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May 31, 2008 The Demise of the White American Male
Three months ago the Dallas Morning News ran a story about a family who relocated to Garland after Hurricane Katrina. Supposedly their house had been burglarized and the "N" word spray painted on the walls of their home. This prompted a former black Plan Commissioner to write an email to Councilman Jeffus expressing outrage.
We should all feel outrage when innocent people are victimized. But why did this former Plan Commissioner consider this incident a city wide problem of "regional bias and bigotry" that Councilman Jeffus was somehow responsible to change?
The question the writer posed to Jeffus was, "how do you propose we address what appears to be a recurring cancer (racist behavior) that has surfaced in our city over the last few months?" This is an unfair question because it implies that Jeffus was closing his eyes to racist behavior by not doing more about this alleged "recurring cancer" even though the incident was being investigated by the police. To the writer of the email it did not seem Council, and Jeffus in particular, was doing enough.
It's unfortunate that this incident happened but in my opinion racism, whether these acts be directed against whites, blacks or browns, may never be entirely eradicated until Jesus comes back. There will always be people who hate and discriminate. Nobody in our society condones it. We have passed laws that punish the guilty, but that does not mean the problem will ever completely disappear.
Whatever Happened to Equal Opportunity?
It was Martin Luther King who called for a colorblind, less race-and-gender conscious society. Unfortunately his "I have a dream" vision has evolved into a government-mandated group spoils system. Over the last 50 years laws have been passed making it a criminal offense to engage in the kind of behavior described in the Dallas Morning News article. Yet, the problem still exists because what society needs is a change of heart, something only God can bring about.
What is very freightening these days is that hate-filled and incindiary sermons are coming from some black pulpits fanning the flames of hatred against people who are not considered minority.
Laws are on the books prohibiting discrimination in employment, in housing, in education, and other areas of life. Is it any wonder that white folks are asking why, all things being equal, a minority with a lower score on a police sergeant's test is hired over a white man who scored higher?
These days if one is a white male trying to get into college, character and a high grade point average do not count for much except getting bumped to the bottom of the list in order to accommodate someone whose skin color carries priviledge. With inclusive victimhood, everyone on campus can be entitled to special compassion and programs except white males who are acutely aware that their institutions have demonstrated little interest in them as a group.
It was the 1964 Civil Rights Act that created the EEOC and Section 703(j) of that act states: "Nothing contained in this title shall be interpreted to require any employer . . . to grant preferential treatment to any individual or to any group . . . on account of an imbalance." Section 703(a) forbids employers to "limit, segregate, or classify" employees based on their "race, color, religion, sex, or national origin."
If this is the law, how did the Clinton Administration get away with making a statement that "a white male will not be considered for attorney general?" Hello, Janet Reno!
And how about the statement made by Clinton appointee Mary Francis Berry, that "civil rights laws were not passed to give civil rights to all Americans"—only to "disfavored groups," such as "blacks, Hispanics, and women." Is it fair that white males in our society today are being disenfranchised and discriminated against? Are white men only needed to toil and pay increasingly higher taxes in order to pay for more entitlement programs?
I applaud the work of MLK, but look what's happened over the years to his dream of a level playing field for everyone regardless of race or gender. We've come a long way since the 60's, yet today the white person is constantly being challenged to prove he is not racist. Our Council could not vote to raze Eastgate without a black man speaking before the Council and pulling out the race card. The white man cringes at the thought of such an accusation and is constantly turning himself inside out trying to prove something he may never have been in the first place ... a racist.
When I think of where our society is going I feel frustrated and angry. What started out as a demand for equal opportunity in the 60's has evolved into ongoing affirmative action, quotos, entitlements, and reverse discrimination and a mentality that says, "let's blame the white man for all our problems." When will this end? Whatever happened to individual responsibility and accountability?
The way I see it, over the last 50 years politicians have created a monster that frequently rears it's ugly head in the form of "race baiting." MLK's vision of society was one in which every person would be judged on the content of their character and not the color of their skin. MLK's vision has morphed into something he never intended.
Over the last 50 years our "guilt ridden" and/or self serving politicians and educators have pushed hiring quotas, affirmative action programs, dumbed down education, bussed kids out of neighborhood schoools, increased entitlements to astronomical proportions, and offered incentives in every area of life to help minorities improve their standard of living. And with all this, the white man is still being blamed ... blamed for deliberately spreading AIDS into the black community, blamed for WW2, blamed for not supporting the PLO, blamed for the drug epidemic among minorities, blamed for the high drop out rate among black high school students, blamed for 9-1-1, blamed for incarcerating too many black criminals, and despite all the entitlement programs there is always the underlying accusations that white folks are not doing enough. It's never enough .............. never enough .............. never enough.
DART Board Appointment
Is it understandable that today some of us are wondering why the Mayor is pushing Council to appoint his friend and campaign supporter to the DART Board before a search has been made seeking the most qualified individual? Doesn't this smack of cronyism?
I can only hope that the Council does the right thing and appoints the most qualified person to the DART Board. This was the dream MLK expressed many years ago when he publicly opposed preferential treatment for anyone. In keeping with MLK's dream, let this Council insist on a level playing field where everyone has an equal chance based on qualifications. That will take guts on the part of this Council -- a refusal to be pressured into making appointments based on anything other than objective criteria.
THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE
Singer Rene Marie, subs 'black anthem' for 'Star Spangled Banner'
'Can you imagine what it would be like if we had a white national anthem?'
A singer who was to perform the "Star Spangled Banner" at the presentation of Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address yesterday substituted the "Black National Anthem" without notifying anyone, because she says as a black, she just doesn't feel American.
"I pulled a switcheroonie on them," Rene Marie said in a report in the Denver Post.
In a video of the event, Marie had been introduced by city council president Michael Hancock, who said she would sing the national anthem. Instead, she sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as the "Black National Anthem," to the tune of the "Star-Spangled Banner."
Audience members were bewildered, council members outraged and the mayor expressed his disappointment.
"We were as surprised as anyone that jazz singer Rene Marie did not sing our national anthem at today's State of the City ceremony, as our staff had requested. As I listened to her sing, I assumed she would eventually move into the traditional Star Spangled Banner," Hickenlooper said in a statement.
Council member Charlie Brown said, "There is no substitute for the national anthem. Period. This is the State of the City address. It's not an NAACP convention."
Some of the strongest reaction, however, came from Denver area residents who were participating in the forum page on the controversy at the Rocky Mountain News.
"Can you imagine what it would be like for whites if we had a 'white national anthem'?" speculated "Jan8." "I heard someone saying this had nothing to do with race? What?"
"Was she asked to sing the Black National Anthem? Obviously her color is more important to her than this country. Is it a 'black pride thing'? Is she trying to tell us she wished the U.S. were a black country?"
The newspaper reports said the singer explained she had decided months ago not to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" anymore.
The Post reported she was being interviewed by a Russian broadcaster who asked her what it was like to be American.
"And I realized I didn't feel like an American, and that bothered me a great deal," the singer said.
The singer told the Post she deliberately didn't tell anyone her plans, "because I don't think it is necessary for an artist to ask permission to express themselves artistically."
Hancock said the stunt was "inappropriate, and he's been getting hate-filled e-mails over her actions.
"As if I made the decision to do this – I'm receiving a lot of hate mail," he told the paper. "I've received quite a few e-mails that are quite nasty."
Also on the Rocky Mountain News forum page, "Dinty," concluded, "A total lack of respect for the occasion."
Among the hundreds of comments, "scotterjag" added, "all i can say about her, and anyone who supports her, is CLASSLESS! when given the chance to sing The National Anthem, it should be considered an honor, and not one's personal platform to express their views. if you want to express your views like that, I'll buy you a one way ticket to any other country you want to live in, and you can get the hell out of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!"
MORE ON UNITY .. ARE WE DIVIDING OVER THE BASICS?
The Saddleback Showdown kept viewers rivoted to their television screen last evening. Hopefully voters paid attention when Obama was asked what three people he would most rely on for advice if elected President. The three persons he named were (1) his wife, Michelle (2) His grandmother and (3) Senator Ted Kennedy. Below are the three individuals upon who Obama will rely on for advice on running this country. Are you scared? If not, you should be!
If elected President, Obama's kitchen cabinet will consist of his grandmama, his kid's mama, and the Chappaquiddick Kid. God help us!
We are witnessing a political phenomenon with Barack Obama of rare
magnitude. His speeches have inspired millions and yet most of his followers
have no idea of what he stands for except platitudes of 'Change' or that he
says he will be a 'Uniter'.
The power of speech from a charismatic person truly can be a powerful thing.
Certainly Billy Graham had charisma. Both his manner of speech and
particularly the content changed millions.
On the extreme other hand, the charisma of Adolph Hitler, too, inspired
millions and the results were catastrophic.
Barack Obama certainly is no Hitler or a Billy Graham, but for many
Americans riding on the Obama Tidal Wave it is just like a surfer who might
be ecstatic and euphoric while riding a tidal wave, but the reality of the
ride is what happens when it hits shore.
Just Some of What Defines Barack Obama:
* He voted for partial birth abortion.
* He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions.
* Supports affirmative action in Colleges and Government (quotas)..
* In 2001 he questioned harsh penalties for drug dealing as being too
severe.
* Says he will deal with street level drug dealing as minimum wage affair.
* Admitted his use of marijuana and cocaine in high school and in college.
* His religious convictions are very murky.
He is willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jung Il and
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
* Has said that one of his first goals after being elected would be to have
a conference with all Muslim nations. Why?
* Opposed the Patriot Act.
First bill he signed that was ever passed was campaign finance reform.
Voted to allow law suits against gun manufacturers.
* Supports universal health-care.
* Voted yes on providing habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees.
Supports granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
* Supports extending welfare to illegal immigrants.
* Voted yes on comprehensive immigration reform.
Voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security.
* Wants to make the minimum wage a 'living wage'.
* Voted with Democratic Party 96 percent of 251 votes. (241 votes Demo, 10
votes Republican)
* Is a big believer in the separation of church and state.
* Opposed to any efforts to Privatize Social Security and instead supports
increasing the amount of tax paid into Soc. Sec. Tax Increase.
*He voted No on repealing the alternative Minimum Tax which now hits middle
income brackets. Tax Increase.
* He voted No on repealing the 'Death' Tax. Tax Increase.
* He wants to raise the Capital Gains Tax. Tax Increase.
* Has repeatedly said the surge in Iraq has not succeeded...which is not true.
* He is ranked as the most liberal Senator in the Senate today and that
takes some doing.
If your political choices are consistent with Barack Obama's and you think
that his positions will bring America together or make it a better place,
then you will probably enjoy the ride and not forward this Email.
If you are like most Americans that after examining what he stands for, are
truly not in line with his record, it would be prudent to get off the wave
or better yet, never get on, before it comes on shore and undermines the
very foundations of this great Country. We have limited time to save America
or the Supreme Court as we know it.
Inaction is action.
If you agree this is important, pass it on. The mainstream media will not do
it for you!
Bill Brown
September 19, 2008 HOW MUCH IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?
Garland homeowners may well be paying property taxes based on appraisals done twelve months or more ago. If this is the case you may be paying too much property tax. Homeowners should challenge their appraisal if property tax for 2008 is not calculated on current market values.
In the last twelve months there has been a 22.87% overall decline in the value of existing residential housing in Garland. These estimates are based on Fidelity National's automated valuation model.
Enter the address you are looking for. The value that appears is based on what your house was worth 12 months ago. With the housing market in free fall, deduct at least 15% from the price shown. Check the Dallas Central Appraisal District website below and compare the numbers.
History has proven that a democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, (which is) usually followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations have progressed through the following sequence:
From bondage to spiritual faith
From spiritual faith to great courage
From great courage to liberty
From liberty to abundance
From abundance to complacency
From complacency to apathy
From apathy to governmental dependency
From governmental dependency back into bondage
Thanks to these duped voters, we will now progress rather quickly from the “complacency to apathy” stage to the “apathy to governmental dependency” stage. And, then we will awake some morning and find ourselves in the “governmental dependency back into bondage” stage!
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. . . . . Ronald Reagan
View the video, "FITNA" ..... THEN SPEAK OUT TO END THE VIOLENCE
That's the question parents and teachers should be asking the Garland School Board. Listed below are email addresses for all GISD Board members. Just click on the email address and send your comments. There are many advantages for students who become part of an ROTC Program. For information, please contact Chief Warrant Oficer, Edward Govan at Chiefpoly@yahoo.com.
"To Motivate Young People to Be Better Citizens"
Why Join Army Junior ROTC:
To appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.
To develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others.
To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.
To understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities.
To develop mental management abilities.
To become familiar with military history as it relates to America's culture, and understand the history, purpose, and structure of military services.
To develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.
Establishing a Program
The Army Junior Officers' Training Corps has 1,645 units which represent all 50 states and several overseas locations. Currently, the Army has reached its funding limit for JROTC programs, however, further expansion will occur when funding becomes available.
The Army provides each JROTC unit: uniforms, instructional and other materials, and shares the cost of the military instructors. School officials or other parties interested in establishing a JROTC program should contact the appropriate Cadet command Brigade Headquarters.
Contact the following GISD Board Members regarding an ROTC Program for our students
