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.

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Regrets–We’ll Have A Few!

So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” Genesis 6:7 NIV

“I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all that night. I Samuel 15:11 NIV

I can only imagine who is regretting their support of the White House maniac. I didn’t vote for him, but I do regret not working harder for Hillary and to expose all the false propaganda published about her. I did what I could, but perhaps, I could have done more and we would not be in the outhouse, now!

I know there are some who have regret voting for him because they’ve already expressed “buyer’s remorse.” They realize, a bit late in the game, that hatred is never an appropriate reason to either not vote or vote for a person who made it known–he was a jerk.

Are we allowed to have regrets? Absolutely! God expressed His regret over making mankind, but fortunately for us–He repented of His thoughts and left behind a remnant to replenish mankind. Although, looking back at all we’ve done to make a mockery of His love and in destroying the planet, I wonder if He regrets leaving us here, again.

At then Samuel, bless his heart, when he heard the Word of The Lord–regretting making Saul king, he got angry. You see, here’s the thing. God speaks to all who are willing to hear Him and sometimes, we won’t like what we hear. Now, we can either act on what we hear or not–our choice since God doesn’t force anyone to do anything.

Have the White Evangelicals admitted regret for lying to people and promoting an absolute traitor to this country? Some have, some haven’t. When analysts from Fox News, throws up their hands–it’s time for everyone to take notice at what’s really going on in the White House.

It’s not that difficult to figure out–Vladimir Putin owns donald trump aka John Barron aka David Dennison aka Rumplethinskin and aka–treasonous traitor. Whatever Putin has on him has him petrified. I can imagine–every time someone calls the White House–he soils himself–thinking that might be the last call before total exposure–what he’s done–hits the fan.

The real problem–is not learning what hold Putin has on Rumplethinskin–is knowing we could end up in war as a distraction to keep us from learning what it is. Desperate people do desperate things and we know–Rumplethinskin is not capable of thinking beyond the moment–so there will be no consideration of the consequences of his actions for America–just like there has been none with the implementation of extraneous tariffs on China. The Consumers will pay and pay dearly. Feeling any regrets now?

If regret is not an emotion being felt by the masses (at least the 35%–his base), give it a minute and then start crying for your sons and daughters who will dies in a senseless war because you elected a person (can’t call him a man) with no sense.

If we make it to January 2019, we’ll have a chance to survive. If we don’t–I won’t regret trying to warn people even though the evidence may disintegrate in the nuclear fallout. That’s something to think about because once started, nothing good can come from a nuclear war and certainly, no opportunity to regret–anything. It will be too late.

Well, I’ve certainly learned my lesson–about trying harder to prevent catastrophe–I’m not giving up my quest without a fight–a fight to restore the good name of America and our rightful place on the global stage.

We do not have a president at the moment and our elected Congress–has no balls or integrity or we’d not find ourselves in the position we’re in right now. But there is a Little Known Educator who has a remedy.

When everyone gets out to vote in every election from hence forth, the vote should go to whoever is running as a Democrat in order to save the nation from the authoritarian fascist that wants to control this country as a dictator.

If we all work together, setting aside differences–we can do this–set America back on track–without risking our freedoms–or leaving them in the hands of one (in this case–two).

Don’t live with regrets–get out and vote and encourage family and friends to vote for the party that cares about all.

 

Soon and Very Soon!

A psalm. My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for people who are wicked and deceitful have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues.With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship. Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.May their sins always remain before the LORD, that he may blot out their name from the earth.  For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted. He loved to pronounce a curse— may it come back on him. He found no pleasure in blessing— may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil.May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD’s payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me. Psalm 109:1-20 NIV

I am #TheResistance

Did God honor this prayer for David? Yes, He did and He will honor every prayer we pray, when the prayer aligns with His Word. Contrary to the thoughts of some about prayer and praying for others–we see in this passage–there is a time when we stop expecting God to change people. People will never change people; they only change when they see a need to change and that from within. So for those who are telling people to pray for 45--it is an exercise in futility since he sees no need to change.

What should our prayer be then? My prayer is that The Lord will bring an end to this atrocious situation soon, by whatever means He sees fit to use. I know there are those who think–“give him a chance.”

He’s had a chance to show us who he is and he has. He is a bumbling buffoon who is out to benefit himself and no one else. His billionaire friends are using him and he’s too foolish to see it because he wants to be “accepted.” He doesn’t realize that people are laughing behind his back and the only people who think anything of him are his base–the ones who are undereducated and ill-informed. They look upon him as some kind of god and can’t see what’s right in front of them. We know this is true because they think he speaks truth and the actuality is–he and truth have no relationship whatsoever. They have never met and every time he opens his mouth–the discerning majority population–know it.

While I was praying for those who are going to lose the most–his fan base–I have stopped praying for them. They want to idolize a man who will soon be cause of their having toxins in their water, air and no oversight as to what is put into their foods. They’re going to lose access to the type of medical coverage they need because they were too foolish to know–the Affordable Care Act-was deemed Obamacare by bigoted Republicans. Now, they’re fit to be tied because they screamed about getting rid of Obamacare, not knowing it was the healthcare they needed. It is really sad to see such hatred for a person that  don’t realize the good that was done for them.

Now, if we’re watching closely to what’s happening aside from the distractions 45 creates, we’ll see North Korea and Russian attempt to make a move against the United States. This is what giving 45 a chance has done.

If I don’t live beyond today, I can safely say, my destination is secure and heaven is my home. Where 45 will end up is anyone’s guess, but I doubt there will be a mansion waiting for him.

Nevertheless, soon and very soon, Lord–remove the oppressive fascist from our midst and when he is found to guilty of treason, remove any lingering doubts from the minds of any who thought he cared about–the average working people. And let his fall from grace and public opinion be seen worldwide so the world will know–we–the majority of Americans–are not like him.

Gallup’s daily poll, which is based on a three-day rolling average, has Trump’s approval rate at 38 percent and his disapproval rate at 56 percent, with a 3-point margin of error.

And though the Republican party approves of his performance (entertainment I guess), by 87%–the overall public opinion of his job performance is lower than any other president’s before him. The reality of the situation is this–45 is not doing anything other than making noise and signing whatever is put in front of him. He has no idea how to govern and others are making all the important decisions for him because he doesn’t have a clue. Then there are those who “complained about Obama taking vacations more than once a year” and this idiot apparently thinks the job of a president is a 9-5 week day only situation and has spent more time doing nothing in 4 weeks than Obama did in 8 years. And the taxpayers–those of us paying taxes (he doesn’t) are footing the bill to the tune of over 10 million dollars for the past four weeks, when Obama (who paid taxes) only spent 96 million in 8 years. Get a calculator all you loyalists and see what your loyalty to a buffoon is going to cost America!

For those who put political party before country–May God deal with you in a manner that will make you remember–the welfare of the country should always come before a party’s agenda. But if you don’t know–you will–soon and very soon! As it has been said, “Patriotism is loyalty to country–not a president.”

Is This The Journey God Approved?

In those days Israel had no king. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. So the Danites sent five of their leading men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land and explore it. These men represented all the Danites. They told them, “Go, explore the land.” So they entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night.When they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they turned in there and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?” He told them what Micah had done for him, and said, “He has hired me and I am his priest.”  Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.”The priest answered them, “Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval.”

In reading all of Judges (the entire book), we see what happens to various tribes when they forsake God and look to men to guide them. Even though the Danites inquired of the priest for direction, they misused the information to attack those living in peace. They were the peace-breakers, not peacemakers.

When the colonists came to this land, they were escaping religious persecution and though they were still under the authority of the King of England, they forged their way across the ocean and settled in the land, already inhabited among those who lived in peace, but not for long. They spied out the land just long enough to see that the land was good and the people conquerable. So that’s what they did. They became peace-breakers and later claimed the land as their own, when it was not.

The prevailing attitude of those who claim to be “white nationalists” or “supremacists” is one of hatred, in the guise of “a christianity” unknown to God. Their christianity involves them being fearful of being extinct and to prevent their extinction, they revile and belittle everyone who doesn’t look like them. What they fail to recognize is that the God of Heaven, who came down to earth in the likeness of man in the person of Jesus, is Love and will not teach hatred of anyone, simply because they look different.

What’s revealed in the attitude of those who hate “non-white” people is the fact that they haven’t read or understood the bible and have no relationship with God. If their relationship with God was right, their journey in the land would not concern them for He would lead them in righteousness and a journey into peace-making, not peace-breaking.

It is apparent from the comments I read on news threads and the video clips I view that there are so many people out there who don’t know the history of the journey by the colonists to this land. I’ve said this before, and I guess I’ll just have to keep saying it, “America was not founded on Christianity or built by white Europeans.” The land was not called America until the white Europeans “conquered” the peaceful people and virtually stole the land from them, resettling them in specific areas to control them. The Natives of the land were not Christians, the belief was forced upon them, just as it was forced upon the slaves who were imported to this land. It was the slaves who “built this country” and invented much of what was used to increase the wealth of “white slave owners.”

Considering the gift given to us by France, once “Americans” declared their freedom from oppression, the statue of liberty–that rests in the New York harbor as a beacon of hope for anyone coming to the land, I find it totally bizarre that people do not want immigrants coming here. What is more bizarre is the support by many for a ban against Muslims–a religion, not an ethnicity–when we claim to welcome “all.” I guess the welcome has become a lie, since we now act as though we are superior to every other group of people.

Newsflash Americans–and I am one–whose ancestors were imported to the land–we are not superior to anyone and our country is younger than most. We are now proceeding to the edge of the cliff where all the “ideals” of democracy are being brushed aside by the menace of “nationalist” ideology and this journey–of hatred–will bring us all to the end as we fall into the precipice of fascism and tyranny.

Isolationism is key in the effort to “control the masses”(in fenced-like concentration camps already constructed in various states) along with false news and propaganda designed to make people believe what is not true. Only those who are blinded by hate will fall for the nonsense, but their growing hatred will cause much irreparable damage to an entire nation–if not impeded. We have no king–we have an elected leader, who is subject to the laws of the land, like everyone else. When a leader of a free nation attempts to control what news is appropriate for people to hear, they have reached a point where they should be removed. It is time to begin the impeachment process of all in the White House.

Can we see the similarities between the Danites and Americans? If not, we simply need to take a journey into the history of our nation and other world governments to understand what we see right now.

America has been a nation of immigrants, all looking to have a better life, regardless of their religious beliefs or the color of their skin and all need to be treated with respect, and in recognition of the Constitution which we say is our guide.

If we insist–out of fear–to continue this journey of hatred and superiority, we will indeed become extinct as so many other civilizations have–before us.

Watching Deceptive Practices!

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:1-9 NIV

One of the most interesting aspects of being involved with those who fight for justice against those who attempt to oppress or tyrannize people is the fact that we don’t give up and all we do–is transparent, open to public scrutiny, see in the light–not plotted in darkness or secrecy.

Though there are those who would take the side of the oppressor and rail against us–we keep going–never allowing the banner of freedom and truth to fall by the wayside as so many have done in “giving Trump a chance.”

Many of those who “gave him a chance by voting for him”  are now experiencing “buyer’s remorse” and the saddest part of all is to see those who have said, they regret allowing their emotions–“their hatred of Hillary” to lead them to vote for a person who is so thin-skinned and vindictive that he can’t see why he lost the popular vote.

With the decision to move forward with the pipelines–many have expressed–directly to him through his Twitter account–have disgusted they are with him–to ignore the Native Americans right to protect their land. But don’t take my word for word it. All of this can be seen on the Twitter Page dedicated for those with Trump Regrets found @Trump_Regrets.

Aside from those who are experiencing regret–there are those of us who did not trust him from the beginning because we saw who he really was–long before now.

And those executive orders he’s signing–are simply his way to get back at President Obama–because his insecurities lead him to believe he has to exceed–go beyond–anything President Obama did in an attempt to make himself superior to Obama. His obsession over surpassing President Obama is obvious to anyone with eyes not covered with blinders. I’ve said before that Trump suffers from a cognitive disability that drives his personality disorders and every day–he proves how right many are in drawing the same conclusions. And nothing he does or says will make him even half the man President Obama is. The difference being–President Obama had a heart for all Americans and it showed–even in those things I didn’t agree with him. 

Interviews with those who thought he was going to save them–coal miners in particular who need the healthcare accessible through the ACA, are now worried. And so are others who see “executive orders” issued that will affect their rights.

His moves to blatantly support discrimination are obvious and have ignited a fire under a number of groups who will not allow him to turn the clock back on their rights.

Whether people want to believe him or not is their business, but any time a person in authority has to create “distractions” to keep people off focus to what’s really going on is a sign that we are no longer living in a democracy, but spiraling into the depths of a fascist regime–where one person–Trump–thinks he is the final authority. For those who worship him as their god, so be it. 

For those who believe in the God of Heaven, the creator of all things and without whom, nothing was ever created–our trust is in God and we will do all He puts on our hearts to do. We are the true Believers–the ones who live by The Word–loving all unconditionally, no matter what the circumstance. Those who resist Trump do not hate him–we simply recognize him for the despot he is and are rising against him as people have done for centuries.

We The People–all Americans–no matter what our skin color, politics, religion or gender–will fight to make sure the constitution is upheld by every elected official and no rights are violated simply because of petty vengefulness.

For those who don’t want to see truth–but are giddy with excitement over the “alternative facts” presented–do your thing and just remember this: When there is a ship in the middle of the sea and there are no lifeboats available when the storm rages and overturns the ship, all aboard will suffer the same fate.

The colonists left England to get out from under the thumb of a monarchy. We do not have a one-person or even one-family order of rule in this country and we won’t. The ax will fall and when it does, it will do what an ax does.