All I have to ask is Why? Why do you feel the need to blame someone else for your actions. It’s not my fault, it’s his or that guy or this group and even, those people over there.
Come on now, you shot yourself for whatever the reason. So why blame the imaginary Black guy? Perhaps it’s because he felt it would be more believable that a Black guy shot him than telling the truth that he shot himself? Who knows. It does allow the question to be asked of him and his views of race.
I’m not accusing this guy of being racist, because that’s for the individual to prove by their words, perceptions and behaviors. You do not have to fit the description of the typical characterization of a racist to do something unconsciously racist. It is an act of a persons measure of understanding of race.
When you refuse to take responsibility for you own words, behaviors and actions, keep in mind that what is true, history and time will soon catch up with you. So one can point the finger of responsibility at someone else, but in the end you still end up figuratively shooting yourself in the foot.
Another interesting police tale coming out of Philly. Too bad he wasn’t in a NYC bar and played for the NY Giants, but that’s another story
Oh I forgot, “I’m not a racist because I have Black friends” defense.
Can someone say it with me? UNCONSCIOUS RACISM
You should always be aware of the person who says, “I’m not a racist”. If you’re not a racist you don’t have to say it. Your actions will speak for you.
Summary
OK, so this is the story. A few days ago a Judge in New Orleans denied an interracial couple a marriage license on the grounds of his belief the marriage would not work, he does not believe in “the mixing of the races” and his lack of self-acknowledgement that he would be one of the people who would discriminate against any children they may have.
Details
In New Orleans, Louisiana a justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.
My Comment: It’s always about sex isn’t it.
Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.
“I’m not a racist. I just don’t believe in mixing the races that way,” Bardwell told the Associated Press on Thursday.
My Comment: Of course not, you just have issues with race.
“I have piles and piles of black friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom. I treat them just like everyone else.”
My Comment: WHAT! You’re kidding me, right?
Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about marriage if they are a mixed race couple. If they are, he does not marry them, he said.
My Comment: Oh, well then. That’s not racist. Just because you refuse to do your job, because of race doesn’t mean you’re racist. Come on now.
Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said.
My Comment: Oh, so you talked about with Black people. So that doesn’t make you racist. Seriously, don’t validate your argument on the myth that Black people can’t be racist, because they can. Racism isn’t racist, because anyone can be one.
“There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage,” Bardwell said. “I think those children suffer and I won’t help put them through it.”
My Comment: This is a lie. It’s only a problem among racist.
If he did an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all, he said.
“I try to treat everyone equally.”
My Comment: OK, I’m trying not to laugh at this one. How in the Hell do you say that with a straight face? As my sister would say, For Real Dude? You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m being Punk’d right now, right? OK. You try to treat everyone equally, so you demonstrate your non-racist attitude by marrying people who are of the same race, but not marrying people who are not. I bet you do this on a Bible too. Besides disobeying the law, you’re going against the word of God. Unless your Bible reads “God is a respecter of persons”.
*An eyebrow should be raised, but I’ll let you think about this before I get into it any further. But it’s coming. So don’t asking me, because I’m not telling. Just keep reading.
The sad thing is that I have run across people just like this on this very blog. No matter how much you try to explain it to them, they still don’t get it.
Meredith Vieira talks to actress Mackenzie Phillips about her long-standing incestuous relationship with her father, her struggle with drug addiction and other details revealed in her new memoir, “High on Arrival.”
After watching this interview with Meredith I want ask a question which you will see below, but this interview may put the question in better context.
I’ve included a clip from her interview on Oprah, but urge you to watch the interview with Meredith Vieira.
Incest; could this be an acceptable reason for getting an abortion?
Now don’t get upset with me for asking the question, I’m just pointing out one of the 800 lbs Gorilla’s in the room of this story. I’m not suggesting or advocating my morals onto anyone by asking, but I am interesting in knowing what you think now that you’ve listened to the interview.
Unfortunately I’ve had the opportunity to have conversations with victims of rape and incest. The over arching affects that sexual abuse has on the mind of the one being abuse can make a long lasting impression in so many areas of a persons life. I raise the question about abortion to make a point, but as I’ve said in previous conversations on this blog is that you have to consider others, because you never know what or why someone decides to do what they do. Sometimes its not so clear cut as right or wrong as we can conclude in this case. This is why I will continue to advocate the simple strategy of Considering Others. Even if I am criticized in the process and/or misunderstood. The meaning is within the message.
Share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions about this.
One of the most scariest images is an ideologically confused, unsocialized person with a gun in one hand and the Bible and Constitution in the other. What is more scary are the people who enables them.
For weeks I’ve been writing about race, rage, religion and the right. Some has attributed all of this to one bloggers obsession with race and republicans. And your assumption would be wrong. Many people who are silent on these issues are so because they either sees the truth in what has been illustrated and/or they’re simply uncomfortable speaking with authority about any of these subjects.
As I’ve illustrated last week is that it’s not always about race, it’s not always republicans, but it is about race and the role republicans are playing in the rage against this President. Many choose not to accept the reality of that truth, but what other logical conclusion can you draw if it isn’t about race? Politics is just the proxy, not the problem.
I give up on the realistic relevance of the Republican Party these days. It doesn’t want anyone who will question its authority. It doesn’t want anyone who will demand discussion. It doesn’t want anyone who is progressive, moderate, Black, Latino, Muslim, Young or even female. If you’re White, Male and Southern you’re welcomed. As a southerner I know that’s not a fair assessment, but many polls are trending in that direction when it comes to the GOP. It’s trending higher to those groups. The Democratic Party is not infallible, but at least I’m welcomed.
The fringes of society, whether it is the Birthers, the Deathers, the outrageous 2nd Amendment folks and the Racists they are not ruining the GOP, they have ruined the GOP. Who’s talking about bringing guns, Hitler, Nazis and the socialists. It’s not all Republicans, but it is a Republican problem and an American issue.
I’m surprised about the silence of those Republicans who has previous criticized me on various issues. What is worse is the timid tendencies of Democrats confronting them. It’s not all Republicans, it’s not all Democrats, but when will we finally have a Conservative who will talk down the paranoia of Republicans to Republicans? When will we finally have Democrats speak critically towards the timidness of the Democrats to Democrats?
I have restrained myself from saying this for many months, but I simply give up any possibility of having a reasonable conversation with most Republicans on many of these issues. I will continue to push Democrats to speak up, but their time is coming too if they don’t start doing what needs to be done.
Comment, criticize if you please. I give up. Let the M.F. Burn. (Reference to a previous post)
If what happened in November of 1963, February of 1965 or April of 1968 happens in today I will be sad, but I would feel sorry for those who helped caused it, because the blood would be on their hands. The outrage of the right could not match the rage that would come from the left and in the unexpected corners of society. I don’t want any of this to happen and urge people to do something more than nod in agreement or disagreement, do something before something happens. Before it’s too late.
a2a_linkname=”TI&S | Empathy Is Not Sympathy”;a2a_linkurl=”http://timvalentine.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/empathyisnotsympathy/”;
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were. Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” - John Donne “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
As cool it would be if it was true, I know that the world doesn’t revolve around me. I would like to believe that we would be in a better place in terms of human conditions if I ruled the world. Unfortunately this is just a fascination of my utopian dream to making the world what I believe it ought to be; Heaven.
Although this dream may not become a reality in my life time I can at least try. You can’t take it for granted or rely on the fact that you’ve never been told any differently that people will change. One can change the world if there’s one willing to try.
I’m still amazed by how so many of us have become comfortable with the lack of empathy we demonstrate towards each other. Perhaps it’s due to the busy lives we employ. Maybe it’s due to a lack of socialization or understanding. Maybe you just don’t want any trouble, so you just go along to get along. Whatever the case may be, there comes a time where your silence becomes betrayal.
When some are more eager to protest against a proposition in California than rally to end discrimination and homophobia then there’s a problem. When Christians are more concern with preventing Same-Sex Marriage than divorce, then there’s a problem.
When a woman who graduates 2nd in her class at an Ivy-League school while overcoming economic, social and medical issues is intelligence is questioned and whether she is suitable for a position because of her life experiences, then something is wrong.
When your words are taken out of context, chopped and screwed to blend into a malicious and hateful mix promoted by culturally unaware, socially uninformed exclusionists for political purposes, then something is wrong.
The law of the life is not logic, but experience. Experience that’s been tested by obstacles and barriers, hardship and misfortune. The insistence of persistence is what ultimately overcomes those barriers. It is these experiences that allow a person to consider others and be able to relate to them on a personal level despite our apparent differences and/or opposing interests?
What is your standard?
We are here because of the aspirations, works and sacrifices of someone else. The dream that one day we can live with love, respect and concern for each other in what Dr. Martin Luther King called the Beloved Community is being foreclosed on by the unethical practices of propagandist who only seek to profit off of fear and hate.
Far too often have we found ourselves bound by the narrow confines of foolish perceptions? Whether trapped by boundless liberalism or arrested by static conservatism the results are the same; progressive stagnation.
To become what you ought to be you need to consider others. The standard for which you judge others you judge yourself, but more harshly. When you continue to put up borders in your life, the community becomes less beloved and more despised. The standard of your arguments are no longer freedom or emancipation, but obstruction and restriction.
When you reach the point that you can recognize life as just an ordinary person, blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences. Perhaps you will understand what empathy means. Empathy does not mean adjusting the circumstances in such a way that the “little guy/minority” wins, but to place yourself in their position. Become the little guy, experience life as he or she experiences it, before casting judgment that is tainted with bias observations and experiences.
Take the time to become friends with someone different than you. Strive to sincerely learn about someone who is not like you. Example: I’m a Black Male, so I would want to try to befriend and learn more about someone who is not Black or a male. (I can personally say with confidence that I only have one friend who is a Black male, the rest are women of various races including Black.)
You are not an island, entire of yourself. The world doesn’t revolve around you. Any man’s death whether it be physical, moral or spiritual diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. Empathy is what I believe John Donne is saying in my 21st Century remix of a 17th Century poem. There are no them, but only us. We should not build fences or walls, but bridges. We are the community and to make it beloved, we have to learn how to love it and each other.
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How hypocritical is it for SOME Catholics to oppose or protest the invitation of President Obama at Notre Dame’s commencement, because of a single issue. Where was the same passion when young boys were being preyed upon by Catholic Priest and Bishops?
It’s perfectly acceptable to passionately express ones disapproval of a president or any politician’s position of a single-issue, but how can you reconcile the expression on one issue and not another that should go against ones religious beliefs? It makes your argument suspect or bordering on disingenuous.
The Catholic Church is not along in their hypocrisy, because many within other Christian churches fracture themselves with boisterous support against many issues made to be controversial that should be fairly easy to embrace or resolve. Many churches are divided along racial, political ideological and even economic class lines in some instances. Forever blaming the Devil with the devil’s work is performed by them.
Those who may only half read this and instantly assume that I am attacking the Christian Church, Christians or just Catholics, I ask you to read again. Then consider what I’m saying and challenge yourself. Exercise your faith and question what you believe with honesty. I am not coming against the Church or Christians, but challenging you to consider the true character of Christ instead of relying on self-righteous indignations and provocations usually motivated by malicious motives.
You may disagree with President Obama for his position on abortion, but does that mean he has no value or lack beneficial insight? Where was your opposition to war promoted by President Bush?
More importantly, where is the “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” I believe you can find Matthew 7:3-5 in the Catholic and Protestant Holy Bibles.
You may get mad, verbally assault or damn me if you wish, but I challenge you to answer the underlying question presented here. Concern yourself not on whether a person is Pro-Life or Pro-Choice, but on if they are Pro-Truth, Pro-Reconciliation, Pro-Mercy or Pro-Love. Quit all of this non-sense and think. Whether a person had an abortion or not, whether you are Pro-Life or Pro-Choice does not matter if you proclaim to be a Christian. God Damning anyone who doesn’t believe what you believe or who makes a decision to have an abortion is not a fair or even loving representation of the examples of Christ.
Pro-Choice does not mean Pro-Abortion and those who continue to promote the misconception that it is should bear the same measure of contempt as they do for those who perform abortions. Don’t masquerade dissension of a political figure or position in the garment of religion, thus you allow yourself to confuse God and the Government. (Hmm, that sounds familiar) Look for what’s true in a person or a position instead of always seeing what’s wrong with them or their position.
I’m going to stop here, but I’m sure this conversation will continue.
There’s not much I can really say from experience on abusive relationships with any measure of authority. I’ve never physically or emotionally abused anyone and no one spiritually to my knowledge. I’ve never used anyone financially, but have made financial mistakes myself. The thing with financially abusive relationships is that if you don’t recognize the mistake and work to correct the mistake you’re destined to make the same mistake again and again. All the while eating away at the confidence and trust in that area of your relationship.
Now the mistakes I’ve made were pretty common, like not abiding by my budget and not demonstrating patience. Fortunately, I’m a quick learner and have made the necessary corrections and beginning to see brighter days ahead instead of the financial dungeon I was in.
The advice that I try to give those who ask is to talk openly about finances. If you have bad credit, say my credit score is a -24. Seriously, just be honest about money. What you have, your responsibilities, your strengths and weaknesses with money. I complain about paying car registration fees each year. I find it ridiculous that I have to pay so much for a sticker to put on my license plate for a year, but I pay it.
Showing that you love someone is more than just emotional, it’s financial too. It’s not the sexiest part of the relationship, but make sure you can handle the business of love, before jumping into any commitments. Show the person you’re with that you love them by paying the bills on time. Speak openly and honestly about what you have to bring to the table. If you make more than the other person, don’t throw that in there face like you’re better than them. You may make more a year, but have more debt in your name, so who’s really better off?
If you don’t mind allow me to say this to the men who are guilty of this. Yes, I know ‘you’re the man’, ‘You’re the king of the castle’, whatever dude. Stop acting like you run things, before you find yourself running back to your Momma crying like some B…aby. Cook breakfast and dinner. Clean-up the kitchen, wash clothes, dust, something. You can’t just come home and turn on ESPN or The Golf Channel and ask “what’s for dinner?” You’re a “grown-ass-man”, if you’re “Da Man” or the “King of your Castle” tell your loved one what you’re preparing to eat or which restaurant we’re going to. After you finish paying the mortgage, phone or electric bill send a little email to your loved one saying “We just paid the mortgage or whatever the bill is.”
Now I understand that some financial abuse stems from unfair practices and predatory products marketed to lure and entice you in. Credit card companies, certain mortgage companies, payday or quick loan sharks are just a few. I understand and sympathize; I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt for signing up for the credit card. It’s not worth it. I urge you to resist the temptation and exercise restraint by saying NO.
Anyway, let me make my final points and move towards my conclusion. (Some of you are saying, “Thank God”.)
If I am to always to seek love, truth, consensus I must accept that the fact that I may never completely achieve it. The position I strive to gain is one that seeks the truth, bare witness to the facts and work towards reconciliation. The goal is to never tear down, derogate or enable anyone.
How are we supposed to learn to love in the deepest sense?
Justice, truth, fairness & equality have been discredited by our need to be seen as good, righteous, value oriented and popular, even when our actions are examined they prove otherwise.
When you love you have difficulties remaining silent when people are treated unfairly. It should bother you to witness injustice carried out against innocents. It should convict you to rightly protest against inequality when you honestly learn to love.
Love isn’t accepting any whim or doctrine marketed towards you for temporary social and/or political expediency. Regardless how you’ve experienced it, love is eternal or long lasting.
***BUT YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW TO READ THE NEXT PART***
* THE CONTINUATION OF THE PREVIOUS POST TITLED “THE STANDARD OF THE MAN”*
Head of Household
Many of the problems we encounter are of our own doing and lack of adequate examples. When a conversation comes around to the problems or confusion with women I want you to listen closely to what isn’t said. We all know of some no good women out there, but what are you doing with them?
When I listen to married men talk about what their wives I listen to what they are not saying. The things their wife will not let them do. It’s always interesting to listen to men talk about what they won’t let their wives do or tell them what they can’t do. Sometimes it’s funny and I understand when they are not serious, but some of these guys believe what they’re saying at times.
I remember one time I acted out the tantrum that Jackie Gleason would have on “The Honeymooners” with my wife when she really got on my last nerves. It was the only way I knew to defuse the situation and keep both of us from saying something stupid and hurtful to each other. We realized our collective stubbornness and got a chuckle out of it. Plus I’m basically silly when I’m home and she’s virtually impossible to make laugh.
King of My Castle
Many of us have heard this phrase before, “I’m the one paying the bills and taking care of everything all she do is…” Each time I hear that I quietly shake my head, because I wonder if they ever considered what they are not doing? Does she smile when she thinks about you or does she just tries to keep busy? You may technically be the head of your household, but too many men get a ‘big head’ over that title.
Being the head of household brings responsibility. It means you lead, protect, provide and serve those within that household, not the opposite. They are suppose to love, respect and honor you, but it’s hard to do that if you are not doing your part.
Mancho Man
I know it’s getting more difficult to provide in this economy and even harder to protect what you do have. This is the time to show leadership as the head of your household and demonstrate restraint. You can not buy that motorcycle part just yet if you wife needs a dress. If you have to spend it instead of saving then blow it on taking you’re your daughter on a date so she knows how a boy is suppose to treat her. Take your son to the movies or some game, he would cherish that more than watching you in the garage or outside working alone. If you’re not married why not spend a day with a family member that doesn’t get to see you often. You’ll be surprise the impact it has.
Manly Man
You don’t have to always be about the latest sports stats, the newest or coolest power tool, the supped up or cleanest car or the most money to be a manly man. Pay attention to your family and those who love and appreciate you. If you have a wife, then pay attention to her. Listen to what you don’t feel like listening to and show general interest. I know we’re tempted to fix it and the solution may be right in there face, but don’t fix it until she asks. Look your son in his eyes and tell him that you love him and appreciate him. Hug your daughter and tell her than you love her. You can admire your children without spoiling them.
Love Yourself
One thing I haven’t mentioned is focusing on your needs, wants and desires. Now I know where your mind just went and your body does have needs, wants and desires. If you don’t take care of yourself who’s going to want or desire anything you have? I’m talking to myself on this one.
Although I don’t get sick that often I have started to go to the doctor at least for a regular check-up. Depending on your family history or even cultural tendencies you may need to pay closer attention to some things when it comes to your health.
Now I’m not look forward to a particular test that men have to endure as they get older. Oh God, I’m already uncomfortable thinking about it. I pray that there’s some other way that it can be checked before I have to do it because I rather do yard work during the Super Bowl than have this done. I’m not going to nag you on this one, but lets start exercising more and eating better. Go to the doctor on a regular basis. That’s all I’m saying about that.
Finally, take some time for yourself each day. It doesn’t have to be hours, but make it longer than five minutes. Just allocate some time for yourself each day to do something that you enjoy. It doesn’t matter what it is. It may be… writing a blog, learning how to play golf or listening to music, but just take some time for yourself and use it wisely.
I thank those of you who actually read what I had to say. I apologize for it being a little long, but like many things I have a lot to say. Perhaps someone may gain something from this or remix it into something of their own. Either way I hope you enjoy.
References & InspirationsDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 09/05/1954 “God’s Love”Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 06/23/1963 “Speech at the Great March on Detroit”The Papers of MLK Vol. III: Rediscovering Precious Values – 09/02/1951 “What Is Man?”
Right before I was going to talk about the outrageous comments of another Senator Michelle Bachman (R-MN), State Senator Chris Buttars (R-UT) clips her with this little dozy. This time he tops himself and offenses once again.
Why are the people of Utah allowing him to represent them? Better question is does he speak for them?
WOW!
So I should be afraid of gays and lesbians now? I want to make sure I understand what you’re saying Senator. The biggest threat to America are not racism, bigotry, hate groups or even an economic collapse, but gays and lesbians. WOW! I guess President Obama needs to bring the troops back from Iraq and Afghanistan to help fight these insurgents.
Come On Now Dude, are you for real?
Before I start, you wouldn’t happen to be related to any political cartoonist would you or know anyone at the NY Post?
Really? OK, just a question.
Now let’s explore the era of thinking Mr. Buttars appears to come from by looking at the questions and statements he posed in this interview.
Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:
“Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care.”
My Response:
So it appears that you have a distain for homosexuality. Your use of the phrase ‘sexual perversion’ is synonymous with Christianity. As a Christian myself I’ve read the same thing, and it raises another question that seems to get overlooked or ignored. Does it mean that someone who is gay or is a lesbian is not worthy to be loved? I thought that was the greatest commandment. I can go further into that one, but let’s stick to the comments for now.
Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:
“They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice. They’re the meanest buggers I have ever seen”.
My Response:
Really? I’m a straight guy who has had the opportunity to be friends with people who are gay or lesbian and I haven’t had any issues with them. Even when we may disagree on a point, it’s still respectable. The meanest people I’ve come into contact with are those who hold bigoted or backwards thinking views. They tend to make generalizations like… well I think you are well acquainted with the type of people I’m talking about.
Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:
“It’s just like the Muslims. Muslims are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side.”
My Response:
That’s an interesting statement. I personally know Muslims too and all except for one has been very nice towards me. What’s interesting about your statement is that you speak about something being taken over by radicalism. I can think of a political party that seems to have an issue with that today. (Notice: I didn’t mention which political party.)
Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:
“What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes.”
My Response:
Although I can only take into account my interactions with someone who tells me that they are gay or lesbian, but I would think many would have the same issues that any straight person would have. It’s a difference in sexual preference not existence.
Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:
“They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of.”
My Response:
Well I can think of a few others that are more of a threat than the sexual preferences of a person. Let’s see… The Economy, Cancer, Aids, Hate, violence, just to name a few.
Well State Senator Chris Buttars (R-UT), I wonder what you and those who agree with you response would be by these wise words of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. “Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood.”
Was she any less of a person because of her views on this same subject?
There was a young lady that lived in Southern Cali, she already had six children and since she lost her job she didn’t have much to do, so she had 8 more.
Now I’m being a little silly there, but this isn’t a nursery rhyme but a real story. Just think about how you would raise 14 children with no job and you’re not married. Well 33 year old Nadya Suleman now has to figure this out. But to top it off, she isn’t married by her own choice and she just got laid-off from her job.
Does this qualify for public assistance or should she be subject to the same scrutiny that those with 2 or 3 children have to contend with?
You would have to put me on suicide watch 24/7 because this would be my last thought, idea and suggestion.
E’erybody in my Fav 5 would be getting a child for Christmas. This is my special gift to you. You know you’re my favorite Cousin, right? Hey, Uncle Charles how are you doing? I got a special gift for you. J Hold up for a minute, Um where are you going Daddy? Hold up you can’t go yet.
Hmmm who else… Oh yeah… What’s up Mary, Donna, Melissa and Al how are y’all doing? I have a special gift for ya?
(Yes I’m only joking. I wouldn’t hand my kids out like Christmas gifts.)
You can’t breast feed that many children, come on ‘you’ would end up looking like a balloon that’s been sitting out in the cold for way too long. The formula bill would be a mortgage payment by itself, not to mention the diapers. How in the world can she possible afford to take care of 14 kids?
Her mother said, “It can’t go on any longer, she’s got six children and no husband. I was brought up the traditional way. I firmly believe in marriage. But she didn’t want to get married.”
There were frozen embryos left over after her previous pregnancies and she (Nadya Suleman) didn’t want them destroyed, so she decided to have more children.
I only have a 4 year old, and I know how much it cost for diapers, formula for him and still food, clothes and child care now. I could not image what it would cost if I had to multiple that 8 times, not to mention 6 other children all under the age of 7. I would have gone into cardiac arrest at the ultrasound screening when I heard 8 heartbeats. That would have been the Florida recount all over again, because I would have said “um you gotta recount that ‘cause I ain’t having more 8 kids.” (Yes, I said Ain’t. This is where it’s acceptable to use ain’t in a sentence.)
I would have sounded like President Obama during his acceptance speech at the DNC last August, ENOUGH! (with the echo behind it)
Now I gotta go in front of Congress and ask for a Bailout or something. I’ll be crying like a… You would see my face plastered on every paper with an expression like this.
Yesterday President Obama signs a bill that amends a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 originally signed into law by then President Lyndon Johnson. The new bill calls for equal pay for equal work. The President says “calling pay equity not a women’s issue, but a family issue”.
The equal-pay bill ends a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision saying employees only had 180 days to file pay-discrimination lawsuits and is expected to make it easier for workers to sue for decades-long discrimination.
In 1998 Lilly Ledbetter filed a lawsuit against her employer Goodyear Tire Rubber Co. in Gadsen, AL after discovering that the men who had the same position as her were making more than her. The case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of Goodyear with a 5 to 4 vote. They stated that Mrs. Ledbetter waited to long to sue.
Mrs. Ledbetter said, “I was initially humiliated, I felt degraded”.
It’s interesting to me that this wasn’t resolved during the Clinton or Bush Administrations. Obviously there were more important issues to contend with than equality.
I’m watching a local news report of a missing person when these questions arise.
1.Why do we never or rarely see, hear or read any reports about missing men?
2.Why is it that the overwhelming reports we do hear of missing adults are White Women?
Now as a Black man I know that if I was to come up missing no one will miss me. Of course my immediate family would look for me, maybe some friends and perhaps some of you would email me after awhile, but regardless of what the authorities may say I’m just another lost…
If we go beyond race for a moment, this would basically be true of any man who goes missing. Regardless if it’s Bubba, Pappy or Junior society will not look for you for long. At least not in the same way they would if Cindy, Jennifer, Rachel goes missing.
Why are we just concerned about missing White Women?
Just below that we have missing children? Then missing elderly?
We see more work behind finding missing pets than we do their owners. And please don’t let the missing person be unattractive, you may not even get the time of day.
Now I don’t want to see anyone go missing, but my point is that it seems that American society is more concern about the missing and exploitation of everyone else, but men. Why can’t the men get any love, we’re people too?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts about it. All I ask is that you state whether you’re a man or a woman. You can provide more detail if you like, but I’m interested in hearing your thoughts, ideas and suggestions about this inequality.
Now there’s so much I can say about this, but I will let you chime in on this one.
It’s interesting to listen to a man speaking against homosexuality while wearing hills. If I have stepped out of my house ass out what do you think would happen?
Prince may not be gay, but come on dude… are you for real.
Seriously I actually like Prince and don’t want to criticize him, but am I the only person who would want to take a peak into his purple closet?
Mr. Nelson I enjoy listening to your music all these years and will continue, but you force me to go there. Should I even mention Graffiti Bridge or even Under the Cherry Moon.
Now you all can get mad at me, but I’m just saying…
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This may not speak to everyone who views this, but I hope you are honest with yourself. It’s all about who you allow yourself to be influenced by. My male influences span from my father to past and present business and political figures, but I like many people I know could have chosen a different route. My challenges as a Black man are the same either way as those who has had more or less advantages than myself.
During this political season I’ve listened to the supporters and opponents of Affirmative Action and those who think they are a supporter or opponents for awhile and wanted to offer a different perspective on the topic.
Affirmative Action has become an ideological divisive issue that has been effectively used to play on the fears of primarily Whites and Blacks in America, but other racial groups should be included as the political targets of fear mongers too.
The fear mongers are those who support and oppose Affirmative Action. I believe that it’s not always intentional, but due to a lack of understanding for the need for the program and the conditions that supports its existence.
Affirmative Action — Why do we need this program? Why do you agree or disagree with it?
If you’re honest with yourself you will admit that after you read the title you immediately had a mental picture of Barack Obama. That’s the product of effective social programming and accepted cultural perceptions. Affirmative Action = Black for many people of all races including African Americans.
I want to challenge you to think about the numerous expectations placed on Barack Obama during the Democratic Primary and in the General Election and one could argue that it doesn’t measure up to the definition of Affirmative Action.
So what is Affirmative Action?
Affirmative Action is a set of public policies and initiatives designed to help eliminate past and present discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
Why is it that more African Americans benefit from this program than other races?
I believe that’s the misconception that is promoted by those who use the program as a political baton to drum up support or division.
Instead of allowing yourself to be divided by an issue I am asking you to measure your arguments for and against Affirmative Actions fairly and equally to all candidates.
The Republican Vice-Presidential Candidacy of Sarah Palin should not be measured differently than any other candidacy. Isn’t it basically what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “…judged by the content of my character not the color of my skin.” Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney did not get any breaks. So why should Sarah Palin be protected from public scrutiny? If we are to eliminate the need for Affirmative Action we can not permit the bar of expectations to be lowered to ground level for one, but not for all. If we live in a “post-racial” society you wouldn’t have the need for the program, but that united state has not become reality in America.
The level of expectation was not lower for Barack Obama. The level of expectation was not lower for Bill Richardson. The level of expectation was not lower for Hillary Clinton. The level of expectation was not lower for Mitt Romney. If or when they misspoke or made a mistake they paid for it. The bias against the unknown or misunderstood supports the argument for Affirmative Action and undermines the argument against it.
Conservatives tend to argue against Affirmative Action using the typical rhetoric passed down year after year, but does nothing to address the valid argument for it.
Liberals tend to argue for Affirmative Action using the typical rhetoric passed down year after year, but does nothing to address the valid argument against it.
No one seems to want to listen to each other and work together towards true equality and unbiased treatment. Isn’t that the ultimate goal? What you want will not happen until you work together and address the real issues behind Affirmative Action.
Sarah Palin is the Affirmative Action Candidate in the election cycle, not Barack Obama. The fact that she is protected for speaking to members of the media is an indicator that she is the Affirmative Action Candidate. The fact that the political spin masters want you to ignore the facts is an indicator that she is the Affirmative Action Candidate. When her statements are easily fact checked as false, but she’s still viewed as credible is an indicator that she is the Affirmative Action Candidate.
If Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Hillary Clinton or Mitt Romney made the same mistakes that Sarah Palin has and continues to make during this campaign season they would have been disqualified quickly and deemed unsuitable to hold the office of President or Vice-President of the United States.
Whether you’re for or against Affirmative Action you will have a difficult time disproving that Sarah Palin is the Affirmative Action Candidate.
PS: Now I know someone is going to submit some unusual arguments without even reading or getting a grasp of what was just written. So for those individuals I know will feel the need to comment, just think about it first. I’m not arguing for or against Affirmative Action. I actually understand both sides of the argument. My argument is that nothing is going to change until we all change our way of thinking and come on one accord to resolve our grievances both past and present without reservations and misconceptions of what the other group thinks.
More Information and News Stories around Affirmative Action:
Didn’t we just discuss this for two weeks?
If we go beyond race for a moment, this would basically be true of any man who goes missing. Regardless if it’s Bubba, Pappy or Junior society will not look for you for long. At least not in the same way they would if Cindy, Jennifer, Rachel goes missing.
