Category Archives: opinion piece

Articles, opinion piece

Red and Yellow, Black and White! Precious.

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All the racist reports of late truly rial me. Stuff like the subject matter of this report causes me to ask who the true racist is? The one pointed at as being racist? Or the one pointing the finger? Top that with raising the blame card at any one race while ignoring each person’s responsibility, no matter the color is socially irresponsible, adding fuel to a fire that’s already out of control.

You know, I believe all any of us want is to be treated fairly, righteously, with respect, and equitably, as people of worth and value. Two examples from my younger years come to mind.

One involves a black man my daddy worked with. No disrespect intended in the use of the word “black”. It’s what we grew up calling one another, black and white; and I was raised to do so, not in disrespect, but as a distinguishing characteristic. We’re still called “white” today. Black, white, brown, red, etc, is fair and equitable.

Anyway, back to my dad’s friend and co-worker, Mr. Benny (given name, not sir-name) was a fellow mechanic in the same shop. He was such a nice, smart, and caring man, and daddy called him “friend”. He still gets credit today for helping my daddy quit smoking. He is a beloved man from our past.

He told daddy one day in some conversation they had, “Just call me niger. It’s what I am and have always been called. It doesn’t bother me.” Daddy balked, “I’ll call you a black man or a negro – which means black, but a niger is a worthless person; and, Benny, that’s not you.”

I am acquainted with numerous black people. Not one of those are a niger. But I know numerous white nigers that I will not run with. Worthless people can come in all colors. I was taught that being a worthless person is a choice we make in the way we live life and the person we want to be. Choose better.

The second memorable occasion happened when I was a young divorcée, working a night job at a local mini-mart. A nice looking black man came to the counter to pay out and struck up a conversation. He shortly asked me out. When I declined, he said, “What? Are you racist? Too good for me?” My facial expression was obviously shocked in a way that put a surprised expression on his face. I never thought such a thing. I replied strongly, “No. it’s just my choice to not mix. I’m simply not interested. Besides, I have a boyfriend and am not in the market.” He then looked pleasantly stunned at the straight forward honesty, and replied, “Well, ok. I can respect that.” That was that. No problem. No trouble when he came in. No trouble with others.

Today I am aunt to three, beautiful nieces, a nephew, and several great nieces and nephews that are black-white mix. They are beautiful people who add strength to our society. And they are greatly loved by my husband and me. I also have a granddaughter who is seriously dating a young black man. I haven’t met him personally yet, but I am told he is a Christian man of great worth, making a good life for himself, and for Savannah, if their relationship continues to flourish.

I am extremely upset with all the racist horror going on in our nation today. Those who are working with honest hearts of integrity to make a better world for our babies, I stand with you. But those using this situation for evil means and destruction, that is worthless behavior. And it’s not just blacks out there. I’ve seen a lot of whites in the mix as well. Racism and the rainbows of colors that could be deemed as a niger is a heart issue. Many pointing fingers reveal the truth of their own hearts. And programs that only serve to bring further separation and produce hate should be outlawed.

All on my friend lists, I know as people of worth. Knowing each makes me a better person by their influence. I am happy to work together for a stronger nation. Red and yellow, black and white, I love you!

Articles, opinion piece

The Opinion of a Momma Bear Grandmother

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I’ve never been as upset with the banter coming from the Democratic Party as I am today. I use “banter” because they have got to be kidding me!

Many of those running for the Democratic Presidency platform are talking about lowering the voter age to include my 16 year old grandchildren. That is crazy! And it shows me a desperation to win that is pitiful.

One reasoning I’ve heard from those promoting this is that teens work and pay taxes, therefore they should have the right to vote. The problem I see with that reasoning is that I know of very few teens who make enough money to keep from getting it all returned to them when they apply for their tax return. They don’t truly pay taxes because they don’t make enough to owe taxes. 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

But here’s the real issue! There is brain research out that proves what I already know from personal experience in my own life and from watching the struggle of my children and grandchildren. That is that a person’s ability to rightly evaluate consequences of actions and choices does not kick in, on average, until the age of 25.

What these people who are making this promise want are pliable brains that will willingly run with them. The problem being that when these children get old enough to fully understand the consequences of their actions, they will be stuck with it. Instead of choosing the right path in the first place, they will then be stuck trying to figure out how to fix what they took part in bringing into play.

When I was 18, I was glad to vote. It was one of those things that proved my coming of age. I was now an adult because I was allowed to vote! I did not really care about the political responsibility that comes with the privilege. I voted because I could.

It was not until I was in my late 20s that I began to appreciate the responsibility my privilege asked of me. I did not have politically active and savvy parents that taught me what to look at and how to decide, like my husband did. He was the one who influenced my growth in political wisdom.

At 18 years of age, I was stupid about world issues and for years of voting, I did so out of ignorance; and now these want to lower the age to 16. As a parent and grandparent, I will do all I can to protect my young ones from such potential for great harm to their future. This is the beginning of my fight to protect them. Forget political sides in this. Whatever your political persuasion, if you agree this is a play for votes that is harmful to our children’s future, make your voice heard. And while you’re at it, write your area representatives and let them know how upset this attack against your children’s future makes you.

Mac Thornberry: https://www.facebook.com/repmacthornberry/

https://thornberry.house.gov

John Cornyn: https://www.facebook.com/SenJohnCornyn/

https://www.cornyn.senate.gov

Ted Cruz: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTedCruz/

https://www.cruz.senate.gov

Articles, opinion piece

The True Travesty I See

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Lying has been part of the human reality since the earliest days of creation, according to scripture. Lies exist. People lie. We see it every day. And few can truthfully say they have never lied.

People lie to protect self from getting caught or suffering loss. They lie for money; for selfish agendas; to get their way in a situation. This world is replete with reasons to lie. So when one says “yes they did” and another says “no I didn’t,” suspicions rise as we question, “Which is lying?” And when that accusation comes at a seeming strategic time, suspicions rise still higher.

In cases like this one pictured below that is in the news in these days, we can’t just say one is lying and the other isn’t without questioning things and finding truth. On the woman’s side, if she is the truth sayer, justice for her tragedy is at stake if we blindly choose to believe the man. On the man’s side, if he is the truth sayer, his reputation and life is at stake if we blindly believe the woman. Thus, finding truth is vital.

The sad thing, and the thing that infuriates me, is all the women – and men: men can be raped to – but all those who have been raped and are thrust back into their pain by watching such travesty. They hurt for those who have experienced rape and want them always to be believed, so others feel safe to come forth. I understand their point. Problem? People lie. Suspicions rise. And truth has to be sought so the innocent gets justice.

I hate when people come forth with false accusations. I hate when a true accusation is met with a cowardly response, a lie to save face by one who can’t admit their wrong and do right by those they hurt. But I really hate the pain caused to those watching, who are flung back into their pain. I hate when situations like this make others afraid to come forth. For these being hurt, the one lying should truly be ashamed, whichever it is, and should suffer the justice due.