I am wondering if we all understand the tenet of many people of color in our country - including those who now live here and those who have since left for better opportunities in their lives. This tenet is that it is, indeed, quite a racist land. In fact, I have heard many well-meaning fellow citizens proudly proclaiming, "Why, I don't have a racist bone in my body." Others still maintain that they don't see color. Hogwash! Then they must be blind! I have taken many multicultural classes in my lifetime and have even taught a few. I can tell you one thing. You will never ever understand what someone of color feels no matter how hard you try - if you are not one yourself. You may have extreme empathy, but true understanding can never come to you. I believe racism is a matter of learning - not education. Many educated people are the worst bigots I have ever met. The experiences and belief systems of an individual comprise the extent to which he or she is racist. Everyone is. Some just don't see it or know it when they are faced with it. Since this is supposed to be Black History Month - what have you done to get to know your neighbors of color? What have you done to educate and learn about the importance of the Asian, Black, and Hispanic culture to this state? If this is not important to you, then I suggest you read the following two books and THEN make a comment!
Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? by Doctor Beverly Tatum
This book will entice you, challenge you and make you mad. But you will grow after reading it.
Dreams from my father by Barack Obama
Even though I didn't vote for BO, I still support him as my president and this book helped me understand from where he hails.
Two books not to be missed by any of us!

Birthdays, Politics, and Spirituality

I've always assumed that politics could be something I avoided like the plague. I even thought at one time that it was cute to say how ignorant I was of politics. It was my way of being lazy, of being careless, of being a child still. We, as citizens of the greatest democracy on earth, are mandated to know the truth and by the truth we shall be set....FREE! Yeah, you said it, too. We all know that truism. But why are most of us, especially any of us who might be spiritually conservative, why are we quiet and allow those who are our liberal sisters to run us over and to dominate us with their rhetoric? Is it that we are not as informed as our liberal sisters? Is it that we naturally shirk from confrontation? Yes to all the above. But the first step to overcoming this fear is to confront it with education. I, for one, received an education of a lifetime last night when I attended a Lincoln birthday dinner in Salem. My friend Brenda invited me to attend with her and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

What was so spectacular is that a black man spoke about why most American blacks are democrats, given that history reveals that the Republican Party has a far more impressive track record in Civil Rights legislation than the Democratic Party. Oh, he has facts to back it up. He further gives information that would make any conservative proud. But most was news to me. And I think his word would be news to you. Check out his website at http://www.wayneperryman.com/ and let the light shine on you!

What a birthday gift for Lincoln in a humble spokesman like Perryman. He humbled me and made me start thinking I need to inform myself of the truth. I may be highly educated, but am I learned?