August h , 2004__________________________________
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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