Ben Jealous (NAACP) wants your stories on how the economic crisis has affected you/loved ones

Via email (emphases in original email):

Leadership. Commitment. Unity.

As I sat in the House of Representatives chamber this evening, these were the themes I heard President Obama speak to in his State of the Union address.

But as I listened to President Obama, I looked at obstructionist leaders in Congress and I couldn't help but get angry.

It is past time to throw aside partisan differences, put America first and embrace the American values of equal opportunity and fairness for all.

In communities across the country, the NAACP has marched, rallied, and raised our voices to let our leaders know job creation can't wait. President Obama has heard our call, and tonight he laid out his ambitious blueprint for continuing to improve the economy and put people back to work.

Unfortunately, too many members of Congress are committed to nothing but blocking the president's work. They are more concerned with scoring political points than getting us out of the worst economic slump since the early 20th century.

Every day, NAACP leaders nationwide speak with people who are working harder than ever before, and still struggling to make ends meet. Just this week our North Carolina NAACP leadership conducted a tour throughout the state to chronicle the effects of joblessness, underemployment, and poverty.

We know many of you have similar stories, and we want to hear them. Will you share with us your story on how the economic crisis has affected you and those you love?

http://action.naacp.org/job-crisis-stories

Marcellus Brown is 43 years old. He doesn't have a steady job, but he wants one. He's from Scotland Neck, North Carolina, but travels 30 miles to apply for unemployment and look for jobs. There are no resources or living wage jobs in his community.

Davette Bulluck, a mother of three, is unemployed in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She cleans yards, washes dishes, and collects cans in the streets for money. Her utility bill exceeds her monthly income by $500. She's skipped many meals so her children can eat, and often faces the prospect of choosing between electricity, water, and food.

President Obama's American Jobs Act would create 1.9 million jobs for people like Marcellus and Davette in places like Scotland Neck and Rocky Mount. His summer jobs and tourism initiative will create hundreds of thousands more, and stimulate an economy built to last and designed for sustained prosperity.

I applaud President Obama for adopting our long-standing priority of economic stability in communities of color, for his bold stand on job creation, and for leading the charge on reversing the economic crisis.

But Congress must match his leadership. Millions are suffering, and systemic poverty persists in almost every corner of the richest nation on earth. In moments like this, extreme partisanship is a luxury our nation cannot afford.

It is time to pass much-needed legislation to foster workforce training and create the kinds of jobs that allow Marcellus, Davette, and countless others to thrive, not just survive.

It is time for cooperation to trump personal political agendas.

And until it does, we must continue to speak out, stand up, and be heard.

Please share your stories and experiences on the economic crisis, and how it has affected you and your loved ones:

http://action.naacp.org/job-crisis-stories

Thank you. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Sincerely,

Ben

Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP