Jackson Free Press

Welcome to "Skreet Newz" with Bonqweesha and Pookie—the economic news magazine show for the financially challenged.

Bonqweesha:
"Back in the day, black folk would address one another with the phrase "What's up, baby?" The reply to this rhetorical question—in the form of a greeting—was mostly silence. Greatly affected by a poor economy, brothers and sisters already knew the answer and responded quietly with the kind of body language or gesture that said, "I'm broke!" In 2004, however, the answer to the same question might be: 'the price of cheese, meat, gas, heat, electricity, etc.' And if Marvin Gaye were alive today, he would 'sho' nuff holla' and throw up both his hands! Therefore, my suggestion to the peoples is to hold on tight, do what's right, and endure this raggedy economy to the end. Let's hear from our Ghetto Economist.

Pookie:
"I'll make it plain. As Bruh. Issac Newton theorized: What goes up must come down. The down side of this theory is that we po' folk suffer because no one compensates us when the cost of livin' goes up. Corporate managers up-size their salaries and downsize the workforce. Employers go UP on our work hours and are DOWN with O.T. (overtime). Therefore, I pray that being financially challenged in this country will not be such an issue."

Boneqweesha:
"On the next edition of 'Skreet Newz,' Pookie and I will review Kunta 'Rasheed X' Toby's Sci-Fi-Docu-Drama-Reality film 'Soylent Collard Greens and Cornbread.'"

Ken Stiggers is a TV producer in Jackson and the co-host of Lyric Lounge Thursdays at Daiquiri World.