Race Relations.

Hi friends~

There’s a bit of brouhaha in blog-land about a friend named B who has been allegedly ‘race baiting’ other bloggers, ostensibly to draw traffic to his site. Several (including me) were lured by ‘bait’ only to end up ensnared in some of the most toxic, racially charged speech I’ve seen on blogs. This whole deal is not helpful, folks; not helpful to go there & certainly not helpful to participate. I tried very hard to leave carefully worded, respectful comments only to be ignored by the author. It seemed that only remarks which carried incendiary content were addressed, usually w/ equally toxic content from the author.

I've decided not to return to that blog, but did make one last trip to retrieve my comments. It’s important for me to state my case here, & below is one of them. (BTW, when my friend B decides to engage in authentic, productive discussion of ‘race relations’ I'll gladly return to his site. I invite him to comment here at any time, stating his intention to do so.)

Sus' response to B & P's comments:
B said: "All African Americans do not curse, listen to crazy rap music or dress in ways that are beneath me morally nor professionally. We do not run around the streets as drug addicts stealing and killing, and driving drunk." & then P said, "There is NO racism where we live. But in the South, racism is still prevalent."

Okay, I was pleasantly surprised to have B visit my blog & we had an interesting exchange in my comments. Regarding his comment above - of course not! Anyone who buys into that offensive stereotype is a boob. My Senior Pastor (a very kind & wise, Spirit-filled black man) would no doubt agree.

As for P's comment: Sorry, but do you live in the South? How would you know about which you speak except for the stereotype you've heard & perpetuated? I'd like to challenge your stereotype of 'The South.' To use B's template: we aren't all beer drinkin', redneck, KKK sheet wearing, hayseed, skinhead racists. My experience is that people go out of their way to dispel the stereotype. Maybe, just maybe, we're more aware & sensitive than the rest of the country. Ever contemplated that?

Folks could try to understand MY life perspective one of these days...I'm so weary of being lumped into such an offensive 'type' simply because of where I live. (MY ancestors were Scots - basically enslaved, brutalized, raped & murdered by the Brits for hundreds of years. Finally, we were stripped of our own culture -annihilated it, really- pushed out of our country & forced into indentured servitude in the 'New World' where we were unwelcome...sounding familiar??)

Sorry, but I am proud to be Southern, NOT racist, Master's level educated from a University who just lost (badly) in the NCAA Tournament. And I’m not complaining because nobody wants to try & understand me. I don't even care!

I'm living my life, serving my Savior, loving my husband & raising our family. I did NOT support Barack Obama, cannot abide what he & his friends doing to our country. But my politics versus Mr. Obama's has NOTHING to do with his race. NOTHING. And I will not be quiet about that.

Sad thing is, I'll be thought to be racist b/c of where I live & my politics. THAT's what really bugs me. Folks that are so quick to be offended @ perceived racism really don't see that they're doing the SAME thing to people like me - w/o even knowing who I am.

Whew! On my own blog, on a fresh day, I’m happy to share my true thoughts about race relations. Here it is in a nutshell:



People. The universe doesn’t revolve around humanity. It really isn’t all about us…

& thanks be to God for that!

~~~

"Tolerance" is only skin deep.

So I was commenting on a blog the other night, tossing in my own pennies. That’s what commenting is for, & others are free to chip in their $0.02. But sometimes it comes off as a bit of a personal snipe. That’s not cool in my book. Since it's not my business what the moderator does w/ comments he gets, I'll use my own forum for setting the record straight.

Sus’ original comment re: Obama’s tax plan & anti-terrorist activities:
Okay, so let's 'change' from a borrow & spend policy to a tax & spend policy. Nice change, huh? BHO doesn't have a clue about how to fight terrorists - thinking his olive branch to Iran was going to soothe the Beast. (Didn't they know? He's The One. They're supposed to grin & thank him for being so gracious, unlike that menace, George W. Bush.) Not, so, Mr. O. What a smack-down he got! It was embarassing! Ouch. Wake up, Dude. You're not a movie star; & in case you've forgotten, 48% of the country are "not that into you"...

Response comment left by “M”
@ Susannah "BHO doesn't have a clue about how to fight terrorists" Neither did GWB and neither do you. Guns have clearly not worked. If a plan is failing you change it, reason #1 why Republicans fail.

"Not, so, Mr. O. What a smack-down he got! It was embarassing! Ouch." It's very ignorant to think diplomacy is over after a single contact. Good job at soaking up the talking points.

"Wake up, Dude. You're not a movie star; & in case you've forgotten, 48% of the country are 'not that into you'... Pres.Obama IS a celebrity because he is a rational thinker and who makes thoughtful statements with general humanity in mind, dude.

It’s baffling to watch republican politics. Conservatives are very self-centered and have little care of others and their opinions. In contrast liberals actually listen to conservatives, but with the endless nonsense that is coming from them its no wonder the conservative movement is an endangered species. Your entire post is prime material why this is true because you gave absolutely ZERO valuable input. ~M

Response to M:
Hi there M. Whew, do you sound irritated at me!? Sorry I struck such a nerve.

Regarding the ‘talking points’ you believe I’m ‘soaking up.’ Sir you don’t know me, or anything about me (unless you read my blog, then maybe you do), but I haven’t consistently watched/listened/read news coverage or ‘talking points’ in months. (I can’t stomach it.) When I do, I listen with a careful ear, deciding for myself what I believe is true. (Though, you may not believe me. It’s easier to cast me in the sheep pen w/ the rest of the perceived non-thinking herd.) We ALL must be discerning, whether we think media bias is real or not. My thoughts are constructed within the framework of my own mind, friend.

Regarding fighting terrorism, “Neither did GWB & neither do you.” Sorry, but that doesn’t wash. The aim of the War on Terror has been from the very beginning, to keep the fight on their soil instead of ours. GWB, et. al. did a phenomenal job meeting that objective. No?

You’re right, I have no clue how to fight terrorists: 1) I don’t claim to be the leader of the Free World, either; 2) I have the sense God gave a tick to know you don’t negotiate with someone whose ONLY aim is your complete annihilation. Of course, true diplomacy is a process; a long one. The 'ignorance' lies in believing even a thousand olive branches will build a bridge, unless it’s the bridge to our destruction - at terrorist hands.

Listen, these people come to win, not to play. BHO is taking stabs at playing (he thinks this is checkers?). 'Ignorance' lies in misunderstanding our enemy. Winning for them means we die. Period. There IS NO MIDDLE GROUND BETWEEN WINNING & LOSING this thing. BHO is chasing red herrings trying to find one. His narcissistic effort (“Here, let me try my hand at diplomacy. They’ll surely know I’m The One, the Hope & Change we’ve all been waiting for…”) revealed his naiveté. Fact. The response it garnered was embarrassing. Truth. And if he doesn’t get off himself & grow up, he’s going to get us all killed.

“Pres.Obama IS a celebrity because he is a rational thinker and who makes thoughtful statements with general humanity in mind, dude.” Okay, so maybe we have a difference of expectation here. I want my President to be Presidential, dignified, not yukkin’ it up w/ Jay Leno & the SNL crew as if there’s no ‘reverence’ & dignity to the position he holds. If I wanted Jon Bon Jovi, I’d have written his name in.

Oh, & about the “thoughtful statements with general humanity in mind,” I wonder if he includes the most vulnerable, defenseless among us (unborn, mentally/physically handicapped, poverty stricken) in his view of 'general humanity.' Doesn’t seem to, as he continues his whirlwind media circus. Even the 60 minutes guy asked if he was ‘punch drunk.’ Nice, BHO. Thanks for the 'thoughtful statements' & sensitivity toward 'general humanity.'

Oh my…the list goes on, doesn’t it? “Liberals actually listen to conservatives…” Okay. That’s why not even one single House Republican could support the Stimulus Bill, & why Republicans were cut out of crafting the Senate version altogether. Okay. I’m listening…

Alright, this isn’t my blog. Enough. Thanks Douglas , for the space, & thanks for such a provocative post. Take care, all. (You too, M.)

Just my personal experience of the "tolerance" SO many Liberal-minded folks profess - as long as you agree w/ them. When you express a challenging opinion or a criticism of their guy, you risk of all sorts of name-calling & innuendo. Not sure about you, but I counted 9 of those pearls aimed directly at me in M’s response, to exactly 0 aimed at any private citizen in mine. Not sayin’ Conservatives are always perfect (& certainly not me), but I’d like to feel a little more of that 'tolerance' love the Left is always talking about.

~~~

Meet Rufus Hussey.

Okay in the comment section of last post, I came perfectly clean about my Southern-ness. Not that it was any secret, or anything; I think my name probably blows my cover pretty quick. :)

Anyway, here's a little treat that you just don't see anywhere, except in the American South. Watch & be amazed!


I'll s'wannee! If I believed in reincarnation - which I don't, mind you - I'd say this fella is 'David' all over again. You know, Goliath's David? For all you skeptics, I think maybe Rufus is God's way of showing how a little guy like David could've taken down that big 'ole Goliath!

I just love stories like this. Go get'em Rufus!

~~~

Charming, just charming.

You've probably seen it by now, but in case you've been watching CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, or NBC, maybe you haven't. So, I'll report, you decide.



Isn't he just a doll?

What do you think?

~~~

Remember.

Every so often I have to be reminded of things. If I’m not, I tend to forget Who is really in control. And when I forget that, I get cranky, then maybe sad; then it can be an easy slide into discouragement.

In these frightening political/economic times, & in our frenetic & distracted society, it’s sometimes not a terribly long way from ‘forgetting’ to ‘discouragement.’ There’s precious little good news swirling around us, & I will inevitably get caught in the web of negativity; & it’s a sticky, viscous snarl, that web.

However…God is so good & gracious. And I'm thankful to be a writer – sophomoric as my skills are – that I can articulate the ways He speaks to me, moves me, assures me. Today, all I have to do is scroll down to refresh my memory, & it’s there – in words from my very own fingertips (thanks be to God).

Today I need to remember. Join me?

1) My God is bigger than I am .

2) My God knows me inside & out, deeply & intimately; the humbly noble & the raw, sin-slain humanity.

3) My God loves me inside & out, deeply & intimately – anyway.

4) My God is able to craft victory out of brokenness, arise glorious out of discouragement & defeat.

5) My God is always whispering my name & searching my face for acknowledgement. He knows the smallest details of my life & is always at work for my good.

“Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged…for there is greater power with us…with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.” 2 Chron. 32: 7-8

Be encouraged, dear one! I am with you, & I will fight any battle for you. Have hope sweet one, because I am strength! And take heart, because I use you, too, to bring light to others, just like I did through that precious young woman! In the mean time, you just be strong & courageous, relax in my strength…leave the rest of the battle to Me.

And from Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him & He will make your paths straight.”

Here's the thing about trusting God , the notion that He has designed each of us for this generation, for this very time in history, for His purpose: I get it with my head...but when the details get blurred by life, trusting can take on a certain gritting of the soul. It's in these times that I find myself surprised by the tenderness of God's voice (like in the Dec. piece). Sometimes I find myself waiting, only to learn that "being still & knowing, staying & resting" is the point. And even if I don't see clearly, God is there; always moving & working toward His purpose for my life. And - if I pay attention & listen - I just may catch a vapor of His Spirit passing over me.

I guess that's what my epiphany was : to try & live each day with a deeper trust & understanding that Christ has come, is here among us, & is ever-present. That I'm seeking Him. And, to celebrate - not just on January 6th, but every day - that when I seek Him, He will be found.
Hallelujah!

God is so tender and good, friends, & He is speaking to us this very day.

God is speaking, whispering, nudging, beckoning.Will we seek His Hope? Will we respond & move forward with courage? Will we see this as our time, knowing that our Hope is trustworthy, dependable, eternal?

“Now is the time for those of us who embody this kingdom to defend the truth, overcome evil with good, and live lives that proclaim and display heaven in the real world.” Steven Curtis Chapman

Hallelujah. Amen.

So remember this Thanksgiving, be thankful for the only country in the world that celebrates Thankfulness to God for just being a country! Be thankful that you are citizens of that nation which truly is the best place in the world to come home to.

Personally, I'm deeply thankful for my husband - whose love helps me live & breathe. I'm thankful for our 3 children who are delight & challenge beyond all I could've ever imagined. The gratitude swells up & it is humbling. Our God is great. Our God is good. He is in control, & I am thankful.

Be thankful. Be encouraged.

Remember.

~~~

Capitalism vs. Socialism - reprise

It seems I’m on a tear of reprising themes. This one I said once with “Joe”, then took another look with “Memo to DCCC," & then again with my most recent post.

Sometimes, though, somebody puts an argument “just so,” & it’s such a jewel that it’s worth the risk of redundancy just to share the beauty.

Wikipedia describes the two gentlemen in the following video as follows: (but we all pretty much know who they are)

Milton Friedman was an American economist, statistician and public intellectual,
and a recipient of the Nobel
Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Phillip John "Phil" Donahue is an Emmy award winning American
media personality and writer, best known as the creator
and star of The Phil Donahue Show, also known as Donahue, the first tabloid talk show.

Here they’re engaging a discussion on Capitalism vs. Socialism.
Interesting. Enjoy.

...and good day.

~~~

Community Reinvestment Act - revisited

Did you ever have to revisit a thing that seems like old news ? I hate to put y’all through this, but I can’t help it…

Perusing a dear follower’s blog, I found a provocative piece (here’s hoping a link will draw her some traffic!). After enunciating my response on her comment form, & hitting ‘publish’, my comment frustrated by controls that only allow input from ‘members’ – which I am not, unfortunately. Not being one to let sleeping dogs lie, I’m bringing my ‘comment’ back home, to share with whoever traipses across this path. (Lucky you, & here goes…)

Oh dear, oh dear…Friend, you must get a hold of yourself!

Breathe. Just breathe...
You say, ‘Move on & let Obama do what he has to do to get this country back in shape. Back to the shape it was in before Bush got his hands on it. You conservatives that can't stand the truth, get out of the kitchen.’

Dear friend, you then iterated the tired accusation, ‘We inherited a trillion dollar deficit and a depression from Bush and the Republicans…’

It’s true we’re in a pickle, & there’s plenty of blame to go around. But, if folks would stop yelling talking points long enough to think about where the crisis started, they may find its roots tapping back to 1977 (only a few years after you & I were born). It started with the CARTER Admin. & the Community Reinvestment Act - a warm & fuzzy social program designed to get more lower income families into home ownership. Fair enough.

But then, in 1993 the CLINTON Admin. ‘substantially revised’ the program to force mortgage lenders to give loans to even more high risk buyers (i.e., people who couldn't afford it) under threat of FEDERAL PENALTY :

“In a more aggressive pursuit of "social justice,"
the Clinton administration revised the CRA in April 1995 to mandate that banks
pass lending tests in "underserved" communities and suffer tough new sanctions
for failing to make enough loans there.
According to the language of the new
Clinton regs, banks that used "innovative or flexible lending practices" to
address the credit needs of low-income borrowers passed the test. Banks with
poor CRA ratings were hit with stiff fines and blocked from expanding their
operations. Soon, "flexible" lending became the norm, and banks used subprime
loans, which charge higher interest rates, to cover the added risk.
But it
wasn't enough. So Clinton ordered HUD to pressure Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to
buy the higher-risk loans from private banks and lenders, while adopting the
same "flexible" credit standards.

Etc., etc., etc.

In other words, the Fed. Govt. (Clinton) forced private businesses - free markets - to make BAD decisions, or risk being pinched out of business.

• Vehicles Fannie & Freddie grew by leaps & bounds in the '90s (Clinton), until the situation was such a risk to our economy that President BUSH in 2001 issued a firm warning for Congress to clean it up. Congress did nothing.
  


• President BUSH warned again in Spring/Fall of 2003. Congress did nothing.
  


• What's more, Congressional Democrats Barney Frank, Chuck Schumer, et.al, mocked the President Bush for claiming ‘the sky was falling’, insisting that Fannie & Freddie were just fine. Legislation for increased regulation of these vehicles was blocked by these Democratic leaders.
  


• In Feb. 2005, Fed. Chairman Greenspan urged that if BUSH’s warnings were not heeded, "we are placing the total financial system of the future at a substantial risk." Congress did nothing.
  


• In April 2005, Greenspan said, "If we fail to strengthen [regulation] then we increase possibility of insolvency and crisis." DEMOCRAT Chuck Schumer countered the warning, defending the loan vehicles. Congress did nothing.
  


• May 25, 2006, JOHN McCAIN co-sponsored a bill to increase regulation of Fan & Fred. Not even one Democrat voted for the bill in committee. SENATOR OBAMA DID NOT VOTE. HE DID NOTHING. (Oh, sorry. He must have been busy, out campaigning for Hope.) The Bill died. Congress did nothing.

In a 9-26-08 article , Kurt Schulzke commented, "Yesterday's soft & cuddly gov't program is today's financial chainsaw massacre." And, "far from...free-market dysfunction, today's mortgage mess is a classic case of socialistic gov't intervention gone awry."

With access to a different ‘truth’ before you, dear blogging friend, it seems that the “loser” you call Mrs. Palin called the 'Do-nothing Congress' exactly right. They did NOTHING except stifle each other as this volcano boiled toward eruption. And as for "Ronnie Raygun's song & dance” about 'Government being the problem'… Well, he just about hit the nail on the head, now didn't he?

Here we find ourselves, through myriad twists & turns, in a real financial sling. And what’s the current Administration’s answer to the fiasco that GOVERNMENT caused? Why, more Government, of course!!

We’re sliding down the muddy, slimy, slippery slope into a pit called Socialism, where Government declares itself more entitled to direct people’s money, businesses & lives than the people themselves.

Newsflash folks: Socialism isn't what allowed America to rise to her current place in the world. A free market system (among other factors) did. Forcing Socialism on a Capitalist system will not work. Absolving people of personal responsibility (on any level - private or corporate) will not create a better society. It will create a culture of dependency & learned helplessness, leading to collective weakness, frustration, & ultimately collective failure. (Just look @ Fannie & Freddie.)

I, for one, am not game for collective failure. You may be wondering, am I hoping for the failure of The One whose agenda will lead us to just that? In the words of one who really gives me something to HOPE for , “You Betcha!”

~~~

Snow 2009!

Okay, so it really did snow this time! Here's a look across the street. Look at that blue sky peeking through the clouds. Beautiful!

This one's out the bedroom window...

And this was taken off the back deck. Gorgeous against the crystal blue sky!

Of course school was canceled, as were most other things (churches, businesses, etc). School's out again today, though mostly b/c of 'black ice' warnings & power outages. Everything you see on the street above was dry by 5:00 pm yesterday. Easy come, easy go...but it was GREAT fun while it lasted!! Just ask Otis, who had never seen snow - HILARIOUS! And, then there are my daredevil sledders who are comparing bruises this morning. This is what kid memories are made of...

Happiness.
~~~