Ihave been for the past several years engaged in a series of debates,discussions and arguments on a topic of vital importance to almost everyonethat I know. No, not the race for president, the war on terror or the constantexpansion of the U.S. prison industrial complex. Though they are all vitally importantand serious topics, the “thing” that has taking center stage in many personaldiscussions, discourse and dialogue is that “almighty dollar,” or what I referto as paper currency.

Theconversations have centered around the void in coverage and lack of meaningfuldialogue in the Black press regarding the condition of the U.S. economy as itpertains to the African-American community. The mainstream media reports thatthe economy is in a recession or downturn, and you can bet your bottom dollarthe “recession” translates into “depression” for the hoods across the country.

Mylargest concern is that no one seems to be willing to talk openly and honestlyabout it. There is real poverty in America; the homeless rate in New Orleans isfour times the national average with 1 out of every 25 citizens without foodand shelter.

Thesekinds of numbers have not been seen in a U.S. city since the nation wasfounded. The recent layoffs at Ford and General Motors are having cripplingfiscal effect on urban laborers that will exponentially touch millions oflives, most of them people of color.

Letus not forget the housing meltdown led by Countrywide and the predatory lendingpractices of greedy bankers. Nor can we excuse the economic naivete of somevery desperate and foolish borrowers. These ingredients, which include a MiddleEastern war that has disrupted the trade in global natural resources, havecombined to create the economic situation we are in at the present. It alsopoints to leaner times up ahead or what is know as “stagflation,” an economicslowdown mixed with eroding currency.

Ofcourse we can all waste time pointing the finger at the usual suspects and beg thegovernment to come save us – or we can come to the realization that the Black communityis facing a devastating crisis and start dealing with it. The time is now tostart becoming more vocal in regards to Black fiscal responsibility. The daysof squandering our wealth on jewels and rims must end today because tomorrowthat dollar in your pocket may be worth 50 cent.

Blackpeople have major money problems; we are the number one consumers in the U.S.blowing upward of $800 billon annually on trinkets and toys that shine. We areliterally dying to give our earnings away – most of the time to those outsideof our own communities. We buy our children Coogi shirts that cost $200, videogame consoles for $500 and $400 iPhones. Instead of college plans, we invest inringtones. Where is the love at?

TheBlack community must engage in a conversation about money because with all ourtalk of hustle and paper chasing we still know very little about the dynamicsof economic development. We have mastered the backwards mathematics of “Doin’ itBig,” “Making it Rain” and “Icing it Out.”  Now it is time to learn a little something about “stacking,” “flipping”and “buying assets.” Oh and before I forget, tell Mr. Bush that he cannot makeit all better with stimulus checks to spend on nothing.

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