Isabelle Allende tells the story of the fight against dehumanization and enslavement in one of the greatest books of our time, “Island beneath the Sea.” The setting is Saint Domingue-18th century, now known as Haiti. At one time Haiti was the richest colony on the planet, primarily because of the brutal theft of the labor of the black enslaved people. Haiti and the islands of the Caribbean were part of the dreaded “middle passage.” Twenty million or more black people were exploited in this holocaust. Those that did not perish on the journey ended up producing sugar cane, rum, cotton and tobacco. France, the mother country felt that God had given Frenchmen the right to be masters and God had ordained the “children of Cain” to be enslaved. Haitians broke this curse by launching a bloody revolution that led to the total elimination of slavery and rule by blacks and non-whites. It was the largest slave revolt since Spartacus’s unsuccessful revolt against the Roman republic. Furthermore, if the Haitians had not defeated Napoleon and his goons, we would probably be speaking French rather than English from the Mississippi to the Pacific. We remember this from our American History class. Two weeks ago, we were distressed by witnessing the border agent on horseback using a whip to drive the Haitians back across the Rio Grande. After a two thousand mild journey mostly on foot, pregnant women, families and children braving venomous snakes and bandits, the Haitians are turned away. They fled a country that sat on a major earthquake fault line and political instability as evidenced by a recent presidential assassination and calamitous earthquakes in 2010 and 2021. In 1980 –81, I had the privilege of serving as the Director of one of the Haitian Resettlement Projects. Black and white churches took the lead in forming resettlement committees to provide a foundation for the newly arrived refugees. Our elected and civilian leadership embraced the moral mandate and urged private and governmental leaders to support the resettlement. Today, hundreds, maybe a few thousand ex-refugees are now citizens of the USA and solid […]
We are better than this Read More »
For ungodly reasons too many Americans are losing their ability to critically think and analyze. Consequently, these individuals are becoming useful idiots who allow others to do their thinking, and that’s a dangerous proposition. God has spiritually admonished all individuals to not allow confused-sinful minds to make you a Useful Idiot, because: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The loss of critical thinking skills engenders emotional-irrationality as well as the desire to possess undeserved external power. Question: is this why the GOP has lost its way (moral compass)? Power for the sake of power is insanity to the nth degree! Historically, there have been numerous religious useful idiots. For example, Adam and Eve’s disobedience of God’s spiritual command. Cain’s killing of his brother Abel: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ with an ungodly kiss on the cheek for thirty pieces of silver. Delilah’s betrayal of Sampson for money and power by opening up a barbershop, and giving Sampson an ungodly haircut, and of course, Sampson’s betrayal of God and himself by walking by sight, and not FAITH. Modern day Useful Idiots: (a) Benedict Arnold who betrayed America during the Revolutionary War, (b) General Michael Flynn who betrayed America for a Russian Oligarch, power, money and misguided loyalty to a want-to-be-dictator (POTUS #45). And, POTUS #45 who sought to destroy American democracy for power and self-aggrandizement on January 6. The greatest power in the world is the power that exists within individuals (GOD/TRUTH), and their ability to resist the ungodly impulses of becoming a Useful Idiot. America, if we can truthfully and honestly talk about Biblical characters who were Useful Idiots, because of lies and sin why then can’t we study and spiritually understand the original sin of America (Critical Race Theory)? Christian Right Evangelicals have become Useful Idiots for the promotion of White Privilege for other Useful Idiots who substitute one sin for another sin across Christian Pulpits. Sin is sin, and God hates sin. There is
Useful Idiots Read More »
Law Enforcement is unable to purchase weapons because of the insatiable consumer appetite for weapons. Ammunition that once was easy to obtain is in scarce supply. Since the election of President Obama in 2008, 20 states including Texas has passed permit-less carry legislation.
Unraveling the ball of confusion Read More »
We are stronger today than we were in the 1890’s. Rights that we possessed in 1890 were chopped up and cancelled during the first Reconstruction. Guest what, it took decades of sustained struggle to recover basic democratic rights such as full voter registration and participation. Prepare for a marathon, an Usain Bolt sprinter will peter out.
Alarm. Don’t Panic. OVERPERFORM! Read More »
The transmission of the pox is contagious. It often moves by community spread. Even if you observe the protocols, lies have legs and wings, often in your face, but more often slick and near invisible. The man or woman that doesn’t know that they have been infected or deny the evidence of infection is very sick. And so, we know that if the people around us share a false belief, the odds are exponentially greater that we will adopt that belief, even if it is absurd. Sharpshooter Steph Curry can defy logic in launching a sphere toward and consistently through a cylindrical hoop from 40 feet away, yet deny the moon landing. Flat earthers think that the Earth is not a globe that is curved, despite the views from the Apollo craft. Galileo, in possession of the telescope was sentenced to life imprisonment because his views contradicted the ignorant church leaders. Some rappers think that because we can’t see over the horizon in Galveston Bay that the Earth is flat. Astro physicist Neil de Grasse Tyson clarion calls from his scientific podium do not dissuade the flat earthers from their fixed beliefs. There are sworn advocates of the theory that the Earth is 5,000 years old, and that planet Earth is the center of the universe. Fairytales must be acknowledged as fairytales. There are flat earthers that believe that the COVID-19 vaccines are sent from hell below and instruments of white supremacy in 2021. Believe it or not, black epidemiologists and other scientists researched and helped in the creation and design of the leading vaccines. Some military members have taken hundreds of vaccines and never had any serious side effects. The Tuskegee syphilis experiment was genocidal in effect but an anomaly in the history of vaccine development. If your friends and associates are predominantly anti-vaxxers, you will be more prone to being a conspiracy zealot. If you believe that the presidential election was stolen, if you believe that the murder of Officer Brian Sicknick by the Neo-Confederates on January 6 was not sedition, you are in a select club of
COMMENTARY: The longer a lie lives, the harder it is to kill Read More »
The spiritual and structural-functional breakdown of the nuclear family structure has produced untold and unforeseen consequences. The ungodly/misguided belief that skin-color gives an individual superiority-rights is a spiritually dangerous/destructive belief-system. Every human being is a Child of God, and human-beings should never forget that spiritual fact of human existence, because: “Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” God is life and this is why faith must be taught and exampled in family structures, because faith pertains to all of human existence. Therefore, Christian Right Evangelical Pastors must in their preachment substantiate this spiritual fact of human existence, because all of US have unforeseen faith in individuals and corporations that build creature comforts (houses, cars, etc.), therefore: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” All families should teach this spiritual-faith precept repetitiously to children in order to build a God conscience in them; whereby guns will not become the final arbiter of problem solving, and ultimately seen as GOD. Guns are instruments of negativity, not problem-solving tools, because guns only acerbate problems. Only individuals with a God-conscience understand this profound spiritual knowledge, and moreover, Jesus gave us a living spiritual example of God-Conscience when he said to Peter: “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” This spiritual knowledge applies to any instrument of death that is in vogue at any given time-period. Christian Right Evangelicals, GOP, and Trump Loyalists need to have a “looking glass self- encounter”: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” America, there are too many among us without God-Conscience, and they need to have a “Come to JESUS sustained encounter”. Turning the other cheek is allowing God to fight the battle, because: “The battle is not yours, but God’s”. The spiritual fight is between God and the
COMMENTARY: ‘Bad day’ for mass murder Read More »
Our heroic approach has been to primarily concentrate on the heroes and heroines that have carried the torch. Truly, Martin, Malcom and Ms. Rosa Parks are towering figures, but there are tens of thousands of unknown and unsung titans that have changed the course of history.
It’s time to change our approach to Black History Read More »
Republicans are sick and penicillin is not the cure, because they desire to live in an entirely White country. America was never a White country because Native Americans (Indians) and Mexicans were indigenous-inhabitants of the land when the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. By and large, the Republican Party has a White Privilege agenda, and the Democratic Party has an inclusive Multi-Cultural American identity agenda as profoundly displayed in President Biden’s inaugural inclusive-programmatic format.
COMMENTARY: Hitlerism: Trumpism Read More »
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
