In response to the recent promize by President Bush to veto Senator Ted Kennedy's "hate crimes" legislation:
The "hate crimes" legislation that is being promoted by our Democratic politicians as an attachment to the Authorized Defense Spending bill is not just for the advancement of the homosexual agenda as stated by most conservatives. I would suggest that Black citizens are placing pressure on these politicians to perpetuate the policy they suggested they would fight for while they were campaigning, particularly with the increase in various levels of racism and hatred that are being perpetuated throughout the US.
Here is the issue. Upon research, you will discover that the homosexual citizens in the US are placing the same form of pressure on these politicians; and thus were able to attach "additional legislation" to the hate crimes legislation which created non-negotiable terms for conservative, Republican policy makers. With this, the issue became very, very complicated.
I am sure that in its purest form, President Bush or any of his evangelical supports would not support open hate, racism or discrimation by any person or group against another. To think otherwise would be un-Christian. Note: Christianity in the 21st century doesn't have a good brand, but that it is another blog. Gabe Lyons, do you care to jump in here and discuss the current state of the brand of Christianity and its perception by the "unchurched" in America. Over the past few years, there has been an increase of publicized "hate crimes" against blacks and minorities in this country. Note, I state publicized. This includes everything from nooses hanging from trees, unfair criminal and civil indictments from our legal system to predatory lending in the form of illegitimate interest rates and branch managers deciding to hold good checks for another 10 days.
This is my opinion and advice. It is long overdue for the majority of people in this nation to just stand up and declare their dislike or misunderstanding for Blacks, whether it is individually or as a people. No more pretending. The minority communities should focus on becoming economicaly sound, ultimately with the rebuilding of their respective communities as the outcome.
At the end of the day, decades of policy and legislation have not and will not change the hearts of men. A man or woman has to want to do that. It's not easy. It's like any other potential vice in life. Some people can just sincerely stop "cold turkey". It takes others a life-time and their families longer. Civil rights legislation has only provided a slight amount of hope for those who want to achieve a dream - the American dream - which was never intended for all to experience. The American Dream that was articulated required that one group work and build this country for free (ie. blacks or poor people) and be unequal; and the other group benefit (certain classes of whites, not all, and those with money). So, with all groups striving for equality, it would suggest that no one could realize this dream.
Learned and exposed people understand that equality and inclusion actually increases everyone's chances of achieving their respective dreams. Success is built on relationships. The more authentic relationships you have, the more opportunties you have for success.
Our churches should be the forum where whites and blacks can come together in open focus groups to tell each other how much we dislike, hate, despise, fear or misunderstand each other. Once this truth is declared in an open and transparent environment, then the process of healing can take place - if each side wants it. Then, everyone will know where the other side stands.
This is my challenge to the white and black church in America. Let's make it happen!
