Do Something Before It’s Too Late

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.

الرئيس أوباما يخاطب العالم الإسلامي من القاهرة A New Beginning

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For those who know me or have followed this blog for awhile it would be fair to assume that I absolutely LOOOOVVVE the context of this speech given by President Barack Obama. This is why I like President Obama despite what those who oppose him and/or publicly & privately want him or his policies to fail think, believe or say. It’s difficult to dispute the principle of truths he’s saying in this speech.

Words along can not meet the needs of the people, action. This is what I’ve been talking about day after day, forgiveness, reconciliation, consideration, tolerance; a new beginning.  We can not become so captive to the pass or to a position or ideology that we can’t preserve a future of peace. We can not continue to be bound by hate, fear and intolerance in any form.

I will hold off for now, because I’m ready to go on this one. If this was delivered in a Pentecostal church I would be the one shouting “PREACH”. This is what I’m talking about. Well I will let you digest this 55 minute speech. Be sure that I have more to say about this soon.

If you can not view this video, please click here.

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We Think Just Like Everybody Else

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Manny Miranda, the chairman of the Third Branch Conference and the author of a letter that has asked Senate Republicans to consider a “Democratic filibuster” against Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, just spoke at the Heritage Foundation luncheon for conservative bloggers.

“Hispanic polls, Hispanic surveys, indicate that Hispanics think just like everyone else. We’re not like African-Americans. We think just like everybody else. When I was on the leader’s staff, someone called me once and asked me: ‘What’s Senator Frist’s Hispanic agenda?’ I said, ‘low taxes, better education, more jobs … what are you talking about?’ And that’s how Hispanics are. This is an opportunity to educate them on all of our issues and they will resonate in the way that they resonate with everyone else.” – Manny Miranda

OH REALLY. And you wonder why… You know what’s the use. Simply Amazing.

Now I would personally like to hear Republicans, especially Black Republicans thoughts about this one.

You tell my Latino and Hispanic friends, “We like you. You’re not like those African-Americans over there” Oh we’re not meaning you Michael Steele, Juan Williams, Secretary Rice, Gen. Powell and the list of other accomplished or notable Black Republicans.

Where are the people who are so quick to tell me that the Republican Party is the party of Emancipation, the party of Lincoln? Where’s the emancipation of rhetoric?

Now before you get on your spill how the Democrats have done this or that, I want to give you the opportunity to explain this statement by your fellow Republican.

For months I’ve consistently warned people against this type of thinking over and over and over again, but I’m the crazy one and don’t know what I’m talking about? I have something against the GOP, but I would love to hear how you answer for this type of language. What I have against the GOP is the same that I have against the DNC and any other organization or individual who adopts this sort of ideology.

Listen to what he’s saying. “Hispanics think like everyone else. We’re not like African-Americans.” So how would you know how Black people think if your only experience with Blacks is the few that work near you or you see when you’re out? That’s right; one of your best friends is Black. I forgot that’s excuses it.

Next point, “We’re not like African-Americans.” What the Hell is that suppose to mean? Better question, what does that statement say about the person who said it? Once again, this is just another example of someone with limited social experience with Blacks. Seriously, if you stop looking down at people and start looking at people as equal, just maybe you’ll recognize that not all Black people think alike. I would love to have a conversation with him. But why not have a conversation with the few Black Republicans left. This really makes them feel welcomed and proud to be a Republican.

As a Democrat who is Black I am confident and secure enough with who I am and what I believe to clearly understand and recognize that there are some very intelligent people who can school you on the eclectic culture that is labeled Black or African-American and be Republican at the same time. I personally admire Joseph Watkins, J.C. Watts and Colin Powell to name a few notables. Get out of your segregated way of thinking. Then you wouldn’t make DUMB ASS COMMENTS like this.

What the Hell am I suppose to think?

This is the problem I keep hammering away at, despite the negative criticism, confusion and reluctance of honesty some have towards open discussion on the issue of race relations. You have further alienation of a party who already has a serious problem recruiting anyone who isn’t a White Male. Keep talking like this and see what happens to the credibility of your arguments to recruit any minority.

White Men or people are not the problem; it’s the thinking as if White men or people in general are the standard upon which we all should be measured upon. It’s the false sense of security of believing one is superior or inferior. The world is made up of more people than one race. You, me, we are just another part of the collective value of man. The days of acting, assuming and accepting White Men as the standard of measurement for the world is over.

While I’m at it I should just go there and say it.

Black people quit accepting and/or subscribing to any suggestion that you’re less than anyone else. You are just as valuable as anyone else. Start acting like it. When we see racism or discrimination we tend to address it. We must all be diligent in continuing this when we see it in our own community, family, and friends or even within ourselves. This means stop discriminating and blaming White people or anyone else for our own mistakes, failures or problems. Not all of the obstructions that prevent us from success as rapidly as someone else is caused by someone else. We can do, because it’s been done. I know it isn’t always fair or equal, but look at how far we’ve come. There’s not excuse to turn around now. We just can’t give up.

To my Hispanic and Latino family, you are a vital part of this community as anyone else. The obstacles you’re facing today are the same Blacks faced and in some cases still do. We walk this journey together. When some seek to divide us by their rhetoric and political posturing the reality is that we are essentially in the same boat. We’ve been friends & neighbors for decades upon decades and the community continues to made tremendous contributions to our society. It’s going to take you, me and many others to break the psychological chains ignorance, hate and discrimination that continue to bind so many people in terms of race today. But it can be done.

To my Gay and Lesbian friends, keep on. I understand your frustration. The fight for equality didn’t end on a Memphis motel balcony in 1968, but only intensified. Continue to fight for what’s right, fair, equal and just. Through propositions, resolutions and conversation with those who choose to embrace discrimination and/or refuse to reconcile the religion of love against the religions of man, I just urge you to keep on.

Equality is not going to be reached if we continue to segregate ourselves. Segregation even in terms of sexual preference. How can we live in a land half slave and half free. Slave as in terms of a mentality that binds us to an ideology, culture or religion of discrimination.
I can go back to the Lincoln-Douglass Debates for context to this problem we continue to have and take it all the way to another speech made by a politician in Philadelphia during March 2008. How else can you say it? How long will we hear people like Mr. Miranda make such statements?

The same Republican Party that Mr. Lincoln was apart of is not the same party it has morphed into today. The Democratic Party of Lincoln’s day was loosely what we see elements of today in the GOP. The GOP is not inherently evil or exclusionist, but they have lost their way in terms of being racially inclusive or tolerant. What happen?

The Democrats are a little better, but as we can reference a year ago, far from perfect. We too need to work with much more diligence to involve more people of color into the inner workings and decision making. We may have successfully won the argument today, but there’s always tomorrow.

What many do not understand about Blacks, Hispanics, Lesbians, Asians, Whites and Muslims are their similarities.

We may have different life experiences, but I can guarantee that we have something in common. Open yourself to diversity. Open your mind to the inclusive ways of thinking. Consider others not like yourself and their life experiences, before judging them by your standards. Most importantly, we must stop defeating ourselves. I’m just asking you to take the opportunity to know someone better and honestly. You are not superior and nor am I or the next person reading this inferior. You may be surprised with the prejudice you didn’t realize you held and recognize the value of diverse experiences.

Now I’ve grown accustom to always having someone misunderstanding this simple message. So I break it down to an easy sentence for those few. “Understand, respect, consider and appreciation people.”

“We’re not like African-Americans. We think just like everybody else” Amazing. Let’s try considering everybody.

References & Inspirations

The Washington Independent – 06/02/2009 “In Court Fight, Hispanics, Unlike Blacks, Think Like Everybody Else”

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates – 1858 “The Lincoln-Douglas Debates”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 02/04/1968 “The Drum Major Instinct”

John Howard Griffin – 1959 “Black Like Me”

ABC News – 2001 “A Latina Judge’s Voice”

Empathy Is Not Sympathy

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“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 2^nd 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 21^st Century remix of a 17^th 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.

References & Inspirations

John Donne – 1624 “Devotions upon emergent occasions and several steps in my sickness – Meditation XVII”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 12/18/1963 “Social Justice (Speech at Western Michigan University)”

Christian Century – 04/03/1974 “Search for the Beloved Community: The Thinking of Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Never Good Enough

Many years ago a racially conscience teacher (who was a White male) told me a truth that was a bit shocking to come from a White male. Although he was not your average guy regardless of race. He told the class “Whenever a Non-White (Black, Latino, Asian, Arab, and Native American) enters a room or position first, the whole race enters in with them.”

This was shocking because I already knew this to be true, but how did he know this? He instantly earned my respect while I was in High School. I was fortunate enough to be apart of one of the most racially, religiously and economically diverse schools in the state. So it was common place to be among people who doesn’t look like you and the social environment was beyond inclusive.

Perhaps that’s my problem. I see nothing wrong with diversity and inclusiveness and it bothers me when I see people who are not open-minded enough to consider another point-of-view.

I understand that some individuals will never fully comprehend the denigrating act of discrimination many endure. The ridiculous accusation of reverse racism in effort to defend their perceived social superiority demonstrates the lack of understanding of racism and/or discrimination.

When you understand that racism and/or discrimination itself does not do what it is, then you begin to realize why you shouldn’t be or do it. Racism is not racist. Anyone of any race can be a racist and demonstrate racism. Discrimination does not discriminate. Anyone can discriminate. So why do we continue to deceive ourselves with actions that isn’t what it is? (Confusing statement, but just think about it)

To be a woman of any race throughout the world you probably have experience some level of discrimination from insecure men seeking to maintain their perceived power.

Latinos in the U.S. are routinely perceived as an illegal immigrant regardless if they were born and raised in the U.S. Completely unfair. The endless fighting in the Middle East, the age old disputes over land and territory between Israelis and Palestinians seem to never cease.

Blacks, well I can go on for hours on this one. As a Black male I can not begin to list how many times I’ve been labeled something that I’m not, even by some who comment on this blog. I believe this one is understood.

Asian, Native-American, poor and/or uneducated Whites are looked down upon by society. Should I even begin with the levels of Gay bashing in our homophobic societies and places of worship? The Arab and Muslim communities are instantly vilified without cause or reason. The thoughts, ideas and suggestions of misguided perceptions are ruining the world. Let’s not even start with the religious bigotry that continues to this day. The Church of any cut of the cloth is not excluded from these activities either.

So I understand the notion of you always have to be twice as good to be considered average by some, but why do we care or even allow our self worth to be measured by the criteria of individuals whose values are skewed, lack empathy and morality is flawed?

Of course I will have my detractors, because they like to identify themselves.

I have continuously strive to hammer this message home to those willing to consider it, this time is no different. Perhaps one day when a minority walks into a room or seeks a position he/she will not be seen as their race or preference (religious or sexual) first, but by the content of their character. I believe we’re finally moving in that direction despite those who insist on opposing it.

Understand that minorities discriminate just like White males do. Women are just as sexist as men. What many fail to do is stop to consider the person they are opposing. If so, we all would realize that I’m just like you and you like me. Once true empathy, concern and compassion are sincerely expressed just maybe we’ll stop the needless Hell we put ourselves through and learn to live and have concern for each other like civilized human beings.

Maybe the silent lessons learned when I was in Jr. High and High School actually stuck. So as I continue do what I can to help people better understand each other I tell anyone who feels they will never be good enough in the eyes of others to never allow yourself to adopt an inferior attitude from people who want you to believe they are superior to you.

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Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

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Professor Randy Pausch passed away July 2008, but before he passed as some may remember was this video which was dubbed as “The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”. I’ve posted this again as a reminder for all who may take the time to view it. Bookmark it, Share it, Comment. I’m more interested in the conversation of love and reconciliation, but I will discuss that more later.

Listen to the meaning of the message.

*You may have to click the HQ button to start for some viewers.*

Torture: What Would Jesus Do?

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I simply can not believe the blindness of this statement on the philosophical implications of torture in terms of what Jesus would do.

Gary Bauer, a former Republican presidential candidate affiliated with several Christian right groups over the years, said the discussion should not come down to…

“Would Jesus torture? There are a lot of things Jesus wouldn’t do because he’s the son of God. I can’t imagine Jesus being a Marine or a policeman or a bank president, for that matter. The more appropriate question is what is a follower of Jesus permitted to do? I think if we believe the person we have can give us information to stop thousands of Americans from being killed, it would be morally suspect to not use harsh tactics to get that information” – GARY BAUER

Seriously, this is unreal. Attack me if you wish, but I dare you to validate this statement with the teachings of Jesus Christ without perversion. Taking just a simple look at this statement would lead one to the assumption that Jesus would be against torture. Do I need to remind you of the act of crucifixion?

There were only 12 disciples, not 24. Jack Bauer wasn’t a disciple of Jesus, so why are you conforming to his gospel?

Allow me to make this easy enough for you to understand. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ wouldn’t you do what he does? Isn’t he the example?

Listen, God is no respecter of persons, this includes his son. The belief Jesus wouldn’t or couldn’t do something because he’s the Son of God would not be an acceptable excuse according to the Bible. That would mean that God is no respecter of persons that isn’t his son. (Romans 2:11)

Why should I engage in a public debate with Pharisees and Sadducees on the issue of torture when the answer to the question is simple and clear? How does the issue of torture align with what is know as the Greatest Commandment?

Torture contradicts the instructions, examples and teachings of love your neighbor as yourself. If you choose to become a follower of Jesus Christ, do what is written. Too often we as Christians act like the priest on that road from Jerusalem to Jericho and remain silent when we should speak. Many act as the Levite did when he saw the man who was robbed and left for dead and just pass to the other side of the road. I don’t want any trouble. I just go along to get along. I know some may not understand what I’m referencing, but I’m sure followers of Jesus Christ feel me. (Mark 12:28-31)

Even for my friends who may have historically viewed the story of the Good Samaritan as a religious heretic and/or an inferior race, I hope you have not continued to adopt discrimination in this or any circumstance today.

Who among us will act like the Samaritan when it comes to the issue of torture? This is the answer to what followers of Jesus are to do. Luke 10:25-37 is the information to stop thousands of Americans from being killed. It is morally suspect to use harsh tactics to get that information, when a better law has already been written and implemented.

You see this is the problem with Christian Extremism. Why adopt such a backwards thinking? And you’re surprised and/or upset by anyone who rejects Christianity? This sort of public example of the perverted beliefs placed upon Christianity, coupled with the systematic incorporation of theological bigotry and the denominational exclusionary practices in our segregated sanctuaries by those who proclaim to be followers of Jesus Christ is the problem and one of the real and factual arguments against Christianity.

Quit perverting Jesus to fit your own antiquated beliefs. Stop using Christ as your crutch of justification for your own illusions of morality and irrational conceptions.

References & Inspirations

Military.com – 05/13/09 “Evangelicals Wrestle with Torture Issue”

The Washington Times – 05/14/09 “Torture Soul-Searching”

Google/Associated Press – 05/13/09 “Torture Debate Prompts Evangelical Soul-Searching”

The Holy Bible (New International Version)

*OK You Can Hate Me Now.

Cheney: Using Lies as Alibis

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Just the beginning of the GOP Cat being let out of the bag, by Dick Cheney. Keep Talking Dick, help the prosecution build its case for sending you and others to jail.

So Mr. Cheney, you want give us your poker move and try to make people believe that there’s some unreleased memo that will vindicate your knowledge and approval for torture. Well why not declassify the ENTIRE memo instead of bits and pieces. Why torture us, let us see it all.

According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment adopted into force on June 26, 1987 that the U.S. Government is legally obligated by the U.N. to investigate allegations of torture and prosecuting those who order, authorize or carry out torture. (Source)

So all the flack I received year after year of “Not Supporting the Troops” and being “Unpatriotic” from Republicans, I am waiting to hear what you have to say about this. You can’t say I’m not open-minded enough to listen and consider your positions, unlike many are to mine.

One of the many things that I find absurd is the repeated warnings and documented advice you had from well respected and highly knowledgeable individuals and organizations on the use of torture and you ignored it. Who’s not supporting the troops now? Who’s unpatriotic now?

“Serious concerns regarding the legality with some of these techniques could be construed as TORTURE, as that crime is defined by 18 U.S.C. 2340.” – U.S. Air Force Memo to Joint Staff, 11/01/02 (Source)

“The significant legal, policy and practical concerns of Category III Techniques violate the President’s Order on Human Treatment and various U.S. Code and Military Justice articles.” – U.S. Army Memo to Joint Staff (Source)

“Several of the Category II and III Techniques arguably violate federal law and would expose our service members to possible prosecution.” - U.S Marine Corp. Memo to Joint Staff, 11/04/02 (Source)

Hold up there’s this from the U.S. Army CITF Chief Legal Advisor Major Sam McMahon’s Memo to CITF Commander. On the recommendation of torture it may subject service members to punitive articles of the United States Code for Military Justice CITF Personnel who are aware of the use or abuse of certain techniques may be exposed to liability under the UCMJ for failing to intercede or report incidents.”

So what’s next?

How do you reconcile the growing evidence of torture? Will you continue to deny, deny, deny and stand with them on this sinking Bush/Cheney tugboat of lies? Will you take the Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck approach and say to the world, “Are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?”

Listen, I’ve made it easy for those who still refuse to acknowledge the truth. Many of you have seen the pictures from GITMO and other places. Now I ask you to simply read Article 3 of the Geneva Convention’s treatment of Prisoners of War and tell me if you can still take the Republican position on torture.

Mr. Cheney, if this is your attempt to position yourself for an “I Told You So” in the case of another attack on the U.S. then I will leave my contempt for you and your position silent out of respect for those who may read this and allow others to offer theirs. If this is true, then my silence would only amount to a whisper to the deafening silence of the supporters and apologist for the position taken by Dick Cheney.

References & Inspirations

Amnesty International USA – “War on Terror”

International Humanitarian Law – “Article 3: Treatment of P.O.W. Geneva, August 12, 1949”

U.S. Senator Levin – “The Origins of Aggressive Interrogation Techniques Report”

U.S. Senate – “Senate Detainee Report”

Learn To Love (Part 5)

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***IN CONCLUSION TO THE LEARN TO LOVE***

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 bothers you when you to witness injustice carried out against innocents. You’re convicted 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.

We all are entangled in the continuous struggle against the good that we want to do and the bad that we’re lead to do. The will to speak the truth against what’s popular or accepted and/or even when it isn’t popular is how we win this battle. I’m still learning to love those who silently discount, ignore or simply dislike me. I may not like what they do or what they’re promoting, but I honestly try to love them.

Recently I wrote a post called, “Let the MF Burn”. I wrote it, because I was fed up with a group of people who has accepted an ideology that goes against what the original ideology of their party. As someone who doesn’t agree with what the party has become year after year since at least the late 1950’s; I believe that the party has found itself lost in an ideological and dangerous philosophical wilderness.

I know there are some who desperately seek something to mask their true outrage, but let’s be honest about what we’re really upset about.

I say this because the same party I affiliate myself with has wondered in the same wilderness as the ones accused find themselves in today. I am weary that some of them of my own party who are wondering on the outskirts of this wilderness. The extreme disenchantment with what these groups of people are essentially accepting and some unintentionally promoting is not a product of love, loyalty or even patriotism, but the opposite.

Have we not come to such an impasse in society that we have accepted the “my way or else” mentality, or shall we be plunged into the abyss of annihilation for those who disagree with us? I can think of few things that are more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

When the signs of hate are disguised and marketed as a patriotic protest against the reversal of what they are actually upset about, you must look at the motivation of the protest. Xenophobia, intolerance and discernment are not bound to one group. But when groups are moved to the fringes of love it turns into hate.

SIDE NOTE:

When you immerse yourself into a flag of one belief you forget that same flag is subornate to more than one belief.

When you’re holding a sign of hatred, what are you baring witness too? If you proclaim to be a Christian and we’re a Christian nation, stand behind Christ. To stand behind Christ is to stand in love, tolerance and acceptance.

Flags have been used to represent the perpetrators of some notorious deeds. So wrapping yourself in the garments of patriotism as a shield from criticism or to legitimize what you’re doing is not wise. Leave the flag alone and allow it to represent what it is suppose to represent.

You protest because you feel that your voice is unheard, but to have a protest mean something requires you listening to what the one you accuse is actually saying or have said to you.

Those who are impatient and seek change must remember that change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. Disagree or embrace it, but change will never happen if we do not work together. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent, so quit bending over towards any ole whim of doctrine. Get up off your knees and stand up for truth.

We learn by accepting one another. We learn by seeking truth and justice for each other, in return you receive the same for yourself. We learn to respectfully disagree without becoming disagreeable. We learn by always seeking to understand each others position, and when that position doesn’t line up with truth or reality we teach what they need to learn. We learn by serving one another the truth with love and respect regardless of how radical it may appear.

Some say we should worry about the right-wing extremist, others say we have to worry about the left-wing extremist. I believe the question is not which extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be? “The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.”

I’ve often repeated a quote of a man whom I continue to learn from and have tremendous respect for his examples, lessons and sacrifice. So in conclusion I return to the question, how do we learn to love? I believe we must understand that we are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. I can not be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. Once an individual realize that they can rise above the narrow confines of their own individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity, then we have began to learn to love.

References & Inspirations

The Washington Post – 02/13/05 “When Sexuality Undercuts a Family’s Ties”

Christian Answers – Kevin James Bywater “Is Interracial Marriage Biblical?”

NPR: Tell Me More – 04/20/09 “Tax Protests About More than Money”

Let the MF Burn

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Watching the Republican Party these days is like watching the house across the street burn. You feel a sense of lost cause someone you know are displaced and you feel helpless because you tried to help them save the house, but only one member of the family is willing to speak to you and the others are pulling them back into the burning house to die. All you can do is yell instructions for them to get out.

You have compassion for them, because you know what it’s like to have your house burn. But what do you do when they just don’t want to listen to anything you say or your help. You cut the water off, take your water hose back to your house and watch the MF burn.

I absolutely give up trying to talk to a contingency of individuals who fail to embrace logic and reality. The hypocrisy of many Republicans and/or Conservatives for those who don’t want to associate themselves with the GOP is beyond me. I’m glad that you had your little protest, although the same people would call me un-American or un-patriotic when I protest, but I don’t require your approval to validate me, nor do you need my approval.

The question is how do you reconcile your conscience against the documented and reported acts while your leaders and party was in power? To consistently blame Democrats for all the problems in the world as if you had nothing to do with it is absurd.

The disingenuous outrageous claims of socialism are weak. You don’t realize what you’re saying or doing. Just Google it or find a dictionary. Go to those institutions of socialism called public libraries.

Why should I continue to waste my time reasoning and speaking to you as if you can comprehend what I’m talking about? History is repeating itself and you are on the wrong side. Look at the protests, what’s in common with it and those we can recall during the 1950’s & 60’s? Let me help you, because it’s not just limited to race. In fact it has nothing to do with race its ideology.

Heed the words I’m saying to you, this will come back to bite you when you least expect it and you will see what I’m saying to you is true and fair. For the sake of sanity, please evaluate your logic and reasoning; cross reference it to history, philosophy, theology and civics. You have lost all grips on reality and the party and its ideology is driving over a cliff. Tell me how that’s working for ya.

To the moderate conservatives, please save yourself. The roof is on fire and these people just want the M.F. to burn. So let the mother f—–s burn.

Honestly, I’m sorry for your lost, but you are the ones who are going to have to rebuild this party to what it’s suppose to be. The group in there now ideology is fuel by the gasoline of despair and aimlessness, the fire is the lack of sophistication to embrace reality. Get out while you can or before they bring you down with them.

This is not Vietnam, but the time has come where your silence is betrayal. I’ve tried to speak up and to speak out, but you may have better luck than I had.