politics - Blogs - TheBlackList Pub
2024-03-28T08:50:48Z
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/politics
The Quick Scan by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-quick-scan-by-mike-ramey-187
2024-03-03T13:10:04.000Z
2024-03-03T13:10:04.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>BLACK ELECTED OFFICIALS: STOP BEING ‘STUCK ON STUPID’!</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Based upon what I have been reading and seeing concerning some of the latest scandals of our current crop of Black elected officials (many of them of the Democrat and liberal stripe) there SHOULD have been someone in their political upbringing who were willing to ‘school’ them on a few truths and realities. Regardless of whether a Black elected official is a Democrat or Republican, it should be painfully obvious that—being a Black man or Black woman in elective (or appointed) office has certain realities based upon one being Black.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s an example, right off the top. Black elected officials are different because of their skin color—pure and simple. Put one Black elected official in a room with fifty politicians of the Caucasian hue, and all attention will be focused on the Black man or Black woman. Such a lesson should have clearly been understood from the fact that we live in an integrated society—no matter how much the ‘mainstream mess’ likes to paint the airwaves with a DEI dream. The second example is even more important than the first: God and the blood-bought church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a BIG part of the Black community AND the Black electorate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It is a SHAME when Black politicians ‘punk’ God’s people and God’s church. It is WORSE when Black congregation members keep their mouths shut and (eagerly) send corrupt Black politicians back to office while being mocked by them. A wise saying among many preachers need be inserted at this point: “God don’t like ugly and ain’t too thrilled with pretty!” </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’d like to remind Black Pastors, Deacons, congregations and ‘Social Concerns’ committees IN the church of the following: When you bring in politicians that you KNOW are corrupt into the church house, you are INVITING the curses of God to rest on your church. The blessings and curses of the KJV scriptures have not changed from Old Testament to New Testament. Reminder for you Pastors out there in particular; the curses of Deuteronomy 28 are still as much in force as the blessings. When Pastors—who are the leaders of Christ’s church—bring in the corrupt to their congregations and/or their pulpits, you are brining in God’s curses AGAINST your church and ministry! NOT to mention (in one recent case) your pulpit will be cited in a court of law—and NOT to the positive, either.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Isaiah, chapter 3 is not in the Bible by accident. It tells of a time when the Lord withdraws upright men from positions of authority and allows the rise of corrupt women to positions of power AS A CURSE against his people. Just for the record, how many corrupt Black Democrat women are in positions of political leadership and are ‘under a cloud’ for corruption? How many of them—in their corruption—have ‘run’ to the church for—not repentance—but to justify their sins?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Time was that our elected officials came from the church house as a source of pride to Black folks. They were grounded in the scriptures, walked in Christ, and KNEW right from wrong as they feared God. Now, many of our Black elected officials have become a source of shame and are mocking God and ‘punking’ his church. Too many of them are ‘stuck on stupid’, and they are taking many churches along for a downhill ride. Yes, this is happening in the Caucasian community among their churches as Democrats have forgotten God and infiltrated them—much to the delight of their ‘winning’ of elections. However, the antics of OUR elected officials hurts more because it is happening among us! With ALL that we have been through in OUR history, have we forgotten that time is short, and we are in the last days? There IS a payday coming! Sin checks do NOT spend well in eternity—especially for corrupt politicians with whom God has blessed with elective office, and churches that give the corrupt ‘cover’ under the guise of supporting Caesar and signing off in favor of the corrupted lusts of the state.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The SAME state; the SAME Black elected officials I’d like to remind us that said it was allowable to close churches; allow Antifa and BLM to riot and keeping the liquor stores open during the recent Wuhan Virus pandemic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996. To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: </em><a href="mailto:mgmikeramey@yahoo.com"><em>mgmikeramey@yahoo.com</em></a><em>. ©2024 Barnstorm Communications International.</em></span></p></div>
The Quick Scan By Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-quick-scan-by-mike-ramey-989
2023-11-08T17:59:58.000Z
2023-11-08T17:59:58.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>HARRIS STAYS ON THE JOB—PERIOD!</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let’s do some full disclosure right up front. I am NOT a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris. I’m NOT of the same political party. I’m NOT fond of many of her policies. Having said all that, let me say this: I am fond of history. Much of what is being said about VP Harris today is what the power hungry and jealous have said about other Vice Presidents over the course of history—only to have them do a LOT better than advertised when history came a’calling.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> And, since God controls history, He is the one who makes decisions without our input.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Remember a Democrat by the name of Harry S. Truman? Served as Vice President under four-term President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Members of his OWN party put him into the mix as an afterthought. Truman was kept in the dark so much by Roosevelt that his nickname should have been ‘mushroom’. Truman was viewed as a complete waste of time by Roosevelt. However, history came a’calling. Roosevelt died and Vice President Truman became President. God built the ‘mushroom’ into a man. God used Truman to end WWII and to support the birth of the infant nation of Israel in March 1948. He was in the right place, at the right time, as ordained by God.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Remember a Republican Congressman by the name of Gerald Ford? He became Vice President to Richard Nixon. Nixon resigned because of the Watergate scandal, and Ford became President. Ford did a lot to keep America going during dark times—including giving Nixon a full pardon for his crimes while in office. Sure, a lot of people didn’t like Ford, nor his administration…but when America was on the line, God put Ford into the right place, at the right time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> God puts up one and sets down another. God put Kamala Harris in place—for good or for ill—because HIS plan is the one that matters. To tell you the truth, I am a little shocked at the catcalls coming from other white liberal Democrat women—including Hillary Clinton—who want Harris out at VP. Now, many of those who don’t want Harris on the job are of the lighter hue—but there are some Black Democrats who don’t want her on the job either. Further, there are those who don’t like the fact that VP Harris has a white husband and bi-racial kid(s). </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You can judge the potential effectiveness of a person by the enemies that they accumulate. It seems that VP Harris has picked up quite a few enemies, especially those who are power hungry. She has made a few missteps in the second chair of the Executive branch, this is true. However, I’m not in favor of Harris being ‘bullied’ out of office. The critics need to shut up and let her do the job she has been elected to do. Let God—and history—be her ultimate judge.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996. To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: </em><a href="mailto:manhoodline@yahoo.com"><em>manhoodline@yahoo.com</em></a><em>. ©2023 Barnstorm Communications International.</em></span></p></div>
The Quick Scan by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-quick-scan-by-mike-ramey-28
2023-06-07T03:22:16.000Z
2023-06-07T03:22:16.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>AIN’T IT FUNNY THAT…PART 2</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Got a LOT of great responses to the first part of this set. I wanted to keep it rolling with some of the ‘clips’ from the cutting room floor. Just remember, to start off each graph with ‘Ain’t It Funny That…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…more and more well-known corporations are going broke changing their products into billboards for the alphabet mafia and are shocked, SHOCKED that the American public aren’t buying into their propaganda…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…more young men are opting out of going to college and into trade schools…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…the millions of dollars ‘shoveled into’ the pandemic have NOT been properly tracked…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…the same Black women who didn’t give a Black man the time of day when they were on their way up NOW—when you’ve made it (and married wisely) want to brag at the class reunion how much of a crush they had on you ‘way back when’…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…we have leaders in the Motherland of Africa who have told American diplomats to ‘take a flying leap’ on homosexuality and other devilish sexual sins—those abominations are NOT welcome in Africa…but Black politicians of the liberal hue in the USA are supporting such garbage here…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…people post the most idiodic things online about themselves, and are shocked to find out that employers do a ‘deep dive’ into their social media accounts to determine whom to hire…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…Black Lives Matter has been doing more harm to Black people than the KKK while consuming millions for themselves…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…many Pastors must have the latest electronic ‘gadget’ in the pulpit, and still cannot preach their way out of a paper bag because they haven’t been convicted by their own preaching…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…the same feminist and Title IX groups that pressured Men’s college sports to surrender scholarships to ‘help’ Women’s sports are stunned that their programs are being torched by the ‘girly men’ that the ‘feminist frankenettes’ have helped to birth…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…Jesus Christ had no letters, and neither did most of the early Apostles; BUT many Bible Schools and Seminaries lust after being accredited because their faculty members lust after having letters after their names, rather than having Jesus in their hearts…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…many of those associated with Antifa and other modern Socialist groups come from wealthy white families…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…white people are hating on other white people and blaming their hate on people of color…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…Black folk who have been supporting wayward Democrat politicians in Sanctuary Cities are protesting about the ‘unfairness’ of illegal aliens sweeping up the jobs and benefits in said cities…crickets from their elected officials, as you DO get what you vote for, folks…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…officers of the NAACP are putting up a ‘travel advisory’ on a state where not only they live (Florida) but the SAME state where Black business start-ups rank #1 in the country…this coming after the ‘Spring Break’ kerfuffle where young people acted out with guns a-blazing…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…many multi-million-dollar pro-athletes will not invest their monies in educating Black youth, but WILL invest their money in ventures to help corrupt Black youth…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…Jim Brown gave to others and did NOT sell out during his pro career. He took the lumps for taking a stand…crickets for Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James who did little for others and more for themselves…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…many of those who were held to be ‘essential’ when the pandemic raged on are the first ones mistreated and fired now that the pandemic is over.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…how quickly the number of Black-owned newspapers have been corrupted by outside liberal groups with checkbooks to ‘plant’ propaganda in them aimed at keeping the Black community ignorant…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…you can hold someone’s hand and help them through a crisis…and once the crisis is over and they are back on their feet, they lose your phone number and email addy…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…Ozone action days come—amazingly—just AFTER cities have put on major racing events by NASCAR, IndyCar, and other auto racing associations…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…more and more famous Black names are sounding off about the need to leave the Democrat party plantation as—once again—the Black voter is being taken for granted and have received nothing for their past voting loyalty…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…many of the restaurants that begged customers to come back have raised their prices, reduced their staffs, and reduced their portions and hope you won’t notice…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…multi-million dollar ‘talking heads’ expect you to feel sorry for them because they have gotten ‘let go’ from their cushy TV gigs…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…some fact checkers have not mastered the art of spell checking…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…much of the wisdom of our foreparents concerning how to make your way through life—even in crazy times like these—STILL rings true AND much of it comes from the B-i-b-l-e…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…Climate Change warriors boast that they must fly in their own planes, to lecture the rest of us on a fake malady they have created just to get power, money and attention…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *…Lastly…hard work has become such a foreign concept to many—until the layoff notices go out…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996. To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: </em><a href="mailto:mgmikeramey@yahoo.com"><em>mgmikeramey@yahoo.com</em></a><em>. ©2023 Barnstorm Communications International.</em></span></p></div>
The Quick Scan by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-quick-scan-by-mike-ramey-8
2023-01-16T17:19:47.000Z
2023-01-16T17:19:47.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>THE COMPETENCY WARS</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’m going to warn you up front—this is going to be a HOT column!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Those who are quite proud of their sexual branding—those who actively practice and identify as sodomites (gay), Trans (Transvestites), Bi (Bisexuals) and other letters of the ‘alphabet mafia’ have seemed to forget two crucial things: The first thing: God. The second thing: Competence. It is one thing to ‘cling’ to pride in your ‘alphabet’. It is quite another to be competent at what you do outside of your bedroom. Furthermore, it is a shame when those who are with the ‘alphabet mafia’ are hostile to those who question their capabilities and don’t agree with their sexual sins.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’ve noticed that those who are in elected (or appointed) offices, who ‘revel’ in their being able to check the boxes for their preferred sexual orientation and liberal belief system fail miserably when people demand accountability of them in their jobs. The ‘tolerance’ they ‘claim’ to desire for themselves, they eagerly will not give to others. Consider these few examples:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *According to published reports, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who is married to a woman and proudly identifies with being a female sodomite (lesbian) has done little to curb crime, boost the standard of living, nor deal effectively with gang members and rioters in the Windy City.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *According to published reports, a (former) member of the Biden administration, the Transvestite (non-binary, transgender) Sam Brinton lost his cushy government job because of his being involved in allegedly stealing luggage not once, not twice, but three times.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *According to published reports, another prominent Biden administration cabinet member by the name of Pete Buttigieg, who is a male sodomite (gay man) started his term as Transportation Secretary by taking a two-month family leave with ‘his husband’ (another gay man) while the country was suffering through a supply chain crisis. In 2023—on Buttigieg’s watch—ALL the nation’s air traffic was grounded because of computer issues at the FAA (which is under his department).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *Last—but not least--according to published reports, yet another prominent Biden administration staffer, Karine Jean-Pierre, who is a female sodomite (lesbian), has a female domestic partner, and is the first Black and gay person to serve as Press Secretary, has been involved in a running competency war with an African man by the name of Simon Ateba, the White House reporter for “Today News Africa”. Ateba has been disrespected by Jean-Pierre because he won’t ‘roll over’ and ask ‘softball questions’ of the Biden administration. Ateba has NOT been called on by Jean-Pierre for some four months. To make matters worse—it has been reported that she won’t even MEET with him until 2024. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Could it be her ‘secret’ rage against this Black man is because homosexuality is NOT tolerated throughout much of Africa? (Remember: BOTH the Obama and Biden administrations had been trying to ‘force’ homosexuality into Africa—and many nations there continue to resist their indoctrinations.) Think my view is extreme? Watch how Jean-Pierre treats Ateba versus other White House correspondents of other races at press conferences. In fact, watch how any of the ‘alphabet coven’ treat regular people—especially those who name the name of Jesus. It is not a pretty sight. Their ‘tolerance’ goes right out the window—along with their competence.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Black folk had better wake up and get back to taking these members of the ‘alphabet coven’ on. Spiritual problems call for spiritual solutions. It makes little sense for us to claim that we are God’s people when some of those among us have drunk the world’s ‘Sinneraide’ and they go through out communities unchecked; smiling as they collect our votes, money, and ‘praise’ for their immorality. Even in our churches.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Seems like ‘Black and proud’ has transitioned over to ‘Black, weak and silent’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> As I wrap this column up, I’d like to remind all of us that this is not new. Further, such interactions will NOT get better. The KJV Bible itself holds that in the last days, perilous days shall come, mainly against the righteous as they interact with those who are unrighteous and love to flaunt their sins before the world. The alphabets have their own righteousness and are quite comfortable in their sins. Christians must not only pray; they also need to watch where they spend their money and votes and not empower those who flaunt their sins. The prophetic clock still ticks, and tomorrow is not promised. There WILL be a ‘payday someday’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996. To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: </em><a href="mailto:mgmikeramey@yahoo.com"><em>mgmikeramey@yahoo.com</em></a><em>. ©2023 Barnstorm Communications International.</em></span></p></div>
The Quick Scan by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-quick-scan-by-mike-ramey-6
2023-01-06T04:35:21.000Z
2023-01-06T04:35:21.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>LET HIM RISE!</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Contrary to popular opinion, it is NOT the times that defines a man; it is a man who defines the times! In other words, a real man—especially a real Christian man—does not bow his knee to the whims of society when it comes to righteousness, beliefs, family, and the Word of God. A true man under the power of God has the hidden strength to make the times bow to him because he can see the landscape and the type of traps that are laid out to cripple and possibly kill him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Caught a great example of this not that long ago. Congressman Byron L. Donalds (R-Fl) was being interviewed on the <em>“Varney & Co”</em> show on Fox Business in January 2023 during the height of the ‘Speaker Wars’ in the U. S. House of Representatives. A Black female Democrat had released at very negative statement about Donalds being nominated for the post House Speaker—the first Republican Black to get such a nod. The Democrats had nominated another Black man—Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for the post, thus putting forth two Black men for the top job.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Instead of having praise for the matter, liberal politics came out in the form of character assassination of Donalds, accusing him of being a token, while Jeffries was a ‘real’ Black man. Donalds, without batting an eye during the interview, noted: “If you see a Black man rise, let him RISE!” It seems that we have FINALLY seen liberal women—especially liberal women of color—being called out for the very behavior that they have ‘claimed’ ONLY came from the conservative side of society. Donalds caught the hand grenade and lobbed it back to the source, and the explosion was MARVELOUS! Yes, he did not make it to the final cut for selection—but it was nice to see that he was on the playing field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> “If you see a Black man rise, let him RISE!” Is a statement that belongs on our refrigerators, coffee mugs and bumper stickers. With one statement, Black men have had put into words what many of us have been dealing with from social media, Hollywood, professional sports, and the mainstream ‘mess’ since the pandemic—a coven of the liberal social terrorists who refuse to see that men not only have a RIGHT to grow in strength, but to acknowledge that men have the right to be MEN of upright thought and character.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I had a conversation with a brother of mine outside of the USA; talking football and the fact that our favorite teams would soon be going head-to-head to keep their rivalry alive. I was proud to see that he had acted on the vision that he set a few years back and was reaping the fruit from current successes. He had invested in himself, did it with prayer and supplication, and things WERE coming to pass. No, the progress did not come overnight…but as one preacher said years ago: “It came…over time”.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Take note sisters: IF the men of any community are prevented from or fail to rise, that community WILL sink…and you and the children IN that community will NOT emerge unscathed. Talk all you want you liberal women; the strong Black man is Black—and back for 2023 and beyond. Those brothers who FAIL to gain in the Lord’s strength and blessing are not growing strong because they are hanging around with and listening to the ‘looney liberal’ crowd (BLM, feminists, environmentalists, Antifa, Hollywood, and a HOST of unions) who are still anxious to sell out Black folk for some ‘perceived’ power and thirty pieces of silver.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> In our modern era, Judas it seems has some kin named Judy. BOTH should be avoided.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996. To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: </em><a href="mailto:mgmikeramey@yahoo.com"><em>mgmikeramey@yahoo.com</em></a><em>. ©2023 Barnstorm Communications International.</em></span></p></div>
The Ramey Commentaries (TM) By Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-ramey-commentaries-tm-by-mike-ramey-14
2022-12-31T20:19:11.000Z
2022-12-31T20:19:11.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>SUICIDE: THAT STALKING SPIRIT!</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> In the early 2000s, I served as a Probation Officer for my county Juvenile Court. One of the issues that I regularly ran into was <u>teen suicide</u>. Those teens involved in gang activity were especially at risk. Probation Officers received updated training in this area—especially those of us who carried high risk caseloads. Training was expanded to detention staff, social workers, and others who were involved in the field of juvenile justice. Signs that we were taught to look for in troubled juveniles during intake, office, and court interviews included: the ‘hearing’ of voices; unending depression, an overall ‘feeling’ of worthlessness, expressions of no one would ‘miss them’ if they were gone and a desire to ‘end it all’. Other ‘cues’ for young people revolved around occult involvement including types of music that the teen listened to that included suicidal themes; troubles at school, or major shocks to their system because of a divorce in their family, a suicide among their friends or loved ones, problems at school, drug/alcohol abuse, or mental health issues--including types of prescribed medication used in such mental health treatment.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Never did I think that these cues—and others—would be involved in the suicides claiming many in the Millennial (Millies) and Generation Z (Zippies) ranks. It seems that teen suicides have increased, expanded, blossomed, and grown into <u>adult</u> suicides with the numbers increasing and expanding.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>THE SPIRITUAL SIDE IS NO JOKE:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> If you know your KJV Bible, you know that Satan and his demons are walking to and fro upon the earth, seeking whom they may devour. Based upon the rash of murder-suicides--or just plain suicides--I have seen on the news, I’d say that he was on his job. Whether or not you believe that the devil is real does not change the fact that he is on the hunt for souls. The first two chapters of the Book of Job, coupled with the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, give one all the evidence they need to be aware of the wiles of the devil. He is a stalker and has all the evil spirits under his control doing his bidding in watching for potential targets--EVEN Christians! No restraining order, search warrant, or court document will stop his murderous bent. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Suicide IS a spirit…period! It must be stopped by spiritual means.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> As an example, towards the end of 2018, the public saw a variety of news reports on the suicide issue, from a variety of published and Internet sources. I’ll just provide a few brief, general highlights:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *Federal authorities identified the top two killers of young adults for the year ending 2018 as the following. Number one is drug overdoses. Number two was suicide.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *A well-established law enforcement magazine noted that there were more police officers killed by their own hand in 2018 than killed by any other means.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *More and more instances of pre-teens committing suicide are making their way into the mainstream press. Over the last two years, we have read about children as young as eight and nine years old killing themselves--allegedly tied to school bullying OR gang recruitment activity. ‘Suicide by gang’ is becoming a dangerous trend.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *Speaking of the mainstream press, a published report late in 2018 noted that the media profession, in terms of careers, had the THIRD highest rate of suicide among professions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *In my neck of the woods a few years ago, A high school that I had taught in reported a female student had hung herself IN the school, <u>during</u> the school day. A few years before this, in a school district right down the road, several students had committed suicide in and around the school, during that school year. (We have been told that MORE counselors and psychiatrists in the schools would reverse this trend. WRONG!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> *Lest I forget this nugget from a few years back, the month of August is the WORST month for suicides—among Psychiatrists (and possibly other mental health professionals)!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What brought this issue ‘back around’ for me was a friend of mine over the 2018 Christmas season was wrestling with the loss of an older son. Not having his son during the holidays was rough on him. With both of us being Christians, I went straight to the Word of God and reminded him through his pain that God had not forgotten him. In updating this column in 2020—and again in 2023--we ALL must keep in mind that nothing that has happened has caught Jesus Christ off guard. We might not understand it all now, but there comes a day that we WILL understand, and we must NOT get discouraged over what we may see unfold in front of us (Psalms 37 and 73 KJV).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>BREACHED DOORWAYS INTO THE MIND MANIFEST IN THE SOUL:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I am not a ‘professional’ counselor, but I am a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ who--not by my knowledge or wisdom--have extensive training in spiritual warfare from the Word of God, just by living life. As the ‘old folks’ used to tell us in our youth: “If you DON’T understand it now--just keep ON living!” Being among the older set myself, I get what they were trying to tell me. Even as I update this column to include the high suicide rate in our post-pandemic world—especially among young adults involved in social media and the rap/hip hop genre—it all boils down to how mentally tough individuals are when Satan spins his web of lies, deception, depression, and hopelessness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of the things that people--even Christians--fail to understand is how slick Satan and his demons are. Let us not forget two things: 1) Satan’s job is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10 KJV); 2) his demons (spirits under his control) also know that there is one true God and tremble at the mention of him (James 2:19 KJV).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Another thing that many--even Christians--tend to forget is that Satan spoke directly to Jesus during their meeting in the wilderness (Matthew 4 and Luke 4 KJV) and Jesus responded with the following: “It is written”. In other words, Jesus met Satan WITH the Word of God. Further, Satan and those who support him can transform themselves into an angel of light, meaning they can impersonate or counterfeit items from the scriptures.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What does this have to do with the suicide issue? Suicide IS a spirit and must be broken by spiritual means meaning by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Since the devil is the father of lies, it is no small task for him and his demons to make their voices ‘sound’ like the voice of an intended target INSIDE of their mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I realize that this is tough medicine to swallow. However, I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul told the Galatian church when he had to give them tough doctrine: “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>HEAD GAMES AND DOORWAYS:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Again, there are those who ‘thumb their noses’ at the mention of Jesus Christ and the Bible. However, the same individuals—once trouble strikes—are quick to call upon the Preacher, the Christian church member or Christian relative to ‘bail’ them out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> As sure as water is wet, there IS a satanic war going on. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It is estimated that some 90 percent of satanic attacks are directed at the human mind. Thus, one MUST be able to discern Satan’s voice--from their own. A great definition that I have heard quoted by Charles Spurgeon is that: “discernment is the ability to distinguish what is right, from what is <u>almost</u> right”. When one’s mental defenses are down or breached because of drugs, alcohol, depression, failure or other such maladies, a doorway is opened into the mind, will seep into the soul, and will eventually manifest in one’s flesh, or, in one’s physical body. It is VITAL that this spiritual weed be pulled by the <u>soul-utions</u> found in the Bible…and it begins WITH Jesus Christ!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Don’t shout me down when I’m coming straight across the plate!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let me provide an example of one of these breaches. It has been said that marijuana is a ‘gateway’ or ‘doorway’ drug. Increasing use of it will lead the user to experiment with other, more potent drugs to maintain their ‘high’ for longer, and longer periods of time. What have we been seeing around our country at the state level? Right. Increasing approval of the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes by the states. At last count, there were more than 30 states and the District of Columbia where this issue has already been approved, in one form or the other. What are we seeing exhibited by athletes and entertainment wizards of cool? Marijuana use has not only increased--but it is being touted as not impacting these public figures in the performance of their skills and art. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Unfortunately, what one does NOT hear is all the misery and carnage left by such legalization--<u>including the rising numbers of suicides</u>. These numbers are often reported in the media by ones or twos, while the ‘official’ number crunchers are recording them in the tens and twenties. Let us not forget the fact that it HAS been documented that the more weed one uses, the more psychotic episodes arise—which leaves one open to suicidal manipulation from—you guessed it—Satan and his demons.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>ANOTHER DOORWAY BREACH—DELIBERATE REBELLION:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This is going to step on more than a few toes. Remember Galatians 4:16 (KJV).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Those who willingly and consistently engage in sins of the various types that are clearly against the teachings of the Scriptures; live in outright rebellion against authority, purposefully take to the streets to commit crimes and/or engage in rioting; achieve riches from others by either gambling or outright political/financial corruption, or live a lifestyle in which they insist on others to worship them instead of God are not only being stalked by the spirit of suicide…they are actually ‘egging’ that spirit on—daring it to strike.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It may strike, my friend, a lot quicker than one may think.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let me move a little bit further down the road. Those who deliberately engage in attacks on, work to corrupt, or make a mockery of traditional marriage and the family are setting THEIR families up for that spirit of suicide. Marriage and the family were the first two institutions created by God. One who seeks to destroy or corrupt these institutions will likely have God himself to ‘move’ out of the way and allow the satanic host to take up residence in that offending life.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Do NOT be fooled. There comes a time in many a life that the mercy and love of God can be pushed away. Remember what happened when prayer and the Ten Commandments were taken out of the public schools by court decree back in the sixties. That decision ushered in major problems. When God leaves, the only thing that remains is the Devil and his satanic host—which includes suicide.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>STILL ANOTHER DOORWAY BREACH--THE OCCULT:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Satan does not have to shout to enter the human mind. For example, in the garden of Eden, Satan did not shout at Eve. He spoke in low tones and smooth speech.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Over the last five to eight years, there has been a marked increase in occult-related content on the big and small screens—even in many of the cartoons aimed at kids and teens. With the widespread use of the Internet, one can tap into their occult fantasies through several web venues and reading sources. In the music world, more and more artists have been paying tribute to the Illuminati, the Boule, or other such unholy deities through their practices of ‘spirit cooking’ or other demonic-laced items. We have also seen a few colleges allowing for the creation of ‘Satanism clubs’ on campus. This club system is now making its way into high schools and even elementary schools. Plus, a few state legislatures have allowed the building of statues ON state property which worship Satan.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Those practitioners of witchcraft have become bolder in their proclamations and pursuits. Soon after Donald J. Trump was elected the 45<sup>th</sup> President of the United States, published reports began to surface concerning witches of various ranks and powers attempting to place hexes and curses upon President Trump and his administration. THIS is the reason why we are to pray for our leaders (Romans 13). I’d like to add that prayer goes up for leaders, regardless of whether we like them or not. God put them in office for HIS glory, not ours.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> But wait, there’s more!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Halloween has recently been expanded to cover the entire month of October, with decorations going up in stores earlier and earlier each year. God says not to mess with the occult under ANY circumstances, as it will impact your spirit and physical body and that of your family members. Suicide IS one of the very real side effects rising from occult involvement (Heavy Burdens--Numbers 11:10-15; Sickness/Illness--Isaiah 38:9-20 KJV). Those who practice ANY form of witchcraft, in the end, if they do NOT repent, will become the victim of the satanic host.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>THE GANG SCENE AND THE OCCULT:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> In the area of Modern Street Gangs occult activities are also on the rise. In Central and South America, transnational gangs such as MS-13 and 18<sup>th</sup> Street--among others--are known to have their own witch doctors and/or witches to cast spells <u>on behalf of the gang</u>. In Mexico, the cartels worship the demonic deity Santa Muerta (Our Lady of Death), carve her likeness on their weapons, and rely on her to ‘protect’ them from law enforcement. These groups have been known to cast spells on law enforcement agencies in their neck of the woods. As they have been illegally entering the United States, they have been bringing their own brand of witchcraft with them and teaching their occult ways to American gangs and gang members to use against U.S. law enforcement agencies. Is it any wonder that there has been a rising number of Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) suicides lately?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here is another item traced to Modern Street Gangs. Because of the infusion of transnational gangs, and their occult/demonic leanings, it is NOT that much of a stretch to think that those gangs are--again--impacting and training domestic gangs. Since public schools have de-emphasized anti-gang training, teen gang recruiters have been plying their trade IN the school setting. Modern Street Gang recruiters have been ‘assigning’ recruits to place a timetable on how long it would take to have that potential member to ‘force’ a target to commit suicide <u>by any means at their disposal—including use of witchcraft</u>. Since there are few major laws that could be used to convict a juvenile of forcing another juvenile to commit suicide, the gangs have ‘skirted’ the justice system and ‘upped’ their reputations and threat to public safety.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The main issue is this: IF it is something that God is not pleased with, it’s time to ask for the Lord to deliver you from this spirit of death, this pit of sin, and surrender your life to Him. Only by doing this will one be able to have firm protection against Satan’s devices.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The ‘old ways’ of suicide prevention have not been effective. Check the rates.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>THE SOLUTION IS A SPIRITUAL ONE--FOR A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> All these items should be pointing the reader to a grim reality: the need for Jesus Christ. Without a <u>real</u> relationship with Christ, there is NO protection of the individual against the spiritual warfare waged by Satan and his demons. One who is NOT under the protection of Christ has NO access to the weapons of God’s warfare (Acts 19:13-20 KJV). The seven sons of Sceva found out the hard way that just ‘knowing about’ Christ when going up against demon-possessed people is not good enough. No God IN your life…no protection BY God OF your life.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> To fight suicide is to get IN Christ, get a new mind in Christ (Philippians 2:5 KJV) and to renew that mind in the Word of God, <u>day by day</u> (Romans 12:1-2 KJV). <u>Only then</u> is the person granted the protection of the Blood of Christ and the access to the armory of God and the armor of the Spirit (II Corinthians 10:1-6, 17; Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV). Only then can the person have the authority to tell Satan and his demons to ‘get thee behind them’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Think getting tied up mentally is just a ‘happenstance’, or ‘bad luck’? I would invite the reader to check out the life story of Spurgeon. He regarded depression as a ‘black dog’ that seemed to trail him regularly--meaning that it was a SPIRITUAL attack. ONLY by the prayers and supplications of himself AND the prayers of others whom he trusted put that dog back in its cage and freed his mental faculties to worship and preach for Christ. IF Spurgeon knew the dangers of severe depression and its impact upon the mind--and he was regarded as the ‘Prince of Preachers’--what ills are stalking OUR steps; what members of Hell’s legions are reading OUR mail at our mind’s mailbox? What secret things are we into that are NOT pleasing to God. H’mmm?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> There is also a need to <u>repent</u> and <u>forsake</u> one’s sins. Thus, those who are involved in sexual deviance, the occult, the drug scene, Modern Street Gang activity, alcohol abuse, mistreatment of their husbands/wives/children, etc. must take EACH of these sins to our Lord, be aware of their spiritual ties, ask for forgiveness, and follow the direction of the Holy Spirit in breaking the bond that sin has upon one’s mind. As I have mentioned before, <u>suicide IS a spirit AND suicide is stalking people</u>. It MUST be broken by spiritual means--the means provided by Christ in His Word. Spiritual solutions for a spiritual problem.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>THE CATCALLS WILL COME—BUT CHOOSE LIFE:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I understand that there will be some who will read this and think that they don’t need Christ. All they need to do is go get some counseling, get a prescription, and life will roll on. All I can say is that it doesn’t take that much for life to change direction and roll right over you. This pestilence known as the Wuhan Virus came out of nowhere—with devastating results around the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Fear--unbridled fear and hopelessness—can also serve as a doorway to suicide.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Keep this in mind, and I’ll say it again: These are NOT usual times. When the counselors themselves don’t have an answer to this pestilence and are having problems themselves, best turn to your KJV Bible and start digging within its treasures. A great free resource I can highly recommend comes from Chapel Library.org. It is simply called “Suicide and the Savior”, chock full of Scripture and how Jesus Christ Himself faced off against Satan on the matter of suicide. You can either get the booklet or download the study from the website.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Friend, you have more to lose than you may think if you don’t grab the lifeline and get pulled to the lighthouse on the shore. Suicide IS a spirit, a stalking spirit. It must be broken by spiritual means, through Jesus Christ. IF you are a Christian and are having such issues, find your Bible and another Christian and get back into prayer and the Word. IF you are NOT a Christian, <u>find</u> a Christian and have enough wisdom and humility to ask the question that the Jailer asked of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:30: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>AN UPDATE:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Now that the Wuhan Virus (aka Covid-19) precautions and mandates appear to be heading for the wayside for a variety of reasons associated with 2022, suicide rates—especially among young people—continue to be high. Rest assured that Satan (aka the Devil) is still on his job. His best trick is trying to make your past worse than it is, cloud your future, and dumb down God’s ability to help you in the present.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> If you want a real picture of how valuable you are to God, there are two places in the KJV Scriptures that will bear out his love for you. The first place is Job, chapters 1 and 2. Read what Job had to go through, both in the heavenlies, and right here on earth. The second place is John, chapter 9. A man who was born blind was miraculously healed by Jesus Christ. The pressure was on him from a variety of sources to not attribute the healing to Christ. In the end, the brother held on and worshipped the very Christ who healed him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I have no idea what you are going through in the present, my friend. The virus took away a lot of things from a lot of people. We have a different President. The BLM/Antifa riots are in the rearview mirror as other things are coming to pass to add to the ‘doom and gloom’ some may be experiencing in the present. However, look through the clouds and at what Jesus has given us on the other side of this pandemic. A renewed appreciation for Him, for life, and for our family, church and friends.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Every generation of young people are measured by the times they go through, and how much of God and the Bible they have in their lives. Every generation also is introduced to God in a language they can understand. There are dozens of articles ‘out there’ on the issue of suicide. What makes this one different is that it ‘pulls the curtain back’ and shows how serious the fight is in the spiritual realm, and how important God thinks every human life is by offering himself as protection—for those who want Him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em> Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “The Ramey Commentaries” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. To drop him a line…or a whine…the address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 Barnstorm Communications International.</em></span></p></div>
Ramey's Guide To Elective Office For Men 9 By Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ramey-s-guide-to-elective-office-for-men-9-by-mike-ramey-1
2020-11-02T02:25:07.000Z
2020-11-02T02:25:07.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"> Before we get into the last part of this series, I wanted to inject a few things which surfaced before I made the decision of putting this column to bed and shipping it out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I happened to have a conversation with a veteran Minister whom I have a lot of respect. His attitude towards Ministers and regular Christians being involved in politics? Not very supportive. He believes that Christians in general, and Ministers (Pastors included) should stay out of the political arena. Yes, we should vote, but we should not seek to ‘venture out’ into this mission field in order to have impact upon the society in which we live. However, other Pastors and ministries not only encourage Christian political involvement, in their view there is a wonder why MORE Christians are not involved in local, state and even national politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Lord knows, we can use some righteous men involved in the political system. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What we have currently emerging from many of our state houses, governor’s mansions and the nation’s capital thus far has been less than ideal, and downright hostile towards Christians and Churches. Further, the pestilence of the Wuhan Virus has allowed the ‘mask’ of government to ‘slip’, leaving exposed a number of the unrighteous who are determined to shut down the church, end individual liberties, and place this nation of the free and the brave in chains. Lastly, one of the other things that I have come across is a ‘general sentiment’ that politics is ‘too dirty a business’ for Christians and the Church to be involved in. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The KJV Bible holds that Christians should be ‘salt and light’. It is high time that we—as Christians--stopped running away from the ‘negatives’ of serving in the mission fields that have the most impact on society and get back to our posts. It is time for our urban (and other) churches to ‘shelve’ the social concerns committees and get back to training Christians on what the KJV Bible says are our political responsibilities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Elected officials of ANY impact are made in the pews and pulpits of churches.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> We—as Christian men--have spent so much time on the run from the fields of politics, media, and technology that we have abandoned them to the pagans of our world. Especially pagan women.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> How do you like what the pagans have done with society? Does it feel good to have abandoned places which God has ordained for His people to change by His word and their presence run by those who are wicked in His sight?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It is high time that Christians realize that politics is a Mission Field, just like going overseas, or heading down into the urban environs. If we want better government, we need to send in better people whom God has firmly under His control.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>CONGRATULATIONS: YOU’VE WON!</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> As I mentioned in my last column: If it is your season to get in, you get in. If you do not, you do not. But let us say--just for the sake of argument--that the electorate has spoken very clearly. The votes are counted, the results certified…and you have WON!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What do you do now, hotshot?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This may sound like a replay, but it is still true. Election successes and failures have many different reasons and causes. It all boils down to who gets their base out to the polls to vote for their candidates. IF the candidate has done their job, and have ‘made the rounds’ with the people and have inspired them to vote, they stand a good chance of getting in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You’ve done all that you--and the Lord--has instructed you to do, and you have emerged from the field of battle with a victory! Now, before we go down the list of what you should--and should not do--I’ll leave you with this piece of wisdom: “Gracious in defeat; humble in victory.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It does hurt to lose. You’ll have to read my last column on that subject. This column is dedicated to those who are now the winners…the brothers who made it to the top of the mountain, following the Lord’s lead, and the people whom have been sent to him to ensure victory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>FIRST, A FEW MORE POLITICAL REALITIES:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> During a recent round of elections, I observed several offices that went begging because candidates could not be found to run for those offices. Some of them were for the local School Board. Others were for various political posts of the two parties.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I have heard from more than a few people that the schools need more Christian influence. What better place to understand what Christians (and others) go through IN the public schools than a seat on the local School Board. The ONLY reason we have such silliness in our schools is because Christians have been led to believe that they can’t make a difference in the marketplace. Further, churches which run their OWN schools have made quite a bundle playing off of the fears of other Christians (including their church members) by rushing their children into Christian (or other private) schools.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I hate to say this, but NOT every child belongs in a private, religious or charter school. We ALL pay taxes for public education. We do NOT get that tax money back as a ‘refund’ as a society IF the public schools fail at their jobs. Therefore, it is UP to men and women to make sure that their public schools are doing their job—educating NOT indoctrinating students. This simply means that there needs to be more men—especially Christian men—serving on School Boards when the opportunity presents itself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Now, don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with homeschooling or sending your kids to a private, parochial, or charter school. Different strokes for different folks. However, IF more churches had regular evangelism courses as a part of their Christian education component, there would be MORE Christians equipped to enter the public square. There would be MORE salt and light in our society and there would be changes. I’ll be bold at this point. It may take a while for us to ‘see’ such changes…but they would eventually arrive. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Christian men need to step up and ‘fill in’ those blanks on the ballot and get involved (Romans 13:1-7 KJV). IF your church, or fellow Christians will NOT support your vision, then it is time to find a new church, and some new Christian friends. IF you need help in running for any office, there is plenty of material on line--even from Christian organizations. Let me add this proviso: You would do MORE to volunteer to work in your local political party at the polls, rather than shelling out thousands of dollars (that many of us do not have) to get a ‘course’ in local politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Yes, all politics is STILL local.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The world and the devil know that they cannot push ALL Christians out of the public square. Their game plan in the present (and it has worked really well) is to ‘frustrate’ Christians into quitting or, ‘bumping us’ out by illegal means. Of course, lawsuits are the answer to the second part of this equation—but the objective has been reached.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I may as well add this in for good measure. Christian men have been tricked into abandoning their leadership of society, just as they have (in many cases) been duped into abandoning their leadership in the church. All of this stems from some Christian men being hoodwinked into abandoning headship of the home. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’ll have more to say on this later.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Good old grit and perseverance, led by prayer and KJV Bible study will do wonders to keep you on track to reach the position God has in mind for you, for His glory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here is one more reason for Christian involvement in the public schools. Our tax money still heads there, whether we go to Christian schools or not. It makes more sense to me to keep people accountable as to how they use YOUR tax money.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’m happy to say that I’m a product of public education, when going to a public school actually MEANT a good education. Plus, I have worked in a variety of great public schools over the years as a teacher. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s what I have learned in both experiences.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It is still up to the individual student to achieve and succeed. It is still up to the individual teacher to make sure that students (who want to) get their lessons and grow into useful and productive members of society. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> And yes, even future teachers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>BACK TO THE ACTION--FIRST THINGS FIRST:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Thank those who worked for you along with those who voted for you whenever possible. It may take several months to do it, but get it done.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of the sage pieces of advice I picked up during my times in politics is that candidates should vote absentee and spend Election Day visiting the various polling places to ‘thank the troops’. A handshake here, a box of treats for the poll workers, and a few kind words for the volunteers works wonders for future political efforts. Also, it shows potential future candidates how to do things the right way and stay classy—especially after a rough campaign season. Another note: IF you see young men who seem to have the aptitude for politics, take them under your wing and encourage them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> To continue. Don’t forget to send out thank you notes to those in the party who sponsored your campaign and encouraged your run for office. This is the classy thing to do, and will have long lasting benefits, should you decide to either run for re-election, or, if the Lord has you run for higher office. Also, send some kind words to your opponent, no matter how much you did not agree with him/her. Voters like this. Sure, some campaigns won’t bother to acknowledge your efforts. You, though…DO know the truth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>KEEP TIGHT REIN OVER YOUR ‘NORTH AND SOUTH’:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of my favorite movies is “Mr. Lucky”, featuring Cary Grant (1943). During one series of scenes with co-star Laraine Day, Grant’s character teaches Day’s character about Australian rhyming slang, featuring one term ‘North and South’ for ‘mouth’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I would advise the winners to keep tight rein over their ‘North and South’ far before they take office. Assume ALL microphones are on, and be aware of your use of social media and Iphone recordings. I trust that some may have had this advice ‘lent’ to them by party officials and media friends. However, as we have seen in this video age, some people do not seem to get the message that there IS a reason why we have two ears and one mouth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I have witnessed the need for mouth monitoring in some campaigns…especially while the potential office holder is on the campaign trail and does not have the job--just yet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Watch making comments on things above—or below—your pay grade. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Not only for the sake of others, but for your own. Why? Because ‘crow’ eaten cold has a nasty taste. Can I get a witness? Amen?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> How many times have elected officials gotten ‘tagged’ by reporters, asking them for comments on ‘this’ issue or ‘that’ public official which has nothing to do with their campaign? (To be fair, as one who has covered many a political race I’ve asked such ‘hot button’ questions to candidates You would be amazed at how many answer without thinking after they have won their contest).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A major suggestion for you, brothers…there is NOTHING wrong with using the old staple ‘no comment’. You do NOT have to answer a reporter’s questions. Freedom of the press does NOT automatically mean that you MUST answer any questions from a member of ‘the fourth estate’. Better yet, you’ll win some respect from the voting public if you let a reporter know that the misfortunes of another have NOTHING to do with your race and that we all deserve some forgiveness and mercy—even over the actions of our spouses and children.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Even IF the other side plays rough and dirty.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> To aid the victor, a little poem that I picked up years ago: “Be careful of the words you use; be sure to keep them soft and sweet. For you never know, from day to day, which words you’ll have to EAT!” I don’t know where I got this little ditty, but it still packs a punch years later. I pass it on to the next generation of brothers who will make their entry into the political arena.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>CHRISTIAN MEN…TIME TO GET BACK TO LEADERSHIP DUTY:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Brothers, I might as well make it plain. We’ve seen far too much destruction caused in our country by women who seek to rule as queens, rather than public servants. Again, the Wuhan Virus pandemic has provided an up-close view of what happens when the wrong types of women get involved in the political arena, whether it be as office holders or heading political parties. We have been ‘fed’ the lie that ‘more women in politics and leadership roles in governments’ would make for a better world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Balderdash!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Take a good look around the world, brothers. There are women who are in charge of nations who are taking their people down the wrong path. Many of these female leaders are pro-abortion, anti-church, anti-God and anti-family. Many of them are just as lethal as their male counterparts. What of America? More of the same, unfortunately. The ‘shrew’ has emerged as the leadership model for many political women. We’ve seen elected Democrat women on talk shows talking about ‘what giant killers’ they are, how strong they are and flexing their ‘political muscles’—the same thing that liberal women have said are negatives in men.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Then, these same ‘strong’ women complain that their daughters (or they themselves if they are single) can NOT find any ‘good men’. ‘Good men’ are the buzz words for ‘rich’ men who will let them do what THEY want to do, with minimal oversight.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> We’ve seen a wave of female mayors, governors, state lawmakers and federal elected officials who have not been up to snuff; with behaviors that would make a sailor blush and head for the tall grass.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’ve got news for you. Any woman who is pro-Abortion, anti-church, anti-God, anti-Israel, and anti-Bible is not a woman worthy of public office. Any woman who is selected FOR public office ahead of or over capable men is an insult to manhood—even IF men do the selecting. In fact, IF a woman will not listen to her OWN husband, what qualifies her to stand for public office (Proverbs 31) in the first place to listen to you?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Brothers, it is time to step up our leadership game and get into the political arena.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> We’ve abdicated our social leadership roles as Christian men to others, for far too long. Yes, it is going to be brutal for a season, but the right MEN for the job will surface and be victorious! Then, this modern age will see what Christian men can do, in service to our Lord, and our society. There is a mission field out there, ripe for the harvest. Who will go for us? What men will stand up and be counted? A nation truly is in the balance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let me end with this. God is not looking for perfect men to serve in the public square. He IS looking for those who are WILLING to undergo the training, sacrifice, and prayerful guidance to get the task done. He’ll train them. All THEY have to do is pray up, line up, show up and get to work!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Where does the church fit in? Simple. The church needs to get back to training her members for service in the public square. Preaching is one thing. There ARE Christians who are already in public office who would be more than happy to teach a class on the Constitution, or Political Science from a biblical perspective.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> All it takes is for some brave Pastors to get back on the wall, and reach out to their men to be men. Retreats, workshops, and visiting preachers does little to reach the men of the church. It takes those preachers and pastors who ARE real men of God, to get back to socializing with and training the men of the church to do their duty, in leading the home and society.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Politics is a Mission Field. The fields are white for the harvest.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019, 2020 Barnstorm Communications. (9)</em></span></p></div>
Ramey's Guide To Elective Office For Men 9 By Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ramey-s-guide-to-elective-office-for-men-9-by-mike-ramey
2020-10-22T17:02:07.000Z
2020-10-22T17:02:07.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Before we get into the last part of this series, I wanted to inject a few things which surfaced before I made the decision of putting this column to bed and shipping it out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I happened to have a conversation with a veteran Minister whom I have a lot of respect. His attitude towards Ministers and regular Christians being involved in politics? Not very supportive. He believes that Christians in general, and Ministers (Pastors included) should stay out of the political arena. Yes, we should vote, but we should not seek to ‘venture out’ into this mission field in order to have impact upon the society in which we live. However, other Pastors and ministries not only encourage Christian political involvement, in their view there is a wonder why MORE Christians are not involved in local, state and even national politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Lord knows, we can use some righteous men involved in the political system. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What we have currently emerging from many of our state houses, governor’s mansions and the nation’s capital thus far has been less than ideal, and downright hostile towards Christians and Churches. Further, the pestilence of the Wuhan Virus has allowed the ‘mask’ of government to ‘slip’, leaving exposed a number of the unrighteous who are determined to shut down the church, end individual liberties, and place this nation of the free and the brave in chains. Lastly, one of the other things that I have come across is a ‘general sentiment’ that politics is ‘too dirty a business’ for Christians and the Church to be involved in. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The KJV Bible holds that Christians should be ‘salt and light’. It is high time that we—as Christians--stopped running away from the ‘negatives’ of serving in the mission fields that have the most impact on society and get back to our posts. It is time for our urban (and other) churches to ‘shelve’ the social concerns committees and get back to training Christians on what the KJV Bible says are our political responsibilities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Elected officials of ANY impact are made in the pews and pulpits of churches.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> We—as Christian men--have spent so much time on the run from the fields of politics, media, and technology that we have abandoned them to the pagans of our world. Especially pagan women.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> How do you like what the pagans have done with society? Does it feel good to have abandoned places which God has ordained for His people to change by His word and their presence run by those who are wicked in His sight?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It is high time that Christians realize that politics is a Mission Field, just like going overseas, or heading down into the urban environs. If we want better government, we need to send in better people whom God has firmly under His control.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>CONGRATULATIONS: YOU’VE WON!</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> As I mentioned in my last column: If it is your season to get in, you get in. If you do not, you do not. But let us say--just for the sake of argument--that the electorate has spoken very clearly. The votes are counted, the results certified…and you have WON!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What do you do now, hotshot?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This may sound like a replay, but it is still true. Election successes and failures have many different reasons and causes. It all boils down to who gets their base out to the polls to vote for their candidates. IF the candidate has done their job, and have ‘made the rounds’ with the people and have inspired them to vote, they stand a good chance of getting in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You’ve done all that you--and the Lord--has instructed you to do, and you have emerged from the field of battle with a victory! Now, before we go down the list of what you should--and should not do--I’ll leave you with this piece of wisdom: “Gracious in defeat; humble in victory.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It does hurt to lose. You’ll have to read my last column on that subject. This column is dedicated to those who are now the winners…the brothers who made it to the top of the mountain, following the Lord’s lead, and the people whom have been sent to him to ensure victory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>FIRST, A FEW MORE POLITICAL REALITIES:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> During a recent round of elections, I observed several offices that went begging because candidates could not be found to run for those offices. Some of them were for the local School Board. Others were for various political posts of the two parties.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I have heard from more than a few people that the schools need more Christian influence. What better place to understand what Christians (and others) go through IN the public schools than a seat on the local School Board. The ONLY reason we have such silliness in our schools is because Christians have been led to believe that they can’t make a difference in the marketplace. Further, churches which run their OWN schools have made quite a bundle playing off of the fears of other Christians (including their church members) by rushing their children into Christian (or other private) schools.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I hate to say this, but NOT every child belongs in a private, religious or charter school. We ALL pay taxes for public education. We do NOT get that tax money back as a ‘refund’ as a society IF the public schools fail at their jobs. Therefore, it is UP to men and women to make sure that their public schools are doing their job—educating NOT indoctrinating students. This simply means that there needs to be more men—especially Christian men—serving on School Boards when the opportunity presents itself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Now, don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with homeschooling or sending your kids to a private, parochial, or charter school. Different strokes for different folks. However, IF more churches had regular evangelism courses as a part of their Christian education component, there would be MORE Christians equipped to enter the public square. There would be MORE salt and light in our society and there would be changes. I’ll be bold at this point. It may take a while for us to ‘see’ such changes…but they would eventually arrive. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Christian men need to step up and ‘fill in’ those blanks on the ballot and get involved (Romans 13:1-7 KJV). IF your church, or fellow Christians will NOT support your vision, then it is time to find a new church, and some new Christian friends. IF you need help in running for any office, there is plenty of material on line--even from Christian organizations. Let me add this proviso: You would do MORE to volunteer to work in your local political party at the polls, rather than shelling out thousands of dollars (that many of us do not have) to get a ‘course’ in local politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Yes, all politics is STILL local.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The world and the devil know that they cannot push ALL Christians out of the public square. Their game plan in the present (and it has worked really well) is to ‘frustrate’ Christians into quitting or, ‘bumping us’ out by illegal means. Of course, lawsuits are the answer to the second part of this equation—but the objective has been reached.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I may as well add this in for good measure. Christian men have been tricked into abandoning their leadership of society, just as they have (in many cases) been duped into abandoning their leadership in the church. All of this stems from some Christian men being hoodwinked into abandoning headship of the home. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’ll have more to say on this later.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Good old grit and perseverance, led by prayer and KJV Bible study will do wonders to keep you on track to reach the position God has in mind for you, for His glory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here is one more reason for Christian involvement in the public schools. Our tax money still heads there, whether we go to Christian schools or not. It makes more sense to me to keep people accountable as to how they use YOUR tax money.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’m happy to say that I’m a product of public education, when going to a public school actually MEANT a good education. Plus, I have worked in a variety of great public schools over the years as a teacher. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s what I have learned in both experiences.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It is still up to the individual student to achieve and succeed. It is still up to the individual teacher to make sure that students (who want to) get their lessons and grow into useful and productive members of society. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> And yes, even future teachers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>BACK TO THE ACTION--FIRST THINGS FIRST:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Thank those who worked for you along with those who voted for you whenever possible. It may take several months to do it, but get it done.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of the sage pieces of advice I picked up during my times in politics is that candidates should vote absentee and spend Election Day visiting the various polling places to ‘thank the troops’. A handshake here, a box of treats for the poll workers, and a few kind words for the volunteers works wonders for future political efforts. Also, it shows potential future candidates how to do things the right way and stay classy—especially after a rough campaign season. Another note: IF you see young men who seem to have the aptitude for politics, take them under your wing and encourage them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> To continue. Don’t forget to send out thank you notes to those in the party who sponsored your campaign and encouraged your run for office. This is the classy thing to do, and will have long lasting benefits, should you decide to either run for re-election, or, if the Lord has you run for higher office. Also, send some kind words to your opponent, no matter how much you did not agree with him/her. Voters like this. Sure, some campaigns won’t bother to acknowledge your efforts. You, though…DO know the truth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>KEEP TIGHT REIN OVER YOUR ‘NORTH AND SOUTH’:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of my favorite movies is “Mr. Lucky”, featuring Cary Grant (1943). During one series of scenes with co-star Laraine Day, Grant’s character teaches Day’s character about Australian rhyming slang, featuring one term ‘North and South’ for ‘mouth’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I would advise the winners to keep tight rein over their ‘North and South’ far before they take office. Assume ALL microphones are on, and be aware of your use of social media and Iphone recordings. I trust that some may have had this advice ‘lent’ to them by party officials and media friends. However, as we have seen in this video age, some people do not seem to get the message that there IS a reason why we have two ears and one mouth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I have witnessed the need for mouth monitoring in some campaigns…especially while the potential office holder is on the campaign trail and does not have the job--just yet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Watch making comments on things above—or below—your pay grade. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Not only for the sake of others, but for your own. Why? Because ‘crow’ eaten cold has a nasty taste. Can I get a witness? Amen?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> How many times have elected officials gotten ‘tagged’ by reporters, asking them for comments on ‘this’ issue or ‘that’ public official which has nothing to do with their campaign? (To be fair, as one who has covered many a political race I’ve asked such ‘hot button’ questions to candidates You would be amazed at how many answer without thinking after they have won their contest).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A major suggestion for you, brothers…there is NOTHING wrong with using the old staple ‘no comment’. You do NOT have to answer a reporter’s questions. Freedom of the press does NOT automatically mean that you MUST answer any questions from a member of ‘the fourth estate’. Better yet, you’ll win some respect from the voting public if you let a reporter know that the misfortunes of another have NOTHING to do with your race and that we all deserve some forgiveness and mercy—even over the actions of our spouses and children.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Even IF the other side plays rough and dirty.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> To aid the victor, a little poem that I picked up years ago: “Be careful of the words you use; be sure to keep them soft and sweet. For you never know, from day to day, which words you’ll have to EAT!” I don’t know where I got this little ditty, but it still packs a punch years later. I pass it on to the next generation of brothers who will make their entry into the political arena.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>CHRISTIAN MEN…TIME TO GET BACK TO LEADERSHIP DUTY:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Brothers, I might as well make it plain. We’ve seen far too much destruction caused in our country by women who seek to rule as queens, rather than public servants. Again, the Wuhan Virus pandemic has provided an up-close view of what happens when the wrong types of women get involved in the political arena, whether it be as office holders or heading political parties. We have been ‘fed’ the lie that ‘more women in politics and leadership roles in governments’ would make for a better world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Balderdash!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Take a good look around the world, brothers. There are women who are in charge of nations who are taking their people down the wrong path. Many of these female leaders are pro-abortion, anti-church, anti-God and anti-family. Many of them are just as lethal as their male counterparts. What of America? More of the same, unfortunately. The ‘shrew’ has emerged as the leadership model for many political women. We’ve seen elected Democrat women on talk shows talking about ‘what giant killers’ they are, how strong they are and flexing their ‘political muscles’—the same thing that liberal women have said are negatives in men.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Then, these same ‘strong’ women complain that their daughters (or they themselves if they are single) can NOT find any ‘good men’. ‘Good men’ are the buzz words for ‘rich’ men who will let them do what THEY want to do, with minimal oversight.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> We’ve seen a wave of female mayors, governors, state lawmakers and federal elected officials who have not been up to snuff; with behaviors that would make a sailor blush and head for the tall grass.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’ve got news for you. Any woman who is pro-Abortion, anti-church, anti-God, anti-Israel, and anti-Bible is not a woman worthy of public office. Any woman who is selected FOR public office ahead of or over capable men is an insult to manhood—even IF men do the selecting. In fact, IF a woman will not listen to her OWN husband, what qualifies her to stand for public office (Proverbs 31) in the first place to listen to you?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Brothers, it is time to step up our leadership game and get into the political arena.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> We’ve abdicated our social leadership roles as Christian men to others, for far too long. Yes, it is going to be brutal for a season, but the right MEN for the job will surface and be victorious! Then, this modern age will see what Christian men can do, in service to our Lord, and our society. There is a mission field out there, ripe for the harvest. Who will go for us? What men will stand up and be counted? A nation truly is in the balance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let me end with this. God is not looking for perfect men to serve in the public square. He IS looking for those who are WILLING to undergo the training, sacrifice, and prayerful guidance to get the task done. He’ll train them. All THEY have to do is pray up, line up, show up and get to work!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Where does the church fit in? Simple. The church needs to get back to training her members for service in the public square. Preaching is one thing. There ARE Christians who are already in public office who would be more than happy to teach a class on the Constitution, or Political Science from a biblical perspective.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> All it takes is for some brave Pastors to get back on the wall, and reach out to their men to be men. Retreats, workshops, and visiting preachers does little to reach the men of the church. It takes those preachers and pastors who ARE real men of God, to get back to socializing with and training the men of the church to do their duty, in leading the home and society.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Politics is a Mission Field. The fields are white for the harvest.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019, 2020 Barnstorm Communications. (9)</em></span></p></div>
The Ramey Guide To Elective Office For Men, Part 7 By Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-ramey-guide-to-elective-office-for-men-part-7-by-mike-ramey
2019-11-16T15:37:36.000Z
2019-11-16T15:37:36.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s my opening quote for our time together: “Politics will improve before the American public, as more and more honorable and upright men fill the ranks of public servants.” I trust that I have given an upright man the inspiration to step into the ring, and run for public office.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Your fellow citizens need you…especially in these last days.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">One of the best pieces of advice I got in terms of living the Christian life in a fallen society came from the late Pastor E. V. Hill. In one of his messages on the truths of being a Christian, Hill noted that even though one is saved by grace, they were still wrapped up in their own skin, and would not be ‘perfect’ until either they died, or the Rapture of the church. Thus, while one was saved, they would--at times--come up short. Hill reminded his congregation and the audience listening to the broadcast that God was not through with the believer, even in those times when they did not act in a Christian manner. The same may also be said for the Christian entering the realm of politics.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Brother, you will be challenged in ways that you would NOT believe.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">BOLD SINNERS AND WIMPY SAINTS:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Before a man becomes a Christian and after the conversion experience where Jesus Christ becomes Lord of his life; life is going to ‘rub up against’ him, but in a different manner. True, you are still in the same body, but your soul and spirit have been changed. And, as you feed your spirit the Word of God, and grow and mature in the grace of God, you will develop the wisdom needed to meet different types of people where they are, and become ‘salt and light’ to them.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Keep this in mind. There are only two types of people in this world, according to the Bible: Sinners and Saints. Saints are those who have had the conversion experience and yielded themselves to Jesus Christ. Sinners are those who have not yielded themselves to Christ.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> We are living in an age where those sinners who are in their various sins are bold about staying in them. Nevertheless, it is not important where the sinner stands or what they may feel; it is important that you let them know where YOU stand! Do NOT let them convert you; let your light so shine that YOU impact them, and cause them to glorify God.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> There is NO room for compromise. No wimpy Christians allowed. Period.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Brothers, the mockers and scoffers will rage. Read Psalm 1 about it. You are going to be working with and for sinners who are trapped in the sins of homosexuality, adultery, greed, lust, witchcraft, false religions and a variety of other sins. Some of them will be satisfied to remain in their sins, and they will hate YOU for being a righteous man in a firm relationship with God. Some of them may be in your OWN political party. Let your light shine, stand your ground, and let your good works show off the God of your salvation.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A cartoon once published by the late Jack Chick underscores my point. A line of people were seen in a store run by a Christian businessman. One man remarked to another man in line--which I will paraphrase: “Yeah, I hate this Christian…but he’s the ONLY honest guy in town!”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Make sure that YOU are on the job for Christ. YOU are his representative in the political arena. Like the old folks used to say: “YOU are the only Bible that many people will ever READ!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">NOW HEAR THIS: NOT EVERYONE CAN GO WITH YOU:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s another one of ‘those’ points I want to put before us this day, and it is a sore point that needs to be stated. Not everyone who is on your present crew is going to make the trip with you, when God wants to raise you to the next level.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Some of those who won’t be making the trip? Fellow Christians.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I remember a preacher who had to battle jealousy in the ministry commenting on this same issue a few years back. He was well aware of the fact that fellow preachers-- even fellow Christians--were envious of the growth of his ministry. The preacher put it into perspective: “I’m doing what God told me to do. If YOU were doing what God told YOU to do, you wouldn’t have time to be jealous of me.”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I’ll make it plain. Not all of your prayer partners are going to be happy when God gets ready to give you a new vision AND a new field of victory. It might be a new job; a new spouse, or a new career venture--like politics. Be aware that some--if not all--of your old friends may not be making the trip up the ladder with you. Let them go, with genuine Christian love. Be aware of the fact that the Lord will have a new crew ready to head to the next level. He will hand pick them AND they will be encouragers FOR you!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s a footnote for preachers especially…not every man who ‘claim’ to be a preacher has a firm relationship with Jesus Christ. By their fruits ye shall know them. Thus, check their walk with Galatians 5; the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit. </span> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Yes, it will hurt to lose the familiar. However, it’s on them…not on you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">MOVING ON: TO DEBATE…OR NOT</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let’s be honest. Challenging the incumbent to a debate is not the wise thing for a challenger to do. Why? They have the advantage. Having them challenge YOU to a debate? They are running scared, and view you as a legitimate threat. Here’s a tip: It is always best to let a third party, such as a local, regional, or even news organization arrange a debate for you. YOU concentrate on your campaign, pressing the flesh, shaking hands and kissing babies.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> IF you wind up in a debate situation with the opposition candidate(s), here are a few tips that might help you:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 1. Know the issues, but be yourself. If you get ‘zinged’ remember that you can quickly recover (this is something to plan on).</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 2. Keep your answers short and sweet. Let your opponent make the simple complex. People admire candidates that can make the complex simple. Doubt me? Listen to Rush Limbaugh’s radio show. Develop your skills as a ‘solutions man’, meaning that you can focus your idea(s) into a concise phrase or information nugget. Men who are about solutions instead of forever talking will get the attention of voters.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 3. Keep a few issues ‘up your sleeve’, as the moderator may ‘switch’ previously agreed upon topics. Be firm, friendly, polite and clear. Be courageous. Be bold. Know why you have taken the steps to run for your office. Potential voters enjoy a man who knows where HE stands on the issues.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 4. Enter a debate with the understanding that the moderator or host of the debate may be ‘in the bag’ for your opponent(s). You are not going to get a level or fair playing field. Plan on this, right from the gate.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 5. A debate is an extension of the political process, NOT the entire process by itself. IF you have done your prayer work, your street work, your campaign work, and have your team in your corner, a good debate will be little more than a mop-up operation.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 6. Debates usually happen towards the end of the campaign season, including October surprises. Thus, you will have MORE than enough time to get ready for one, should one (or more) arise. The bigger the office, the more the chance that you will be engaged in a debate.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 7. Lastly, the Christian man leans on the Scriptures, and the God of the Bible. Some of the best prayers in the Bible between God and his servants contain nuggets of wisdom. Jesus Christ himself mastered debate strategy, timing and tactics. One does not take on the Sanhedrin Council, Kings, and potentates without knowing and understanding their mental makeup and vocal abilities. Be ready to quote favorite Bible characters, principles and verses…when needed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">INTO THE RING--HAT FIRST:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Back to the action. After two years in the political ‘salt mines’, it was time to make that step up to candidate. Since I had paid my dues, it wasn’t that long before downtown gave me the nod to run for a local council seat on the Republican ticket against a veteran Democrat incumbent whom I knew. It was a two step process. I had to secure the party’s nomination in the primary election, then win the general election in order to win the office that I was seeking. I was tagged as the ‘official’ candidate for my party through a slating process--meaning that I was ‘the one’ who was going to get the party’s support, thus I would be uncontested in the primary. It also allowed me to get more face time within the party ranks, and focus my energies on the upcoming general election.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I got an education on politics that I did NOT find in a book. And, yes, I did read a LOT of books! I still do! I might as well be plain at this point in time about politics, and being a Christian. The further along you grow into the political life, the MORE that you will likely run into betrayal and ‘the double shuffle’.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It could come from OUTSIDE of your political party, or INSIDE. Just be ready for it when it comes your way, in your campaign. Someone is going to do you dirty, either by accident--or deliberately. The reason(s) will not matter. You will be scourged by some of the very people to whom you have been giving your own sweat, blood and tears. To whom you have given your loyalty. To whom you may have spent late at night, over coffee, trying to put their lives on the right track.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Oh, those days of betrayal will be brutal. You will be ignored. Your phone calls will go unreturned. Get used to the fact. Success has many fathers; failure is an orphan…and the underdog is not valued very much, until he become a ‘golden achiever’.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> President Donald J. Trump said it best: “Relish the opportunity to be an outsider, because it’s the outsiders who change the world and who make a real and lasting difference.”</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> From a biblical point of view Jesus Christ called the twelve apostles, and KNEW that one of them was a devil. His name was Judas. Not only did Judas walk with the Lord and watch the miracles performed and the gospel preached…he had a prominent part IN the ministry. Judas sold our Lord out for 30 pieces of silver. Don’t think that someone along the political road won’t do the same to you--and for a lot less. Some of them may actually be a part of the body of believers, and will be working for the other side--or themselves. Another piece of advice from Pastor Hill: “Be prayerful…but be careful.” KNOW with whom you are on the battlefield of politics.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Above all, do NOT be surprised…when enemies surface off the port bow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">FIRE IN THE BELLY:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here are a few reasons why one should NOT run for political office:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 1. You have a lust for power, money, fame, or the opposite sex.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 2. You feel ‘entitled’ to the position because of your works for the party.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 3. You have a big bank account.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 4. You are surrounded by ‘yes men’ or ‘yes women’ who say you should run.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> 5. You have NOT checked with God.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Running for elective office, especially for the Christian man, is a marathon, not a sprint. You MUST have a sustained ‘fire in the belly’ in order to run. What do I mean by this? Simply stated, you--as an office seeker--must believe deep down that you have a solid platform of ideas and proposals to do the job you for which you are running.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Yes, it is far easier to candidate rather than to govern. Yes, it is easier to dig up dirt on your opponent and fling mud like an artist. Yes, it is easier to tell what the incumbent is NOT doing, rather than what you CAN do. However, in order to WIN at the polls (and in your own campaign) there is going to come a time in your evaluation process where you are going to have to have a solid, plain vision of what you want to accomplish on the WAY to the office AND once you WIN the office.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> People WANT to vote FOR someone, rather than AGAINST someone. IF you can summarize your reasons for running for office in a few short paragraphs and a few lines that are easy to remember, it makes your candidacy more exciting, and your message clearer to understand.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">LOSERS WANTED--FOR EXPERIMENTATION:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Now, IF you are a minister, pastor, or a regular Christian, you are going to have to weigh your steps carefully. Politics and the pulpit are two different animals. Nevertheless, let it be understood that ministers and pastors USED to be very much involved in the politics of the nation, state, or local city. We have been hoodwinked to believe--mainly due to the unsaved and sinners in our midst--that all Christians should do is keep their mouths shut, pay their taxes, and relegate their ‘religion’ to church services. “Let someone else run the affairs of state.” We are told.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> How’s THAT been working out, bunky? Higher crime, higher taxes, and higher immorality. Yes, I believe that the pagans have gotten what they have wanted--freedom FROM religion--but they have also gotten freedom from God’s blessings, AND are trying to make the Church and Christians feel ashamed for telling the world what was going to happen IF they decided to kick God out of their business.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In short? The world wants the Christian to clean up its mess, and not complain.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Please remember this brothers: “What God does not control, He will not bless.”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of my previous careers was that of being a Probation Officer with my county juvenile court. I was a part of a unit that I called: “The Bounty Hunters Squad”. In short, when WE had clients who violated the terms of their probation, they were heading to ONE place…upstate to Boys or Girls School, and the Indiana Department of Corrections.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Oh, you should have heard some of the complaints that I got from some of my clients about ‘being all up in their business’. “Well,” I used to explain, “had YOU not committed any crimes, I wouldn’t be mandated by the court to be sitting here going over your probation paperwork.”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> YOU, brother, determine who gets into your campaign, and who does not.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> YOU are the gatekeeper.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of the risks that a candidate will have to take once they go public and aim for party support is that the political powers-that-be (and others) will attempt to saddle you with advisors and staff who will want to ‘run’ your campaign, in exchange for financial backing. A word of advice: WATCH whom you let into your political campaign! God will send you the workers AND the funds for the office that you seek, IF you remember to place HIM squarely first, spend the time in prayer and keep in the Word.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Your inner circle should be composed of people who are Christians, whom you trust and are already on board with your vision. No one whom you do not vet personally should be allowed to pass the gates of your campaign (or your business, ministry, etc.). If I may, the scriptures hold that there are times to share your vision with people, and a time when you share your vision with God alone. There is a season to talk, and a season to shut up.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The key? Know what season that you are in!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">JUST YOU AND THE LORD:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Nehemiah, in his efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem is a case in point. He had to spend time with the Lord daily, in order to get the plan in place for the successful completion of his assignment. In fact, when he first arrived to survey the damages to Jerusalem, Nehemiah spend time alone with his donkey, just surveying, and praying…making mental notes as to what needed to be done.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Brother, do YOU have that time of insight for your campaign…away from the polls and the hangers-on? Can YOU clearly state why you are running for office? Are YOU prepared to do that marathon, even though you may be running by yourself for a part of the election season? One of the things that I have observed over the years is that all political parties will oftentimes ‘recommend’ people of leadership to ‘take the reins’ of new campaigns and new candidates. IF the new candidate loses then the ‘plant’ gets the experience, and the candidate gets the blame. IF by a miracle the new candidates wins, the ‘plant’ and downtown get the credit for the victory, even though the candidate did all of the heavy lifting. It’s kind of like the old joke: “The operation was a success…even though the patient DIED!”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A good friend of mine once quipped: “It is far better to learn the LESSON of the Crash Test Dummy, rather than BEING the Crash Test Dummy.” Let the Lord send along the help that you need. HE will open doors and give you favor that you never imagined possible. Prayerfully, you can take what you have read about in this series and move on to victory! As John Quincy Adams once said: “Duty is ours…Results are God’s”! More to come.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications. (7)</span></p></div>
From Player To Coach by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/from-player-to-coach-by-mike-ramey-1
2019-11-16T15:26:41.000Z
2019-11-16T15:26:41.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A few years back, Ty Willingham, Head Coach for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, was interviewed about a tough, upcoming game. The TV interviewer seemed more nervous about the game than the coach, as they asked Willingham about his strategy to deal with a very potent opponent’s running and passing game.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> “We’ll adjust our offense, accordingly.” Said Coach Willingham.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The adjustments paid off, as Notre Dame ran over the opposition with little sign of trouble. It was the OTHER team that were having trouble dealing with an Irish team that did not appear in their pre-game films.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I never forgot that summation from Coach Willingham. While he didn’t last that long at Notre Dame--and did NOT get that much in the way of respect, in my opinion--he left the team better than he found them AND moved on to another coaching opportunity, with a new staff and a new team. More importantly, in the college football ranks, once a coach leaves--traditionally--the incoming coach either gets a new, good crop of players, or a new crop of problems…depending upon the recruiting class that the outgoing coach leaves them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> But, that’s a story for another day, Amen?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This time around, I’m going to be dealing with a very real issue. This may be a topic that some may find a bit on the painful side. Nonetheless, it is a topic that we hear little about in our current society. It rests upon the issues of competition, promotion, and ‘stepping up’ when God opens the door for you for that next opportunity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> There are some members of your present crew who may not be heading up with you, for one reason or another.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> In coaching, when a coach gets the nod to move up to be a head coach for another team, many of the coaches that he came up with ‘in the ranks’ at his previous jobs don’t make the transition. Furthermore, an incoming head coach--while he may inherit a coaching staff--usually has to start making the calls and sending emails to find coaches that best meet his coaching philosophy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Thus, there will be some people hired, and some people fired.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It works the same way in business.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You get the capital together and open your own company. YOU are the ‘head coach’ of YOUR business. Now YOU have to make decisions as to who to bring on board to make your plan and vision work in your favor to make your venture profitable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> NO ONE starts a business to be broke--no matter what you may see on social media. Also, no one enters business and puts their money into the register to ‘give it away’ to tax hungry politicians, incompetent bureaucrats, and social causes that have made themselves rich. In charity causes, just a free piece of advice. Make sure that MOST of your contributions make their way to the cause. Do NOT contribute to causes that swallow up most of your contributions in ‘administrative costs’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Sure, this advice may ‘sting’ a little…but the truth is the truth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Since YOUR name is on the door, and your money is in the register, there are certain people whom you won’t hire…no matter how ‘cool’ they may be as friends. Couple this with the fact that it takes a new business roughly five years to turn a profit to be counted as truly successful--you further understand why you have to be careful with whom you hire, and with whom you do business. The truth be told…orange is not a flattering color. Neither is being broke.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s one that many young Black men have run into. I’ve had to counsel more than a few young brothers about this one. You have the aptitude and the grades to go on to college. You’ve done well in middle school and high school. You’ve survived the ‘taunts’ and ‘whispering campaigns’ that have been laid across your path. Now it’s time to make that step up. The money is out there, in terms of scholarships IF your grades are 3.0 and above. YOU are going to have to ‘adjust your team’ during your high school career in order to find the blend of supporters who will not only encourage you to go on to college; they NEED to motivate you to finish WITH a degree in four years or less. I know, college isn’t for everyone. However, MOST companies WANT a degree of some kind (especially a four year degree) for future promotions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What about Trade Schools? Yes, the money is better in the blue collar field…however, there is a LOT in the way of classroom training and apprenticeships BEFORE you can either work for a good company, or, start your own business. Again, when YOUR money and reputation are on the line, you MUST be careful of ‘steering clear’ of those ‘jokers’ in the deck of life, whether they be male or female.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The ol’ coach reminds you that it is crucial that you not only know HOW to adjust your team; it is critical that you learn WHEN to adjust your team. The business or reputation you could save, may be yours.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mike Ramey is a Minister, Book Reviewer, P-School Ranger, Political Consultant, Modern Street Gangs Specialist and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Feel free to reach him with your comments at manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications.</span></p></div>
The Ramey Guide To Elective Office, Part 6 by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-ramey-guide-to-elective-office-part-6-by-mike-ramey
2019-11-08T02:11:06.000Z
2019-11-08T02:11:06.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Great political quote from the late Democrat President Harry Truman: “An honest public servant can’t become rich in politics. He can only attain greatness and satisfaction by service.” Keep in mind that Truman was one of those politicians that no one wanted as Vice President (just like Teddy Roosevelt). FDR died suddenly, and Truman became President. If you know your history, one of the things that happened on his watch; Israel became a nation, and the U.S. was the first nation to recognize this fact in 1948.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Men of color need to enter the arena of politics, not to be served…but to serve. History has a way of favoring the servant, and punishing the power hungry. Through service to others in society in general and political parties in particular, we can be the best ambassadors of our Christian faith, representatives of our race--and political views. The central question is: How far is a Man of color willing to go to get into the political arena and ‘mix it up’ to make the life chances better for his family AND our people?</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Interesting fact of political life in the file of “Politics 101”: Those whom an individual registers to vote will likely vote for the party of that person. Why? Because--to that registering voter--the person who best represents their party, also represents the candidates OF that party. Thus, a man who smiles; is upbeat, knows what his party stands for, and carries himself well, is NOT going to have that much of a problem in registering people to vote.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">‘Mean muggers’ don’t register a lot of voters. Further, neither do ‘texters’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">SOME HISTORICAL HONESTY:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Another interesting tidbit: A firm majority of Black people have ALWAYS been conservative. There are a LOT of what I call “After Dark Republicans” in our ranks. It is too bad that in some areas of the country the ‘assumption’ is that Blacks always vote Democrat. Sometimes, the GOP may get lazy because of this assumption. Thanks to President Trump, politicians are getting back to realizing that EVEY vote must be sought out and actively campaigned for with solid ideas...not just promises.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">You do your own research in your own house among your elders and parents. We have LONG been against racism, homosexuality, abortion-on-demand, illegal immigration, socialism, high crime, and a whole lot of other things. We, as a people, have been Pro-Life, Pro-2nd Amendment, Pro-education, Pro-voucher, and a lot of other things, including Pro-church and Pro-Bible. Contrary to the liberal mainstream mess, there are more Black Republicans out there in the hood. They just don’t know that they are Republicans…but they DO know that they don‘t truck with the evil of our day.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Let me say this again; It is up to the GOP to go out there and campaign for their votes IN THE HOOD. If they don’t then they will wind up with more ‘sanctuary cities’ and back in the ranks of being a ‘minority party’.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">What about us? Well, it’s time for us as a people to be honest. We have seen a generation of Black politicians come and go from public office, many of them with a “D” next to their names. They started out good, but have not kept up the pace in supporting the attitudes of the Black folks who put them there. In short, these ‘old pols’ as I call them, have been more loyal to the agenda (to keep them IN power) rather than the will of the electorate. In the words of a lyric from a Stevie Wonder song from back in the day: “They haven’t done NOTHING!”</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Part of blunting the will of the people? Convince them that they can’t change their lot in life. Toss racism around like a towel. Dissuade them from challenging them at the polls. Convince men of color that they can’t ‘change’ the system, so they may as well get used to the ‘new normal’ of victimhood. Lastly, don’t listen to the will of the people.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Here’s an observation. In my home city, there was a big hoopla put on by our Mayor (a Democrat) about having a summer jobs program for at-risk youth to supposedly keep them ‘out’ of trouble. Another service provided by grants and the government. In reality? IF the crime rates were brought down in certain areas of my city, businesses would move IN and these same, so called ‘at risk’ youth could find jobs in their neighborhoods WITHOUT ‘help’ (or, as the old folks used to say ‘hep’) from the government.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In fact, some of them might EVEN get the gumption to create their OWN jobs and HIRE some of their classmates.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Folks, In a full employment economy (4% or less unemployment) jobs are easy to find (unless someone isn’t looking too hard). However, those who want to make the next step into job creation and open their own businesses NEED the tools during this time to become economic supporters and helpers of their people. NOT waiting for government help.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Men of color are going to have to get back to getting angry at and forsaking sin, and putting out low achieving politicians.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It’s time for US to get back to cleaning political house!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Get out the brooms, baby. Stop letting them ‘rest’ in the corner and get them out and USE them by sweeping out low-functioning and low-performing Black politicians.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Read the Declaration of Independence. What ARE we supposed to do when government no longer responds to the will of the people? That’s right. Kick ‘da bums OUT!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A TALE FROM MY COLLEGE DAYS:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I had both some very positive--and negative--political lessons during my time in high school and college. My college experiences serve as the best place to start. During my college days, dormitory students had to pay ‘dorm fees’. A portion of those fees went to the Dormitory Council. Thus, if a dorm wanted to sponsor an event, they had to; a) have representation on the council, and; b) be able to fill out the paperwork and satisfy the Funding Director to secure the monies needed to sponsor the event, by having the approval of the entire Council.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This was my first, real brush with a political machine.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Since I didn’t think it was fair that our dorm kept paying money in, and NOT getting the benefits of it back in the form of events we wanted to sponsor, I went to my typewriter, and called the Council out, via the Campus Newspaper.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Oh, they didn’t like that! Power does not want to be confronted by anyone!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Since I went to a state college--and the college was predominantly white--it would stand to reason that the Council leadership was predominantly white. This was back in the ‘love and happiness seventies’, just to give you a time reference. We Blacks had won our Civil Rights…and I aimed to exercise them…and collect!</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I had grown up in both an urban setting and a suburban setting…so I had plenty of exposure in Black and White. To sum it up about white people, I use the analogy of, and paraphrase the sage of the spoken and written word, Tony Brown: “There’s nothing special about white people if you have been around them for a period of time. You quickly discover that they are not that mysterious. Most of them are average, there are a few geniuses…and a liberal sprinkling of fools!”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Council leadership requested a sit down with me. They admitted that I was right, but also invited me to fix the problem by joining the Council as (tah-dah) Funding Director. Since I was an Accounting Major during a part of my college career, keeping books, checking figures and keeping paperwork were not uncommon. However, I quickly discovered that the powers-that-be had set up a minefield through which they expect me to walk. I was NOT told that “Roberts Rules of Order” was their rule book, nor did I take the time to read their constitution and bylaws.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Thus, I could not make much headway during my first term in office.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">FRUSTRATION LEVELS AND THEN--DOING MY HOMEWORK:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> My frustration level was high at the end of my first term, and I considered resigning. I went home to lick my wounds, wondering how I could make some real headway for my dorm mates during my second term. Instead of quitting the Council (which is something the Council higher ups wanted), I focused my anger on something positive. I was blessed to get in touch with a Black woman who was a master Parliamentarian in my home city. Thanks to her, I spent the summer learning Parliamentary Law and Roberts Rules of Order.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I came back in the fall tan, rested and ready for the battle AND doing my job the right, legal way. It was a simple matter of knowing the rules, reading the Council constitution, by-laws and rules and ‘working smarter’ instead of harder. Plus, I had secured my dorm’s Council vote--as a dorm representative, thus making me a ‘double threat’ to the powers that be.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I got so good at P-Law that I even managed to ‘shut down’ the Council Parliamentarian, who soon learned that he had better have his Roberts Rules at the meetings! I had mine, and was NOT willing to share!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> After a few weeks, the Council leadership got the clue. Funding requests for ALL student dormitory groups were going to be handled differently from then on, and BY the rule book. Even the campus organization for gay students, which had members in the dorms, requested--and got--funding from the Dormitory council, a first for them.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Guess who was the one who signed off on the request and recommended approval? That little old Funding Director…me!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A setback, was a set-up for a comeback! It wasn’t a racial thing…it was a knowledge thing. Men of color need to KNOW the difference between the two…and exercise their strengths accordingly. There IS a time and place and way in which to stand your ground. To pin a footnote on this story, I found out that there was a course in Parliamentary Law offered as part of the courses offered by the university. It was taught by one of my favorite professors. It was an elective.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I took that course and aced it thanks to the training that I had already received!</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I would advise ANY man seeking public office to take such a course; also courses on public speaking and debate. These are the mainstays of political life.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Government bodies run on three things: money, rules, and votes. Too bad that they don’t run on God’s laws…but that’s a subject for another day.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">If you are going to enter politics and you are a Christian man, you are going to have to learn how to fight God‘s way, and know when to fight in the face of long odds and critics.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Remember the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings when he was on his way to confirmation to the U. S. Supreme Court? Justice Thomas had two choices; roll over and play dead…or, FIGHT! Racism was being displayed against him, and Mata Hari was his color (maybe even darker), holding court as the central witness and potential high executioner.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It was slime, with a soul spin.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Fight he did, with and by the rule book.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> That’s why he won…and is STILL on the high court. He called out racism, but beat it with a rule book: That being “The Bill of Rights”. Justice Thomas is another of my political heroes, to this day. Why? Because in the face of opposition, he did not fold nor run away from the game, like another court nominee did.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> He held his ground!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">APPLYING THE LESSONS LEARNED:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Back to the action. When I became a GOP Ward Chairman in my home city. I went to EACH of my Precinct Committeemen, reminded them of the election laws, and LISTENED to what they had to say in order to help them avoid a trip into frustration space. I spent more time serving them--making sure they had proper notification of trainings, got their poll supplies, and made their job easier--which, in turn, made my leadership easier. On election day, I made it a point to visit EACH of my precincts in my Ward to personally thank all of my PC’s AND their poll workers.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">That’s right. Shaking hands and kissing babies!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I did the same thing later, when I ran for elective office a few years later.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Again I say, IF you eventually have your sights set on elective office, you have to serve in your party’s trenches for a season. No matter what ideas you may have, or how much money you have behind you, it boils down to service in the trenches, which soon leads to trust.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">They have to get to know you, and you have to get to know them.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Also, you have to develop AND maintain your people skills.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You also have to get to know your OWN frustration levels, and be able to tell the difference between racism, and a simple lack of knowledge of the rules of the political game. It is always best to make your rookie mistakes…while you are a rookie. IF you become a veteran, and are still making rookie mistakes, you didn’t get the right type of training…and such mistakes will cause you to lose valuable ground as you are getting schooled and trained in the right manner, at the same time attempting to make progress in public service.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> More to come.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications. (6)</span></p></div>
Ramey's Guide To Elective Office For Men by Mike Ramey (5)
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ramey-s-guide-to-elective-office-for-men-by-mike-ramey-5
2019-10-31T01:18:42.000Z
2019-10-31T01:18:42.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A true story to lead off in our batting cage warm-up session.</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A young man, out for his first political office, won the primary and defeated his challenger from within his party by a two-to-one margin. He was looking forward to taking a few weeks off and resting up for the campaign trail to the general election in November. Life--and his party--had other plans. The incumbent of his party that held the seat he was campaigning for suddenly resigned, and vacated the seat.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Remember how I mentioned in an earlier writing of the importance of the Precinct Committeemen? PCs have an additional function…THEY are the ones who meet in caucus to select candidates to fill any elective office vacancies held by their party.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Our young man was selected by the party PCs to fill the vacancy. Now, instead of running as a ‘candidate’, he would be coming into the general election as an incumbent AND candidate. He will be able to know the office that he is running for, and have a ‘leg up’ on his competition.</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> In politics, you have to ready when the Lord opens that door for you to enter.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size:12pt;">TIME IN THE STUDY:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> If one is serious about any venture, there needs to be time spent in the study.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Winston Churchill, that masterful statesman and lecturer of yesteryear reportedly spent roughly eight hours researching and writing just to get one line perfect in his speeches. The legendary Vince Lombardi held a workshop for coaches once, where he spent eight hours explaining one play that was the mainstay for the Green Bay Packers.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> By the way, Lombardi’s one play--the power sweep--revolutionized football forever.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Charles H. Spurgeon--the prince of preachers--had a library of 6,000 books, and re-read several of these books a year, including Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan, in addition to his regular devotions, Bible study and for sermon preparation.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The late C. A. W. Clark, a masterful preacher of the modern era once told me: “A call to ministry is a call to preparation”. The late E. V. Hill, another one of my preaching heroes, spent some time in politics AND was the Pastor of his church. He made sure that he and his members--when government money was involved--were good stewards of the Word and of their time. He was also a great man to talk with, as he broke things down for common consumption.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Time in the study is just as important as time in the weight room.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The quarterback who wants to be good at their position spends hours going over game footage. The doctor spends time in his medical journals. Even Scotty from the old “Star Trek” TV series spent time in his technical manuals to keep the starship Enterprise working at peak efficiency.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Politics is no different. It involves serious preparation. The successful office holder of today MUST learn how to read, study, research and digest information of not only yesterday…but yesteryear from successful office holders of the past. In addition, the man involved in politics MUST have or develop the ability to teach others, from his staff, to volunteers, to his voters.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> In politics, there is a LOT of background clutter one must learn how to filter out to put forth a concise and uncluttered message. However, filtering out your voters…those whom you serve…is something that you have to fight. You must teach many of them!</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You must dance with the ones who brung ya! You ALSO must make your voters PROUD to have brought you to the ‘political dance’.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Remember when we were in high school and went to a dance? You may have not been that much to look at, but IF you made your date feel like a Queen, many of them returned the favor and made you feel like a King, when they were on your arm.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">TIME IN THE BOOKS (AND ON LINE):</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here are some of the resources that helped me during my days in politics and beyond. Feel free to expand upon this list with your own additions:</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">1. The KJV Bible. Daily with The Book of Psalms and The Book of Proverbs.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">2. The Drudge Report. Daily on line media resource.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">3. The Constitution of your state and the United States of America.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">4. The Election Laws of your county and state. These WILL serve you well.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">5. “Roberts Rules of Order” plus rule books of your local/state elective bodies.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">6. “Black Lies, White Lies” by Tony Brown</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">7. “In The Trenches” and “Fighting the Good Fight” by Reggie White</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">8. “Failing Forward” by John Maxwell</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">9. “Doing Business by the Good Book” by David L. Steward</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">10. “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty” by Harvey Mackay</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">11. “See You At The Top” by Zig Ziglar</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">12. “Uncommon” by Tony Dungy</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">13. A good book on political quotes (for speeches)</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">14. Any local books on the political makeup/history of your city.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">15. Lastly, any books on the Christian application to political issues.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Contrary to popular belief, reading REAL books is still essential. In addition to using tech, flipping pages is a passion that those in politics have nurtured and developed. Especially those quality books connected with political history.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This next point is crucial for your campaign. Build your team of prayer warriors well in advance and keep in touch with them monthly, weekly, if not daily, when prayer needs arise. Have an inner circle of prayer warrior advisors to bounce things off of, and special spiritual needs. Also, have a stable church you are attending and have sunk your membership in AND seek your Pastor early and often for prayer and consultation.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In addition, you will also have to spend time in meetings and training sessions, both with your political team and with your political leadership. The OLDER you are and the LONGER you have spent in the political game, you will have to teach others where you stand, and have them carry the torch and the battle to the front lines for you.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Time management is essential, as well as sharpening your people skills.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Also remember…the local bookstore is your friend; with a wealth of information from days past. A good film (video) can do wonders in addition to books. “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington” starting Jimmy Stewart is a good political thriller. It may be dated by today’s standards, but old truth is still truth. It gives one a true picture of political power and political machines, in a black and white format.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">If you can, pick up some audio tapes on past political speeches and learn from them. Brevity IS the sole of wit…and politics. Learning the particulars of public speaking will aid you, and help you in your bid for elective office.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">THE WORK LOAD INCREASES:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> When we last left our hero (yours truly) he had won his first political contest and was elected GOP Precinct Committeeman. No joke. However, with the job came more work and more responsibility.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Every municipality political organization has first lieutenants to serve as part of the field management team of the local party. Now, in the military, second lieutenants are often called ‘90 day wonders’. First lieutenants have more experience, but still are learning the ropes of command, including the top sergeants in their political party. Successful Precinct Committeemen know they can command more in the way of respect as they have more in the way of proven experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> However, as I learned, the wise PC MUST have enough sense to know that they must rely on the established precinct machinery to allow their polls to run smoothly.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I learned NOT to run into a new situation desiring to make changes. I learned to observe and let those who were in positions of authority and responsibility under my watch to do their jobs. They were on the job before I got there, and would still be on the job after I left.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Your party bosses have the power to appoint you to a good precinct (as they have faith in you, as the polls practically run themselves) or, to ‘Ice Station Zebra’ (a bad precinct with high poll worker turn over and a lot of personnel problems, often punctuated with clashes with the other political party).</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Your ability to get along with people will determine where you land.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">THE NEXT STEP UP: WARD CHAIRMAN</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> After proving myself as a GOP Precinct Committeeman, the next step up quickly arrived. Praise God I was ready for it. Downtown--again based upon the recommendation of my Township Chairman and others (after they saw my work in the field), presented me with the opportunity to serve as a GOP Ward Chairman…one who would be appointed by the party to be placed in charge of a GROUP of Precinct Committeemen--and their poll workers--in a particular portion of my county.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It was a promotion from First Lieutenant, to Captain, in military terms.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I drew a GOP ward that had half of its Precinct Committeemen and poll workers in a majority Democrat area. I knew that I had a major league challenge on my hands. I also knew that downtown was watching to see whether or not I would rise to the challenge that they presented.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Make no mistake about it: The game of politics is all about challenge and solving problems. Challenges to maintain your devotional time with God and the KJV Bible. Challenges to make time for wife and family. Challenges to make time to find poll workers. Challenges to keep up with the reading and current events. Challenges to work your day job. Challenges to manage your time in order to choose which potential candidates to talk with, which candidates to avoid, and what fires to put out. Challenges to work with the opposition party, while keeping a smile on your face, and NOT compromising your beliefs and party platform.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> While growing up, I used to get a kick out of the old ‘Ed Sullivan Show’. One of the acts that I enjoyed was the guy who managed to keep all the plates spinning on those thin, spindly sticks. At any moment, one plate could fall, and throw off the entire act.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The miracle? Keep all the plates spinning…and not letting one fall to the ground.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> If you want to get into the political arena, brothers…this is what you will have to not only learn, but master. How to keep all the plates of your life in the air, without allowing them to come crashing to the ground.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One other suggestion. IF there are certain skills that you lack, don’t worry. Just figure out your weaknesses, and LEAN on God to bring you those people and situations to can help you to fix your lack.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> More to come!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Nationally-Known Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications (5).</span></p></div>
Ramey's Guide To Elective Office for Men, Part 4
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ramey-s-guide-to-elective-office-for-men-part-4
2019-06-30T02:24:14.000Z
2019-06-30T02:24:14.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Before we get started with our next installment of this series, I wanted to drop in a few key books that will help men keep sharp during their venture into the political arena. The two books that I have on my radar involved Black conservatives, how politics impacted their lives, and how their families remained strong during their political careers and public visibility.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">One book is J. C. Watts’ “What Color is a Conservative”. The second is Sheriff David Clarke’s “Cop Under Fire”. Both are great political books for the brother of color who is considering a run for elective office, and will ‘fill you in’ on some harsh realities about politics…both on the opposing side AND your own.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Of course I recommend reading books on the office you are seeking. You MUST be prepared in your public office pursuit. However, it helps to read books by those who have ‘been there’, and that their faith in God that has seen them through the political storms of their office.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Furthermore, IF you are a Christian, DAILY KJV Bible reading is essential! God will feed your spiritual man, and give your natural man the wisdom and the eyes to sidestep the traps that your enemies have in store for you on the campaign trail.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">LIKE IT OR NOT--FAMILY IS FOREVER:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Political campaigns and offices come and go, but family is forever. Family is also the ‘Achilles’ Heel’ of many an up-and-coming candidate. Thus it is crucial that the brother who is seriously considering enter politics MUST make sure that he has a strong marriage, and a strong home life. It also helps IF your wife has had experience in the political ranks, and has a clear standing of the politics of YOUR party. Lastly, you must have a wife that believes YOUR party is OUR party, and share much of the same political beliefs that you have. All one has to do is look at several high-profile marriages involving politicians over the past few years. The spouse that is in the public eye is of one party, and the other spouse is of the opposing party. The mainstream mess likes to cover the fireworks between the couple…and it makes for scandalous copy.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">If I may, godly, married men, with strong marriages and strong homes, are held to be in order when it comes to seeking the office of Pastor. This subject is covered in great detail in the books of I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus in the KJV Bible. For a church to consider selecting a man who does not meet God’s standards for leadership of His church is a recipe for disaster.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">This is probably why many churches are NOT growing in our present age.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It is much the same thing in politics.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Show me a candidate who has a strong faith in God, a strong home life, a loving wife, and obedient children and I’ll show you one who is bound for political success…regardless of what the social media pundits may click on their keyboards.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Brothers, keyboards do NOT vote. Further, it has been proven that ONLY 10 percent of the ‘keyboard clickers’ generate some 80 percent of the content for social media. Like I said, keyboards do NOT vote…and neither does social media.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">But, they MAY cause some problems for a godly candidate.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The impact of social media is not as big as one may think. Further, with more and more of the social media platforms declaring their allegiances to the Democrat party, and other liberal points of view, those who are on the godly side of the street may expect to have their content censored…if not downright blocked by those who are on the inside of the electronic landscape. Further, expect your on-line footprint to be thoroughly examined back to when computers were invented, JUST to track down any ‘dirt’ or ‘questionable’ internet posting activities.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The GOOD news? People STILL want to vote for candidates that have good family qualities--even IF you have stumbled. Party workers want to work for and contribute their efforts toward electing Men of color with these attributes. Sure, you are NOT perfect…but you MUST be heading in the right direction.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">If one can manage their OWN home, he can be trusted--for the most part--with the keys to an elective office.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I not only had the support of my wife in my political efforts, but…should I decided ever to get into the ‘ring’ again, I know who is going to be watching the campaign contributions--and finances! She has my back, and God has both of us.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">One more thing brothers--WEAR your wedding band at ALL times! People want to ‘see’ what you believe. People WANT to be reminded that you ARE married!</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Here’s another one for you. Younger voters are amazed with those who have been married fifteen years or more! I know, I know…this is small potatoes for those who have been married over twenty years or more. However, the millennial voter wants to meet those running for office who have set a distance, happiness and time benchmark in their marriages. It DOES make a difference!</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Let me also share, in closing, the sage words of Pastor Tony Evans: “If you treat your wife like a thoroughbred, she won’t become a nag!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS ‘MARRIAGE’ THING:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> There was a Country Western song a few years back by the title of: “All My Exes Live In Texas”. Well, for those of us who have suffered through divorce, child custody, child visitation and child support, some of our exes live in the same town.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Make peace IF possible.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">A candidate will certainly get a lot of questions on his home life from the press and media. He will get even MORE questions on his home life IF he has a divorce or two in his past, and has NOT made the efforts to make peace OR keep your child support under control. Plus, you can be sure that some reporter that (hopefully) has done his or her job will make an effort to talk with your former spouse--just in case--there is some dirt that is hidden under the hallway carpet that is ready for public consumption.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Let me put this down in front, brothers. Do NOT disrespect the mother of your children. It WILL have long term consequences BEYOND your current campaign. Do NOT do it, no matter how many ‘shots’ she may throw at you in private--or public. Further, IF you happen to be estranged from your children--even if they are grown and have been in the custody of the custodial spouse for a number of years, this might be another sticky area of contention.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Brothers, we are not perfect. Each of us has flaws, shortcomings and failures. Even a Christian man has a closet with a few sets of skeletal bones. However, the advantage the Christian man seeking political office has is that IN Jesus Christ, he has help in rendering those bones ‘deceased’. This does NOT mean that some ‘exes’ will go quietly into that good night without taking a pot shot (or two) at you…especially IF you have a successful new marriage. Christ will stand by you in this matter when others are pointing fingers at you.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">This doesn’t mean, though, that you won’t get ‘dinged’.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">There are some exes out there that are just plain mean. Furthermore, some of them go to church every Sunday and keep sipping on the Bitteraide, while ‘pretending’ to be a Christian woman. Some may say that you can’t judge people. Oh? Read the Scriptures. IF There is no fruit of the Spirit (Galatians, chapter 5 KJV) in some exes, no matter what they say, they ARE not Christians. This is the biblical standard!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Some exes will stay mad you continually. Others have poisoned your children against you. No matter what you do to better yourself and be civil ‘for the sake of your children’ that she has custody of, she ain’t buying it! You could be elected President of the United States, and she would be on Capitol Hill pushing for your impeachment! All the while saying--in public--“Who…ME?”</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In fact, President Trump made peace with his ex!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Here’s a tip. Hopefully you’ve tried to make peace. However, if this doesn’t work, then you are going to have to make a choice…prayerfully ask for the Lord’s help in making peace, sacrifice your political office dream and aim yourself in helping others with better backgrounds to ‘make it’ to elective office, or, look the press in the eye and run anyway, warts and all!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Every candidate and campaign needs a good ‘top kick’ to get things done along the political trail. You may be that person. However, a bad marriage, vengeful ex, and non-appreciative children won’t stop a bid for public office…but it could slow you down, even IF you have a solid marriage and family life in the present. Go WITH your faith in God! I’m not hating, I’m just stating; just pointing out the realities of the landscape, brothers. I’m not writing about what I don’t know, or haven’t experienced. Experience is a great teacher, but, sometimes is also a cruel master IF you don’t learn from the lessons brought before you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">WINNING THAT FIRST RACE…NOW WHAT?</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Back in the day, when the polls closed, and the results came back, I won my first race my first time out for the office of Precinct Committeeman in the GOP. Of course, I got the formal attention of downtown, the local press, and my wife and family. It wasn’t a big office…but it was an important office. It put me on the map within my party, and got me ready for the hard work that lay ahead.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">But first, let me explain what the office I won signified in the political process.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Every city and municipality has a political party in charge (major party) and the other political party is in a lesser position (minor party). In Indianapolis, Indiana for a lot of years, the Republicans held sway. Only in the last five years or so, Democrats have captured City Hall and the top county positions. This wasn’t such a shock, considering the fact that Marion County (Indianapolis) has been majority Democrat for a lot of years.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">You see, among the things that those interested in politics need to understand is the lay of the local political landscape and why things are the way they are. Yes, Indianapolis has had more registered Democrats than Republicans--this has been true for a number of years. BUT the Democrats in the county--for the most part--voted for Republicans because Republicans knew how to campaign AND knew how to govern. When the Republicans did NOT govern properly, nor put forth decent candidates…guess what happened? Right! The political script was flipped.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Let me drop this in here as well. People will NOT vote for a ‘carbon copy’ of one candidate over another. There is no such thing as ‘Democrat lite’, or ‘Republican easy’. IF you aren’t willing to line up with your party’s platform, DO NOT run for elective office. This doesn’t mean you can’t come up with stronger ideas on some of the issues than exist in the platform. However, you DO have an obligation to ‘dance with the one who brung ya!’ Stay loyal. Voters respect this…and so does your party. If you can NOT be loyal, then switch to another party WELL before you run!</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">To me, there is just something ‘cheap’ and ‘cowardly’ about a man who runs and wins under one party, but who secretly supports another party, and THEN decides--while in office--to switch parties.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The Bible calls this person a ‘Traitor’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The party bosses won’t respect that man…and neither will the voters.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">While the Republicans are currently the minority party in my home county, the Democrats in positions of power KNOW that they have to govern LIKE Republicans (not getting rabidly crazy like the national Democrats) otherwise, they will be put OUT in the next election by what I would like to call ‘the little old lady’ army. If the little old ladies that work the polls are NOT happy, there will be a high body count for the party in power come primary and/or general election time.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Precinct Committeemen are responsible for their assigned precinct. They are the first lieutenants in the field. They are responsible for being the conduit from the poll workers to downtown when elections take place. They are also responsible for making sure households and individuals are registered to vote, and have their voting rights protected. They are also the best representative face of the local political organization.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Precinct Committeemen are the Ambassadors for their political party. These are ALSO the people whom you must impress and ‘court’ if you plan to get into the political arena. It helps--I say again, it HELPS--to have served in this position.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">More to come, next month!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications.</span></p></div>
Ramey's Guide To Elective Office For Men Part 3 by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ramey-s-guide-to-elective-office-for-men-part-3-by-mike-ramey
2019-05-22T18:02:46.000Z
2019-05-22T18:02:46.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Brothers, allow me to slip in a few things about the media and politics, as we begin our time together this month.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*First, make neither one--media or politics--your god OR idol. Your risk of getting hurt or deceived will be GREATLY reduced. BOTH of them are a game; a pursuit to be understood, mastered and, if possible, overcome with a political victory.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Second, do NOT be afraid of either or them. Some media people and politicians rely on intimidation, bluff or bluster. God does NOT create a spirit of fear, but he gifts the Christian man with power, love and a sound mind. Do NOT cower in the light of the TV cameras, nor the press clippings of the politically connected.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Third, whether you consume your news and information through traditional or social media, the younger set--the millennial-aged voter--for the most part, is still too lazy to turn out and vote. Colin Kaepernick is a perfect example of this fact. He talked a good game, but wasn’t registered NOR did he make it to the polls to vote, regardless of his social media rhetoric. End result: He quickly moved on from his political rants.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">BUT WAIT…THERE IS MORE:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Fourth, polls DO NOT vote. There have been too many instances lately of polls--even exit polls--showing one candidate far out in front, only for the polls to be dead wrong when the ballots were counted. Take a tip from Bruce Lee, from the flick “Enter The Dragon”: “Boards don’t hit back”. Simply stated, conduct your campaign as if you are ten points behind in the polls, but don’t rely on them or worship them as an indicator of victory nor defeat. As a matter of fact, don’t even bother to PAY for polling.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Just run, baby, run!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Allow me to share one of my favorite illustrations. Years ago, I was out of work. I went to a resume writing workshop just to polish up my credentials for future employment. The instructor dropped a bombshell on the class, right from the beginning.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">“What’s the best resume?”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A few timid answers came forth, which he quickly proved wrong.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">“The BEST resume,” said the instructor, “is the one that gets you the JOB!”</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In other words, advisors are nice. ‘Helpers’ from your political party are good, too. However, it is up to the candidate to do the prayer work, home work, and street work to make their name and views known.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Fifth, the candidate who has a firm grasp of the issues will likely win--and doesn’t resort to dirty politics--even IF dirty tricks are used on him--they will inspire their voting base AND attract other voters.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Voters want a REASON to vote for you OVER the other candidate. A clear understanding of the issues, and the ability to translate one or two of them into easy, bite-sized nuggets of political truth will attract voters EVERY time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">OLDER VS. YOUNGER VOTERS IN A SOCIAL MEDIA AGE:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The older generation STILL makes the regular trek to the polls, regardless of all the toys and gadgets that are shouted about through social media, and how easy voting has become. The ‘twitter-verse’ is not as large, nor as influential as one may think…according to the latest studies. Further, while young people DO tend to head for the flashier social media platforms, they often ignore the insight and training from ‘gray heads’ such as parents, teachers, or other respected older adults.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The young never seem to learn this lesson.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This was true for those of us who came up through the ‘summer of love’ era.</span> <br /><span style="font-size:12pt;">We were in the streets. Our parents were at the polls. The end result? Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. We are seeing history repeat itself. The result? Donald Trump. Likely, twice. If you don’t know your history, you won’t see it when it hits you upside the head for a second, third, or even fourth time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">THE ‘MAINSTREAM MESS’ OFTEN SPEAKS WITH FORKED TONGUE:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">While the mainstream media (MSM) talks about the ‘need’ to getting people to the polls on election day, it speaks with a forked tongue.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Especially to Blacks.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The MSM usually ‘skew’ their reporting and coverage to ‘favor’ one type of political party (Democrat) over the other (Republican). That’s why…about a week or two before an election, IF the polling data shows stuff they don’t like (they read AND produce polls, too) they go about their business to influence people NOT to go to the polls via negative or doomsday-type reporting (media voter suppression).</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The WORST thing that the mainstream media wants to see these days is full polling places with wide-awake and determined voters. Remember: today’s media is mostly liberal, anti-Christian, anti-family, and anti-conservative.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A very wise political axiom: He who turns out their base, gets the votes…and the victory. IF a candidate fires up their base, the base will likely bring their friends to the polls on primary and general election days.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size:12pt;">POLITICAL SERVICE AREAS FOR THE SERIOUS:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In general, there are five areas one may serve in their political party before they embark upon the climb to run for public office:</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">1. Raising money or positive public profile for the party.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">2. Recruiting volunteers and/or candidates for the party.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">3. Running/managing a candidate’s campaign.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">4. Serving on staff among party leadership.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">5. Voter registration efforts around your city/county for your party.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Why am I mentioning service to one’s party? Rest assured…there are people who wanted to be doctors, and, once they got to their first biology class, couldn’t stand the sight of the guts of a frog. There are people who wanted to be lawyers, but discovered that they hated writing papers and studying the English language. Thus, one must determine IF they like the rough and tumble world of politics BEFORE making the commitment to enter the arena.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Volunteering is the best way to find out IF you like the process and want to take that next step up.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Again, I must mention this. IF you are a Christian, don’t be fooled. Your faith WILL be tested IF you decide to make that trek into politics. You will have a variety of NEW enemies, simply because you dare to state in the marketplace that you believe in God, through Jesus Christ. More enemies will surface when you stand against sin!</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Brothers, I’ll make it plain. You must be willing to count the cost of your actions. A political career--even as a volunteer--involves a lot of prayer, reading, attention to detail, filing out paperwork, long stretches of mundane, repetitious work, and keeping up-to-date with the election laws of your state and municipality. Making the decision to become a candidate for elective office involves more of the same AND brushing up on your leadership AND people skills. My GOP political mentor, the late Larry Wharton, put it this way: “It’s all about knowing how and when to shake hands and kiss babies.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">RECRUITING, HARD WORK, AND RECOMMENDATIONS:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Wharton was not ashamed of being a Black man who was a member of the local Republican party. He had worked his way up into leadership, and, spent some of his time sharing his political knowledge with up-and-coming Black men and women who wanted to take part in the party and the political process. He was wise, friendly, and outgoing. He knew his role, the streets and his talents.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">While Wharton never had the itch to become a candidate, he knew how to train those Blacks and whites to either become candidates OR party workers. He was a GREAT coach! He also let potential candidates know that they could win or lose based upon a LOT of factors. Victory for a candidate--even a new candidate--meant more work for them. The bigger the office sought, the earlier one had to reach out and work for votes and party support.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A loss for a candidate may hurt, but was NOT the end of the world. Wharton made it clear that everything revolved around timing, hard work, and perseverance…but it also revolved around being classy in victory OR defeat.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In order for more Black men to get into the political process for all three parties (Republican, Democrat or Independent) it takes the wisdom of those Men of color already involved with the process to recruit new talent AND ALSO for that new talent to seek out their respective political party and being ready to work.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Of late, I have noticed that there is a laziness in BOTH of these areas.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">When it was time for my first shot to run, I had paid my dues and the recommendation was submitted. I got the nod from downtown to run for Precinct Committeeman. I was about to graduate from being a background volunteer, to candidate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">BACKGROUND CHECKS AND FAMILY SUPPORT:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Political parties don’t take public scandal or black eyes very well. Thus, anyone who enters a party from the low ranks to the leadership are subjected to continued background checks. These days, thanks to social media, one’s electronic footprint is included in the mix. IF you don’t like the idea of having someone poking around in your past, then you don’t belong in politics.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Political parties ALSO are very keen on your voting record. That will be checked to see whether or not you have consistently voted in your city’s primary and general elections AND your party affiliation. Generally, each party determines whom they draft into its ranks based upon a lot of factors, many of which I can not list here. Rest assured: IF you have a dirty background, clean it up…right down to what you have posted on social media.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">IF the party can find it, so can the media. Best to tell on yourself FIRST! However, do it in such a way that you are honest, have a sense of humor, and realize that everyone has the capacity to be young and dumb, at some points in their lives.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Voters admire who has learned from his mistakes, and not OWNED by them!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">SEARCHING FOR THE DIRT ON YOU:</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Many media organizations help their various parties in searching through archives for articles and video clips on potential candidates. Of course some of this is done ‘under the cover of darkness’, but it is still done. If your party knows about the dirt in your life…it more than likely got it from a newspaper, radio, or television reporter OR their station.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What else is fair game for background searches of a potential candidate? Police records. Financial records. Church affiliation. Social clubs. Relatives who may be in politics in other states. Thanks to social media AND past FB and Twitter posts.</span> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">And, family…of course…your family.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Let me state this clearly, brothers. You and your wife MUST be going the same direction spiritually, biblically, and generally for a life in politics. If your family is not an asset, from your wife on down, it will become a liability with the going gets rough--and rough it can get in a very quick fashion.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">MARRIAGE: GET THE RIGHT ONE BABY!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Brothers, if you marry well, a lot of the drama can be eliminated. You will have a spouse of upright character, and a powerful supporter of your political ambitions. I have met many wise wives of the politically powerful. They manage not only their own households well, but a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ stuff for their husband’s political campaigns. Being married to a Proverbs 31 woman, brothers, is truly a godsend, brothers. Of that I can testify. BUT you must also be a Psalm 119 man in order to complete the picture. IF you can’t serve at home sir, forget serving the city or state.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A truly godly woman as your wife is a powerful woman who does not have to ‘brag’ about how powerful she is. Her character reflects her strength. The scriptures show that her children will call her blessed AND that her husband cherishes her and is a major leader in their home and in society…meaning that he is recognized as a political leader in his city.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">If the husband and the wife are in order, the children will likely be in order as well. Yes, there will be ‘bumps’ along the roadway of life. Children who are entering their teens are going to be a handful. However, brothers, IF you have started them out well, when those teens hit…the storms should not be long nor deadly. Remember, politics can be wonderful…but the stresses on a home, even a Christian home, must be considered.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">More to come next month.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications.</span></p></div>
Ramey's Guide For Elective Office For Men Part 2 By Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ramey-s-guide-for-elective-office-for-men-part-2-by-mike-ramey
2019-04-27T20:36:39.000Z
2019-04-27T20:36:39.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One of the places where local party officials get access to a wealth of untapped volunteers comes--ironically--from your local school house. Students who take high school courses in Social Studies, U. S. History, Civics or American History are given the opportunity to earn extra credit by ‘working the polls’ during the primary and general elections.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Don’t be fooled. The ‘dirty little secret (DLS)’ is, while the ‘mainstream mess (MSM)’ cries about the ‘low scores of students’ IN public education, there still seem to be more than enough students who are doing well enough in the classroom to volunteer at the polls. Some of these volunteers are young Black men who have an interest in politics.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I know, because during my trips to the polls to vote, I’ve met a few of them…and have encouraged them to take that ‘next step’ and consider running for elective office in the not-to-distant future. Who knows? One of them might take me up on it, and may be sitting in the Governor’s chair of my state, one day.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">IF we want more out of our young men, we need to challenge them to use their minds and encourage them to spend more time in their books--and in class--rather than the basketball court or dance floor. WE need to encourage them to get ready for careers with an impact--like politics.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">There are more career choices in life than the NFL and NBA draft, amen?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">ONLY THE WISE NEED APPLY:</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Politics is not meant for the young man, nor the old man…but for the WISE man. The late D. James Kennedy, pastor of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, told this political story. A woman had asked Pastor Kennedy: “Pastor, should Christians get involved in politics?” Kennedy reportedly responded: “No. Allow the pagans to continue to run this country.”</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Thus, there IS room in the political process for the Christian man…a man who is fueled with godly wisdom, and a tough, battle-hardened skin, ready for conflict AND able to see through deception to capture true victory. Part of being on the battlefield is to EXPECT conflict and challenge. Brothers, there are going to be people who are NOT going to be thrilled with you taking a stand for righteousness.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">With the Christian, EVERYDAY is “Another Day At The Front”!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I am writing these columns FOR Men of color, without apology. There is more than enough stuff out there to help women of color who desire to enter politics. God has ordained men to lead in the home, church and society. Brothers, for far too long, we have been hoodwinked into believing that there is ‘no room’ for us in the political process.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Balderdash!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It’s time for us to quick accepting the ‘whims’ and ‘feelings’ of society directing men to stay on the sidelines and not WORK to be the leaders God has ordained us to become! It’s time to get back into leadership.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Politics CAN use wise leaders AND not high paid followers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">BLAST FROM THE PAST:</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The best thing that I can do for you who are reading this series is put myself up on the operating table, and go through my time in politics. This will serve as an up-close-and-personal series of observations.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">As I made my first bid for elective office during the mid-nineties , there were few resources available for Black men who had that desire. I had to write my own ‘book’ on politics for myself. Most of the political literature for newcomers was aimed at women. Men who were interested in the political process were not encouraged to apply, nor run for office. I also learned how to surround myself with people whom I could trust!</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I was blessed with the fact that I had spent a good portion of my news career covering politics, so I knew how government and the political process TRULY worked. My experiences in politics were good and bad. I won my first political race, lost my second one to the opposing party, and the third one was killed by inter-party squabbles. Still, I enjoyed the opportunity to take part and compete in the political arena.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Those experiences led to my being inspired to pen my first national column: “The Manhood Line”, which ran for ten years in various publications from print to the electronic frontier. My objective with that column was to help to ‘build’ men from a biblical, business and common-sense perspective.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The next part of the equation? Encouraging upright and wise men to be involved in the political process. These columns are not ‘absolutes’ on politics, but merely meant to serve as a guide as to what is out there; what a Man of color who wants to serve in elective office will run into on his way up and what he will experience on his way in the office he is seeking, should he be victorious. Also, how that man should serve to help, teach, and coach other men who will come after him into the vocation of politics.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Let me be honest…it will NOT be easy to overcome the programming put into many young men. They can overcome the programming harmful to their progress and dreams ONLY if they have the desire to do so.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I recall reading an article that I have in my files from the late 90s. The article, which came out of a Midwestern newspaper stated that many young Black men believed that it was ‘acting white’ if a young brother spoke well, carried himself with dignity, and believed in working hard.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In the words of the Sage, Tony Brown: “The ONLY color of freedom IS green!”</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In Brown’s view, IF Blacks spent with each other and worked with each other, we would be able to command such economic attention that we could re-shape the negative images that we see of ourselves in the mainstream press. Even among Black publications.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">PAYING YOUR DUES:</span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> As I mentioned in our last thrill-packed adventure, one MUST pay their political dues in the trenches BEFORE making it onto the field as a candidate. The late Speaker of the U. S. House, Thomas P. ‘Tip’ O’Neill once stated: “All politics IS local”.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">So too is all political service. Also, such service has no expiration date.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Don’t fall for the ‘Okey Doke’ that you should ‘stay’ a political independent. You are going to have to choose sides eventually. That, my friend, is par for the course. You can either go with a political party who has the sole responsibility to keep you broke, or, go with a political party that will not accept excuses and urge economic success.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Yes, you can vote yourself into socialism; that ‘dream’ of economic ‘equity’. However, to escape FROM socialism…you will have to shoot your way out!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> There seems to be a lot of the ‘so called’ or ‘alleged’ independents that we see in our society in the present who are merely Democrats in sheep’s clothing. But, I digress.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">There are a variety of places a man may serve to gain political experience. One way is to serve working the polls in your precinct. Your political party is ALWAYS on the lookout for volunteers. Many poll workers, I have found, are the REAL power of any political party. These people only work a few days of the year in the primary and general elections, and they train a few days a week on the new laws and technology involved for voting. However, these Democrats and Republicans who keep the polls manned have a friendliness towards each other--for the most part--that is the stuff of legend.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Also, they can make, break, or teach upcoming AND veteran politicians.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Veteran poll workers think of themselves as a family. Their wisdom has inspired many a man or woman to take that next step to candidate level AND has served as a great support launching pad.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Another way to serve is to be attached to the staff of a prominent party leader, also on a volunteer, unpaid basis. In my case, these leaders were the Township Chairmen of our county Republican party. I served as an assistant to one Black GOP Township Chairman for my area. I worked on strategy, helped on candidate recruitment, and voter/media analysis. I also went with him to various party functions and meetings to observe and take notes on potential candidates, and volunteer recruitment.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I quickly worked my way into becoming his right hand man and sounding board.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Regardless of party, it became evident--just like an employer would ask you for a copy of your resume and college/high school transcript if you were apply for a job--IF one had the desire to seek public office, they had to produce proof of party work experience AND people whom they have worked with in the trenches.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Now, there are rare exceptions that a candidate for large office is highly visible, has great financing, and a great staff. However--in the real world--IF they can not win the support of the party faithful (which includes those people who work the polls) their candidacy may be dead in the water, no matter how much they bring to the table.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">You have to pay your dues IN the trenches, and people are ALWAYS on the lookout for your political resume.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">THE ‘RED EYE’ SESSIONS:</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">There were days--during primary and general election season--I would get off my third shift job, come by my Chairman’s house for coffee, and would spend a few hours talking politics. Issues, candidates, rule changes, and the political landscape.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I called these sessions the ‘Red Eye’ sessions. It was worth it to miss a little sleep, because the lessons I learned, and insight I gained were priceless.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I know that there are some Black conservatives who like to ‘whine’ about the lack of Black candidates, and want to blame their party for recruiting problems. However, tomorrow’s candidates--regardless of color--are yesterday’s party volunteers, be it through fundraising, envelope licking, social media posting, poll working or campaign running. You have to SERVE before you get the nod to run. Further, IF you are a prominent Black man who is a top member of either political party and are NOT training your successor(s), nor encouraging others to become a part of your party, it is NOT the fault of the party.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Look in the mirror to properly place the blame.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Let me also add this housekeeping note. IF you have prior service, you need to keep your OWN records, should you decide to run for another office ‘down the line’. Remember: political organizations are just like any other entity. People move on, die, or leave service and a new group of people take the helm. You just might have to ‘remind’ them of your prior service, and those whom were your prior mentors and supporters.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In my case, because of my service, it wasn’t that long before my Chairman sent the recommendation downtown to GOP headquarters that I was to stand in the next primary for election as a Precinct Committeeman. More to come, next month!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men” is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications. (2)</span></p></div>
Ramey's Guide for Elective Office for Men Part 1 by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ramey-s-guide-for-elective-office-for-men-part-1-by-mike-ramey
2019-04-02T16:04:59.000Z
2019-04-02T16:04:59.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Those who gripe about politics don’t necessarily want to see problems solved.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> They just want to talk about the problems and hope the problems will resolve themselves, with the least amount of damage to themselves and their families.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Those of us who are Men of color have just as much right as to run for elective office as the next person. The problem is that there are few in the way of resources available to encourage men TO get involved in politics; to build and coach men in the ways of becoming a candidate and to getting involved with the political party of their choice.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">That’s why I decided to put this series of columns together. An easy political resource to encourage Men in general, and Men of color in particular to enter politics.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Brothers, I’ll be honest. There are tons of publications aimed at women who desire elective office. These days, the woman who desires to be a housewife, support her husband, raise her children and keep a home is looked at strangely by society at large.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Society has become feminized over the years, and this feminization has crept into the realm of politics. The political arena has become dominated by candidates who do not use logic in where they stand on the issues; they use their ‘feelings’ on the issues to guide their fundraising efforts and quest for public office. This sloppy and corrupt mindset has given us abortion on demand, sodomites (male and female homosexuals) by the score, and a relegation of God and the KJV Bible to the byways and back alleys (unless there is a ‘financial need’ by a political party).</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">To show you how corrupt politics has become WITHOUT quality men in office, check out how politics has ‘pimped’ God’s church. Thanks to early voting in some states, politicians can ‘bus’ church members to the polls right after morning services--and some pastors encourage this! Democrat women on Capitol Hill have ‘stolen’ the white color scheme NORMALLY associated with holy women in the Baptist (and other) churches. Finally, politicians of both parties can ‘impersonate’ church culture and have hoodwinked many Pastors into letting them into the pulpit, into seats even their Associate Ministers can’t seem to find at certain times of the year.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The church was ordained by God and paid for by Jesus Christ.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It is time for politicians to stop ‘pimping’ God’s church and get back to work.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It is going to take men--REAL men to enter the political arena that they have been duped into vacating, and rein in the political craziness from the Halls of Congress, right down to their local School Board. One of this new breed could be a Man of color who may be reading my words of encouragement and challenge.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">WHAT FIRED ME UP TO WRITE THIS SERIES:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Years ago in my neck of the woods, a well-known local Black political commentator and I had a discussion about the political scene. We were on equal footing because I had been covering politics for a long time at the point of our conversation. Oh, he complained about this and that and the other. His political leanings were Democrat. Mine were--and still are--Republican. The discussions got heated. However, he knew that he was making money and had public influence and a high profile BECAUSE our county and state (for the most part) were in the throes of prosperity.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">(Let me stick a pin in, right here. Many Black public figures will often complain about the political process…but will do little to change it, because they are still getting PAID by either the party IN power, or, by connected companies to the powerful.)</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I challenged him: “Well, why don’t YOU run for public office, and work to straighten out some of the messes we see, instead of merely complaining about them?”</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">He quickly moved on to talk about something else.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">There are a LOT of people like this commentator. Nothing to do but complain, and none of THEIR skin in the game…but their pockets are full, Hmm?</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Let’s be honest. Congress consistently gets low marks because of a lack of forward progress. There is a lot of ‘activity’, but this does not mean that anything is getting done. Unfortunately, this is the case in various political arenas. The American public is told that this is the best the ‘system’ can do…until the next election cycle.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">EVERYBODY COMES FROM SOMEWHERE--POLITICALLY:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> As for myself, I was born and raised in a blue collar union household that was proud Democrat. However, this was the Democrat party BEFORE the lunatic fringes of feminists, environmentalists, socialists, abortionists, and open border-ists crept in unawares. In Ohio, back in the day, politics was a blood sport, and the Democrats played for keeps. However, Ohio Democrats were THINKING Democrats.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Today’s Democrat party is NOT the party of my parents.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">To continue, Indiana Democrats were soft and lazy, back in the eighties when I arrived in the state capitol to start my career as a radio reporter. After a few years of NOT voting (after some political disappointments), I took a good look at the political landscape, and switched parties to the Republican brand, did NOT look back, and got back in touch with the voting process.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I know that I did my parents proud.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Today, a lot of the ‘staunch’ Black Republicans that you see before you may have started out as Democrats or even Independents. However, once a person’s party ‘leaves’ them behind, they have little choice but to move on to the next party that mirrors their views--including their spiritual views.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">That’s right, I said ‘spiritual’.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">As a Christian, and a Minister myself, I would advise a man who is interested in running for elective office of one key thing: IF he is going to get involved in politics, it is necessary that you work for a party that BEST represents your spiritual and biblical world views. That is the way it should be. You must be honest RIGHT out of the gate, and NOT stutter when you defend and explain your views.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The ‘mainstream mess’ of today is not the same as the radio, television and newspaper entities where I cut my reporting teeth. Many of today’s reporters don’t have a clue of, nor respect for political history…even at the local level.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It is up to Men of color to enter the political arena and ‘school’ them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">STARTING AT THE BOTTOM AND PAYING POLITICAL DUES:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I learned local, state, and federal politics from the ground up as a working reporter. I got to see both the good and bad of the political scene. I knew how the voting polls worked, and kept updated with local and state election laws and precinct maps. I covered school board meetings, council hearings, committee meetings, the state legislature, and the federal political beat during the presidencies of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">This was only a part of the picture.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Locally, I covered a few major politicians getting locked up for public corruption; observed how the legal system ‘shopped’ for judges in order to ensure convictions, and watched the hypocrisy of BOTH major political parties on display.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A man who is considering a run for elective office has to know where everything is…beginning with; a) visiting and observing the activities of the body he is seeking to eventually run for, and; b) getting copies of the agenda and committee schedules to see how legislation ‘flows’. You won’t be able to intelligently talk about the elective office you are running for tomorrow, if you haven’t started studying the political landscape yesterday!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I also had to go through the process of ‘climbing the ladder’…working in my local party to build my political resume for an eventual run for elective office. Having a recognizable name and public profile helped tremendously…but not outrageously.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I still had to build trust, re-learn the system and pay some political dues.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Political candidates, along with volunteers are recruited by the party officials who are responsible for spotting upcoming talent. ‘Whining’ about the lack of Black men who aren’t candidates for elective office boils down to whether or not the ‘powers that be’ in their parties are actively recruiting FOR candidates and IF potential candidates have paid their political dues. No dues paid…no party support. It is just that simple.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">We’ll pick it up here, next month! Tune it in, and tear off the knob!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mike Ramey is a Minister, Modern Street Gangs Specialist, Political Consultant and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “ Ramey‘s Guide To Elective Office For Men”, is one of a variety of columns that Ramey has in cyberspace. His address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications. (1)</span></p></div>
[Mixtape] DotMob - Fuxk The Politics Hosted By Dj Whoo Kid
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/mixtape-dotmob-fuxk-the-politics-hosted-by-dj-whoo-kid
2016-03-02T17:24:39.000Z
2016-03-02T17:24:39.000Z
Amanda MzOnPoint Goldben
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/AmandaMzOnPointGoldben
<div><div class="module header"><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="530" align="left"><div class="madmimi-header-container"><h2 align="center"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/8d5aee97ace57ef79a3c8bf52f2b212820160226202053/0663ee1d478165b4ea5e0611addc3ed120160226202053/bde265">DotMob - Fuxk The Politics Hosted By Dj Whoo Kid</a></h2></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="module large-image-container image"><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="530" align="left"><table width="400" align="center"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div class="madmimi-image-container" align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.vaticanmixtapes.com/"><img alt="DotMob Fuxk The Politics Art" height="400" src="https://cascade.madmimi.com/promotion_images/1182/3609/original/DotMob_Fuxk_The_Politics_Art.jpg?1456880045" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="module large-image-container image"><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="530" align="left"><table width="398" align="center"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div class="madmimi-image-container" align="center"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/8d5aee97ace57ef79a3c8bf52f2b212820160226202053/0663ee1d478165b4ea5e0611addc3ed120160226202053/bde265"><img alt="DOWNLOAD" height="86" src="https://cascade.madmimi.com/promotion_images/1182/3610/original/DOWNLOAD.png?1456880032" width="398" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="module text"><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="530" align="left"><div class="madmimi-text-container"><p align="center"><strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/8d5aee97ace57ef79a3c8bf52f2b212820160226202053/0663ee1d478165b4ea5e0611addc3ed120160226202053/bde265">DIRECT DOWNLOAD:</a></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>DotMob's Murda Mook, T-Rex & Dutch Brown have come together in a formidable way over classic Hip Hop tracks on their new mixtape Fuxk The Politics hosted by DJ Whoo. This project also features verses from Cooley Cash, Chayna Ashley, Dan Barz, Brillo Henny Hustle, Pop $hit & Great One.</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>01. Where is Whoo Kid? (Intro)</strong> <br /><strong>02. Fuxk The Politics</strong> <br /><strong>03. Neva Told On Nobody</strong> <br /><strong>04. Benihana ft. Cooley Cash</strong> <br /><strong>05. Foster Kids</strong> <br /><strong>06. D.O.T Ain't Nothing to Fuxk Wit (Mob Meeting) ft. Chayna Ashley, Dan Barz, Henny Hustle, Pop $hit & Great One</strong> <br /><strong>07. Mourning Homicide</strong> <br /><strong>08. F.U.N. (Fuxkin Unbelievable Night) ft. Cooley Cash</strong> <br /><strong>09. Mob Ties (Necks, Hands & Feet) ft. Brillo</strong> <br /><strong>10. Get The Fuxk Away From Us ft. Chayna Ashley & Dan Barz</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Follow DOTMOB <a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/DotMobMusic">IG</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/DotMobMusic">FACEBOOK</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/DotMobMusic">TWITTER</a></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Murda Mook: <a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/MurdaMookez">IG</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/MurdaMookez">TWITTER</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/MurdaMookez">FACEBOOK</a></strong> <br /><strong>T-Rex: <a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/IHateTRex">IG</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/yHateTRex">TWITTER</a> </strong><br /><strong>Dutch Brown: <a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/RealDealDutch">IG</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/RealDealDutch">TWITTER</a></strong></p></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>
CONSTITUTIONALLY AND DEMOCRATICALLY, GOODLUCK JONATHAN HAS EVERY RIGHT TO RUN IN 2015
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/constitutionally-and-democratically-goodluck-jonathan-has-every
2013-09-14T14:20:43.000Z
2013-09-14T14:20:43.000Z
Chika A Onyeani
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/ChikaAOnyeani
<div><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2482" class="yiv1037013976post-info"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2481" class="yiv1037013976date yiv1037013976published yiv1037013976time" title="2013-09-13T17:49:52+00:00">September 13, 2013</span> By <span class="yiv1037013976author yiv1037013976vcard"><span class="yiv1037013976fn"><a target="_blank" href="http://africansuntimes.com/author/conyeani/" class="yiv1037013976fn yiv1037013976n" title="conyeani">conyeani</a></span></span> <span class="yiv1037013976post-comments"><a target="_blank" href="http://africansuntimes.com/2013/09/constitutionally-and-democratically-goodluck-jonathan-has-every-right-to-run-in-2015/#comments">Leave a Comment</a></span></div><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2513" style="text-align:justify;"><br />By CHIKA ONYEANI</div><blockquote id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2518"><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2517" style="text-align:justify;"><i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2516"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2515" style="font-size:16px;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2514">Now, with the stroke of his pen, everybody is aware that Jonathan has counter-attacked against those who oppose him. Given the nature of Nigerian politics, the sacked ministers rather than Jonathan’s actions forcing them to the opposition, I am sure would distance themselves from the opposition. In Nigeria, where a minister never resigns unless forced to do so, the sacked ministers are right now at the gates of Aso Rock (the presidential villa), begging to go back in.</span></span></i></div></blockquote><p><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2520" style="font-size:16px;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2519">Yesterday, September 12, the Voice of America interviewed me on what is going on in Nigeria: the turmoil in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the significance and consequences of President Goodluck Jonathan’s sacking of nine ministers. The turmoil pitches a group within the PDP who do not want Jonathan to run as a presidential candidate in the 2015 general elections against those who are urging him to run.<a target="_blank" href="http://africansuntimes.com/2013/09/constitutionally-and-democratically-goodluck-jonathan-has-every-right-to-run-in-2015/">(Continue reading)<br /></a></span></span></p><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2521"><span><a target="_blank" href="http://africansuntimes.com/2013/09/constitutionally-and-democratically-goodluck-jonathan-has-every-right-to-run-in-2015/"> </a></span></div><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2522"> </div><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2523">Dr. Chika A. Onyeani<br />Publisher/Editor-in-Chief<br />African Sun Times: <a href="http://www.africansuntimes.com">www.africansuntimes.com</a><br />Host: All Africa Radio: <a href="http://www.allafricaradio.com">www.allafricaradio.com</a><br />Tel.: 973-675-9919<br />Fax: 973-675-5704<br />Cell: 917-279-4038</div><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2524"><br /><br /></div><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2525">"It is not what you call me, but what I answer to, that matters most" - Capitalist Nigger: The Road to Success, Onyeani's internationally acclaimed No. 1 bestselling book.</div><p></p><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2528"></div><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379168260956_2526">Have you bought Onyeani's new blockbuster novel, The Broederbond Conspiracy, <a href="http://www.thebroederbondconspiracy.com?">www.thebroederbondconspiracy.com?</a> or <a href="http://www.theblackjamesbond.com">www.theblackjamesbond.com</a>, adapted by the San Francisco State University "to teach students how to write a spy novel."</div></div>
Institutional Racism in America: the 21st Century Jim Crow
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/institutional-racism-in-america-the-21st-century-jim-crow
2012-04-10T02:28:07.000Z
2012-04-10T02:28:07.000Z
Darrell Garrett
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/DarrellGarrett
<div><p>(The latest from the Afro Blog at <a href="http://afrodaddy.com" target="_blank">AfroDaddy.com</a>. click here for <a href="http://afrodaddy.com/The-AfroBlog/institutional-racism-america-21st-century-jim-crow" target="_blank">original post</a>)</p><div class="fb-social-like-widget"></div><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><img alt="Driving While Black" src="http://afrodaddy.com/sites/default/files/DWB.jpg" style="margin-left:4px;margin-right:4px;float:left;width:208px;height:141px;" />I firmly believe that America is the greatest country on the earth and it is truly a land of opportunity for all. The American dream is alive and well and many people of all races have had tremendous success. With these positives in place, it is no wonder why there have been so many incredible achievements by African Americans in the 21st century to include the obvious - the first black president.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">It is also true however that for far too many black men and women there is a shadowy specter of racism that impacts every aspect of life from schooling to employment. This <strong>institutional racism</strong> forms an invisible barrier that many white people cannot see, many black people do not understand and many African Americans cannot avoid. Today we shine the light on institutional racism so that we can know it, avoid it, and ultimately eliminate it.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">In addressing this topic it is important to acknowledge that the racism of today is not your father's or your grandfather's racism. Sure there are still backwards hicks, clueless <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenophobe">xenophobes</a>, the KKK and other hate groups that berate, attack and even kill people of color, but for the most part this is not the racism that one encounters on a daily basis. The political correctness of our society along with hate crime laws make it much more difficult to find openly bigoted people who have power over you on a daily basis. Although racial slurs and insults in person and in the media still persist and new hate groups form every day, Americans of all colors and social status generally do not tolerate this behavior and it is not pervasive enough to stop entire communities from progressing.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Institutional racism is another ball game entirely. Institutional racism can enter in every part of a person's life and make it extremely difficult to advance socially, financially or politically. What is even worse is that institutional racism does not just affect individuals it affects entire communities and in particular has a stranglehold on African American progress in the 21st century. </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><u><strong>What is Institutional Racism?</strong></u></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">In order to proceed we first need a working definition of Institutional Racism. From Wikipedia:</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Institutional racism describes any kind of system of inequality based on race. It can occur in institutions such as public government bodies, private business corporations (such as media outlets), and universities (public and private).</strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Public government bodies, private business corporations, universities and school systems. If a group experiences bias in any one these areas it will be almost impossible for that group to succeed and prosper in America. African Americans unfortunately experience this bias in all three. Below are some examples.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Institutional Racism in Government</strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Although corporate money and power greatly influence who gets elected, ultimately the power to change unfair government laws and corrupt corporate practice still lies with each individual and their ability to vote. During most of the 400+ years of American history, the power to vote has been concentrated in the hands of white men. Women could not fully vote until 1920 and blacks could not vote until the 1960's. The 20th century changes in voter laws gave women and blacks the ability to change the political landscape and thus challenge white male corporate power. In the 40 years since the Civil Rights Movement corporations (and the politicians that serve them) have been taking that power back by systematically attempting to deny African Americans the right to vote.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Voter Suppression Laws</strong> - Over 2 dozen states have added new ID laws under the guise of eliminating voter fraud. The real result of these laws is the disenfranchisement of up to 5 million African American voters who do not have the required ID.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Redistricting</strong> is the process of redrawing lines around communities in the attempt to alter the voting composition of neighborhoods within cities and states. A process often accused of <a href="http://www.propublica.org/article/hidden-hands-in-redistricting-corporations-special-interests" target="_blank">widespread corporate corruption</a>, recent redistricting efforts have been aimed at herding large groups of black and brown people into certain districts in order to diminish the impact of the black and Latino vote. In almost all cases redistricting either heavily favors the largely white Republican power structure thus greatly increasing the chance that they will stay in power. </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">According to the 2010 Congressional redistricting estimates performed by ESRI, red (Republican) states stand to gain 11 new seats in the House of Representatives, while democratic leaning states will lose congressional representation. Without the voting power to change unfair laws, institutional racism and unfair practices persist.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><img alt="Unfair sentencing law protest" src="http://afrodaddy.com/sites/default/files/DrugSentencingLawsProtest.gif" style="width:188px;height:151px;margin-left:4px;margin-right:4px;float:right;" />Unfair Sentencing Laws.</strong> If you are convicted of a felony in America you cannot vote. If you cannot vote, you have no power. If you are in jail you cannot build wealth, you cannot parent your children, you cannot protect your women and you cannot escape poverty. In addition to higher conviction rates for Blacks, African Americans also receive much longer sentences than their white counterparts. Until as recently as 2011 the prison sentence for 5 grams of crack (amount for a poor user) was 5 years, the same sentence for 500 grams of cocaine (major drug dealer). Although the Obama Administration <a href="http://kimoracochran.com/drug-sentencing-reforms-effect-tuesday/" target="_blank">modified the crack law in 2010</a>, the ratio is still an intolerable 18 to 1.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Death penalty cases show the same unfair practices. According to a <a href="http://www.capitalpunishmentincontext.org/issues/race">study by the University of Iowa Law School</a> 22% of black defendants who kill white victims are sentenced to death; almost 3 times more than white defendants.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><img alt="Sean Bell" src="http://afrodaddy.com/sites/default/files/SeanBellwithCaption.png" style="margin-left:4px;margin-right:4px;float:right;width:100px;height:177px;" />Racial Profiling</strong> perpetuates the stereotype that all black and brown people commit crimes and must therefore be targeted. When the institutional power structure (in this case the police) believes in racial profiling and minorities are a victim of it, there is a built in false sense of superiority in the former and an inferiority complex bred into the latter. Because many minorities are concentrated in small geographical areas they are easily (and unfairly) profiled. In New York City 70% of all arrests come from just 7 neighborhoods. The same <a href="http://www.nyclu.org/files/MARIJUANA-ARREST-CRUSADE_Final.pdf" target="_blank">NYCLU study</a> shows that blacks were arrested at 5 times the rate of whites, with Latinos arrested at nearly 3 times the rate.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><img alt="Trayvon Martin" src="http://afrodaddy.com/sites/default/files/TrayvonMartinwithCaption.png" style="margin-left:4px;margin-right:4px;float:left;width:103px;height:124px;" />Racial profiling by the police, FBI and other government authorities gives these entities the de facto right to shoot and kill unarmed black men (think <a href="http://civilliberty.about.com/od/raceequalopportunity/p/sean_bell.htm" target="_blank">Sean Bell</a> or <a href="http://www.cato.org/pubs/briefs/bp-056es.html" target="_blank">Amadou Diallo</a>). It also leads to racial profiling by general citizens. </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">The recent highly publicized case of <a href="http://afrodaddy.com/411-articles/trayvon-martin-shooting-reinforces-chilling-message-black-youth">Trayvon Martin</a> is the prime example of a citizenry "bought into" the false stereotypes of racial profiling of young black men.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 20pt;"> </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;text-align:center;"><strong>Race, Poverty and Prison Population <em>by Color</em>:</strong></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;text-align:center;"><img alt="Prison Population by Race" src="http://afrodaddy.com/sites/default/files/USPrisonPopulationByRace.jpg" style="width:400px;height:316px;" /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Stop and Frisk</strong> gives police complete authority to randomly stop and search a person on the street in the hopes of finding drugs, weapons or some other form of illegal substances or evidence of crime. Stop and frisk dehumanizes the victim and reinforces a false concept of complete police authority over the citizenry. Well over 80% of victims of stop-and-frisk are Black or Latino and the overwhelming amount of stops are perpetrated in lower class, minority neighborhoods. </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>The combination of stop-and-frisk, racial profiling and the mandatory drug sentencing laws described above results in the massively disproportionate incarceration rates we see for black men versus whites</strong>.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Institutional Racism in Business</strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Redlining</strong> The ability of banks, mega-corporations and major financial institutions to pick winners and losers has setup a system of vast inequality between poor black communities and the middle class. Hearkening back to racist practices before the Civil Rights era, many of these private businesses use redlining to systematically shut minorities out of business opportunities, healthy food choices and banking options. The "legal" business justification for this redlining is class and geography, but the practical result is mass discrimination by race. Corporate institional racism through redlining include:</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 40px;"><em><strong>Businesss Redlining</strong></em> - Drawing a red line around a section of a city where major banks will refuse to give business loans or provide insurance to any individuals within the ring. Business redlining almost always occurs around minority and/or low-income areas.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 40px;"><em><strong>Supermarket Redlining</strong></em> - The process of placing supermarkets in high dollar, middle class neighborhoods and removing them from low-income neighborhoods within a "redlined" area. The result is less food shopping choices which leads to poor health in the black community, contributes to higher food prices and ultimately leads to higher health care cost for the residents.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 40px;"><em><strong>Liquor Lining</strong></em> - A form of redlining where banks will only fund businesses like liquor stores and convenience stores in low income neighborhoods. Liquor stores obviously contribute to alcohol abuse and higher crime rates. Both liquor and convenience stores charge higher prices for food and have less fruits and vegetables (if any), contributing to poor health in the African American community and less money for each resident.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Prison Privatization</strong> is one of the biggest factors in the explosion of the prison population in the last 40 years. The privatization of prisons coincides directly with the inception of the so-called "<a href="http://afrodaddy.com/The-AfroBlog/warning-smoking-weed-can-be-hazardous-your-freedom">War on Drugs</a>" in the 70's and both have worked hand-in-hand to see the prison population explode and simultaneously devastate the black community. </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;text-align:center;"><img alt="Prison Population Explosion" src="http://afrodaddy.com/sites/default/files/USPrisonPopulation.png" style="width:498px;height:354px;" /></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;text-align:center;"><em>Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics</em></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Public prisons perform a public service - keeping criminals off the street and hopefully rehabilitating them. Private prisons operate primarily on the profit motive - the more prisonsers, the more the prison gets paid. For this reason private prisons are incented to round up prisoners for whatever offenses they can and keep those prisoners as long as possible. Rehabilitation is not prioritized as that is counter to the profit motive. The result is overcrowding of prisons, more repeat offenders (in and out of jail), and longer sentences - all disproportionately affecting African Americans. </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Corporate Predatory Practices</strong> (Real Estate, Banking)</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">By now we are all aware of the <a href="http://afrodaddy.com/411-articles/foreclosures-due-predatory-lending-continue-devastate-low-income-communities">predatory lending practices</a> of the banks during the housing boom of the last decade. African Americans and Latinos were disproportionately targeted during the boom, and although some restitution is starting to occur, it is not nearly enough to cover the losses within the black community.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">The worst part of this practice is that institutional racism based on corrupt real estate practices existed many years before the boom and continue to exist even after the housing collapse. Here are two examples:</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 40px;"><em><strong><img alt="mortgage redlining" src="http://afrodaddy.com/sites/default/files/MortgageRedlining.jpg" style="width:225px;height:227px;margin-left:4px;margin-right:4px;float:right;" />Mortgage Redlining</strong></em>: A lending policy for denying real estate loans on properties in older, changing urban areas, usually with large minority populations, because of alleged higher lending risks without due consideration being given by the lending institutions to the credit worthiness of the individual loan applicant.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 40px;"><em><strong>Blockbusting</strong></em>: The practice on the part of unscrupulous speculators or real estate agents of inducing panic selling of homes below market value especially by exploiting the prejudices of property owners in neighborhoods in which the racial make-up is changing or appears to be on the verge of changing. It is an actionable wrong.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 40px;"> </p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Media Stereotyping</strong>. Corporate institutional racism runs rampant in many other industries, with the worst being the Corporate Media. In fact, Media industry racism is too extensive to cover in this document. Suffice it to say that the portrayal of blacks on news shows, television shows and on the radio do more to perpetrate racism, low self-esteem, negative imagery and black self-destruction than any other corporate group.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u><strong>Institutional Racism versus Basic Racism</strong></u></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Knowing what forms of institutional racism exist is not enough. We must also clearly understand the difference between basic racism and institutional racism:</p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Basic racism is based on skin color and ethnicity alone. Institutional racism is based on a combination of race, geography and class.</strong></span></em></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Slavery, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws" target="_blank">Jim Crow</a>, racism, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_flight" target="_blank">white flight</a>, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aid_Highway_Act_of_1956" target="_blank">expansion of the federal highway system</a>, the export of business from inner cities to suburbia, gentrification, and the real estate bubble all have come together to centralize (or force) many African Americans into inner cities or poor rural communities. This centralization of the large majority of lower class African Americans and Latinos provides the fertile grounds for institutional racism to take affect. Conversely, those African Americans who don't live in poor inner cities may deal with little or no institutional racism.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">As an example, being black and living in West Oakland is not the same as being black and living 5 miles away in Piedmont. For the former, institutional racism is rampant; for the latter it barely exists. In addition, the white middle class people who live in middle and upper-class neighborhoods like Marin rarely see stop-and-frisk in action; they only see clean public schools, and nice supermarkets as opposed to the liquor store and payday loan place on every corner. Redlining and systematic loan denial do not exist in suburbia.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><em><strong>Geography and class insulate the majority of white America from ever seeing institutional racism. This is why so many deny its existence and even get upset when a black person points out that racism still exists.</strong></em></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">A young black man who lives in a middle class neighborhood will most likely not be the victim of stop-and-frisk, racial profiling, or arrest for possession of drugs. He will also probably have a quality education even though he attends public school. <strong>Financial and social success are within reach for middle class African American youth and thus the true evil genius of institutional racism is exposed. By not blanketly discriminating against all African Americans, institutional racism against a majority of African Americans can still exist.</strong></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">It is the combination of government, corporate and media institutional racism that is largely responsible for the inequities of today. Institutional racism reinforces many of the inequities in existence during slavery and Jim Crow while perpetuating misguided feelings of white superiority and black inferiority. Institutional racism pits white against black (and black against black) in the hopes of maintaining a society where the rich are able to stay in power while the masses fight amongst themselves.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">Although Institutional racism is powerful, it presents false arguments and thus it can be defeated. Next week we outline the steps to defeat institutional racism in America so that this country can truly live up to the greatness we know it can achieve.</p><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">The revolution is coming. Do you know what side you're on?</p></div>
In Memory Of Big Pun
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/in-memory-of-big-pun
2012-03-08T18:17:25.000Z
2012-03-08T18:17:25.000Z
Miller Time
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MillerTime
<div><p><a href="http://s1162.photobucket.com/albums/q537/sippitakeover/?action=view&current=pun.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q537/sippitakeover/pun.jpg" border="0" alt="Big Pun, check the blog http://hiphopresurrection.ning.com/" /></a></p><p>Just wanted to give a moment of silence for</p><p>one of the greats out of the Bronx "Big Pun".</p><p>Your never dead as long as you live in our thoughts.</p><p>Its been 12 years since Feb 6. R. I. P<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eMIzWh1yhCA?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://a3.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/86/4a3c7125eee0435cb94d06003e5caa63/l.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://a3.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/86/4a3c7125eee0435cb94d06003e5caa63/l.jpg?width=200" width="200" class="align-full" alt="l.jpg?width=200" /></a>A <a href="http://soundcloud.com/freedoe/official-bad-bitch-ft-gansta" target="_blank">Bad Bitch</a> can be declared as a classy woman. A lady who loves money and watches the style of clothes she wear. Loves to take good care of herself, smells good, and loves lots of purses. This song with rap artist <a href="http://hiphopresurrection.net/">Gansta Marcus</a> and <a href="http://soundcloud.com/freedoe/official-bad-bitch-ft-gansta" target="_blank">Free-Doe</a> I felt real defined the definition and point I was trying to make.<object height="81" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data="https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F15145094" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F15145094" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param><embed wmode="opaque" height="81" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F15145094" allowscriptaccess="never" allownetworking="internal"></embed></object><br /> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/freedoe/official-bad-bitch-ft-gansta">Bad Bitch Ft. Gansta Marcus,Lil Reese & Free-Doe</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/freedoe">FreeDoe</a></span></p><p><span>If you would like the add the youtube video with the song, here it is. Help us continue to make good music for you enjoy to enjoy. You are welcome to add to your page or share with your friends any day. </span><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gd7LdcO_rqU?wmode=opaque"></iframe></p></div>
Chicago Blacks Lose In Ward Remap Vote Despite Black Caucus United Front
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/chicago-blacks-lose-in-ward-remap-vote-despite-black-caucus
2012-01-27T17:35:23.000Z
2012-01-27T17:35:23.000Z
Mark S. Allen
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MarkSAllen
<div><p></p><h6 style="text-align:center;" class="yiv231657121uiStreamMessage"><font size="3">STATEMENT BY VETERAN BLACK POLITICAL ACTIVIST MARK S. ALLEN, CHAIRMAN OF BLACK WALL STREET CHICAGO, A LOCAL BLACK COMMUNITY ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC POLICY ORGANIZATION 773-392-0165</font></h6><p style="text-align:center;"><font size="5">THE CHICAGO BLACK CAUCUS PRESENTED A UNITED FRONT, BUT THE BLACK COMMUNITY LOSES IN REMAP VOTE</font></p><h6 style="text-align:center;" class="yiv231657121uiStreamMessage"></h6><h6 style="text-align:center;" class="yiv231657121uiStreamMessage"><font size="3"><span class="yiv231657121messageBody">While The City Council Black Caucus said they were united in their stand on 18 majority Black Wards, I am still raising the question as to HOW and WHY does this approved Remap have 19 majority White Wards while Blacks are STILL the majority of the city population despite the population loss??? And it really was EMBARRASING to see the news reports with watching Aldermen huddling over a map that they were on TV searching for their boundaries and STILL VOTED for it ANYWAY with the exception of Aldermen Rod Sawyer (6th) and Michael Chandler (24) Mayor Emanuel rushed this through just like former Mayor Daley rushed through the Parking Meter legislation!!!</span></font></h6><p style="text-align:center;"><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mayor Emanuel reneged on his promise of "transparancy" in the manner in which the map voted upon was presented to the City Council for a vote; the City Council failed</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">to use its power to reject Mayor Emanuels "top-down" strategy; and most importantly the people of Chicago were totally disenfranchised when not one Alderman had the opportunity to allow its constituents to have input into the final map voted upon. <br /></span></font></p><p style="text-align:center;"><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Hispanic community must be commended for fighting for the additional Wards based upon their increased population, and its unfortunate that even though Blacks are still the majority of Chicago's population, that the Black community does not reflect the majority of the Wards in this approved map."</span><br /></font></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p></div>
Illinois' 26th District A "Pay To Play" Seat Now?
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/illinois-26th-district-a-pay
2011-05-16T00:40:40.000Z
2011-05-16T00:40:40.000Z
Mark S. Allen
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MarkSAllen
<div><p> </p><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;"><div><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div align="center" class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix" style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;"><p><strong>Is Illinois 26th District a "Pay To Play" District? Insider Political <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421593_0" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421842_0" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305505791_0" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Fundraiser</span></span></span> Candidate Being Chosen Over Proven <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421593_1" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421842_1" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305505791_1" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Grassroots</span></span></span> Candidates In Filling Burns Vacancy?</strong></p><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><p align="center" class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix" style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421842_2" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305505791_2" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;">773-392-0165</span></span><br /><br /></strong></p><br />Is the Illinois 26th District a "Pay To Play" Seat Now?? I just got a call that a candidate from the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421593_2" style="border-bottom:medium none;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421842_3"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305505791_3" style="border-bottom:medium none;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">University of Chicago</span></span></span> who has raised money for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421593_3" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421842_4" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305505791_4" style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;">Barack Obama</span></span></span>, new 4th Ward Alderman Will Burns, State Senator Kwame Raoule and many of the Committeemen voting and other politicians in the district is being chosen to fill the Will Burns vacancy over Ranoule Tatum, Attorney Al Hofeld, Jr and others with more proven grassroots records.!! Guess the more things change the more they stay the same UNTIL voters get to speak ! Serving the people seems to get no rewards for when it appears that it's more important to raise money for the politicians is what qualifies you more. ! Stay tuned !<br /><br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421593_4"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421842_5"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305505791_5">Tagged</span></span></span> 26th district, barack obama, illinois politics, kwame raoule, ranoule tatum, will burns<br />.<br /><br />Read more: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/and-the-ordinary-people-said/2011/05/is-illinois-26th-district-a-pay-to-play-district-insider-political-fundraiser-candidate-being-chosen-over-proven-grassroots-candidates.html#ixzz1MNWGlJif"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305421593_5"><font color="#0000FF">http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/and-the-ordinary-people-said/2011/05/is-illinois-26th-district-a-pay-to-play-district-insider-political-fundraiser-candidate-being-chosen-over-proven-grassroots-candidates.html#ixzz1MNWGlJif</font></span></a><br /><br /></div></div><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:12pt;"><div align="center" class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix" style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;"><p> </p><p> </p><p>.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
Ranoule Tatum To Announce 4th Run For Illinois State Representative of 26th District
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/ranoule-tatum-to-announce-4th
2011-04-21T16:41:57.000Z
2011-04-21T16:41:57.000Z
Mark S. Allen
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MarkSAllen
<div><div style="border:medium none;text-align:left;background-color:transparent;color:#000000;overflow:hidden;text-decoration:none;"><h1 class="entry-title">Ranoule Tatum To Announce 4th Run For Illinois State Representative of 26th District</h1><div class="entry-header pkg"><div class="entry-meta"><div class="userpic pkg"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/profiles/Marksallen"></a></div><span class="vcard author"><a class="fn url" target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/profiles/Marksallen"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_0">Marksallen</span></a></span> on <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_1">04.21.11 at 10:16 AM</span> | <a class="comment" target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/and-the-ordinary-people-said/2011/04/for-immediate-release-773-392-0165-cell.html#comments"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_2">no comments</span></a> |<br /><br /></div><div style="display:block;float:left;margin-left:0px;" id="share-tools-wrapper" class="pkg horizontal-share"><h3 id="share-tools-title">Share</h3><div id="share-tools" class="clearfix pkg"><ul><li><a class="smedia facebook" title="Share on Facebook" target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagonow.com%2Fblogs%2Fand-the-ordinary-people-said%2F2011%2F04%2Ffor-immediate-release-773-392-0165-cell.html&t=Ranoule%20Tatum%20To%20Announce%204th%20Run%20For%20Illinois%20State%20Representative%20of%2026th%20District"><img alt="Share on Facebook" src="http://www.chicagonow.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-static/addons/ChicagoNow.pack/images/facebook.png" /><span id="facebook-share"></span></a><div class="count">Facebook (1)</div></li><li><a class="smedia twitter" title="Tweet this story"><img alt="Tweet this story" src="http://www.chicagonow.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-static/addons/ChicagoNow.pack/images/twitter.png" /><span id="tweetmeme-share"></span></a><div class="count">Retweet (0)</div></li><li><a class="smedia digg" title="Digg this story" target="_blank" href="http://digg.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagonow.com%2Fblogs%2Fand-the-ordinary-people-said%2F2011%2F04%2Ffor-immediate-release-773-392-0165-cell.html&title=Ranoule%20Tatum%20To%20Announce%204th%20Run%20For%20Illinois%20State%20Representative%20of%2026th%20District"><img alt="Digg this story" src="http://www.chicagonow.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-static/addons/ChicagoNow.pack/images/digg.png" /><span id="digg-share"></span></a><div class="count">Digg (0)</div></li><li><a class="smedia stumbleupon" title="Stumble this entry" target="_blank" href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagonow.com%2Fblogs%2Fand-the-ordinary-people-said%2F2011%2F04%2Ffor-immediate-release-773-392-0165-cell.html&title=Ranoule%20Tatum%20To%20Announce%204th%20Run%20For%20Illinois%20State%20Representative%20of%2026th%20District"><img alt="Stumble this entry" src="http://www.chicagonow.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-static/addons/ChicagoNow.pack/images/stumble.png" /><span id="stumbleupon-share"></span></a><div class="count">Stumble</div></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="entry-content"><p align="center">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p><p align="center"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_3">773-392-0165</span></p><p align="center">Cell <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_4">312-671-5653</span></p><p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="mailto:marksallen2800@yahoo.com">marksallen2800@yahoo.com</a></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><strong>RANOULE TATUM WILL ANNOUNCE 4th ATTEMPT FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>IN 26th DISTRICT</strong></p><p align="center"><strong><font style="font-size:1.25em;">PRESS CONFERENCE</font></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><font style="font-size:1.25em;"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_5">FRIDAY, APRIL 22nd</span></font></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><font style="font-size:1.25em;">449 EAST 35th STREET, 1st Floor</font></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><font style="font-size:1.25em;"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_6">11:30 AM</span></font></strong></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">Ranoule Tatum is a single father of two daughters. He is an educational consultant, professional speaker, and employee of The <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_7">Chicago</span> Public School's as one of their Attendance and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_8">Truancy</span> Coordinator's, which he oversees six schools in the Austin area and supervises 12 outreach workers. He has been actively involved the community since 1969, fresh out of college working with the youth. His teaching career started in 1974. He is the Manager of Mens Health programming for REAL MEN Charities, Board member of <span style="background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_9">Black Wall Street Chicago</span>, the host and producer of TALKINGSUCCESS Cable TV Show, which has been running for the past 16 years on Chicago CAN-TV, which is just one of his many community service projects. He started his pursuit to become State Repr</p><p align="center">esentative in the 26th District back in 2002, the incumbent at the time of 20+ years was Louvana "Lou" Jones. He followed up with a run in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Tatum supported Will Burns in 2008 after dropping out of the crowded field and lack of funds. Some feel that Burns won with the margin of victory of the Tatum Campaign supporters.</p><p align="center">TATUM knows that the people of the 26th District deserve the best possible representation and;</p><p align="center">DISCUSSION ITEMS</p><p align="center">1. Ranoule is very concerned about the future relationship between the newly appointed CEO of The <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_10">Chicago Public Schools</span> and The <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_11">Chicago Teachers Union</span>.</p><p align="center">2. Ranoule will give a report on his testimony at the recent Illinois House Redistricting Committee Hearing in Chicago that took place yesterday at <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_12">Chicago State University</span>; he will discuss his position calling for certain measures which will insure fairness and Transparency in the redistricting process. The future of the African American, Hispanic and Asian communities are at stake.</p><p align="center">3. Ranoule will call for the question as it relates to the clear LACK of Transparency and fairness as it relates to the upcoming process and candidates considered for filling the vacancy of Will Burns, the current State Representative in the 26th District and now Alderman-Elect of the 4th Ward of Chicago.</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">###</p></div><br /><br />Read more: <a style="color:#003399;" target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/and-the-ordinary-people-said/2011/04/for-immediate-release-773-392-0165-cell.html#ixzz1KAyYVK8h"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1303403730_13">http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/and-the-ordinary-people-said/2011/04/for-immediate-release-773-392-0165-cell.html#ixzz1KAyYVK8h</span></a></div></div>
Carol Moseley Braun Endorsed By Multi-Denominational Religious Leaders January 20th
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/carol-moseley-braun-endorsed
2011-01-20T20:26:12.000Z
2011-01-20T20:26:12.000Z
Mark S. Allen
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MarkSAllen
<div><div><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_0">MAYORAL CANDIDATE</span> CAROL MOSELEY BRAUN ENDORSED BY MULTI-DENOMINATIONAL RELIGIOUS LEADERS. JANUARY 20, 2011.</div><div> </div><div>See media advisory attached.</div><div> </div><div>CAROL FOR CHICAGO</div><div>Renee Ferguson</div><div>T. <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_1">312-848-4432</span></div><div> </div><div><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="yiv1964142806MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<span> </span> Contact: Renee Ferguson</font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="yiv1964142806MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Thursday, January 20, 2011<span> </span> <span> </span> 312-848-4432</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></p><p style="text-align:center;" align="center"><b><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">MEDIA ADVISORY</font></font></b></p><p style="text-align:center;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="yiv1964142806MsoNormal" align="center"><b><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">MAYORAL CANDIDATE CAROL MOSELEY BRAUN</font></font></b></p><p style="text-align:center;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="yiv1964142806MsoNormal" align="center"><b><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">ENDORSED BY MULTI-DENOMINATIONAL RELIGIOUS LEADERS</font></font></b></p><p><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><b>WHAT:</b> Mayoral candidate <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_2">Carol Moseley Braun</span> stands with the Clergy For Community Change as they announce their endorsement. . Rev. K. D. Smith, president of CFCC, stated, “This is not a black or white issue. We are endorsing Carol to let Chicagoans know that we are supporting a mayor who will work for every neighborhood.”</font></font></p><p><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><b>WHEN:</b> 6:00 pm</font></font></p><p><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><b>WHERE:</b> Carol for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_3">Chicago</span> campaign headquarters, <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_4">405 E 35th Street, Chicago</span></font></font></p><br clear="all" /><br />--</div><div>Debra Johnson</div><div>Press Assistant</div><div>CAROL FOR CHICAGO</div><div><a target="_blank" href="http://us.mc595.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=debra@carolforchicago.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_5">debra@carolforchicago.com</span></a></div><div><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_6">312-528-0480</span> (o)</div><div><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1295554544_7">773-469-4889</span> (c)</div><div> </div></div>
"Re-Educating The Black Plight In America"
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/reeducating-the-black-plight
2010-05-26T03:35:09.000Z
2010-05-26T03:35:09.000Z
Min. W.D. Patterson
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MinWDPatterson
<div>Join me on my radio show <span style="font-weight:bold;">every Saturday at 8:00pm PDT</span><br /><a style="font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/minwdpatterson"><font size="5">www.blogtalkradio.com/minwdpatterson</font></a><br />BE MY GUEST?<br />All Guest Hosts Please arrive 15 minutes prior to Air Time?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CALL IN BY PHONE: 347-857-1090</span><br />A show where your voice will never be silenced.<br /><br />America's Hall's of Education Where The Separation of Church and State is said to have Wreaked Cultural Havoc for Generations<br /><br />WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME To MinWDPatterson On BlogTalkRadio International <br /><br />"Re-Educating The Black Plight In America" This blog talk show is about a national movement for the post antebellum debriefing and healing of the unquestionable survingest culture on planet earth, the Black-American (a true identity) descendants of slavery. There is a way and we must embrace it now. Albert Einstein's definition of insanity was to keep doing things the same way and expecting a different result. Well, in America, a capitalistic nation, Henry Ford made popular the assembly line to replicate his cars. He made sure that all of his employees could afford to by his Model T first. Can anyone rationally relate this scenario to the plight of blacks in America? The corporate norm in America yet remain the same ideology. If it cannot be repetitiously duplicated it is of little to no value. Therefore, when we think about how blacks continually behave and react the same way does it not make sense as to why they never get anywhere economically? Consider how they repetitiously treat each other despite religion and beliefs that teach them otherwise. We shall discuss this insanity in order to build a renaissance platform to launch a national movement already in progress. Won't you join us? Peace, -Min. W.D. Patterson, a black clergyman and a social scientist of human geography<br /><br /> <br />Your show will start playing after this message<br /><br />Profile<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/verified/pal=outreach_min%40netzero.net">https://www.paypal.com/us/verified/pal=outreach_min%40netzero.net</a><br /><br />Country: United States<br /><br />Language: English<br /><br />Visit on Facebook<br /><br />Visit on MySpace<br /><br /><br />On Demand Episodes<br /><br /> * May 2010 (2)<br /> * April 2010 (4)<br /> * March 2010 (6)<br /> * February 2010 (6)<br /> * January 2010 (2)<br /><br />Links<br /><br /> * Donate Your $$$upport Freely. Much Appreciated Sustainance <a href="http://www.revolutionmoneyexchange.com">www.revolutionmoneyexchange.com</a><br /> * OutReach Ministries, USA How's It Going? :-))) A Daily Devotion<br /> * PrePaid Legal, INC Independent Associate<br /> * The Geography of Social Injustices In America<br /><br />Listeners<br /><br /> * Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> * BOYD/LUCINDA<br /> * Donald Williams ATX<br /> * MsQuietStorm<br /> * Sister On A Mission<br /> * HOK Productions<br /> * NAVAXOR<br /> * Don Franco<br /> * Dr. R. Israel D.d.<br /> * jahau ra<br /> * JUSTASKKIM<br /> * Big Mo "The Boss"<br /> * Khalil B<br /> * slamdonk26<br /> * SUPREME KNOWLEDGE<br /> * Black Light<br /> * Black Talk Radio™<br /><br />Friends (23)<br /><br /> * Delicious Talk<br /> * Engage America Radio<br /> * Don Franco<br /> * GOD IS A WHITE MAN<br /> * GrandMasterKey<br /> * Tonoa Bond<br /> * QLEANQLASSY<br /> * Dead Man Musings<br /> * GRACE ORPHANAGE<br /> * BOYD/LUCINDA<br /> * Vent it Debby Dee<br /> * Robin Pugh-Perry, Mh<br /> * HOK Productions<br /> * heather01010<br /> * Black Unity Host<br /> * Black Talk Radio™<br /> * MsQuietStorm<br /> * Terryl Ebony<br /> * The1Essence<br /> * SUPREME KNOWLEDGE<br /><br />Comments<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />5/1/2010 7:02 PM<br /><br />Tonight's 05/01/2010 LIVE RADIO BROADCAST SHOW has been canceled and will be continued next week on 05/08/2010. We do realize that many of the listening audience were looking forward to this particular show as a result of the previous week's show topic. Please accept our sincere apology? It will be all that much better next week. Tell a friend or two and remember to tune in. God Bless! Hosted By: -Min. W.D. Patterson, Seattle, WA USA<br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />4/24/2010 10:00 PM<br /><br />Your host, Min. W.D. Patterson is a clergyman and social scientist of human geography. I refuse to allow blacks to be left out of these mainstream American processes again as they have been so blatantly done in the past. In the past they were NOT REPRESENTATIVE of TRUE BLACK CULTURE and upward mobility interests. Next weeks show will feature: === Greetings: Please join us next week on Min W D Patterson's BlogTalkRadioShow International for a stimulating conversation on Education related to "The Lasting Impact of The Separation of Church and State," as well as, "How to Acquire The Department Of Education's Promise Grant" effectively into Black Communities across this great nation. I'd like to use our here in the NW Corner of the lower forty-eight states as a test model. Your thoughts and comments are welcomed? Join Us! Saturday, May 1, 2010 8:00PM PDT Your host Min. W.D. Patterson is a clergyman and social scientist of human geography. I refuse to allow blacks to be left out of these mainstream American processes again as they have been so blatantly done in the past. In the past they were NOT REPRESENTATIVE of TRUE BLACK CULTURE and upward mobility interests. Next week's show will feature: === Saturday, May 1, 2010 8:00PM PDT <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/minwdpatterson">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/minwdpatterson</a> CALL IN NUMBER: 347-857-1090 THOUGHT PROVOKING QUERY: 1.) DO YOU THINK America's children are entitled to the best that education has to offer in a global community? 2.) DO YOU THINK Your children are entitled to the best that education has to offer in a global community? Our Guest Hosts Will Be: -Robert Cotton, Environmental Health Perspectives -Bishop Edwin Peete, N.W. Community Leader -Don Rivers, Candidate for U.S. Congress 7th District Washington State -Dr. Naomi, Educator Extraordinaire === Are we there yet? 'Sho 'ya 'Rite. I'd love to have you as one of my guest hosts to further delve into the information that you shared with me on tonight's show. The American policies that promoted and enforced the intentional exclusion of Blacks and Indentured Servants as early as the 1619 "Maryland Doctrine of Exclusion," 1638 policies of the same magnitude, and The 1665 Slave Laws. We will use these as tools for educating the masses. Especially our black brothers whose behaviors surely reflect the repressive mindsets inflicted upon our forefathers and inherently projected into today's black populous while being fueled by systemic "White Privileged" attitudes and like mindsets. Yes, there's work to be done and the choice does not belong to us as to whom will do it. It's everyone's responsibility now. In next weeks show I will share with the listening audience the reason this involves everyone.<br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />4/17/2010 9:07 PM<br /><br />4/17/2010 *** (08:02:20):Welcome to the Min. W.D. Patterson Chat Room. Min. W.D. Patterson says (08:02:30): Greetings: Min. W.D. Patterson says (08:03:19): This show has been canceled due to an emergency situation. Please accept our apology and tune in next week at this same time? God Bless! Min. W.D. Patterson says (08:06:45): You will instead hear a pre-record dialog about a number of different subject matters. No calls will be taken. Feel free to tune in next week with your questions and comments. MariahMitchell says to (08:24:50): My prayers are with you... Min. W.D. Patterson says (09:00:40): Thank You and God Bless!<br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />4/10/2010 9:09 PM<br /><br />John T. Wills Says: We have experienced tremendous attention and growth over the past several months, both nationally and internationally, becoming the fastest growing radio show on the air and we thank you for your support. It has become necessary for us to extend an opportunity to someone interested in joining us as we reach new heights. We are looking for someone with vision, media background (but not required), contacts, great communication and technical skills who is computer savvy to assist us with PR, logistics, and administrative support as we continue this mission that is an Empowerment Revolution!!! If you are interested send your information to author@justaseason.com with a phone number. In addition, we are seeking guests for future shows. If you would like to be a guest on the BLACK EMPOWERED MEN Radio Show please visit our Official Webpage and send us your bio, website, topic, phone number and/or other contact information. You can also contact any of the hosts or email your info to author@justaseason.com. We are currently scheduling shows for the summer months. <a style="font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.blackempoweredmen.com">www.blackempoweredmen.com</a> We would greatly appreciate you’re telling your friends and invite them to join the BLACK EMPOWERED MEN GROUP PAGE to also be part of this EMPOWERMENT REVOLUTION!!!<br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />3/26/2010 9:38 PM<br /><br />2010 New Partners PowerPoint presentations are now available! From: Michele Warren (lgc@lgc.org) Medium riskYou may not know this sender.Mark as safe|Mark as junk Sent: March 26, 2010 4:02:32 PM To:rehab_counsel@hotmail.com Dear 2010 New Partners Conference Participant: The Local Government Commission (LGC) is pleased to announce that PDF files of nearly all of the PowerPoint presentations given at the 9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Seattle ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE! Thank you for your patience while we worked hard to get these files converted and posted. Unfortunately, the process took longer than we planned and for that we apologize. Please note that not all of the speakers at the conference used PowerPoint for their presentations, and some speakers did not give us permission to post their presentation. Use the following link to access this exciting new smart growth resource: New Partners PowerPoints If you presented at the conference using PowerPoint and you do not see your presentation posted, please contact me at mkwarren@lgc.org. We may not have been able to collect your presentation on-site, but we would be happy to post it if you forward it to us as soon as possible. Additionally, if you are interested in ordering audio files of the conference sessions, they are still available for purchase. Visit: HMR Recordings, Inc Thank you again for participating in the conference! Mark your calendars to plan to attend the 10th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, to be held February 3-5, 2011, in Charlotte, NC!<br />delete comment<br />JUSTASKKIM<br /> <br /><br />JUSTASKKIM<br /><br />3/13/2010 8:29 PM<br /><br />Minister Patterson may grace and mercy continue to keep you....wishing you infinite success JustAskkim<br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />3/11/2010 8:30 PM<br /><br />The truth is like a double edged sword. When it cuts out, it also cut back in the direction from which it came. Guess who gets cut last? Let us remember when we lash out at others who are different than us we only affirm our own infidelities and shortcomings. -wDp<br />delete comment<br />GOD IS A WHITE MAN<br /> <br /><br />GOD IS A WHITE MAN<br /><br />3/10/2010 5:02 AM<br /><br />The Third Letter of John preserves a brief glimpse into the problems of missionary activity and local autonomy in the early church. In contrast to the other two letters of John, this work was addressed to a specific individual, Gaius. This letter is less theological in content and purpose. The author's goal was to secure hospitality and material support for his missionaries, and the Presbyter is writing to another member of the church who has welcomed missionaries in the past. The Presbyter commends Gaius for his hospitality and encourages his future help. He indicates he may come to challenge the policy of Diotrephes that is based on evil gossip. The problems of the Presbyter in this short letter provide us with valuable evidence of the flexible and personal nature of authority in the early church. The Presbyter writes to Gaius, whom perhaps he had converted or instructed, on the basis of their personal links. The brothers have also confirmed him as a loyal Christian in action and belief. Gaius accepted the missionaries from the Presbyter and presumably will accept Demetrius on the Presbyter's recommendation. In contrast, Diotrephes refuses to receive either letters or friends of the Presbyter. Although he is portrayed as ambitious and hostile, he perhaps exemplifies the cautious and sectarian nature of early Christianity; for its own protection the local community mistrusted missionaries as false teachers. Most interestingly, Diotrephes seems comfortable in ignoring the requests of the Presbyter. The Presbyter seems to acknowledge that only a personal confrontation with Diotrephes will remedy the situation (3 John 1:10). The division, however, may also rest on doctrinal disagreement in which Gaius and the other "friends" accept the teaching of the Presbyter, and Diotrephes does not; the missionaries are not received for suspicion of theological error. Diotrephes has thus been viewed by some as an overly ambitious local upstart trying to thwart the advance of orthodox Christianity, by others as an orthodox church official suspicious of the teachings of the Presbyter and those in the Johannine school who think as he does, or by still others as a local leader anxious to keep the debates in the Johannine community out of his own congregation. This brief letter and the situation that it mirrors show us how little we know about some details of early development in the church: schools of opinion existed around which questions of faith and life were discussed, and personal ties as well as doctrine and authority played a role in what happened amid divisions and unity.<br />delete comment<br />GOD IS A WHITE MAN<br /> <br /><br />GOD IS A WHITE MAN<br /><br />3/10/2010 4:26 AM<br /><br />Then I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven wrapped in a cloud, with a halo around his head; his face was like the sun and his feet were like pillars of fire. 2 In his hand he held a small scroll that had been opened. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, 3 3 and then he cried out in a loud voice as a lion roars. When he cried out, the seven thunders raised their voices, too. 4 When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to write it down; but I heard a voice from heaven say, "Seal up what the seven thunders have spoken, but do not write it down." 5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6 and swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and earth and sea 4 and all that is in them, "There shall be no more delay. 7 At the time when you hear the seventh angel blow his trumpet, the mysterious plan of God 5 shall be fulfilled, as he promised to his servants the prophets." 8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land." 9 So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. He said to me, "Take and swallow it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will taste as sweet 6 as honey." 10 I took the small scroll from the angel's hand and swallowed it. In my mouth it was like sweet honey, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then someone said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings." 7<br />delete comment<br />MsQuietStorm<br /> <br /><br />MsQuietStorm<br /><br />3/1/2010 10:35 PM<br /><br />Minister Patter. Peace and blessings. Thank you for stopping by my show yesterday. It is alway s a pleasure to have you in the sandbox. Your love and support truly means the world to me.<br />delete comment<br />doctor-emah-sarah<br /> <br /><br />doctor-emah-sarah<br /><br />3/1/2010 6:20 AM<br /><br />Stopping by to Salute...Such a pleasure hearing you speak to the issues on Quite Storms show last night.It is encouraging to now Kings still exist... Respect Light Love=Peace doctor emah sarah Much Love for all you do for the Universe...<br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />2/28/2010 11:49 AM<br /><br />Kim Cordy "JuskAskKimShow" & Recipients: As I've often said to you we did not choose the jobs that we do but rather were chosen. Many of us were chosen against our Will which sooner or later mostly sooner succumbed to the mighty Will of God Himself. What I've said is that, 'My support for you and what you do to help all people especially the downtrodden black populous must continue unceasingly despite any odds!' And, there will be odds without doubt due to the fact that the devil has a job to put down and takeout whatever is not of His devise. The latter is our validation for success through perseverance. You keep on 'keepin our peops up on the positive note! At least the ones who have enough faith, sense, and courage to continue listening and supporting a great Woman of God such as your incredible-self. The same holds true for all the other unmentioned or unaddressed comrades who are in receipt of this very note also! Yours In Christ Jesus, -Min. W.D. Patterson OutReach Ministries, USA P.O. Box 30505 Seattle, WA 98113-0505 <a style="font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/minwdpatterson">WWW.BLOGTALKRADIO.COM/MINWDPATTERSON</a> ~"the work goes on in the mission of setting all of the captives free . . .," Words of Uplift & Encouragement Should Find A Common Place Amongst The Troops<br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />2/27/2010 10:16 AM<br /><br />Dear MsQuietStorm: Thank you for the invite. I will add your show to my calendar for Sunday afternoon. Where are you broadcasting from geographically? Dual reply to rehab_counsel@hotmail.com please? Please feel free to tune into my show this evening at 8:00pm PST at <a style="font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/minwdpatterson">www.blogtalkradio.com/minwdpatterson</a> and tell a few friends. The topic is all about "The Black Plight In America (copyright pending)" which primarily focuses on anything to do with the upward mobility of the Black Male, a seemingly complex issue made simple. The culture is explored indepth relative to policies that have not only shaped the black males behaviors but everyone with whom he has to come into contact with. Hope to see you there? God Bless! PeaceOut, Min. W.D. Patterson OutReach Ministries, USA P.O. Box 30505 Seattle, WA 98113-0505 in reply to: You are cordially invited to join MsQuietStorm and her special cohost Carolyn Russell for an education and informative discussion surrounding domestic violence issues. This month's topic: The History of Domestic Violence and the Battered Women's Movement. Date: Sunday, February 28, 2010 Time: 4:00 pm PST, 5:00 pm MST, 6:00 pm CST, 7:00 pm EST URL: <a style="font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/msquietstorm">www.blogtalkradio.com/msquietstorm</a> Call in: 646-595-4523 We look forward to seeing you there. Peace and Blessings MsQuietStorm<br />delete comment<br />HOK Productions<br /> <br /><br />HOK Productions<br /><br />2/20/2010 7:25 AM<br /><br />Hotep Great King, Life, Health, and Strength to you always!<br />delete comment<br />SUPREME KNOWLEDGE<br /> <br /><br />SUPREME KNOWLEDGE<br /><br />2/8/2010 10:44 PM<br /><br />Thank you for tuning in we asked you to continue to visit our broadcast.<br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />2/6/2010 9:24 PM<br /><br />Your host Min. W.D. Patterson is a participant in this year's 9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference now in progress through Sunday 2/7/2010. This conference is organized and sponsored in-part by the Local Government Commission (LGC) out of Sacramento CA. The attendance thus far has been a record nearly 2000 people from all over the nation. Working together for Equitable Development: Voices and Lessons from Environmental Justice and Smart Growth. The participant list is available. I refuse to allow blacks to be left out of these mainstream American processes again as they have been so blatantly done in the past. Even though there were black speakers and participants in the past they were NOT REPRESENTATIVE of TRUE BLACK CULTURE and upward mobility interests. Next weeks show will cap some of the topics and experience that I had during the five day conference and discuss why it happened like it did for me. Tune In!<br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />1/24/2010 5:43 AM<br /><br />The Geography of Social Injustices In America <a href="http://groups.blackplanet.com/TheGeographyofSocialInjusticesInAmerica">http://groups.blackplanet.com/TheGeographyofSocialInjusticesInAmerica</a><br />delete comment<br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /> <br /><br />Min. W.D. Patterson<br /><br />1/23/2010 9:13 PM<br /><br />Thanks to those who chose to tune in, listen and support the flagship episode of this BlogRadioTalkShow by Min. W.D. Patterson focused entirely of the "Black Plight In America." Be sure to tune in next week same time same place. Hopefully we will have expanded our broadcast time to at least 1 hour. God Bless!<br />delete comment<br /><br />Leave a comment in the box below:<br /> <br /> <br />MinWDPatterson On BlogTalkRadio International <br /><br />Re-Educating The Black Plight In America This blog talk show is about a national movement for the post antebellum debriefing and healing of the unquestionable survingest culture on planet earth, the Black-American (a true identity) descendants of slavery. There is a way and we must embrace it now. Albert Einstein's definition of insanity was to keep doing things the same way and expecting a different result. Well, in America, a capitalistic nation, Henry Ford made popular the assembly line to replicate his cars. He made sure that all of his employees could afford to by his Model T first. Can anyone rationally relate this scenario to the plight of blacks in America? The corporate norm in America yet remain the same ideology. If it cannot be repetitiously duplicated it is of little to no value. Therefore, when we think about how blacks continually behave and react the same way does it not make sense as to why they never get anywhere economically? Consider how they repetitiously treat each other despite religion and beliefs that teach them otherwise. We shall discuss this insanity in order to build a renaissance platform to launch a national movement already in progress. Won't you join us? Peace, -Min. W.D. Patterson, a black clergyman and a social scientist of human geography<br /><br /></div>
Scott Lee Cohen Gets Petition Signature Boost From Veteran Activist Wallace "Gator" Bradley and New Street Team
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/scott-lee-cohen-gets-petition
2010-05-14T17:29:16.000Z
2010-05-14T17:29:16.000Z
Mark S. Allen
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MarkSAllen
<div><div align="center">MARK ALLEN TALKS -- ILLINOIS POLITICS</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">BREAKING POLITICAL NEWS</div><div align="center">Contact Wallace "Gator" Bradley @ <span style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;" id="lw_1273854842_0" class="yshortcuts">312-371-6914</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="border-bottom:#366388 2px dotted;" id="lw_1273854842_1" class="yshortcuts">Friday, May 14th, 2010</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Scott Lee Cohen already had good presence among street workers getting petitions, but In a major boost for more street workers, veteran political activist Wallace "Gator" Bradley has signed on with an additional crew of grassroots street workers to help Scott Lee Cohen get the 25,000 signatures needed to make the ballot.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">And Bradley seems to have secured a number of people who left Quinn Campaign, upset for his snubbing of Art Turner for Lt. Governor and have joined Bradley's street team with "If Quinn can say anybody but Turner, then we say anybody but Quinn."</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Other street workers I spotted on 95th Street said they were motivated to help Cohen because they felt disenfranchised with Democrats forcing Cohen off the ticket and didnt allow for Turner as 2nd choice. They want get signatures to help and vote for somebody who fights for the grassroots voters vote to count and Quinn did not do that and therefore does not deserve their continued support.</div></div>
John Mayer- He may not be getting a hood pass, but he is getting a free pass from the main stream media.
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/john-mayer-he-may-not-be
2010-02-21T22:30:00.000Z
2010-02-21T22:30:00.000Z
Corey Washington
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/CoreyWashington
<div><div id="main-wrapper" style="width:410px;float:left;"><div class="main section" id="main"><div class="widget Blog" id="Blog1" style="border-bottom-width:0px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-bottom-color:rgb(51,51,51);margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:1.5em;margin-left:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:1.5em;padding-left:0px;"><div class="blog-posts hfeed"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" style="margin-top:.5em;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:1.5em;margin-left:0px;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-bottom-color:rgb(51,51,51);padding-bottom:1.5em;"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="margin-top:.25em;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:0px;font-size:18px;font-weight:normal;line-height:1.4em;color:rgb(170,221,153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://plaintalk2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/john-mayer-he-may-not-be-getting-hood.html" style="color:rgb(170,221,153);text-decoration:none;display:block;"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#5E5E5E" face="'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;line-height:20px;"><b><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" size="5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;font-weight:normal;line-height:25px;">John Mayer- He may not be getting a hood pass, but he is getting a free pass from the main stream media. <br /><br /><br />When racial gaffes happen to famous people, I think we should all learn from them. You would think that people would have already learned from past celebrities that saying the N-word for a white celebrity is a toxic situation. It's a no win scenario. I have never heard a white person be able to successfully articulate their point by saying the N-word. Personally, I don't think any race of people should be saying the N-word. It is one of those words that has so much power because of the history behind it. It is unfortunate that some black people have lulled their white friends into a false sense of security by using the N-word around them. Some white people have become so comfortable that they have started to use the word as well. We know the mere use of a word does not make a person racist, but if you don't want to give off that impression, then don't use the N-word.<br /><br />What disturbs me more than John Mayer's use of the N-word is his utter lack of respect for women and black people. He was so flippant in his speech, that he compared his penis to a former Grand Wizard of the KKK David Duke. There is nothing funny about the KKK. He used the word "aversion" to refer to his lack of attraction to black women. Aversion is a very strong word. There is nothing wrong with having a particular preference when it comes to women, but you don't have to put other races down in your assessment. He said he had a Benetton heart, but Benetton has been accused by some indigenous people in South Americaof being insensitive to their claim of land. So John Mayer's word selection was bad across the board.<br /><br />Then, John Mayer showed a total disregard for the feelings of the past women in his life. His whole angle was one of the sexual objectification of women. He came off as extremely arrogant and self-centered. It is one thing to kiss and tell, but he threw Jessica Simpson totally under the bus. John must not realize that people have families that have to read this junk in the newspapers and on-line. So John not only gave a racist interview, but a sexist one as well.<br /><br />When I said we should learn from the mistakes of celebrities, maybe I misspoke, because all of the mistakes that John Mayer made, we already knew. One lesson that I am learning has to do with the media's uneven treatment of celebrity gaffes. I am completely surprised that this story is not getting more play than the Kanye West /Taylor Swift story. The Kanye incident was light compared to the rudeness of John Mayer. The President of the United States and former President Jimmy Carter got involved with the Kanye West incident. In my book Plain Talk Volume 1, I talk about how the Media is selective in their being overly negative and critical of certain celebrities of color. I call this Media Theory: Piling it on. Since Kanye did not get a pass, nether should John Mayer get one. Sometimes you have to hold someone's feet to the fire for extended periods of time so that they will completely get the message. The coverage of this incident has been non-existent by the main stream media. That was the coverage that I was expecting for the Kanye West incident. Boy was I wrong.<br /><br /><br />Corey Washington</span></font></b></span></font></a> <a href="http://plaintalk2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/john-mayer-he-may-not-be-getting-hood.html" style="color:rgb(170,221,153);text-decoration:none;display:block;"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#5E5E5E" face="'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;line-height:20px;"><b><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" size="5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;font-weight:normal;line-height:25px;"><br /></span></font></b></span></font></a> <a href="http://plaintalk2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/john-mayer-he-may-not-be-getting-hood.html" style="color:rgb(170,221,153);text-decoration:none;display:block;"></a><a href="http://www.plaintalk2010.com">http://www.plaintalk2010.com</a></span></h3><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:.75em;margin-left:0px;line-height:1.6em;"><div style="clear:both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="margin-top:.75em;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:.75em;margin-left:0px;color:rgb(119,119,119);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.1em;font:normal normal normal 78%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;line-height:1.4em;"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><span class="post-author vcard"><a href="http://www.benhasan.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">http://www.benhasan.com</span></a></span></div></div></div></div><div class="blog-feeds"></div></div></div></div></div>
Black History, R. I. P.?
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/black-history-r-i-p
2009-05-13T13:30:00.000Z
2009-05-13T13:30:00.000Z
Ari Merretazon
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/AriMerretazon
<div>by Dr. Pamela D. ReedNow that Barack Obama is President of the United States, why don't we just pretend that America wasn't built on slaveholding?If the spate of recent "post-racial" articles suggesting that we need no longer commemorate the African American struggle for freedom and equality in this country is any indication, this seems to be where we're heading.This is a classic case of the phenomenon called selective history/memory, or as some have termed it, historical amnesia.We've been bombarded with calls to end affirmative action and claims of reverse racism. Indeed, it seems like just yesterday I was writing in defense of Black History Month, which is now deemed racist, counterproductive, and/or irrelevant by some prominent African Americans, as did Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist (and former editorial page editor) Cynthia Tucker in a commentary earlier this year.Most recently, Corey Dade's Wall Street Journal article "Civil-Rights Gains Test New Memorials' Relevance," poses the following curious question: "Does the America of 2009, led by an African-American president, need any more museums or monuments to the struggle for civil rights?"Dade's piece details the fundraising hurdles confronting the organizers of the proposed Center for Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) in Atlanta. According to Doug Shipman, would-be executive director of the future CCHR, primary among them is the question that is apparently uppermost in the minds of some potential donors: "Why does it [the Civil Rights Movement] matter today?"Perhaps this explains why, presently, public and private pledges total less than half of the $125 million needed for the completion of the historic 100,000-square-foot museum, scheduled to open its doors in 2011.Hopefully, this problem will not carry-over to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which is moving toward its groundbreaking, and is tentatively set to open on the National Mall in 2015.In an effort to broaden the pool of contributors, CCHR organizers have had to rethink their original vision of a monument dedicated solely to the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., housed in the city of his birth--and widely considered the seat of the movement. As it were, there are still many who are in denial about the ugliness of America's past. This segment of the population doesn't want to even hear about lynchings, cross-burnings, or the Ku Klux Klan, let alone see exhibits about them.Says Lonnie King, a member of the CCHR planning committee (but not the MLK family): "There are people who wanted to turn it into a museum that will glorify a lot of things other than civil rights." Consequently, although the 10,000-piece collection of King papers will be the centerpiece, only one-third of the facility will focus on King and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 60's.Another third of the building will be devoted to early American history, particularly the enslavement period and the systemic discrimination that followed in the Jim Crow era. The remaining tierce will highlight the "modern era" of human rights struggles of other American groups since the 1970's: primarily, women, Hispanics, and gays, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people.This is a recurring theme in the African American saga.Even the advisory council of the NMAAHC had to fight for its placement on the National Mall. The New York Times reports that BET founder, Bob Johnson threatened to resign from the council if the long-awaited museum had not been built on the Mall. "To have relegated this museum to another site," he said, "when people are looking to it to answer everything from the need for an apology for slavery to reparations, would have been the ultimate dismissal."Especially since at no time since the abolition of the "peculiar institution" of American enslavement has there been any program or initiative intended for the sole purpose of attempting to make whole the formerly enslaved--and their descendants.Not one.Not the Freedmen's Bureau, formed during Reconstruction, and charged with rebuilding the lives of the newly "freed"--and the war-torn south, and poor Whites, and the former enslavers who, by the way, were compensated for their lost "property." In stark contrast, the Black Freedmen (and women and children) were--by and large--given nothing but the clothes on their backs...and a hard way to go.Not affirmative action, which is routinely pointed to as a form of reparations for African Americans for centuries of enslavement. Of course, nothing could be farther from the truth. Granted, because of affirmative action, many African Americans have made tremendous strides in the areas of business, education, government, journalism, etc.But, let's be clear. It is White women, as quiet as it's kept, who have reaped the lion's share of affirmative action benefits. And, I hasten to add, there's nothing wrong with that, as they outnumber all other "minorities." I'm saying, let's just keep it real. And, without question, women have suffered--and continue to suffer--grave injustices in this country, but that is a separate issue from that of the African American. By the same token, Hispanics have also been--and continue to be--treated as second-class citizens in America. The same is true for the GLBT community.But here's the problem. There is this constant effort to lump the Black American story under the "civil rights" or "human rights" umbrella. Moreover, the tendency to dismiss the singular experience in this country that is the African Americans', like yesterday's news, is downright disrespectful.It's like there is an expiration date or statute of limitations on Black history, after which it will be deemed irrelevant--or dead, even.Frankly, I find insulting the suggestion that just because the American people have elected an African American President, the past 400 years of American hegemony are no longer relevant.This is simply not acceptable. Nor is it credible. It would be just as ludicrous to suggest that we should one day cease telling the story of the Trail of Tears, or other chapters of the near annihilation of the Native American peoples because one Native American crossed a certain threshold previously reserved for White Americans.I mean, there's a reason why we study past events, and why History is one of the oldest and most venerated of the disciplines of the academy. As Malcolm X observed in 1964, "Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research."Yet, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who is charged with the admittedly awesome task of bringing the CCHR to fruition, reasons thus, according to the Wall Street Journal. "If this center only looks backward it won't be successful."While, I agree that we must be forward-thinking and embrace and promote racial and intercultural harmony, I believe that, in the long-run, we will do more harm than good to race relations by attempting to water down --or bury--the past.<b><i>Dr. Pamela D. Reed is a diversity consultant, cultural critic, and assistant professor of English and African-American literature at Virginia State University.</i></b></div>
Mumia & the D.A. candidates
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/mumia-amp-the-da-candidates
2009-05-08T09:44:03.000Z
2009-05-08T09:44:03.000Z
Ari Merretazon
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/AriMerretazon
<div>By MILTON McGRIFFEACH of the candidates for Philadelphia district attorney recently told Daily Newscolumnist Michael Smerconish that, if elected, they'd pursue the death penalty for Mumia Abu-Jamal in the event of a new sentencing hearing or new trial.One, Seth Williams, noted that he'd attended hearings and studied court documents and trial notes before making his decision.Three police reports and a page one Daily News story (Jan. 9, 1982) on preliminary- hearing testimony aren't in the original trial record. Amazingly, in both the reports and the story, police officers, one an inspector, claim to have heard a wounded but talkative Abu-Jamal make two separate admissions of guilt in the early morning hours of Dec. 9, 1981, when authorities say he fatally wounded police Officer Daniel Faulkner.The police reports are mentioned in a 1995 Post-Conviction Relief Act hearing. Abu-Jamal's lawyers brought their subject, Officer Gary Wakshul, to the stand and grilled him about the contents.But what the police reports say was incorrectly reported by the D.A.'s office in a "proposed finding of fact" prepared by Assistant D.A. Hugh Burns for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.Common Pleas Judge Albert Sabo, Abu-Jamal's trial judge, rubber-stamped the mistake in his own fact-finding report. In denying a new trial, the state Supreme Court corrected the technicalities without comment but left the impression that the officer central to the three reports was a credible witness.In a 1999 interview with the Philadelphia Tribune, Burns said that he and Sabo had made an "error." But they made no effort to put the truth on the record. A correction would make Wakshul an unbelievable witness.I conducted the 1999 interview with Burns, and have always believed that the distortion was used to bolster Wakshul's credibility and hide an extremely damaging statement he made in the third police report. Joseph McGill, the original prosecutor, kept Wakshul from testifying at the trial.Sabo denied the defense request to have him testify.Let me explain. Wakshul, a four-year veteran, spoke with investigators at least three times. On Dec. 9, 1981, when Faulkner was killed, Wakshul guarded a seriously wounded Abu-Jamal at the crime scene and the hospital until they took him to surgery. He told investigators "the Negro male made no comments."In a Dec. 16 interview, Wakshul recalled details about what Abu-Jamal wore and was asked if there was anything he wanted to add. Nothing, he said.Then, 64 days after the shooting, on Feb. 11, 1982, when police were investigating Abu-Jamal's charges of police brutality, Wakshul suddenly recalled that Abu-Jamal had shouted, "Yeah, I shot the m-----f----- and I hope he dies!" These exact words had surfaced for the first time, just two days before Wakshul "remembered" them, in a security guard's report to police.Asked why he'd said nothing before, Wakshul amazingly said, "At the time, the statement disgusted me, and I didn't realize it [had] any importance until today."Flash forward to the 1995 post-conviction hearing, which was an attempt to get Abu-Jamal a new trial.Wakshul, interrogated repeatedly by Abu-Jamal's lawyers, said the emotional trauma he suffered because of Faulkner's death kept him from remembering the purported Abu-Jamal confession. (Garry Bell, Faulkner's partner, testifying at Abu-Jamal's trial 13 years earlier, had invoked emotional trauma for waiting 78 days before telling authorities he had heard the same confession.)When preparing their "proposed finding of fact" for the high court, Burns took Wakshul's 1995 testimony and said he'd given the trauma explanation 13 years earlier (instead of his original "lack of importance" reason) for not reporting Abu-Jamal's "confession. " Sabo used Burns' language and deemed Wakshul a credible witness.The state Supreme Court tweaked the paragraph to truthfully note that Wakshul had given three statements (not two) and first made the emotional trauma comment at the 1995 hearing. But no mention was made of his "I didn't realize it had any importance" excuse.Likewise, no trial documents mention Inspector Al Giordano's preliminary hearing testimony that he heard a separate admission of guilt. The Daily Newsblared it on page one on Jan. 9, 1982: "Cop: Jamal Admitted Killing Faulkner."Giordano said he asked Abu-Jamal why the shoulder holster he wore that night was empty. Abu-Jamal allegedly told the inspector he'd dropped the gun after shooting Faulkner while lying wounded in the police wagon.Why, you might ask, wasn't a police inspector called to testify at Abu-Jamal's trial? Well, Giordano's credibility became a problem after it became known that he was the target of a federal probe of a $120,000 scam. He resigned shortly after Abu-Jamal was convicted, and admitted taking $57,000 in bribes.The candidates can say none of this proves Abu-Jamal's innocence. But it does show authorities were more interested in winning and then denying Abu-Jamal a new trial than they were in providing truthful information.The "error" covered up information damaging to the state's case, and no one has ever moved to correct the official record.Other damaging information like this exists and permeates the case against Abu-Jamal. If he is indisputably guilty, a new trial will do nothing to change that. Hiding the official testimony of officers suggests that other information may be hidden, too. This raises questions about the motives of the D.A.'s office, motives that I hope a new D.A. will examine instead of reflexively calling for the death penalty at the behest of the Fraternal Order of Police. *Milton McGriff is a local journalist who reported on this case for the Philadelphia Tribune from 1998-2000. He wrote his master's thesis at Iowa State about the case, and knew Abu-Jamal in 1969</div>
To The Reparations Movement:
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/to-the-reparations-movement
2009-05-03T10:00:00.000Z
2009-05-03T10:00:00.000Z
Ari Merretazon
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/AriMerretazon
<div>The 2009 National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America <b>(N'COBRA)</b> Conference will be in Dallas, Texas, June 18-21, 2009, at the Mt. Tabor Family Life Center, 3700 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas, Texas 75241. <b>I will be there because registration is only $60, and I got a cheap plane ticket (USAir) out of Philadelphia for $246 roundtrip! For more information call:214-723-6030.</b>With the new strategic tactics of a post-racial America the Reparations Movement must make a course correction and return to the public square with our dialog and demand for reparations for the world to hear. Obama is on the record against reparations, but <b>I believe it is purely political, not intrinsic.</b> Therefore, like the drum, our voice in the public square will come at him with the context he needs to respond to our demand... this will be the foundation leading to the Reparations Accord for Blacks in America within the next 10 years. <b>If he doesn't hear us, he has no basis as the President of all the people of the United States to change his political position.</b>This will be N'COBRA's 20th Conference. <b>Let's keep on!</b> Let's put the reparations movement on auto-pilot at every level of social and political engagement throughout the world and continue the "in the meanwhile internal repair" to strengthen our hands to do this good work.In a previous blog post here on the BlackList is a recent letter to Mrs. Michelle Obama as an example of <b>"auto-pilot" action.</b> Everyone must do some communication/direct action with the White House. We don't have to say the same thing under the same banner. <u>We must say a lot of different things under a lot of different banners, in what ever city we live,however, we must demand the same outcome: Reparations via a Reparations Accord! This will set the context for negotiations with the "enslavers-in-perpetuity" (U.S.Congress, Religious Organizations, and Corporations).</u>Lest we forget, our ancestors were stripped of their human identity, defined out of the human family, <b>and did not participate in framing the terms and conditions of their/our freedom in the Emancipation Proclamation, nor the 13th, 14th, and the 15th Amendments to the Constitution. This is the reason why our people have no equal standing, agency,nor political capacity. This dark bargain of America's past must be made right. We must be at the table this time!</b></div>