Sanitized History

            Sanitize definition: to make less offensive by eliminating anything unwholesome, objectionable, incriminating, etc.

We sanitize our history.  We erase all kinds of social, cultural, and economic conflict from it.  We run away, in a sense, from ourselves, from what we and our ancestors – whoever they are – created.  Indeed, this history is highly peculiar, for it avoids acknowledging the accompanying social inequalities that capitalism (and any other economic system, for that matter) creates as it remakes society according to its own rules and imagination.  The matter of privilege — and of white privilege in particular, given the majority-minority state in which we live today — is largely relegated to the dustbin of history.  The truth be told, the silences in our histories speak as much truth to power as the histories we publicly uphold.

We must strive to teach a plural people’s history for Texas students in the twenty-first century.  A recent study by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) contains in it past, current and future projections for the public and nonpublic high school graduates of Texas from 1991-2022. (1)   According to this study, Texas Latino high school graduates will be greater in number than Anglo high school graduates beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.  By May 2020, the date through which the current social studies curricular standards under discussion will presumably apply, Latino high school graduates in Texas will number an estimated 156,000 students.  By comparison, by the end of the current decade Anglo high school graduates will number 102,000.  That is, the statewide spring graduating classes in May 2020 will host 54,000 more Latino high school graduates than their Anglo counterparts.

https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/126436

            While I was looking for a reasonable explanation and plausible definition of “sanitizing history,” I came across this article. There’s more, but I excerpted the two paragraphs to help support what I’ve said in another article and what I’m about to say in this one.

            The fear that “old white men” are feeling about becoming the minority is palpable in their attempts to revamp the voting rules (violating our constitutional rights) as well as with their reluctance to support police reforms. They are afraid—big time—and have been for some time because they (those understanding karma) fear being treated the way they have treated minorities of color. They can deny this all they want, but the proof is in how for decades they have attempted to erase large swaths of history in order to make themselves look like better human beings.

They have rather successfully brainwashed people with their revisionist histories about how awful white men are as human beings. It’s not all white men, just those who are racial bigots and would rather hate others than change their minds. When we look at how Texas changed the related content in history books to pacify their egos and allowed Texas students to be led by lies, we see the proof in some of the Texas legislators now—they didn’t want their children to know how horrible their ancestors had been, so they either erased the true history, or sanitized it so it would not seem so bad. They have eliminated the parts of history they find objectionable and unwholesome and offensive since they were the culprits. But they have also eliminated the opportunity for students in Texas to know truth, to see for themselves and to learn to think for themselves which results in not being controlled.

With this particular view of what it means to “sanitize history,” we begin to understand how or rather why textbook publications, supplying the Texas school districts, were so easily convinced to exchange the truth for a lie. In the long run, it helped those in powerful positions to ignore all the wrongdoings of “white men” for centuries.  The massacre of Native Inhabitants, treatment of slaves, Chinese railroad workers, Japanese Interment camps, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and generally racist policies that excluded or eluded most people of color in this land. But one thing is certainly true as pointed out by Richard Calderon, the author of the article referenced—white people will soon be the minority in the United States and perhaps, that is the real reason why “white lawmakers” are trying so desperately to keep immigrants out of the United States—especially those from Central America, the Middle East and Africa.

When “white people” use the bible to justify their behavior or attitudes, it is out of fear that “we” the others would discover the truth and lo and behold we have. We have discovered that Jesus was a person of color having come from the Middle East, He loved everyone, and had a real problem with slavery and hypocrites.  “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  I am convinced that White Evangelicals that teach they are superior to others are the biggest liars on the planet and they lie to their congregations to control what they do and how they think. That is not to say that other religious denominations don’t do the same thing, but let’s get real, religions are designed to control people and convince them to swallow whatever lies they’re told.

Now, for those of us who know how to read and how to think, we know better. Many of us are “true Christians” and we know what is expected of us is that we are to love one another unconditionally. Therefore, if we are busy loving one another, we don’t have time to promote hate or fear of others because love conquers all. Love will even conquer the need of people to sanitize history for their own sakes, but will conquer the need of those who were mistaught to influence their need for truth. Fearful people, put undue constraints upon others, controlling what they’re exposed to and limiting their ability to develop critical thinking skills, especially about the history of our nation, the true, unsanitized version of history.

Yes, haters of truth—the world is not flat, the Holocaust and slavery were very real, vaccines have saved lives, Easter is not about a rabbit or chickens, parents buy toys for kids at Christmas, and no one human being is superior to another. Did you catch that? Truth matters, and Black Lives Matter as well as all others. Stop The Hate America—in order for us all to matter and to survive and thrive, we must stop hating and start loving.

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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.

It’s Time Folks!

Time to wake up and see clearly all that this election means.

What everyone needs to remember first and foremost are these two facts about the major political parties:

Democrats Care More About All The People Than The Party

Republicans want to control every aspect of a person’s life and care about party ideology more than the people (power over people)

Can I make it plain?

I have seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears–the kind of hatred and bigotry spewed by Republicans (especially the trump party) that has led to people being randomly targeted and killed, pipe bombs sent to silence those who dare to criticize the orange monster in the White House and all the while–Republican leaders are posturing that they care about human life (trump wants the death penalty back on the books). Here’s what This Era Republicans care about–maintaining power over people (controlling what people do) and maintaining the wealth in the hands of a few. That’s it. They care nothing about the people in America and everything they do–legislatively–proves it.

This administration since 2017 has rolled back environmental protection measures established to protect all of us. They rolled back the requirements for corporations so the corporations could make more money and not be held accountable for the damage done to our health because of toxic soil, polluted water and air. And on top of all that not caring about our health and food supply, they’re doing everything they can to gut healthcare for those with pre-existing conditions as well as remove access to affordable healthcare for the masses. They claim the government can’t subsidize healthcare because it will blow up the deficit. Well, their tax cuts for the wealthy, did just that–blew up the deficit (21 Trillion Dollars), jeopardized farmers with the imposed tariffs, and now–to prove they care nothing about the “poor and the needy,” they are planning to gut Social Security benefits for the elderly, including Medicare and Medicaid for the poor. Veterans don’t matter to them at all as we can see in the fact that there is no one overseeing Veteran’s Affairs with any specific skills to do so.

Even in their political campaigns–though they claim to be “fiscally conservative” they spend more money on negative attack ads than they do commending the candidates. They lie and stoke fear about all sorts of imagined evil (claiming Democrats are evil and planning all sorts of evil deeds–when in fact–it’s them; they’re projecting). They even claim Democrats have no message or platform other than “hating trump.”

Well, I’ve got news for everyone who thinks this lie is true. Democrats have a message and the message is–We care about all the people! We respect the rights of every person to live their own best lives no matter who they love, what faith they practice, the color of their skin or gender. We want common sense gun reforms to protect the innocent and we care about women’s health choices.

It’s time for Americans to make a decision and the decision made with this election will determine whether American Democracy survives or crashes. There is already widespread efforts of voter-fraud with the voting machines used (changing Democrat votes to Republican), voter suppression with contrived justification to keep people from voting due purged voter rolls and alleged “non-matching signatures for absentee ballots” to refusing to allow a bus load of Black Senior Citizens to go vote as a collective group and closing voting locations in key areas in effort to dissuade the vulnerable from voting. This is what is occurring in every state that is currently controlled by Republican leadership. That’s what they do.

Democrats on the other hand, do everything we can to encourage voting by all. Yes, we make recommendations about the issues and candidates, but we ultimately respect the choice of people, believing they’re intelligent enough to make decisions without being led by lies and deception.

I’m very proud of the political ads I’ve seen in which Democratic candidates are merely expounding upon their own abilities to get the job done. Only some of the PACs are airing negative ads, but not nearly in the number that Republicans are airing them. So there are a few things I want every voter to consider:

• Download your sample ballot from your voting district and know who you want to vote for before you get to the polls. In Michigan go to michigan.gov/sos
• If possible, vote early to avoid the frustration of waiting in lines–in most states, absentee ballots are available prior to any day of election. Get one and take your time to complete.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the ballot proposals or initiatives and the judges who are listed in the nonpartisan section.
• Never allow fear to be a deterrent in making your choices.

If Americans don’t make the right decisions about voting in this election cycle–it could very well be our last opportunity to vote since Republicans are more concerned with “controlling the masses” and are planning to rewrite the Constitution to make sure they maintain control. Be wise, research and know whether your representatives care about you or care about controlling you.

 

What Supporting Caging Children Says!

In this political climate–forged by hatred and bigotry on one side (the trump regime), children are caged like animals–separated from their parents–all because they dared to seek asylum in America. I know there are many people who have varying thoughts about this situation, but that doesn’t change the core of the problem. These families–who feared persecution, torture and all sorts of inhumane acts against them–risked their lives and their children’s lives to get away from their countries–hopeful of finding safe haven in the United States.

Unfortunately, what they found was a hateful, bigoted regime–financed by tax payers who would rip their children from their arms, farm them out to detention centers and cage them–without the parents knowing where their children or how they’re being treated. This is the act of a “rogue government” who has demonstrated on more than one occasion they have not respect for the rule of law. Because of their zero tolerance for other human beings seeking safety, we should treat them (Jeff Sessions, Kirsten Nielsen, and trump) the same way–like they are inferior human beings because they are.

The assenting by silence and inaction GOP Congress–does not deserve to maintain their seats in Congress and should be voted out–summarily this November 6, 2018 and for those seats that are up for re-election in the Senate–we need to change the balance of power before we all lose what fragile rights, now observed.

The GOP have failed their constitutional obligations–to keep a check on whoever is in the White House. Because of their inability to do their job–which includes enacting common sense gun reform and immigration policies, we find ourselves in a country which it is easier to buy a gun than it is to get healthcare or get Congress to do their job.

We have a choice in the upcoming elections and the choice should resonate loud and clear to those in the White House–we will not tolerate children being treated like animals! For any “Conservative Christian” to continue to support trump and his unAmerican policies, shame on you. You are not the Christians recognized in the bible. In fact, I doubt seriously if God would recognize any of you as being followers of Jesus Christ. How do I know? Your fear and propensity to accept and promote fearmongering rhetoric tells me so. “Perfect love (unconditional) casts aside fear.” So if you’re acting out of fear simply because a bigoted racist tells you to be afraid, you do not belong to Christ. If you believe trump’s lies and promotes them, you are of your father, Satan–who is the father of lies. And just so you know–Jesus was a brown-skinned man–not white. Those are lies perpetuated throughout Christendom in nations who prefer to promote “white superiority” instead of love towards all human beings.

What you need to do is come out from behind the walls of “fearmongering in the guise of Conservative Christianity” and get acquainted with the real world. More crime is committed by those who were born in this country–Black and White–than any of the immigrants who came here. And while I’m on the subject–the only two groups of people in this country right now–that were never immigrants to America–are the Native Inhabitants and Slaves. Everyone else–chose to come here–as an opportunity to thrive and excel and now–some of you want to deny others the opportunity your ancestors had.

Make no mistake, those of us who are watching and have been paying attention–we knew–Make America Great Again–was all about trying to make America white again. We’re not stupid. I said this from the very beginning of the 2016 presidential campaigns and many tried to tell me I was wrong. What was that? I can’t hear you. Tell me again, I was wrong and I’ll call you a liar to your face (at least your online presence). We have the most bigoted racist person sitting in the Oval Office–ever in the 20th Century and it’s all due to the lie promoted by White Evangelicals and their congregations. GOD DID NOT CHOOSE TRUMP–YOUR BIGOTRY AND FEAR CHOSE TRUMP!

And please–don’t bother to tell about me about your being pro-life because the evidence is in–GOP policies decimate the poor and vulnerable–those lives outside the womb. Those who proclaim they are pro-choice actually mean they are “pro-fetus” since they could care less about life once it puts in appearance. Christian Conservatives are not Christians, but religious people (modern day Pharisees) who are only interested in “controlling” others. That evidence is readily seen–efforts to disband Planned Parenthood (out of fear of white extinction), controlling women’s health and reproductive choices, while at the same time–encouraging sexual predators as revealed in the party of trump. I know a number of Republicans who are not thrilled with the direction this country is taking and some of them are even advocating that everyone vote for Democrats–to save our democracy from becoming a fascist regime led by trump and his Putin cohorts.

Listen and learn, watch a real news channel (Fox is not licensed to produce news, but opinions) and do some research for yourself rather than sitting by complacently waiting to be fed the latest lie. If you support caging children and separating them from their parents, you are not a Bible Christian, but an inhuman perpetrator of lies. And God, not me–will hold you accountable for what you do or don’t do–claiming to be a follower of Christ.

Rejecting Wisdom Is What Fools Do!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 NIV

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:5-7 NIV

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? Proverbs 8:1 NIV

for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:11 NIV

Whenever we need to grasp a better understanding of what we are seeing in Washington, DC, reading Proverbs reminds us that those who lack wisdom are the fools in charge–for now.

How did this happen? Gullible people–fearful, hateful, and spiteful–decided to believe all the disinformation and misinformation promoted by the racist bigots with the help of Russian trolls.

Though many did not like Hillary Clinton (actually hated her), they hated her without justification based upon the political, tribal agenda of the Republicans. Had they listened to her, and accepted the wisdom they did not agree with–this country would not be a laughingstock in the eyes of other nations. Whether people liked her or not–she told us exactly what would happen if the menace in the White House was elected.

She warned of his being triggered by tweets.

She warned of his authoritarian–dictatorial mentality.

She warned us that he would lie about any and everything.

She warned us that his hatred would reign in his decisions.

She warned us that any tax reform would only benefit the rich.

She warned us that millions would be without adequate healthcare.

She warned us that budget slashes would affect the poor and the needy.

She warned us that he would turn on the LGBQT community.

She warned us that he was Putin’s puppet.

She warned us that his ego would lead us into places wise men would not go.

Isn’t it amazing how God references wisdom in the “feminine” voice! This refutes the notion that God views women as inferior to men.

Since we cannot go back in time and change anything, it is time we sought wisdom and stopped thinking we know it all–like the rest of the fools.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to understanding why right-wing evangelicals felt the need to lie to their congregations and are still lying to America–at those to those who bother to listen to them.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to understanding why we should never take our democracy for granted since we see the results of a wanna-be dictator trying to dismantle our Constitution.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to understanding why we should research information for ourselves and not allow the opinions of a few–especially those with distorted views–feed us information that will eventually lead to our destruction.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to listening to those who are far wiser than we are, whether we agree with them or not–it should make us stop and think–critically–of what it is we’re hearing.

Hopefully, we have seen so much foolishness that we will certainly acquire the wisdom needed to right the wrongs and set America back on the track of greatness and honor. We can exercise wisdom in the coming elections by analyzing what has occurred and concluding what could result if the party of grand old prevaricators stay in power. They have proven they will not uphold their oaths of office and do their job by covering for the pathological liar, making excuses for his incompetence and hatefulness.

Determine now–that never again–will we allow anyone to mislead us and encourage us to vote for political candidate out of hatred, bigotry and fear. For the those of us who claim to be Christians–we should know, “perfect love cast out fear.” Where there is fear, a fearful heart, and unjustifiable fear of people–there is no love. Where there is no love, people live in darkness for love is light in dark places. Where there is love–unconditionally–for all people–there is no room for hatred and bigotry.

Determine now–that we will walk in love towards all people–endeavoring to live at peace with the world, learning to disagree, agreeably–not with malice in our hearts. We will walk in wisdom in coming elections–voting for the person who cares about all people–not just a group–and one who consider policies that benefit all–not just some. America is “one nation” composed of many diverse people–all of whom have much to contribute to our society and our ability to thrive as a nation.

The person we next elect as president of the “United” (not separated/divided) States of America should be an Everyday American who knows and understands the struggles and challenges of Everyday Americans and one who will fight for the rights of all Everyday Americans without denigrating or maligning others.

I am an Everyday American. I cherish and embrace wisdom and know how to reject foolishness. I know I can serve the needs of all Everyday Americans regardless of political affiliations, gender, ethnicity, or faith. My loyalty will be to the people, not a party and I will work with all who choose to serve Americans.

Fear and Desperation!

With the release of the much anticipated “Nunes Memo” the media is in an uproar–trying to understand and explain it. I have read it and conclude along with the experts (of which I am not a legal expert, but have expert reading comprehension skills), that this prose was written out of a state of fear and desperation. Devin Nunes and the others who insist there is either a “deep state” within the Intelligence Community or a “secret society” (based on text messages) have demonstrated they’re afraid of being exposed in something sinister. My guess–we have traitors in the White House and enablers of the traitors in Congress.

I’ve said it before–Congressional GOP knew from the beginning that trump was involved in something shady, but they went along with it because of greed and the opportunity to really screw America.

I must state for clarity’s sake that Fox News and hosts are touting the memo has a means of demonstrating corruption in the FBI and have convinced trump–it vindicates him from further scrutiny in the Mueller Investigation. Not true–and anyone with a brain can see through this ruse. The three and half pages insinuate a great deal, but explain nothing and provide no evidence of anything other than “innuendo” about bias involved in who paid for the “Dossier.” First all, if any need to be reminded, the Opposition Research on trump was initiated by a Republican group, not the DNC–who later continued the investigation and paid for the work they received. However, this memo does not include the fact that Steele (British operative) continued his investigation past the time and payment received by Fusion GPS. What the GOP has succeeded in doing, is drawing greater scrutiny into the affairs of the trump administration and anyone involved with them.

The memo fails to indict the FBI who were simply doing their job in their surveillance of Carter Page which started in 2013. These are the facts, not just opinions. The raised eyebrows over text messages is a deflection–in hopes of keeping people off balance from actually seeing the truth.

The trump administration and GOP’s attempt to “claim FBI bias” has nothing to do with the reality of the situation. They have implied–repeatedly that if a person works for the FBI (DOJ) they are not entitled to expression of their personal opinions–especially if those opinions are contrary to what the GOP want to hear. No one who works in government is vetted/screened based upon their political affiliation. That is unconstitutional at the least and discriminatory at most. Who a person votes for or what their political affiliation is has nothing to do with their ability to do their job and as professionals, to do the job–professionally–without bias. I believe the FBI is more than capable of doing their job, professionally.

At any rate, I’ve ranted on Twitter for the past two days about the stupidity we keep seeing coming out from the White House and the Republican party. It’s time Congress did its job regarding their oversight in Congress and draft Articles of Impeachment against trump or get out the way. They are abdicating their responsibility and disregarding their oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution–not the person on the Oval Office.  Someone is confused and it’s not me or the general American Public who see through all the smoke screen.They are enablers of the stupidity and should be charged with treason along with the trump administration–the entire team.

We deserve better in America. I can provide it with a different Congress–one in which all the players care about America as much as I do. We can change this landscape and we will start with the mid term election in 2018–even if Russia continues to interfere. We will prevail!

How We Avoid Hate!

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Proverbs 16:1,2

When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much with injustice.  7,8

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. 18-21

A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. 28, 29

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 32

One of the most significant ways we can avoid situations that lead to hate is to understand how hate manifests itself. Hate doesn’t just show up out of the blue–it is planted, fertilized and nurtured to fruition by those who are insecure, fearful, and resentful (and incapable of rational thought).

People who have severe doubts about their own ability to accomplish things resent those who are confident and their lives demonstrate their confidence. Generally speaking, they will fertilize their insecurities by blaming others for what they have not achieved, and the more they blame others, the more they nurture their hatred. They teach their children to hate others because of fear–not knowledge–and those fears for the most part are baseless because insecure people–don’t venture far from their base of comfort. In other words, they have not lived a full life–one in which they ventured far from home and experienced life outside their parameters of their comfort zone.

The same people are incapable of understanding that we can be passionate in our disagreement with others, but we don’t have to allow the disagreement to lead to hate. We must understand that it is our right to disagree, but we can disagree, agreeably which won’t lead to wars or rumors of wars or bullying rhetoric. Hate spreads when people who are incapable of rational thought never realize that they are not always right and that others don’t have to agree with them. They have yet to understand what “individuality” means.

If God had wanted clones–He could have created them. We would all look alike, think alike and never have any need to use our brains or vocal cords.

What we must do to avoid the proliferation of hatred, bigotry, and senseless fear is to realize we all have something to contribute to society in productive, constructive ways and none should be ignored or disregarded simply because of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or any other factor. We must realize that God created one race of people–the human race with one blood surging through all–it’s red–no matter the color of skin is.

With insecurities–comes the tendency to think a person or a group of people is superior to another. In order to perpetuate the lies–they create all sorts of false data, write books with suspicious documentation to prove they are superior to others. We see this in the beliefs of all the “white nationalists” or other hate groups who actually believe they are superior to every other group of people. They do not know or understand that the cradle of civilization began on the continent of Africa and that skin tones changed as man migrated to cooler climates. Education would be extremely beneficial to debunk all these myths, but for those who hate–irrationally–they tend to think that having an education is synonymous with being elitist. Therefore, they revel in their ignorance and nurture their hate.

There’s an adage that says, “ignorance is bliss” and we can see that being true for those who choose to blame others for their shortcomings and positions in life. They’re happy with their ignorance and would rather hate than learn to live peaceably in society.

We know that when we disagree (especially in households), we should never allow the sun to go down and we’re still angry. Be passionate in disagreement, but ready to concede the possibility of being wrong and be willing to do the research to make a verifiable point and not just rely upon “an opinion” with no legs.

We can avoid planting the seeds of hatred and bigotry by recognizing that we are part of a greater world and we don’t have a right to expect others to live  by what we think or believe. We can educate ourselves (with all of the accessible technology) and not hold others accountable for what we don’t accomplish. We can learn to love–unconditionally–just as God loves us and with that love–there’s no room for hate. We can stop fertilizing and nurturing hatred by accepting responsibility for what we do and say or for what we don’t do. We are responsible for everything we say–good or bad–and everything we do–good or bad and we cannot blame others for our actions or inactions.

When we learn to critically analyze why we think what we think, believe what we believe, or do what we do–we’ll discover there is more to life and living than what we think we know.

 

Be Still and Know!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;  he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 NIV

I know there are many people out there right now who disdain the use of “God” or “Jesus” and they feel justified in doing so, but I’m reminding those who believe in His plan for their lives to remember His promises and be still and know, He has not forgotten you.

In the midst of crisis, it’s difficult for any of us to stay focused on God’s promises when we feel our lives are at risk. Believing God does not mean we do stupid things or act unwisely in the midst of a crisis, but we seek His wisdom and hold fast to our faith that He will make a way.

Hurricanes are an act of nature and God saves in the midst of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and all manner of situations in which we have no control. But if we act wisely, trusting our dependence on Him, He will see us through what nature tends to throw our way.

Yes, bad things happen to good people and only God knows why He allows certain things to happen to some people and not others. I’m not God, so I’m not going to pretend I have all the answers, but I trust Him. “In all our getting, get wisdom.” “Wisdom is the principal thing.” Solomon repeatedly refers to the wisdom being the utmost importance. When we things through and act wisely, we could avoid certain devastations. And though we get upset over the loss of things, we must remember things can be replaced–lives won’t be. So the wisdom we must exercise is about saving lives, not things.

Even though Harvey was predicted in enough time for people to make provisions to move out of the way of danger, most people could not have imagined the rain that would proceed in the aftermath. This is not an act of God–it is an act of nature and if anyone wants to attribute the storm to being an act of God, and attempt to claim it is retribution for the people who live there–they make a mockery of who God is.

For the religious-right who have said John McCain’s cancer is God’s retribution because of a vote–shame on them. They obviously have no knowledge of God and how He functions in the earth. But the rub here is–some of those same folks would “never” say the storm is retribution for the wrongs they have done against the poor and the needy. God doesn’t get into our politics because what we do–who we vote for and put into positions of authority are on us–and when we don’t act wisely, we don’t get wise leadership in those positions of authority.

In the coming days, it will be extremely difficult for some to hold onto their faith and know that in the end, everything will be all right. I’m confident that acting wisely, seeing to the needs of others and taking care of self will result in lives being saved. I encourage everyone who can to make donations to American Red Cross so they will have adequate resources to meet the needs of the people. Donations can be made online (with a minimum of $10). I made my contribution and would love to see as many people as possible do the same–especially those who recently won lotteries. Now is a good time to help others in need.

My heart and thoughts are embedded in the crisis in Texas and I will continue praying for their safety and for the rains to abate. God knows what it is He wants to accomplish in the hearts of men and women everywhere and I’m sure it will be as He has determined.  Stay safe!

 

Nothing To Fear With Him!

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

For those who do not know this Psalm, I encourage you to read, mediate upon it and carry it in your heart throughout your days.

For those do who do know this Psalm–encourage those around you to remain steadfast, moving forward in all God has planned for them, never fearing the enemy.

This is not to make light of all the tragedies around the globe, more specifically the events that have rocked England lately. No matter what we do–as a people–either individually or collectively, unless we’re mind readers we can never know what another is going to do–especially those driven by hate. We can know–we must live our lives to the utmost, doing what we can for those in need of help and support, and defying the expectations of the enemy which are to keep us afraid and impotent.

We have lost–if the news is reported correctly–a tenable candidate for Iowa because of death threats by the opposition. I cannot begin to understand her feelings right now, but I’m praying that she’ll overcome them, seek protection from law enforcement and rise up and win. If she doesn’t fight back, the strategy will be employed by others in order to keep people from opposing them in what is supposed to be a “free and fair election” process.

For that reason, I have to applaud Congresswoman Maxine Waters who refuses to be intimidated by hate and evildoers. She knows the risks and refuses to back down and I’m also praying for her safety and success in accomplishing her mission.

When we know that we are doing what is right, for all the right reasons, we should not be fearful of the evil ones for we are protected by God’s goodness and love. If we show fear–as with dogs who smell fear–the enemy will attack and defeat.

I’ve said before I don’t have enough sense to be afraid of anyone–no matter how big or ugly or how much money they have or the platforms they use to discredit–I will move forward in seeking opportunity to represent Everyday Americans in 2020–and if the opposition wants to start their research now–go for it. I’ve made it easy for them.  Anything they want to know about me can be found online–in a book or in a blog. I have nothing to hide and wouldn’t even if I did. My life is an open-book and I’m just getting started writing the next chapter.

With God going before me, I have nothing to fear–no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and if it is the purpose of God for my life to be the next president of the United States, I shall be. Attempts to try and intimidate me have always made me stronger and more determined than ever to fight harder. We shall see–how The Lord perpetuates victory in every area of our lives.

Get ready for it–a time for real change that matters to real people–is coming soon!

When Evil Frustrates!

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the LORD. But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! Psalm 14 NIV

Where are the true Patriots in the Republican party in Washington, DC?

Is there one–just one Republican–who speaks truth any more?

Is there one–just one Republican–who cares about the poor and needy?

Is there one–just one Republican–who is more loyal to country than “pledged loyalty to a man” who has no values other than greed and power?

Is there one–just one Republican–who cares more about their constituents than their party agenda?

Is there one–just one Republican–who is bold enough to stand up and speak out against the atrocious policies being implemented that discriminate against the poor and promote hatred?

Is there one–just one Republican–who is courageous enough to convince the party to put an end to this charade of a presidency that has the world laughing at America?

If there is one–then where are they and what’s taking them so long to stand up and uphold the oath of office they took or does that oath no longer mean anything?

Have they–succumbed to greed and need for power over doing what is best for the entire country?

Where is the  moral outrage of the so-called christians who voted for all the “negligent, obstructionists” who put evil in the seats of government?

It would appear to me, that everything we say–as Christians and Americans–we value has gone out the window with our current leadership and no one seems to care about the people or what they need. No longer do we see integrity and honor ruling in the hearts of those in position of leadership. No longer do we see patriotism honored by elected leaders who have apparently forgotten–the voters who elected them. No longer do we see those who have publicly taken oaths of office–uphold them.

But we–who truly know God and live according to His precepts and are loyal to Him–understand how God will frustrate the plans of those who frustrate the plans of the poor.

For this reason–there is fear and anxiety–overcoming reason and logic by those who plot evil or won’t stand against it.

For this reason–instability and anger–rests upon those who do not know God and will not obey Him.

For this reason–many Republicans–are afraid to face their constituents and hide from them.

For this reason–the American people–will seek those who care about them and change the political landscape from the red of anger and frustration and greed to the blue of hope and integrity and honor.

The frustration felt by those who have been ignored will result in a tsunami of blue waves that wash across this country in upcoming elections–no matter how much money–the Republicans spend–unless they have chosen to “rig more elections” like 2016.

God knows and He’s watching and His purposes and plans will not be frustrated by evil, for He has overcome evil and evil will be overthrown and cast into the pit of darkness, never to be seen or heard from again. Watch for it!