Coffee; with Cream, Please

The recent hot-topic discussion regarding immigration reform has politicians doing more fancy footwork-dancing than Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; holy crap, now that is invoking two names which, will date me as an 'old-fart.' Anyhow, the immigration topic resurrection causes me to recall a survey conducted a few years ago, when some two thousand legal immigrants to the USA from different parts of the world were questioned. Hold on to your socks, cousin as I share these findings. Those immigrants with the lightest skin color earned fifteen percent more money in America than those with darker skin color. Surprise, Surprise!!

This survey wasted a lot of good money; all one needs is a good background in American History studies and they know this fact. White people for centuries demonstrate less than a compassionate embrace for people of darker skin color. I guess it began in this land when the Pilgrims spotted that first Native American and labeled him, 'Redskin.' White folks have always used a 'shade barometer.' It computes thus, the darker the skin the less worthy the person; except when some noted surgeon from India is performing life-saving surgery or we are sitting in the second pew of Sunday morning worship service singing, "They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love.'

Slavery was an important cog in our American economy before and after the emancipation proclamation. No matter that President Lincoln signed the proclamation, which freed 'Blacks' from bondage; the country has depended upon immigrants (legal or illegal) to do those less desirable jobs for lesser pay. Only an idiot or one in denial would not agree that illegal immigrants have been  profitable resources for businesses and corporations.

Perhaps of all the studies and literature that I have read throughout my lifetime, I suppose the most disturbing survey was one I first read in the 1960's. That particular survey discovered that the people having no religious affiliation show on the average, less prejudice than do 'church members.' (Gordon W. Allport / 'The Nature of Prejudice). That bit of news must sadden our Savior.

I am often amused when Americans get all up in arms when our patriotism is challenged; patriotism begins with the treatment of our fellow patriots regardless of skin color shade, ethnic background or how they choose to worship.

If it eases the pain of darker people, I once read that taller people have greater employment advantage over shorter people, of course if you a short-Black guy you are truly SOL!