Crumbley, now represented by new defense counsel, has filed to appeal his life sentence outlawed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miller v. Alabama (2012) for juvenile homicide offenders.
Probable Cause Hearing Magistrate Michael Mitchell opened the proceeding asking how the parties wish to proceed. Prosecutor Sarah Green advised the court of co-defendant’s request for a Preliminary Exam. APA Green informed that the preliminary exam will take time due to the voluminous amount of discovery tendered to the defense and requested that the hearing be scheduled at a later date with the court’s clerk off the record. Defense Attorney Ballard confirmed the continuous flow of discovery received including the autopsy protocol received just a day before the current PCC hearing. Attorney Ballard requests on the record for all additional discovery be forwarded to each defense teams to ensure both case files are complete with both Attorney Zuppke and the dual counsel of Attorney’s Ballard and Loftin since the cases are inextricably locked. Attorney Ballard confirmed good communication between parties without dispute that discovery is continuing and ongoing from the prosecution. Attorney Zuppke only states an issue with cell phone analysis and requests preliminary exam to be scheduled sometime in October to allow time for the complete review of discovery. Magistrate Michael Mitchell ruled in favor of scheduling exam off the record and continued bond for both defendant’s ongoing detention.
Oakland County Prosecutor, Karen McDonald said in a press conference on August 9th that “Chulo” died after a lengthy period of confinement and abuse.
Little Chulo was allegedly starved, beaten, shot with a BB gun, and held captive in the corner of a room where he slept on an 11 x 36-inch slat while being stapled to a wall held down with restraints. Prosecutors report that he was monitored by his abusers via a security camera kept in the home to make sure he wasn't "misbehaving." “Misbehaving" was described by prosecutors as the child attempting to drink, urinate, or escape. The mother, Elaina, was charged because she is said to have not only been aware of the abuse but sometimes encouraged it. Related Article: Couple Charged in Death of 6-Year Old Boy Stapled To A Wall Appear for Probable Cause Hearing
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 SPRINGFIELD, IL | Former Deputy Sean Grayson, defendant charged for the death of Sonya Massey in early July, filed an appeal with the Illinois Appellate Court for reconsideration of his pre-trial detention after being denied by Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Cadagin reportedly due to the inability to receive proper medical care for the treatment of colon cancer. Grayson was indicted on three counts First-Degree Murder, one count Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and one count Official Misconduct after responding to the home of Sonya Massey on July 6, 2024 in response to an emergency dispatch call shortly before 1 a.m. requesting police assistance due to a suspected prowler. Deputy Grayson and a second officer entered Ms. Massey’s residence after clearing the perimeter of the home. It remains unclear why entrance into the home was necessary rather than concluding the investigation relevant to the emergency call and leaving the scene. Grayson and the unnamed second officer continued their investigation by requesting identification from Ms. Massey which quickly turned into an altercation over a pot of boiling water leaving Massey with a gunshot wound to the head. She died a short time later at the hospital from her injuries.  he incident was turned over to the Illinois State Police (ISP) by Sheriff Jack Campbell, Sangamon County Sheriffs Department for an independent investigation. Officials determined that Grayson’s actions were unjustified and reckless. He was charged and indicted by a Grand Jury on July 17, 2024. Deputy Grayson was arraigned on July 18, 2024 where he plead not guilty and was remanded to the custody of Sangamon County Sheriffs until trial. Defense attorneys filed a Motion for Relief, requesting pre-trial release of the defendant at his arraignment on July 18th but was denied. A Motion for Relief requesting reconsideration of Grayson’s pre-trial release was filed on August 8, 2024 which the judge denied for a second time. Grayson filed an appeal with the Illinois Appellate Court on August 9, 2024. A Notice of Appeal was submitted to the Sangamon County Circuit Court Clerk on August 21st. Defense attorneys reportedly expect a response to their appeal in at least 90 - 120 days.  The Family of Sonya Massey After Pretrial Hearing on 08/26/24, Bing Images (2024) The State of Illinois has a 3-tiered judiciary system: the Circuit Court, Appellate Court, and Supreme Court. An appeal in the State of Illinois generally takes 6 – 9 months but can take as little as one month or as long as a year or more depending on the caseload of the court. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjC37yL_8cRUF4jD3h6S1w/join
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They are both represented by Attorney Jordan Zuppka of Royal Oak, MI Probable Cause Hearing APA Sarah Greene, Oakland County’s Prosecutors office, reported over 200 pages of actual discovery and an additional 200 files of interviews, photographs, and body cam footage identified that need to be forwarded to the defense. Parties agreed the hearings would be more productive if reset for a later date due to the voluminous amount of discovery involved. Magistrate Mitchell determined it would be in the best interest to waive the 21-day rule in both the Giacchina and Jennings’ cases and found “good cause” to adjourn the hearings based on the ongoing investigation and due to only a portion of the discovery being tendered with a lot more outstanding. 
Daniel Giacchina appears for probable cause hearing in the 43rd District Court, Oakland County.
During his hearing, the defendant Daniel Giacchina attempted to object to delaying the proceedings but was not acknowledged by the court.
Elaina Jennings made no objections to the delay and appeared to cooperate with the court’s decision. The probable cause hearing was reset for September 11, 2024 @11 a.m. Conflict of Interest Parenthetically, it should be noted that joint representation of codefendants is uncommon in criminal matters. The cases of Daniel Giacchina and Elaina Jennings gives rise to the potential for conflict of interest that could lead to a mistrial. Similar to the James and Jennifer Crumbley case in the Oxford High School mass shooting where Judge Cheryl Matthews took the initiative to appoint independent counsel for both defendants to advise them without replacing their current attorneys. In the Crumbley cases which were eventually severed, Judge Matthews asserted that incompatibility positions may arise at any moment and expressed concern for the protection of their individual rights should these or other conflicts arise, in addition to the potential for appeal based on claims of ineffective assistance of counsel (IAC). The court has not yet addressed this issue at this stage of the process but will likely have to obtain waiver’s from Giacchina and Jennings if they are going to continue to be represented by the same attorney.
The mother, Elaina, was charged because she is said to have not only been aware of the abuse but sometimes encouraged it.
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 Marshella Chidester Probable Cause Hearing (Bing Images, 2024) Eyewitnesses and victims testified to what they heard, saw and experienced of the incident while law enforcement experts delineated through the science of the investigation. The evidence was startling. Video footage captured everything from the very moment Mrs. Chidester left her home, engaged in another accident where she hit a tree and crashed her neighbors car before purportedly fleeing in the direction of the boat club where she drove her vehicle 25 feet through the building causing the death of two children and over a dozen other injuries. Tests revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.18, double the legal limits of the State of Michigan. The vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) showed a throttle percentage of 96.6% with the break off at a driving speed of 44.3 mph at the point of impact. In real world implications, the State’s case was able to show that not only was Mrs. Chidester ‘legally drunk’ but that she engaged in another accident, fled, and drove through the Swan Boat Club building at nearly 45 mph with the gas pedal to the floor, without breaking. Defense Attorney Bill Colovos tried to argue that the evidence failed to reach the standard of probable cause to charge his client with murder due to her medical conditions which caused her to black out and her legs to freeze. The judge disagreed and bound her over for trial. Related Articles:
Marshella Chidester To Stand Trial in Double-Homicide in Birthday Party Crash Suspect in Birthday Party Crash, Marshella Chidester Released on Bond Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjC37yL_8cRUF4jD3h6S1w/join LIKE | SHARE | SUBSCRIBE Thank you for Subscribing: https://www.youtube.com/c/CommunityAdvocateNetwork?sub_confirmation=1 Your donations are much appreciated and helps us continue to grow: CashApp: $canmichigan Paypal: paypal.me/dezignbee Become a channel member and join our private chat on Buy-Me-A-Coffee at a nominal fee for exclusive content and dialogue, special events, and much more: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/canmichigan/welcome-community-698953 Want to host a live show with multiple guests? You should check out @streamyardapp (StreamYard)! Use this link to support our channel and receive a 10% discount. https://streamyard.com?pal=4611363136077824 Follow on Social Media: Facebook: @canmichigan Twitter: @can_michigan Instagram: @canmichigan
Murder charges faced by Mrs. Chidester may run consecutive or concurrent if convicted for each death under the same transaction, according to the judge. Either way, she faces life in prison. Each murder charge carries a potential life sentence, OWI Causing Death carries a possible 15 years or $2500 to $10,000 monetary sanction and OWI Causing Injury carries a maximum 5-year penalty or $1,000 to $5,000 fine.
Defense attorney, Bill Colovos, pleaded with the court to be wary of pre-judgement penalties despite the horrors of the case since the defendant has not yet been found guilty of any charges. Colovos struggled to argue over the explosive outbursts of the courtroom gallery. He emplored the judge to consider that Mrs. Chidester has no priors, is 66 years of age, has owned her home more than forty years and lives a peaceful life in retirement with her husband. Mrs. Chidester is a retired supervisor of a nuclear plant from DTE Energy. She has been retired for 9 years, according to news reports. Colovos states, “She doesn’t even have a traffic ticket in fifty years of driving…and over sixty years of living; he continued, "She is better than me.” Her attorney denies prior legal system involvement despite being described as “…a ‘known drunk’ whose drunk-driving caught up with her,” by a fellow-member of the Swan Boat Club who spoke via Zoom during the arraignment hearing. Attorney Colovos further advised the court that Mrs. Chidester suffers from occasional epileptic-type seizures in her legs since last November (2023) which she was treated for that day without any medical restrictions on driving, except for a few months, prior to the accident. The defense requested a $100,000 bond with home confinement. The prosecutor refutes the claim stating that besides testing significantly above the legal limit for intoxication, there is no evidence that she suffered from a seizure the day of the crash. Colovos attempts to dispel rumors blurted out by courtroom attendees informing the court that Mrs. Chidester had ingested a single glass of wine and a bowl of chili about 4 hours prior to the accident, somewhere between 11 a.m. – 12N. The boat club crash occurred around 3 p.m. The judge allowed a few victim-impact statements, not a common occurrence at the arraignment stage of the prosecutorial process and proceeded with his ruling. The Ruling The judge determined that a $1.5 million dollar was appropriate based on the two murder charges, both carrying life sentences Mrs. Chidester was ordered on bond release with conditions: first, monitoring by GPS tether. The defendant was ordered to report to pre-trial services, attend any court directed appearances for examination, trial, sentencing, etc. She must obtain court approval to leave the state, notify the court of any change in address or other contact information, surrender her passport, refrain from alcohol and other controlled substances, and submit to substance testing and monitoring, She is also prohibited from operating a motor vehicle and the purchase or possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon. Marshella Chidester was bound over for a probable cause hearing on April 30th before Judge Michael Brown. Related Article:
Marshella Chidester Will Stand Trial For Double-Homicide in Birthday Party Crash Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjC37yL_8cRUF4jD3h6S1w/join LIKE | SHARE | SUBSCRIBE Thank you for Subscribing: https://www.youtube.com/c/CommunityAdvocateNetwork?sub_confirmation=1 Your donations are much appreciated and helps us continue to grow: CashApp: $canmichigan Paypal: paypal.me/dezignbee Become a channel member and join our private chat on Buy-Me-A-Coffee at a nominal fee for exclusive content and dialogue, special events, and much more: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/canmichigan/welcome-community-698953 Want to host a live show with multiple guests? You should check out @streamyardapp (StreamYard)! Use this link to support our channel and receive a 10% discount. https://streamyard.com?pal=4611363136077824 Follow on Social Media: Facebook: @canmichigan Twitter: @can_michigan Instagram: @canmichigan Marshella Chidester, a 66-year old Michigan woman appeared in court on June 27, 2024 for a Preliminary Hearing after being charged with two counts of Second Degree Murder, two counts of Driving Under the Influence causing death, and four counts of Driving Under the Influence Causing Injury. Mrs. Chidester is accused of crashing a birthday party killing two children and injuring multiple others at the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County. Alanah Phillips (8) and her younger brother, Zayn Phillips (4) died on the scene. Video footage obtained by law enforcement captures the incident in real time as Mrs. Chidester’s vehicle approaches the boat club through a parking lot at a high rate of speed and plows through the side of the building where families gathered to celebrate a child’s birthday. William Schmidt, a neighbor, captured the footage from his video surveillance on the roof facing his driveway in sight of the boat club just feet away from his home and his cell phone. Mr. Schmidt testified at the Preliminary Hearing that he “heard a loud bang” and proceeded to go outside to check it out while going to walk his dog. He further informed the court that he observed the large hole on the side of the boat club and initially believed the incident was caused by some kids. He decided to take out his cell phone and record as he approached observing the smoke cloud and loud screams coming from inside. He entered the boat club through the hole in the building and recorded the footage of party attendees lifting up the car, a 2017 Ford Edge and scrambling to remove debris in an effort to rescue children trapped under and behind the wreckage. Little Alanah Phillips was found near the passenger side tire pinned against the wall or door frame between the pavilion and the walkway. Zayn Phillips was pinned between the front driver side tire and the wall, according to police testimony. Both Alanah and Zayn died on the scene. Marshella Chidester was bound over to the 38th Circuit Court for trial. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjC37yL_8cRUF4jD3h6S1w/join
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Bing.com Images, 2023
There are two types of appeals under Michigan law: an appeal of right and appeal by leave.
An appeal of right also known as an “absolute right” refers to the defendants right to appeal the judgement of the trial court and the appellate court must hear the appeal so long as the defendant demands it and follows all the rules for filing the appeal. An appeal by leave such as the appeal filed by James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of the Oxford High School shooter may or may not be heard at the discretion of the higher court. Although either side may appeal a conviction under the Michigan statute, defendants have the absolute right to appeal a guilty verdict and the sentence imposed, but the government may only appeal a sentence, not the verdict if the defendant is found not guilty. Only the appellate division, that is, the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court in Michigan, has the authority to review the decisions of lower courts. Appeals are typically filed based on errors in trial procedures or a judge’s interpretation of the law.
Defendants must convince the Court that the police, prosecution, or judge made a legal error during the pre-trial investigation, trial, or sentencing hearing and that the error was prejudicial to their case.
That is, the Appellate Court must find that the lower court made a severe error of law and show that the factual or legal error affected the outcome of the case. Some examples include:
The Appellate Court may either affirm a judgement causing the lower court’s decision to stand, reverse a decision, alter the sentence by setting it aside or order a new trial.
Ethan Crumbley was sentenced to Life without the possibility of parole on December 8, 2023.
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Five Memphis Police Officers from the 'Scorpion Unit' criminally indicted for the death of Tyre Nichols.
Multiple officers and EMT workers have been terminated, while five members of the so-called "SCORPION UNIT" have been criminally charged in this case. The following videos are the actual body cam and Sky Cop footage released by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) in an effort to facilitate transparency due to overwhelming demand and public outcry. WARNING: The following videos contain graphic material and are not suitable for children. Your donations are much appreciated and helps us continue to grow: CashApp: $canmichigan Paypal: paypal.me/dezignbee Become a channel member and join our private chat on Buy-Me-A-Coffee at a nominal fee for exclusive content and dialogue, special events, and much more:. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/canmichigan/welcome-community-698953 Want to host a live show with multiple guests? You should check out @strea myardapp (StreamYard)! Use this link to support our channel and receive a 10% discount. https://streamyard.com?pal=4611363136077824 Follow on Social Media: Facebook: @canmichigan Twitter: @can_michigan Instagram: @canmichigan For more articles, community resources and to join our mailing list: www.canmichigan.com Photo credits: Bing Images  Photo Credit: Bing.com Ethan Crumbley, suspect in the Oxford High School shooting pled guilty this morning to 24 counts of felony charges in a Pre-Trial hearing before Judge Kwame Rowe of the Oakland County District Court (52-3). Ethan was charged after killing four students and wounding seven others including a teacher last November. His charges include one count of terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of assault with intent to commit murder, and 12 counts of felony firearm possession. Legal analysts describe the Crumbley case as “groundbreaking” as this will be the first school shooter to be convicted of terrorism in the U.S. Additionally, the case marks the first of its kind to charge the parents of a mass shooter. James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of Ethan Crumbley, continue to face four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Their case is currently under appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. Both Ethan and his parents have been held at the Oakland County Jail since last year.  The 8th Amendment Loophole As proceeding move to the penalty phase considerations for next steps loom for victims, families, and the general public who keep a close watch on the case. Legal experts suggest that a lot rides on the decisions of Oakland County Prosecutor, Karen McDonald, as to whether or not she will pursue a life sentence without the possibility of parole (known as an LWOP) for Ethan. But there’s a little more at stake that will have to be taken into consideration. Namely, the 5-4 Supreme Court decision in Miller v. Alabama (2012) where life sentences for juvenile offenders was deemed unconstitutional. In short, the Miller decision determined that life sentences for juvenile offenders violated the 8th Amendment prohibition clause of “cruel and unusual punishment.” A tentative court date for what Judge Kwame Rowe referred to as a Miller Hearing has been scheduled for February 9, 2023. LIKE | SHARE | SUBSCRIBE Thank you for Subscribing: https://www.youtube.com/c/CommunityAdvocateNetwork?sub_confirmation=1 Photo Credit: Bing.com Your donations are much appreciated and helps us continue to grow:
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Oxford parents react, "...we want answers..."
Parents of Oxford High School students reacted to this decision in a recent article on Local 4 News, Click-on-Detroit. Some express the necessity to give parents of the victims and the Oxford, Michigan community-at-large closure as soon as possible without having to relive the details of this tragedy in what could possibly be a lengthy trial. Many other parents and families express disappointment saying, “…we want answers about the decisions that were made before the shooting.” In the face of ongoing civil action against the Oxford High School District, many feel that bypassing trial will further deprive them of the details they need as to what all went wrong that day. Parents have already accused school officials of ‘lack of transparency’ in recent district meetings after being denied an investigation into the actions of school personnel on the day of the shooting and many still harbor concerns about their children’s safety in school. 
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PROSECUTION'S TIMELINE OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE
OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING
Photo Credit: Bing.com
Parents struggle with transparency in the Crumbley case
The ‘facts’ of the case is the issue to parents who are looking forward to the trial. Many believe that the entire community of Oxford has been victimized by this crime and have a right to full disclosure, not just those who were injured or died and their families. The fear is that critical information will be sealed and lost forever. In a recent defense motion in the James and Jennifer Crumbley case, parents of Ethan Crumbley, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews partially ruled in favor of the prosecution. Defense attorneys for James and Jennifer Crumbley motioned the court in an attempt to Limit and Restrict Prosecution Statements to the public. The motion was filed as a result of the Oakland County prosecutor’s office who sends out regular case updates to Oxford residents, indiscriminately in the opinion of the defense. But in the judge’s opinion, there are more victims than the four children who died but urged the prosecution to exercise discretion in making details of the case available to the public. The Crumbley Case highlights public health crisis in Michigan The Ethan Crumbley case brings to the fore many issues surrounding mental health, juvenile justice, gun violence and gun safety laws. There are currently no gun safety storage laws in Michigan. Gun retailers, however, are required to sell a gun storage box with safety lock for each gun purchase. In December 2021, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel advocated for Child Access Prevention Laws (better known as CAP Laws) following the Oxford High School shooting which would simply require firearm owners to store their guns safely and securely out of the access of children. Although more than 50 bills for safe gun storage have been proposed, all have failed to pass in the Michigan State legislator. In the Up North Live article, AG Nessel is quoted as stating the problem lies with Michigan legislators who have been paid off by the NRA and gun lobbyists to tank these bills, namely House Bill 5066 introduced in June 2021 which has been stuck in committees despite overwhelming support by Michigan residents. Visit the Song Strong webpage to map information on gun safety laws by state. Ethan’s Law: Gun Storage Laws State Map Follow our ongoing coverage of the Ethan Crumbley and James and Jennifer Crumbley cases on the Community Advocate Network channel. LIKE | SHARE | SUBSCRIBE Thank you for Subscribing: https://www.youtube.com/c/CommunityAdvocateNetwork?sub_confirmation=1 Your donations are much appreciated and helps us continue to grow: CashApp: $canmichigan Paypal: paypal.me/dezignbee Become a channel member and join our private chat on Buy-Me-A-Coffee at a nominal fee for exclusive content and dialogue, special events, and much more:. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/canmichigan/welcome-community-698953 Want to host a live show with multiple guests? You should check out @strea myardapp (StreamYard)! Use this link to support our channel and receive a 10% discount. https://streamyard.com?pal=4611363136077824 For more articles, community resources and to join our email list: https://www.canmichigan.com Follow on Social Media: Facebook: @canmichigan Twitter: @can_michigan Instagram: @canmichigan
Metro Detroiters are getting their first glance of Malcolm Hardy, 16-year old suspect in the triple homicide leaving a 5-year old dead, when he appeared in court on Monday for a probable cause conference before 36th District Court Judge Kenneth King, and is the latest alleged juvenile homicide offender as Michigan grapples with a seemingly crime wave of violence committed by minors.
Malcolm Hardy, a Detroit teen charged as an adult with three counts of felony murder, three counts of first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of armed robbery, and eight counts of felony firearm after what investigators call a robbery gone bad.
A second teen suspect, now released for lack of evidence, along with Hardy are said to have murdered a young couple and a five-year old child execution-style on February 18th approximately @9:27 p.m. at a Detroit West Side home on Evergreen during an attempted robbery and is alleged to have been familiar with the boyfriend. The victims of this crime have been identified as LaShon Marshall (aged: 28), her boyfriend, Aaron Benson (aged: 32), and her five-year old son, Caleb Harris, who sustained two gunshot wounds to the head. The juvenile suspect, Malcolm Hardy, was taken into custody on February 25th and arraigned on 16 counts of criminal charges the next day. 
Malcolm Ray Hardy, 16, appearing for virtual probable cause conference.
Malcolm Hardy Probable Cause Hearing
Hardy appeared for a virtual probable cause conference with his attorney, Evan Callanan, Evan H. Callanan, PC of Belleville, MI who petitioned the court for a continuance of the probable cause proceedings due to a high volume of discovery. Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Micheal S. Glynne appeared on behalf of the state. The hearing was adjourned until 4/12/22 @11:30 a.m. All parties agreed to proceed with the preliminary exam the same day @1:30 p.m. Hardy is remanded to remain in custody at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility in compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). 
Only a small memorial remains of the young family who shared this home on Evergreen Road in Detroit, MI before this tragedy on February 18, 2022.
Juvenile Justice Reform Laws The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) prohibits housing juvenile defendants with adult inmates while awaiting trial, even when charged as an adult. The exception to adult detainment for juvenile offenders may occur where a judge finds that it is in the interest of justice including public safety to do so such as in the case of the Oxford High School shooting suspect, Ethan Crumbley, who was deemed a "menace to other juveniles" by Judge Nancy Carniak during his probable cause hearing in Oakland County's District Court and denied transfer from Oakland County Jail to Children's Village following a recent Placement Hearing by Circuit Court Judge Kwame' Rowe on February 22, 2022. In such cases, the law requires sight and sound separation of juveniles from adult prisoners. The most significant trends in juvenile justice reform has come at the enactment of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2018. The core components of the Act addresses three major areas of reform:
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Ethan Crumbley, the 15-year old Oxford Township teen facing charges in connection with the Oxford High School mass shooting on November 30, 2021 is scheduled to appear before Judge Nancy Carniak of Oakland County’s 52nd District Court, Division 3 in Rochester Hills, MI on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. to resume the probable cause hearing.
Assistant District Attorney Keast is expected to provide evidence that the defendant, Ethan Crumbley did in fact commit the crimes of terrorism, murder, and assault with intent to murder while possessing a firearm at Oxford High School on the students and faculty as well as the community of Oxford Township as outlined in the indictment. The conference will be held virtually as ordered by Judge Nancy Carniak who will make a determination if the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient for further proceedings. According to Michigan Court Rules, the defendant may waive his rights to a preliminary exam where a potential plea deal or reduced charges may be reached and proceed directly to trial. Probable-cause conference adjourned - resumes on Friday In the previous probable cause hearing held on December 13, 2021, the defense purported Ethan’s lack of supportive services available with his current detainment in adult custody and violation of the state’s juvenile confinement statute alleging the defendant’s ability to hear adults due to his close proximity to inmates while being held in the medical facility. Defense attorneys advocated for the defendant’s transfer back to Oakland County’s Children Village in concern for his mental, emotional, and physical well-being as well as providing a conducive environment to continue his education. Prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Keast offered rebuttal citing Mich. Ct. R. 6.909 and MCL 764.27(a) which delineates release and confinement rules prior to trial and sentencing for juvenile defendants. Judge Carniak upheld her decision for Ethan to remain in adult custody deeming him a menace to other juveniles. The hearing was adjourned to accommodate what was described as “excessive amounts” of discovery for the defense to review. The state’s case against Ethan Crumbley 
Ethan is the sole suspect as the lone gunman in the fatal high school massacre which caused the death of four students: Hana St. Juliana (14), Tate Myre (16), Madisyn Baldwin (17), and Justin Shilling (17) as well as injuring seven others including a teacher: Phoebe Arthur, John Ascuilto, Molly Darnell, Riley Franz, Elijah Mueller, Kylie Osege, and Aiden Watson.
He was arraigned on Monday, December 6, 2021 via virtual conference and has plead not guilty on all counts.
Ethan Crumbley facing two dozen charges
Ethan Crumbley has been charged as an adult on one count of Terrorism Causing Death, a felony punishable by life without parole or a minimum of 25 – 40 years and maximum of at least 60 years; four counts of First-Degree Murder for the slain Oxford High School students, a felony punishable by life without parole or a minimum of 25 – 40 years and maximum of at least 60 years; seven counts of Assault with Intent to Murder for the surviving victims including six students and one teacher who were injured, a felony punishable by life with any number of years; and, twelve counts of Felony Possession of a Firearm or Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, a felony charged in conjunction with the charges of terrorism, first-degree murder and felony assault punishable by 2 years consecutively with and preceding any term of imprisonment for a felony or attempted felony conviction. He is currently being held without bond at the Oakland County Jail. Images: Bing.com [Opinion] Texas and Ohio Mass Shootings: Gun Violence Associated with Mental Health Is A Myth8/6/2019
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) released a formal statement indicating that the public is misled when people with mental illness are iniquitously presumed culpable in the national conversation on gun violence everytime we experience a mass shooting tragedy
According to NAMI (2019), the national discourse on gun violence is contrary to research findings and only “serves to perpetuate stigma and distract from the real issues.” NAMI further advocates gun violence restraining orders, or “Red Flag” laws for ending gun violence to remove guns from anyone who poses a real, evidence-based risk of violence, and to prevent erroneously targeting people with mental health conditions. Evidence-based criteria on the relationship between gun violence and mental health There are certain conditions that increase the risks of violence among a small portion (only about 4%) of the mentally ill. Determinant factors that increase risk of violence:
According to NAMI, although treatment is the most comprehensive way to reduce risk of mental illness escalating to gun violence. less than 1/3 of adults and 1/5 of children diagnosed with mental illness are treated in a given year. Still, research suggests that most people with mental illness are not violent and are most likely to harm themselves or fall victim to violence rather than become perpetrators. The hypocrisy, deflection, and rhetoric that undermine appropriate gun laws It is important to point out that the current Administration immediately revoked the Obama-era legislation preventing the mentally-ill from buying or owning guns. The very group touted as a root cause of the gun violence epidemic. On February 28, 2017, President Trump signed the H.J. Res. 40 (Public Law No. 115-8) into law which reversed Obama’s Executive Order to add the names of approximately 75,000 recipients of Social Security for mental illness to the national background database (NICS). Spokesmen for the Trump Administration claimed that the Obama bill was rolled back because it included all disabled persons who were capable of responsible gun ownership. This is untrue. The Obama rule would have, however, made it difficult for persons with mental illness to purchase or possess guns. The NRA suggests that the Obama regulation infringed on Second Amendment Rights to buy guns when, in fact, the rule specifically targeted people receiving social security checks with a clinical mental health diagnosis. In recent statements, the GOP blamed mental illness and video games for the rise in gun violence and mass shootings. But critics indict Trump and the GOP as complicit in the crisis along with those who have the propensity, capability, and access to exact mayhem on the public by avoiding the real issues like banning military-style assault weapons and racism. National Disparities in Access to Mental Health Care NAMI reports, of the one in five Americans who suffer with mental health conditions, only 43% accessed care in 2018. The lack of mental health professionals throughout the country is a significant factor in the mental health treatment disparity. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 60% of U.S. counties do not have a single psychiatrist causing long waits in accessing care for victims, survivors, and first responders impacted by gun violence tragedies. NAMI calls for a national priority for access to mental health care by Congress and the Administration to assist those who are traumatized and protect communities especially during times of senseless violence. It is recommended that policies and programs are available which provide access to:
Federal and state policy and program recommendations are based on removing barriers for people who are willing to seek treatment when they need it and improving access to treatment as a solution to gun violence associated with mental illness. Links are provided below for more recommendations for federal standards to remedy gun violence associated with mental health. 
Mental Health Care Disparities in Michigan
Southwest Solutions released a report of unmet mental health and substance abuse treatment needs in Michigan according to a study by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (July 2019). According to the report, one in six Michiganders experience mental illness, yet approximately 38% are not receiving treatment. That is nearly 660,000 individuals with mental health conditions are going untreated. About 50% of untreated mental health cases are in the Detroit area. Likewise, an estimated 80% of the 638,000 Michigan residents with substance use disorders (SUD) are also untreated. Related factors in untreated mental health care:
Across payor types, Medicaid recipients are most likely to remain untreated for mental illness.
Mental health disparities for people with specific disorders who lack appropriate care or do not receive treatment are also highlighted in the report:
Additionally, 41% of male children and more than 1/3 of female children (ages 0 -17) with mental illness are not receiving care in Michigan. The study cites a combination of factors for the mental health care crisis in Michigan, such as a shortage in mental health professionals including psychiatrists and other behavioral health providers which limits access to treatment. According to the report, the availability of mental health services fall short of national ratio standards particularly in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula. Michigan has 11 child and adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000 residents far below the recommended 47 to 100,000 ratio. Mental health residential treatment facilities are also in short supply in Michigan. With only 17 facilities over-populated with 590,000 consumers per facility far beyond the U.S. average of 240,000 per residential facility is also an indicator for the gap in services.
Former Republican Governor, Rick Snyder considered red flag legislation in 2018 that is currently supported by Democratic Governor-elect, Gretchen Whitmer. The proposal allows for family or law enforcement to obtain an “extreme risk protection order” on an individual who poses a valid threat of danger to themselves or others to be banned from buying or owning a firearm for a specified amount of time. But due to partisan divides and Republican control of both chambers it is not likely in the foreseeable future that legislative reforms to purchase or carry in Michigan will change. Michigan GOP leaders posit that “red flag laws would violate an individual’s rights to due process and ignore the underlying issue of the country’s mental health crisis”, according to Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain), The problem with this assertion is that studies by reputable mental health organizations suggest that mental illness, the most pervasive public health crisis in America is rarely associated with the rise and extent of mass shootings we’ve experienced in recent years. While some argue that mental health is the fundamental problem, others cite the growing deterioration of race relations (racism) as the real issue. And, in fact, young, male, white nationalists have tended to be the recurring theme as culprits in the majority of these “hate crime” massacres as of late. What is President Trump doing to address gun violence? In the press conference held in the wake of the El Paso and Dayton shootings, President Trump addressed with his proposed plans to address both the gun violence and mental health crisis. The president persisted in the rhetorical dialogue that culture, video games, and mental illness underpin domestic terrorism. In an attempt to condemn racist acts of violence, President Trump states, “culture must be shifted from one that celebrates violence to one that celebrates the inherent dignity and worth of every human life.” He further quotes, “Mental health and illness pulls the trigger not the guns.” Some of the steps he promises to take to end and prevent gun violence include:
There was no mention of reversing the H.J. Res. 40 to add the names of individuals with mental health diagnoses to the national database system. Conclusion A common denominator in the two studies presented here indicate disparities in the treatment of mental illness as adequate and efficacious access to care. But the erroneous assumption that mass shootings are inextricably related to mental illness is an impediment to empirical research evidence. The narrative must be reframed in national dialogue if legislators and society-at-large are serious about the intervention and prevention of senseless killings whether its mass shootings, hate crimes, or other forms of gun violence. It is a complicated issue that requires legislative urgency but also must involve comprehensive public policy reforms related to the primary issue. For example, occupational licensing reform may be necessary so as to expand the scope of practice for paraprofessionals to fully leverage the reach of providers in meeting mental healthcare needs. Gun violence laws must be approached in much the same common-sense way so as to target individuals who pose a real threat to public health and safety. For example, the 41% of young males (not race specified) identified in the Michigan study as a mental health disparity due to the lack of access to treatment. This would be an appropriate demographic that should be considered when constructing and proposing gun laws. Consequently, young males were also identified in the national study. Mental illness, however, can be a factor in relationship with mass shootings and other gun violence but under very specific and extremely rare conditions that should not be generalized to the entire mental health population. Unfortunately, while President Trump fell short in declaring war on racism it also became clear that the president and his cohorts will continue on course to scapegoat mental illness as the priority target. The real positive takeaway from the President’s response is the change in language. Due to the NRA’s zero-tolerance approach to gun rights, reframing the problem as domestic terrorism just may ignite political action or, at least, a public outcry for action. But the public overall has been transient on the issue of gun laws and reform mainly because of cultural wars where some individuals and communities resist the idea of government infringement not only on their rights but also on their social norms. But casting mass shootings in the framework of terrorism changes the level of the threat and provides some opportunity for change. Consult the articles below for more information on proposed gun law legislation in Michigan and the potentiality of gun restrictions that may inadvertently target African-Americans.
Related Posts:
Michigan’s Health Report: Chronic Disease and Life Expectancy https://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigans-health-report-chronic-disease-and-life-expectancy Community Resources: Mental Health and Drug Treatment Services https://www.canmichigan.com/community-resources-michigan.html Links: NAMI Statement on Mass Shootings in Texas and Ohio https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2019/NAMI-Statement-on-Mass-Shootings-in-Texas-and-Ohio?fbclid=IwAR2naCqi_Hrr397UgK9DKMyBlJGQS77VfYJ8ZikMk6Ta-SFPJj8HV76G9-s NAMI: Violence and Gun Reporting Laws https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-public-policy/violence-and-gun-reporting-laws Trump made it easier for the mentally ill to get guns when he rolled back Obama regulation https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/president-trump-made-it-easier-mentally-ill-get-guns-when-n1039301 H.J. Res. 40 – 115th Congress (2017 -2018) https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-joint-resolution/40 Southwest Solutions: Study Details Growing Crisis of Untreated Mental Illness in Michigan http://www.swsol.org/study-details-growing-crisis-of-untreated-mental-illness-in-michigan/?fbclid=IwAR0fn399qwATeQEA4i_CH_zQr-fZUd62N8hU3P-_Rx92s1QBSPOFPGhzjbk Massacres revive calls to strengthen Michigan’s middling gun laws https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/08/05/anger-but-action-michigan-gun-laws-spotlight-after-mass-shootings/1923417001/ Actually, gun restrictions will target the black community https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/456243-actually-gun-restrictions-will-target-the-black-community?rnd=156503347
He has since been arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct, a Class 4 felony carrying a potential sentence of 1 - 3 years and fines up to $25,00, if convicted.
It also helps if the lies are promoted via multiple channels (Hint: In Jussie’s case, the LA concert, social media and the Robin Roberts, GMA interview). Why? Because the presumption is that the more that we hear a lie, especially coming from multiple sources the more it becomes credible. In other words, the more familiar we are with the lie the less likely we are to question it. It’s important to note here that the concept of “fire-hosing” is theorized as a demonstration of power rather than a means of persuasion. That’s right. The perpetrator is not trying to convince anyone that they’re telling the truth, they are asserting their authority over the restraints of reality. The powerplay is to degrade the fact-checker by forcing them to argue the obvious. So, the public is essentially strong-armed into working for the truth. In sum, the use of fire-hosing is to usurp the power of truth and reduce it to just a position – a perspective, - a version of reality, - a simple matter of opinion. Remember Rudy Guiliani, “Truth isn’t truth?” Enough said. 
Bing Images - Jussie Smollett (The Robin Roberts, GMA Interview)
Jussie Smollett’s Case
Based on this theory, we can see elements of the “firehose” method in Jussie’s account of events, here are just a few:
Now, while Jussie is innocent until proven guilty – it looks really bad for him at this point. With all these discrepancies, it’s hard to point out just one. But, first, what is the likelihood that he would even be recognized. There were subzero temperatures in Chicago that night. Wouldn’t he have been bundled up with a hat, coat, and scarf to be out in that weather? The most telling, in my opinion is when he made the point of telling Robin Roberts (the Good Morning America interview) that the noose was tied around his neck. Then doubles-down by saying he left it on because he wanted the police to see it. The rope could’ve been tested for DNA, there was no reason to leave it on. Also, did anybody notice how much he smiled during that interview or when he said the attackers “…would never be found?” Just an observation but, I digress. The evidentiary question here is: What Black (person) would leave a noose on after being lucky enough to get away? I was easily reminded of Trump’s “…just stick with us, don’t believe what you hear from the fake news…” statement than when Jussie repeated over and over again, “…it’s truth, you just don’t want to believe…” Still again, Jussie has the presumption of innocence until and if there is a conviction. The Political Environment So, how did this case become a right versus left campaign? On the cusp of the 2020 election year, the accusations and mud-slinging had already begun but the Jussie Smollett case added just the right fuel to the fire. Jussie, himself, injected political overtones with “…red hat wearing, white attackers shouting “MAGA country…” and “…going hard against 45…” assertions. We can also consider the (unconfirmed) statistic that nearly 85% of news media outlets are liberal and employ journalists who are registered Democrats. If so, it stands to reason why the right readily purports the culpability of the so-called liberal media to be “virtue-signaling” its base with politically correct sentiments such as ‘always believe the victim’ #METOO. On the other hand, the left never misses an opportunity to indict the right with accusations of “dog-whistling” its base to incite violence and exacerbate the country’s racial divide #MAGA. (Gone are the days of traditional party politics – “identity politics,” in other words, race-baiting is the order of the day.) Then, the rallying of support from Hollywood celebrities, presidential hopefuls, veteran Congress members, and the like, certainly seemed to confirm suspicions giving the necessary ammunition to solidify the right’s position. The end result is that all hate crimes have come into question and “white privilege” is now challenged by the latest induction to the dogma “Victimhood Chic.” That is, playing the role of victim as a form of status. ‘Victimhood Chic’ posits that prominent minorities are accruing critical acclaim, prestige and, even, financial gain (i.e. Colin Kaepernick) if they can successfully garner enough public sympathy around a noble cause. It’s a stretch, but that’s where this is going. And, in the view of revisionists, Jussie Smollett fits the bill. The Jussie Smollett Case: Motivations and Consequences So, why should we be concerned with Jussie’s guilt or innocence? There is much speculation about his motivations for this alleged crime, such as:
But we haven’t heard from Jussie since his arrest, so who really knows? In the words of Charlemagne the God (Breakfast Club), “…we cannot become what we claim to hate.” The problem is that in the era of fake news, alternative facts, dog-whistling, and virtue-signaling, why is there a need to adapt the tactics of a spectacle-driven culture to accomplish a goal? Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if his reasons were personal, political, or professional. Integrity matters. Besides this and most importantly, is the fear of a chilling effect this may have on future victims of hate crimes. Conservative media outlets are already using the case as a symbol of false claims. And, with this ammunition the misfortune would be that there are more incidents…without remedy. It’s going to be interesting to see how defense attorneys are able to spin this story. But, rest assured, with the high-potential of undermining the critical cause of social justice and civil rights, there is no room for error. Related Posts: The Racial Wealth Gap Explained http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/the-racial-wealth-gap-explained Poverty & Welfare, Human Behavior, and the Trump Election http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/poverty-welfare-human-behavior-and-the-trump-election Links: Jussie Smollett Story Shows Rise of Victimhood Culture https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/jussie-smollett-story-shows-rise-victimhood-culture/583099/ The Culture of Victimhood https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-who-stray/201406/the-culture-victimhood The Russian “Firehose of Falsehood” Propaganda Model https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/perspectives/PE100/PE198/RAND_PE198.pdf Why Obvious Lies Make Great Propaganda https://www.vox.com/2018/8/31/17804104/strikethrough-lies-propaganda-trump-putin
Category: Social Topics
The Bible reads, "For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore, I command you saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11 NAS.
That lets us know that there will always be poor and that we are to always generously help them. Note that it mentions poor and needy. They are two different things…I'll let you think about that for another time, since it is not our topic today. We see from just this one reference that we are to help those in need. The Bible says more…it tells us that we are not to judge. In the world that we live in it has become popular to say, " Don't judge me" or "I'm not judging." To me, these are code for "I know I should be judged" and "I said I'm not judging you so you won't think that I'm not, but I am alright." But a genuine heart of giving should be doing it without judging. There are consequences to judging that we can avoid. The Bible says, "Judge not that you be not judged." Matthew 7:1 KJV. For the sake of this article we are going to subscribe a definition to judge as: “To form an opinion based on what you think you know, draw a conclusion and deliver a verdict.”
It is so simple to see someone or even know many details of their situation and form an opinion of why it is how it is and what they should have done to be out of it. The danger in that is that you set yourself up to be judged too. If not by God, certainly by other humans. (We know how awful that can be).
Someone’s judgement of you can affect a number of areas of your life:
We can say we don't care, and that can be true, but it doesn't stop others judgement of you from affecting things that you have little control over. So, when we are helping someone up, be careful not to pull yourself down by judging yourself as better than them, it has consequences. Lastly, the Bible says," He that hath pity on the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and, that which he hath given will he repay him again." Proverbs 19:17. I've read a few things about how God gives. A recurring theme that I found is that he multiples. (I'll take that). The Bible says he does exceedingly above all that we could ask or think. I can ask a lot and I can think a lot and I want him to write my paychecks! The Bible says, "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." I want everything I do to honor God…I don't want to show contempt…I don't want to judge…I don't want to be stingy. I was going to say that I don't want to be selfish, but I realized that in some ways giving is selfish. It makes you feel so good that the act of giving and helping is sometimes as much for you as it is for others. Jesus said it is better to give than to receive. That has meant many things - but one is that it makes you feel good It can bring you joy, make you feel like you made a difference...if just for the moment, it can make you feel better about yourself. So, in a sense this is one time it is okay to be selfish. I say be selfish and generous at the same time. God bless you and I hope something of my beliefs has helped you. Related Posts: Redefining Social Welfare...Again
Category: Social Topics
In social work practice, theories of human behavior scientifically explain how people interact and react to their social environment (external stimuli).
One study of human behavior published in the Science Advances Journal classified 90% of the human population into four (4) basic personality types: optimistic, pessimistic, trusting, and envious. Identifying envy as the most common. This is important in the consideration of economic and political motivations during the 2016 Presidential Election. As we continue our dialogue on the various facets of poverty, welfare and inequality there will be a series of articles discussing their realities in an affluent country like the United States. By most standards we are the wealthiest, most powerful nation in the world, yet millions lack basic resources and opportunities for advancement. So, our political choices can drastically improve or damage these already extreme conditions.
Inquiring Minds Want to Know First, many wondered (after the initial shock and, then again, after seeing the exit polls): “Why would so many women and Hispanics vote for Trump?’ Others asked, “Are evangelicals really powerful enough to pull this off?” Not to mention the strong convictions evangelicals carry about homosexuality, no less, gay rights. A critical position lost on Obama’s part with this demographic. Still, why would these morality-lifestyle preaching, family-values connoisseurs cast their lot with a crotch-grabbing, three-time married, shady business-dealing, confirmed philanderer. But, more relevant to the point, the next looming question was this: “Why would so many of the nation’s poor vote for Donald Trump? Everybody knows he’s representing the rich, so why would poor people no matter the race or ethnicity vote against their own interests?” Well…there may be answers to this question most never fathomed. Let’s review some of the possible social, political, and economic factors based on what we know about each of these demographics that may have influenced the outcome of the 2016 election. Hispanics While sharing many of the same Christian-beliefs it was assumed that even right-leaning Latino/Hispanics would reject the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Trump campaign. Yet, a significant amount of Hispanic men opted for the Republican ticket. So, who were the “Hispanics for Trump” voters? It could be rationalized that Hispanics have a cultural concept known as ‘machismo’. That is, male machoism. Could it be that Trump’s concerted effort to brandish himself as a man of strength hold captive an audience of men in this community? If so, then we can see how it may be possible that our Hispanic citizens (particularly the men) would rather vote for Trump than to elect a woman. But, that’s just one social context. (Machismo is a sociocultural fact, by the way). Besides male machoism, things like respect, dignity, and family values also rank high in interpersonal values with this group. As it relates to respect and dignity, concepts of hard work such as “pulling yourself up by the bootstraps” or self-reliance may have forged an emotional climate with the overall conservative agenda, even if Trump felt a little different. On the economic front, Hispanics experienced a pecuniary surge in 2013 that surpassed African-Americans in real median household income, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. At last reporting in July 2017, Income and Poverty Reports show a $59,039 median household income in 2016 for all Americans (individuals and families). Real median income for white households was $61,858 and $65,041 for whites (non-Hispanic). The median household income was $39,490 for black households and $47,675 for Hispanic households. This is a considerable increase in social and economic status for Hispanics whose median household income was just $27,588 in 1995. Politically, this demographic also experienced an uptick in their share of the electorate at about 11%, up from 10% in 2012. However, voter participation of this group likely increased due to their population growth which may have also complicated the vote. According to Latino/Hispanic community leaders, a combination of party loyalty and religion won out with this group as many opposed the skew toward gay rights and religious liberties of the Obama era. In addition, the majority of the population felt hopeful regarding Trump’s campaign promise to “give them a voice.” Finally, we have to distinguish between the terms Latino and Hispanic and how each segment of this group identify. Yes, there are general cultural concepts within this demographic. But, the broad cultural diversity of Spanish-speaking groups and the countries they migrate from including Puerta Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans, Dominicans, Central Americans, and South Americans have differences and identify ethnically in different ways. So, when Trump and his supporters chant, “Build the Wall…!”, maybe Cubans and Puerta Ricans, for example, didn’t take it personal and felt that it didn’t apply to them. Women The social construct of gender is the most basic and pervasive unit of diversity. Meta-analysis studies on gender differences in cognitive abilities, personality traits, and social behavior between men and women generally show no more than a 5% variance. More specifically, research findings reveal greater differences within genders than between genders. That is, women differ more from other women than they do from men. As such, let’s examine potential motivations and socioeconomic factors that may explain female political behavior during the Trump election. We will focus on the white female vote since Hillary carried the minority vote with black and Hispanic women at 94% - she also (technically) outshined Trump with college-educated white women. Still, a great number of white female voters were underestimated. Cambridge University Press cited party affiliation, sexism, and racial resentment – similar to white men on these biases in explanation of the voting preferences of white females in 2016. Hillary Clinton cited pressure from dominant white men, whether a spouse, boss, or a son for the reason why this demographic tapped the Trump-Pence ticket. The assumption is that married white women support their husband’s choices because they earn less money and have less power making them financially-dependent on their men. According to an article in the Washington Post, it is within the interests of (married) white women to support political platforms and policies that protect their husbands and improve their status. Hillary Clinton’s assertion deeply offended many women because she seemed to unilaterally draw on the psychology of female oppression alone. In fact, hierarchies of domination are experienced simultaneously but also differently by different types of women. Modern psychology also suggests familial and cultural influences weigh heavily on the development of gender identity and sense of self. So, contrary to popular belief, millions of educated, professional, independent women who voted for Trump at a rate of 40% were not under the direst of spousal or some other male-dominated pressure at the polls. While the real median income of white households declined 1.7% between 2013 and 2014, the incomes of women (not race specified) increased by $1.6 million compared to men at $1.2 million during the same period. That is, despite economic disparities in the household and workforce, women began out-earning men by a whopping $400,000 in the years leading up to the 2016 presidential election. So, men may not necessarily be the breadwinners in the household these days where women are coerced to act based on their husband’s wishes to secure their future. And if that is the case, then nearly half of this demographic voted for Trump despite his rollback on female reproductive rights and unabashed agenda to restore a patriarchal structure in society. This was problematic when feminists tried to galvanize female solidarity against his presidency just a month later for the Women’s March. But, women rallied together, once again, for a nationally successful protest that solidified the #MeToo Movement. Still, why not vote the candidate who would have broken the ultimate glass ceiling then we wouldn’t have this battle to fight. So, maybe we have to look at gender dynamics between women to better understand the outcome of the election. Did a large proportion of the female demographic simply distrust Hillary? Evangelicals It remains a source of contention and mystery how Christians could reconcile religious adherence to Jesus with Trump’s immorality, immigration policies, blatant disregard for the poor, and the like. But, in order to elucidate the meaning of political behavior amongst this group we have to understand the historical context of religion in this country. Next, we must understand the cultural transformations taking place during the 70s and 80s that resurrected religious movements to combat social policies believed to take God out of American life. It is important to note how strongly U.S. social welfare history has been influenced by Christianity than any other world religion but also the major historical trends that have shaped religion in the United States. But, first, here are a few examples of religion’s current influence on American politics:
He is the founder of Andrew Wommack Ministries which sponsors his national and internationally-syndicated radio and television program “The Gospel Truth” where he is also host. He is founder and president of the Charis Bible College and the Association of Related Ministries International (A.R.M.I.). Pastor Wommack has established the Practical Government School, the first of its kind, within the Charis Bible College to train future political leaders. It is through these platforms, that Pastor Wommack and his cohorts decry the compartmentalization of secular issues from biblical values in politics. The common thread between all three examples of interjecting Christian morality into politics are centered on four major issues: abortion, sexual orientation, marriage, and religious freedom. But the issues of poverty and inequality are rarely, if ever, mentioned. It is, therefore, questionable to many how Christians can summarily prioritize matters of personal choice over the needs of the poor in the course of doing “God’s work”. Well, there’s a couple things at play here. On one end, because of constitutional changes such as abortion and gay rights religious leaders have become embattled with government over statutory regulations which are in violation of biblical principles. That is, because these issues have become “legalized”, when pastors preach against certain things, even from their own pulpits, churches are at worst, subject to legal action; or, at least, threatened by the loss of their non-profit status which protects them from taxation. On the other hand, the United States is one of the most highly religious countries in the world. According to a study at University in Michigan about 46% of American adults attend church at least once per week. The vast majority of Americans also want their leaders to be religious. Despite the constitutional mandate to separate church and state, a study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life showed that 72% of American adults agreed that U.S. President’s should have strong religious beliefs (Karger & Stoesz, 2014). A similar study was conducted in the UK where 74% of citizens stated that religion should be a private matter and not have special influence on public policy. But, let’s look at the historical context. Although the roots of social welfare are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition which emphasized communitarianism, the philosophy of European Protestants prevailed during colonial times known as the Protestant Reformation. Christian forefathers such as Martin Luther viewed work as a responsibility to God. He preached that work conferred dignity and was a “calling” by God. In Luther’s view, man served God by doing the work of his vocation and persons who are able-bodied and unemployed were sinners. John Calvin, another ecclesiastical theologian and statesman went further claiming that work carried out the will of God, and, as such, would ultimately help establish God’s kingdom on earth. Both Luther and Calvin believed that God-fearing people must work regardless of wage or type of employment. It was their belief that God commanded work, therefore the country was tasked with providing opportunity, and economic success became a sign of divine favor. It is these sentiments that predominate religious circles today where poverty is viewed as “ungodly” and prosperity is distinguished not just as a sign of God’s blessing but His divine approval. Hence, the prosperity movement prevalent in current evangelical Christianity. Herein lies the social context. This worldview references the concept in social sciences known as “material determinism.” It is the ideology that a culture’s material elements determine its values and beliefs, which in turn serve to maintain and perpetuate the material culture. Karl Marx, 19th century philosopher, touted material determinism as a rationale for exploitative capitalism practiced by most industrial societies. He asserts that industry engendered low self-esteem among workers, and workers passively accepted the notion that competition and free enterprise were virtuous as well as their societies’ idealized vision of work. In Christendom, it is called the “Protestant work ethic” and it became the moral basis for capitalism. Capitalism depends on the exploitative labor of the poor. For this reason, there is an express interest in poverty in order to have a system of winners and losers…haves and have nots. Understand that wealth is derived or accumulated through the poor - owners live off renters, and in biblical vernacular, “…the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). So, capitalistic societies will never rid itself of poverty because it is the basis of wealth. As the upper echelon decries the dependency of the poor (on government welfare), no one talks about the hidden reliance of the rich on the poor to build wealth. Three times Jesus said, “…the poor will be with you always…” (Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, and John 12:8). It is no doubt He knew that poverty is not only socially engineered. That is, poverty is an inevitable evil wrought and maintained by the greed of man. Then to seal the deal, democracy itself set forth a form of egalitarianism (equal rights, equal citizenship) but closely related was individualism which denied guarantee of the right to equal resources. As life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was left to the idea of individual effort and motivation. Individual responsibility exonerated society from liability of personal failures for individuals who cannot not reach or achieve success on their own. When we deal with poverty and welfare in the contemporary Christian context, there should also be a consideration of social policies that influence political behavior. We’ve already discussed hot-button political issues such as abortion and gay rights and how churches may be adversely impacted with legal and economic sanctions. Now, lets review an economic benefit of social policy for the Christian church. President Bill Clinton established the Charitable Choice provision (Section 104) under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) also known as the Welfare Reform Act. It was during this time that evangelicals began to redress social services as a duty of the church circling back to origins of social welfare during the 18th century which were handled by traveling missionaries. The Charitable Choice provision grants federal-funding to churches or faith-based organizations (FBOs), administered by the States, and opened the door to the faith-based social services usually for emergency food and shelter programs. President George Bush was a fan of Charitable Choice and established the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives with units in five (5) federal departments:
Are faith-based organizations functioning as Political Action Committees (PACS) structured under religion? PACs are political organizations that raise money privately to influence elections, ballot initiatives, or legislation especially at the federal level. PACs are not lobbyists, but they certainly may finance them.
The Feminization of Poverty and Welfare Reform
The racial divide at the exit polls showed whites favoring Trump in every age group and at a higher percentage with age. The same is true for minority voters who were in favor of Hillary. Voters also split across lines on the education level as it revealed non-college educated white women preferred Trump over Hillary. While Trump carried an estimated 40 – 45% of college-educated white women, Hillary maintained the majority vote of this demographic as well. But. let's examine the socioeconomic history of women and femininity in this country. A theory known as the feminization of poverty purports that traditional gender roles keep women poor because it impinges on their ability to secure and accumulate economic resources and reinforces her dependency in the family. Statistics show that divorced women, teen mothers, and women over the age of 65 are more likely to live in poverty. Women also traditionally earn less than men. This is stratified by both gender and ethnicity making Hispanic and African-American women the most vulnerable. The expansion of the welfare state began its decline during the 80s and gained traction with conservatives “Contract with America” spearheaded by House speaker Newt Gingrich. President Bill Clinton closed the gap with the advent of Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) which made welfare both transitional and temporary stripping the entitlement structure from benefits. In effect, decreasing the federal government’s role in social programs. The GOP strategy of retrenching or eliminating elements of the welfare state launched in the 1980s had four main purposes:
The strategy also began the trend of businesses pushing to lower the cost of production and depressing American wages. This was accomplished in two (2) ways:
This benefitted companies in other ways besides a reduction in production costs although the quality of products and services was also lowered but corporate taxes were nearly non-existent. It also began the elimination of the American middle class. Although many politicians and citizens alike refuse to recognize legislative strategies that adversely affect the lives of people, government policies are the blame for the feminization of poverty. Poor women, like other minority groups, are blamed for their personal failures citing things like ethnic deficiencies and feminism (as a moral failure) for their poverty conditions. In the 1980s, illegitimacy and welfare became the purported hallmarks of the nation’s biggest social problems when in reality, the majority of single mothers were widows. But political approaches can and usually do influence changes in the family structure. In fact, the marriage rate has long been on the decline while divorce and single motherhood continue to rise. Women were then forced into a gender-segregated labor market often in contingency jobs without health and childcare, and little financial security. The conservative approach has and continues to perpetuate the idea that welfare encourages dependency by rewarding laziness, family breakups, and illegitimate pregnancies. That is, women are even blamed when men simply walk away or abdicate their familial responsibilities, even to children. Thus, began the long fight to control female reproduction, marital status, childrearing, and even job choices that is sexism. Here a few of the policies that reinforced female poverty:
So, when it comes to economics, it is not as clear how any impoverished group, even whites, would “vote against their own interests” and elect to resurrect archaic ideologies of racial superiority (hence, the rant “Make America Great Again”) over matters of self-preservation and well-being like healthcare and income safety nets that is clearly needed. Although the white population has the lowest rate of poverty, they also have the largest percentage of beneficiaries who rely on most major anti-poverty programs than any other racial group or population. Still, there is a growing trend of “welfare backlash” (whites opposing welfare) that fuels the GOPs latest outcry for welfare reform. The assumption, here, is that the loss of income has become a perceived threat to white status due to minorities, particularly those on welfare who are believed to be draining the country’s resources. Political propaganda, in large part, can be blamed for this when false and misleading information is unscrupulously fed to the public. Unfortunately, this is common practice on the left and right sides of the aisle leaving a great deal of the public fallen prey to political agendas rather than making educated decisions about policy issues and voting preferences. Let’s review some of the actual statistical data from the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Income and Poverty Report (2014), income and poverty estimates did not include noncash benefits but was based solely on gross income. However, for the first time, a synonymous report was released on the same day using the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) was developed by the Obama administration in 2011 as an alternative to the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), our current poverty measurement system since 1964. The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) is intended to present more accurate poverty estimates by including in-kind (noncash) benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, housing subsidies, and other welfare benefits and counting them as income. It should be noted that poverty measures such as the FPL and SPM are important because they provide the public and federal government information about the economic well-being of American citizens. They also provide useful information about how those living in poverty are affected by federal policies. Additionally, the use of annual poverty measures may be useful in providing general information regarding labor force participation, income sources, and amounts but fail to yield substantial information about economic mobility. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that poverty measures based on longer time frames (e.g. 4 years) rather than shorter periods (e.g. 1 year) would yield, on average, lower overall poverty rates. Data from the Income and Poverty report suggests that real median income of white households (non-Hispanic) declined 1.7% between 2013 and 2014 but were not statistically significant from black, Asian, and Hispanic households. Women’s income increased $1.6 million between 2013 and 2014 compared to the earnings increase of men by $1.2 million. The median household income for all Americans was $53,657 in 2014 slightly lower from $54,462 in 2013 but not statistically significant. The Income and Poverty report states that the year 2014 marked the third consecutive year that the annual change was not statistically significant after two (2) consecutive years of decline in median household income. Household Median Income by Race 2014 (U.S. Census Bureau) White $56,866 White (non-Hispanic) $60,256 Black $35,398 Hispanic $42,491 Household incomes for non-Hispanic White households declined 1.7% in 2013 from $61,317 to $60,256 but were not statistically significant for black, Asian, and Hispanic households. The last increase in median household incomes for black and non-Hispanic White households was in 2007, Asians in 1999, and Hispanics experienced the last median household increase in 2013. Comparing the 2014 income of non-Hispanic White households to other households, change in the ratio to black households has not been statistically significant from 1972 – 2014. Over the same period, comparing the Hispanic to non-Hispanic White household income ratio declined from 0.74 to 0.71. That is, the income and wealth gap between whites and Hispanics are closing at a faster rate than between whites and African-Americans. The official poverty rate on the national level in 2014 was 14.8%. That is, 46.7 million people were poor in 2014 and was not statistically significant from the previous year. The 2014 poverty rate was 2.3 percentage points higher than 2007 (one year before the last recession) but was also not statistically significantly between racial demographics from the previous year. More specifically, the national poverty rate for non-Hispanic White households was 10.1%, lower than the poverty rates for minority racial groups. Non-Hispanic Whites accounted for 61.8% of the population and 42.1% of the people in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). The black poverty rate in 2014 was 26.2% with 10.8 million living in poverty. This is significant because African-Americans only represent 13% of the total U.S. population. The Hispanic poverty rate was 23.6% with 13.1 million people in poverty. Poverty estimates for 2014 were not statistically significant from the previous year. It should be noted that 13.5% of working-age adults (aged 18 to 64) were in poverty compared to the 10% poverty rate for seniors (aged 65 or older). Poverty Statistics by Characteristics 2014 (U.S. Census Bureau) White 12.7% White (non-Hispanic) 10.1% Black 26.2% Hispanic 23.6% Notice that total numbers and percentages of any measurement may or may not be statistically significant. That is, measurements of the number and percentage of people living in poverty, for example, may rise or fall in any given year to the next without change to its statistical result, interpretation, or percentage rate. A link has been provided to the 2016 poverty statistics for review. Values have always underpinned human behavior - they also permeate our political system and direct social welfare policy. Whatever culture, perspective, or period in time, values tell us what we ought to provide and how we ought to deal with deviants (those who stray from the norms). Values and attitudes are typically cloaked in religious, moral, or patriotic terms so much so that we accept them as facts rather than beliefs. When a worldview, political orientation, or behavioral response is value-laden rather than based in fact we can never be truly objective. For this reason, it is important not to draw conclusions, base judgments, and certainly make political decisions on value systems alone. Even what is known should always be tested. Was this post helpful? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. If you are in need of case management services or assistance, please contact us by completing the confidential Contact Form. Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community. Contact Us: http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=u9ZbQw7yTRWAm9K4Yl2MKERd76oKf_lBrejXuVLAx0j5rsSTG72gmICfR9S-bVY4az_Imm&country.x=US&locale.x=US Related Posts: The Racial Wealth Gap Explained…A Sociopolitical Perspective http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/the-racial-wealth-gap-explained Redefining Social Welfare…Again http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/redefining-social-welfare-again References: Stoesz, D. (2014). American Social Welfare Policy (7th Edition), Pearson Education, Inc., Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ Eitzen, D.S. (2010). Solutions to Social Problems: Lessons from Other Societies (5th Edition), Allyn/Bacon, MA Links: Like it or Not, Studies Suggest that Clinton May Not Be Wrong on White Women Voting Like Their Husbands https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/13/like-it-or-not-studies-suggest-that-clinton-may-not-be-wrong-on-white-women-voting-like-their-husbands/?utm_term=.6548df213ab4 Millions of Women Voted for Trump, and Didn’t Need A Man To Do It https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/millions-of-women-voted-for-trump-and-didnt-need-a-man-to-do-it/2018/04/26/9e237ae8-496b-11e8-8b5a-3b1697adcc2a_story.html?utm_term=.e4320e56c12d What Gender Gap? Exit Polls Show White Women Voters Actually Preferred Trump to Clinton https://newrepublic.com/minutes/138601/gender-gap-exit-polls-show-white-women-voters-actually-preferred-trump-clinton “Why Evangelicals Support President Trump, Despite His Immorality” http://time.com/5161349/president-trump-white-evangelical-support-slaveholders/ “Christian Politics” – The Gospel Truth, Pastor Andrew Wommack Television Broadcast https://www.awmi.net/video/tv/#/2016/week40/wednesday “Understanding the Poor Will Always Be with You” https://kairoscenter.org/understanding-the-poor-will-always-be-with-you/ Attendance at Religious Services (Pew Forum Research Center) http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/attendance-at-religious-services/ Pro-Trump Pastor: ‘Trump is the most pro-Black’ President I’ve Ever Seen http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/400021-pro-trump-pastor-trump-is-the-most-pro-black-president-ive-ever-seen Why More White Americans Are Opposing Government Welfare Programs https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2018/06/08/616684259/why-more-white-americans-are-opposing-government-welfare-programs Resident Population of the United States by Race 2000 to 2016 https://www.statista.com/statistics/183489/population-of-the-us-by-ethnicity-since-2000/ Labor Force Characteristics by Race and Ethnicity 2014 https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/race-and-ethnicity/archive/labor-force-characteristics-by-race-and-ethnicity-2014.pdf Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014 https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/demo/p60-252.pdf U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts (2016 Statistics, published July 2017) https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045217 Income and Poverty in the United States 2016 https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2017/demo/P60-259.pdf
Category: Social Topics
The racial wealth gap is an important distinction as it is a compound disparity over and above breaches in income and wealth - something we refer to in social work as intersectionality. All three idiosyncratic and divisive in their own right, yet, collaborative in creating the cohesive synergistic effect that is economic inequality.
Intersectionality is a theoretical framework which asserts that people can and most often are disadvantaged by multiple sources of oppression (i.e. race, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation and other identity markers). Synergistic effect suggests a change in the result as a consequence of an action or other cause which arises out of the interaction between two or more agents, entities, or factors and produces an effect (result or product) that is greater than the sum of their individual weight or forces.
The wealth gap refers to the accumulative assets (net worth) including income, real and personal property, etc. which define the upper and lower classes.
Examples of the wealth gap (Eitzen, 2010):
The definition of the racial wealth gap is dynamic in that it is inclusive on all these related dimensions and sets forth inequities regarding social mobility denoting significant differences in the social, political, and economic functioning between ethnic groups in the form of opportunities, ownership, quality of life, and so on. The U.S. racial wealth gap has implications of enormous consequences as the pervasive trend endures beyond pushing people to the economic margins of society. Social disparities continue to escalate including homelessness, hunger, family disruption, crime rates, civil unrest, deteriorating mental and physical health, drug abuse, and democracy itself. According to D.S. Eitzen (2010), political author and Emeritus at Colorado State University, inequality erodes the social contract when the promise for a higher standard of living is limited to a few weakening the sense of community and common purpose essential to a democracy. The Racial Wealth Gap by Design Barriers to the adoption of more generous social welfare policies and equitable distribution of resources that would, in effect, close the racial wealth gap are two-fold: the first is political; and, secondly, America’s fundamental belief in competitive individualism. Social policy is not an arbitrary activity but is deliberate in its intent and means to accomplish a goal. Political conservatives in both federal and state legislatures seek to reduce various dimensions of the welfare state. As such, social policies are crafted to accomplish that end within the context of historical events, budgetary constraints, and the like. The goal of eliminating income safety net programs has strong implications for social spending:
The high value placed on competitive meritocracy has strong implications for economic inequality:
Causes of the Racial Wealth Gap – Systemic Factors Disparities in homeownership, a key factor in creating wealth, implicates housing discrimination dating back to the 1930s which either locked minorities out of legitimate loan eligibility and equity-building. Furthermore, minority families are less likely to benefit from intergenerational transfers (family inheritance) due to the lack of ownership and depressed home values which persist to this day in predominately black or Hispanic neighborhoods. While graduating from college lends to higher earnings in the future, wages for college drop-outs and those who never attend college have deeply declined over the years. Studies show decreased college completion rates for blacks and Hispanics with only 30% of all working age adults (age 25 to 64) holding a bachelors degree or higher. Student loan debt is another major factor in the racial wealth gap. While whites are more likely to hold bachelor degrees, blacks are more likely to have student loan debt and at larger amounts, according to the Urban Institute. College dropout rates and student loan debt translates into lower future earnings and net worth which disproportionately affects blacks and Hispanics contributing to the racial wealth gap. Education was once said to be the single-most effective means of escaping poverty. But that sentiment has become nothing more than an idiom when we look at another economic domain – employment, the purported path to self-sufficiency and financial security. The reality is that black unemployment is two times the white unemployment rate at every level of education. Therefore, education has failed to equalize economic outcomes as it relates to financial stability and building wealth. Income and Poverty statistics also show the median net worth of black households below white households with less than a high school education. At last reporting in July 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau shows a $59,039 median household income in 2016 for all Americans (individuals and families). More specifically, real median income for white households was $61,858 and $65,041 for whites (non-Hispanic). The median household income was $39,490 for black households and $47,675 for Hispanic households.
Was this post helpful? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. If you are in need of case management services or assistance, please contact us by completing the confidential Contact Form. Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us: http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html Related Posts: Housing Resources http://www.canmichigan.com/housing.html Redefining Social Welfare…Again http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/redefining-social-welfare-again References: Eitzen, D.S. (2010). Solutions to Social Problems: Lessons from Other Societies (5th Edition), Allyn/Bacon, MA Links: African-American Wealth May Fall to Zero By 2053 www.blackenterprise.com/african-american-wealth-zero-2053/?fbclid=IwAR2hIZPodZZbWcfhNtDcu2vEiMPVQdfBCX2jpyJRnDfHUIN_fYsGc1dHcMk Black families have 10 times less wealth than whites and the gap is widening—here's why https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/18/credit-inequality-contributes-to-the-racial-wealth-gap.html?__source=Facebook%7Cmain America’s Yawning Racial Wealth Gap, Explained in 9 Charts https://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8051345/black-white-hispanic-wealth-gap Income and Poverty Report 2016 (U.S. Census Bureau) https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2017/demo/P60-259.pdf
Category: Social Topics
The death of my brother in the past week has led to a decision to explore a little more about health and how we can learn more about living longer and healthier lives. I’ve seen reports on the leading causes of death in Michigan, lifestyle and economic effects on health, even, life expectancy by zip code. It has been very interesting and enlightening to peruse through the vast amounts of data available. But, then, I had to wonder how many of us, actually, are aware and take advantage of the information available to enhance our longevity and quality of life.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the leading causes of disability and death in our state are chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are health conditions that, generally, cannot be cured or get better over time. More specifically, the top ten suspects affecting over 60% of Michigan’s adult population leading to seven out of ten deaths are:
In addition, the state ranks over 95% of its adult population with high-risk behaviors that lead to disabling or chronic disease including alcohol and tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity. The MDHHS Chronic Disease Epidemiology Section was established to gather data, develop evidence-based public health programs, improve outcomes, and reduce health disparities in our state. The key areas of focus for the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Section include:
You can access the Michigan Chronic Disease Geographic Information System (GIS) Maps publication for studies on hospital, mortality, and hypertensive emergency rates for cardiovascular disease; chronic alcohol-attributable diseases due to proximity of alcohol outlets; maternal child health; breast and cervical cancer; and more. GIS Publication Link: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/2014_Map_Book-FINAL_492868_7.pdf In brief, chronic illnesses are long-term and do not go away on their own such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, kidney disease, stroke, arthritis, and HIV. Injuries are caused by accidents (i.e. car crashes, falls, sports injuries), or violence (i.e. gunshots, suicide, assaults). Genetics, lifestyle, environment, and other factors combine to determine one’s predisposition to chronic illness and the extent to which it can or cannot manifest. So, be aware of your risk factors including family history, high-risk behaviors, and other socioeconomic conditions which contribute to disease and death. While heart disease ranks as the number one cause of death in Michigan, it also ranks highest in the nation as a whole. But, heart disease is a broad term referring to a disease of the heart and blood vessels. But, according to the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital (2015), a condition called atherosclerosis is the number one killer of Michiganders. That is, hardened arteries due to the buildup of fatty, fibrous plague which attaches to artery walls and restricts blood flow. So, how long do we live in Michigan? Studies estimate the average life expectancy at 77.89 years in Michigan. On average, men live 75.32 years, and, despite female healthcare disparities, women live about 80.037 years in Michigan, according to World Life Expectancy (2015). Poor life expectancy, of course, can be attributed to access and quality of healthcare and socioeconomic conditions such as costs for treatment and medicine that affect health outcomes. In terms of longevity, Oakland County ranks highest in health and life expectancy and white women have the lowest mortality rate in Michigan.
Related Posts:
Death, Burial, and Crime Victim Compensation http://www.canmichigan.com/death-and-burial.html Community Resources Section - Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DMWHA) http://www.canmichigan.com/community-resources-michigan.html Links: Life Expectancy at Birth by Sex, Michigan and United States (1901 – 2016) https://www.mdch.state.mi.us/osr/deaths/lifeUSMI.asp Poverty Solutions Data Map (University of Michigan) https://poverty.umich.edu/about/poverty-in-michigan/ Heart Disease Leading Cause of Death in Michigan https://www.petoskeynews.com/news/health/heart-disease-leading-cause-of-death-in-michigan/article_fddc9561-8cfd-525e-a5fa-ba2735b1fa91.html Michigan Life Expectancy http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/usa/michigan-life-expectancy Why Life Expectancy is Shorter in Michigan http://detroitstats.com/why-life-expectancy-is-shorter-in-michigan/ Life Span for Detroit’s Poor Among Shortest in the Nation https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2016/06/02/life-span-detroits-poor-among-shortest-nation/85325864/ Life Expectancy at Birth and Age 65 https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/LifeExpectancy_380403_7.pdf Preventing Chronic Disease and Promoting Health in Michigan: How Well Are We Doing As A State? https://www.petoskeynews.com/news/health/heart-disease-leading-cause-of-death-in-michigan/article_fddc9561-8cfd-525e-a5fa-ba2735b1fa91.html State of Michigan Chronic Disease and Injury Control https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2955---,00.html Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Chronic Disease Epidemiology Section Life Course Epidemiology Genomic Division P.O. Box 30195 333 S. Grand Avenue Lansing, MI 48909-30195 PH: 517-35-8806 Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_5104_5279-185986--,00.html
Category: Social Topics
The ‘major programs' referenced as being measured in the U.S. Census Bureau report include cash assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, and WIC. Census Bureau stats show that number of participants ballooned to approximately 110 million welfare recipients by the fourth quarter of 2012. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 106 million full-time workers for 2013 but not all of them worked the full year. From this view alone, some may conclude that the problem is welfare recipients and how they out-number the working people who has to subsidize them. But, let’s examine the numbers a little closer so that we have an accurate depiction of what they really mean. It’s always better to know the real answers so that we can address the real problem and attempt to resolve the problem with real solutions. First, the reports cited do not take into consideration the estimated three-quarters (3/4) of workers who are employed but still rely on anti-poverty programs like food stamps and Medicaid. These are the “working poor” a new and rising economic class that’s often overlooked. According to a study by the Berkley Center for Labor Research and Education cited by the New York Times (2015), “taxpayers not only support the poor but also pay a huge subsidy for employers with low-wage workers…this is the hidden cost of low-wage work.” The cost of subsidies such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Medicaid when workers are denied living wages and health insurance also fall into the pockets of other taxpayers. The University of California – Berkley further estimates a $150 billion annual expense for state and federal governments for workers who also rely on welfare to make ends meet. Politicians, generally, like to spew out stats that appear to show that hard working people are being overtaken by the shiftless to justify the need to end welfare. Of course, without giving the full picture of who receives these benefits, why, and for how long. They also do not tell us how the studies were conducted, things like what is being measured, how it was measured, or what portion was taken from a small sample and generalized to an entire demographic. Believe it or not, these factors and others make a significant impact on the outcomes Instead, stereotypes are created like ‘welfare queens’ and ‘the makers versus the takers’ rather than deal in reality about real social problems that have attainable solutions. It is important to note that when analyzing studies on welfare to understand that in every case the measurements (in terms of what is being measured) were different. For example, if you look at studies that is supposed to measure the number of people on welfare, some some may only include recipients of TANF (cash assistance), food stamps, and Medicaid. Other studies may include SSI, WIC, and housing subsidies. Some are longitudinal studies which follow a large sample of people over time while others simply counted the number of people on welfare rolls, and so on. But, the common thread is that few studies, rarely if ever, discuss or offset the numbers by workers on welfare or how many workers held their job an entire year, etc. This is important because it gives us a skewed sense of reality about the economy and the human condition. So, in the world of fake news and alternative facts we search for the truth - things we need to consider in our political debates and certainly when developing public policy.
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Related Posts:
Redefining Social Welfare...Again http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/redefining-social-welfare-again Wraparound Services Section Free Tax Preparation – Earned Income Tax Credit Panel http://www.canmichigan.com/wraparound-services.html Links: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2015/cb15-97.html https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2015/05/how-long-do-people-receive-assistance.html https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/13/business/economy/working-but-needing-public-assistance-anyway.html
Category: Social Topics
Historically, social welfare was synonymous with the human condition of well-being characterized by socioeconomic security against major life risks, contentment in meeting one’s basic needs, and the ability to manage problems and achieve goals. But thanks to revisionists, the term has been reduced to the services provided to the poor by public welfare departments and charity organizations. When members of society have a fundamental, tangible model of social welfare they experience a reasonable standard of health, extended life expectancy, quality housing, higher incomes, and minimal social problems. A society with poor social welfare is marked by poverty, low living standards, and high rates of violence. The historical context of social welfare also includes self-preservation as a matter of personal diligence. Inasmuch as society accepted social responsibility for the needy, well-being was also thought of as a matter of individual effort and family support. The involvement of external agents such as government and charitable organizations was considered a “safety net” that was operationalized when individuals and families lacked the ability to manage their life challenges. But, it was understood that life, oftentimes, presents an array of unexpected, complex events beyond the individual’s control. Unemployment, for example, resulting from the lack of economic growth directly affects the welfare of individuals and their families in the form of decreased employment opportunities and income. The death of a spouse or debilitating medical condition of a person who is the primary provider of the household will cause a family to be economically vulnerable and at-risk for poverty. Any number of problems can arise that affects an individual or family’s ability to cope with their problems and has grave consequences for social welfare.
Because we live in a market society, social welfare programs were meant to protect individuals, spouses, and dependent children from poverty because of the loss of income due to unemployment, injury, disability, retirement, and death. How a country responds to the needs of its people answers questions about its values and social goals regarding equity, efficiency, and assumptions about social norms such as gender roles and family responsibility. It is these kinds of factors that interact to shape and form Public Policy which determines the size, structure, generosity, and administration of a nation’s social welfare system.
Societies that provide universal welfare gives us an idea about their values for the collective good of their citizenry. In American society, a target approach to program delivery supposedly intended to fish-out the poor and specifically direct benefits to those who need it most is the standard. But with our skewed sense of equity, the idea of the deserving poor has a deleterious effect and neglects many groups of people who have legitimate needs. The process of targeting benefits also impedes system efficacy and imposes stigma on recipients. Administrative costs associated with means-tested programs for fact-finding purposes regarding assets and income creates enormous, and, oftentimes, exploitative financial burdens on the system by service providers. Income-testing also may deter potential recipients from pursuing benefits and causes adverse work incentives. Because the system requires a reduction in benefits when earnings rise even slightly above the so-called “poverty line”, individuals and families are conversely incentivized to keep their earnings low or work “under-the-table.” Not considering the inadequacy of federal standards of poverty, costs associated with new employment, or deteriorating living wages creates the “poverty trap” that affects the efficiency of the system and lowers the well-being of recipients. In sum, as we briefly review the original purpose and design of welfare it is time to put aside assumptions about its goals and the people who need it. We do that when we consider all the ineffective variables of the system and the systemic forces that promote and maintain poverty which are too many to name here. The beginning of that process is to understand that people are not always poor because they are inherent social derelicts, make bad choices, live high-risk lifestyles, and the like. More often, than not, people are victims of market forces and life circumstances beyond their control. But, as times are changing, and new social values emerge we should, at least, maintain a basic decency and dignity toward the less fortunate. |
Deborah Mitchell2016 Wayne State University Alumni - Bachelors of Science in Social Work, social services professional and Registered Social Work Technician. Human service background since 2007 which includes medical case management and service navigation for the indigent population, outpatient mental health counseling for SUD disorders with comorbidities (experienced in medication-assisted and social model treatment modalities), supportive employment and job development for mental health consumers, and structured living domicile management. Archives
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