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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 9:14 PM CDT
LETTER: Prejudice is not limited to matters of race

LEONIDAS H. MILLER, Mattoon

The act of prejudging is related to the word “prejudice,” which was the word used for discussing race relations and bigotry in general.

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to prejudice in his famous speech, “I Have a Dream.” He dreamed of the day when “We would be judged by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin.”

It is unfortunate that the word “prejudice” has been mostly discarded. In its place we usually use “racism” or some other “ism.” In doing this we narrowly restrict our understanding that racism is the only destructive, wicked, or evil attitude to show itself as prejudice.

We then fail to notice that there are other prejudices, directing our attitudes against others, such as Wall Street, for example. Unending reports on the few Wall Street scandals combine with a huge ignorance of how financial markets work, creating great fear and even hatred of Wall Street.

It is difficult to know which is worse, the scandals or our failure to educate. Lost into non-existence are opportunities for average people to have a greater share of prosperity. This, too, is the ugly fruit of prejudice.

Some have claimed that our opposition to Obamacare grows from racial prejudice. Such accusers will not accept the fact that opposition to him is based solely on his policy proposals and also what we likely will expect from him based on his past activities and attitudes.

We have seen his policy proposals in action in past years. Their results are waste, corruption, and price gouging. Obama’s big plans should be opposed early, because they could take us to a point of no return, with the hinge of fate turning steeply against present and future Americans.

By contrast, we might suppose Michael Steele to be president. A black American, he is also Reaganesque in his public policy viewpoints. Were he president, we could support him and his policies. Many people do not even know him as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

This points to another prejudice, the bigotry of invisibility, the prejudice of non-being. If nobody knows who you are, then you might as well not exist.

For the sake of Wall Street, Thomas Sowell, Clarence Thomas and Michael Steele, we need to restore the word “prejudice” to its rightful place in the court of public opinion.

LEONIDAS H. MILLER

Mattoon

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jayce wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:43 PM:

" I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Miller.
The major difference between black Americans and me is the amount of melatonin in our skins. You cut us we both bleed red. I have love and admiration for alot of my black brothers
and sisters but some of them think that they are entitled because of beginnings of slavery in this country and I am not discounting that. But it's time to stand up and take ownership of their lives and futures. That goes for many poor me whites or others of color. You will go as far as YOU determine, not someone else. AND you can have 8 years of higher education and a degree and knowledge gained, but if you don't get wisdom along with it you're fooling yourself. A higher education is not license to put down others and to devalue them-----you show your own ignorance when you do. You need to show mercy---that is wisdom. "

sapient wrote on Oct 15, 2009 10:00 AM:

" Once again, Mr. Miller, you have shown wisdom and good sense with your letter. Prepare to be attacked from the left. "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 10:08 AM:

" the old whackjob's at it again.....and michael steele is nothing more than a "token negro". a front man. a gesture by WASP rightwing politicians to "integrate" their leadership in an attempt to offset the accomplishments of a highly intelligent and popular black president.

maybe if you wind him up he can do a little soft shoe..... "

even steven wrote on Oct 15, 2009 12:08 PM:

" Careful, FB, your racism is showing. Here's some news for everyone using race as a cop-out for being an underachieving burden on society: the playing field has been level for a long time. Of course, it's easier for losers to blame others for their own failures... that's the nature of losers. It's a pity you're such a hateful bigot, FB. Perhaps some day you'll grow up and stop with the "poor me, I'm black" routine. It was old decades ago. "

just wondering wrote on Oct 15, 2009 1:13 PM:

" Gee Father Bob, thanks for giving us a perfect example of what this letter was all about. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 15, 2009 2:09 PM:

" FatherBob have you stopped to think about why someone like Mr. Miller thinks Mr. Steele is so great? Could it be because he does dance when they pull his strings. He does just what a nice little "black" boy is supposed to do. He's not one of the "uppity" ones like Obama. "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 3:46 PM:

" even steven wrote on Oct 15, 2009 12:08 PM:
" Careful, FB, your racism is showing. Here's some news for everyone using race as a cop-out for being an underachieving burden on society:"""""

steele is acting just as your people want. mr. step-n-fetch-it. he's just the type of lowly boot-licking negro the GOP needs. he's cowered to the likes of rush limbaugh, and absolutely caves to john boener, and gets all warm and fuzzy about the qualifications of rs. moose..... not exactly the driving force of the party.

like i said he plays his role well..... the "token"..... "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 3:51 PM:

" by the way, even steven.....here's the deal:

you, seedy or grampa c. belittle a white politician. i'll call you racist, then we'll and see how far that goes.

you're funny.... "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:37 PM:

" Personally I was pleased to see the GOP appoint Steele to head the RNC. That feeling soon disappeared when I saw what was done to him for daring to make comments against Limbaugh. If you recall, he had to go on Rush's show and bow and grovel before Boss Hog. I think he actually thought they had named him for his abilities. In reality his is nothing more than a token. Every time he tries to speak out he gets called on the carpet. Of course some of his comments are a little loony at times. There are a lot of folks in the GOP that are disappointed in him, they would prefer him to be their attack dog similar to the pundits at Fox news. While I disagree with him politically, I do respect the way he tries to conduct himself as a rational and competent person. He doesn't fit in with todays GOP, which is in total disarray and sees those like Limbaugh, Beck and the Alaska simpleton Palin, as their true leaders. "

Mattooner at Heart wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:47 PM:

" FB: I didn't vote for our current president, Mr. Obama because I do not agree with his politics and for no other reason. If that makes me a racist, I guess the fact that I wouldn't have voted for Hilary Clinton makes me a mysogynist or sexist or something like that as well?

If race or gender means everything, I don't know *what* you're going to call me when I tell you I wouldn't have voted for Joe Biden if *he* would have run for president, either.

You can't call me a right-winger because I wasn't crazy about John McCain, either.

So what label are you going to put on me? "

medic57 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:52 PM:

" shumphreys wrote on Oct 15, 2009 2:09 PM:

" FatherBob have you stopped to think about why someone like Mr. Miller thinks Mr. Steele is so great?

You see Susan, that's the problem, Father Bob never stops to think at all. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:53 PM:

" Has there ever been a more racist person than Father Bob on these blogs? "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 5:13 PM:

" Mattooner at Heart wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:47 PM:
"So what label are you going to put on me? """"

"Libby's"????? "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 5:37 PM:

" medic57 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:53 PM:
" Has there ever been a more racist person than Father Bob on these blogs? """"

yes....several

have you seen anyone TALK ABOUT racism more on these threads?....definitely not. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:04 PM:

" Hey fb, how's this? New definition of a racist: anyone who points our that any ones else's comments appear to be racist. I love the logic on this site. Better than Comedy Central at times. lol! "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:31 PM:

" This letter's title is "prejudce not limited to matters of race" yet the only kind of predjuce I see mentioned in the letter or the comments is about race. Prejudce exists in many forms, and racisim works in both directions. Other kinds of prejudce include but are not limited to: poor people, rich people, people who are mentally ill, homeless people, people from poor neighborhoods, people from rich neighborhoods, people who are developmentally disabled, Christians, Non-Christians, people who do not look "mainstream" etc etc.... almost ( note I said Almost) everyone at some time thinks that somone else is better or worse than they are. How many times have we heard folks say that "being poor is a choice" or "those rich folks don't know what its like to be poor" how many times do people shun someone who is covered in tattoos and piercings and dressed in black clothing, or shuns somone who rides a motorcycle and has a black leather jacket. How many times do those who are mentally ill get labled in a bad way or are thought less of even though many suffer with mental illness and most mental illnesses can be treated with medications and therapy. How many times do people use the "R" word and not think about the fact that their next door neighboor is developmentally disabled? I cannot tell you how many doctors I have had tell me that my special needs children were "unteachable" only to have my kids prove them wrong. And no matter how far Hilary Clinton has come in politics glass ceilings and walls still exist for many women all over this country still exist. Just food for thought. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:34 PM:

" oh and there is definatly prejuduce in politics: conservitives vs. liberals and republicans vs democrats. Rather than working toghter to make things better for everyone those two political sides/parties are too busy battling each other saying their idea is the best idea. "

The Question wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:54 PM:

" For Republicans, racism is an engine that runs only in reverse. They claim the presidency was colorblind for a couple of hundred years, until that awful black man got in. The fact that the first 43 presidents of the United States were all white males was purely a coincidence, according to our right-wing friends. "

father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:59 PM:

" devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 15, 2009 6:34 PM:

" oh and there is definatly prejuduce in politics: conservitives vs. liberals and republicans vs democrats. Rather than working toghter to make things better for everyone those two political sides/parties are too busy battling each other saying their idea is the best idea. """""

good post DA.

what most people on these threads don't realize is that black people like myself DON'T automatically accept the likes michael steele, al sharpton, jesse jackson, louis farrakhan and others in the national spotlight. they have to earn their way to respect in the black community just as a white man does.

being black does not MEAN support FROM blacks. a great misnomer, especially from the GOP in naming michael steele to dog catcher let alone their "leader"-in-name-only. the guy is arrogant, hostile and out of touch with the black community.....another black with michael jackson syndrome.....~oh to be a white man~ "

Mattooner at Heart wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:31 PM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 15, 2009 5:13 PM:

" Mattooner at Heart wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:47 PM:
"So what label are you going to put on me? """"

"Libby's"????? "

Well . . . I regret that the label you've chosen for me has a "lib" connotation - although I'm hoping you're purely referring to the vegetables (somewhat appropriate) and not the political connotation of the term "lib". :) "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:11 PM:

" "You cannot go to a 7-11 or Dunkin Donuts unless you have a slight Indian Accent."
-Senator now Vice President Joe Biden "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:12 PM:

" "I'll have those n****rs voting Democratic for the next 200 years."

-- Lyndon B. Johnson to two governors on Air Force One according Ronald "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:13 PM:

" Mahatma Gandhi "ran a gas station down in Saint Louis."

-Senator and now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:18 PM:

" (On Clarence Thomas) "A handkerchief-head, chicken-and-biscuit-eating Uncle Tom."
-- Movie Director, Spike Lee "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:18 PM:

" "Republicans bring out Colin Powell and J.C. Watts because they have no program, no policy. They have no love and no joy. They'd rather take pictures with black children than feed them."
-- Donna Brazile, Al Gore's Campaign Manager for the 2000 election "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:22 PM:

" "White folks was in caves while we was building empires... We taught philosophy and astrology and mathematics before Socrates and them Greek homos ever got around to it."
-- Rev. Al Sharpton in a 1994 speech at Kean College, NJ, cited in "Democrats Do the Dumbest Things "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:23 PM:

" Blacks and Hispanics are "too busy eating watermelons and tacos" to learn how to read and write."
-- Mike Wallace, CBS News. Source: Newsmax "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:25 PM:

" "We have lost to the white racist press and to the racist reactionary Jewish misleaders."
-- Former Rep. Gus Savage (D-Illinois) after his defeat 1992 "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:36 PM:

" "Civil rights laws were not passed to protect the rights of white men and do not apply to them."
-- Mary Frances Berry, Chairwoman, US Commission on Civil Rights under President Jimmy Carter

And now I don't want to hear anynore about how bad Rush Limbaugh is, and how bad certain people are that are on the right.

Prejudice and racism is wrong and it looks like to me there's plenty of idiots concerning the matter on the left as well as the right. "

shumphreys wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:41 AM:

" Medic my question to FatherBob was rhetorical, if you understand that concept. It was aimed at the rest of you and at Mr. Miller. Racism is all to real in this country, some folks just like to pretend it isn't there. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:55 AM:

" "In the days of slavery, there were those slaves who lived on the plantation and [there] were those slaves that lived in the house. You got the privilege of living in the house if you served the master ... exactly the way the master intended to have you serve him. Colin Powell's committed to come into the house of the master. When Colin Powell dares to suggest something other than what the master wants to hear, he will be turned back out to pasture."
-- Harry Belafonte "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:55 AM:

" "Is you their black-haired answer-mammy who be smart? Does they like how you shine their shoes, Condoleezza? Or the way you wash and park the whitey's cars?"

-- Left-wing radio host Neil Rogers "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:56 AM:

" "Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds."

-- Former Klansman and current US Senator Robert Byrd, a man who is referred to by many Democrats as the "conscience of the Senate", in a letter written in 1944, after he quit the KKK. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:58 AM:

" "The Jews don't like Farrakhan, so they call me Hitler. Well, that's a good name. Hitler was a very great man. He rose Germany up from the ashes."
-- Louis Farrakhan (1984) who campaigned for congresswoman Cynthia McKinney in 2002 "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:00 AM:

" "Jews that's J-E-W-S."

-- Democratic state representative Bill McKinney on why his daughter Cynthia lost in 2002 "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:06 AM:

" Never heard or saw any of these quotes before, eh? Wonder why that is?

Could it be becuase they were an embarrassment to the democrat party and the liberal media CHOSE to bury the quotes! Nah never, right?

And remember to liberals, that mean old nasty Fox News is biased.... "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:21 AM:

" And so no one squawks, let's just take a look at the website these quotes came from...

http://hiphoprepublican.com/2006/08/top-racist-democrat-quotes_30.html

Racism and prejudice is wrong and I found it disgusting the JG-TC printed THE QUESTION'S little ditty in the paper...

" For Republicans, racism is an engine that runs only in reverse. They claim the presidency was colorblind for a couple of hundred years, until that awful black man got in. The fact that the first 43 presidents of the United States were all white males was purely a coincidence, according to our right-wing friends. "

Come on Father Bob... let's hear something "profound" from you about how "un-racist" you liberals and democrats are... "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:34 AM:

" And speaking of prejudice:

HAMMOND, La. (AP) - A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.
Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.

"My main concern is for the children."

Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said.

The American public elected a product of a mixed marriage to the office of president of the US. How much more acceptance can you get? "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:41 AM:

" The race issue seems to have struck a nerve with our friend Doh. "

M wrote on Oct 16, 2009 9:39 AM:

" FB, why is this distinction necessary????

"out of touch with the black community" "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 16, 2009 11:22 AM:

" Wow! Seven in a row from Do.. oops.. I mean Neo. That's about 2 shy of his record. He's slipping. lol! "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Oct 16, 2009 11:29 AM:

" Excellant posts, NeoCon!
.......
Btw, my friends, how's the JG-TC Online Poll, today, shaping up?
LOL! :-P "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 12:05 PM:

" HAMMOND, La. (AP) - A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.

Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.

Neither Bardwell nor the couple immediately returned phone calls from The Associated Press. But Bardwell told the Daily Star of Hammond that he was not a racist.

"I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house," Bardwell said. "My main concern is for the children."

Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said.

"I don't do interracial marriages because I don't want to put children in a situation they didn't bring on themselves," Bardwell said. "In my heart, I feel the children will later suffer."

If he does an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all, he said.

"I try to treat everyone equally," he said.""""""

what??....he's afraid if they have a child it could grow up to be president? "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 12:26 PM:

" M wrote on Oct 16, 2009 9:39 AM:
" FB, why is this distinction necessary????

"out of touch with the black community" """""

sorry you're right. the white community doesn't care, so my observations makes no sense to you. i stand corrected. "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 12:30 PM:

" Hospital rabbi fired for museum shooting comments

A hospital rabbi who comforted the family of a security guard killed at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has been fired for speaking and writing about the experience.

Rabbi Tamara Miller wrote on a Washington Post blog in June that "racism and bigotry rang out on the National Mall" when a shooter walked up to the museum June 10 and killed security guard Stephen T. Johns. He died at George Washington University Hospital.

The hospital fired Miller five weeks later, saying her essay and comments to a reporter violated hospital policy and federal patient privacy rules. Miller spoke about why she attended Johns' funeral.

Miller says she didn't reveal anything that was not already public knowledge.

A white supremacist named James von Brunn is charged in the killing. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 16, 2009 2:53 PM:

" Come on Father Bob... let's hear something "profound" from you about how "un-racist" you liberals and democrats are... "

Maybe you need "Bawny Frankfurter" to come hold your hand FB!!!! "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 16, 2009 2:59 PM:

" Harry I saw that about the Justice of the Peace too, I hope he gets fired from his job. Father Bob even though Im white a large part of my family is Black, my stepdad, ( now deceased) brothers, aunts, uncles, neices cousins etc etc so I do care even if others don't. M the reason Father Bob wrote the "out of touch with the Black community" is because many people mistakingly think that if a Black Person is a world leader like Jesse Jackson that the Black community supports them, but that is not always true. Many in the Black community who are on the lower end of the economic scale do not belive that those who are Black and wealthy ( the term is Bucisousee I can't spell it though) are out of touch with the rest of the Black community. Those who feel this way often say that there is a big diffrence between being poor, Black and living in an improvished neighborhood, and being rich, Black and living in well off neighborhood. I've heard it said as "they don't know what its like to be a poor black person from the streets, so how can they speak for the rest of us?" I've heard that quote on CNN many times from various persons. Father Bob if I am wrong in this post on my thoughts why you posted that comment please feel free to correct me. At the risk of sounding cheesy... Knowledge is power!! "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 16, 2009 3:09 PM:

" NeoCon you posted:
"Prejudice and racism is wrong and it looks like to me there's plenty of idiots concerning the matter on the left as well as the right. "

there are those who are racists on both the right and the left of politics. Racisim has nothing to do with politcal parties or your political beliefs but your personal thoughts, feelings and beliefs, how you were raised to belive or even past expriences with members of other races. I've never heard anyone on either side say "the political right or political left" is more racisit than the other side.. But prejudce in any form can be found anywhere and everywhere. Sad as it is, but sadly its true. "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 4:38 PM:

" [5.12] And certainly Allah made a covenant with the children of Israel, and We raised up among them twelve chieftains; and Allah said: Surely I am with you; if you keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and believe in My apostles and assist them and offer to Allah a goodly gift, I will most certainly cover your evil deeds, and I will most certainly cause you to enter into gardens beneath which rivers flow, but whoever disbelieves from among you after that, he indeed shall lose the right way. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 16, 2009 5:54 PM:

" During Monday prime time, Fox News had almost four times as many viewers than CNN, and three times as many as MSNBC. During the 5 PM slot, Glenn Beck had roughly four times as many viewers as Wolf Blitzer, and almost five times as many as Chris Matthews. At 8 PM, Bill O'Reilly had more than five times as many viewers as CNN's Campbell brown, and more than three times as many as MSNBC's Keith Olbermann.

I'm sure glad you left wingers watch allso. Kinda like "Boost our ratings"!
You betcha!!!!!! "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 16, 2009 6:18 PM:

" This is what irritates me more than anything, and that is the non-transparency in this administration!

The public does not seem to care or understand what is happening with the way this health care bill has been written and it really irks me!

Democrats are painting Republicans as the party of "No" but while not allowing the Republicans to interact on the provisions of the bill which is mostly done behind closed doors!

Republicans have their own bills that are tossed aside like so much trash while the Democrats work on their plans in the dead of night locking the Republicans out of the process!

I hope people will remember this for years to come when they ever think about giving one party control over both Congress and the Senate!

This is the most non-transparent administration ever!

Mr. President, you lied once again! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:01 PM:

" Racisim has nothing to do with politcal parties or your political beliefs but your personal thoughts, feelings and beliefs, how you were raised to belive or even past expriences...
----------------------

With all due respect, devilishangel61401, you are wrong.

It has everything to do with politics.

If it didn't then 98-99% of the black vote would not have gone for Obama.

Remember it was Ol' Abe and the republican party that abolished slavery. Republicans continued the fight for the rights of Blacks and other minorities through the 1950s, 1960's, and 1970s.

The Civil Rights Act of 1957 was proposed and promoted by Republican president Dwight D. Eisenhower. Then-Senator John F. Kennedy voted to kill the Civil Rights Act of 1957. It did it so the republicans wouldn't get the credit for helping out blacks.

As the south then was still full of RACIST, SEGREGATIONIST SOUTH DEMOCRATS, passage by the Democratic Congress of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, proposed by Democratic President John F. Kennedy, and signed into law by Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson, was ONLY possible with STRONG Republican support.

It wasn't until LBJ's "Great Society" did blacks begin to fully embrace the democrat party. Why?

The shift of blacks to the democrat party occurred ONLY AFTER the black community got "bought-off" with the massive welfare provided by LBJ's "Great Society".

See the earlier, "lovely" comment I posted attributed to LBJ.

And if you look at social statistics from the 1950's and 60's versus later decades, you'll see the family unit of African-American's was much stronger (marriage rates, black fathers in the home, education, and so forth) then than after LBJ's and the democrats "Great Society" initiative.

And before you say I'm just picking on blacks...remember that the democrats did the same thing, bought off "other down and out" ethnic groups for their votes when they landed on the east coast from Europe. Here's an example for you...just google "Tammany Hall".

So it's beyond me when Rush gets slapped around by the media for his suppossedly racist comments, but when you're a democrat and you spout off racist comments...well...you just get rewarded with a higher position of power in the democratic party! "

M wrote on Oct 16, 2009 7:32 PM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 12:26 PM:
" M wrote on Oct 16, 2009 9:39 AM:
" FB, why is this distinction necessary????

"out of touch with the black community" """""

sorry you're right. the white community doesn't care, so my observations makes no sense to you. i stand corrected. "

That still doesn't answer the question. Why is it you assume I am white and why do you make sweeping generalizations about white people? Maybe you are bitter about who you are. One-legged, black man held down by Whitey, with a wife having been raped & impregnated and therefore having an abortion....maybe you should change your name to 'Lucky'....how many times have you been hit by cars? "

M wrote on Oct 16, 2009 10:53 PM:

" devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 16, 2009 2:59 PM:

M the reason Father Bob wrote the "out of touch with the Black community" is because many people mistakingly think that if a Black Person is a world leader like Jesse Jackson that the Black community supports them, but that is not always true. Many in the Black community who are on the lower end of the economic scale do not belive that those who are Black and wealthy ( the term is Bucisousee I can't spell it though) are out of touch with the rest of the Black community. Those who feel this way often say that there is a big diffrence between being poor, Black and living in an improvished neighborhood, and being rich, Black and living in well off neighborhood. I've heard it said as "they don't know what its like to be a poor black person from the streets, so how can they speak for the rest of us?"
Okay, from that logic I can naturally assume that white people with influence are "out of touch" with the white community (which is something that is usually true) but there is no need to continually make distinctions between races or even among races. THIS is why and how racism is alive and thriving today. Why does race have to be thrown into it? Most people of privilege have no clue what growing up poor is like. That is not their fault just like it isn't the poor persons fault for being born poor. Race is irrelevant. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 17, 2009 1:29 AM:

" NeoCon thanks for the historical information. I wasn't born till 1973 so I didn't grow up with LBJ and such but I've read a great deal about his programs and policies and the Civil Rights Movement. I do know Black people though who voted for Mccain or Clinton and not for Obama.. M I apolgoize if I came across insulting.. and I agree with what you wrote here: "Okay, from that logic I can naturally assume that white people with influence are "out of touch" with the white community (which is something that is usually true) but there is no need to continually make distinctions between races or even among races. THIS is why and how racism is alive and thriving today. Why does race have to be thrown into it? Most people of privilege have no clue what growing up poor is like. That is not their fault just like it isn't the poor persons fault for being born poor. Race is irrelevant. " I know though from talking to my brothers, reading newsweek and watching various news programs primarily local news and CNN that what I posted is the largest part of what I hear. Don Lemon who is Black is one of my favorite anchors on CNN and was recently intervervieing people on the youth violence in Chicago. The majority of people he interveiwed were from imporovished neighboorhoods, most of them were black and over half of them made the comment that "those blacks with money don't know what we go through." M I do agree with you that race shouldn't come into play, but sadly it does. I also know racisim can work both ways, when my dad and my mom started dating, my dad took a lot of heat because he was black and my mom was white. His family didn't accept my mom for the first year they dated, when they got engaged one of my uncles tried to talk my dad out of marrying my mom, and my mom looked my uncle straight in the eyes and said " don't condemn me until you get to know me" that impressed my uncle and he and my mom became great freinds. Even after my parents divorced and my dad remarried my uncle who at first didn't like my mom kept calling her "my sister in law" to this day he still calls her that and calls me my neice, my kids his great niece and nephew and my dad's been gone for four years now. Father Bob you speak with a great deal of passion and conviction, ever think about running for political office? I think you'd do a great job presenting the issues of our times "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Oct 17, 2009 9:58 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:34 AM:
" And speaking of prejudice:
------------------
You know Harry I am glad he stepped up for the children. I have always said they are the ones that have it the worst. And all though I disagree with the marriage I hope they live happy for the rest of their lives.
You know what is funny about this?? the most vocal and mad about this on this blog is the same ones that are always yelling how "everyone" should have their own opinions and beliefs. This man fallows his, and even truthfully tells this, so now he should be "fired" and so on. Lets get real here. It can not be both ways, either you "can" or can not have your opinions and beliefs. This is just like the preacher that would not marry the gays a few months ago. There is no difference at all. These two people would not go against their beliefs and marry these couples. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 17, 2009 10:40 AM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 15, 2009 9:18 PM:

" (On Clarence Thomas) "A handkerchief-head, chicken-and-biscuit-eating Uncle Tom."

So what's wrong with Chicken and bisquits?

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 12:05 PM:

" HAMMOND, La. (AP) - A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.

And he should be dis-barred and put in jail. His remark that "some blacks even used his bathroom" are unconscionable words of racism, and have NO place in America, let alone by a Judge.

Frome Father Bob

Sorry you're right. the white community doesn't care, so my observations makes no sense to you. i stand corrected.

Maybe you need to move to Louisiana, you seem to think the same way this Judge does, are you related?

Bob, what happened to you to make you hate white people so much? You want racial equality, but only for your race. Tell us Bob, what happened in your life to make you hate us so much? "

CrowWoman wrote on Oct 17, 2009 6:25 PM:

" "I know now I was wrong. Intolerance had no place in America. I apologized a thousand times... and I don't mind apologizing over and over again. I can't erase what happened."

Senator Robert Byrd, 2005 "

red,white,blue wrote on Oct 17, 2009 8:54 PM:

" Good letter, Mr. Miller. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Oct 18, 2009 10:39 AM:

" Rohn you wrote: "You know Harry I am glad he stepped up for the children. I have always said they are the ones that have it the worst. And all though I disagree with the marriage I hope they live happy for the rest of their lives.
You know what is funny about this?? the most vocal and mad about this on this blog is the same ones that are always yelling how "everyone" should have their own opinions and beliefs. This man fallows his, and even truthfully tells this, so now he should be "fired" and so on. Lets get real here. It can not be both ways, either you "can" or can not have your opinions and beliefs. This is just like the preacher that would not marry the gays a few months ago. There is no difference at all. These two people would not go against their beliefs and marry these couples. "

You miss the point Rohn, this man is a Justice of the Peace a public figure, it is illegal to deny somone marriage based on racial diffrences and has been illegal for a few decades now. I do belive everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion and had this man been a church minster I wouldn't have said he needs to loose his job because there is a seperation of church and state, a justice of the peace is a public offical who is typically paid with local, state and or federal tax dollars. So regardless of that JOP's "concern" it had no place in that situation. "

M wrote on Oct 18, 2009 11:38 AM:

" DevilishAngel: No need to apologize. I was not upset in the least with you. I just get fired up sometimes and am passionate about what I believe in. So, now I am sorry if I offended you! haha That's funny. Thanks for the apology though! uh...one thing that we disagree on though...please don't encourage FB to run for office as he is unpopular enough as it is. "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Oct 21, 2009 9:51 AM:

" Angel I do not believe that any justice of the peace "must" marry anyone. "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:19 PM:

" medic57 wrote on Oct 17, 2009 10:40 AM:
"Tell us Bob, what happened in your life to make you hate us so much? """""

i married a young white woman 38 years ago and we have two mixed sons and two beautiful grandkids...we've led a good life together. 1/2 of my extended family is white. i work for and with white people.

i don't hate anyone except racists. "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 22, 2009 11:57 PM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:19 PM:
" medic57 wrote on Oct 17, 2009 10:40 AM:
"Tell us Bob, what happened in your life to make you hate us so much? """""

i married a young white woman 38 years ago and we have two mixed sons and two beautiful grandkids...we've led a good life together. 1/2 of my extended family is white. i work for and with white people.

i don't hate anyone except racists. "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2009 12:26 PM:
" M wrote on Oct 16, 2009 9:39 AM:
" FB, why is this distinction necessary????

"out of touch with the black community" """""

sorry you're right. the white community doesn't care, so my observations makes no sense to you. i stand corrected. "

Sounds like hatred and racism to me, but maybe not? "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2009 12:18 PM:

" jrhendren wrote on Oct 22, 2009 11:57 PM:
"Sounds like hatred and racism to me, but maybe not? """""

seems your obsessed with the subject jr, or maybe just obsessed with stalking me....but maybe not.. "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 23, 2009 11:26 PM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2009 12:18 PM:
" jrhendren wrote on Oct 22, 2009 11:57 PM:
"Sounds like hatred and racism to me, but maybe not? """""

seems your obsessed with the subject jr, or maybe just obsessed with stalking me....but maybe not.. "

So pointing out ones faults is stalking. I guess you must be the biggest stalker on here. Problem is when you point out faults their are no facts, and just name calling. You are also the one who is afraid to answer a question from anyone, because you have nothing to stand on in an open debate. "

father bob wrote on Oct 26, 2009 5:01 PM:

" ok gasbag.....debate "

father bob wrote on Oct 26, 2009 8:54 PM:

" hey MOTOR MOUTH....start the process. "

jrhendren wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:07 AM:

" father bob wrote on Oct 26, 2009 5:01 PM:
" ok gasbag.....debate "

father bob wrote on Oct 26, 2009 8:54 PM:
" hey MOTOR MOUTH....start the process. "

You do not realize I already had? You spoke of not being racist, I pointed out your comments sounds as if they were. So tell my why you are not. In other words point, counter-point. "