Actwings's Blog

CNN, MSNBC, PBS' POV and the recently announced National Press Club's 2-day conference on Race and Reconciliation, suggests that media interest in America's race problem has intensified.  

 As a Black American, I pray that Blacks targeted for public discourse on race and race relations would simply say "no thank you" when asked to participate.  The reason is simple:  the race discussion should take place among those creating the problem.  Current race discussions have very little to do with Black people on the level where our participation is needed.  At this point, race and racism is White America's problem whether or not they choose to accept it.  Here we are 144 years post-emancipation and Whites are still asking Blacks "what do you want?"  How about truth as a starting place?  White people have teachers like Tim Wise, who will likely jump at the opportunity to lecture about altering racist behavior.  There are also a number of highly effective non-profit organizations providing seminars and workshops about understanding white privilege. 

Discussing race is a fruitless exercise for Blacks since most of us are intimately familiar with the subject.  Some would call it "preaching to the choir."  Many of us wear Black America's banner all day every day whether we choose to or not.  Therefore, in my humble opinion, racism is not an 'us-them' problem.  Racism is a 'them-them' problem.  Ridding oneself of racism, the pet name for slavery's out-of-control grandchild,  takes commitment.  As such, White Americans should take the time and effort to work out this issue for themselves.  Once Whites accomplish the work of changing their hearts and minds about racism, Blacks can join in on the conversation about ways to make amends for the wrongs of the past.  But for now, I hope my fellow Black Americans will  join me in simply saying "no, I choose not to participate." 

It's simple really.  Mrs. Clinton is the smartest, most capable individual running for President of this nation.  Unfortunately, the hype around particular candidates reminds me of the Warren G. Harding story.  He too was articulate, handsome, tall, and every one thought he was smart because of how he looked.  He had nothing to say.  He took no stand.  He wanted to be liked and saw the presidency as a ceremonial position rather than as a dedicated servant to a nation.  He was an absolute disaster as far as this country is concerned.  He was one of the worst Presidents in history.  For those interested in this story, read the book "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell.  It is an eye-popper.  Think about the political game in terms of manipulating the masses.  It matters not to me how a person exercises their right to vote for the candidate of their choice.  What does matter is whether or not that voter has taken the time to think about their choice.  Is he or she capable of running a nation, particularly if that nation is saddled with the baggage of a war, economic downfall, skyrocketing unemployment, lack of motivation towards education and self-development among its populace.  It's one thing to jump on a bandwagon with a champion and quite another to jump on a train headed for a collison.  Ego does not make a leader, ability does.  I will personally remain a "HillBillie" and pray that others will see the light so that our nation will have a chance.  Otherwise, God Bless Us All.

A Black Woman's Opinion.

An article in the Washington Post Express stated that of the 50 dogs rescued from Vick's property, none have been claimed.  As a result, the dogs will be euthanized.  In my opinion, this appears to be a little lopsided.  The law is very interesting... 

I guess euthanisia is the sane and humane way to kill although its purpose is to relieve suffering.  Are the surviving dogs suffering?  Didn't hear that report...  What about all the animal rights advocates?  Why haven't they stepped up to the plate to adopt these poor mistreated dogs?  I own a dog and love her dearly, but she is a dog and her life is not equal to that of a human and nothing any animal rights group says or does is going to change that fact! 

Michael Vick didn't live on the property where the "alleged" fighting took place.  No state or federal authority witnessed him at the alleged fights or on the property during one of the fights.  It's all word of mouth by a few greedy guys after cash who were too afraid of their own guilt to tell the truth so they passed the blame onto Michael Vick.  They are all a bunch of cowards with no character and integrity.

Michael:  be careful of who you choose to befriend in the future.  For most people, unfortunately, it's all about the CASH! 

I'm not a champion of unacceptable behavior, but I'm not willing to condemn a man before he has his day in court.  Whether innocent or guilty, the media and public opinion have already sentenced Mr. Vick.  Again, the scales of justice are lopsided.

Dog fighting is legal everywhere else in the world.  So, if Mr. Vick should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as some have strongly suggested, drive a little further south in old Virginny and maybe a little further west in Maryland and catch them good ole boys in some serious dog fighting challenges.  Let's prosecute and incarcerate the whole lot of criminals, if that's what this is all about.  But somehow I doubt it's about the dog fighting as much as it is about a Black man with way too much money for some to stomach.  Whoops, there it is.