Higher Ground

Boxer's Mistakes a Lesson to Us All

2009-05-27T11:57:00.004-05:00

Charles “Duke” Tanner, a boxing sensation from Gary, IN recently received a life sentence for his conviction as a drug dealer. It pains me to write those words about another young black man, with a bright and unlimited future, who will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Many of us bristle at the fact that so many young black men and women end up behind bars for a good portion of their lives. By last count, there were over one million black men in jail in America. Regardless of how we feel about crime and punishment, or our political distinctions; we cannot in our right minds deny the affect this has on a people, families and communities. If you are reading this, then perhaps you care about this phenomenon enough to pause and consider the millions of children whose biological fathers will rear them because he is in jail for at least their childhood. Perhaps you will consider the millions of women who loved these men, believed in them and now face single-parenthood and the struggles attached to it as a way of life. Furthermore, maybe you will think of the millions of grandparents, having reared their own children, now faced with the unenviable task of spending their golden years rearing teenagers, because their children made poor choices.

Do these dire circumstances occur among other ethnicities? They certainly do. However, in my experience, the black community is the least equipped to recover from circumstances like these. Do you wish to know why? The reasons are many, but one sure cause is the retreat from value-based living over the last few generations within the black community. We used to be a people with values passed from one generation to the next, but now it seems that the conversation of “how we got over” ceases to exist.

When I read about circumstances like that of Mr. Tanner, I think of the times I could and should have been more direct with my own children concerning the values that prepare them for successful living. I know I could have spoken more of faith, truth, integrity and the like. It is a blessing that my children love God, in spite of my failure.

Yet, I do not write to justify or condemn my lapses, but to call attention to our collective failure to communicate successful living strategy to our children. As a Christian, I commit that the Bible contains the word of God, truth as it were.

The Scripture says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. This is the mandate for parents, to teach our children how to live. With the number of our kids in jail, before we can blame to mysterious system, we must confront and blame ourselves. These babies belong to us, and it is up to us to equip them for positive contribution to society. Abdication of this responsibility is the chief cause of our prisons overrunning with our children. Take authority as a parent, it is your job.

We must learn from Mr. Tanner and others like him, or we face certain ruin as a people. We can raise a child right, or raise a scourge; it is up to us.

Current Legal Activism a Danger to Democracy

2009-04-29T15:00:00.005-05:00

In the Gettysburg address, then president Abraham Lincoln made the now famous remarks, “…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This concept is now in danger.

Recently, our nation finds itself embroiled in several controversies regarding the action of Federal and State Supreme Courts. These courts render judgment that becomes law, without the significant input of the people’s will. For example, there has never been a national vote concerning abortion, yet it remains legal in our country. Likewise, the move is underway to redefine marriage in the United States of America.

The argument for same-sex marriage bases its premise on shaky logic. Without definitive evidence refuting homosexuality as nothing more than a lifestyle choice, those who support gay marriage find themselves claiming discrimination as basis for their agenda. The obvious logical problem is that choice of lifestyle brings with it consequences of that choice.

Of course, those who support gay marriage often believe that being gay is a result of nature and not choice. Therefore, as far as I can tell, they believe the right to marry is theirs simply because they say their sexual orientation is natural and personal choice.

Either way, the courts of this land face a serious dilemma. With a recent New York Times/CBS poll finding that 58% of American still do not support same sex marriage, the imposition of this practice by court decree in states like Iowa, is problematic.

How far do we allow the court to travel down this slippery slope of making law? I would be remiss if I did not admit that there were times in our nation’s history when Court mandate law was necessary to battle definitive cases of discrimination. As a black man, I can appreciate rulings like the 1954 opinion by the United States Supreme Court that struck down discrimination on our nation’s public school system. However, making law from cases where the idea of discrimination is much more ambiguous could put our nation on the road that ends with the loss of true democracy.

Again, supporters of same sex marriage argue that cases that outlawed discrimination against blacks are akin to their fight for equality. I disagree wholeheartedly and feel some degree of insult that the gay rights lobby compares their effort to the Civil Rights Movement in America. Since I am definitively black by birth, any discrimination toward me based on this would be beyond my control to correct.

The Courts of this country must recognize that their duty to protect liberty and justice should not be subject to rhetoric based on feeling and emotion, or even the prevailing winds of social activism. The court must rule on law based in the right moral choices. Whether or not we support it, the basis of all law is moral code to some degree. Laws against murder, thievery, perjury and personal property have their root in a moral code defined by our Creator. I support the right of people to do as they choose with their lives, but we demonstrate real intolerance when we ignore the right of the majority to disagree.

Jesus and the Imperfect Church

2009-04-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Jesus and the Imperfect Church

This is a sermon preached by Pastor Raymond C. Dix Jr., Sunday April 26, 2009 at Berean Fellowship Church. May it bless you life in a meaningful way.

Urban America at the Crossroads

2009-04-14T00:39:00.005-05:00

Years ago, the then popular Hip-Hop rap group, "Bone, Thugs and Harmony" released a song called "Crossroads". The opening line of this song says, "Tell me what ya gonna do when there ain't no where to run when judgment comes for you?" In reflection and at the risk of sounding less than spiritual, this line spoke prophetically about the need for direction in Urban America.

As we all know, many of the residents of our inner cities tend to be minority, either Black or Hispanic. The conditions of these communities affect residents on a spiritual, social and economic level. Many inner city residents struggle to make ends meet, have difficulty finding gainful employment and often live in areas where self-preservation is an everyday concern.

Honestly, this is not a new circumstance for urban areas. Urban decay and the decline into decadence, along with anti-social behavior appeared nearly forty years ago on the sociological radar of our nation. In the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, the decline of basic human morality accelerated at an alarming rate.

All of this leaves American cities with a huge problem. One would need to be living on Mars to be oblivious to the fact that our cities are in ruin. Gang violence, hopelessness and despair produce a people hardened by life, crippled by dependency and seemingly indifferent toward changing their own lives. In addition, the emotional pathology of the city unravels before our eyes in the defense some city residents make concerning anti-social behavior. They say, "Lay off the dope dealers; poison for profit is all THE MAN has left them", while others defend the poor sexual choices of men and women as the result of society leaving them without hope, but with time to irresponsibly procreate.

I say the moment of decision for those in our cities is here. In fact, the call for decision rang for us long ago. We are, and have been at the crossroads in urban America.

It is time to decide just what we will be. If thuggish, moronic, predatory antisocial behavior is ok with us; then let us stop moaning and groaning when a young thug dies being a thug. After all, is not that what happens to thugs in the end? They go out in a "blaze of gunfire, true to the homeboys and the 'hood". Please show me the retirement home for thugs. Where does one go after a lifetime or mischief and miscreant behavior?

Factually, thugs come, they agitate and they often die violently. Sure, sometimes they look good with a mouthful of gold teeth and fake "bling" around their necks. Nevertheless, dead is still dead and the funeral business is booming.

Politicians seem to have no plan for the repair of our cities. The reason is they will not readily admit there is a problem. Most political leaders seem content to conveniently overlook these issues, or scold the federal government for not rearing OUR children strictly enough.

No doubt, in the cities of America we are at the crossroads. We must choose to be better, pray better, behave better, live better and vote better. We must rear our children better. This will bring needed change.

Judgment has come for us.

Recent Killings Again Prove Urban Crisis

2009-03-18T02:24:00.001-05:00

In 1982, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five uttered words that reflect my current feelings about violence in urban America. This said, "Don't push me 'cause I'm close to the edge, I'm trying hard not to lose my head. It's like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under."

Recently, in Chicago and Gary, two children and two young men are dead because of gun violence. The two teens lived in Chicago and were high school students. One of them allegedly died in a hail of gunfire while trying to protect other children. If true, he is now on my hero list.

The two young men died in Gary, one found in a field with multiple gunshot wounds, while the other died as the result of a domestic violence dispute. As one unfamiliar with all the facts, it would be unfair of me to pass judgment on circumstances. However, I do know one thing for sure; these four lives ended abruptly and violently with deadly force. How many more die before we get it?

By no means do I suggest that because these deaths happened locally that this problem of violence is germane to Gary or Chicago alone. Any big city newspaper has similar stories, turn on any local urban television newscast and see many a mother or grandmother weeping for their children, as they lie dead on the street.

Now before you think I am going say, "Let's take away all guns", that is not what this is about. We tend to blame inanimate guns for the actions of irresponsible morons who use then to kill, wound and maim their enemies, along with a good many innocent people. On the promise to "reduce" gun violence, we elect many politicians when in fact they have not executed a markedly successful plan to stop our kids from killing each other. Government and law enforcement proved they are unable to resolve this issue.

The solution to this is admitting the truth. Many inner city neighborhoods in America that were once decent places to live, inhabited by people with sound values and moral foundation, are now war zones controlled by thugs who prey on their own. A deeper truth is that we not only know who these "people" are, but we helped turn them into what they are; empty heads and empty souls who hate themselves and are incapable of respecting life.

If that shocks you, then so be it. I will not hide behind the "let's keep it to ourselves" hogwash, fed to us by those that somehow think if we are silent about this, it will go away on its own. The sad thing is these so-called urban leaders refuse to condemn the thugs, and audaciously complain that too many black men are in jail. If you are a criminal, then jail is where you belong; no matter your color.

Now I know the "blame the victim" crowd hates this kind of free talk, but so what. Too many parents do not do their jobs. I will continue to insist that parents be responsible enough to demand their children respect life. It must begin early, not during teen years. If you cannot do at least that, stop having kids because you are just raising Cain.

Time for New Approach to Old Problem

2009-02-17T11:35:00.008-06:00

Over the past several months, I conducted an informal, non-scientific poll concerning the degree of racism people still believe exist. My questions interrogated white and black Americans alike. I began this effort following the election of President Obama, because I was curious as to whether people believed America moved past racism as a barrier to success.

What I discovered is regrettably the expected answers from both whites and blacks. Nearly to a person, the whites I questioned believe that, in part because of the election of Obama, racism no longer is a valid excuse for failure among blacks or other minorities. Conversely, nearly every black person remarked that while they believe Obama's election is a positive step to ending racism, enough exist to deter and even derail the progress of Black Americans.

To those of us who truly wish to see America progress into a post-racial society, I believe necessary the adoption one very important factor as mantra. We must conclude that the definition of a "post-racial" culture will not include the eradication of racism as a personally held belief. If blacks and whites together believe, that the elimination of racism is necessary in order to "prove" we truly live in a new age; then they may be sadly mistaken.

In his book, "Winning the Race", author John McWhorter quotes Pennsylvania Law Professor Amy Wax who says regarding racism, "In seeking solutions, we must look forward rather than dwell on the past because the way out of the present dilemma may not resemble the path in". What Wax means, and McWhorter supports, is the fact that past racism did leave many black Americans without opportunity and vulnerable to social ill temptation. However, her statement suggests that progression from this state will require work from the victim. If you hit me with a car, leaving me crippled, you can pay me damages, but walking again requires my own effort.

It is this belief, that black Americans must shoulder responsibility for moving beyond the damaging effects of racism, that gives many blacks, especially prior generations, the greatest pause. Many I spoke to ask, "How can we move past racism when it is still so prevalent?" When pressed for examples, not one of them could provide me with a concrete, verifiable example of the virulent racism of which they passionately spoke.

For sure, the question I now pose will leave some uneasy and others angry, but here goes, "Does the fact that many blacks are unable to articulate verifiable virulent racism of which they claim exists mean that racism or its effect is more emotional and mental, rooted in occurrences long past?"

I know we are on a slippery slope here. In fact, I will concede for argument sake that isolated instances of racism exist. However, even these instances, when juxtaposed against the deep emotion surrounding the degree of racism in current culture; fail to support the reaction.

I contend, that for blacks to benefit from the move to a post-racial society, we must purge from our consciousness the idea that until conditions are perfectly equal, then whites don't care about blacks. We must add to our thinking that our success is the best remedy for past pain. This requires a conversion experience of the mind and heart. That is real change.

Strangers in the Land

2009-01-05T04:15:00.002-06:00

With the election and subsequent inauguration (or coronation, depending on who you ask) of Barack Obama as the 44^th President of this nation, every person of color will be tempted if not motivated to feel an overwhelming sense of pride concerning this accomplishment. Yet for some, like black conservatives, the ascension of President-elect Obama generates a degree of uncomfortable conflict between ethnic pride and personal life principles.

Most black conservatives adhere to principles rejected by the President-elect as valid tools for governing this great nation. Ideas like smaller government, traditional family values or structure, economic freedom and educational choice are not the tenets of the Democrat Party, represented now by the incoming president. This leaves black conservatives in somewhat of a quandary. On the one hand, black conservatives remain proud that a person of color, who identifies himself as a black man, is the next President of the United States. While conversely, true black conservatives remain ideologically opposed to most of which President-elect Obama so vehemently supports.

Personally, when I think of this circumstance, it reminds me of the great Christian hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah", which reveals that we are "pilgrims" in a "barren land". For many like me, the shift of this country toward more government, less individual freedom and less responsibility, leaves a feeling of disconnect from that which makes this country great. Furthermore, to add insult to injury, black conservatives are often subject to the cruelest forms of ridicule amongst our own. In the minds of most black democrats, any black conservative who votes Republican is crazy, an "Uncle Tom", "house Negro" or a combination of these and other descriptively derogatory terminology.

Many times, for the black conservative, family gatherings tend to be sessions filled with constant defense of their beliefs and values. Our parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles all want to know "what happened to you?" Did someone drop you on your head or did you actually choose to be "like that"? What should be a time of social enjoyment often leaves the black conservative feeling more disconnected than ever, especially true in this historic election cycle.

In addition to the conundrum of being alone amongst family and our own ethnic group, black conservatives, face the real possibility of marginalization by the political party of their choice. The GOP appears disengaged from the black voting populace, including, to varying degrees, black republicans. The evidence of this is the continued unheeded cry of black conservatives to GOP leadership for real efforts of connection toward the black community and not the simple lip service about being the "party of Lincoln". In the words of one of my good friends, "most black folk do not care about the record of the GOP in 1863; they want to know why they should vote for Republicans today". Perhaps if Lincoln were a candidate, perhaps his record would be more relevant to an ever-increasing populace unaffected by the major tenets of Untied States history.

The truth is that most black people fall prey to the incredulous Democratic PR machine. By electing blacks, Democrats are consistently able to support claims that they favor the minority cause in America. In spite of the fact that when pressed, many black voters, in reality, do not support the positions of the party for which they cast their vote. Of course, there exist exceptions, such as the labor unions to which blacks belong. They tend to support Democrats because of wage issues.

Where then does the black conservative turn? With little empathy from blacks, and largely ignored as a viable constituency by the GOP, black conservatives are psychologically alienated and may feel like "strangers in this land". The solution is that black conservatives must come together across America, building a network and constituency that becomes a force with which to reckon. From raising capital to help elect black conservatives, which places an authoritative face on being black and conservative, to the mundane but necessary task of spreading the message among black Democrats that any vote outside of their interests is a wasted vote.

Black conservative movement organizations like Republicans for Black Empowerment, National Black Republican Association and the new Move-on-up.org are catalysts for shepherding the process from fringe interest to real constituency within the conservative brand. I support a National Summit of these organizations and their leaders to demonstrate unity of purpose and goals in charting the course for black conservatives now and beyond.

While black conservatives remain a diverse group, far from being monolithic within the conservative ideology, there still exists much room for agreement and unified action within the GOP. As black conservatives, now is the time for us to take a page from the President-elect's playbook and convey a message of "Yes We Can", regarding our impact within the Republican Party and Conservative movement. The children of Israel hung up their harps and refuse to sing the Lord's song "in a strange land"; black conservatives cannot afford to do so.

Kwanzaa: Do We Really Need It?

2008-12-26T09:41:00.002-06:00

For perhaps the last thirty years, the day after Christmas has traditionally meant beginning the celebration of an invented holiday called Kwanzaa. African Americans, young and old, celebrate this event with parties and family gatherings, designed to promote the "seven principles of Kwanzaa". The word Kwanzaa, derived from the Swahili words "matunda yakwanza" means "first fruits".

There was a time, not knowing any better; I celebrated this made up event. I suspect that the reason many celebrate Kwanzaa was similar to my own; a yearning for all things authentically black, stemming from an insecurity within my own being. Now I realize that most will not admit to this type of reason for choosing to celebrate Kwanzaa with little investigation into its origin or founder; however, that does not mean the reason for celebrating is less true. There are and have been many things I fail to admit about myself which are factually accurate and true nonetheless.

Kwanzaa is the "brain-child" of a man known by the name Ronald McKinley Everett, aka Dr. Maulana Karenga. Dr. Karenga was the leader of a violent group called "US", which stood for United Slaves. Yes, this is the same group whose members shot and killed two Black Panthers on the campus of UCLA in a struggle to control the newly created Black Studies Department at the university. Everett, known then by that name, was an informant for the FBI. He served time in prison for various crimes, including the torture of BLACK female members of his radical group. Of course, he alleges victim status, categorizing all charges and convictions as the work of local, national and even international law enforcements efforts to silence him, despite the evidence that included victim testimony.

With most violent black radicals from the sixties, liberal whites practiced the "forgive and employ tactic" in order to "compensate" them for having the courage to forcefully stand up against "the man" when non-violent Christian behavior was not working fast enough. Consequently, in 1979 Dr. Karenga became the chairperson of the Black Studies Department at California State University-Long Beach. What can I say; good work if you can get it.

The examination of Kwanzaa's inventor and his shady past is only one reason this celebration should give every African American who believes in liberty some degree of pause. Karenga's so-called "seven Principles of Kwanzaa" are the same as the seven snakeheads on the logo for the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). Yes, the same heavily armed group that kidnapped Patty Hearst, then robbed a few banks and shot some police. Karenga was not a good person, according to his past record.

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson (a black author and civil rights activist who works to educate American blacks about their own history) terms Kwanzaa the "black anti-Christmas," and says that is why the "celebration" takes place December 26 – January 1. He says, "Kwanzaa is about as "African" as its Parsonsburg, Maryland born (July 14, 1941) inventor". Incidentally, Everett/Karenga makes no effort to hide his fakery. In 1978, he told the Washington Post that: "People think its [African], but it's not. I came up with Kwanzaa because black people in this country wouldn't celebrate it if they knew it was American." Enough said.

Kwanzaa purports to celebrate blackness and Karenga defines this in his seven principles. They are:

Umoja (unity)—To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Kujichagulia (self-determination)—To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
Ujima (collective work and responsibility)—To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.
Ujamaa (cooperative economics)—To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Nia (purpose)—To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba (creativity)—To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani (faith)—To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

On the surface, these principles appear to be just what back folks need, all good reasons to improve our communities and ourselves. No one could argue the value of these ideas applied to any group of people. However, there was no need to gather these ideas and apply them specifically to black people because the Bible has already done that with the most effective of these ideas. Some of these ideas smack of the "Marxist" designs of Karenga, who is a Marxist. For example, there is a chance that "cooperative economics" could be code for what we now know as the "share the wealth" plan. In addition, his so-called "faith" principle has no mention of God our any cosmic being. Marxism rejects religion as the opiate of the masses.

Our problem is that we seem to need something "black" to follow. For many, the search for truth binds itself to ethnicity. We chime, "If it meets my ethnic standard, then I will consider it truth. If it does not meet that standard, then it cannot be true". The perversion of true Islam by the Nation of Islam and fundamental Islamic terrorists are examples of a dependence on the ethnic truth standard gone wild.

It is heartbreaking that we often look for gimmicks as reasons to grow spiritually and intellectually. For me, Christ is reason enough.

The real tragedy of Kwanzaa is that the retail industry uses this made up day to profit off the desire of black people for authenticity and recognition. As we celebrate our freedom from white slave masters of the past, we welcome the new Master(card) and Visa into our lives. This is why Kwanzaa made the mainstream; it could generate a dollar. However, as we know, profitability has never guaranteed that something is good. After all, illegal drug sales are highly profitable, yet all would likely agree that they are destructive and murderous in nature.

Building the black community and developing a positive future for our young does not require the celebration of a "black" holiday. It requires a retreat to the values that existed before the guilt of white liberals along with the collaboration of the black grievance class resulted in the negative behavior patterns now woven into the fabric of black Americans. The need for black Christians is to lose the fear of affirming their relationship with Christ, and boldly state allegiance to the Word of God as sufficient for all matters of life. If those of us who say we are Christians would simply practice our faith daily, this celebration of Kwanzaa would be as unnecessary as a stop sign on a racetrack.

I choose not to celebrate this holiday for the aforementioned reasons. If you celebrate, then certainly that is your choice, but as for me, and my house, we will choose to live the principles of Christ that call for us to love and relates to all people, and not just to those who look like us.

Thinking of Others a Priority This Christmas

2008-12-23T13:45:00.001-06:00

Here we are in the midst of another Christmas celebration. Every year it seems that there is more commercialization than ever before and the meaning of Christmas gets lost as we channel surf away from the latest commercial.

This year I am acutely aware of several things happening this holiday season. I thought I would take this opportunity to share a few observations with you. Read on if you dare.

First, is there anybody more thankful than President Bush is for the end of this year? After taking a daily beating in the media for nearly six straight years, I am sure he is looking forward to some quiet time at home. I know some of you are glad, but I wonder if anyone deserved the castigation he faced in leading this nation. Additionally, I hope our new President will learn from the errors and successes of his predecessor, but if he does not, I hope he never has to face such insulting scrutiny.

Furthermore, this season of giving is tougher than most on many families. Some who would give have less to share this year, making it difficult to obtain help for the most needy among us. Those who can give, please remember those in need.

One thing is clear; every child needs the gift of education, even at the expense of a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. I never understood giving a child a video game console, when they need help reading and doing math. For Christmas, I would like to give the gift of common sense to every parent who puts entertainment before his or her child's education.

Is there anything more ridiculous than the fight to remove Christmas from the national landscape? If you are an atheist and do not believe in God or His redemption of the world through Christ, that is your right. However, for the other 90% of us who enjoy this celebration of God's expression of love, we have the right to celebrate as well. If you do not like manger scenes, here's a thought; look the other way! It is no more a force of religion upon you than the saturation of reproductive television commercials irritates some of us.

Another thing I notice is how much time people spend angry and upset at Christmas time. Perhaps if we who believe would demonstrate the true values of this season in our daily lives, those who do not believe would have better examples to possibly follow. This is just a thought for you to ponder.

In addition, I think about our troops who fight for our freedom every day on foreign and domestic soil. There are so many separated from their families because they were brave enough to believe in the defense of this country from all enemies, foreign or domestic. I thank God for their sacrifice, and especially for those who gave their lives in past and current conflict on behalf of our freedom.

Finally, as this year ends, I look back with gratitude to all of you who read this column, send in your comments, email your criticisms and thoughts. I have not been perfect in this effort; in fact I threw a couple pitches I would like to have back, but all in all it is a blessing for me to communicate with you. I look forward to next year with earnest.

To each one of you, have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Has the Church Outlived Her Usefulness?

2008-12-18T06:44:00.002-06:00

In many areas of the country, pastors are reporting that church attendance is at an all-time low. This does not affect mega-churches on the same level that it affects small, community churches. If this is true, it begs the question as to why. Why are people not attending and in many instances not supporting ministries as they once did?

In African American communities, the church was once the pillar of the neighborhood, the pastors well respected and members committed to the nuances of being in a faith community. In fact once considered hallowed ground by even the nefarious element of the community, the church had the respect of all. One would never hear of a church robbery or desecration in any manner. Furthermore, even those who were outside of the church, would "straighten up and fly right" as they approached church property of even the presence of pastors or those mothers of the church.

Today, we see perhaps what the Apostle Paul describes as the "falling away" in 2Thessalonians 2:3. Are we experiencing the realization of this prophetic word from Paul? If one examines the evidence, it would be hard to argue that the church as an institution maintains the same influence it once wielded. People seem to be dissatisfied with institutions in general and religious institutions in particular. Every major denomination is reporting a drop in attendance, loss of revenue and the view of indifference from those who remain in the pews.

If these things be true, then there must be reasons for their occurrence, valid or not, but reasons nonetheless. In speaking with many people who once attended church but now do not, one recurring theme keeps surfacing on the horizon of this conversation. People believe that the church as an organization is hypocritical and hyper-judgmental. They believe that churches tolerate sinful behavior among their members and leaders, while publically condemning those outside of their memberships.

Before we react with our emotions, it is fair to address these concerns based on whether they are meritorious complaints. Does the church tolerate sinful behavior among leaders and members, with an eye of Pharisaical judgment toward those who do not belong? This is a legitimate question to ponder in an age where church attendance is dropping, and criticism of God's house is on the rise. Certainly, many of us may be able to point to instances where the behavior of church leaders and members has not reflected the values espoused in the Gospel of Christ. In fact, if enough of us recall these instances and their frequency, then perhaps we arrive at a point that evidences the complaint against us.

What seems to be true in all of this is that very public instances of poor Christian testimony deals a serious blow to the witness of the church in a culture that is no longer willing to "look the other way" at hypocritical behavior. In addition, we must consider the means by which we exalt leadership beyond their ability to sustain. In many black churches, tradition mandates the elevation of pastors to positions of spiritual completion that make failure catastrophic. Whether we like it or not, we all, including our spiritual leaders, are works in progress.

In fact, the standards of behaviors for church leaders are higher than for those they lead. They should be because this is what Scripture teaches (See James 3). Yet when there is no provision for restoration of the repentant leaders, then can there really be restoration for any? Galatians 6:1-3 teaches, "1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (NKJV) There is a mandate for us to restore.

So why then does it seem that people have lost faith in the church as an organized institution? Perhaps it is the failure to address issues of sinful behavior in a public and biblical manner, which includes a public process of restoration. People who are not Christians know Christians fail; one need not be spiritually mature to recognize that fact. Maybe what they seek is a place that is honest and open about failure, preaching and practicing repentance as well as restoration.

The truth is that many of our houses of worship are in decline or barely maintaining, with 20% of the people doing 80% of the giving. This leads to distress among members and leaders, while potentially having a negative impact on the spread of the Gospel. Let us who believe, search our own hearts, then address these issues within our congregations and see if we can reach more of our people for Christ.

A Gift to My People

2008-12-11T09:21:00.002-06:00

In the spirit of the Christmas season, I wish to give all of my readers a very special gift. I wish to give to each of you the power to be a free thinker. Forgive me if you already possess this most precious of gifts, yet feel at liberty to re-gift it to all whom you know need it.

Now some of you may be wondering where I get off giving a gift such as the power of free thought, and your question may indeed be valid, since I do not own free thought, nor did I purchase extra in order to give it away. Free thought is one of those inalienable rights that come with being a free person. So technically, I am giving you something you already have. Consider me to be like the person that teaches you to program the DVD player you have or the one that shows you how to use that computer program for which you paid top dollar. Although you already possess the instruments, it often takes another to demonstrate their use.

Still you may ask, "Why free thinking as a Christmas gift?" In my mind, Christmas represents a time when Almighty God gave the best he had to offer, His Son Jesus the Christ. In like manner, when I consider the meager contributions I can give others; teaching and challenging others to think freely and without the encumbrance of group paranoia simply is the best gift I can offer.

To be a free thinker means to consider and examine evidence carefully, arrive at opinion of truth without others telling you what you should believe simply because everyone in your ethnic group, neighborhood or nation believes something to be true. The phenomenon called "group think" is dangerous on many levels, perhaps most dangerous because it robs the individual of lessons learned on the journey of self-discovery. I cannot rave enough about valuable life lessons learned from my being right as well as being wrong. Of course, it is perfect fine to agree with the group on issues of common sense, such as do not play in traffic to discover its danger or put one's hand in fire to discover it burns.

On the contrary, the designation of freethinking applies to the determination of values and core beliefs. How did you arrive at what you say you believe? This is a crucial question in determining whether you practice as a free thinker. If someone told you that a certain value was in your best interest, and you accepted that value as truth for you without examination on merit, then you may not be a free thinker. For example, I became a Christian on faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, but subsequent to even that faith, the examination of Christian values produces a commitment to their merit for my life.

How does this apply today? The proof of the absence of freethinking in our contemporary culture is the manner in which we lash out at those who look like us but have the audacity to embrace different opinions. I experience this among my own ethnicity in reaction to my thoughts and opinions. To criticize our own behavior seems to mean that one must wish to disassociate themselves from the group. As a free thinker, I say the opposite is just as much a possibility. Constructive criticism is evidence of great love and hope for improvement. If my mother said, "do not leave the house without combing your hair", does she wish to disassociate from me? On the contrary, her desire is to see me improve myself as well as my representation of my family. Has my mother ever publically corrected me? Of course, she has, when she deemed it necessary. This too was a demonstration of her love for me.

To deny the right of those who love us to speak freely and openly of our problems under fear of indictment as "Uncle Toms", "house Negroes", "white man negroes" and the sort, is to effectively ignore the evidence of our need for help exposed on a daily basis. Read the newspaper, watch television, listen to the radio with an open, freethinking mind, and tell me if you come away with the notion that all is well among black folks. Ignore the so-called "white media" and listen or read only "urban media" and be honest about your conclusion. Do you still think no one should say anything? Five minutes of listening to the callers on the Michael Baisden Show tells me we are in deep doo-doo.

This is why I offer the gift of that which each of you possesses already, the ability to form your values and beliefs based on your own examination of the presentations made to you. You can do it, you can think for yourself. You do not need some pundit to think for you, all you need is to examine the evidence and decide what you believe to be true. Be sure to remember that every free thinker welcomes dissent either as a means to be courageous enough to modify beliefs, or as a means to strengthen one's own stance.

So this Christmas I offer this simple phrase, to my people from 1 to 93, though it has been said many times and many ways, Merry Christmas and let your thinking be free.

A Few Reasons I Am Thankful

2008-11-26T08:04:00.003-06:00

This being the season to think about and render thanksgiving, I considered that for which I am most thankful. Certainly, space will not permit me to list all of those things that lead me to give thanks, but these are surely worth sharing. I hope that even in the middle of difficult times, we all consider how much for which we have reason to be thankful.

I am thankful for being a Christian with the knowledge that God is much better at providing purpose and meaning to my life. Every time I try to do his job, failure results. It is good to know that He is a God that gives His love in spite of us and not because of us.

I am thankful for a family that remains supportive while I sometimes demonstrate my innate ability to be fallible. Often when mouth goes before reason, it is good to have a family that provides opportunity to repent without having to worry about "friendly fire". I cannot give enough thanks for the love of my family, their honesty as well as their support through the most difficult days. The love of my children inspires my life.

I am thankful for the loyal members of our church who give me an opportunity to share the gospel and encouragement of Christ with them. The temptation for ministers is to take for granted the people who faithfully attend and support our ministries day after day and week after week. Without their spiritual, financial and other contributions, we would find difficulty in being successful.

I am thankful for the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to secure our liberty. My ancestors, as well as our nation's military veterans provide broad shoulders on which we all stand. Enough said.

I am thankful that I live in a country that is mature enough to discard color, race and ethnicity as prerequisites for success, despite being a work in progress. America demonstrated her greatness and grace to the world in the election of a person of color, Senator Barack Obama, as her next president. I pray that we have finally turned the corner from "Race Boulevard" to the "Freeway of Equality". My country is growing up and I am thankful that my children witness her maturation.

I am thankful that freedom of speech and the opportunity for healthy and constructive dissent still remains one of those "unalienable" rights guaranteed all Americans by our Constitution. If we were to lose this right, our government by the people, of the people and for the people would lose its place as an example of democracy to the rest of the world. This freedom does not exist on some existential plain, but is real and available to every citizen. Freedom of speech must remain so to avoid undermining basic liberty.

I am thankful that I live in a community with a few moronic behavioral exceptions, in which most people are still good. Yes, there are those whose behavior sets the standard for disgusting and criminal, but I believe with all of my heart in the basic morality of humanity. I hope never to reach the place of the cynic, for my blood pressure remains much more stable with the belief that most are desire good. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we all have elements within that reflect our Creator.

Finally, I am thankful for you our readers. Without your comments, positive or negative, personal and professional growth would be difficult at best.

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Dumb and Dumber

2008-11-25T17:12:00.002-06:00

For the last eight years, the mainstream media, comedians, talk-show hosts and countless ordinary citizens that you and I know, unmercifully assailed President George W. Bush as the second coming of Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame. They said he was dumb, intellectually unfit for the Presidency of the United States. According to his critics, President Bush set the bar very low for those who aspire to lead our country.

While I would readily admit that President Bush is not an articulate man, I would argue that intellect and articulation are two vastly different entities. Plenty of not very bright folks can be capable of great oration at any given moment. One could memorize, and then deliver a great speech, but that alone does not indicate great intellect. Judgment and wisdom are much better indicators of one's intellectual capability.

Unfortunately, for President Bush, most likely we will judge the wisdom of his decisions long after he has left office. This is because of the unique circumstances and environment in which he made decisions. For the first time in our nation's history, presidential decisions required the factoring of the global terrorism threat. Before 9/11, presidents had the luxury of considering localized threats in reference to terrorist activity. Since that awful attack in New York, in order to remain faithful to the oath of Office, every president must consider the potential threat of terrorism and its impact on our country's interests.

What is amazing is how President Bush received the "Fred
Sanford Dummy Award" from many liberals who apparently were not very well versed themselves in our nation's political climate. According to the video by John Ziegler circulating on YouTube, called "How Obama Got Elected", many of those who voted for President-elect Obama had difficulty even naming which party controlled Congress. Furthermore, they struggled to identify the Speaker of the House, as well as the Senate Majority leader.

To be fair, none of these folks was running for President, and Americans do want to feel that their President is "smarter" than they are. However, it is worth mentioning that nearly all of those interviewed knew much about the family issues and troubles of Sarah Palin. This indicates, as Ziegler has hypothesized, that it is likely many people made decisions primarily based on media influence. That dynamic plagues not only the results of this last election, but many previous elections. We Americans pride ourselves on a spirit of independence, but I wonder how we demonstrate that spirit when we go with the flow of the bubblehead bleach blonde-haired person on the evening news? (Don Henley's words, not mine) J

It would seem the task of the media should be to inform the citizenry without adding its opinion the information, except where announcement of opinion is clear beforehand to the viewer/listener. This may not lead to high Nielsen ratings, sell many papers, or even gain extra website hits, but it will cause the people affected directly by election outcomes to research the candidates and perhaps vote based on the result of that research. Sure, some will still vote as told by party leaders, but then that may always be the case. However, we could then do this without the undue influence of the media. Seriously, when have we ever seen media personalities who often repeat their commitment to journalistic integrity, act as giddy schoolchildren during election season? Not in my lifetime, that is for sure.

In essence, if you wish, give me the label of dumb for voting my principles, but it is decidedly dumber for anyone to allow the media to do their thinking. If you take your citizenship, your vote and your country seriously, then at the very least this warrants a degree of introspection that reaches beyond the opinion of the news anchor of the hour. Based on what we learn from Ziegler's video, we should challenge each other's opinions with the aim of assisting one another in the discovery of truth.

The Day After...

2008-11-05T15:01:00.002-06:00

Bring Out the Drawing Board

2008-11-05T06:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, the voters of America elected Barack H. Obama 44^th President of the United States. After the results became final, two realities became clear. First, as President-Elect, on January 20, 2009 he will take the Presidential Oath of Office and officially become my President. He will be my President even though I neither voted for him, nor support his policies and proposals. The beauty of the American experiment is the President of our country belongs to and is accountable to every citizen, not just those who cast their vote in his or her favor. I intend, with all vigor, to hold this President accountable, as I would do if John McCain had won.

When soon to be President Obama makes a decision, I will pray that it is in the best interests of our country. If I believe it to be so, I will express that opinion. However, if not, then I will exercise my First Amendment right of dissent regarding his decision.

As the cloud of political rancor lifts, we must remember our country is unique in its well over 200-year history of the peaceful transfer of power. This our Constitution sets forth, designed by our Founding Fathers. This idea is one of the most important that elicits pride in my country.

The second realization, one decidedly more difficult, is the reality that the conservative brand is at a serious crossroad. The evidence of this is the rejection of the conservative package by the voters in this election. More importantly, Republicans lost over 20% of those who voted Republican four years ago. The obvious reason is the "Bush-Cheney Fatigue". People tired of a government that not only was arrogant, but so inept at leadership. History may vindicate George Bush for his efforts to keep our country safe, but it likely will not occur in this generation.

Conservatives also lost for another reason that is near to my heart, yet not so obvious. The failure to communicate the benefit of conservative values, many that made this country great, marked the Republican effort for doom. This election more than any other should let conservatives know just what trouble we have connecting with minorities, the economically challenged and the youth of America. Conservatives rested on their tried and true message, but seem to have forgotten that in the age of the Internet and mass media bias, packaging and presence is everything.

I offer as evidence the fact that John McCain, even before the economic slide, never spoke to the issue of school choice to families in economically challenge communities. He, and by association conservatives, failed to venture into "historically" Democratic and liberal territory to share his message of real hope. In contrast, the Obama campaign brilliantly decided that no territory was off limits, they would try their message everywhere they could get audience. Conservatives must remember that all Americans want to hear from those who seek to lead them. Obama's team knew this and capitalized on it, while McCain shrank away from territory unfamiliar. People know that real leaders "boldly go where no man has gone before". It is the American way.

The endeavor to repair the image and brand of conservatism must begin with the deliberate effort to connect with those least likely to respond to the conservative message, ethnic minorities. Nothing would demonstrate belief that our message was good for America more than making a case to those we have deliberately either overlooked or feared.

Conservatives need not change their message, but must change the strategies and methods designed to connect with the American people. For example, instead of bold declarations that we are right on issues like abortion, traditional marriage, economic freedom, free market healthcare, and national security; we must make our case in every village and hamlet, wherever people will listen. This means talking to those who support liberals, many times because they are the only ones talking to them.

The next two to four years should offer many opportunities to rebrand the conservative message. I would hope that the leaders of our party, instead of guessing what minorities and poor people think and believe, would actually convene black conservatives to help construct this message. The realization of America's creed for the next generation depends on it. So let's get back to the drawing board.

Governor’s Race Highlighted by Contrasting Ideas

2008-10-14T10:22:00.004-05:00

In spite of all the campaign rhetoric generated in this election season, Hoosiers vote November 4^th to elect the next governor. This decision, between incumbent Mitch Daniels, challenger Jill Long-Thompson and Libertarian candidate Andy Horning, is important to the future of Indiana residents and the state's economic health.

After attending a gubernatorial debate, it became apparent that the choices in this election are clear-cut. Voters must choose between a person who values larger size and activity of government in the lives of individuals, a person who wants to limit government, and one who supports government only as outlined by the Constitution. Challenger Jill Long-Thompson continually indicated her plan to expand the role of government, while Governor Daniels and challenger Andy Horning commented about the limited role government should hold in the lives of individuals.

Without disrespecting Mr. Horning, he stands little chance to win in a state so carefully divided between the two major parties, perhaps to our detriment.

As I listened to challenger Thompson, it became clear that she knows how to go on the offensive. At every opportunity, instead of clearly defining her proposals, she used much of her time attack Governor Daniels. It is true that many debates lend themselves to be little more than political word duels, but it is worth noting that Ms. Long-Thompson threw so many punches that she seemed to miss the opportunity to explain her positions.

For example, one position mentioned was her idea of extending the high school graduation requirement from four years to five. According to her, this would allow more young people to graduate high school. This is an example of the type of thinking that limits the possibilities of those who need educational challenge the most. How does lowering the standard for high school graduation help our students compete in a global economy? We would have to be the only industrialized nation on earth that would even consider such a thing. Rather than address the reasons why our students drop out or do poorly in high school, let us just extend their stay. What message are we sending concerning the value of education?

In contrast, Governor Daniels supports giving parents more freedom of educational choices for their children, instead of a mandatory sentence to failing schools. One survey concludes that over 80% of black parents who live in urban areas, support school choice. These parents know and believe that quality education helps break the cycle of poverty much more so than lowering the standard.

Concerning economic proposals, Ms. Long-Thompson supports creating a "tier system" that divides each county's economic incentive packages based on need. On the surface, this may sound impressive, but it is actually easier to create an environment that advances job creation and economic growth statewide. Conversely, Governor Daniels has repeatedly stated and supported business economic packages that make Indiana number one in the Midwest and number twelve nationally for business climate. This means dropping the cost of doing business with lower taxes to spur job creation and economic growth. Any first year economic student knows that businesses expand in an environment of low taxes and increasing profit. No one goes into business with the idea of not making money.

Finally, after over seventy trips to Northwest Indiana, it is clear that Governor Daniels has made good on his belief that the success of Indiana hinges on the success of the Northwest region. From educational options, to improved roads and infrastructure, our Governor bears consideration to finish what he started.

Five Steps to Success for Black Americans

2008-10-01T08:17:00.002-05:00

In this final discourse about Black leadership past and present, I would like to offer some suggestions for charting the future path for Black people in America. Admittedly, I am not a social science expert, nor do I claim mystical ability to know what is best for everybody. However, what I do know and believe evidence will support, is that current strategies are not working. Premeditated change is in order with 70% out of wedlock births, 50-60% school dropout rates, and murder at the hand of another black male as the leading cause of death for black males. This difference must be a shift in ideology, from victim to victor. The longest journey begins with the first step.

As I have tried to demonstrate, much of the future success for black people in America lies in a return to values espoused by past leaders, who believed in the ability of anyone to succeed through dedication and hard work. A new direction in thought can produce a new direction in action.

In light of this, I offer at least five important steps that research says may help insure the future will be brighter than the recent past for black Americans. In no way do I maintain this list to be exhaustive or even right for everyone in every situation; however, it is critical that we begin a conversation aimed at solution. In addition, there is no particular order to these suggestions, although some may be of importance that is more critical.

First, there should be a redefinition of what is right. For success to occur there must be boundaries defined by principle and not subjective reasoning. In other words, it cannot be right simply because it "feels good" or seems right to me.

Secondly, there should be a return to the ethic of hard work as crucial to success. Nothing is more distressing than hearing our youth and adults maintain that they "will not flip burgers" or work for an hourly wage at a fast food restaurant. Many successful people achieved ownership by beginning "on the grill".

Thirdly, we should return to a sense of community. It was once a standard in the black community for discipline to be the responsibility of everyone. I had many surrogate parents in my neighborhood. Their concern for my behavior helped my parents positively shape my life. In this, churches and spiritual institutions can assist. While it may take a village to rear a child, it takes a church to rear a village.

Our fourth step should be a commitment to personal responsibility. We must refrain from blaming others for poor choices and resulting action that is even more destructive. It is not difficult to see oneself as a victim; however, it is tough to admit that personal choices have been a barrier to success. A wise person said, "It is easier to set a person against the entire world, than against themselves." It is true that we "reap what we sow".

Finally, we should insist that those who would lead us refrain from defining us as weak, and unable to lift ourselves without intervention. It is my belief that current black leadership seems to believe that we can do nothing for ourselves. Our history speaks much differently. Black people in America have always been able to achieve by taking advantage of opportunity. From education to business endeavors, our path has many examples of those who "plowed the field" of success. Perhaps it is time we learn and apply their lessons of achievement.

History Reveals Direction for Black Leadership of Today

2008-09-17T02:33:00.003-05:00

For most of my lifetime, black leaders promoted a philosophy that relies heavily on two important credos. The first, racism as the source of what ails black folk, has catapulted certain leaders like Minister Louis Farrakhan, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Reverend Al Sharpton to the national stage. The second credo, that the guilt of those directly or indirectly responsible is a profitable enterprise, has subverted the true intent of the Civil Rights Movement in America.

In his recent publication, “White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Movement”, author Shelby Steele asserts that a combination of white guilt over racism and black opportunistic leadership came together to dramatically alter the original intent of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 60’s. It is worth mentioning that my study has led me to conclude that the Civil Rights Movement was not a struggle against racism as much as it was an effort to gain human recognition. Who can forget the signs held by the striking sanitation workers in Memphis 1968, just days before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? Those signs said, “I Am a Man”, not a black man, but a man.

Today’s black leadership has drifted far from that proclamation by asserting blackness over humanity. While I am proud of my ethnicity, it does not deserve to be elevated over any other, even in light of past atrocities. The elevation of my humanity before my ethnicity removes the power of the racist in my life. I will not accept poor treatment because as a human, I require better.

It seems that past black leaders like Booker T. Washington understood this concept all too well. Washington, an ex-slave who rose to national prominence in the late nineteenth century, once remarked concerning the future of black people in America, “No greater injury can be done to any youth than to let him feel that because he belongs to this or that race he will be advanced in life regardless of his own merits or efforts.” This statement reveals Washington’s deep belief that the advancement of every human being should be by his or her own determination and effort.

Today’s black leadership seems content to mire the consciousness of America in the victim-guilt pathology. Leaders like Rev. Jackson and Rev. Sharpton make handsome livings by stoking the fire of racial intolerance, identifying the victims and sending a bill to the guilty. This policy of neglecting the glaring social problems that find their genesis within the black community must cease to be the rally cry of black uplift. We must shun leaders who wish to keep us in a state of perpetual victimhood, while they goad the assigned guilty into lining their pockets or assisting in the redistribution of wealth in America.

This doctrine of victimhood even infects those blacks who have worked hard and earned some degree of success in America by enticing them with the carrot of “you would be better off if not for racism”. Recently, I met a person of like ethnicity who appeared to be hardworking and gainfully employed. He remarked to me “the black man’s biggest problem is racism in America today”. When I challenged this assertion by saying that I thought the failure to take advantage of opportunity was a much greater malady, he proceeded to demand that he get what was his by right.

This thinking underscores the fundamental need for new direction in black leadership. Our history teaches that we can gain uplift without creating victims.

Black Uplift Discovered in Rich History

2008-09-04T12:07:00.001-05:00

During the Democratic National Convention, set on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, my focus drifted to the rich history of black people in America. Black delegates were, as I was, extremely proud of this historical moment. Yet I began to wonder about the philosophical similarities or differences between black leaders like Senator Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Each has stood for what they believed to be the authentically black position of their day. The question I will address in this three-part series, is whether the past leaders would agree with positions espoused by current black leadership. To examine this, one must juxtapose the historical record of quotes and books by past leaders against current ideas emanating from black leaders of today.

Frederick Douglass, a former slave, embodied early black leadership in America. Escaping in 1838, Douglass rose to prominence as an abolitionist in the 1850’s and continued until his death in 1895. In his 1865 speech before the Annual Anti-Slavery Society, Douglass describes his philosophy concerning the uplift of blacks in America when he states, “Everybody has asked the question. . ."What shall we do with the Negro?" I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing with us! Your doing with us has already played the mischief with us. Do nothing with us! If the apples will not remain on the tree of their own strength, if they are worm-eaten at the core, if they are early ripe and disposed to fall, let them fall! I am not for tying or fastening them on the tree in any way, except by nature's plan, and if they will not stay there, let them fall. And if the Negro cannot stand on his own legs, let him fall also. All I ask is, give him a chance to stand on his own legs! Let him alone! “

Douglass seems committed to black uplift as the result of individual responsibility, occurring in an atmosphere of unencumbered opportunity. This is fascinating when considering that Douglass lived in an America that provided miniscule opportunity for blacks to succeed. Opposing this position seems to be the mantra of current black leadership.

Senator Obama said while in Gary, IN, “I think it's time we had a president who doesn't deny our problems or blame the American people for them but takes responsibility and provides the leadership to solve them”.

This position by Senator Obama commits the resources of the Presidency to solving the problems of Americans. Should this be the task of the President of the United States? If so, then perhaps we should include this responsibility in the presidential oath of office. We could remove the part about upholding the Constitution and defending us from all enemies, both foreign and domestic; replacing those words with the promise to pay all my debt, educate my children and myself, abort children on demand, allow people to enter America illegally, and pay for it all by raising taxes on the most successful of us.

Americans would never stand for this, yet it is interesting to see ideas of success compared with one another. Douglass’ position not only works for black Americans, but for all Americans.

The Constitution does not guarantee equal success, but does guarantee equal protection and equal opportunity. To expect that we should all succeed applying various levels of personal industry is like saying every horse should win just because he is in the race.

School Choice: Should Parents Determine Their Children's Educational Path?

2008-08-19T13:06:00.001-05:00

Not much seems to raise the ire of our current public school system more than the two simple words “school choice”. This is primarily because these words represent a shift in thinking, which public schools do not seem to want. As long as the approach is unchanged, public schools may continue to fail, spend our tax dollars as they please with little or no accountability. Evidence suggests that the status quo of urban education condemns many of our children to a life of poverty or incarceration.

When President Bush suggested the No Child Left Behind Act, which required that public schools produce positive results for the investment made, he was vilified. Met with tremendous resistance from the public education community, this legislation stated, in effect, that all children deserved a chance at a quality education. This legislation was not perfect by any means, but it was important because it brought a new challenge to public education, especially in economically challenged communities.

It is time for us to face two important realities. First, we must accept that quality education is one of the best weapons against entrenched poverty, and then we should agree that parents should have the authority over their own children’s educational path. The first assertion is something upon which most of us agree, liberal or conservative, black, brown or white. Yet it is the latter idea that seems to generate the most angst because it squarely places the responsibility of a child’s future upon the parent. Many who support public education suggest that children will fail because parents, especially those in economically challenged communities, may not be able to navigate successfully the educational system to the benefit of their children.

However, right here in Gary, IN the evidence would suggest different. A thriving charter school community is presenting a serious challenge to the theory that people in urban centers with high poverty and unemployment; are not concerned with their children’s education. In fact, while driving by one of the new charter schools, I saw parents happily pick up their children and children joyfully engaging their parents in conversation. This by no means is scientific data for the support of school choice and I am sure this occurs in public schools as well, but the recent achievement of these charter schools in standardized testing suggests they offer quality educational options.

Obviously, the success of educating our children involves more than the school. Truly, we must have parental involvement throughout the process. Nevertheless, the expression of the liberty for parents to choose where to educate their children is necessary, especially in communities with entrenched and cyclic poverty. The notion of school choice or vouchers is one that many local political leaders reject as unattainable and destructive to public schools. Based on the Democratic Party’s long standing resistance to school vouchers or school choice, one can conclude their belief is that parents should not decide the educational fate of their own children. Instead, they offer misguided solutions that often trap children in a lifetime of victimization, complete with ready-made excuses for failure.

If we are going to spend tax dollars on educating our young, then it requires us to receive the most return on such an investment. Each parent deserves the fundamental right to invest his or her own tax dollars in a public, charter or private educational institution for the benefit of his or her own child. Forcing economically challenged parents to send their children to failing schools is a sentence to poverty for children and the community.

Pastor’s Comments Reflect Deep Hurt

2008-05-31T04:33:00.000-05:00

Recently there has been much consternation concerning the sermonic remarks of Senator Barack Obama's Pastor, Dr. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. I do not pretend to speak for Dr. Wright, but as a minister and a pastor, I do share a similar responsibility in ministering weekly to a comparable demographic of parishioner as Dr. Wright.

In the context of the predominantly black church preaching experience, one is tempted almost weekly to succumb to a desire to pacify one's parishioners with messages designed to validate the belief that someone else is responsible for their condition. That someone is often Satan or the Devil, the President, the Government as an entity or perhaps even White Folks in general. This is due primarily to the victim psyche that is pervasive in the black community. Years of racism, perceived or real, have left a deep scar of hurt and distrust of those outside and some inside the black community. As real as this hurt is to the individual, I believe it has been equally or even more self-destructive.

The black Pastor must minister in this context. He or she is challenged to "lift the spirits" of those who arrive each Sunday, many licking wounds that are real, whether self-inflicted or not. I am convinced that Dr. Wright's apparent dissatisfaction with America in his commentary suggest that he has validated the role of victim and determined that any black success must be achieved in a separate arena, without any credit going to an overtly oppressive and racist society.

While I understand Dr. Wright's comments, I must disagree not only with what he said, but with the suggested sentiment behind his words. It is true that America has been slothful in responding to the evil of racism and the corresponding racist attitudes derived from within a culture of segregation and oppression, but we no longer live in a society where we, as black people, can afford to explain away our ills under the broad brush of racism and racist conspiracy. For example, we cannot continue to blame a racist culture for the disproportionate number of black men in prison and ignore the argument of proportion in reference to the number of black children who have children and/or abortions in their teens or the number of children in our community without a father. The facts speak for themselves.

It is clear that Dr. Wright has distinguished himself personally and the congregation that he leads by providing vital ministry that gives opportunities for uplift to the thousands who attend and who live nearby. He has more education than many will ever earn. Yet we cannot not ignore the fact that his controversial comments may be born out of a generational pathology of victimhood. No doubt that Dr. Wright and many of his generation could relate many more horrible tales of indignities suffered because of their black skin than I could even imagine, let alone experience. No one can argue the absence of injury, but we can say that it is time for us to heal. We must heal the injury by not reopening the wound at every opportunity, but by generating the hope of our ancestors and their belief in a country where character is more important than skin color. In speaking to a hurting people each week it is my duty to speak of hope for opportunity and improvement in their lives; while refraining from passing on my personal pain or even validating their self-imposed victim status. This is because if one chooses to live as a victim, he or she will operate as a victim with a ready excuse for failure. My duty is to minister to the hurting masses as one that provides hope for success and not reasons for failure.

America has much to learn in reference to race and may or may not be moving quickly enough in her lesson. But one thing we as black people can do is stop giving relevance and legitimacy to racist attitudes by allowing them to be our song of defeat. Racism is irrelevant in the face of the confident and self assured person who recognizes their opportunity was purchased at a high price. We would do well to concentrate our efforts on building this kind of personal drive within our young people that says we can and we will succeed INSPITE of the obstacles that lay before us. No more will we validate defeatist attitudes in our young or in our leaders. The target of black uplift must be placed firmly and squarely within our own community. We have much work to do. We will lessen the prison population the moment we decide as a people that we will no longer tolerate nor support the illegal drug trade even if it means turning in our own family. That is a hard pill to swallow, but one of many necessary to bring the required healing and recovery.

Dr. Wright may publicly blame America for her failure, which is his right. Yet the freedom of this America insures that he, as well as others can stand in the pulpit or in the pasture and express themselves. We must defend this freedom in a difficult world. America is not perfect and has fault both at home and on the world stage, but fault alone cannot be reason to disavow this country. I have been disappointed in America, but she is mine. She belongs to me as much as she belongs to anybody. I choose not to be one of her victims, but one of her healers.