at PGE Park 5:30 p.m. Gates open, kids’ activities begin • Interactive exhibits teach kids about safety around electricity, water, tra n sit and bikes • FREE m etal lunchbox for the first 3,000 fans ages 14 and younger • Free photos o f Dynamix at TriM et’s booth 7:00 p.m. Dynamix performs ‘‘Chillaxin’ on the MAX” 7:05 p.m. Game begins Plan your trip at trim et.o rg T R I@ M E T See where it takes you. In partnership with Sabin Community Development Corporation yiveriise w ilh diversity in M 1,1 ^ J o r t liU t b (O bacvU i'T Call 503-2X8 0033