I'm Just Sayin'

It is easy for me to identify how I developed my liberal (social) views and tolerance. First, my maternal grandmother (Mammy Bennett) had my audience and was in my head with Jesus' teachings from my earliest recollections. Then obtaining a college degree in sociology sealed the deal. I am who I am.
Knocking aside others' myths and prejudicial beliefs about minorities has been a long passionate journey. This acknowledged, it does little to help the cause when those whom I support self- destruct with bull- head blindness. Case in point: Michael Brown did not deserve to be killed by a police officer that fateful day in Ferguson, Missouri. In the aftermath, Michael Brown should not be made into some saintly martyr. He appeared to be somewhat misguided about retail store economics. He also projected himself as a bully. I suggest Michael Brown should be alive today and perhaps awaiting trial for shopping lifting.
Another thing...when a black NFL player leaves traces of physical force on his young son's body , I don't need a black NBA player coming to that father's defense saying, "That's how black parents discipline." That is an absolute stupid comment. Thank God no one suggested that black men 'keep their women in line' by punching their lights out on public elevators!
My plea is simple: Many black people need to stop making it so damn difficult for a white social-liberal Christian guy to be on the side of minorities; God only knows that there are enough white, so-called Christians, who didn't have a Mammy and believe we sociologist are fools.
Black leaders need to examine 'talking points' or risk becoming akin to Fox News' perception of 'fair and balanced.'

Blah, blah, blah

I was driving down the highway and flipping radio channels when the familiar Rush Limbaugh voice came through the speakers. I have not listened lately to El Rushbo so I endured his narcissism for a few minutes. He was lashing out against CNN reporter, Don Lemon and as he did, of course, Limbaugh made derogatory remarks about Lemon being 'gay.' As expected, Rush soon brought Obama's name into his tirade with suggestions that Obama was waging a war on 'traditional' marriage.
Dadgumit, folks should pay attention to Rush on THIS ONE;  Rush should know something about traditional marriage since he is on his fourth such arrangement.

Loving Remembrances

This December 21st will mark the second year of my mother's passing. I truly miss talking with her. I telephoned her 4-or-5 times a week. It was perhaps her laughter that I enjoyed the most.
I remember as a young child living on Rosemont Avenue in East St. Louis; Friday nights were my dad's union meeting nights. A fella with whom he worked attended the meetings and the man's wife would visit with mom until the men returned. I can close my eyes even today and hear those two ladies chatting in the nearby room. Their voices were soft and soothing and my mother's voice was particularly comforting and reassuring. Her vocal tones soon brought quiet slumber to a 11 year old boy.
There are other voices I miss. My dad always spoke in confident tones that gave encouragement, which initiated motivation.
I had two childless aunts who took upon themselves the profound interest in all the nieces and  nephews. Each had a distinct charm and both required 'particulars' when responding to their questions. Both aunts had full volume tones.They too are silenced.
I suppose everyone, this time of year, has such reflections...I was blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving

Last Sunday, the preacher asked the question: "If you could only pray a prayer of Thanksgiving for ONE thing, what would THAT be?" Of course, it is an unfair question! In fact, many times my prayers become somewhat lengthy because I tend to 'itemize' my many blessings.
As I sat there in the pew (I got to church late and all the good chairs in the back were taken), I decided to play the preacher's game; it was a quick and easy answer that came to mind...if on this Thanksgiving day, I could thank my God but for one thing, I would thank Him for sending His Son to pave the way to eternal life.
I cannot close this rant with listing only one Thanksgiving prayer so let me finish saying, I never let a prayer moment pass that I don't thank The Lord for the health and safety granted my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Stop and think; we all want so very much for our off-springs and yet WE cannot provide the most coveted gifts for our love ones.

May your day be filled with thankful thoughts.

She Got Me Started

My wife walked into the family room and noted the televised college football ball I was watching. One of the teams was Florida State. She commented about the Indian 'logo' helmet worn by the Florida State Seminoles and asked, "Why do they get to use an 'Indian' for a mascot and Illinois cannot use Chief Illiniwek?" She likely wished she had not asked because I went on one of my lengthy rants about the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
In descending rank, I deplore the following organizations: Ku Klux Klan, Black Panthers and the NCAA. The first two are intolerant 'hate-groups' and the latter is a pompous, pretentious, greedy group.

I explained to my wife the old saying, 'Money talks; bullshit walks!' Whereas there is no existing Illini Tribe to throw money at to appease and thus use the name 'Chief Illiniwek mascot,' Florida State pays-off the Seminole folks. Of course the pompous NCAA ignores the money game and puts aside their holy war against its college members using degrading mascots and mascot names, which may offend ethnic groups.
My complete 'rant' on the NCAA is 573 pages long; I shall stop here.

Bogus

In 2011, the city of a Chicago had 433 murders. 70 percent were committed by 'Blacks' and 75 percent were 'Black' victims. This statistic suggests a hellava lot of 'Black-on-'Black' murder. Just a few weeks ago, a young, 4-year old black girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap when a stray bullet came through the wall striking the child and killing her.
Questions Where is the community and nationwide outrage? Where  is Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton? Where are the demonstrators? Where is the national media, especially  the 'rock-throwing' reporters from CNN?
Obviously, we can note a lot of disingenuous voices in our society today along with profound inconsistencies!

I Don't Recognize Today

Two doors South from our house lives twin brothers who are seniors at Decatur MacArthur high school. They live with their widowed mother. Both boys are better than 6'3"; one weighs in at 245, the other at 210. Upon graduation they intend to join the military. They are polite young men and over the past few years, we have funneled many dollars their respective directions with a variety of lawn care jobs. They are now comfortable enough to ring the door bell and inquire; "Can I make a few dollars today doing something." Often we have a legitimate need and if we don't, my wife manufactures a need.
This past Saturday, one twin knocked on the door at mid-morning and soon Gerry had him 'on-the-clock.' I noticed on three rather quick back-to-back moments, the lad was on his cell phone texting I suggested to my wife that she needed to ask the boy if he wanted to work or talk on the phone?
My wife jumped my crap and said,  "Stop acting like a crabby old man!" Next summer, I hope the boy's Army drill sergeant resembles my wife; warm, 'fuzzy-' caring and cuddling however, I am betting the sergeant will be a crabby-asshole...it's a different world than I remember.