“Black Lives Matter” or “How To Further Divide Us”?
Is our country continuing to do the “DC back-step” in regards to racial division? It seems like some are further perpetuating the tensions we felt when our country finally stepped out of the dark ages and began the road to healing. For those of you who believe this new media-hyped nonsense, remember back just a few short years ago and admit that electing a black President actually happened. Would that have been possible 100 years ago? How about 50 years ago? Do you think a man of color (any color other than white) would’ve beat Kennedy in an election?
We all know the answer to that question, but we as a Nation felt it was time in 2008. Many of us were ready to put our past behind us and move forward. Of course many now regret that decision and feel betrayed as the man trusted to further unite our communities has done nothing but further divide them through, once again… RACE.
Now I know there are many that will say; “Well you’re a man of privilege. You’re white and have never felt the sting of prejudice.” I have felt the sting of prejudice through my friends. I was taught to be color blind when it comes to others, and judge them not by their looks, position or beliefs, but rather their actions. I have been judged many times throughout my life based on the position of my parents or myself in the small local community I grew up in, yet I overcame those biases and moved forward knowing the majority of people will respect me for my actions.
Now after so many years of watching the racial tensions of the 60s start to fade, we have those who lived through those times, beating the drums again, in hopes of “stirring a new generation”. Principal Nathaniel Rouse hosted a “Black Lives Matter” rally to discuss racial equality, with students and parents from Oak Park and River Forest High School in Illinois on February 27th 2015. Although, he banned all white people from attending the event, reports The Chicago Tribune.
I can appreciate the desire to discuss racial tensions, since this administration has managed to drive a bigger wedge between our citizens, making this chasm wider and deeper than it has been in the last 30 years, but this discussion should’ve included ALL those concerned with this division. The Aryan Brotherhood was not lined up at the door wanting to gain admittance to this event, it was students (friends with those in attendance) wanting to show support for their fellow classmates and learn about how they can be a part of helping quell the new fires this administation seems to have fanned.
Rouse claims that further division of students into “Affinity Groups” is necessary and allows them to talk freely among those who look “similar”. This sounds fine in theory, but as we know, it allows lies to be further propagated as well. My daddy taught me that in order to get to the truth of the matter, you needed all people involved, present. If you want to find the truth, you have to be willing to stand in front of it and face it head on.
The “truth” as it relates to this new rise in “racial tensions” is one of namby pamby coddling. We are ready to put the sordid past of our forefathers to bed and move forward with eyes blinded to race, color or creed. We need to get over ourselves and move forward without the need of a tissue to dry our tears of hurt. Whoever told you that life wasn’t full of “hurts” was lying to make you feel better. It’s time to put your big boy/girl panties on, dry those tears and get r done!
I will respect you based on your actions as I would hope you would do for me. I will do so, even if you are not as self-regulating, responsible and self-efficient as you should or could be. I will lend a hand to all my brothers and sisters and help them overcome any adversity they may encounter in life, as long as they are continually trying to rise above on their own power and are respecters of others right to “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness”. Make no mistake about it though, if you ever view my kindness as weakness, you will have made a very grave mistake.
So let’s all take some time to start “walking in the shoes” of others, before passing judgement. Let’s try to treat others as you wish to be treated. This doesn’t mean one has to turn the other cheek. It doesn’t mean you have to be a “doormat”, but it does mean we shouldn’t “judge a book by its cover”. We all have to understand that this hate for others is not always racially motivated. It is not always a “black and white” issue. Evil walks the face of this earth and men of every color, race and creed do its bidding. The way to stop it is for good men and women to stand up to it, period! Let’s all work together with the intent of restoring our country, creating a safer environment for our kids and grandkids to enjoy the “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” our Framers intended… for all.
Patrick James is the creator and founder of Cold Dead Hands and CDH, Inc. He is an author, gun enthusiast and avid outdoorsman who can be found chasing his passions 24/7. “I’d rather enjoy my life and skid sideways into the grave, worn out and beat up screaming that was a “helluva” ride than to never take chances and risk it all just to arrive in one pretty piece. Passion in all things is the key to a successful life.” ~ Patrick James
Having worked as a firefighter/EMT for several services throughout the years, he has also worked as a custom metal fabricator, certified personal trainer and chef. Growing up in the rural suburbs of Detroit, it was during his frequent trips to Northern Michigan where he learned of his love for hunting and fishing. Spending several of his adult years in upstate South Carolina, his love of extreme sports took root in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains as he learned to rock climb and kayak.
“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and vanish into air.” ~ John Quincy Adams
You can find his published work A Frail New World: Digital Conspiracy at: http://goo.gl/XNaDMe
You can also find more information regarding Mr. James at:
https://www.facebook.com/colddeadhands
https://www.facebook.com/patrickjames2a
