ClydeStyle

Category: Politics

  • A month before the election and there’s nothing to get excited about

    Don’t you just hate election season?

    The worst of us comes out during this time. We actually get a glimpse at how divided our country really is. It’s sad that we are forced to choose sides.

    The majority of the US is poor and hopeful that the election may change something in their favor. The wealthy are hoping for the same thing.

    In our country we play with a lot of things, particularly terms. We will use a word that commonly means one thing, but we will give it another meaning. We even act as though all things are equal, when clearly they are not. For example, it bothers me every time a politician promises to create jobs. I often wonder what kind of jobs.

    Even when they say the Obama administration has created X amount of jobs, what does that really mean? Is this a job that will allow a man to take care of his family or will the same man need three of these newly created jobs to do that?

    Then the other party says, “His economic policies have failed us!” They want us to believe that they could have fixed every that happened during the Bush years. They say they would have created even more jobs. You know me, I then wonder what kind of jobs? No one ever talks about what kind of jobs. They just say jobs.

    If you have been watching, I told you in the summer that this election would be the most expensive election in US history. And in the midst of the homeless and jobless, we will elect someone who will make more money being president than they did before they got the position. And they will make even more money when they exit the presidency than they made as president.

    It’s October and I’m already tired of these ads. I don’t know about you, but this is depressing to me. Despite everything, please vote. Your voice will be heard. It’s one of our rights that people died for. It’s the least you could do.

    It makes me long for the return of Jesus. Only he can make things fair.

  • Greed: Just One of America’s Cancers

    The prophet Isaiah speaking about Israel and its sins in chapter 56 says, “They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain” — NIV.

    I have been preparing a series of lessons on the subject of greed and I can’t help but apply what I am studying to these United States. I’ve been thinking of federal and state deficits, the homeless, those without healthcare, the children in trouble, illiteracy, obesity, disease, unemployment and all victims.

    Then I look at our elected officials and their inability to solve anything. The people we have entrusted to solve the problems in America are at the same level of awareness that created the problem. In short, they cannot help us. Our three branches of government are for profit — both democrat and republican.

    They are feeding their own bellies and do not care about us. In the midst of our infirmities, just in the presidential election both Mitt Romney’s camp and President Barrack Obama’s camp have raised more than 130 million dollars for the month of May. The one percent is flexing their power and spending millions to get their guy elected. There is a lot more money to be made and whatever side wins the election gets the cash.

    As for the 99 percent, we get the same old dry promise that we too can share in the American dream. We’re promised that if we just try hard enough we too can have what they have.

    When will we get tired of the promises? The residue of greed within us won’t let us to get tired.

    I challenge you to keep track of the money donated in this particular election. It doesn’t take an accountant to see that the money spent on this coming election would solve most of our problems in America. The money donated for this election alone would create jobs, end homelessness, stop hunger, educate everyone, end obesity and provide healthcare for all.

    The sad part is that you won’t read any news stories about this. You won’t hear or see Fox news or MSNBC make this a topic of discussion and you definitely won’t read it as an Associated Press story. This is a shame before God!

    Stevie Wonder wrote in 1972 concerning our country’s leadership in the song “Big Brother”. He said,”You killed all our leaders. I don’t even have to do nothin to you. You’ll cause your own country to fall.”

    And we’re not any better 40 years later. Sadly, we’re worse.

  • Memorial Day: A call for true patriotism

    We have reached another Memorial Day weekend and with this being a presidential election year we really need to pray for the families of our fallen solders and our country.

    We hear a lot these days about patriotism and we have been desensitized by politicians and the media to think that being patriotic means to be obedient to the state.

    In these troubled times we have been discouraged from speaking out about our country’s debt being the result of wars we had no business participating in. Our economic crisis is the result of one thing only: Greed. Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Our greed has caused the death of many, homelessness, financial destruction, loss of dignity, self respect, worldwide shame and dishonor.

    The media still hasn’t run a story about the few that benefited from our wars. I have yet to see the documentary that exposes the truth about the last 20 years of how our government has performed. The closest the media has come to this feat is a recent book by MSNBC‘s Rachel Maddow called Drift. I highly recommend it. She created a wonderful history book that paints the complete picture of what happened during the administration of the last 10 or so presidents. It’s very interesting that the Revolutionary War was all about patriots fighting government abuse of the rights of the people. Back then, a 2 percent tax hike was TOO much.

    In the 21st century, when do we reach too much?

  • A reason to be outraged?

    May 9, 2012 will be a day that goes down in history as another advancement in civil rights.

    President Barack Obama gave his personal feelings regarding same-sex unions. Before doing this, his administration has already done many things for gays and lesbians in regards to their civil rights. In addition, he has done quite a bit in his presidency for minorities and the disenfranchised.

    With that said, we need to remember the separation of church and state. Too many religious people will attempt to make this an issue for the church — it is not.

    What we can’t do here is forget what our constitution says regarding equal rights. If you believe in the fabric of what our forefathers wrote about “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”, and if you believe in the Holy Bible and you understand the teaching of free will and judgement day, you should be very understanding of the events of the day.

    Why you ask? Because no one I know voted for Obama because of his religious beliefs. I hope that no one has wasted a vote on any politician based on his spirituality.

    What you should have done is voted based on the political views they claimed and their ability to get those things done.

    But you don’t need me to tell you why you should vote. Instead, let me just remind you of God’s word.

    There are many people who believe in trying to do God’s job. You see, God never invited us to His judgement seat. God invited us to the love seat; forgiveness seat; and benevolent seat. These are the things that Christians do.

    We need to uphold free will — hand in hand with democracy! We need to make sure that we don’t create a scenario that backfires on us. How can I decide a choice for someone when I don’t want anyone to make choices for me?

    In this country, there are many organizations (like the KKK) that I don’t agree with. I don’t even think they should exist. And despite the evil things done in their history I believe in their right to exist. Why? Because I’m a Christian and I’m an American. As a Christian I know what the bible says and I know who has the final say. I know who will judge the quick and the dead and I’m comfortable with His judgement.

    As an American, my constitution is the standard and we have a history of being hypocrites. Just as other great Americans have done, I feel duty bound to speak up for the rights our troops are defending. People have the right to love and be with who they want. Whether I agree with it or not, they still have that right.

    We need to make sure that we are not trying to hide bigotry behind the cross!

  • Christian politics?

    Is it possible to be a Christian in politics?

    It seems like election time brings out the worst in us. We hear Christians speak of patriotism as if it were in the bible.

    We say things that are in direct conflict with the teachings of Jesus, but we still claim to belong to him.

    How can those who have much, not help those who have less? How could we think that Jesus would just be okay with this?

    Jesus said for us to love our neighbor as he has loved us. Jesus loved us enough to actual give up his life for our sins. He rose from the dead with all power in heaven and earth. His victory in the grave was so profound! In the midst of this victory, the apostle Paul explains (eph. 4) that Christ “led captivity captive and gave gifts to men.”

    These wonderful gifts were used to perfect the saints, equip the body for ministry and build up the saints.

    My point here is this, there is nothing we have that we acquired on our own. Without Christ, we are nothing.

    If I’m middle class and know that I HAVE because HE lives, then what right do I have to judge? How can I tell someone to simply pull themselves up by their boots straps when I didn’t do that? Many of the rich in our country are living off “old” money. Their grandfathers and great-grandfathers gave them a huge head start in real estate, finances, education and status. They were able to take these wonderful resources and grow them 10 and 100 fold or more.

    There is a great divide in our country between those that have and those that don’t. And the viewpoint of the rich regarding the poor seems so judgmental. I think Mitt Romney summed it up well in his statement that he doesn’t care about the very poor. Newt Gingrich followed up Romney’s comment by saying he cares about the very poor and opportunity needs to be shown to them so that they can “stop being poor.” I don’t think he realized what he said. Can they really just “stop being poor?”

    I see God using those who are poor and struggling in a powerful way. I believe these folks are there so that God can see the true intent of the rich. Will you help or will you hurt? 

    We would be foolish to believe that any of the candidates on either side really care about the poor when we are still spending far more money in foreign relationship and war than we do on the needy in our own country.

    I have been truly blessed to be able to provide for my family. And I am mindful and very much in touch with those that are struggling. As Christians we cannot say we honor God and turn a blind eye on those that are suffering.

    We all need to do what our scope of influence will allow us to do because in this economy, you never know when things can go south. And for those who believe they are untouchable, you are grossly underestimating God!

    Learn this lesson now before God takes you to school!

     

  • Truth or consequences?

    Jesus, on one occasion, said to let your yea be yea and your nay be nay.

    He wanted us to honor our words. If you say you are going to do something, make sure you do it. Keep your promises. Don’t say things that you do not mean. All of these things speak to the character of the one saying them.

    Our society has a hard time keeping its word. From government and politicians to the pulpits and preachers and everyone in between, we struggle to keep our word.

    It has been so bad that once we are found not keeping our word, the response is so callous and matter-of-factly stated, “oh well.” ” It happens.” “Get over it!”

    Wives are not keeping promises to manage the home; husbands and fathers are not taking care of their families; whole school systems have failed to keep their promises to educate; and the governments deceive.

    What judgment are we to face because of this? One of the seven things God hates is a lying tongue. We need not to make this too complicated. Imagine a world where everyone kept their word? Imagine a world where honesty is the most important thing and not profit?

    Don’t get caught living in lies! For we must realize that we are not merely lying to men, but to God and his judgment is coming.

    Let’s make 2012 a better year by presenting ourselves open and honest before God and mankind.

  • It’s February and you know what that means…

    February is Black History month and I guess I’m still stuck with asking the same question: Why?

    I mean, I guess it’s a good thing, but I would still love to see each month being dedicated to a different race. I get this idea from growing up in Detroit. In the summer time, the City of Detroit hosts a summer full of ethnic festivals each weekend and scores of people come down to the heart of the city to celebrate. There’s always music, food, people dressed in authentic clothing and lots of trinkets to buy!

    It’s always fun — no matter which festival it is — and it’s always educational. I’m sure that this social event draws most of the people because of the location and all the happenings. However, there is that side of me that wants to believe that in Detroit we are more cultured and care about and support our difference more than despising them.

    Just having Black History month seems like a quick solution to shut someone up. I mean, was this the solution to stall talks of reparations? Is this so that Blacks will have something of their own or unique to them?

    So who is celebrating Black history month exactly? It seems that many of the businesses that are supported by Blacks are doing some type of tribute whether that be in the form of a commercial or hosting some event. Now of course we’re not talking about a lot of companies here. Sales show that the number one fast food company for Blacks is McDonald’s. For whatever reason, McDonald’s has profited off Black dollars more than any other fast food chain. Johnson and Johnson sells more hair care products for Blacks than any other company. Look for these two companies to run commercials and sponsor events during this month.

    I don’t mean to put this in a negative light. I just like it better when purpose is clearly seen in what we are doing. I’m not opposed to educating the world on the contributions of Blacks in American history. I would just rather see it in the classrooms and accurately written in our history books instead of just dedicating a month to showcase a couple of folks.

    Frederick Douglass once said, “America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future.”  This is a powerfully true statement. All the problems we face as a country come because we have not been true to our past nor true to our present. We categorically deny all charges of wrongdoing in the past. When has the American government admitted any wrongdoing? The treatment of minorities in this country is the worst. There is not a country that has been more deceitful. This has led to many of the problems we face as we worship the almighty dollar!

    We cheat our future by lying in the present. Our government (I’m including the current and last presidents and congress over the last 12 years) has not been a good steward of our economy. There are too many lies and empty promises. The result of this is a dim future for our children.

    So I wonder what the history books will say about this era? Twenty years from now will Black history month be celebrated by talking about President Obama’s contribution to the national debt or will Black history be a thing of the past by then.

    Only time will tell.

  • There are still some who can’t see the dream

    This week we honor a man who dared to buck the system and show the powers that be what they really looked like. A man who said he had a dream and shouted it from the mountain tops. A preacher worthy of a celebration in his honor because of what he stood for, what he taught and what he ultimately died for.

    Some believe that Martin Luther King, Jr., would have been America’s first African-American president had he not been gunned down by an assassin’s bullet. I believe that if that would have happened he would clearly have ended up being America’s fifth assassinated president. I say this because too many people still don’t see the dream.

    We can’t help where we came from and how we were raised, but King’s dream would work much better in another country than it would in ours. Sad, but true. The only thing we as American’s can agree on seems to be “gain” or “gain at someone else’s expense.”

    We profit on everything. If it can be sold and someone can make money, then so be it because, after all, that’s what we all really wanted. Right?

    Dr. King hoped that all children would have an equal opportunity to be educated and earn a living like everyone else. He wanted to see people of different races together in peace and harmony without strife. He wanted to see hate eliminated.

    What actually happened is more people have the opportunity to get into most colleges, but there is still an elite group that exists as gatekeepers. They still hire who they want. There are two places where you will always see mixed races in America together and that is the welfare line and the soup kitchen. And as for hate, it can’t be eliminated as long as love is in need of love.

    I wish there was a better message here. But in the wake of hatred spread throughout our political system, members of Congress getting shot and companies profiting on the sickness of others, clearly there are still folks who don’t get Dr. King’s dream.

  • Was it all worth it?

    Finally!

    Combat troops are out of Iraq and by the end of 2011 the rest of more than 50K soldiers left will come home.

    It seemed like we were never going to get to this point. We heard words like “leave responsibly” and “finish the job” and so we waited  — patiently most of us – until the Obama administration made good on a campaign promise to end this war.

    The looming question being asked today is: “Was the war in Iraq worth it?”

    Some experts were quick to say “too early to tell.” Some war activists were quick to say “hell no, it wasn’t worth it.” The American people then began to line up and choose sides. Politicians struggle to try and say the “right thing” so as not to anger their constituents. We’re so predictable.

    Seven years after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, our troops headed out like thieves in the night. No celebrations, no victory songs, no pomp and circumstances … they just left. Where are the ticker-tape parades? If the media didn’t tell us, we would have never known they were leaving. Many of the troops interviewed seem to just be glad they got out in one piece. I’m glad they did, too.

    Maybe they were thinking about their fallen comrades – more than 4,400 of them – which make us all, deep down inside want this war to be worth it. With a price tag of $750 billion of our children’s future spent, we try to remember the most important things and forget some of the things that haunt us now – and will continue to for a long time.

    We’d rather remember the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue or maybe even his capture or execution. We try to forget that we put him in power over there in the first place, or that we never found any weapons of mass destruction. I even feel like I lost part of my Christianity for cheering with friends the day Saddam’s sons were gunned down in a vicious shoot out.

    We’d rather remember the photos of the Iraqi people voting or their children going to newly-built schools. We don’t want to even talk about the number of Iraqi people who died because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whether it was from a terrorist bomb or one of our bombs, I’m still waiting on an official count of their numbers. We don’t even talk about it, which should let you know how bad it really is. It makes me sad to even think about it.

    The bottom line is that if we even have to ask this question, then we probably already know the answer. Was the Revolutionary War worth it? Were WWI and WWII worth it?

    If my son comes home from school crying because some kid bullied him and his father allowed it and I go and beat up the man and spank the boy in front of my son, was that worth it? If a felon attempts to rape my daughter and I shoot and kill him, was it worth it? When did violence become the first option in solving problems?

    NOBODY WINS IN A WAR and NO WAR IS EVER WORTH IT!

    The only lesson to learn here is that America needs to get the beam out of its eye before trying to get the speck out of another country’s eye.

  • Liberty and justice for all?

    President Barack Obama’s endorsement of a controversial plan to build a mosque just blocks from Ground Zero has fueled raging debates over religious freedom and sensitivities over the 9/11 attacks.

    One of the many things about President Obama’s presidency that bothers me is the fact that Christians I know keep circulating propaganda that says Obama is not a US citizen. Furthermore, there is an email – I call it a hate email – that talks about Muslims out-numbering and taking over America. This is also being circulated by so-called Christians.

    I’m reminded of a quote by Gandhi: ‎”I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ … ”

    How true, how true!

    I’d like to think that America is home to some of the smartest people in the world. I’d also like to believe that given the facts, we, as a people, would allow for our opinions to be trumped. It’s sad that I can’t believe or think these things.

    How can we be “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” and fight against the building of a mosque near Ground Zero?

    I guess the same way James Carter and R’heem Turner could get beaten unconscious in Atlanta in 2006 for being gay (not to slight thousands of others); or the same way Emmett Till was murdered in 1955 (not to slight millions of others).

    It doesn’t matter the target or the place. There’s just always a, “we don’t want _____ in our or near our _______” in America. We don’t want Jews in our neighborhoods! We don’t want Blacks in our schools! We don’t want foreigners in our factories! We don’t want gays near our children! And now, we don’t want a mosque near Ground Zero!

    What’s worse is that there are some who think that protesting the building of a mosque near Ground Zero is a religious stand. This is the truest insult to all of the first century Christians that were persecuted for the cause of Christ.

    This is not a religious stand at all.

    Religion in this instance is a cover up to mask the hatred and prejudice toward Muslims!

    Let me give some sobering words here: All Muslims are not violent and waiting for an opportunity to blow us up. Just like all Blacks are not criminals and waiting to steal from you. Nor is it true that all Whites are racist and looking for a chance to discriminate against you – although these statements are true for a small minority in each group.

    It is true that in all races there are people who hate and are looking for ways to harm other people. It is true that all races have criminal intenders who plot to take what doesn’t belong to them. And it is equally true that all races suffer from bigotry and hatred.

    Every one of us needs to examine what “liberty and justice for all” means.

    Originally, many of the framers of the U.S. Constitution agreed to these words – while still owning slaves. They didn’t sign the documents and run right home and free their slaves.

    But over the years, these words could have been changed, but they were not. “All” could have been changed to “some” because, unfortunately since this country’s beginning, it’s been interpreted that way.