Chicago Simeon High School...More Than About Basketball

Chicago Simeon is one of the most successful high school Basketball programs in the State of Illinois.  With a list of celebrated alumni, such as former NBA star, Derrick Rose, Simeon strives to be at the top of its game every year and one of the last teams standing when tournament time comes around. 

Coach Tim Flowers, who was also a teammate of Rose when he played for Simeon, is at the helm of the program and like many of us who coach inner city youth, seek to make the best of our opportunities to expose kids to the world and help them gain a greater sense of place and purpose which directly impacts their futures.

And such was the case when the Simeon team was invited to play, in its off season, in a SLAM tournament in China. The problem was that exposing the kids to greater opportunity led to a team penalty and coach suspension under the so called IHSA (Illinois High School Association) rules ...You see, this Association, which has bylaws and procedures, some of which are ridiculous, suspended this coach and his staff because allegedly, high school coaches and staff, are under restrictions during the off season and cannot "coach their teams"...OK, if it were that simple, this would be a non-story...but it's not that simple, especially in light of the cultural upheaval that we are witnessing within our community today. 

Coach Flowers followed the rules. After being penalized some years ago, this time the coach, as you will hear in his own words, followed the rules and received APPROVAL from his school AD (Athletic Director) and Administration. Neither the school district nor the local school was on the hook for cash. Kids, were excited and came with completely new perspectives and, as they expressed, found a level of respect that they had never experienced before. YET...all that began with a violation of IHSA Rules, at least according to the IHSA. 

I hate to use this as a time to point towards public policy, but in Illinois, it amazes me the lengths that the powers that be go to, to keep the community and Black people in particularly, down...I mean we have a totally ignorant Chicago Mayor, who would rather see Black youth killed and illegal migrants in his city, and a totally lunatic Governor on the same political trope, all with the result of damaging the Black community above all others that suffer...For them, and evidently the IHSA, it's like, let's single out who we wish to single out and they don't care what the implications and results are...

Interestingly, in track and field, the IHSA does similarly...while not officially having oversight of an indoor season, they regulate what events and which places the athletes can compete even prior to the season opening, EXCEPT when it is an event THEY want to endorse, such as the Indoor Top Times meet in Bloomington, IL,. which is by the way, overseen by mostly "White" organizers...YEP...Looking back...there was a meet in Chicago, called the VibeFest, overseen by Black individuals, and mostly inner city teams and the IHSA sent messages that schools were not to use any resources to support the meet and had to register as independent athletes, and could not wear school uniforms...This was atrocious, but along the lines of what the IHSA does...

Why??? BECAUSE that can...

Listen to Coach Flowers as he explains this, while trying to tip toe through this mine-field and not draw any more sanctioning of the IHSA...The school seems to have abandoned him, so he may as well speak for himself. 

Blessed!

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The Black Culture, The Black Church & The Black Family

Every now and then, one comes across a conversation that is well worth displaying. This is such a conversation. I would like to first say however, while dealing with the Black community, I want no White, Hispanic, Arab, Chaldean or any other race or nationality reader of this blog to feel excluded or out of place. THANK YOU for your readership, prayers and if you should participate, your comments, as always, are WELCOME. But THIS needs to be said, and thank God that THE DUNAMIS WORD, has been a part of saying it since our inception on AUGUST 25, 2007 with "Get Right Church And Let's Go Home"

Please enjoy these fine Pastoral leaders and THANK YOU to the Biblical Conservative Youtube for sharing this vitally important conversation. 

Blessed!

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Kyrie...Antisemitism or Buck Breaking?

I admit, I had to put this one together...OK...

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." ~ John 8:44

Unlike the philosophical system of the Greeks, which 1st Century Jewish leaders vehemently opposed to various degrees, Jewish leaders were especially pious and eager to distinguish that "they" were true followers of God while all others, with very little exception, were "dogs" deceived, on the outside, and of an evil nature or "satan's children". New Testament Biblical references appear to be consistent with thoughts of the day and even expanded upon these concepts. In short Jewish leaders, who were especially proud of of their Hebrew heritage and unique relationship with God by their historical lineage, were distinctly Jewish and proud to let everyone know of the difference between themselves and others.

Let's be clear, JESUS was not teaching that the Jews, by lineage, genealogy or race, were devils and or satanists. In the specific context of the John 8:44 passage, it was the Jewish leaders who were questioning and criticizing his person and office. Jesus responded to the evil that was in their hearts and minds and revealed the source of inspiration behind their apparent blindness as to who he was in relationship to the purpose and mission of God.

In actuality Jesus could have been addressing ANY group or race of people sharing the same or similar sentiments as those to whom he was confronting. But Jesus was sent to the "Lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mt.15:24) to do HIS (John 4:34) work and accomplish the mission according to the promise given to Mary (Gen.3:15) and the covenant promise established with Abraham (Gen.12:3 & 18:18)

The Jewish leaders to whom Jesus was speaking, like anyone else, were sinners, not following God, and in need of repentance. They were following the dictates of their own minds and evil hearts on many issues, and perverting truth into lies and this, as JESUS reveals, was inspired by satan himself.

Point Of Understanding

Unfortunately, in my opinion, many have undertaken Jesus words, perverting them, to support thoughts that the Jewish people are inherently evil, sinners and even satan worshipers. Thoughts such as these have inspired anti-Jewish hate and are not only antisemitic, but are rooted in an unwarranted racist view of Jews and, further, in my opinion, are inspired by satan himself.

It seems that to, on top of this, throw any amount of financial success, whether by honesty or treacherous means, there develops a complete anti-Jewish conspiracy laden with child sacrifice, human trafficking, pizza and human McDonalds burgers....Such sentiments are more than RIDICULOUS and only fodder for the mentally challenged. 

What Do We Have With Kyrie Irving?

Let's attempt to clarify the air here...First, to believe that Black people are descendants of Jews, or who are known as Hebrews, is an assertion worthy of examination and NOT an antisemitic thought or reference. The fact that there are Jews who appear to be White and Jews who appear to be Black is not anti-Jewish nor antisemitic. The fact that there are both White and Black Jews is not antisemitic unless one is given to racism or believes that, in this case, Blacks couldn't possible be Jewish by lineage and or descent. 

Example, clearly there are many Ethiopian Blacks who claim to be of Jewish descent and heritage. Legendary hypothesis has it that former Ethiopian King, Haile Selassie, claimed to be a direct descendant of King Solomon through the "Queen Of Sheba" (1Kings 10:1-12 & 2 Chron. 9:1-13), if true, this would certainly make him Jewish by lineage. Under this example we must note and restate that Black + Jewish by lineage DOES NOT equal nor equate to antisemitism. Once again, only racists would contend to the contrary.

"From HEBREWS to NEGROES"

In a tweet, Kyrie Irving referred to the book and evidently video referenced above. The work itself seems to not only attempt to prove that Blacks were the original Jews, which, once again, is NOT an antisemitic sentiment, but that those claiming to be Jews today are followers of satan and supplanters of the original Jewish (Black) people. [I will not critique the work at this point but I WOULD NOT hang my hopes on the truthfulness of the assertions I have seen...there is much better and accurate information available]

Allow me to quickly assert, there is NOT ONE SHRED OF BIBLICAL NOR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE LATER SENTIMENTS. Specifically, THERE IS NO EVIDENCE that Jews are satanists, devil followers or otherwise under satan's direction and influence either in business, life and religious practice...SENTIMENTS TO THE CONTRARY ARE RIDICULOUS AND UNEVIDENTIAL and in my opinion, inspired by satan based on the history of the Jewish people. and their relationship to God.

What we seem to have with Kyrie Irving is a conflation of the two sentiments, 1, that American Blacks are the original Jews and 2, that modern day Jews, many of whom, who live as White, are evil, devils and under satanic influence, based on the acts and actions of some of more successful business persons, who also claim to be of Jewish heritage, descent and lineage...Because Kyrie referenced a book/movie that claimed both assertions to be materially true, and because he referenced such without distinction, he has been and is now labeled as antisemitic, blackballed socially, said to be in need of psychotherapy, has lost endorsements and may be on the trading block and in jeopardy of losing his job.

In my opinion, this label and resultant actions are also problematic, stereotypical and full of racist connotations.

Who's The Real Hypocrite & Racist?

While Kyrie is free to embrace whatever sentiments he wishes, the business community has withdrawn itself as a matter of association, claiming that it wants no union or relationship with such sentiments. However, if we look at just one sponsor, Nike, for instance, we can see their decision is fraught with bold hypocrisy. Where is Nike in the face of Chinese atrocities dealing with slave labor and Uyghur injustices and imprisonment? His employer has assumed Kyrie's sentiments are hateful, and therefore has withdrawn its support without any distinction as to what Kyrie's actual sentiments are, but his employer, the NBA is equally as guilty of turning its back on the inhumane treatment of people in China with one part owner saying that "Nobody cares", when it comes to making money with over a $10 Billion dollar investment in the Chinese marketplace. But yet, NBA spokespersons are relegating Kyrie to be trained to rethink or relearn his personal beliefs and opinions and get rid of his "racist beliefs".

Is Kyrie claiming that American Blacks are Jews? Or is he claiming that the Jewish people are actually evil and satan? Or is he claiming both? Has anyone asked?

The Danger Of Media Indoctrination

Earlier this week, during the interview, I heard a sports reporter say that because Kyrie had made a tweet asking blacks to "wake up" (this was especially in light of controversy surrounding Kanye West,) with a link to the movie "From Hebrews to Negroes", that Kyrie was "endorsing" the movie and the book. Although Kyrie said that he wasn't "endorsing" anything, but merely making a reference to the movie, the reporter insisted that he was "endorsing" the movie and the information it espoused and went on to suggest vehemently that Kyrie's reference was by virtue of his statements was an "endorsement" after which Kyrie, seeing which way it was going, shut the reporter down. In other words, the reporter insisted that Kyrie had complete union with the movie and all of its contents and assertions. This was wholly made up and fabricated by the media itself. 

Question: Was this a REFUSE TO VACCINATE PAYBACK? I mean Kyrie, refused to jeopardize his health and contribute to the unscientific and disproven notion that the vaccine would stop and or prevent the spread of covid. He chose to sit out rather than cave to the complete mess of the MRNA vaccine pressure. In other words he exercised his freedom, not only as a man, but also as a Black man. Was this too much for those who felt they were "in charge" of him? Although I am not one to cry racism at every corner or twist in the road, but as I will discuss below, we must ask and address the question under this circumstance; was it simply an extension and imposition of RACISM imposed by the reporter? It could have been BOTH!

Noone has called that reporter out for his RACISM! Why? Because they would never see themselves as one who will be used to "Break The Buck" and put him in his place. Was this a BUCK BREAKING MOMENT? 

Yes, this reporter claimed Kyrie to be guilty of antisemitism by association to his reference of a work which he may or may not have agreed with in full or in part. Yet, because, and only because, he was BLACK, did the assumption arise that Kyrie not only agreed that American Blacks were original Jews, but that he also that he believed, by virtue of him being Black, that Jews were evil, and under the influence of satan himself as the movie goes on to assert. 

My friend THAT and THOSE ASSERTIONS in face of the denial of Kyrie's clears statements that he did not "endorse" the movie is either RACISM, rank hatred or sensationalism!!! Take your pick because I believe all are on the table.

To My Black Hebrews  

I want to say, that I have nothing against anyone that believes themselves to be a Black Jew or Hebrew. More power to you...However, from a scriptural and spiritual standpoint you MUST be born again and salvation can only be found in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) I reject Hebrew Israelism just as I reject Judaism and Islam as the methods of salvation. However, if that floats your boat, go right at it, as it is a free country to follow what you believe and see fit to pursue. Continue to seek, and know that your belief in that religious system DOES NOT make you an antisemite nor does it make you a racist. 

For sure, it is clear that freedom of belief in general and in this case, specifically Black autonomy, at all levels within society is under attack. It appears to be open season against those who stand and speak their minds and hearts in open society, and against those who would dare hold out the Bible as a reference and guide for objective moral truth and standard of life and living. 

Yet, we will LIVE with HIM as he has come to give us life, even in the face of those who would dare attempt to compromise our lives. 

Be sure, the TRUTH will stand even if it has to stand unsupported by men and on its own. It is for that truth, that I stand and can only hope that others will stand along with me. 

Blessed! 

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Reparations...Do You Read The Bible? Calling Out Conservaties & Mark Levin

On Thursday Sept. 15th 2022 conservative talk show host Mark Levin, hailed as "The Great One" by media personality Sean Hannity stated that the civil war was good enough and that "nobody deserves" or should get "reparations", referring to the legitimate claim of descendants of Foundational Black American Freed Slaves. This broadcast is used to call out not only Mark for his inept, and ungodly sentiments, but also call on conservatives, especially White conservatives and many uninformed descendants of FBA Blacks to rid themselves of "Land Of Dixie" or "Dixiecrat" thinking on this issue and affirm the biblical narrative that is clearly in favor of FBA descendant's 1st Amendment right to petition the government for grievance which has been overlooked and set aside with conscious disregard for nearly 160 years since slavery was reversed directly for over 3.5million Blacks in the United States at the time. 

Music: Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ, "Somethin' 'Bout Love", 2004

 

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Let's Talk The TRUTH About Police Shootings, Crime & Violence

Please allow me to make this clear from the beginning... this post is not anything I have done to make friends either politically or socially, nor to seek to bolster a secular world view or politic. There have been so many misstatements, and plain out false assertions and partially true assertions regarding many of these issues, that have led to so much division within our country, that I thought it best to simply take a look at the topic addressing some of the more pertinent issues at hand. 

No, I am not a so called crime and violence expert, but I have a solid record of addressing this topic by my actions from a front line position within my community serving the hurtng and those suffering fallout from "street violence" whether that violence was perpetrated by citizens or police. 

As a Black conservative, I believe the entire conservative movement must deal with and confront the FACT that there is not only street crime, where the lawless take the lives of others, but also "Blue Crime" or Police crime as well, where those entrused with securing the community are responsible for and guilty of killing. Those who support the police tend to think it is anathema to admit that the police do kill and many times that killing IS NOT justified nor justifiable. 

Non-Justifieable Killing

Let's be honest, our major cities are off the chain with homicide. In nearly all cases Black on Black crime and violence is destroying families and our inner cities. I want you to know that nothing can justify what we are seeing.

The top 5 cities for homicide in 2022 are:

1- St Louis, MO. with a rate of 69.4/100,000

2- Baltimore, MD. with a rate of 51.1/100,000

3- New Orleans, LA. with a rate of 40.6/100,000

4- Detroit, MI. with a rate of 39.7/100,000

5- Cleveland, OH with a rate of 33.7/100,000

These are followed by LasVegas, NV at 31.4/100,000 and Kansas City, MO a rate of 31.2/100,000

No, you don't see Chicago on this list do you? They are currently 10th on the list at 24/100,000. One would assume that Chicago is relatively safe as compared. However, many make the case that the opposite is true.

Regardless of the narrative, these are the facts concerning Chicago:

Chicago, murders (which have been high over 600 in the prior 3 years) are actually UP 34% year over 2021 with over 1,300 shootings and actual year to date murders of 320. 31 of those murdered were under age 18 as of this writing with 10 dead on July 4th alone and multiple babies shot in strollers, cars and elsewhere this year. The murder rate tells a different story than what is actually happening on the ground by sheer numbers. It appears numbers can be manipulated to fit a narrative, and my contention is that WE have been victimized both by conservative media and liberal media depending upon the narrative either have chosen to push.  

As stated, I DO NOT downplay crime and violence either in Chicago or anywhere, but one should ask, seeing that Chicago IS NOT in the top 10 cities for crime and violence in 2022 based on population, why is it getting nearly all the attention? Clearly, the violence is senseless, stupid and harmful to everyone, but narratives based on population or sheer numbers tell two different stories, at least potentially. 

Manipulation Of Public Sentiment

Murder is UNJUSTIFIABLE. Babies should not be getting killed in the womb, strollers, while playing or even in their homes or anywhere. Neither should adults be killed. However, neither should  anyone who is a non violent offender, especially those who do not have guns or are not brandishing weapons or agressive behavior. They also should not be killed either by police, other members of the public nor by those in authority!

In other words, to shift the murder of the citizenry from other citizens to police authority is not justifiable. 

Jayland Walker

I want to begin by saying, I don't know who Jayland Walker was, except for what is in the news. From what I can gather, a traffic stop, led to a police foot chase, and ended in 60 fatal gun shots fired by 8 surrounding police officers at 1 unarmed, now dead 22 year old Black male who was handcuffed AFTER he was killed. This was NOT justifiable in any manner. [ I don't care if you found an UNSPENT magazine and gun in the car...the man DID NOT have a weapon on him while being shot 60 times and was certainly not shooting back with air] Then handcuffs??? UNBELIEVEABLE!!! 

What brings me to that conclusion is that we can only view Jayland's death in Akron, OH, in light of the police arrest of a White, armed murderer who recently shot and killed 7 and injured 30 people in Highland Park, IL. (No, I don't know anything about this character either except for what is in the news and Yes, like him, his victims were all White, so this was not an incident that had to do with race) This ratchet piece of a person, not only murdered innocents, but evaded police who also followed him in a short high speed chase, had multiple loaded weapons on his person and in his car at time of arrest, and was taken into custody without ONE shot being fired. And the critic says, "well, he didn't run"...well, Jayland DIDN'T MURDER!

Unequal Justice?

In my opinion YES, this is a case of unequal justice and the resolution was not commensurate with the crime in either case! Not that the clown in Highland Park should have been executed on the street like Jayland was, but a blind man can see the difference in both application and results of good policing. An anomaly? NO! This happens far too easily and often to Black citizens in particularly and the FACTS bear this out although the news media, both conservative and liberal, continue to smokescreen the whole issue as a  complaint towards either the Black community's morals and value ethics, or that these actions are a result of White supremacy and systemmic infiltration of policies and practices based on race. 

Ooh yes, it is an amazing the slight of hand that causes one to view the victim, in this case the Black community, and this young Black men in particular, as the perpetrator of their own misfortune...It is that "partial" information and slither of truth which allows many to buid a whole case either defending indefensible actions or calling for a hate filled response, rather than an effective response to the evil that we all face. We are in a society of extremism and blame, instead of balance, perspective, acceptance and growth. 

Dispelling Myths With Facts

Let's look at some facts to dispell the myths that seem to prevail when it comes to conversations regarding Blacks and their interractions with police and violencet crime in general. 

Myth 1: Blacks Offend More And Are Therefore Killed More By Police

FACT: Blacks are still the LEAST violent crime offending ethnicity, but yet account for the highest percentage of ethnicity killed by police annually.

The liberal and conservative news have used this myth so much and attempted to paint the picture from one extreme to the other. Conservatives often base their narrative on sheer numbers to obfuscate the truth here. The Left, usually base their assessment on percentage of population to bolster their position. Both (political conservatives and liberals) manage to skew the facts, to make us think certain things are normal. Political conservatives often say,"NOT TRUE. FAR MORE WHITES ARE KILLED ANNUALLY BY POLICE THAN BLACKS!"... This is a retort based on sheer numbers. But does that tell the story? 

Understanding The Narrative

Yes, it is true. More Whites are killed by police annually than Blacks based on sheer numbers, but I contend those using this narrative solely to justify the actions of police are using the WRONG METRIC and making FALSE ASSUMPTIONS to make the assessment. Both news media presentations (liberal and conservative) base their reporting on sheer numbers, and they both interpret sheer numbers to their advantage, playing the public. However, as stated sheer numbers only tell part of the story.

Here's what we know: Blacks represent only 13% of population and Black males 6.1% of total US Population. So anytime we see Blacks, especially Black men, leading any category by sheer numbers, there is a greater percentage of the community effected. The math is simple...1 out of 3 (33%) is greater than 2 out of 5 (20%) but 2 is greater than 1 considering numbers only.

Therefore a much better way to assess and evaluate what is really going on with violent crime is by looking at the RATE of SHOOTINGS (killings) per million or per 100,000 of population rather than by sheer numbers. Although one should be cautions about this approach, as I have explained above regarding Chicago and violent crime. Generally, when one uses this approach, amazing information is produced:

Myth Dispelling FACTS:

Blacks are shot and killed at the hand of the police at a 37/million rate 

Hispanics are shot and killed at the hand of the police at a 28/million rate

Whites are shot and killed at the hand of the police at a 15/million rate 

Yes, Whites are killed by police at higher sheer numbers because the population is greater, but they are killed at a less rate than Blacks and Hispanics, at least by police. So for one to be concerned over this issue is not some type of false narrative or over the top rant. It is a real situation borne out by the facts. 

ADDITIONAL Myth Dispelling FACTS:

In 2021,

Blacks accounted for 33% of all arrests for non fatal violent crime. 

Whites accounted for 46% of all arrests for non fatal violent crime.

Blacks were 36% of all arrests for serious non fatal violent crime

Whites were 39% of all arrests for serious non fatal violent crime.

Now, these numbers are not based on population. They are based on all arrests made, which has nothing to do with a racial population or demographic. News often skew numbers and create a case for race based moral ethics by blurring the line and using numbers such as these to suggest percentage of population or demographic.

You don't hear on ANY news, liberal or conservative that Blacks are arrested less for non fatal violent crime and serious non fatal violent crimes than Whites. The narrative is always different and tends to say that Blacks are not only arrested more, they also offend more in every category...While NONE of these crimes are good and all of the offenders should be prosecuted to the highest, the facts is that Blacks are a least non violent and serious non violent criminally offensive ethnic group, even less than Whites by comparison. 

Police In Fear

So WHY is the fear of a Black man running away, so much and so until 8 officers unload their clips to the tune of 60 bullets any one of those bullets fatal, into an unarmed offender? 

YEP...YOU DON'T LIKE ME ON THIS ONE DO YOU?!?!?!

The answer to policing a community is not easy. Humans, that are prone to error and misjudgement, are at the wheel. What is additionally problematic is the blind allegience to partyline politics and desire to display some seemingly moral superiority depending upon what side of the issue one is on. However, people, fellow citizens, not all of whom are either criminals nor engaged in criminal activity, are caught in the middle, fed a line of garbage and used for propaganda's sake. 

FINAL WORD

Even though I have no regard or honor for the Black Lives Matter organization, amazingly they were able to sieze on this issue and dupe the American public and American businesses out of millions of dollars, go on to buy their homes, cars and vacations and otherwise live lavish lifestyles without giving anything to victims or victims families (I don't have enough time or energy to rehash all the absolute GARBAGE they did, but you already know...) Additionally, some claim that attorney's such as Ben Crump and activists such as Al Sharpton are nothing more than "race baiters", which, in my opinion is another way of saying "BLACK MAN SHUT UP and enjoy the "comforts" that you have"., which seems to be a run of the mill conservative sentiment every time a Black man speaks up on this and
related issues pointing towards race.  

Yes, these are extreme sentiments. It is said on one hand we should support police no matter what. On the other hand everything police do should come under scruitiny. On one hand racism is inescapeable and woven into the fabric or all that we do (alas CRT), but on the other hand racism is not an issue and has no effect on our everyday lives. Both sides will offer their version of the narrative to support their views, but neither extreme is better than the other and both extremes are incorrect and in my opinion, immoral. 

There is room for police accountability. Their is room for police improvement. Their is room for better citizen responsibility. There is room for activism on the issues and it is disengenuous to write off those who seek accountability as "race baiters" or "trouble makers" by assuming  that those who speak up have some nefarious motive, simply because you don't like them or don't appreciate their perspective. It is that perspective that you may just need to hear in order to understand, address and solve the issue. 

Blessed! 

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Candace Owens & Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

Should George Floyd be seen as a Black hero? Should we be happy with alleged peaceful protests that ends in riots and looting of stores? How do we address the social unrest and change society positively?

This is a very good discussion that seeks to bring clarity to the current movement for social justice and American racial equity.

   

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SELL-OUTERNICK...Some Blacks Are Still For Sale!

From the title, one should be able to see my thoughts on Colin Kaepernick and the recent actions by he and NFL player Eric Reed.

For those who don't know, these men have gone from taking a knee against injustice, to taking a settlement WITH a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to justify their ego...YES, I say ego and here is why:

First, so far as settlement is concerned, by itself, not a problem. I think it is reasonable to come to settlements and conclusions on disagreements in most civil cases and this was a civil case. I mean as an adult, I certainly understand that settlements can be good for everyone, by saving as lot of time and exposure of certain facts that everyone would rather avoid.

The problem is that in light of settlement, some suggest, what the outcome would have been. In this case, some say that the NFL would have lost or been ordered to pay much more (than whatever they paid) or that Kaepernick and Reed may have lost the case all together. We may NEVER know for sure either way because of the part that is really disconcerting...that is the NDA....I will talk about that in a minute.

The Situation & The Settlement 
Now, one would "think" that given the gravity of this situation, a situation in which the NFL was nearly shut-down as America's sport, and one in which even the President of the United States ignorantly railed in the scene saying to "fire the SOB's"...that careful consideration would be given to how this matter was unwound.

I mean here we have serious implications on both sides of the issue. Not even most Black entertainers would touch the Super Bowl half-time show. This situation was one, where Kaepernick and Reed were suggesting to the Black community that their fight was an issue of social justice, and racism, and that because of both, they were taking a stand (or a knee)...Then

Even more than that, Kaepernick specifically claimed collusion, by the NFL and its owners, to lock him out of gainful employment, was the epitome of racism, and that as a community of athletes and Blacks in particular, we needed to hold serve against the NFL to let them know their racially unjust ways won't be tolerated.

On the other side, an employer, controlled mostly by White elite and wealthy men, who suggested that their ability to control an employees actions at work supersedes an employees right to protest perceived "injustice" during work hours, even if the protest arose from the employers policies.  

I mean, look at it, if this were true, it would suggest total manipulation of the system and a "gang-like" approach and bullying to handle an employee, by the NFL. In this case, it would imply that there was a system, nearly entirely led by elitist Whites, conspiring to harm a Black man who did not do what they, the NFL, wanted him to do...What could be more close to a post Civil War, Black Code and or Jim Crow position? 

As you can see, this lawsuit was as serious as they get and had multiple implications for the NFL, sports and society in general...and all the while the Black community, was the base of support for Kaepernick even more so than Reed...

"Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything" ~ Colin Kaepernick for Nike 

The REAL Issue:
The NDA or Non-Disclosure Agreement!

For years, NDA's have been used to allow both sides of civil suits to privately settle what would otherwise be or was a public lawsuit, and simply walk away from conflicts without having to tell anyone the details or just what was thought or said about anything...

In other words, the NDA is the PERFECT mechanism for a PUNK to escape any implication of guilt, and to be able to put things away almost "as if" it never happened.

In this case, neither Kaepernick, Reed, nor the NFL, in exchange for money, can say anything about the complete and entire case. No disclosure of settlement amount. No suggestion that ANYONE was wrong or right. No disclosure of how much money was paid, and NO IMPLICATION that there was ever an issue!!!

WHAT A SELL-OUT!!!! What PUNK move as far as I am concerned.

2 PUNKS...1 - A PUNK called Kaepernick, with all the appleas and platitudes towards teh Black community and 2 a PUNK called the NFL who basically said, if they are wrong, they don;t want to be right!

(Critic: now pastor that is not too Christian)

Well, forgive the intrusion into not too Christian territory, but Kaepernick basically told the NFL and others through constraints of silence under the NDA that SOME BLACKS ARE STILL FOR SALE! He did not care for ANY of the issues he claimed and the social justice element was just a rouse...LOOK, be clear social justice was getting done with or without him!!!! That movement was already underway whether he took a knee or not, and Trump, who, by the way, did sign social justice reform, did not care for Kaepernick and his actions in the least...so put 2 and 2 together and at the end of the day, Kaepernick was IRRELEVANT to the issue. 

But the offense is the realization that INJUSTICE really didn't matter at the end of the day. It was all about being seen and what he was to himself and to his own future, not yours and certainly not mine!

I have heard many ESPN pundits talk about it. Although most of them are WHITE, dialogue has been on both sides of the issue. While I believe their coverage has been fair, most of them still don't understand the issue beyond the player/team/ownership perspective...To be clear, the actions and response of the NFL was not simply about Kaepernick and Reed. It was about a greater issue of perception of elitists and their hired hands (players, Black players in particular) and what boundaries and respect or non-respect existed and what implications all of this has in that employee/employer relationship. 
It also meant community. What could the Black community expect from those allegedly taking the "leadership" position to speak out and be vocal on issues?

What we found were people who were more interested in THEMSELVES than in the cause and certainly not the people. what did Colin "sacrifice" for the cause? I would simply like to know. At the end of the day, he has his money, his agreements, potentially open doors to work again and all the attention in the world. Where is the SACRIFICE?   

That's my take. If you disagree please let me know.

Blessed!

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Who's Christ Does Discrimination & Cultural Bias Represent?

Discrimination happens in many ways. This is the new cultural conformity discrimination that is taking place in education both public and private in order to decultralize individuals.

The video displays the problem. How can anyone be so unfeeling watching that baby crying over this? See our response sent to the school administration below. Lord help us!




Our Response:

Letter to Christ The King School from Pastor Harvey Burnett
Blessed!

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The Battle For Conservatism

 

 Has conservatism been hijacked? Has the fight for traditional marriage, for the right to life and safe borders created a tolerance for unethical behavior, divisive behavior, and immoral sentiments?

Are we like the man with the withered hand in the synagogue? Good on one side, but unable to function and reach out on the other? Does the conservative silence on immoral values endorse those values?

Regarding President Trump's recent "s#!#-hole nations" Christian conservative Pastor Robert Jeffress said the following:

Was he "right on target"? Is conservatism rightfully associated with separatism based on color, or ethnicity (racism) and a reduction of group and individual rights in the struggle for freedom, equality, justice and a better future?

Maybe because President Obama was so extreme left that it is acceptable for this President to go extreme right?

What we want to know, is WHO will hold him accountable? As we can see...not too many and that is to our SHAME as so called conservative Christians! 

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Black Lives Matter On MTV's Decoded

Now, I have already noted what I believe about the Black Lives Matter organization and some of its core principles. I clearly explain my position HERE and HERE. So it is clear, I don't accept and never will accept the relative moral values that the BLM organization embraces nor the disintegration of the traditional family that the organization promotes. 

With that said, I want to be clear in asserting that much of the social justice message promoted by the BLM organization and further what could be known as a social justice element promoted by the movement, is something that is true and has much place within our society, pointing out some harsh inequities and realities based on race and classism that have occurred both over time and within modern day society. 

In short, there is a distinction between the organization and the message that the organization presents to a degree. eg: Just because the organization is atrocious in its values of family and parochialism, does not mean that it is automatically wrong about many mainline social justice elements that it espouses. As stated, I will never agree with the organizational values of family, but I will and do agree that, until recently, Black lives were expendable in the hands of many social institutions, especially the criminal justice system, commissioned to protect all Americans.

Many Black people, such as myself, would often see and experience similar injustices happening to both White and Black people, but somehow Black individuals would invariably never see "justice" or "equity" in similar or the same situations. In fact, I don't think that we have ever seen a policemen kill a White parent at point blank range with a child in the back seat of car, or I have never heard of a White man being killed by the police in open daylight because he was selling cigarettes for $2 a piece. What's worse, is I've never heard anyone try to defend the actions of authorities simply because the people that they killed were Black and somehow deserving of the treatment. 

In short, anyone saying that there is nothing wrong with those incidents, or that Blacks deserve what they got because they are "more prone" to crime are just flat out IDIOTS, and individuals who only add to racism by their stereotypical attitudes.

MTV Decoded

even though I resent a segment from them here, I also have no special concern for MTV either. They have not promoted or done anything that attracts me or helps me build upon my spirituality or Christianity in general, however they did a segment on their "Decoded" show that has made its rounds and I believe their assessment is spot on!

With this said, know that there is a difference between the BLM organization and the BLM social justice effort. Decoded addresses most of the contentious arguments to the contrary and, personally, I'm glad they did. But remember...EVEN IN THE WOMB, Black Lives Matter!!!!

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FIRE Tucker Carlson For His New Black Lynching

Lynch ~ to kill (someone), especially by hanging, for an alleged offense with or without a legal trial.

Back in June 2017, in this video, Fox News correspondent , Tucker Carlson, interviewed Lisa Durden, a person that he calls a "Black Lives matter supporter". Well, anyone reading this blog already knows what I think in general about BLM organization and if you don't please read this ARTICLE. 

The most horrible part of this video, in my opinion, really is not Lisa's political, moral or ethical position. The MOST horrible part is that in the 5 minutes and 55 seconds of direct engagement, Carlson, a White man, insults Lisa, a Black women, 7 times, calling her "demented", "sick", not capable of having this conversation", saying that she had given a "dumb answer", was delivering "silly lectures" and that what she was saying was "crazy". 

Now, NO ONE says anything about his leveling ad homonym attacks at this Black woman. No one calls for Carlson to apologize for his absurd handling of someone he "knew" would radically dissent from his views.
I'd like to know why? I'd like to see Carlson FIRED! 

I would venture to say that IF this was a White woman, and IF Carlson was a Black man, I am nearly CERTAIN that there would be a job opening at his desk today! The White women, by far and large are the driving force of the "metoo" movement, exposing men and demanding their removal from the public square and nearly no one is questioning the narrative.  

What am I saying?  I am fairly clear...It seems that the Black women is open and subject to White abuse and the White man "thinks" that how he speaks to the Black women, not only privately, but publicly, is acceptable and above question. This is bias, hypocrisy and injustice to the highest. 

Further, the media, especially in this case, has found a way to victimize Blacks by publicly shaming them and holding their carcasses up before the world in an effort to belittle or minimize them. This is the new media way to lynch Black people today...Shame, ridicule, and openly attack, and hang them up for the world to see...

Notice not ONE TIME does Lisa attack Carlson, nor does she call him crazy or demented as he does her.

Fox News will you FIRE Tucker Carlson for abusing a women publicly, even though she is Black?

VIDEO CAN BE FOUND HERE

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Dog Whistles Pt. 1 The Genesis Of Distrust

I am proud to be a Black conservative. As I have written, it seems to be somewhat of an anomaly, as many people simply believe that a vocal Black person is automatically a liberal and in agreement with everything that liberals and especially liberal Blacks agree with. That is certainly not the case here. For example, I don't agree with big government, or the overhaul of the healthcare system by the government, I don't agree with abortion, the breakdown and redefinition of the family, or the imposition of penalties by taxation upon the rich for their success...I also don't believe that the public restroom open to my wife and daughter, should also be open to men who live as women...

With that said however, not only do I love Malcom X, but I DO agree with many of my liberal friends, both Black and White, that something more than a little bit is wrong with our current President. As I have seen and heard his discourse, he is more akin to a Hollywood personality or showman, than a political figure, and has displayed very much ignorance. He seems to have infected those around him with the same shoddy bias that he brings to the table and seems to demand as much to prove loyalty.

I held President Obama to a tough standard both terms. I did not pull any punches, and certainly did not agree with his agenda to push and proliferate homosexual marriage and some of the other more shameful values that he placed upon us as Americans. Be clear, I intend to do no less than speak with the same candor about this President. All Americans should seek to hold him accountable like anyone else, and if what we have all heard, seen and witnessed is any indication, he deserves more scrutiny than most.

Although the President is into publicly shaming his detractors, he is one of the most shameful persons I have seen in political office, and I have shaken hands with some that are currently in prison for one reason or another and find their presence more enjoyable.

I mean look at it, with his history of multiple marriage, insulting and demeaning rhetoric about women and nearly everyone, and name calling of anyone who disagrees with his political and social positions, he has displayed his own shame and has more than proven that he is anything BUT a true conservative. He is certainly not wise and is very ill-temperate...I mean his whole handling of Puerto Rico, and officials who were rightfully critical of his response, in my opinion, displays a person that has racial bias, loves to move the goalposts when he is loosing an argument or has been exposed, and wants everyone to believe that his bias is not "really" a bias or a prejudice... 

Although I give him kudos for making it a point early on in his term to provide more funding to HBCU's by Executive Order, and reversing some of the more intrusive Obama era rules and social regulations, our current President has said some of the more rather incredibly STUPID things and many within the Black community both conservative and liberal continue to distrust him and question his motives. 

I must admit, at first, I was saying that people just needed to give him a chance and that he would eventually "learn the job" and what he was supposed to do. I mean he was the same one that said that he could run the country and his businesses too, only to later come back and say that he made a mistake, and wasn't aware of how difficult the job of a President actually was???? But somewhere around his Charlottesville, VA assessment of "good people on both sides", I got off the sidelines and began to examine this______________(Loss for words here...although a phrase that he used for Colin Kaepernick does come to mind) for what he is and for the bias he stands for.

During that examination, I came across certain patterns that are unmistakable and not lost upon history. In this writing and the subsequent parts, I will attempt to share what I see as a calculated parallel between history our current President, and our condition of unrest. I only ask that even the critic will read objectively. Shall we proceed: 

"Dog Whistles"

One of the criticisms of this President, especially from those actively engaged in civil rights discourse, is that he uses and continues to use "dog whistles" to rally what he intends to be his base of support. Of course a dog whistle is literally only heard by the dog as opposed to the general public or crowd. This "whistle" inspires a dog to react without the one blowing the whistle, saying a word. What many Black leaders have said is that this President has issued some significant political "dog whistles" to activate his base and communicate his message. In Part 2 of this article I will explore this possibility directly by looking back at "dog whistle" politics. However, in Part 1 I will examine some of the circumstances and public perceptions that created the whistle itself and laid the foundation for what many Black and White leaders see and perceive as racism and racist behavior towards those protesting and fighting for liberation.  

Some may think that I am writing to "blame" or create a "negative" atmosphere...to them I ask, "Have you looked at the news lately? Not all of it is fake. How much more negative can things be in race relations within America?" However, the purpose of this writing is to inform as well as educate as to what many Blacks actually hear when racial equality is discussed by the current President and many "conservatives" that follow his path today, and why Blacks must continue to hold public officials accountable and make their case for racial equality and criminal justice reform, and for social change based on racial equality.

Ideas & Ideals Have Consequences

“A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death.”― The Late President John F. Kennedy

The Foundation Of The "Dog Whistle"

"Dog Whistles" are based on ideas, values, concepts and ideals. Some of these values are more or less worthy or healthy to society. One should be careful on what ideas and ultimately ideals are embraced. The bible calls this protecting the heart. It is from the heart that the "issues" of life proceed.

My contention here is that ideas and ideals, historically embraced, have such a deep rooted foundation that they continue to effect modern society. As we will see, some ideas last as a way of life, even if they are not taught in books.

The Incubation Of Bad Ideas 

Let's look at a mini-timeline of some (since the Civil War 1861-1865) historical events. Please note the length of time or the gaps here from when laws were formed in favor of Black equality to when equality was actually realized, if it were ever realized at all. Some have said that certainly equality has been achieved, and that the election of a Black President proves it. However I ask the truly objective to simply hear me out and follow the argument, then make your decision. What's more, show me how the assertions that I will make are wrong based on the evidence.

To begin: 

Jan. 1st 1863 ~ President Lincoln signed the second or final Emancipation
Proclamation (specifically freeing Blacks in the Southern states that were in rebellion against the Union.) According to Wickipedia, Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, and Missouri—and those counties of Virginia soon to form the state of West Virginia, and also the three zones under Union occupation: the state of Tennessee, lower Louisiana and Southeast Virginia were excluded from the Emancipation Proclamation, therefore slaves in these states were not set free. The proclamation would only target to free approximately 3.1 million of the nations 4 million Black slaves at the time.

Next, over 2 and a half years later after Emancipation and after the Civil War was over:

June 19th, 1865 ~ On June 19, 1865, Major Gen. Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas, to inform a reluctant community that President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier had freed the slaves and to press locals to comply with his directive. There were approximately 250,000 slaves in TX at that time, most of which had migrated from the Eastern Southern Confederate States to escape the war and reestablish life in an area in which slavery was still allowed without restriction. The day (June 19th, 1865) became otherwise known as the day of true emancipation for Blacks from slavery. It is celebrated in approximately 45 States today as "Juneteenth".

Now, what is without historic dispute, is that the Emancipation Proclamation did not free all slaves or outlaw all slavery within the United States. It was primarily a "declaration" for civil unity. Also in 1865 the 13th Amendment sought to actually abolish slavery within the entire US which only worked to a degree.

Although TX had been a state since 1845, it had also been a part of the Confederacy and governed under a self-rule concept, until 2 years after the Emancipation. The State of TX continued in defiance of the Federal Law until after the war was over.   

Immediately, after the Civil War defeat however, Southern States sought to implement a new set of rules that governed the life and living of Blacks who were now technically free under the law. Although short-lived, these sets of regulations were adopted by varying degrees by all former Confederate States, and paved the way for what would later become known as Jim Crow Laws based and rooted on separate but equal doctrines which would be proliferated by the courts for nearly 100 years, in spite of efforts through Federal Regulation to eliminate inequality.

This set of what appears to be ad-hoc laws that continued to build upon racial injustice were called "The Black Codes" 

The "Black Codes" (1865-1866)

Although Lincoln was dead, Southern States, under President Johnson and the surviving, defeated, military leaders of the Confederacy, called for self-rule or what amounts to "States Rights" in constitutional conventions, demanding limitations and restrictions on Black rights. 

The mantra, "States Rights" therefore became an early rally cry in favor of racism and, over time, a theme song, not only against federal government "intrusion" but also a cry for self rule and ultimately the validation of classism and segregation.

1) The term "states rights" was a mantra repeated by racists over the years to encourage the power of the state over the power of federal government. The term has also carried the connotation of racism indicating a reversion back to a time when states decided how to engage their citizenry. Historically however, that engagement usually excluded Blacks and even made things worse for them in general. The term itself, "States Rights" was used later by segregationist and racist Alabama Governor and Presidential Candidate, George Wallace, who as a third party candidate received over 9 million votes for President. This phrase has rightfully been interpreted by many Blacks and Whites, both conservative and liberal, to be a "dog whistle".  

A New System Rooted Within Bias

After the Civil War, free public education was offered for the first time, with restrictions that persons of color could not qualify and were not allowed in the public system. The restriction of Blacks from public settings was called segregation. 

Additionally, according to most "Black Codes", Blacks could not vote, serve on juries, travel freely, or work in occupations of their choice. Even Black marriages were outside the law as the law focused on Whites and issues pertaining to Whites. 

Mississippi was the first State to implement a Black Code and their version was unusually harsh towards Blacks and condemning of Whites that partnered with Blacks for the cause of freedom and equality. 

During this and the subsequent Jim Crow era, the prevailing thought was that Blacks were not equal to Whites in any way and should not be introduced or provided for within society. Although the Civil rights Act of 1866 guaranteed equal rights for all people living in the US, many were unwilling to accept the rights and equalization of Blacks. Around 1867 the Georgia Daily Telegraph reported: 

"There is such a radical difference in the mental and moral [nature] of the white and black race, that it would be impossible to secure order in a mixed community by the same [law].”

Blacks, by far and large, did not see the local or State law or the legal system as anything that would work for their benefit. They depended upon the federal government which at this point was still not actively engaged.

The Criminal Justice System
Community Policing

Among many restrictions the Black Codes included vagrancy laws. A vagrant is considered to be a person without a "settled" home, job and one who appears to be living as a beggar. Of course anyone could see the problem here. Since a person would have just been freed from slavery, they certainly would not have any assets and would be seeking a job. 

In most circumstances the Police, specifically the County Sheriff's Dept., was used to enforce vagrancy laws. It was the police, who were to round up "vagrants" place them in jail and force them into servile work for who else? Rich or wealthy White people. 

South Carolina's Black Code laws on vagrancy facilitated the following actions:

• Immense pressure on freedmen to sign labor contracts. 
• South Carolina’s code did not limit these laws to unemployed persons, but included others such as peddlers and gamblers and those who otherwise were self sustainable. 
• Vagrants could be arrested and imprisoned at hard labor.
• Children of vagrants could be taken and forced into work through "apprenticeships" 

As stated, the codes allowed the County Sheriff (Law Enforcement) to “hire out” black vagrants to a white employer to work off their punishment. Many of the law enforcement personnel, especially in the South, were also former or active klansmen and or White Supremacists. So not only was the law unjust, but those who were to enforce the law were unjust and bias in many cases. 

2) This appears to be the genesis of the distrust among Blacks of law enforcement or the police in general. Certainly not a total or all inclusive reason, but the start of negative perceptions and reactions. These apprehensions would be compounded in the Jim Crow era at time in which the police would be out right used to take freedoms from Blacks.  

The Courts

Lynching: Defined as the killing of Blacks without a trial or proper due process. Between 1882 and 1892 it is estimated that over 900 Black persons primarily in the South, 

were lynched or executed in this manner.

The courts (aka: the criminal justice system) customarily waived punishments and sentencing for white vagrants, allowing them to take an oath of poverty instead. Crimes that whites believed freedmen might commit, such as rebellion, arson, burglary, and assaulting a white woman, carried harsh penalties. Most of these crimes carried the death penalty for blacks, but not for whites. 

3) Racial bias in a "justice is blind" setting was undeniably a part of the genesis of distrust in the courts as well. The design of the courts facilitated protection for the White man, not Blacks. Things would eventually get worse under Jim Crow laws and in spite of Civil Rights Acts and Constitutional Amendments 13 and 14, adopted at the federal level, the courts would be used to negatively affect the Black family in a very significant manner.   

Black Education

Black orphans and children of vagrants, could become "apprentices" for Whites. This "apprenticeship" was against the will of the worker, and created a "Master/apprentice" relationship which allowed the "employer" to even "inflict moderate punishment" on "unruly" apprentices as long as the employer or "master" agreed to provide food and clothing, and teach their apprentices a trade, and send them to school in exchange for their "service" (in this case SUBJUGATION). 

4) From a historical perspective we observe that it was not an unusual concept for the White, empowered, elite, to provide education to Blacks or support education for those who were otherwise "slaves" without being called such. As long as the education was separate from Whites there was generally no disagreement and the White "masters" felt a sense of obligation to do so.

Conclusion Pt. 1

In this section, we have observed the following issues from a historical perspective:

• Immediately after the Civil War both the law and the police were used to enforce unfair and unjust rules towards recently liberated Blacks and Black families. 

• The Black Codes and rules were implemented to replace slavery by creating classism and bias within the law based on race.

• The Civil Rights Acts of 1866 proved to be ineffective and was disregarded by former Confederate States in lieu of the doctrine of "States Rights". 

• The genesis of "dog whistles" were laid immediately after the Civil War in the following doctrines: States Rights, police injustice, court injustice and inaction, separate but equal doctrines which allowed Whites to fund Black education while making sure that it remained separate from White education.  

How does what happened in the late 1800's effect us today?

Although repealed by federal law, the Black Codes would eventually give way to Jim Crow laws rooted in separate but equal treatment of Blacks. These laws would go on to be the basis for understanding and teaching for white Americans for nearly 100 years. Rooted in the doctrine of "States Rights", segregation and a call to less government intrusion took shape over time creating and exposing some ridiculously painful relationships based on race.

If President Kennedy is to be believed, that "ideas have endurance without death", then it is very easy to see how the foundation of the treatment of Blacks within this country has an effect on all of us today. Without going back to the clear injustice of slavery and bondage itself upon which the nation was founded, each of us can point back to a time, when the banner that flew in effort to display our freedom, failed certain groups based on race, while securing the future of others, based on color.

Ideas and philosophies, all the way from what makes the country great, to how we protest for a better country and life, are rooted in our genesis. It is that point, that the foundation of what we believe is right and wrong, has been challenged and exposed in this time some 150 years later.

In the next segment, we will look at some of the "politics" that makes the best association towards the arguments that have been made in recent days. As we draw further away from the foundation of this country, we are forced to ask, are we actually more close to those foundations than we believed?

We will see.

Blessed!       

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