DISQUS

"I know a lot of people who used to be gay; I don’t know anybody who used to be black."

Michael Jackson, for one.

But she makes foolish remarks like the one above, that's why I said it. And now that I've read more about her, I can't say "I take it back."

It's not like you have to like me. And it's clear you don't. But your preconceived notion of my belief system is wrong...granted, my remarks are occasionally sharp, but no sharper than what or whom I'm addressing. I sometimes match tone for tone. But it doesn't mean I don't respect the other person's point of view, and I know how to concede when I'm proven wrong.

I think Cynthia McKinney is a nickel-plated fool.

Why don't you ask me about my hero, Bayard Rustin. I can give you lots of positive feedback...it'll be music to your ears.





Someone said to me in a response (I don't know if it's you) that I seem to come here to reaffirm my own preconceived notions. It kind of gave me pause and I realized it was true in a way.

I can answer that.

1. America is uniquely evil.
2. America is never justified in defending itself.
3. Illiterate people from poor societies are superior to Americans.
4. The Earth would be better off without human beings.
5. Making a profit is always immoral.
6. Differences between individuals or groups are unfair.
7. For Designated Victim Groups, strong feelings excuse all behavior.
8. Policies informed by Judæo-Christian principles are inherently suspect.
9. Conservatives are hypocrites; liberals are sincere.
10. There are no acts of God; there are only acts of Government.

I know that ten is a wonderful (not to mention traditional) number for these things. But, with all due respect to CPL, I'd like to add four of my own.

11) We defend the right to free speech for ourselves, but anyone else whose speech hurts our feelings must be censored.

12) In any conflict between a third-world nation and a first-world nation, the third-world nation is always right.

13) Tyranny in third-world countries is not our concern unless the US (or Israel) can be blamed in some way.

14) All criticism or disagreement with any policy of a third-world nation, culture, or person is, by definition, racism.

Well, I looked her up. Why would you support Cynthia McKinney? You say she's brave? She looks like a fool to me.

"On Sept. 28, 2008, at a press conference, McKinney announced that she had spoken with a constituent whose son was a National Guardsman. The constituent claimed her son had disposed of 5,000 bodies for the Department of Defense during the week of Huricane Katrina. She further claimed that the bodies were prisoners who had all been shot in the head and dumped in a Louisiana swamp. McKinney said that the story had been corroborated by anonymous "insider" sources."

Gee CPL. I didn't say anything about Cynthia McKinney. And I don't recall being told to take my ass anywhere, except by you. What is it about me that you dislike so much?

Amen!

"At this juncture, what does a study like this suppose to prove to America?"

I just like to know who's out there trying to kill me.

LOL. You guys crack me up.

What's on purpose? That a shocking amount of black kids are shooting each other (and us white folk) while the overall crime rate is heading south? You kidding? It's no coincidence, right? The timing of the release of these, um, facts, from a 5 year Northeastern University study is a plot. Ya gotta laugh.

When can we see these stories in the The New York Times, or on the evening news as a feature. The whole series is well done and I enjoyed reading it very much. Plus, I cannot think of a more timely topic. Five stars. Great read.

Do you think they'd listen? I think there are more sinners in church than out of it. They're all hoping for salvation for their own souls by pointing out others who they think are worse off. But it won't work.

Lord, I am so tired of the swooning hordes of Amen junkies who pop out of their stupors long enough to damn someone to hell.

LOL. Ironic self-indictment, applauded by a loyal coterie of cheerleaders.

I'm confused because I believe from what I've heard from Obama and Biden is that they have empathy for the LGBT "community" and intend to do everything they can for full gay civil rights. I do not agree with CPL's remark that "if gays want people of color to be sympathetic to their concerns, they need to start seeing what we've dealt with for almost 500 years." We've all been around this old planet a long time. But CPL is right in that the majority rules. I don't believe this guy with the antiquated views showed up on the roster purposefully with malice and I ascribe none to the President Elect. Sidenote: Michelle, it is an honor to read your concise, compassionate remarks.

Glad to help!

I think you are right. It's more of a "socio-economic class" thing.

Racist!

That would be "sorely" lacking, not soarly. And you're right. Never took sociology classes. But I read a lot. Does that count?

Rhondacoca, in that sentence the first word should be spelled "You're." Thanks for the suggestion.

Correction, you mean to say "you're creepy" - not "your."

Who's they?

Thanks for the thoughtful post. You are right, of course. I don't know you personally and I do appreciate you taking the time to fill me in. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful and wise man. I hate what happened to him. And I understand how a child would feel. It would infuriate him. I had a similar Dad. When I was five, I repeated the N word in a rhyme after I heard on the playground (Eenie Meenie). My Dad stopped the car to explain to me why I could never use the word again. Believe me, I understood the premise of robbing someone's dignity with words at an early age and I do not like when it's done to me. I was raised in an affluent area where the .05% black population had second homes on Martha's Vineyard and in Sag Harbor. It was only when I moved into New York City that I began to have personal experiences that have affected me and my viewpoints in a negative way. I know you feel I am obsessed with the crimes of black people and it in a way you are right. It has, as I said, affected me and my family personally. However, I worded things wrong. I know the truth just as you do, and I have said so in other posts, that I am speaking generally. It is true, however, that if you look at the crime statistics, the cities in the USA with the highest population of black people have the highest crime rates, from 1-10. This is a sophisticated message board, written by people who are far more accomplished and intelligent than I. It's amazing what we've all accomplished as far as civil rights goes in the past generation alone, culminating in the election of President Obama. However, I still see the same defensive, angry attitude and lectures. I am not one to be shouted down as you can see. Nor one to shrink from a fight (I learned in the schoolyard that bullies fold easily when confronted). But I just want to make one thing clear. I do not put all black people into a "criminal" class, a ridiculous notion, but I cannot by virtue of the statistics, deny that the criminal element in the black "community" is much higher than in any other group.

Hmmmm, maybe I'll stay. Miranda, you and I, we've got a thing going, eh? I would miss you.

LOL. Bringing up black crime on a black message board means I must be insulted, shut down, kicked out and made a member of the KKK? Do you think I am not aware that we are about to swear in a Black President for whom I voted? Do you believe I am unaware of the entire spectrum of all minorities, the good, the bad and the ugly? I am not. Okay, I'll take my contrarian attitude somewhere else. No apologies, though.

Like I always say, if you can't run with the dogs, don't piss with the puppies.

Rorysmomma, thanks for the best laugh of the day...God Bless You.