Fear In The Absence of Love

The product of fear

When we allow fear to influence our direction in life and what we do, we lose sight of what “humanity” should lead us in doing.

Fear–an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen: (From the Cambridge English Dictionary—cambridge.org)

Fear–a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. (From dictionary.com)

Fear–an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger (From Merriam-Webster.com)

“Perfect love (unconditional love—my paraphrase) casts out fear.”

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (I John 4:18 NIV)

Now, that the definition has been addressed and a biblical concept has been made, let’s look at what fear has done in our nation.

            From the beginning—when the first colonists came to this country—they allowed fear of the Native Inhabitants to influence their decisions and actions. The Native Inhabitants were different—they looked different and had different customs—therefore, they must be “dangerous.” At least that’s the attitude taken when human beings were slaughtered because they didn’t look like or act like the invaders.  Never mind the fact that those same “dangerous human beings” helped the first colonists to survive in this land. When the “killing stopped” of the Native Inhabitants, the white people restricted them the most barren lands and forced them into reservations, without thought as to how they would survive. They did and now the United States Government has acknowledged the Native Inhabitants and attempted in some ways to amend the damage done through various laws and policies. Let’s never forget this one—very important fact—the Native Inhabitants were here in this land—FIRST.

            Moving on to 1619—when the first slaves from Africa arrived on these shores (and possibly before they left the continent of Africa)—they looked different, had a different language and did things differently. But white slave owners didn’t care about the fact that bringing them to a strange land would make them unable to comprehend what was expected of them since they didn’t speak the language. So, what did the white slave owners do? They beat the slaves into submission without ever considering what they were doing to other human beings.

            Thankfully, the Civil War helped to end slavery when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but it did little to assuage the fear white people had of black folks. Before 1864, there were more black and Native slaves than white people so they made unfair and horrendous laws to maintain control over them (minority rule). Afterwards, during Reconstruction, some white people continued to mistreat and abuse black people, especially the poor, uneducated white people who later made up a large percentage of the “white hate groups.”

            Looking back at history and truly understanding the “fear” white people have of black folks is evident in how they continually tore down and destroyed anything black people as a community attempted to build:

The Atlanta Race Riot

            (blackthen.com)

Hoke Smith was a former publisher of the Atlanta Journal and Clark Howell was the editor of the Atlanta Constitution. Both candidates used their influence to incite white voters and help spread the fear that whites may not be able to maintain the current social order.

The Atlanta Georgian and the Atlanta News began publishing stories about white women being molested and raped by Black men. These allegations were reported multiple times and were largely false.

On Sept. 22, 1906, Atlanta newspapers reported four alleged assaults on local white women. Soon, some 10,000 white men and boys began gathering, beating, and stabbing Blacks. It is estimated that there were between 25 and 40 African-American deaths; it was confirmed that there were only two white deaths.

Greenwood—Tulsa, Oklahoma—(Black Wall Street)

The neighborhood was destroyed during a riot that broke out after a group men from Greenwood attempted to protect a young Black man from a lynch mob. On the night of May 31, 1921, a  mob called for the lynching of Dick Rowland, a Black man who shined shoes, after reports spread that on the previous day he had assaulted Sarah Page, a white woman, in the elevator she operated in a downtown building.

In the early morning hours of June 1, 1921, Black Tulsa was looted, firebombed from the air and burned down by white rioters. The governor declared martial law, and National Guard troops arrived in Tulsa. Guardsmen assisted firemen in putting out fires, removed abducted African-Americans from the hands of white vigilantes, and imprisoned all Black Tulsans, not already confined, into a prison camp at the Convention Hall and the Fairgrounds, some for as long as eight days.

In the wake of the violence, 35 city blocks lay in charred ruins, over 800 people were treated for injuries and estimated 300 deaths occurred.

Chicago Race Riots (1919)

Termed “Red Summer.” On July 27, 1919, an African-American teenager drowned in Lake Michigan after he challenged the unofficial segregation of Chicago’s beaches and was stoned by a group of white youths.

His death, and the police refusal to arrest the men who caused it, sparked a week of race rioting between Black and white Chicagoans, with Black neighborhoods receiving the worst of the damage.

Rosewood Massacre (1923)

Spurred by unsupported accusations that a white woman in Sumner had been beaten and possibly raped by a Black drifter, white men from a number of nearby towns lynched a Rosewood resident. When the Black citizens defended themselves against further attack, several hundred whites combed the countryside hunting Black people and burning almost every structure in Rosewood.

Washington, DC Race Riots (1919)

However, Washington’s Black community was then the largest and most prosperous in the country, with a small but impressive upper class of teachers, ministers, lawyers and businessmen concentrated in the LeDroit Park neighborhood near Howard University.

By the time the “Red Summer” was underway, unemployed whites bitterly envied the relatively few blacks who were fortunate enough to procure low-level government jobs. Many whites also resented the influx of African-Americans into previously segregated neighborhoods around Capitol Hill, Foggy Bottom and the old downtown.

In July 1919, white men, many in military uniforms, responded to the rumored arrest of a Black man for rape with four days of mob violence. They rioted, randomly beat Black people on the street and pulled others off streetcars in attacks. When police refused to intervene, the Black population fought back.

Detroit Race Riot of 1943 (detroithistorical.org)

Like the successive rebellion that would erupt 24 years later, the Detroit Race Riot of 1943 was deeply rooted in racism, poor living conditions and unequal access to goods and services. The apparent industrial prosperity that made Detroit the “Arsenal of Democracy” masked a deeper social unrest that erupted during the summer of 1943. The KKK was active in the region and riots had already broken out in other cities.

Before and during World War II, workers migrated north to seek factory employment in such vast numbers that Detroit was incapable of adequately receiving them. Because black Detroiters were still treated as second class citizens, they suffered disproportionately from wartime rationing and the overall strains on the city. Factories offered employment but not housing, and because whites violently defended the borders of their segregated neighborhoods, black residents had little choice but to suffer in repulsive living conditions.

Detroit’s 200,000 black residents were marginalized into small, subdivided apartments that often housed multiple families. They were crammed into sixty square blocks on the city’s east side, an area ironically known as Paradise Valley.

Knoxville, TN Race Riot (1919)

In August 1919, a race riot in Knoxville, Tenn., broke out after a white mob mobilized in response to a Black man accused of murdering a white woman. The 5,000-strong mob stormed the county jail searching for the prisoner. They freed 16 white prisoners, including suspected murderers.

After looting the jail and sheriff’s house, the mob moved on and attacked the African-American business district. Many of the city’s Black residents, aware of the race riots that had occurred across the country that summer, had armed themselves, and barricaded the intersection of Vine and Central to defend their businesses.

Two platoons of the Tennessee National Guard’s 4th Infantry led by Adjutant General Edward Sweeney arrived, but they were unable to halt the chaos. The mob broke into stores and stole firearms and other weapons on their way to the Black business district. Upon their arrival the streets erupted in gunfire as Black snipers exchanged fire with both the rioters and the soldiers. The Tennessee National Guard at one point fired two machine guns indiscriminately into the neighborhood, eventually dispersing the rioters.

New York City Draft Riot (1863)

The Draft Riot of 1863 was a four-day eruption of violence in New York City during the Civil War stemming from deep worker discontent with the inequities of the first federally mandated conscription laws.

In addition, the white working class feared that emancipation of enslaved Blacks would cause an influx of African-American workers from the South. In many instances, employers used Black workers as strike-breakers during this period. Thus, the white rioters eventually turned their wrath on the homes and businesses of innocent African-Americans and anything else symbolic of their growing political, economic and social power.

The East St. Louis Massacre (1917)

During spring 1917 Blacks were arriving in St. Louis at the rate of 2,000 per week, with many of them finding work at the Aluminum Ore Company and the American Steel Company in East St. Louis.

Some whites feared loss of job and wage security because of the new competition, and further resented newcomers arriving from a rural, very different culture. Tensions between the groups ran high and  escalated when rumors were spread about Black men and white women socializing at labor meetings.

In May, 3,000 white men gathered in downtown East St. Louis. The roving mob began burning buildings and attacking Black people.  The Illinois governor called in the National Guard to prevent further rioting and conditions eased somewhat for a few weeks.

Then on July 1, white men driving a car through a Black neighborhood began shooting into houses, stores, and a church. A group of Black men organized themselves to defend against the attackers. As they gathered, they mistook an approaching car for the same one that had earlier driven through the neighborhood and they shot and killed both men in the car, who were, in fact, police detectives sent to calm the situation.

            Of course, we could go on for decades describing the indignities and inhumane treatment suffered by black people at the hands of white people and all because of their fear of black people. After the Reconstruction Era, fear motivated Jim Crow Laws which further limited the mobility and potential of black folks. All of this is documented in so many places that it would entail writing a book to list it all. But let’s take another look, with a microscopic perspective at events in recent decades—the killing of black males and females by white police officers. Without going into great detail about what is readily known and has been recently portrayed in the review of the practices of police officers who appear to not think twice about shooting a black person (suspect), but will go out of their way to treat known white killers with dignity and humaneness. Why? Fear of black people motivates the unjust use of force and eventual deaths.

            I’m not trying to relitigate the deaths of all those who died at the hands of police officers who appear to have racial bias. That would take too long and not many would read it, but I am trying to show how “fear” in the absence of love, leads to disastrous results. Until we learn how to love, unconditionally, all human beings (that’s not to say we have to agree with them), we will continue to see the ravages of human life at the hands of those who are fearful and promote fear to inflame others. What the world—especially those of us in America—needs more than anything else is “love” and understanding. Where there is no understanding of the experiences of another, we tend to fertilize fear with fearmongering and that has to stop.

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A Rightful Place In History

Deb Haaland, President-Elect Joe Biden’s pick as Secretary of the Interior, the first Native Inhabitant to hold a position in a presidential cabinet will be a welcomed sight for many.

While listening to him describe her background, I was moved to the past, a past before America was America and struggled not to be angry over the treatment and massacre of so many human beings. I have always had an affinity towards the “Indians” in movies and hated watching them being accused of something they didn’t do and then being killed. My stepfather loved watching cowboy movies and unfortunately, the cowboys always won. The depiction portrayed was that Indians were evil and the cowboys were the good guys except for the fact that some of the cowboys were just downright evil.

All the cowboys portrayed in the television shows of old were white. All the bad or evil people were either black or Indian. And this is what generations of people grew up believing, until now. Until now, most chose to ignore the history of this land. How the Europeans came to this land, were helped by the Native Inhabitants to survive the elements and to grow food they did not know. Then, after surviving tenuous situations, the Europeans repaid the Native Inhabitants by stealing their land, killing off entire tribes, and relegating them to dry arid lands (reservations) where they were expected to just die off. They did not just die off and Deb Haaland is proof that no matter how terrible her ancestors were treated, the Native Inhabitants of the land knew how to survive, all the torture and mistreatment they have endured.

And they will survive to tell the story, a better story than the Europeans would ever tell because of the history in the making. What is shameful is the fact that there are still people (of European descent) who still think Native Inhabitants are inferior to them and they publicly treat them abominably. But then again, we have a segment of our society who treats everyone who does not “look like them or think like them or worships like them” abominably, still.

Now, there are number of people who might be reading this who might be wondering why a black woman is so outraged at the treatment of Native Inhabitants. Perhaps, the outrage is because they are human beings, just as I am, and I understand how hateful it is to be treated with disdain because that’s exactly how my ancestors were treated. The Native Inhabitants were already here, my ancestors were brought to this land in chains and forced to forego their native languages and customs to assimilate themselves to the white European ways. Or maybe the outrage stems from the blood flowing through my veins that aligns with tribes of the land.

There is so much that I can say about ill-will and faux superiority of white Europeans that it would take volumes to say it all. The true (unabridged) history books tell the story, how elected leaders ordered others killed, and no one cared, how faux negotiations were made for land and then the white man stole the land, breaching the negotiations made in good faith, forcing the Native Inhabitants to be on the move, giving up their way of life, just to survive the atrocities lodged against them.

America could have learned so much from the Native Inhabitants, had they been able to put their robe of superiority in a closet and donned a robe of humility for a few hundred years. Had there been an ounce of humility in any of those who came across the pond to this land, slavery would not have been an issue that has kept human beings in bondage for hundreds of years and in a state that many would like to see that particular position continue. Like the Native Inhabitants, black descendants of slaves learned survival and because of their inherent innovative skills, are responsible for multiple creations that have helped make life easier for all, though they were not always given credit for their contribution to this society.

What is country needs, is a microscopic look into the history that has brought us to this place and understand that if change, real change is not initiated, America will cease to exist as we have known it and the planet will die without the bold, creative genius employed by descendants of slaves that has so often been ignored. The Native Inhabitants knew how to take care of the land to keep a supply of food and resources available and the descendants of slaves, knew how to create what was needed from the resources sustained. If anyone should be wearing a robe of superiority it should be the Native Inhabitants, who had it not been for them, white Europeans would never have survived living in this land.

But all things being equal—at least that is the fight of the 21^st Century, that we are all treated equally, and no one suffers injustice—watching this step up for Deb Haaland and a host of ancestors will be the beginning of something wonderful and I sincerely hope, those who insist onto holding to their bigotry will move out the way or be moved out of the way so freedom and justice can be enjoyed by all.

When Do Black Lives Matter?

Of course, the question itself will bring about backlash from those with 1 dimensional (1D) thinking because it is not part of their message.

Well, it should be part of the message for everyone living in a community where the murder rate is beyond understandable. And yes, I am talking about black-on-black crime. It is unnerving and painful to acknowledge that the black community seems to be more concerned about the black lives taken by police, than those in their own community. Let’s face it–more black people are killed by other black people than those killed by the police.

Don’t get it twisted! I’m not saying there should not be a movement against police brutality against black people, but when is there going to be a movement against black people killing black people? The fact that black communities have become so desensitized to black-on-black crime makes those entire communities hypocrites when they protest police brutality and march in protests with BLM banners and wearing BLM T-shirts.

Until the black community wakes up–I mean really wakes up–and deals with the issues in their own back yards, on their own streets, how on earth do they think the killing of black people is going to cease? Yeah, the black community has myriad issues to deal with–poverty, illiteracy, mental illness, and homelessness, but are any of these issues a pass to commit crime? The drug-related crimes are over the top–not just those selling illegal drugs, but those committing crimes to get a fix. And then there is the greed, not need aspect of criminality in “the hood.” Carjacking, car theft, home invasions, and robberies. Now, these crimes are committed by every ethnic group, but stay focused–this essay is about black-on-black crimes.

People in the black community complain about the lack of opportunity and diversity in various places, but no one wants to own the problem with black-on-black crime. Why is that? Is it that “black lives matter,” only when the police are involved? Why don’t black lives matter daily, in every community?

Every year, new organizations rise and say they are going to solve the problem. Some may have put a “dent” in the problem, but the problem has not been solved. So many pastors and school leaders have attempted to stem the tide of violence and yet, the violence continues. Has anyone stopped to evaluate why? Has anyone stopped to think about emphasizing the need to stop killing each other in a manner that they see themselves differently? Has anyone thought about effective appropriate parenting classes would be in communities where the kids are angry and rebellious because parents are not parenting? How about parents teaching their children their value and worth before they ever start school? How about parents demonstrating, in front of the children, what it means to be a productive member of society? How about the church leaders stop passing the collection plate long enough to be an effective servant of God in teaching their congregations how to mentor children in their neighborhoods? When we as a community stop being so self-centered that we only care about us and seldom care about others?

When we learn to “love our neighbors as ourselves” real change will occur because love makes a difference. But if people do not love themselves, they are certainly not going to love others. So, let’s start with teaching people how to love themselves–displaying integrity, honor, and compassion. Until we do, the Black Lives Matter movement will continue to be a hypocrisy when black people, keep killing other black people.

Now do not think for a moment that I am advocating dissolution of the Black Lives Matter movement; I’m simply trying to put some perspective into the situation. We need police reform and it needs to begin with how police officers are trained, and continue as review on a regular basis–especially for those veteran officers who learned things one way and are reluctant or even rebellious about learning something new. When we as a people learn to respect all lives–especially those of our sisters and brothers of like skin-tones, maybe, just maybe–we can convince everyone else around us to respect us and our lives. Unless a person is defending their lives–no one should ever be killed–black or white or brown or any other ethnic group simply because of anger and a lack of inability to think before doing. Whenever people “react” to situations without thinking, they lose the ability to control a situation. Learn to respond and respect the lives of all.

Become a 3-dimensional (3D) thinker–thinking beyond what one can see or from just one perspective. When we do, we can solve problems and save lives.

Being A Proud Black Mother

I’m a proud black mother

Who reflects upon history

And understands the timeline,

The never-ending chronology

Of mothers’ fears, worries and concern,

About every child delivered and born

Into this world of inequality and scorn

Simply because of their skin tone.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

Who can and does empathize

With those who stood quietly,

Tears rolling down their face

Pain ripping apart every fiber of their being,

As they watched their babies,

Torn from their arms,

Sold, abused and misused, slaughtered and maimed

All at the white man’s whim

With no humanitarian laws against him.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

Who lived through Jim Crow laws,

Never fully understanding then,

Heartache endured of my kin

Who had to stay in “their place,”

Never muttering a word against

Discriminatory acts, fear etched in their face,

Because the laws were never just,

Never considered the black man worthy of equality

Or having just laws to protect their families,

All we got was silence, no response to our pleas

To be treated like human beings.

 

I’m a proud black mother

Who gave birth to two children

My daughter and son, in that order.

Teaching her how to avoid situations

That could traumatize her life,

Teaching him how to avoid strife

While living black.

Over 40 years later, since my children were born

Not much has changed, children are still torn

From their mothers in one way or another,

From police brutality or someone else’s brother,

Who just didn’t understand

How precious life is for every black man.

 

I’m a proud black mother

And though some may never admit,

Days of being concerned, fretfully

About the plight of every black child

Will never end, until every man, woman and child

Stops treating human beings differently,

Until laws include a humanitarian stance

With equality and justice for all,

No matter what our skin tone is called,

Because the simple truth is this,

If we believe mankind began on the African Continent,

We are all of African descent

And can no longer hide in ignorant bliss

Behind the lies of inferiority of one man

To appease a fragile ego of those needing

To feel and act superior.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

In my advanced age, still willing to take a stand,

Actively involved with my vote and my hands,

Working with the community to silence the hate

That if not quelled, will eventually obliterate

Any forward movement, any strides made

To cross that finish line where all men, women and children

Are seen as humans and not just the color of their skin.

But until that happens, please understand the need for all to see

Black Lives Matter—especially to mothers who look like me!

Are We Convinced Racism Still Exists in America?

This has been a truly revealing week — and yet for many of us — it’s been a confirmation of what we already knew. A racist bigot occupies the White House and with every tweet, he proves it.

But it’s not just trump — the occupant in the White House— it’s the GOP in Congress who refuse to call him out on his racist behavior and comments or the treasonous rhetoric and his love for dictators. While we know trump is a racist, we may have tried to not conclude those in Congress were also just as racist as he is. Oh, we about some of them — the ones who are hard to miss or ignore like: Steve King Chuck Grassley, Tom Cotton, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Kevin McCarthy, John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell and others. So, when we think about all the elected officials who are racist bigots, we have to look at those who elected them and knew what they were.

Though their numbers (the racist GOP in Congress) may be few, look at the number of people they represent from their respective states who put them there! Look at the people who chanted, “send her back” when trump attacked, without evidence — Ilhan Omar — lying about what she has said (he forgets she’s apologized for some statements). They were clearly supportive of his racist stance in wanting to deport a woman of color who just happens to be Muslim. And then, the next day, he claims he didn’t like the chant and he didn’t say it. Really? Didn’t he say in a tweet that the women of color in Congress (Rashida, Ilhan, Ayanna, and AOC) who disagreed with him, and wouldn’t say “nice things” about him should go back where they came from? Lindsey Graham confirmed that had Ilhan Omar been wearing a red cap and embraced trump, he never would have said anything about her. And that’s a problem — trump only wants people in this country who will praise him and kiss his behind and go along with whatever he wants.

But I digress. He doesn’t understand democracy, any of America’s history regarding the tropes he uses that are racist and pervasive and he doesn’t care. He understands how to project fear into the hearts of those who feel they have somehow been victimized by people of color — without evidence — and it gives them the right to hate. His only goal is to win — by any means necessary — and we know he’ll use Russia’s help again to deliberately spread disinformation and misinformation to build the fear. What’s truly sad to watch is all the gullible people who praise him, thinking he cares about them. He doesn’t. They are simply a means to an end — his staying in the White House to avoid prosecution for all the crimes he’s committed.

So, here’s my message to the sane and rational people who have not yet succumbed to drinking the orange Kool Aid — recognize racism exists, how it keeps a stronghold on people, and then do everything you can to wipe it out of existence. A tall order I know, but we have to begin somewhere and it might as well be now.

Call out racism — wherever you see it, by whoever is guilty of it, even if it’s a friend or family member.

Never accept anyone’s justification for being a racist unless they can provide unequivocal evidence that proves whatever they’re saying is true.

Learn to love all humanity and treat everyone with respect especially those with whom we disagree. We can disagree agreeably without igniting fear that could lead to violence.

In our corner of the world in America, we must learn to take a stand and speak up wherever we find injustice (racism, despotism, etc.). Where there are those who are afraid to speak up, we must become the voice of reason and speak for them. And we must vote — in every election — knowing who it is we are voting for who will represent all the people, not just some of the people.

I’ve encountered blatant racism while campaigning for our governor last year, but it didn’t deter me, it ignited a desire in me to run for office — on the local level — and do my part to combat racism by demonstrating that people of color are capable of leading the masses no matter who the masses are. When we learn to see “a human being” in front of us, not just a person of a certain race, we start to unravel the misconceptions that have led to racism still existing in America. I love my city and I know because of the people I know — racism doesn’t exist in their hearts, but I can’t ignore the fact that in the hearts of some — it still exists.

The people with whom I have a relationship with — friends, family social media followers — know I don’t care about a person’s ethnicity — I care about them and how I’m treated and I always try to encourage others and tell them I love them — even those I haven’t met. It’s just that simple. We can bring racism to an end if we really want to do so, by minimizing the impact we allow the haters to have on what we do (unless challenged or threatened with bodily harm). It’s our choice. We can feed their egos and animosity or we can focus on bringing communities together and let the world see who we really are —American Patriots who care about all.

On another note — running for any office takes money — even the local races — and I want to make sure I’m in position to represent my community well and to be “a voice for them.” We’re short $1K in meeting our budget goal by August 1, 2019. Will you help with a $5 donation to help me with this election so I can stay focused on shredding racism in my little corner of America? Thank you! Real change begins, locally and spreads outward. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-2-elect-mary-hall-rayford-1

If you want to know more about me and the issues and concerns I’m addressing, please check me out on facebook.com/EPCityCouncilCandidate.

Democracy Undermined By GOP!

It’s bad enough to know that Republicans can only win an election when they cheat–by various means–gerrymandering, voter suppression and now–inhibiting the ability of incoming, newly elected Democrats–subverting the will of the people.

First, it was North Carolina–when remaining GOP legislators–deliberately and with malicious intent, passed legislation to keep the new Governor from having full authority of the office of his job. Jealousy and hatred ruled and apparently, set the stage for other states to follow their odious example.

Now, after the 2018 Mid Terms, Wisconsin, Michigan, and perhaps, Pennsylvania and Utah are experiencing similar issues with corrupt, un-American, Republicans who disdain our democracy.

If and when outgoing governors–sign these bills into law–limiting the authority of incoming governors–they are traitors to their state and to the democracy that most of value. In a democracy, the rule of the people–when they vote–should be honored and respected. The people, by their vote–voiced their choice in who they wanted to govern them. Anyone else interfering with that process is guilty of violating constitutional rights of the people and infringing upon the rights of elected officials –curtailing their ability to do their job–govern for all the people.

This is beyond shameful, but so indicative of hate-filled, bigoted people. The once respected Republican party has become a party of disingenuous zealots who only care about controlling people, not the people themselves.

Rick Scott–in Wisconsin–will bear the shame and tainted legacy he leaves.

Rick Snyder–in Michigan–who has already left many with dubious thoughts about him because of the Flint water situation–will also bear the shame and leave a further tainted legacy when he leaves. It’s a shame and embarrassment to the Republican party and it should leave a really sour taste in the mouths of all who support this kind of subversion of elections.

I believe this behavior is a concerted, planned ploy by the Republican Governors Association (RGA) to deny incoming elected officials their right to govern and in the case in Michigan, we know Republicans are angry that the top positions elected will now be held by women–and like the misogynists they are–they’re trying to control what the women do–as if they need babysitters.

The people of Wisconsin are fighting back, just like those in North Carolina (on the heels of re-doing their election because of election fraud) and those of us in Michigan, will not lay down and let repulsive Republicans get away with this effort to thwart the voters. In our democracy–we have a constitutional right to choose who we want to govern us and the fact that there are those who choose to “rampantly push through legislation out of spite” during lame duck sessions–reveal how much they hate our democracy.

Those supporting repressive and probably illegal practices of subverting a voter’s constitutional right to choose who they want to govern, should be sanctioned and never allowed to hold public office, anywhere.

The People–in every state–have a right to choose who governs them and how they choose to do so, not the outgoing legislators–passing dubious bills–limiting authority of duly elected leaders.

It’s Time To Fight Back, America

In Every State That Tries To Deny

The Rights Of Duly-Elected Leaders!

We Need To Outlaw Lame Duck Legislation That Interferes With The Authority of In-coming Leaders!

I’m In–Are You?

Write, call, fax, email, tweet your legislators who are trying to interfere with the democratic process and let them know, you’re paying attention and you will make sure they’re never elected for anything, ever again. This behavior is fraudulent and they should all be sued for “subverting democracy and the constitutional rights of voters.” Check your state’s government websites for contact information for your legislators and get busy. I’ve been involved in the protest in the capitol in Lansing, emailing, faxing, and calling, and tweeting the legislative leaders and the governor. We must stand up and fight back, if we’re to maintain our democracy.

Our Vote Is Our Voice And It Matters!

Protesters at Michigan Capitol–I’m on the end “live streaming” event.

Get Involved!

Accountability For All!

Dear trump supporters:

I’ve had a lot to say for the past two years, but this is my first letter directed at you. And yes, I know I didn’t capitalize his name, I seldom do. I have no respect for him and I won’t pretend that I do. What amazes me is that anyone could have any respect for him, but apparently, some do.

Let me begin with those who voted for him–shortsightedness, frustration, anger, apathy or just plain stupidity guided this shipwreck of a decision and here we are. I really don’t care about those who claim to be pro-life when in actuality, they are pro-fetus, not the life of those outside the womb. The proof–the mindless moron just condoned the killing of an American journalist because he can’t stand the thought of losing any business (his personal business–it’s not about America First) from the Saudis. This is what gets me–he lies and lies, deflects and denies and that same segment of people, keep making excuses for him and justifying his behavior. And for those hoping a Republican court system will prevail against abortions–think again. It won’t. If you don’t want to have an abortion, don’t have one. If you don’t want to be married to a person who is the same sex as you are, don’t marry them. And before you get your underwear in a bunch, I’m more Christian than any of the dolts who voted for this moron, and I know the most important commandment we have from Jesus is to love–unconditionally, so keep your religious, Phariseetical comments to yourself.

He does not care about America–if he did, the deficit would be decreasing and not increasing. He does not care about our military–if he did the 5800 troops at the border would be home with their families, he would have gone to combat zones before now to visit our troops, and he hasn’t done a thing to support our veterans. Anyone with even partial vision and hearing knows by now, he disrespected veterans by not going to the Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day or the cemetery in France. He met with Putin and was so glad to see him that everyone remarked at the pure joy that showed in his face. Most of the veterans I know and have an affiliation with–are totally po’d with him. They have not been paid benefits for some time now and it’s going to cause problems for many. But does he care–not one whit. He disparaged Admiral McRaven–claiming Bin Laden should have taken out sooner than he was. But now, please remember–trump avoided the draft with phony deferments five times to avoid Viet Nam and now, he claims he doesn’t want to visit the troops for fear someone will kill him. Amazing how that fear never stopped other presidents from visiting troops in combat zones and yet–he claimed he’d run into a building with an active shooter in a school. More lies. He’s afraid of the rain because he can’t manage an umbrella.

And then there was the tax cut scam that many are going to soon regret when they realize, they did not gain anything because all the exemptions and deductions will no longer exist when they file their taxes. So some thought getting a few extra dollars in a paycheck was going to make a difference–short term and temporary. The corporations who got all the real breaks, bought back their own stocks, laid off workers and many closed doors, leaving the workers–behind the eight-ball. Right now, GM is cutting their work force by 18K. What are these folks supposed to do? Join the rolls of the unemployed and watch that percentage rise from 3.9% back to 5.1% nationally. It’s coming–this is what always happens when Republicans control government–they enrich themselves, cut spending for the poor and then we see a recession. Democrats are the ones always left to clean up the messes and reduce the deficit–by raising taxes–because cutting them led to the increased deficit to start with and the working class, did not benefit the same way the rich did.

He’s abused and misused the office of the presidency to the point where America is the laughingstock of the world. We have more lawsuits pending in court than ever before (and we’re only 2 years into this fiasco) and now–journalists have been put in danger all over the world with his stupid, mindless, reckless, rhetoric–calling the media the enemy of the people.  The true enemy of the people–is trump–the wanna-be dictator who wanted to prosecute and jail anyone who criticized him and primarily to impede the investigation into the Russian involvement in the 2016 election. I know some will never believe it, but it’s true, and not believing–won’t change the truth. You know–the way some people say they don’t believe in God–they don’t have to believe Him–and it doesn’t change the truth of who He is.

Further evidence that trump doesn’t care about Americans or America is found in the roll-back of all the “consumer protections” that were established to protect us from corporate greed and disregard. Now, corporations can poison the water, the soil and pollute the air. We’ll end up with all sorts of diseases from the protections being rolled back and then we’ll just die because he doesn’t want to provide healthcare for all. I’m guessing how we bury our dead is not a concern to him.

If I tried to relate all the stupid he’s done in just two years, this would be a very long letter. So, let me get to the point of this. There needs to be accountability for every person in an elected office and since there’s no one in this administration that has shown any capability of being an adult, the culpability for the stupid falls on the shoulders of every person who voted for the menace in the White House. I didn’t vote for him because I knew from listening to him during the campaign that would be the biggest mistake I could ever make. There were at least 65 million of us who saw through all his blather and lies. Strangely, most of that 65 million don’t claim to be Christians and I would have thought, that Christians–who are like me–who can hear Holy Spirit when He speaks–would have known better. I guess that’s the difference between being religious and being in relationship with Christ. I heard Him speak to my heart and did everything I could to warn people, but the religious folks didn’t care. They even lied and said God chose trump to be in the White House. The God of Heaven that I serve is far too wise to have chosen a person who is the antithesis of who He is. If people truly know God–they’d know this. They would also know that according to the bible, if we warn people of impending danger and they ignore us–their blood is on their hands. If they heed the warning, they are safe. But if we don’t warn people when we see impending danger and people are harmed, then their blood is on our hands. I didn’t and don’t want anyone’s blood on my hands, so I warned and I am continuing to warn about the menace in the White House. What you do about it, is on you. Not me.

So, whatever happens from this menace being in the White House, if you voted for trump, you’re responsible. The lack of assistance and support for those in Puerto Rico, the delay in FEMA action from natural disasters, the death of the journalist (complicity), the veterans, the poor, the educational system, the deaths of millions who will succumb to illness because of the heartless, mindless moron you installed in the White House. This disastrous situation is all on you.

We can only hope–that a Democratic House will finally put a check on the menace and maybe, because of their example, the GOP in the Senate will wake up from the drug induced stupor (probably due to Russian connections and bribery) and uphold their oaths of office–which they haven’t done so far.

So knowing all that has transpired in the White House since January 20, 2017, can you look into a mirror and not cringe when you think about how lives have been affected, adversely since his inauguration? If you can look at yourself in the mirror and think he’s doing good things for America, then you are just as heartless and mindless as he is and the world would be better off without you. And when you die–I pray you suffer the same indignities that caged children have suffered and every person who has lost a loved one in a mass shooting or died because of a lack of access to healthcare. That’s all on you and I won’t let you forget it. Count on it.

THERE ARE NO ADULTS IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND NONE IN THE GOP SENATE. WHERE ARE THE ADULTS IN THIS SITUATION THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE DIRECTION OUR GREAT NATION IS TAKING?

They’re on their way and some have already begun the process to make sure trump is exposed for all the evil he’s done and when those in Congress find their spines, they’ll do what they need to do. At any rate, 2020 is looking better and better for me (or someone like me) to win the presidential election and start cleaning up the mess made by trump on the national and international levels.

Let’s face it–you really blew it this time and almost cost the country its democracy. Happy now?

Sincerely,

Mary Hall-Rayford

 

 

We Do Have Choices!

No matter what “traditional thinking” is regarding tribalism when it comes to politics–we do not have to vote for a person just because they’re in the “right party” or because of their political careers or celebrity status or their gender. What should be important to all, in any election, is the candidate and what they stand for. (Shudder now known tribalists).

I know there are some who say we should vote for those with political experience. The problem with that is–if those are the only people we vote for–no one else ever gets a chance to learn how to govern. We cannot be expected to know or understand those things to which we have never been exposed. However, committing to being a life-long learner puts in a position to learn and do. After all, what’s the point of learning things if we never have an opportunity to apply what we’ve learned.

Therefore, in the 2018 election cycle–there are many people who have never entered into politics before now but chose this moment and hour to make a difference. Not only will this hold true for the 2018 election election cycle, but for 2020 election cycle and every election cycle afterwards until the United States of America is truly governed by, the people–the Everyday Americans–who understand what is needed for all.

Since the Republican party–(Conservatives or whatever they choose to call themselves) have abdicated their responsibility in allowing a fascist to run rough shod over America, it’s time to let them rest and reconsider the role they could have to play in American politics. In order to make sure we fully root out the problems–I think the Republican party needs a 20 year rest–just enough time for them to regroup and rethink what it means to be an American and who Americans are. Until they understand this–they should never be in a position to legislate laws or govern anyone, but themselves.

In essence–in order to purge the evil intent, greedy corrupt malefactors from Congress and local governments all over the country–the #BlueWaveTsunami is a must–to save humanity and our planet.

No matter what ethic group we identify with or gender or religious group–no matter what our political party affiliations are–we are all Americans and we should respect all Americans whether we agree them or not–it’s called “choice.” We do not have to denigrate those with whom we disagree nor do we need to try maligning them to make ourselves look better. In fact, any time we have to resort to “dirty political tactics” by dredging up every known and unknown thing about a person, we have wasted precious time and resources that could have been used to exalt what we want others to remember us by–where we stand and why.

So, here’s the point of this particular blog post–I am a Black woman who is daring to entertain the idea of running for president in 2020. Some have said, I won’t make it because my limited political experience; some have reminded be of the odds against me simply because I’m a Black woman, and some don’t think I can withstand public scrutiny and daggers thrown by those opposing my run.

They have a point–though I began this exploration with limited political experience, I’m gaining insight as to what I need to know by becoming a precinct delegate and being appointed to my city’s Zoning Board of Appeals Commission. I’m competing training modules provided by the National Democratic Training Committee and learning from those who have already cleared the path. I will be the 8th Black Woman or the 9th Black woman to run for president (if Kamala Harris gets her paperwork in before me). Being a Black woman is not going to deter me from seeking to do good–it never has and it never will.

I have a heart to save and a desire to push America forward and help prepare everyone to handle the technological challenges and in restoring our global position with other nations. I am an Everyday American, with no political baggage, no celebrity status, and no desire to be a “bought” candidate. No one can bribe, bully, or blackmail me about anything. And yes, I am an imperfect human being, which makes me a Flawed But Fearless Fighter for justice for all. I’ve accomplished quite a bit in my life and I don’t plan to stop accomplishing until I’m dead (in about 34 years from now). For the rest, if anyone wants to know more they can simply review where I stand on facebook.com/YesIAm2020 or do a search on my name. Nothing new can dissuade me and nothing old will deter me from my destiny in 2020. Win or lose (and I do plan to win), I’m making the case for everyone–to exercise their right to choose–remembering we do have choices.

I’m choosing the candidates I know will fight for all–not because of gender or party, but because of who they are in 2018. I hope in 2020–people will do the same–and vote for an Everyday American–in every election–to govern all Everyday Americans.

Serving A Socialistic God !

Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:10 NIV

“ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God.’ ”  Leviticus 23:22 NIV

“ ‘If one of your fellow Israelites becomes poor and sells some of their property, their nearest relative is to come and redeem what they have sold. Leviticus 25:25 NIV

“ ‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. Leviticus 25:35 NIV

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:11 NIV

What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord, the Lord almighty! Isaiah 3:15 NIV

He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 22:16 NIV

Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:10 NIV

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, Luke 14:13 NIV

This list of scriptures regarding the poor could go on for a long time. It is significant to note, that God has always been concerned about the poor–those who for whatever reason are not able to take care of themselves as well as those who have riches. He has given us instructions as to how we are to treat the poor and yet–because of the Republican party–who claims to be Christian, does not understand socialism the way God demonstrated it. Notice, I did not say how God defined it, but how He demonstrated it. If they understood socialism as God demonstrates it in His Word with all of His instructions to all who believe in Him, they would not do everything they can to destroy the lives of the poor and the needy.

Republicans have plotted to destroy every program instituted to help the poor–with no remorse and in fact–some have been, “gleeful.”

Destruction by slashing funding for the Affordable Care Act–hurts the poor more than it helps the rich.

Destruction by slashing funding for food assistance hurts the poor.

Destruction by slashing funding for education hurts the the poor.

Destruction by dismantling all the safeguards regarding our environment hurts the poor (those in coal-mining communities will soon see this as well as those who will be harmed by the pollutants in the air.)

Destruction by slashing funding for any government program serves only one purpose–to hurt the poor.

Republicans often criticize Democrats for their socialism–because Democrats increase spending to help the poor–but then the Republicans claim to be the party of family values and morality. Everything they do to destroy the poor, proves they lie and if they read their bibles with understanding–they would know how God feels about liars. But they won’t–because they think they know everything and the rest of us know nothing. And it is because of their blindness they think we don’t see the corruption and the blatant raping of America’s Treasury–enacted by all the corrupt cabinet members installed by Putin’s directions. We see and we know–the evil that flows from the White House that the Evangelicals have tried to sugarcoat as all being part of God’s plan. They lie!

The bottom line for me is this–God is not really interested in my political party affiliation–He’s more interested in what I do that honors Him–in all things and that includes providing for the poor and the needy. So, my goal as the next president will be to make sure the needs of the poor are addressed and that funding is available to stabilize America’s future endeavors for all (healthcare, education, food, job training, care for senior citizens and veterans).

It’s not that I think we should “give anyone all they want” and that includes the politicians who are running rampant through tax dollars to appease their egos, but we should be a support for those trying to climb out of poverty and help to make our country productive and economically sound. I’m a registered Democrat and will probably remain one as long as I live since my values align with God’s instructions.

 

A Voice In The Wilderness!

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’  John 1:23 NIV

We know of course that John the Baptist was speaking of Jesus–then. But there are many voices that are getting lost in the wilderness of noise designed to create and promote confusion. The noise–is the distractions that are constantly getting in the way of people being able to see and hear clearly what must be heard.

For those who think–“a fallen tree in the forest when no one was around to hear it doesn’t make noise,” you are deceived. There is noise when a tree falls–the animals hear and are usually alarmed and scatter. In fact, whenever there is a noise in the quiet of a forest–disrupting the peace of normalcy–the animals scatter—hiding until they think it’s safe to reappear.

Our democracy–and the fair and free election process–has fallen in the midst of the noisy distractions created by the corrupt GOP who desire people to ignore it. They have done everything possible to distract from the truth–attempts to suppress the vote during the election (successful in some places), through intimidation and lies about polling locations changing, trying to claim “voter fraud” when they were backtracking to make sure their fraudulent practices were not discovered (they were), to deliberately reassigning boundaries to keep themselves in power (courts are assessing). They are the distraction and “WE THE PEOPLE” must be the voice in the wilderness that gets heard.

We must stand up and speak out against the manipulations and corruption we see deployed by elected officials on all levels–locally and nationally.

When elected officials lie, we must call “BS” immediately and confront them with facts and truths (which most of them don’t want to hear).

When the menace in the White House–consistently demeans and maligns the press and those in America who don’t support him, we must speak with a loud voice and remind him–this is America and if he doesn’t like the Rule of Law and our Constitution (which he has violated multiple times), he is always free to leave and go stay in Russia or anywhere else he admires dictators.

In America–Signers of the Constitution understood how the voice of freedom could get lost in the noise of those who want to dictate and control others. They understood the consequences of anyone getting into a position to become a dictator because they came to this country to escape the foot on their necks by a monarchy.

Our voice–in the midst of the chaos and corruption we see and hear all around us, must be heard in our vote–in every election–for if we do not exercise the right to vote–at all times–we lose our voice and the noise suppresses truth and freedom.

To better understand what is happening in America, check out the electoral map of every state and realize what the GOP have been planning with the help of those who suppress truth and promote lies. Their goal–to rewrite the Constitution so it only benefits rich, white males. It’s time all of America does their own research, using reliable, credible sources–in order to make a logical, rational decision in coming elections.

This is our time (EveryDay Americans) and we can prove how important our voice is by promoting an avenue for every voter to educate themselves about the issues and who really cares about them. We cannot afford to allow the noise to suppress our voices–it’s time to show up and show out at the polls–creating the Blue Wave Tsunami–so we can no peace in the land, again.

If no one else will do it–I shall–and I won’t be silenced by threats, hatred or bigotry or the noise of those who attempt to silence me. I am a true American Patriot and I will not allow–without a fight–the loss of our democracy to be “the blood on my hands.”

I’m interested in building bridges that lead to stronger relationships for all Americans, not constructing walls of absurdity, hatred, and bigotry. What’s your goal?

 

I’m Mary Hall-Rayford and I approve this message and will continue to be A Voice In The Wilderness!