Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 11:57 PM - Politics
Posted by Administrator
My friends. White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, and all who call themselves Americans. Recently I wrote an article "I AM OUTRAGED! The Depravity of American Leadership." I clearly identified those leaders in society who were destroying this Nation through moral depravity. Regardless of their race, I clearly declared our need as Americans to weed out these ignorant fools who continue to take office and destroy this Nation. Even today, I heard the Mayor of Detroit after the Detroit City Council request he step down after the fiasco for which he has been involved. He of course used a tactic of time perception manipulation. He insinuated that "we just need to move forward and forget about this situation." Yes, how convenient for him. But, how about the rule of law? How about the powers of governmental process and council? How about what the city of Detroit wants? My message to Detroit... if you want your Mayor out... go get him out. March down to City Hall and state your rights! Do not be bullied!Posted by Administrator
Be Vigilantly Aware of Misguiding Leaders ____________________________
I am flabbergasted by many leaders and their use of fancy speech, great vocal delivery, looking sharp and speaking with a sharp tongue. They mislead many. If they had not misled many.... how did they get in office with their hidden character? I am telling you the truth. Something unique has happened this week that is out of the norm. Light has shown, light is gleaming and it is beginning to reveal what slept low in the darkness. Do not skew your perceptions due to your desperation for an integritable and effective leader who will be facing great challenges as our Nations President today and in the future.
Yes, I am speaking of Barrack Hussein Obama.
Now more than ever, we need clear judgment and Mr. Obama is displaying himself to be a divider rather than a provider to the American ideas of freedom. This next election could probably lead to either a great success and victory for an integritable leader or it could actually perpetuate the down fall of this Nation. This next election, I am not willing to take any chances. I will not vote based upon class, race, gender, fancy written and delivered speeches, etc. To do so is foolish and is not a critical thought process in which to find success. I am critically analyzing, witnessing and researching past behavior, personal friends of candidates; a candidate's belief system (their world view which is primarily important!) which can be primarily found in every church in America.
"DO NOT BE DISILLUSIONED!" ____________________________________
Everyone believes in something - and ones church is the quickest way to find out what that belief really is. Ignore the liars in much of the media! This my friends is far from guilt by association for Barrack Hussein Obama and I carry no political bias - I am neither a Democrat or Republican! If this so called Reverend Wright who seems to be abusing and corrupting the ideology of Christianity was simply an acquaintance... this issue could be excusable but, still very concerning for the Christian Church and the African American communities. Last I checked, it was not the role of the Church to imply or declare political agenda's. Mr. Wright must not realize this important process.
UNDERSTAND, a person's pastor is personal. You go to him with your problems for spiritual and intellectual answers. A pastor or religious leader has great power over his flock. A preacher is a representation of ones values; ones world view and perception. One does not attend a church for 20yrs. if one does not believe in what the leadership of a church is proclaiming.
Understand the Church Role __________________________________
A church is an educational and spiritual institution - one does not go to a church for 20yrs., within the walls of such a place and not believe what comes out of the pastors mouth - to believe anything else is delusional.
I pray that America is not so removed from worship, the church and the dependence upon God that many would not realize the significance of this particular presidential candidate relying upon a pastor of 20yrs. with such a hateful spirit. Regardless, if you are Democrat or Republican; the fact that this type of so called "preaching" is going on in an American Church is frightening and disgraceful. This behavior is extremely regressive towards greater civil rights for African Americans to carry such attitudes and world views (It will only hurt their cause for future generations).
Think critically for a moment regarding one who attends a church: Barrack Hussein Obama expressed that He does not connect himself with the negative statements of Mr.Wright... Obama's pastor of 20yrs.
So, on one hand if one does attend a church without agreement and value to its leadership, then a person is simply their for social connections and represents an extrinsic relationship to God and others, for which they cannot be trusted to be integritable. On the flip side, if one is attending a church for intrinsic reasons; they believe in the leadership, they believe in and value the teachings of the organization... they must also believe and value a leaders message - there is agreement, passion and motivation to convey this identical message to others within ones life. I believe it is the last assumption; one does not allow a minister to baptize their children and continue to attend an institution such as this, unless they truly trust the minister's message, leadership and world view.
Let's Be Honest _______________________________________________________
Obama clearly indicated in one of his speeches that "words matter." "Mr. Obama, you could not be more right." If words did not matter, I would not be writing this article in order to warn many of those who are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives, the lives of their children and this Nations future.
I understand more than many in the white population due to my education, commitment to helping the public and making a difference in the lives of others that African Americans have been through horrific circumstances through out history. Do I understand racism like an African American? No. Does a rich black man born into a rich black family understand the classism I experience every day? No. Regardless, we do not need to completely understand each position in order to gain a correct perception and understanding of the problem.
I understand African Americans have been slaves; they have been oppressed and at times discrimination does take place even after as far as they have came. However; this is an acknowledgment of history, and it is happening at times today... but we as a society must also witness the changes, advancements and achievements that have also taken place. To not do so would be to ignore the truth. To not acknowledge the opportunities and advancements is to disregard the strengths of The American People - a negative framework, rather than a solution focused perspective. Focusing upon ones adversity rather than opportunity is a stumbling block; setting one up for failure; setting yourself up to be a victim.
EVERYONE HAS ADVERSITY - some more than others. Just ask a paraplegic who recently graduated from college with a Masters in Japanese Language who could not type, walk, or even barely speak.... but he did it! He wrote his thesis with a pen in his mouth, typing one letter at a time! Amazing!
When I attended college, I remember watching a paraplegic roll into the library in his wheel chair to meet his tutor... unbelievable determination; I was astounded! He made a way ladies and gentlemen. He did not focus upon what he could not do - but through his will, he declared and decided he would give all he had to an endeavor. Without excuse, without hating the world; but embracing it.
There are two unfortunate factors in our social reality, that must be accepted and are usually refused.
1. Stereotyping and Racism will always exist; it is instilled deep within the psyche and biases of physical characteristics and group association. The only way to fight racism, classism, etc. is to join with other Americans in your fight - not segregate yourself by race.
2. Class more than race is now the hottest topic regarding ones layered identity. Discrimination today also involves many white people. Recently I was told by a federal employee that when I am applying for positions, even with a straight A average all through college and my military combat record that "I may not get a call because of my gender or my race." At least this manager was honest. Should I then give up? No way! "Quit" is not in my vocabulary, and so, quitting should be absent from those who experience such discrimination if you plan to survive and take care of those you love. Fight and fight with love, and only then will you succeed!
My perspective is not a rationale to perpetuate discrimination, racism or to do nothing regarding their existence; it is simply to acknowledge the truth - to resist an Ostrich syndrome.
From my knowledge, experience and education I have began to realize that what many call the "Dominate Culture" is no longer simply a characterization of race (being white), but a characterization of class (those who have more power), for which today is not only white people (that is a former fantasy). Simply being white is not simply being powerful or a meal ticket to success. Being white is not simply being wealthy. I can remember walking into a well to do restaurant and a person looking me up and down, to only tell me "we have no seating for you." I felt outraged - but I made a choice... to go somewhere else and to vow never to treat others in such a way.
Trust me my friends, I am a Scholar and Masters Graduate and I am unemployed (Bitter, No - Motivated and Challenged, Yes); Barrack Hussein Obama is a black man, college graduate and running for the President of the United States. Figure it out. Today more than ever, men and woman of color have vast opportunities! Will they face adversities? Of course. Will they have difficulties? Of course. That will never go away. But, so will a poor white child living in Flint, Michigan. I assure you, it will take commitment, an iron will and the use of your social support structures of your localized community to make it. Mr. Obama decided to go into politics, he has done well, and under most circumstances I would be completely happy for him; however, due to his associations and views - not his race... I am wishing he would have went into scientific endeavors.
Reverend Wright clarifies in one of his sermons regarding points of ignorance, class, white people and the inequities that exist. However, he does not clarify that Mr. Obama and his family are of very high stratification, attended Ivy League schools and have much higher income and wealth than most white people today. They worked for their educations as many white people do today. I myself being a white male, did not have my education handed to me. I borrowed, I won scholarships, fellowships and I worked endlessly for nearly a decade while raising a family and working full time. I graduated with straight "A"s at every level of education and was able to attend the number one school in the country for my field of practice and I myself have not been able to land a job to support my family since graduation. Who should I blame? No one. I will make a way.
Statements of Hate ______________________________________
What Rev. Wright clarified was insanely foolish. What he stated was expressively hateful and anti - American. What this man stated was not a factual or reflective understanding or representation of what white people believe, are perpetrating or seeking against African Americans in today's society. His perpetuation is to maintain a continuation of a victimizing mentality for the African American community. What this man stated was not an accurate portrayal, reflection or understanding of Christianity. I now wonder what messages are being preached deep within the African American Church every Sunday. As a Christian, to hear such rhetoric was an embarrassment.
"God Damn America?" "References to "The United States created AIDS to destroy the African American populations?" "The US of KKK?" These messages; a reflection of Black Liberation Theology - and according to media outlets, this is a theology which has been characterized as very similar to what the Black Panther Party believes... they are comments that not only are hateful, but outrageous! It is now also being reported in the media that a publication bulletin within Mr. Obama's church expressed pro Hamas views... WOW (for those who do not know - Hamas is a terrorist group!). How can anyone with friends such as these really love America? And when Obama, screams, "we need change!" I begin to ask... what kind? MMMMMM. I do know that, "Birds of a feather, stick together." MMMMM.
As stated in my last article: "With leaders like these, who needs foreign enemies?"
The Black Panther Party is actually supporting Barrack Hussein Obama! It is these Black Panther Party members which want a separate country from the United States. These people are separatist... and they are supporting this candidate! Wake up people.
African Americans Are Survivors... Not Victims ______________
This kind of propaganda is simply ridiculous - ignorant and a process or perpetration that is false and not really a way for the black population to take charge of their lives as survivors, rather than continuous victims. Regardless of ones problems... race or position... one must take responsibility for their lives and futures.
One idea that is reflected in much of this rhetoric is "I am a victim!", "I have no control over my destiny - evil powers are controlling me." The message from these African American leaders should be, "I am a survivor of a past wrong doing such as slavery, and we have made incredible progress - we will continue forward, building on our strengths and through love make a difference for ourselves and for America regardless of haters!"
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we in fact at times in society may experience difficulties, hate and discrimination based upon race, class, and many other layers of identity that are perpetuated by stereotypes; stereotypes such as the statements Barrack Hussein Obama made recently when he characterized the "typical white person" who is scared of black people. Personally, I thought being scared of any human being for that manner should be based upon rational reason. I have known many white people who are not afraid of black people - they love black people, work with black people, have black people in their families such as mine. However, if we continue to utilize education such as Reverend Wrights and other dysfunctional leaders in our life and incorporate it into our world view... the essence of our difficult positions as "fearful victims" rather than a survivor will reflect itself through the lives and decisions of many. Placing African Americans in positions in which express to them and others that, "they should continue to fear white people." Hogwash. This message continues to perpetuate hate through fear. The exact process in which African Americans fought against in the 60's in order to expand civil rights for themselves and all who are under the fist's of hate.
Fear is debilitating. Fear is the last thing we need. Suspicion becomes paranoia. It is the last thing we need. Hate is the last thing we need. Division is the last thing we need. Distortion is the last thing we need. Ignorance is the last thing we need.
We don't need hater's ladies and gentleman - we need people in office that are willing to separate themselves from those who express hate regardless of race, class or creed. If we believe such messages as those from Rev. Wright, Louise Farrakhan, the Black Panthers and others, we will contain a skewed perception of reality - we discount our possibilities.... and at the hands of power hungry men, we will be led astray.
"You see, it is very easy to manipulate, it is very easy to lead astray people who feel they are always victimized and powerless to control their lives and futures." "I feel that some of these African American leaders are utilizing racism as a tool for power over African Americans and creating rhetoric and hate filled speeches to insight emotions that skew the reality of our changed and changing society today."
What A Person Consumes... So Are They! _____________________
To make things more concerning; Michelle Obama stated that "For the first time in her life she is proud of her country." At first, I could not figure out why someone of her stature, her stratification... one regardless of color, who has had more opportunity then many white people that I know, would state such an odd perception - after all this country has allowed and done for her - even in the midst of any racist stereotypes she may have had to experience. After Rev. Jeremiah Wrights exposure however, his hate rhetoric expressed... it all began to make sense. What Michele Obama was saying was a clear reflection of what the Reverend was stating. It was clear to me that Michele Obama had been clearly educated in a church such as this based upon her "world view" as I spoke of earlier. It is impossible to attend an educational and spiritual organization for nearly two decades without integrating the information into ones belief system.
My friends, discrimination, racisim, classism, and other negative actions or beliefs are just that... negative processes. If you fill your mind with hateful rhetoric day in and day out you will not see reality for what it is; you will discount the positive actions of others on your behalf, you will minimize actions by others from other races and creeds for which may be assisting you. These are cognitive distortions of individual and sociological basis. I believe that many African Americans must perform consistent "reality testing" in regards to their interactions in daily life. I understand the "Bi Cultural" reality (the conflict between the Nurturing System and Sustaining System) and I respect such perception; however, many need to give "white people" the benefit of the doubt. As I do, most white people fully accept and embrace black people. To believe rhetoric such as what has been announced by many associated with Mr.Obama is to ignore all that the so called "White America" has done and is trying to do for African Americans.
Great men such as Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King will have long been forgotten if we as Americans accept and believe the hateful rhetoric being preached from pulpit to public arena.
In concluding, it is horrifying to think that Barrack Hussein Obama regardless of his race or party affiliation has been connected and associated with many leaders, such as: Louise Farrakhan; Rev. Wright; being endorsed by the Black Panthers; and others who are considered anti-American activist. Comments from Mr. Obama and his wife also are concerning considering their own success and social mobility. Do they not know that the richest woman in the world is an African American? Do they not see even through their own individual struggles as many others what America has done for them? I beg the African American community... do not only decide emotionally but, think critically regarding this year's candidate. Do you want to regress civil rights rather than promote further advancement? Voting for Obama this year will be a vote for division or maybe worse. Rev. Wright is only assisting in the dis-empowering of the black community rather than empowering. His hate rhetoric is an effort to control and manipulate rather than give people choice and freedom. Do not tolerate such foolishness.
I ask many black leaders to promote African American leaders and candidates with dignity and honor, such as Colin L. Powell, and other great African Americans for whom do not have the negative connections to people undignified and those who are embarrassing America.
By: Laverne John Riley Jr.
L.J. Riley Jr. is a Christian, a Michigan native, a graduate of Davison High School, a graduate of the U.S. Army Combat Infantry School, Bradley Fighting Vehicle School and Dragon Missle School. L.J. or John Riley is a combat veteran and served in Oper. Desert Shield / Storm. He left the military and enrolled at Mott Community College, graduating with Phi Theta Kappa and pursuing a BSW at the University of Michigan Flint where he won the "Maize and Blue" Scholar Award. L.J. then was accepted to the one year Masters program at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MSW Program for clinical social work. He graduated in 2007 with a 4.0 and the acceptance of the Howard and Judith Simms Fellowship. L.J. loves people, loves helping people and seeks to change lives directly and in-directly through his writing.

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