America is a country divided in many ways. Politically, we are more polarized than at any time in recent memory. Economically, much of the country's wealth is concentrated in the hands of an elite few. But most glaring is this: despite years of progress on race relations, animosity continues to endure across racial lines. Unfortunately, recent incidents around the country make up the latest chapter in a long history of conflict between white and black America.
The ULC strongly condemns this violence. Our guiding belief is that we are all children of the same universe, and as such we must work together to find a solution to this conflict. Our goal here is to present both sides of the issue and encourage a unified effort in the face of division.
Alton Sterling and Philando Castile
The tragic deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile earlier this month sparked national outrage. Both were black men, gunned down by police in separate shootings within two days of each other. They quickly became the latest martyrs for police reform. Plenty of police shootings occur every year, but these specific cases proved especially provocative because they were caught on camera.
Bystanders were filming as officers confronted Alton Sterling. He was thrown to the ground and surrounded by police, but didn't appear to be fully compliant with police commands. During the struggle, the officers realized Sterling had a gun on him things escalated rapidly and the encounter ended with Sterling being shot multiple times in the chest.
Philando Castile's girlfriend began Facebook live-streaming in the moments after Castile was shot during a routine traffic stop. According to reports, Castile immediately informed police that he was carrying a gun. He then began to reach for his driver's license. The officers reportedly thought he was going for his gun, and promptly opened fire. The video aftermath shows Castile bleeding out in the passenger seat as his girlfriend offers chilling commentary on the injustice of the shooting. After much contemplation, we've decided to include the video in this post.
WARNING: EXTREMELY DISTURBING CONTENT VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNCbgJ55jQY&w=640&h=385]
Retaliatory Violence
Millions of Americans saw these videos as fresh examples of a glaring injustice the tendency of police officers to kill black men without good cause. The latest resurgence in public fury was led by the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which organized scores of peaceful protests across the country.
Then, what had been a nonviolent protest in Dallas quickly turned to tragedy five police officers were killed and a half-dozen others injured after a lone gunman opened fire. The shooter, who had no connection to BLM, appeared to be acting in retaliation to the recent police shootings stating that he "wanted to kill white officers". Tensions raised even higher, and it seemed as if things could not get any worse. But over this past weekend, it did. Another gunman seeking vengeance against police opened fire, this time in Baton Rouge, killing another three officers. That span of 10 days was the deadliest period for law enforcement in America since 9/11.
This recent spate of violence has triggered criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter describes itself as "an ideological and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise". For the past few years BLM has been growing in strength, leading protests all across America in response to police shootings of black men. However, it has also been criticized for being disorganized and lacking clear policy goals.
More of a philosophy than a structured organization, BLM operates without formal leadership or hierarchy. Critics argue that this has inadvertently led to violence. They contend that a lack of guidance has led some to interpret the phrase "Black Lives Matter" as a call-to-arms.
Just as extremists throughout history have used religion as an excuse to commit violent acts, several radical individuals have used the banner of Black Lives Matter to falsely justify violence. Of course, that it far from the original intent of the movement. BLM itself is based on a simple moral ideal that everyone deserves to be treated equally by the law. So why aren't they?
By The Numbers
The key piece of evidence in favor of police reform is the fact that black people are being killed by police in disproportionate numbers. The Washington Post examined these numbers and found that of the 1,502 people shot and killed by police since January of last year, 732 were white, 381 were black, and the remainder were of another race. However, black Americans make up only 13 percent of the population. Adjusting for this, black people in the U.S. are 2.5 times more likely to be shot and killed by police than whites. Even more staggering are the rates at which unarmed black people are killed by police, pictured at right. Obviously, these are profound disparities.
Critics, though, are quick to counter that black Americans also commit a disproportionate amount of crime. A look at FBI crime statistics for the 75 largest counties in America backs up this claim. Although they make up just 15 percent of the population, in these counties black Americans are charged with 45 percent of assaults, 62 percent of robberies, 57 percent of murders. This, too, is a striking imbalance.
Supporters of law enforcement defend police actions in black communities by arguing that since violent crime is much more likely to occur in these areas, police need to be on guard and ready to defend themselves. For them, split-second decisions can be the difference between life and death.
The Problem with Bad Apples
We are heartbroken by the recent shootings of police in Dallas and Baton Rouge. Being a police officer is undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs out there. However, it would be foolish to claim this issue is one-sided. While violence against police can never be defended, we must also acknowledge the troubling police culture which exists in America. It is overly-aggressive, nontransparent, and perpetuates a toxic "Us vs. Them" mentality.
For all the good the police do, there are always a number of police officers that engage in corrupt or violent behavior. To make things worse, police also have a terrible habit of defending one another regardless of circumstance. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "blue wall of silence". Whenever bad behavior does come to light, there are loud calls for police reform. However, time and time again these demands are spurned the public is ensured that "it's just a few bad apples" causing problems. But this is a terrible analogy. Let us not forget the saying: those few bad apples can easily spoil the whole barrel.
Takeaways
Black Lives Matter has electrified the movement for police reform by decrying racial mistreatment. Sadly, that very idea may prove to be the movement's undoing. The woeful reality is that race remains a divisive subject in America. Because of this, the portrayal of police brutality as a purely racial problem has likely killed any chance of legitimate reform in the near future. If this issue had instead been framed as an increasingly militarized, reactionary police force, support for reform could have come from all across American society. Instead, support is now clearly divided along racial and political lines. As we have seen in Dallas and Baton Rouge, such a dynamic only encourages further hostility and violence.
If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it's this: the violence needs to stop. We need to come together as a nation and focus on unity instead of division. By continuing to attack each other, we will only make things worse. As the late Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
We'd like to hear your thoughts. Are both sides responsible for the escalating violence, or should one group shoulder the blame? More importantly, is there a path to peace in America?
128 comments
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Phil Smith
We have a lot to answer for in this country. The current animus is based at least in part on regret. To move beyond it White America needs to understand that Black America has a different view of this country. We can heal the divide, but, it will take exhaustive work. But we can, we must, do it! For the sake of our unique nature as a country.
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sibyltheheretic
Typical liberal guilt trip. Which is appropriate since most of Americas and the blacks problems were caused by liberals. I never owned any slaves; no apologies from me. And there are no slaves alive in the US to apologize to anyway. If you want to see someones civil rights violated go to Africa or any Muslim country. After the Egyptians enslaved the Jews did they apologize? The real problem is hyphenated Americans and the people that encourage them. Quit whining and become an American.
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Minister Carey
More ignorance. The original so-called Jews, those from the bloodline of Judah, were melanin-dominant or "black" people. Watch your timeliness. Pre-dynastic or Ancient Egypt, real name Kamit, was a "black" nation. Kamit became Egypt when conquered by place-face Arabs. Paleface probably did not apologize to the Hebrew's (Jews), like you. Just reap the benefits of those who went before you and down the ones who still suffer psychologically, physically, and spiritually from it. Poor people lives matter. Well, to some of us. It ain't just about color boo, boo. Color is a tool that can and is used to divide.
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Lea Weisenbach
I'm jewish and I'm Caucasian. .
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Reverend Krystina S.
There are Jews of all races. Black Jews, such as the Ethiopian Jews, have been systematically mistreated when trying to emigrate to and trying to assimilate in modern Israel. There are two main "types" of Jews from Europe, the Ashkenazy and the Sephardic. There are also Asian Jews. Jews have many different traditions. Just wanted to let you know that "Jewish" can be a religion and/or a culture, not just a race (if it indeed is so?)....
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Minister Carey
Not denying anyone's Jewish identity. I spoke specifically about a certain bloodline.
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Dr. David
The southern states lost the Civil War and until those states accept that there will never be peace between the races in this country. Acceptance of historic truth is the first step toward the end of bigotry.
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caliwebman
I'll tell you why we MUST heal these differences and prepare for the bigger fight. Slavery is Very alive and VERY WELL. We are enslaved by a system of slavery that is nothing short of genius. See, 99% of us will work 50 hrs a week for 60+ years of our lives and yet we will die poor and in debt. I have coined this enslavement system the U.S.E.S. - for the United State of Embraced Slavery. Oh but this is not no ordinary slave system, it is a highly unconventional system of slavery that in fact is voluntary (no one makes you go to work), and not only do all of us volunteer for our own enslavement but many come running for more (Getting a second job)! It is such the brilliant system that it accepts all religious beliefs, and whats more, All races are welcome - and all races take part. It is a system that transcends race and religion because all racist are invited and all races play. And we all have chosen it to be this way.
As you may or may not be aware of our times we currently live within. It is quite natural for humanity to now go global, or as many conspiracies have coined it a time for a, "New World Order". And I couldn't agree more. Hell, if you do not want a new world order then you must think that everything is just AOK. Right? So we need a new world order. The only thing is that we do not need a new world of, by and for, the Elites. We've already tried this and look where its taken us. Rather, we need a New World Order, of, by, and for, the People. A system that should govern from the bottom up, not top down. A system that combines the strongest elements of all our past forms of governance, -a system combining democracy, meritocracy, socialism, communism and the likes.
Quite frankly, the only way we are going to deliver a best in class system that works for all of us is that one I just summarized in the previous paragraph. And the only way we are going to ever deliver a system of, by and for the people, is without prejudice and without racial ignorance. So we must now begin to come together, all of us, to a calling that is so very much bigger than you or I, so much heftier than any group you belong to, this is the only way we are going to deliver to ourselves that which we all truly deserve; a system of, by and for the people.
As Lennon once said, And as I now believe, now it is time for us to, "Come Together"
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Minister Colleen
WE can do it. It takes communication (the universal solvent) and pushing past our comfort zones. I live 30 miles from neighborhoods experiencing drive-by shootings daily. Children are being shot and parents cry for help. Everyone on this site cares, or they wouldn't be here. What does it take for us to come together, to "show up", and help these neighborhoods take back their communities?? I sit here night after night, and think why aren't I gathering 100 people together to go down to that area and walk the streets together, arm in arm, and show them we care?
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Rev paul
We as ulc ministers should lead the way by example
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Rev Christina
Amen
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Minister Mark
That's great that you want to help out and it shows you have a good heart, but let me try and explain how this is perceived as a minority person. Saying you live 30 miles away in the other neighborhood sounds like: too bad you're not like us, too bad you can't live like us. This is what is meant by white privilege. I say this as a white person who's learning what to say and what not to say and how my impressions are perceived. My wife works for a major Charity, she asked someone from the Latino Community to help her learn Spanish, they were upset that this showed white privilege. I would imagine the last thing the community you mentioned would want is for a bunch of white people to come to their community to show them how much better you are. This may not sound right, you may disagree, but it is a reality White Privilege is a thing we must all evaluate and consider.
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Marquise
Hold on. I'm a black male and There are a lot of good black men and women out here who do not use drugs. You can't categorize black as drug users because there are a lot of whites who does more drugs then a black person. But all that doesn't matter because if you truly know God then you would know that there is no color. He do not see our flesh he see our spirit. Our main concern is to get everyone to come to know Christ just as we know him, To love him and to believe in him. Us as believers in Christ can't reach out to now one because we are always so quick to judge one another instead of love one another. How can we say we love Christ but we can't love the people around us?? I believe that ALL LIVES MATTER and that NO ONE deserves to die unless God says it's time. Do I agree with the man that got feed up the the police shootings and wanted to kill all the police? No, I think that's wrong of him to do that. I think that he should have prayed about it and left it in Gods hands.. God bless you all who reads.
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Kirk
The article presented some of the facts in these cases. BLM lacks organization because the people dehind it don't want to get sued. Each of the three are leaders of communist organizations. They developed BLM to take advantage of a perception that white police want nothing more than to kill innocent blacks to cause more division and unrest. These are two of the key ingredients to divide and conquer. Ford Motor Company pays millions to these communist organizations to prevent them from stirring up trouble with members of labor unions to prevent costly strikes. That money is used to pay people to riot/protest police, other organizations and political figures not to mention lavish accomodations to be utilised by the organization leaders. BLM is nothing more than a communist agitation front, don't be fooled into thinking they really value any lives!
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Minister Carey
Yep. Most, if not all "black" protest organizations are co-opted and funded, according to what I've read, by the money controllers. Another tool that can and is used for evil. Again, why are the people who have the least and are still considered as "property" the most hated and seen as the biggest threat? Hmm...Dem darkies like smoke. Can be used as smoke screen.
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Paster Quinn
I presume that are referring to the originators of the Black Lives Matter hashtag as the "Leaders"? Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. You allege that each are "leaders of communist organizations". Got a legitimate source for that accusation?
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I am Rev.Dr.Yanel J. Laroche Jr..And Priscilla the Chastity the female archangel in his soul.
Rev.Dr.Yanel J. Laroche Jr.: I am Rev.Dr. Yanel J. Laroche Jr. with power. And I am also a lover of nature. I looked up the word black that is forever in a dictionary or thesaurus that I read every hour. It means wicked, evil, satanic and other words.And I was shocked by so many black Americans at Lifenet For Families in Lauderhill,Florida actually. So many of them kept saying slanderous words while waiting patiently to eat for free oh Pope Frances in reality. Oh U.S. President Barack Obama, the dollar bill says:"In God We Trust".If we really trust God in the world of lust,we should all be Christians in U.S.A. and apply the Holy Bible that is just. God does not love slanderous words oh Universal Life Church Monastery. This Holy Scripture is in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 really. Even tobacco should be illegal in the U.S.A. actually.
Priscilla the Chastity: I am Priscilla the Chastity oh Universal Life Church Monastery. If me and my honey had to eat for free again actually,we will go to Jubilee Center in Hollywood,Florida in reality. And there are only 2 or 3 blacks there that eat for free. And we never heard a slanderous word from anybody while waiting patiently. And there were a lot of white people eating there you see. I,Priscilla the Chastity, am a female spirit so holy in the soul of Rev.Dr.Yanel J. Laroche Jr. so drug-free. Amen.
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sibyltheheretic
Adjective, noun or verb? Rick James said that "Cocaine One hell of a drug"; that could make your brain literally eat itself. You've finished your brain, you may now have desert.
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Minister Carey
Black is a color not a people. However, out of blackness came the light. Blackness a creation before light. Now, if black is evil and out of it came light, light is evil. OR, blackness is grand and from blackness came grand creations. Wonder who wrote these dictionaries. Probably not one from blackness.
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sibyltheheretic
You are wrong. From my experience black people prefer to be called black people. This is from the chapter before Genesis:
Pred
Now before there was a Heaven there was “Nothing”. And the Nothing was without form; and the Nothing was without description.
Blessed within the Nothing was a solitary “Thought”. The Thought was “I am”; and the Thought was God. And without time, and without place, there was God.
Without restraint the Nothing knew no boundary. And so from a spec, “I am” grew to fill the Nothing. Now within the Nothing, there was no place without God.
And in the Thought there was a “Darkness”. And the Nothing became full of Darkness. And God lived in the Darkness.
And in the Thought there was a “Loneliness”. And God was alone in the Darkness. Alone for all eternities without end.
God was grieved and tormented by the Loneliness; and now in the Thought there arose a “Sadness”. And the Sadness was alone.
Without tears, God wept for the Sadness. And the Darkness offered no compassion. And now in the Thought there became “Hope”.
And “I am” was the beginning.
Sibyl 2014
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Minister Carey
You now know one who does not prefer to be called "black". Did you know that before the "I'm black and I'm proud" song by James Brown, calling someone black was like "itching for an ass kicking"? Back then it was like calling someone Nigger, a sure fight. Now, Negus love being called a derivative of Nigger (Negus). Did you know that before so-called black people were called black, they were called Indian, then Colored, then Negro, then Black, now African American? You are now informed. Wonder what the next calling will be. Note: My target population of melanin-dominate/"black" people is more than likely larger than yours, so not saying you are wrong.
Regarding your citation of what was written before Genesis: God came from Nothing? Nothing can hold a thought? Well, please educate me as to who created Nothing. I am always open to learn something new.
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sibyltheheretic
Just for reference I sometimes watch the Dave Chapelle sitcom; he performs a sketch called "Do you know black people". I have since been educated by the politically correct and very arrogant liberals on this blog that the new preffered description is "brown" people. So just to be difficult I wish to be refered to as beige. The correct paraphrase is "God was within the nothing". This is what I was told to write. It feels right and makes perfect sense to me. Be sure to give attribution and you are free to reprint and share the text.
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Tom
Can we just stop the vitriol and approach this from another perspective? Just imagine for a moment that you were blind and deaf. You have entered a room full of people, and you have no idea who or what anyone else is. You cannot see, so you can make no assumptions about anyone based on what your sight would allow you to do. You have no knowledge if someone is white, black, Asian, Native American, European, or Hispanic based on what you would otherwise know by your sight. You cannot hear, so you are unable to discern accents or distinct speech patterns that might identify regional origins or even ethnicities. You can only rely on a person who is using hand sign language, ala Helen Keller, to relate what is being said to you. They are not allowed to indicate race, color or any other physical identifying characterstics. An interesting situation, to say the least. How would it change how you interact with the others in the room? How would it change your attitudes toward others? Perhaps we all need to close our eyes and ears for a while and let the dust settle. Perhaps, the ones doing all the screaming about one issue or another would realize that they are talking to a wall, unable to be understood and, even worse, unable to understand as well. Perhaps we all need to speak into a mirror before speaking with others, so we can see what it looks like and really sounds like. There is so much hate in our world right now. Often, hate is a result of fear, and we fear what we do not understand. Rather than screaming to be understood, just perhaps, we should make a greater effort to understand. There is a lot to understand on both sides of any issue.
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Minister Mark
Very well written and thanks. I was hoping someone could break the tide of these political-racist comments. Aren't we representatives of the ULC. White privalege surfaces in many forms, we need to understand why we say what we do before we say it. God Bless.
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sibyltheheretic
"White privalege"? Sounds like a political racist comment to me. You are contradicting the very correct Helen Keller analogy. God bless her. Can you look in the mirror and see a soul, not a white soul or a black soul?
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sibyltheheretic
Once again the moderators have removed my conservative comments and left the liberals on the bulletin board. Thanks for confirming your bias. Back from our field trip into the weeds of history.Both Alton Sterling and Philando Castile told police that they had a gun, both reached for their guns and both were shot. The moral is don't be a thug, cooperate with police and don't reach for your gun. Common sense cannot be taught God Bless America.
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sibyltheheretic
I forgot to say that it didn't matter what race the police or the thugs were; it would have ended the same way.
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Richard
Non-gun toting black folks all across America will disagree with you, Vincent.
In regard to your deleted comments -- I didn't see them, but you have a history of going past conservative commentary to flat-out insult and trolling. I'm sure the moderators operated in the best interest of peaceful dialogue.
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Paster Quinn
If that happened, it could be because politically based (and often incorrect) accusations have no bearing on the conversation, nor the premiss that brings us together....except in your mind.
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The Doctor
Cowards with guns and a badge to justify their crime with. Nothing new in the span of so called civilization.
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sibyltheheretic
Someone whose job is to take a bullet to protect people that just want to live in peace is not a coward. A coward would be the maniacs that set off two pressure cooker bombs at the Boston marathon. God Bless the police officers who risk their lives to keep us safe.
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I am Rev.Dr.Yanel J. Laroche Jr..And Priscilla the Chastity the female archangel in his soul.
Rev.Dr.Yanel J. Laroche Jr.: What can I say about this and I actually know? I always obeyed the U.S. law like so,and even long ago.And I still think police brutality should go.We are suppose to trust police officers wherever we go.
Priscilla the Chastity: I still trust police officers you see. Says I,Priscilla the Chastity,so holy.My daddy will always call 911 actually,if he realizes a crime in the area in reality.I also never liked to hear of police brutality in the U.S. country.
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Rev Christina
In order to make our statements matter we must speak with reference to educate the people. However, without that people will sound ignorant. I pray for peace and comfort for those who have lost a family in these tragedies. In Jesus name Amen
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Rev James Gibb
Rev James Gibb: I follow this on TV and through the media and I believe that all lives matter, the people shot without due process being done, the people killed through retaliation all these lives matter. Notice I have left out white/black and police/civilian, yes this is because it does not matter wrong is wrong and killing in this manner is very wrong. People in high pressure jobs may say it is a split second decision in the heat of the moment and it may be wrong which I could accept one in a million times and in very difficult situations but in the two circumstances I see here I can see only a couple of reasons why this has happened ; It may be fear and panic which caused this to happen - If it is and it is a genuine mistake then the person responsible will have to live with his mistake for the rest of his life and that will hurt an honest and good meaning person. The only way to stop this happening is to train people better, get involved in the community make your presence felt in a nice way, these people are here to serve and protect, train them better, involve them more and see the results when they become part of the community. That said it will take time and the community will have to accept them. On the other hand there may be a race thing with certain people - If that was the reason then they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, on the evidence available there seemed very little reason to suspect the victims were going to resist arrest even, never mind become violent. This is of course the hardest thing to cure, psychologists in police training establishments, interaction of mixed race officers, community work can all help fight racism and remember it is not only white people who can be racist. The majority of people irrelevant of race and colour are good people and all deserve to be treated the same, it is nice to get things and feelings out in the open and maybe all the things people write will get looked at and any good ideas taken and acted on. So my American cousins my prayer is this " May the Lord guide us to a more harmonious togetherness, may the good people police the bad people within their own circle and may those circles increase to become one" My prayers and thoughts to those who have lost loved ones, life is precious I pray you carry on and have as good a life as you can Amen
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Dr. James Swienty DD R.T. (ARRT)
READ THE TRUTH OF WHO IS CAUSING ALL OF THIS TURMOIl, NOT ONLY IN AMERICA BUT ALL OVER THE EARTH !!!
Well now, let's see, what did I see when I turned on the news today. I watch the news about once a week because every time I look at these news programs all they are telling me is the problem with how human beings have been acting since I last turned on the news. Guess what, they are acting exactly the same as one week ago, and a week before that and before that. All the way back to as far as I can remember, in the recent history of my news, watching. Watching the news is almost like watching channel nine in Chicago, it's all repeats. I cannot even mourn a man or woman or a teenager or a child, being shot and killed when all of a sudden the next murder comes on the news. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING ? If you do not know or, you are turning your head and making believe this is not happening, you are playing right into the demonic forces that are running this world by satanic control. satan is running this world right now and he is pulling out all the stops so the only possible outcome is that it is only going to get worse.
I see police shooting blacks. I see then blacks shooting police. Then it becomes blacks shooting blacks. White shooting black, black shooting white. Children shooting adults, adults shooting children. WHAT IN THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH US AS LIVING HUMAN BEINGS. CAN'T ANYONE FIGURE OUT WHO IS MAKING PEOPLE SHOOT EACH OTHER. WAKE THE HELL UP, I just told you, this world is being run by demonic forces that are controlled by satan himself.
MY GOD THAT'S THE ONE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE MAD AT. NOT EACH OTHER. WAKE UP AND QUIT BEING SO DAM STUPID. Can't anyone figure out, that when you pull out a gun and point it at another person can't you tell who is making you do that, it is certainly NOT another human being ? It is the demonic force that is put inside you by the one and only, satan himself.
GOD created you and, this is how much satan hates what GOD has created. satan is making it easy for his demonic forces to enter you and make you do things like point a gun at a small child and pull the trigger. WHAT IS THE POSSIBLE PLEASURE ONE CAN GET OUT OF DOING SOMETHING LIKE THAT. WAKE UP, WAKE UP. PLEASE, WAKE UP.
THE ONE WE ALL SHOULD BE AGAINST IS THE FILTHY SATAN WHO IS CAUSING THIS ALL TO HAPPEN BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT GOD IS ALMOST READY TO SEND THIS DAM FOOL TO A BOTTOMLESS PIT WHERE HE CAN NEVER DO ANYMORE DAMAGE AGAIN FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY. If we are that angry with each other, it is time to focus and point that anger toward the one who is the cause of all this mayhem and murder. SATAN. Not your human brothers and sisters. Come on everybody, THINK.
Every time a life is taken by another satan sits back in his chair and becomes extremely pleased. He is really enjoying this mess he has caused. He can't wait until the next one falls and here are all the human beings who are doing this, playing right into his hands. Please, Don't give this DAM FOOL any more reason to be happy or glad for what he is doing, to what GOD created.
All human beings have the ability to get satan away from them. Say to yourself or out loud, IN THE NAME OF "JESUS CHRIST" GET AWAY FROM ME SATAN. You are below the dirt under my feet.
If you are humble and, really mean it, he will flee from you.
Dr. James Swienty DD, R.T. (ARRT)
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JO-ANN
AND, THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE....We are not at war with blacks...muslims....mexicans...etc......WE ALL HAVE ONE COMMON ENEMY....SATAN....."he is after your soul".....History....all the way back to the beginning....shows his evil hand in it all.......and, the globalist are now doing everything to usher in the anti-crist one world order... HISTORY IN THE MAKING..... IT WILL UNFOLD AS OUR CREATOR HAS PROMISED IN HIS WORD AND THROUGH THE LIFE OF HIS SON JESUS....OUR SAVIOR "IT IS WRITTEN" There are no answers ....except in the BIBLE..."The evolvement of humanity"
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James Williams
Our country celebrates Halloween. My pastor warned about Halloween's dangers. Occult practices go on and we all allow it even despite dangers to our children. The media never says,"Well the devil is up to his tricks again.". In order for a problem to be solved or a situation to be improved there needs to be an accurate diagnosis. I was in a "Just Say No" March when I was a little boy. All races came together to build a safer and healthier country by promoting drug free events. It takes courage to stand up and fight for justice. Police fight dangerous occult rituals and drug infestation. People become outrage if people get wrongfully caught in the crossfire, but need to be brave and face all the issues.
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Reverend Mary Riordan
"Black Lives Matter" does not mean ONLY black lives matter; rather, it means black lives matter, TOO. I think if this distinction were made it would help quell at least some of the negative feelings about the group. I have marched in solidarity with Black Lives Matter people in conjunction with the denomination I am member of, Unitarian Universalism.
Yes, I am also a Universal Life Church minister, because the beliefs of the 2 denominations are so similar and my ministry in the ULC allows me to perform weddings and offer comfort to those who are hospitalized who have no religious affiliation, among other benefits.
I do not appreciate your comments about Democrats, Vincent. They indicate that you don't understand American history very well. And that includes comments about Democrats giving free crack to people of color.
Were you (and all the rest of us) to have your ancestry traced back far enough, you'd find that we are all related and are made from many shades of color.
Finally, quoting scripture proves nothing. It was written by humans over hundres, maybe thousands of years. Undoubtedly many or most of the authors were people of color and distant relatives of all of us.
Blessed be!
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sibyltheheretic
"In Ohio in 2004, a worker for one (ACORN) affiliate was given crack cocaine in exchange for fraudulent registrations that included underage voters, dead voters and pillars of the community named Mary Poppins, Dick Tracy and Jive Turkey."(WSJ Nov. 3, 2006). Black Lies Matter is a more precise name for the BLM anarchist group. Do you remember Tawana Brawley from 1987? Al Sharpton, reverend of the church of extortion, lies and inciting riots; is now a trusted White House Advisor, self appointed representative for all black Americans and leader of Black Lies Matter.
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Paster Quinn
Do you have a credible source for the crack accusation /ACORN claim? Crack given by who? Last I knew, several ACORN canvassers were found guilty of faking registration forms. But the evidence that has surfaced so far shows they faked forms to get paid for work they didn’t do, not to stuff ballot boxes.
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sibyltheheretic
WSJ is an acronym for The Wall Street Journal. Seems like a credible source. "Democrats are split on how to deal with Acorn, the liberal "community organizing" group that deployed thousands of get-out-the-vote workers...Washington Democrats are still sweeping Acorn abuses under a rug...(WSJ May 9, 2009) ...the New Black Panther Party... two of its members, who stood out front of a polling place in Philadelphia on Election Day 2008 wearing military gear. They were captured on video and were accused of trying to discourage some people from voting. One carried a nightstick. (Washington July 15, 2010)
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Rev paul
Anytime police kill a person for no reason except that they are a person of color disturbs me we as ministers must come together to lead the way and help put away racsim
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john
Likelihood of death during police actions is not solely race-based. Some evidence suggests that geography may actually correlate better than race: • Unarmed blacks are more likely than whites to be killed. Nevertheless, regardless of race, there are zip codes where people are disproportionately killed during police actions. If one lives in one of these dangerous zones you are nearly as likely to be killed if you are white. • There are far fewer white people in the high crime zip codes, but that is a reflection of poverty. Many more blacks are impoverished than whites and live in areas where they are more likely to be killed by police.
Poverty too may not be as strongly determined by race as it initially appears: The poverty rate among blacks is several times higher than it is among whites, but not for all blacks. For some reason the incidence of two parent black families is less than 2% greater than that of two parent white families. Any difference, of course, demonstrates the existence of “racial” discrimination but it really may not be the most important reason for poverty and, by extension, risk of death.
Citizens have reason to fear police, but especially in high crime areas the police have a substantially greater justification to fear for their lives. Consider the likelihood of dying during a police action: • among all citizens ~1:300,000 citizens will die each year. • among citizens who identify themselves as black ~ 1:80,000 will die. • among police, however, ~ 1:8,000 will die. I cringe every time I see an officer approaching a vehicle during a traffic stop. I wouldn’t want that job. Perhaps if we could somehow change police duties or procedures to decrease risk to police overall fatalities among both police and citizens would decrease.
Crime scenarios, not overt racism, do clearly discriminate against blacks: • Most violent crimes occur in waning light and in poorly lit areas. In such circumstances white perpetrators are likely to be misidentified as black. (You can test this yourself by guessing the race of a person or, even, the color of a car in the dark at a distance– everything appears darker). • Why do accused people flee? If I were impoverished I certainly would consider flight to avoid the possibility of arrest – whether or not I was guilty: o Impoverished people charged with a crime rarely have the resources to effectively make bail or defend themselves in court. o Over-charging is routine and when faced with multiple violations arrested people are often coerced into a guilty plea for a single charge to avoid jail time. Unfortunately, that comes with the lifelong label – criminal – guilty under the law, although not necessarily in fact. o Fines are often unaffordable and it can be impossible for impoverished people to be present for court appearances. Failure to comply leads to a felony and an essentially ruined life as a convicted felon o In many jurisdictions, people who are found innocent in court are still responsible for court costs and jail lodging – for impoverished people this is often unaffordable. Failure to pay is a felony with the consequence of lost jobs, future employment, educational and housing opportunities. Essentially, poverty itself is the crime.
The conditions and depravations of poverty are self-perpetuating. Only rarely, and with some good fortune, an a family escape.
The perception of racial discrimination is clearly a problem. However, race is a difficult concept to understand, let alone to use as a basis for law or social policy: • There is no scientific or objective physical definition of race. The concept of race arose after the concept of racism, so negative consequences may arise from emphasis of "racial differences." • The imprecision of race was demonstrated clearly by the 10% of us who changed our race between the 2000 and 2010 census.
Associated socioeconomic problems, such as short-comings in our legal system and familial cycle of poverty, can be addressed more objectively then the poorly defined and inflammatory issue of “race.” Improvement in these areas would help both blacks and whites, but certainly the effect would be more beneficial to the black population.
I acknowledge the history of slavery and Jim Crowe as well as the more covert bias of the government programs of the last century. However, we have to deal with the present. Attempts to correct historical wrongs usually exacerbate conflict and polarize populations.
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Rev; Carl G. Foley
People here in America argue that they are owed because of the color of their skin. Here in lays the problem and how people are still blaming those who are at no fault, but they are still blamed and the younger generation needs to learn how we have arrived at this point in time ( HISTORY ). Put yourself in the shoes of the Law enforcement officials and what they risk everyday they put on their uniforms to keep peace between people who want nothing more than to bring down the Nation. But here are some facts about Slavery and it's origin. None of the people on the protest lines have ever been made to pick cotton for a Master and none of these Officers keeping peace against the protesters who want to kill or harm them have ever owned a Slave. We are all victims here no mater what color our skin is.
I know that there are people who will not like this Article of History, but so be it. The history of slavery spans nearly every culture, nationality and religion and from ancient times to the present day. However the social, economic, and legal position of slaves was vastly different in different systems of slavery in different times and places.[1]
Slavery can be traced back to the earliest records, such as the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1760 BC), which refers to it as an established institution.[2] Slavery is rare among hunter-gatherer populations, as it is developed as a system of social stratification. Slavery was known in civilizations as old as Sumer, as well as almost every other ancient civilization. The Byzantine-Ottoman wars and the Ottoman wars in Europe resulted in the taking of large numbers of Christian slaves. Slavery became common within the British Isles during the Middle Ages. Britain played a prominent role in the Atlantic slave trade, especially after 1600. Slavery was a legal institution in all of the 13 American colonies and Canada (acquired by Britain in 1763). David P. Forsythe[3] wrote: "The fact remained that at the beginning of the nineteenth century an estimated three-quarters of all people alive were trapped in bondage against their will either in some form of slavery or serfdom."[4] Denmark-Norway was the first European country to ban the slave trade.
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Reverend Mary Riordan
I wish to apologise for, and correct, my typos: the last line of the 1st paragraph should be "I am A member of..." The last paragraph, 2nd sentence, should be "...over hundreDs, maybe...". If I missed others, I apologize. Rev. Mary
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rabbi jim
Race conflict has to end in this society if we are to become a strong nation. There is no room for discrimination at all in this society. It's time people grow up and recognise all people as equal in the eyes of God. Stop the predudice now forever!
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Minister Mxx
Whoever 'Vincent' is, he is here to corrupt The Universal Life Church's doctrine and purpose. Your comments and opinions fall on his deaf ears and merely help him raise your ire, and waste your time. He is obviously a practicing racist and a voice for the conservative right wing of the country's political circle. He is of course entitled to his opinion, however discriminatory it is. In my opinion, save yourselves. Leave him to himself and Donald Trump.
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sibyltheheretic
Whenever the facts don't support your argument it is a good strategy to fall back on a personal attack. Unless we are talking about faith. Faith is belief without proof. I would follow the teachings of Jesus even if there were no bible. Are you saying that all conservatives are racist or that all racists are conservatives? Just stirring the pot to see which frogs jump out.
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Rev paul
I agree with you rev james
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Rev. Elizabeth S. Arsenault
All Lives are Precious ( #ALaP ) no matter their belief system, the color of their skin, their choice of politician, their choice of a partner in life, no matter how they think. People who kill do so for 3 reasons: 1) Kill or be killed. 2). Mentally ill and who knows what is going on in their mind at the time. 3). Drugs or any substance that causes hallucinations and strange and/or bad thoughts. This fact will never change. It does not matter the color of their skin or their sex. It is what it is and we as a society, as this culture, need to educate ourselves on how to handle these issues and treat the condition, not punish everyone that falls into that category of a certain color of skin or religion or choice of a partner. Praise Jesus to teach us the way. Bring back religion into our society and have Jesus protect us and guide us. God is our judge. He did not say we could judge anyone or anything. That is His job. Our job is to love and care about everyone and teach them about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We as Ministers, we as lovers of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus should know better than to put anyone down. Find the good in everyone and everything. It is there, you just have to look. Bring that out to dominate the bad and you will see an amazing difference in the people. When all you hear is bad about yourself no matter how hard you try, you are going to stop trying. You are going to say that it doesn't matter what I do so why bother? It is our responsibility to find that good and praise that good and work on that good and make that person feel good about him/herself. That is not hard to do. I've done it more than once in my life and I have changed a few people into good people because I believed in them. It just takes one person to change many lives for the better. So instead of sitting on a forum and spouting off about something you really don't know about, get out there and find someone to help and listen and hear them and talk to them and work with them and make them feel like they are precious in God's eyes because right now they don't feel that way.
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TigerMoon2
The slogan "Black Lives Matter" is essentially a cry for help. They are saying that too many act as though black lives do NOT matter. White bigots try to shut them up, to invalidate the movement by countering with the slogan "All Lives Matter" and try to insinuate that blacks are not recognizing that. That is not the case and only serves to detract from the issue of racial inequality, which is their purpose. It is pretty easy, now, and thankfully, to spot a racist. They are the ones who refuse to acknowledge that cry for help, who respond with black-on-black crime statistics (sure, but one doesn't negate the other), and who are quick to respond with "All Lives Matter". And until the black community feels secure in the police's vow to "protect and serve" their community as well, how can they effectively, and without fear, address the black on black issue? They are essentially between a rock and a hard place that few can understand, many don't even try to understand, and way too many don't even care.
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TigerMoon2
I would also add some famous lines by the poet John Donne, who said (it may not be exact, but close enough) that, "No man is an island, entire of itself, but is a part of the main" and, "Any mans death diminishes me, for I am a part of mankind", and "Therefore, ask not for whom the bell tolls... it tolls for thee". This is what is known as humanity. If you don't believe this to be true, what does that say about you?
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sibyltheheretic
I am to weak; I cannot let you get away with this nonsense. Your quote from John Donne is well known but contradicts your original comment. When a man separates himself from humanity with a hyphen, such as "white-man", he also expresses his desire to be considered as not part of the whole. Why is there a black-community? Why isn't there just a community? If you complain that you are treated differently but seek to be treated differently then you are the definition of a hypocrite. And why is one of BLMs demands for money? Sounds like extortion to me.
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Reverend Krystina S.
Thank you, Tiger Moon. Yet we all know that, with racists, "When thou has Donne, thou has not Done." (I changed the spelling to emphasize the quote.)
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Rev paul
Well said tiger moon lots of good take aways
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sibyltheheretic
This may sound unusual but I think that I heard something profound said on the news this evening that I have always believed to be true. Someone said" violence erodes our souls". Has anyone heard this said before? What do you think?
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Minister Greg
The Big Picture. What is happening in this country, obvious in this discussion thread, is that everyone is bogged down by the racism industry. Yes it is an industry that Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Black Lives Matter and others make their millions off of. That is part of the Plan. Why have the lives of Black Americans continued to get worse over the past 7 1/2 yrs when we have a Black Democratic President? Well, at least half black. It's part of the plan of the Democratic Party to change this country from a democracy to a socialist society. (Communism). Obama and Hillary are Saul Alinsky's advocates. Hillary did her thesis on him and adored him. His published 8-steps from a democracy to a socialist society: 1. Healthcare: "Control Healthcare and you control the people". - DONE 2. Poverty: Increase the Poverty level as high as possible. "Poor People are easier to control and will not fight back if the government is providing everything for them to live"-DONE 3. Debt: Increase the National Debt to an unsustainable level. "That way you are able to increase taxes, and this will produce more poverty" - DONE 4. Gun Control: Remove the ability to defend themselves from the Government. "That way you are able to create a Police State-total local control."- ALMOST there and working hard on it. 5. Welfare: "Take control of every aspect of their lives" (food,housing,livestock, and income) - DONE 6. Education: Take control of what people read and listen to; take control of what Children learn in school. - ALMOST there 7. Religion: Remove faith in God from the Government and Schools. - ALMOST there. 8. Class Warfare: Divide the people into the Wealthy vs the Poor. Racially divide. This will cause more discontent and it will be easier to Tax the wealthy with full support of the voting poor. - DONE
Develop a Plan Execute the Plan until caught. When caught, Deny, Deny, and continue to Deny.
Sounds very familiar to Hillary and the Democrats process. Wake up ALL Americans regardless of race, color, or creed. This government and the Politicians (both parties) are conning us all!!!
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Minister Colleen
Reverend Greg....the sky is falling....the sky is falling! And, if you're not part of the solution...you know the rest. We need solutions to work together to make things better.
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Reverend Krystina S.
I can't believe your right wing radical foaming at the mouth. This 8-point "plan" has not been supported by REALITY, of which you obviously have very little grasp. I so pity people like you, who take the trouble of police brutality, which is even more evident towards the marginalized among us, and somehow twist it into a crazy rant against ... the black president and his supporters? THUS proving the point of racism making people behave and speak heinously towards the minority. It is just beyond my understanding that ministers and individuals involved in the Universal movement would spew such vituperation and hatred. For shame.
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sibyltheheretic
Reverend Gregs eight point conspiracy plan matches up exactly with the democratic agenda since JFK. Wait just a minute while I spit the foam out of my mouth and I had to look up vituperation. And Mr. Ts reality show was called: "I pity the fool". See if you can work that into one of your comments. Kristina have come to the conclusion that you are afflicted with a dissociative identity disorder in which you experience resentful feelings vicariously through the suffering of 19th century brown americans. Stop it. No one hates brown people because they are brown.
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Reverend Mary Riordan
I have not heard it before, Vincent, and have no idea as to its source, but it makes sense to me.I will use that quote. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad there is something we can agree upon.
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Duane Smith
Many of you have missed the real issue. Color/Race is a distraction, Rich/Poor is just smoke. For society to improve we must clear the chaff, or the degenerate elements. Drug pushers, gang bangers, thieves and parasites. You have no guarantee to anything you haven't earned, want to eat, grow it, raise it, or buy it. No one has to feed you but you. The same goes for everything else you need to survive. You are responsible for your well-being. I was raised to understand that a community was a reflection of those who live there, if it looks like sheet, talk to the local residents. Want good shops, build them, want to drive out businesses...do what most of America has (use Walmart). I am not friend of law enforcement, unless it's a community taking care of its own...we don't need some gung ho chump trying to enforce his way. Christian, Jew, Muslim all been a problem. Drop the titles. And don't limit the divine either. He/She is both of light and dark. It is what it is; Life and Death. Do good because you want to, not because you are shamed into it. Be proud of what you have earned, and let others follow your example...No handouts.
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Lea Weisenbach
Spot on..This is what the black community lacks. Sad...but I find they are committing their out genocide.
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mike
According to the word of God, ALL LIVES MATTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!. The problem as always is leadership. Black LIVES matters leadership is what I call pot stirring.I was always taught to be part of the solution a not part of the problem. Things will never change until the stirring stops. If anyone in this country has be mistreated it is the American Indians. You never here them stirring the pot, because they want to live in harmony and piece.Do other races fill the same, it is apparent that they would rather stir. I would also send out a word of prayer to the families of the innocent that were kill. My GOD bless you and your family and give you piece.
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Rev paul
Amen
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eliud colbath
I believe that much of what we express in our lives is the product of our environment.if we are taught to forgive then its a good thing.if we are taught vengeance and hate as a form to get even generation after generation then we dont grow because we dont know any better.it is up to us to teach those individuals to love.with love me grow with hate we fail.all lives matter.
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Rev paul
Agreed
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sibyltheheretic
I propose that we end this blog so that we can all step back and take a deep breath. Has every one has vented their frustrations and opinions? I have read and contemplated every comment and personally have learned a lot. I believe that this has been a thorough discussion of a long standing and very important issue. Thank you, every one. Before we leave I wanted to confess that I offer penance for my sins by practicing "random acts of kindness". They have to be selfless and anonymous, with no hope of benefit or credit to myself. I find this to be very fulfilling and that it helps to bring peace to my heart. Thanks to the ULC members and God bless you all.
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John Clark
Little confused here, why do you feel the need to ''o confess that I offer penance for my sins by practicing “random acts of kindness”. They have to be selfless and anonymous, with no hope of benefit or credit to myself. How can they be anonymous, with no hope of benefit or credit to myself when you place information on this site with you name. Not very anonymous and why do you need to do this for ''penance of your sins'' . Stop doing any sins and just do acts of Kindness, not random acts
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sibyltheheretic
Random acts of kindness is a cliche. It would be arrogant of me to tell other people what to do. And so I prefer to "lead by example". Another cliche. And the internet is an anonymous vehicle for ULC members to discuss sensitive issues without fear of public ridicule. No matter what any one says, somebody, somewhere will disagree with it. If you don't believe in penance than maybe their is just something that you would like to confess? There was only one man who was not a sinner and it was'nt you or I.
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John Douglas Clark
Yes I sin early every day. No-one if perfect, but if you help other with, and I quote "selfless and anonymous, with no hope of benefit or credit to myself" then you tell no-one, you just do it. How many Freemasons give money to charities without anyone knowing their names or amount? And who is the "only one man who was not a sinner" even Jesus lost his temper, John 2:15 “So he made a whip of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” The point of this discusstion was Wave of Violence: Police Brutality and Racial Conflict in America Yes there will always be Racial Conflict but "Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins."
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sibyltheheretic
Please, I beg you; can everyone read all of the comments before they comment. Two smart Alberts/Elberts have offered us some satire that I hope will allow everyone to relax: "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive." Elbert Hubbard "If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the facts." Albert Einstein I like the Elvis version of "Walk a mile in my shoes"' I saw Elvis last week, he was on the "Hoarders" TV show.
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sibyltheheretic
Once again the administrators have removed my comments.
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sibyltheheretic
I know that I said that I was leaving but this is one of my few social outlets. I wanted to suggest that you watch a political comedy from 1998 titled "Bulworth". Somewhat relevant to this discussion. Very entertaining but with a sad ending.
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don(brother D)
As i would understand what Jesus said we as example for the people to help them spiritualy we should fix ourselves to be the light In peoples lives. However even churches are divided why? Theres many denominations and religions yet the issue is still the same. I feel i need to look in a mirror and always ask am i doing it right. PS try to remember Jesus didnt studder he came to save the world all people. One race human and people needs to start the example.God Bless peace and luv to all.
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don(brother D)
This thought for all, love all others more than yourself. Let your self be the light that changes thing. Be a example of love to all. Try it like Jesus dont judge, have faith and love in you be a example of your faith and religion love will always win. Peace and Love to all God Bless the people of the world.
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Larry
Incredible, just incredible! STOP for a second and re read all the comments. Your ministers. At least you clain to be. Shame. If ministers cant get it together and unify the community who can. There is a higher power here, use him. Put your petty differences and personal opinions aside. In the grand scheme of things only one opinion really counts.
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sibyltheheretic
Don't despair brother. We are all here sharing what little wisdom we have. Just by being here we are changed. I promise you we are going to be better people and make this a better world.
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eliud colbath
Right on brother.
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Rev. Brien
You are REQUIRED to OBEY a police officers instructions. This is NOT open for debate. Failure to OBEY law enforcement ALWAYS ends badly. Therefore, when you are told "Stop, put your hands in the air, put down the weapon"...whether or not it is a weapon, drop the damn thing, put your damn hands in the air, and stand still and wait for more instructions. Or, be an idiot, don't obey instructions and get shot. I really do not see why that is so hard to understand. If you are stopped, it is because the officer suspects you of a crime. Let the process work......if it is false you can have your day in court. If you resist, then what happens after that is YOUR FAULT. And for the record, ALL LIVES MATTER. Invoking one race above others is the most notable definition of racism. As a citizen, I pay my taxes so that emergency responders can keep all of us SAFE. All of the videos I have seen shows people NOT obeying law enforcement. Do you want to stop police shootings? Guess what..big secret...POLICE DO NOT WANT TO SHOOT YOU...OBEY THE OFFICERS.
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DamnSpades
It
s very annoying to see people blame the police when they blow away a black criminal. And its even more annoying the next day, when all his friends and family are having a riot in the streets, breaking everything and scraming about police brutality.Some people claim black people are not more violent. That is odd. I used to live in a white country, white as snow. I saw just one black guy in 15 years. And everything was safe and quiet, people didn
t even lock their doors. Seriously, my neighbour went on vacation for two weeks, didnt lock anyhting and when he came back, nothing had happend, nothing was missing. This was my life for a long time, quiet and safe. Then the black people arrived. And violence and robberies became a normal thing. Now we have to lock everything and I have learned something very important; never trust a black man. I have a shotgun in my kitchen and if I see a black man on my property I will kill him. Becasue all they do is lie and steal. They abuse and use you, they take advantage of everyting they can. They smile to your face and act normal and when you turn your back, they hit you in the head, steal your wallet and rape your girlfriend. This is life now, this is the result of black people moving in. Thanks guys, well done, you ruined an entire country just by being yourself.
All of the racists that I see on TV are black, most of the criminals I see on TV are black, most of the unwed mothers I see on TV are black and almost all blacks are democrats. This would be confusing since the democratic party supported slavery and opposed civil rights; until you realize that democrats trade free stuff (sometimes crack) for votes and most people like free stuff. So now it is all clear, blacks vote for democrats because they are promised free stuff (quotas, welfare, subsidized housing, tuition, etc.) and in return the blacks loot, steal, riot( excuse me I mean demonstrate) burn down local business and continue to vote for democrats who give them more free stuff. Remember Reginald Denny (1992) who got a brick shampoo because he happened to be driving a truck during a peaceful protest in Los Angeles. And then the protesters burned down their own neighborhood. Can't we all just get along. No we can't. As long as the democratic party is willing to trade crack for votes, the blacks will always be owned by the democrats.
This is one of the most ignorant of statements I have read in a very long time. Perhaps you should STOP watching TV and read factual numbers of those who have, and continue to gain the most, freely, from and on/off the backs of other people - most specifically so called "black people". Shall we start with the land. America was not a land comprised of "white" Europeans. However, when you look at TV and read the census, along with other statistics at present, who make up the majority of people in North America? Now how the hell did that happen? During slavery which group of people made up the majority of slaves? Did "white" Europeans who now call themselves Americans gain freely from those enslaved? Now I am not speaking of all so-called "white" Europeans because I did read that when America was being conquered, Caucasian were not included as "Free White Persons", for reason I will not discuss. Feel free to do the research. Moving right along -- when involuntary slavery of so-called "black" people ended and those people went on to improve their lives how did many build economically successful businesses and towns (hmmm.. Tulsa Oklahoma- Black Wall Street comes to mind) without access to a welfare system that "white" people had and more "white" than "black" have access to today. And why did "white" people so often hang "black" people from trees, use their children as gator bait, burn down their homes and businesses after freely taking "black" people's property? FREELY. Freely mind you. Now if "black" people today, who continue to be the most often oppressed and depressed love free stuff, where the hell can you imagine they learned that sheet. Since I am no longer feeling this conversation I am going to end this commentary with a few questions. Most, if not all countries where melanin-dominant or so-called "black" still live, they most likely live at the bottom of the totem pole economically and socially, and have no, I mean no power over "white" people. So why are "black" people the most hated on this earth? Why are not the greedy rich who don't care about "black" or "white" lives the most hated? The police are brutilizing just as many "white" people as "black" people so why is this not showing up on the social programming mechanism called TV? Are the masses being programmed into division? Really - so-called "black" people are more violent than "white" people? Is it "black" people who are bombing other people's countries and taking over their resources and creating angst and a desire for retaliation among those people? How many "white" people have shot and killed police officers? Really?
I stand by my statements; but I do concede that the liberal(democratic) TV distorts reality to feed Americas fascination with violence and for prurient reasons. In high school I could have walked to school but I was bused to a school twenty miles away because there were not enough white students. Strangely when I got there I did not see any black students (social engineering gone wrong). Back to history. All civilizations were built on the backs of the lower classes and stealing land from other countries. And the lower classes were all different colors. The US was no different. What is different about the US is the reparations made to the slaves and descendents of the slaves who helped build this country. This never happened anywhere else in the world. And there are still many white and black throwbacks who refuse to get with the program. We call them racists. But blatant public racism is soley owned by the black community.I will make a list: black entertainment television, the democratic party, NAACP, congressional black caucus, ACORN, black entertainment awards, NCNW, etc. There are no equivalent white organizations because that would be racist. And don't say the KKK; they don't exist anymore, thank God. And thanks for the history lesson.
Well said Vincent.
Vincent, most, if not all, civilizations were built on the back of the lower classes of all races and continues that way today. Yes, the Caucasian, the Irish, the Chinese, the Moor (African), and the "black" Jews (Hebrews) were some of the people used to build the economies of the Colonies and then the USA. Please, Vincent for the sake of clarity, follow the money and you will find who really own and leads BET, the democratic party, NAACP, congressional black caucus, ACORN, and the other organizations you name. They may have "black" face, but not truly "black". Tools. You see these things but you don't experience them. Now based on Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, racism is (1) a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race; (2) racial prejudice or discrimination. Do you believe "black" people created the organizations you mention here because they felt/feel superior to other races or to discriminate against others? Based on my experience, NOT opinion, when I was a youngster I was limited to using bathrooms for "coloreds only", I could not drink from water fountains designated for "whites only". Most times I had to wait until I got home because their were no designated bathrooms or water fountains for "coloreds". I could not walk in certain parts of town (usually on the other side of the railroad tracks). I was limited to the "colored" side of town. I could not go to "white only" theaters or "white only" skating rinks. Long story short, I grew up in a world where "colored/black" people found it necessary to build their own business concerns, create their own newspapers, go to their own churches and schools, recognize, honor, and award their own "colored" people. Why? Because we were either forced to, or were not welcomed, or were not recognized, or simply for the sake of safety. Yes, we were compelled to operate in a world among other melanin-dominate folk. So perhaps the invention of "black" newspapers and magazines (Jet, Ebony for instance), "black" businesses and organizations (some you name above), "black" tv and radio programming (BET for instance, now "white" owned) seems racist or discriminatory to you, but to me it seemed, and in some cases, seems a necessity. However, some things have in -fact changed. I've even got some "white" (Caucasian and Irish) and mixed family members. From segregation to integration. How bout that! Now please enlightened me to the reparations paid to the "black" slaves and their descendants who helped build this country. Seems I missed that part of history.
Minister Carey, finally someone who has personally experienced racism. I am deeply sorry that you had to grow up in that situation. Life is difficult enough without all of the mean people making it worse. Jesus didn't teach this but I believe that people who live their hell on earth get a free pass to heaven. You asked about the reason for black organizations; I propose that some organizations help minorities to succeed and some exist or have been subverted to discriminate against beige people. I would consider reparations to be: quotas, scholarships, the community reinvestment act, mobility counselors, Partnership for Sustainable Communities Grants, HUD Grants, Minority Business Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, a multitude of grants and loans specifically for minorities. No beige people qualify for these. “Why couldn’t $130 million transform one of Baltimore’s poorest places?” Well, why can’t $260 million or $520 million transform Baltimore’s poor places – or places in Newark or Philadelphia or Cleveland or East St. Louis or Detroit? (American Thinker May 6, 2015)
You know your history and you seem like a reasonable man. Lets talk.
Thank you for stating the truth. I am sick of hearing about a one sided view, try being descended from Irish indentured servants. Made black slaves look like upper class with the treatment they received.
Are you serious or just insane ''black slaves look like upper class with the treatment they received? No man/Woman should have their freedom taken away, have someone hang them or be tortured and punished for the colour of their skin. I suggest you read Alex Haley's 1976 novel, Root What would you say if you were a slave and they drag your kids away from you, are your last words to them going to be’’ Don’t worry the Irish had it worse’’.
Shame on you, Duane, for comparing Irish indentured servants to African slaves. Really now. First of all: their CHOICE to travel here. It was NOT allowed to KILL them. They were servants, NOT PROPERTY. I can't believe you would make such a comparison. Why would you need to "prove" that black slaves were not treated badly--especially compared to your poor Irish indentured forebears? What would this serve? Better that you would have said "I understand how terrible slavery must have been, as some of my forebears were indentured servants." You had the chance to show empathy. You chose, instead, to demonstrate one-upsmanship. to SLAVERY.
If you do not think that the KKK does not exist you live in some dreamland. You are completely sucked in by FOX news and their lies. Read histories of different countries and learn the truth. I truly feel sorry for you.
Vincent, the KKK is alive and well. Just ask David Duke. I wanted to say that racism toward all people of color is sometime very subtle and difficult to eradicate from our thinking. Example: pink band aides; the Crayon called flesh color is pink; even ghosts are dressed in white. We must all strive to think about these things. Overt racism is easy to recognize, but the very subtle, deeply hidden prejudices are so difficult to see and correct. Racism is everywhere. The most ingrained types, like the color of band aides, is very sneaky and takes a lot of thought to catch. gregory
The Democrats Created and Own the Confederate Flag ..Democrats should stop flinging their Confederate flag onto the Grand Old Party. Instead, knock-kneed Republicans should steel themselves for once and demand that Democrats concede that they invented this intimidating standard and deployed it for more than a century to keep blacks down. (National Review June 26, 2015
Yes, Gregory. This is also why "white privilege" is real and tied into racism. By the way, the "confederate flag" is ONLY sported by white RepubliKKKans here in southern Virginia. Just wanted to put that out to those who keep the "democrats were awful" paradigm. THAT history is over. TODAY, the REPUBLICANS are the racists. Come on down to Danville, VA, the Last Capital of the Confederacy, to find out.
Ok but where's the reparations, and the KKK does still exist they just traded the sheets for suits and ties and moved their secret meetings into the board rooms
Reparations are only for former slaves, not their distant relations. Sherman and Republicans argued for 40 acres and later a mule (Freedmens Bureau Act). The Democrats shot that down. Obama made up for it in 2009 by giving out free cell phones. There you go. Problem solved. As for the KKK, there will always be some knuckleheads out there. Watch the movie "Ididocracy" to see the Democratic future of America.
In many cases they also traded white sheets for blue uniforms and badges.
If we stopped looking at colour and judged all men as equal, then may be things would be better. We all have the same colour blood, all born under the eyes of God so why not look at a person for his merit not his colour
You are exactly right. I really like your phrase" born under the eyes of God". Nicely said.
AMEN
The funny part is that we all, everyone of us, came from one or two black Africans, genetically speaking. White people are an aberration. The true model for the human race is a black woman. gregory
Bottomline people are tired of being accused of of being racists cause they don't want to say sorry for the things that happened 60 years ago. Generations go by and yet we are ( white people) being selected out because of things that occurred when most ( black ppl) today weren't even born yet. There hasn't been one, not a single one color of people or nationality or any other way u would like to describe ppl that haven't had their lands taken from them or the ppl treated poorly because of skin color or religious beliefs and so on. Where's my apologies for my ppl being tortured and killed throughout history??? As far as the police are concerned there are white cops and black cops and Hispanic and even Asians that are killed in the line of duty or as a citizen. Those that have never walked down the streets of Compton or south central or any other highly populated gang violent territory isn't allowed in my opinion to question why cops are extra cautious. I bet 100 to 1 that every single person that ever spent 5 minutes in those neighborhoods wouldn't change their views on why the cops question every person they come across. The same could be said for all upscale neighborhoods that certain ppl wouldn't dream of going into cause they know it would bring trouble however you probably are not gonna get shot for walking ur dog there. Call my remarks what u will but I would gather that most are just tired of being blamed for things they had no part of and can u imagine if a sports team was wearing T-shirts that said white peoples lives matter too, what would be said and done??? Hell, we would all be nothing but Hitler youth or racists to be sure. It's getting old and I know I will no longer feel sorry for any group of ppl that doesn't support complete equality and that means in every possible aspect. Nobody gets anything that another person doesn't including but not limited to free education segregated college funds, no guaranteed jobs no matter the color of ur skin or what happened in the past. The best person no matter who that may b will get the job and when things don't go your way, inciting a riot is wrong and illegal and NEVER to be tolerated for any reason!!!! Complete and total equality and what is good for one is good for everyone no matter what. Do u think that would fly?? I bet I could guess who would complain the rules are against them 1st!!! Lol I'm just saying I don't care who u are, if u a t foolish and my children could be hurt by ur actions, we have issues and I will defend my family and those that don't like this country, please pack up shop and move to the other country u can get away with that crap, oh wait there isn't one!!! And besides all that, nobody is making u stay here. If u hate this country and what it stands for then by all means take ur leave no matter who u r or what group ur with!!!! United we stand and divided we fall. If ppl don't stop at some point we will be a 3rd world country before u know it and u think this country is bad now, just wait till nobody has anything and we go back to the Stone Age cause it will happen and it's gonna happen if we don't figure out this bs and get our acts together!!!!
First, you really need to work on your spelling. Perhaps, the ignorance of your statements has something to do with your education level, or lack there of. I have not read anyone on this site who has said they do not love this country, I am not sure where you came up with that. Also, in the introduction to this subject there was a very easy to read graph showing how many more African-American people were killed by police officers than Hispanics or Caucasians. I have walked in Compton and I was aware of my surroundings, but not scared for my life. Perhaps you should spend more time in a variety of low income areas and learn about those people. I live in Harlem, Manhattan, New York, New York when I am in New York City and I feel completely safe. No, I am not an African American, I am European American.
David, I like the way you think. Thanks. gregory
We all have the same freedoms regardless of race or sexual preference I pose a question of my own do we want peace officers in our police uniforms or soldiers in our police uniforms
Under God all all all Ives matter,
Vincent you sound like a racist. The reason you see and hear mostly of blacks doing bad is the fact that the government is controlled. The Corporations control the government just like they control the media. The media is tainted to keep racism in the main flow of life. The government uses this as a way to control everyone. Give everyone something to think about or even worry about and they don't worry about government. Control stops everyone in there tracks. Worry about one thing while something else is going down. What everyone needs to know reguardless what the color of our skin is we all still bleed the same red blood. Also we all came from the same blood lines along time ago. Racism is a way the government controls our actions. We need to take back the control of our government from the Corporations in the United States. That's how we save the United States. Politicians are a big part of the problem. Corporations give the Lobbyists payoff money to buy the control of Washington politics both Democrats and Republicans alike.
Yah! A truly awakened soul! One of the greatest deceptions in the US is the categorizing of people into black and white groups. These categories, according to the Office of Management and Budget, do not denote scientific definitions of anthropological origins. [This ain't no opinion, check it out]. Meaning (1) all of the descendants of so-called black people enslaved in America were and are not descended from the line of kidnapped Africans who were shipped to America during the slave trade. [This ain't no opinion, I know my ancestors' oral history]. The 2nd greatest deception is to force all descendants of enslaved melanin-dominate/so-called black people in America to categorize themselves as African American. Meaning (2) all Tribes/Groups/Nations of so-called white people on the planet did not engage in the "black" slave trade, as some "white" groups were in fact enslaved at the time (the book "White Cargo" comes to mind. Also read the definition of "Free White Persons", Black's Law Dictionary, 4th Edition, to extrapolate which "white" people were 'free' enough to enslave others). Enslavement of the so-called black people did not begin in America. It was already ongoing in Africa by so-called black people among African countries, then the so-called Middle East, then Europe, then the "New World". Ancient texts, from which writings in the Bible derive, notes that Egyptians enslaved the Hebrews ("black" on "black" crime). Africans (the Moors of Morocco who conquered and ruled Spain for 700 years enslaved so-call whites. ("black" on "white" crime). This is absolutely a crime against humanity. So maybe, just maybe, some folk can let go of the guilt trip, or the need or denial of the need to apologize for something their people may not have engaged in, so we can hold meaningful discussions and move beyond this 'race-baiting concept' and stop feeling and acting out of anger against one another because of skin color. It's not about color. Find the real enemy. This is what happens when some, if not all, of the history of a people is hidden, encoded, or re-written.
I will give all my support TO BLACK LIVES MATTER! Vincent has convinced me that there are seriously uninformed people like him working as police men and women killing innocent Black Men Women and Children. ??❤️
I don't remember having killed anyone. Black Lies Matter can't say that.
Sibyl YOU don't remember having killed anyone, although there could be others in your family, community, state, nation, country, or so-called race who may have. Same with Black Lies Matter - like you, some participants of Black Lives Matter have not killed anyone either, just as all "black" people do not support/participate in Black Lives Matter activities, just like all "white" police officers do not and have no intention of brutalizing "black" people or any other people for that matter, just like all veterans of the latest wars do not suffer from post-traumatic syndrome disorder and are out of control. These type generalizations are sickening, divisive, and dangerous. As I have stated before, all folk who are "white", "black", "yellow", "green", whatever, have not, do not, and don't wanna engage in every vile thing that has happened or may happen on this planet. Get the facts, then point your finger, if you must. Identify the real culprit(s).
"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs!" ( Karl Marx, 1875 marxists.org ) You are confusing type generalizations with organizations of people who share a common goal. One common goal clearly vocalized at every BLM peaceful protest/ violent riot, is: “Pigs in a blanket! Fry ’em like bacon!” ( National Review July 12, 2016) If you support BLM then this is the philosophy that you support. I am finding the phrase :white-people" offensive, we now prefer to be scapegoated as "beige-people". I am going to my safe space now.
My family also supports Black Lives Matter, though we are "white." We are ashamed and embarrassed by the racist and ignorant people wuch as Vincent who show exactly WHY the BLM people are correct. Racism is alive and well and must end. Police brutality to all people also must end.
Please go back and read all of the comments before you act like I ran over your dog. And to be politically correct we prefer to be described as Brown or Beige. Do you also support the racism, assaults, rioting, looting and murdering done by Black Lies Matter?
Do you actually research any of the shooting committed or do you blindly believe what people tell you?
Vincent I don't even know where to begin. You probably should turn off your tv because you have been totally brainwashed. First of all, there is no such thing as a black person. People come in all shades of brown from light to very dark brown. Would you go into a dog store and see the dogs separated by the color of their fur and say, "Oh the dogs with the white fur are smarter than the dogs with the dark fur." Same thing with people that is ridiculous! God created people in all colors and we are not different. Our only difference is in our culture and traditions and how hot it is where we live. If people live in a hot climate like Africa there skin will become dark over many years. It is just that simple. Why do we complicate things? And who controls the media? All people commit crimes not just people who have brown skin do not be deceived. We are one. I love my beautiful brown skin wouldn't trade it for the world but I also love my brothers in sisters who look different from me. At the end of the day, its not the wrapping on the outside of a present it is what is on the inside. Do you ever wonder why they fight so hard against people with brown skin? Could it be that God created the Africans before he created anyone else? Go read a book and turn off the tv you have been totally and purposefully miseducated.
I believe that this is called the "straw man" fallacy. And your "dog fur" analogy is way,way, way out there. I don't remember any comments on this blog accusing black/brown/tan or beige people of being stupid. You insinuate that black.brown/tan and beige people are sweaty because they come originate from a hot climate. Well maybe, but kind of off the point. Turning off the liberal TV does seem like good advice. And I was "purposefully miss-educated" by the liberal public education system to the idea of whit guilt. What a boring world it would be if everyone was the same.
Pastor Powell ,amen,all this talking ain't gonna now where,facts we have to turn back to gods laws,cause the government is being run by Satan for a season just look at him changing god laws first through the church leaders Satan was able to change god holy sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, next he had prayer took out of our schools, and Satan put guns and bombs in our schools ,and the body's of our children, we have aloud the government to bring abomination into the united States, a man that lays with a man is a abomination unto god,we have to come together and bend our knee a cry out to god to change the united States, back to one nations under god ,indivisable with liberty and justice for all, the bible says we don't wrestle with flesh and blood ,but principalities rulers in high places the government ,is being blinded by Satan and his division, we are all gods children, and we should all come together quit taking so much and start praying bending a knee humbling ourself,and put gods law in our ❤,anytime god is took out of government and are schools ,we can't stand against gods laws and expect to prosper, we will be destroyed
When did Satan change "God's holy Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday"? Christians still have Sunday, Muslims Friday, and Jews Saturday been this way for hundreds of years. Satan did not put " guns and bombs in our schools, and the bodies of our children" we did Time we stopped passing the blame and took responsibility for our own actions. You state "man that lays with a man is an abomination unto God" then "we are all God’s children, and we should all come together", I hope this site would show compassion to all regardless of their Race, Sexuality, Religion and Politic’s but this just shows there’s still people who discriminate towards their fellow man/woman. Make me sad to be part of the human race Matthew 7:5 (English Standard Version) 1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
The Catholic Church is the one who made it Sunday and not Saturday they changed the whole calendar
You are spot on. Respect starts with you. If the Black community needs to clean up their act. I'm plan tired of the race hate towards white.
Wow, one seldom gets to meet someone with such hatred in their heart and such a narrow minded viewpoint on a site that exists under the premise of the inalienable fact that "we are all children of the same universe". I would be wasting my time and energy to bother to address all that is wrong with your statements. "All the racists I see on TV are Black" what channel do you watch? What Black Racist has a TV or radio show, that airs routinely, is available from coast to coast and regularly spews racist comments and references. I can think of several white commentators.
"The democrat party supported slavery" Even a casual review of the history of the two parties would reveal that the two parties have swapped many planks in their platforms. While it is true that the party under the name of the Democrats in the late 1800's was opposed to slavery and civil rights those ideals are long gone from the party. There were racist in Washington in the 1960's who were registered Democrats, holdovers from the past but they are long gone. Throughout our lifetimes the Democratic Party has demonstrated that it is the leader in the struggle for civil rights.
And I would like you to cite a credible source for your claim that Democrats give away free crack and "trade crack for votes".
Really?
I am thankful that you, in all likelihood, are not a Church Paster who preaches such garbage in a church every week. In all likelihood you are a internet troll who posts just to incite additional hatred.
You absolutely nailed it, though I can see it didn't take long for some of the more retarded members of society to have an allergic reaction to the truth and begin going into spastic fits of virtue signaling in an attempt to garner cheap morality points (an immediate example would be Minister Carey, who wants to condescend to the black community with his parental racism and soft bigotry of low expectations, while simultaneously doing historical revisionism in an effort to validate his narrative).
What is a troll? The big liberal conspiracy: isn't everything? "History is written by victors" a quote attributed to many persons but whose origins are unknown. An example is Hermann Göring's saying: "We will go down in history either as the world's greatest statesmen or its worst villains." Now the history that you don't want to hear. So Liberals cover your eyes so your heads don't explode. Not so long ago but beyond the recollection of most Americans, the Democratic party realized that the age of cheap minority labor was threatened by the language in the constitution. But being a devious bunch they also realized that the minority vote could be bought for a few dollars worth of free stuff. Kind of like when the colonist stole america from the native Americans for some meaningless treaties and a few beads. After the democratic party took over the public education system, we were indoctrinated into the liberal mindset of revisionist history (white guilt). This ensured the sympathy and perpetuation of democratic control over Americas minority population. Democrats own the minority vote. Republicans feeling the guilt, went along with the giveaways for quite awhile. And finally the great awakening. Back to the present; conservatives are faced with minorities rioting, looting, burning, and murdering, not in favor of civil rights but because of guilt over their failure to succeed in life. At this point in time nobodies fault but their own.
Please do not project who you are onto me. I need validation nor morality points from no one. As the saying goes "when you don't know your history, you're bound to repeat it again."
As a "white" person, I am embarrassed by your obvious ignorance. I am sorry that television seems to be the main source for your bigoted and biased viewpoint on social issues vis a vis racial makeup. Racism is, by definition, the purvey of the privileged class--i.e. the white folks. Television is guilty of typecasting various types of people, and the overcriminalization of soft drugs and cheaper/"blacker" drugs (e.g. crack vs cocaine) has been an issue which the U.S. has admitted it f*cked up royally. Most (more AND greater percentage of) unwed mothers are white. Almost all blacks are democrats? What about the fact that whites are divided between democrat and republican? What does that make "us?" Do we just like "free stuff (sometimes crack) for votes"???? The democrats "own" the blacks because they "trade crack for votes"? Seems you forget about history and do not live in the real world. Nobody calls you on your disgusting lies, accusing a political party of bizarro illegal bribery? I call you out as a bigot and a racebaiter. As one white person to another white person-- you do not represent me or my race!!! I support Black Lives Matter because I understand that we are defined as a society by how we treat those who are in the minority, those who have less power, those who are traditionally mistreated, those who are marginalized. Our law enforcement system must treat everyone equally, with dignity and respect. PERIOD. WE THE PEOPLE.
Typecasting like calling all conservatives racist bigots? Please go back and read all of the comments, I have credited the sources for all of my facts. Watch your language and stop smoking that crack.
I truly cannot even begin to tell you of all the ways that your comment is incredibly backward and just plain wrong. I pray you do not shepherd, influence or teach others this crap that you are spouting here. You have obviously lived your life viewing the world through a very insane prism. You sir, are a theological troll, and although I will not eviscerate your comments, I will tell you that I see you, and I have known your kind far too often. And I look forward to the day you either are educated and see the error in your ways, or pass from this world and thus your insanity is resigned to the dustbin of history where it belongs. And I pray you never procreate.