Just Another Brick in the Wall

 I understand a person being passionate about their cause. Clearly I'm passionate because I'm writing this now. Rev. Wright, however, has taken two steps beyond. He skipped obsessed altogether, going straight to fanatical.

Before anyone blows off calling me a racist, I say HA! You don't know me or my family. We are that great melting pot they call America. I would challenge anyone to demonstrate a family that represents more diversity than mine. Our heritage spans virtually every corner of the world, dozens of countries and virtually every race - all within a three generation span. Yes, this includes Black, White and Indian (Cherokee), just to name a few. As far as religions, we run the gambit - Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Agnostic. We may even have an Atheist or two in the bunch.

That said, lets get on to Rev. Ridiculous.

1. This whole thing has NOTHING to do with the Black Church. It has everything to do with believing in your country and the values for which it stands. Unfortunately, I admit, for some people it is about politics. Then again, Character Matters, and who you choose to call friend is a good reflection of your judgment and character. One or two mistakes is understandable. Three, four, or more mistakes denotes a pattern for which we should show legitimate concern.

2. Where are the terrorist training camps in the U.S. that send out suicide bombers to murder innocent civilians? Don't tell me it's the military bases. I know better. I served my time, and nowhere in any of my training or years of service was I ever encouraged to strap on a bomb and blow up an Arab market. If you want to accuse the U.S. of exporting terrorism, bring proof - not 'policies'. Policies aren't terrorism, blowing up my kids in school because you don't like my choice of religion is.

3. In what asylum did he get the idea that the U.S. created A.I.D.S. to kill black people? The last I checked, a virus doesn't distinguish between races. Many viruses don't even care about species. This government has been passing out condoms for decades. Try using them. Better yet, try using a little common sense. If a man or woman is willing to sleep with you after knowing you for a couple hours at your local bar, chances are you are just one in a long line of sexual indiscretions. Be smarter than him/her. The vast majority of HIV/AIDS cases are caused by one of two things: Ignorance and stupidity. For the terminally stupid, I hope you have a lot of luck on your side. For the blissfully ignorant, take a minute to educate yourself and avoid becoming a victim.

4. The government nor it's people owe anyone an apology for Slavery. President Lincoln (R-IL) ended that nearly 150 years ago. The only cause to continue pushing for an apology would be to pin the government into a potentially disastrous legal position. I recommend reading the Wikipedia entry on Slavery, particularly the segments titled Apologies and Reparations. I would also suggest reading the related article Slavery In the United States, which clearly states that both blacks and whites were subject to a form of slavery called Indentured Servitude. It also points our that some Native Americans and Free Blacks held slaves - although this was not a common practice. Personally, I have never had a slave. To the best of my knowledge, nobody in my family over the last six generation (at least) has had a slave. I have never taken any action to repress anyone - black or otherwise. So, to anyone that finds this to be a sore spot, I offer the same advice I got as a child: "Grow up. Life isn't fair. Get over it. The only one you can blame for your predicament is you. So stop your whining and do something about it."

5. The only one I see, at this point, that is 'Stuck on Stupid", is the Rev. himself. Listen, you aren't doing yourself, your candidate, your church, or your race any favors. Shut the hell up until you can say something that brings us all closer together. Everybody: Stop pointing fingers at others and start looking in the mirror. Set your worthless ego aside and take responsibility for your own ignorance, mistakes and behavior. Only then will this divisive trend end.