Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010 NRAAC Differs With African American Republican Organization in It's support of RNC Chair Michael Steele's Bid for a Second Term
See: NRAAC Differs With African American Republican Organization in It's support of RNC Chair Michael Steele's Bid for a Second Term http://nraac.blogspot.com/2010/12/nraacs-national-chair-dr.html
Thursday, December 9, 2010 Could Michael Steele's Oust be Racism? We Think Not!
See: Could Michael Steele's Oust be Racism? We Think Not! at http://nraac.blogspot.com/2010/12/could-michael-steeles-oust-be-racism-we.html
Monday, December 6, 2010 Coming Soon - GOP Woman at RNC Helm - Dec 8, 2010
See:Coming Soon - GOP Woman at RNC Helm at http://nraac.blogspot.com/2010/12/coming-soon-gop-woman-at-rnc-helm-dec-8.html
Friday, July 23, 2010 Racism in America, …We Have Got to Go There. Got to!
See: Racism in America, …We Have Got to Go There. Got to! http://nraac.blogspot.com/2010/07/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none_23.html
Saturday, January 2, 2010
IN 2010 THE CALL FOR A REPUBLICAN SPIRITUAL AND POLITICAL REVIVAL
In September 2009, I received my first Republication newsletter, since not having been included on any Tennessee mailing or e-mail list since 2002. I was pleased to see my name once again placed on a Republican mailing list after having been excluded.
In the newsletter, I saw many worthwhile causes that had been championed by some Tennessee Republican Legislators during the last legislative session. Included was the Mental Health Screening Bill which required informed written consent prior to any mental health screening of children and prohibited the coercion of parents to give their children drugs which could be deadly or cause psychotropic effects. I was especially pleased to see law enacted to grant the diplomas of homeschoolers the same status of those enrolled in public and private schools. This is an issue dear to me, since I homeschooled my daughter who is now the 2009 Truman Scholar from the State of Tennessee. The newsletter was well written, and was not the usual religious hysterical approach to political issues. Also, there were other issues discussed in the newsletter of which, even if we could not agree in totality, I was confident that the majority of the members of our Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus, Tennessee Republican African American Caucus, and National Republican African American Caucus could rally behind as well, because of a common ideologically and belief.
But what struck my attention most, was the quote marked in bright red that was on the front of the publication. It read: “Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God.”
I pondered these words quoted from Benjamin Franklin, as I leafed through the newsletter. I could not help but wonder just how many Republicans truly believed this when it came to people of color. I tried to reconcile the quote with the reality of what had happened to members of the Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus, the Tennessee Republican African American Caucus and the National African American Caucus, when we tried to exercise the freedom to be Republicans.
Despite the fact that many African Americans, especially those within the churched populations share some of the same core values of the Republican Party, as in the case of our membership, they have not been seriously invited or welcomed into the GOP ranks. Either those of color are not seen as being worthy of this precious gift of freedom which is a God given right, predicated upon the higher laws of God, or somewhere along the way, some white Republicans have missed the mark in accepting this truth. What is apparent, is that there is a double standard for political freedom within the Republican Party when it comes to African Americans. We realize that to state this so bluntly, is to open ourselves to accusations of “using the race card”.
The issue of race remains a very sensitive one within America and particularly among some White Republicans. If you raise this issue, even with legitimate cause and documented proof, it is viewed by some as playing the race card. You are told to just let it go or to go away, and even to just suck it up and take it. If you press the issue too far, you may even find yourself blackballed, excluded and barred from meaningful participation. But the alternative to this is even worse. Because if you remain silent and say nothing, or if you go away, those who indeed are guilty, grow stronger and are able to further erode the very foundation of freedom to participate as citizens within the political process. This makes it not so much about race, but rather the fundamental right of every American citizen to fully participate in government. Therefore, when anyone is excluded from the democratic process, which we boast of as being the foundation of freedom, it is not just a racial issue, but it is un-American, and is a constitutional infringement upon the freedom Benjamin Franklin envisioned as being a right which no human has the power to take from any individual, because it is a decreed law of God.
What Franklin speaks of, is the same freedom in which African American Republicans in every state are entitled to have. Therefore, rather than seeing it as raising the race card, it should be seen as the right of citizens of color to assert the right not to have race or mean spirited politics at the local, state and national levels be used to bar us from full participation within the Republican Party. Having said that, we have shared our story of being denied that freedom, in hopes that those who believe in this quote, will endeavor to understand the need to make it applicable to all American citizens. In doing so, it is not our intention to bring harm or embarrassment to the Republican Party. Also, it was never our intention to air this issue outside of the Party. But because we have made every effort for many years to have this issue addressed at all levels, and have not been successful, we have ask for the assistance of the media in reaching those at the grassroots level, and those in elected and appointed positions within the Party, who are willing to extend the base of the Party to include those of color.
We also recognize and acknowledge that there are those within the Republican Party across America, and even some within my home state of Tennessee, who are accepting of African Americans, and have extended their own olive branches. For this we are pleased. We also know that there are those who would be more accepting, but for the political retaliation and consequences of going against those at the helm of elected and appointed leadership who have refused to accept us, which would result in jeopardizing their own political fate. Nevertheless, for the good of the party, we urge those who do not condone these kinds of practices to break the silence and to distinguish themselves from those who have marred the party with racism, mean spirited, and religious hypocrisy.
There has to be a political revival within the Republican Party. One which will cause the conscious and souls of those within the party, and especially clergy and those who claim to be people of faith, to open their minds and hearts to accept those of color into their ranks, without relegating them to a token few, who can only be accepted because they are willing to be less than equal. One which will put an end to overt and blatant acts of racism and mean spiritedness, which runs counter to moral principles. One that will help those who do not feel this way, to understand that when they keep silent, and fail to speak out against the wrong or fail to extend a warm embrace to those of color, that it makes it seem that all white Republicans are racist and mean spirited – even those of faith.
There has to be a spiritual revival where no longer race is an issue within the Republican Party. It is then, and only when this happens, that we can enjoy the collective strength and cohesiveness of a party which truly represents those who espouse some of the same core values in which we all hold so dear.
There also has to be a spiritual revival, which takes us back to our original purpose. One which makes us the grand party in which we once were. One which returns us to rational and well thought out positions on issues, and not mere religious hysteria, which makes us appear to be unreasonable, uncompassionate and out of touch with the majority of American citizens who are suffering.
We must not only take the higher ground morally, but we also have to practice and live what we preach. Lest our own words condemn us. We cannot pick and choose what is right or morally just which is tailored only to our political agenda. Nor can we look the other way when we do wrong, while pointing a finger of moral superiority at those who oppose us. How we live and govern, have to be predicated upon a much higher standard, which governs those who are people of faith, that does not fluctuate to meet our political expediency.
We can no longer afford to take the low ground with mean spirited ads and oppositional rhetoric. But rather, speak well documented truth, which also can speak to the heart and conscious of the American people. When we retort with nasty and mean spirited rhetoric, which also involves God, which is no more than our own form of moral invention, then we are in error. Who we are in our faith, should manifest itself in how we deal with each other and with even those who oppose our views. Finding common grounds when at all possible is crucial, just as much as sticking to our convictions on issues that go to the heart of what we believe should be our goal. But never should our fight be one which relieve upon intentional dissemination of facts which we know to be untrue or slanted truth. Nor should what we do, be predicated upon selfish motives and religious bigotry.
We have to realize that to be at war with those who differ, is not always the most expedient solution. Regardless of whether someone shares our core values or not, we have to respect their right to differ. It is our actions that will speak louder than our religious rhetoric. What they see, should be a party which cares so much about the fate of America, that it is willing to do whatever is necessary to preserve its freedom, its safety, its well being and its moral foundation, so that it truly can be a nation under God’s rich blessings, with liberty and respect for the rights of other, and justice afforded to those who have been denied. This is the pledge we so proudly make each time we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Compassion and wisdom has to dictate our actions. Reasoning and the willingness to sit down at the table and be able to listen to all sides of the issues, and to even try to see opposing views from the eyes of the other side is a part of who we should be as a party. Being able to work together as one, both partisanly and bipartisanly, and knowing when to lay down our swords and enter into a compromise on issues, which are so vitally important to the American people. But also knowing when to pick up those same swords and fight for a cause, which we know to be right and just. This should be our goal.
We have to birth forth strong leaders who are willing to move to the forefront as our spokes persons, rather than leaving it up to self-appointed voices that may or may not always share the sentiment of the party or be the voice of reasoning. We should not be searching just for leaders as presidential candidates, when what we need is everyday common sense leadership, which works for the best interest of the party. We need everyday leaders who lead by example and are full of reasoning, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. They also must have a heart for the people and their motives must not be self-serving.
America is at a crossroad, and so is the Republican Party. History will record what we do now and how we regain our political footage as a majority party. It also will contrast what we were when the party was first birthed, and where we have evolved today. If we return to truly being the party of Lincoln as we lay claim to being, then we also have to change that which does not resemble it. There was a time when the Republican Party stood tall as the champion of the people, and was willing to press beyond injustices and a nation divided and torn over the issue of the inequalities and inhumanity of slavery, to reconstructing itself as one nation. With so many people hurting in America today because of the economy, and those families that are in jeopardy each day of losing loved ones because of war, we have to be mindful of what we can do as a party to make a difference. This is the core value of the Republican Party – bringing the nation together with wisdom, justice, and compassion, rather than dividing it.
How we deal with injustices; how we attend to the needs of those subjected to a failing economy; how we work together to rebuild this nation; and how we are viewed by others should be our focus. For if we brand ourselves as being the party of Lincoln or the moral party, then we also have to assume the role of fulfilling the responsibilities that come with doing so.
We do see glimmers of hope, lest our hope fades. We see that in former First Lady Laura Bush. What an example of intelligence, class and womanhood. She is greatly admired because she wears the GOP label with not only grace, pose and dignity, but also with a spirit of reasoning, a strength of character and a willingness to be her own person. Mrs. Bush gives us hope that there are others within the Republican Party who are compassionate and who are not nasty, mean spirited and hypocritical. She is one who truly lives and practices her faith, and it clearly shows.
She is not hysterical and quick to criticize just for the sake of creating an “holier than thou” or partisan divide. Even despite the rocky road she and former President Bush endured in the White House, she is not bitter. Instead, she is rational and can understand the bittersweet road any president, regardless of party affiliation must thread in being president of the United States of America. She is encouraging. She is refreshing, and she is endearing. Thank you former First Lady Laura Bush for even being someone I see as a personal mentor.
As the national chair for the National Republican African American Caucus and its state and local caucuses, we continue to desire to be a part of this Grand Ole Party, and we have renewed hope that there are those who will welcome us. We extend a fresh olive branch to those within the Republican Party who can welcome and will embrace us with the belief that people of a darker hue are also entitled to the same freedom so profoundly stated in Benjamin Franklins’ quote.
Having such hope, we extend an olive branch, a helping hand, and a willingness to join you at the table of reasoning, to work together for the good of the party and for the good of this great nation.
We await and welcome your olive branch to us. …And for those (especially those of faith) who will say, we did not know all of this was happening to people of color? Now you know, and now you have the opportunity to do something about it by extending your own olive branch, which ignites this political as well as spiritual revival!
As a party, we talk a lot about spiritual revival for our nation. But first let it begin in us. For when the nation sees the God in us, as we do what is right and as we conduct ourselves in a godly manner and live by the same godly principles we preach, then they will believe our testimony of who God is, and will be encouraged also to do what is right. …Because in God’s Eyes, there are no Republicans, Democrats or Independents. Just His children of whom He dearly loves and desires to do the right thing towards each other, regardless of party affiliation. This is what it will take to truly “heal the land”.
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan - to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."
-- March 4, 1865 - Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
In the newsletter, I saw many worthwhile causes that had been championed by some Tennessee Republican Legislators during the last legislative session. Included was the Mental Health Screening Bill which required informed written consent prior to any mental health screening of children and prohibited the coercion of parents to give their children drugs which could be deadly or cause psychotropic effects. I was especially pleased to see law enacted to grant the diplomas of homeschoolers the same status of those enrolled in public and private schools. This is an issue dear to me, since I homeschooled my daughter who is now the 2009 Truman Scholar from the State of Tennessee. The newsletter was well written, and was not the usual religious hysterical approach to political issues. Also, there were other issues discussed in the newsletter of which, even if we could not agree in totality, I was confident that the majority of the members of our Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus, Tennessee Republican African American Caucus, and National Republican African American Caucus could rally behind as well, because of a common ideologically and belief.
But what struck my attention most, was the quote marked in bright red that was on the front of the publication. It read: “Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God.”
I pondered these words quoted from Benjamin Franklin, as I leafed through the newsletter. I could not help but wonder just how many Republicans truly believed this when it came to people of color. I tried to reconcile the quote with the reality of what had happened to members of the Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus, the Tennessee Republican African American Caucus and the National African American Caucus, when we tried to exercise the freedom to be Republicans.
Despite the fact that many African Americans, especially those within the churched populations share some of the same core values of the Republican Party, as in the case of our membership, they have not been seriously invited or welcomed into the GOP ranks. Either those of color are not seen as being worthy of this precious gift of freedom which is a God given right, predicated upon the higher laws of God, or somewhere along the way, some white Republicans have missed the mark in accepting this truth. What is apparent, is that there is a double standard for political freedom within the Republican Party when it comes to African Americans. We realize that to state this so bluntly, is to open ourselves to accusations of “using the race card”.
The issue of race remains a very sensitive one within America and particularly among some White Republicans. If you raise this issue, even with legitimate cause and documented proof, it is viewed by some as playing the race card. You are told to just let it go or to go away, and even to just suck it up and take it. If you press the issue too far, you may even find yourself blackballed, excluded and barred from meaningful participation. But the alternative to this is even worse. Because if you remain silent and say nothing, or if you go away, those who indeed are guilty, grow stronger and are able to further erode the very foundation of freedom to participate as citizens within the political process. This makes it not so much about race, but rather the fundamental right of every American citizen to fully participate in government. Therefore, when anyone is excluded from the democratic process, which we boast of as being the foundation of freedom, it is not just a racial issue, but it is un-American, and is a constitutional infringement upon the freedom Benjamin Franklin envisioned as being a right which no human has the power to take from any individual, because it is a decreed law of God.
What Franklin speaks of, is the same freedom in which African American Republicans in every state are entitled to have. Therefore, rather than seeing it as raising the race card, it should be seen as the right of citizens of color to assert the right not to have race or mean spirited politics at the local, state and national levels be used to bar us from full participation within the Republican Party. Having said that, we have shared our story of being denied that freedom, in hopes that those who believe in this quote, will endeavor to understand the need to make it applicable to all American citizens. In doing so, it is not our intention to bring harm or embarrassment to the Republican Party. Also, it was never our intention to air this issue outside of the Party. But because we have made every effort for many years to have this issue addressed at all levels, and have not been successful, we have ask for the assistance of the media in reaching those at the grassroots level, and those in elected and appointed positions within the Party, who are willing to extend the base of the Party to include those of color.
We also recognize and acknowledge that there are those within the Republican Party across America, and even some within my home state of Tennessee, who are accepting of African Americans, and have extended their own olive branches. For this we are pleased. We also know that there are those who would be more accepting, but for the political retaliation and consequences of going against those at the helm of elected and appointed leadership who have refused to accept us, which would result in jeopardizing their own political fate. Nevertheless, for the good of the party, we urge those who do not condone these kinds of practices to break the silence and to distinguish themselves from those who have marred the party with racism, mean spirited, and religious hypocrisy.
There has to be a political revival within the Republican Party. One which will cause the conscious and souls of those within the party, and especially clergy and those who claim to be people of faith, to open their minds and hearts to accept those of color into their ranks, without relegating them to a token few, who can only be accepted because they are willing to be less than equal. One which will put an end to overt and blatant acts of racism and mean spiritedness, which runs counter to moral principles. One that will help those who do not feel this way, to understand that when they keep silent, and fail to speak out against the wrong or fail to extend a warm embrace to those of color, that it makes it seem that all white Republicans are racist and mean spirited – even those of faith.
There has to be a spiritual revival where no longer race is an issue within the Republican Party. It is then, and only when this happens, that we can enjoy the collective strength and cohesiveness of a party which truly represents those who espouse some of the same core values in which we all hold so dear.
There also has to be a spiritual revival, which takes us back to our original purpose. One which makes us the grand party in which we once were. One which returns us to rational and well thought out positions on issues, and not mere religious hysteria, which makes us appear to be unreasonable, uncompassionate and out of touch with the majority of American citizens who are suffering.
We must not only take the higher ground morally, but we also have to practice and live what we preach. Lest our own words condemn us. We cannot pick and choose what is right or morally just which is tailored only to our political agenda. Nor can we look the other way when we do wrong, while pointing a finger of moral superiority at those who oppose us. How we live and govern, have to be predicated upon a much higher standard, which governs those who are people of faith, that does not fluctuate to meet our political expediency.
We can no longer afford to take the low ground with mean spirited ads and oppositional rhetoric. But rather, speak well documented truth, which also can speak to the heart and conscious of the American people. When we retort with nasty and mean spirited rhetoric, which also involves God, which is no more than our own form of moral invention, then we are in error. Who we are in our faith, should manifest itself in how we deal with each other and with even those who oppose our views. Finding common grounds when at all possible is crucial, just as much as sticking to our convictions on issues that go to the heart of what we believe should be our goal. But never should our fight be one which relieve upon intentional dissemination of facts which we know to be untrue or slanted truth. Nor should what we do, be predicated upon selfish motives and religious bigotry.
We have to realize that to be at war with those who differ, is not always the most expedient solution. Regardless of whether someone shares our core values or not, we have to respect their right to differ. It is our actions that will speak louder than our religious rhetoric. What they see, should be a party which cares so much about the fate of America, that it is willing to do whatever is necessary to preserve its freedom, its safety, its well being and its moral foundation, so that it truly can be a nation under God’s rich blessings, with liberty and respect for the rights of other, and justice afforded to those who have been denied. This is the pledge we so proudly make each time we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Compassion and wisdom has to dictate our actions. Reasoning and the willingness to sit down at the table and be able to listen to all sides of the issues, and to even try to see opposing views from the eyes of the other side is a part of who we should be as a party. Being able to work together as one, both partisanly and bipartisanly, and knowing when to lay down our swords and enter into a compromise on issues, which are so vitally important to the American people. But also knowing when to pick up those same swords and fight for a cause, which we know to be right and just. This should be our goal.
We have to birth forth strong leaders who are willing to move to the forefront as our spokes persons, rather than leaving it up to self-appointed voices that may or may not always share the sentiment of the party or be the voice of reasoning. We should not be searching just for leaders as presidential candidates, when what we need is everyday common sense leadership, which works for the best interest of the party. We need everyday leaders who lead by example and are full of reasoning, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. They also must have a heart for the people and their motives must not be self-serving.
America is at a crossroad, and so is the Republican Party. History will record what we do now and how we regain our political footage as a majority party. It also will contrast what we were when the party was first birthed, and where we have evolved today. If we return to truly being the party of Lincoln as we lay claim to being, then we also have to change that which does not resemble it. There was a time when the Republican Party stood tall as the champion of the people, and was willing to press beyond injustices and a nation divided and torn over the issue of the inequalities and inhumanity of slavery, to reconstructing itself as one nation. With so many people hurting in America today because of the economy, and those families that are in jeopardy each day of losing loved ones because of war, we have to be mindful of what we can do as a party to make a difference. This is the core value of the Republican Party – bringing the nation together with wisdom, justice, and compassion, rather than dividing it.
How we deal with injustices; how we attend to the needs of those subjected to a failing economy; how we work together to rebuild this nation; and how we are viewed by others should be our focus. For if we brand ourselves as being the party of Lincoln or the moral party, then we also have to assume the role of fulfilling the responsibilities that come with doing so.
We do see glimmers of hope, lest our hope fades. We see that in former First Lady Laura Bush. What an example of intelligence, class and womanhood. She is greatly admired because she wears the GOP label with not only grace, pose and dignity, but also with a spirit of reasoning, a strength of character and a willingness to be her own person. Mrs. Bush gives us hope that there are others within the Republican Party who are compassionate and who are not nasty, mean spirited and hypocritical. She is one who truly lives and practices her faith, and it clearly shows.
She is not hysterical and quick to criticize just for the sake of creating an “holier than thou” or partisan divide. Even despite the rocky road she and former President Bush endured in the White House, she is not bitter. Instead, she is rational and can understand the bittersweet road any president, regardless of party affiliation must thread in being president of the United States of America. She is encouraging. She is refreshing, and she is endearing. Thank you former First Lady Laura Bush for even being someone I see as a personal mentor.
As the national chair for the National Republican African American Caucus and its state and local caucuses, we continue to desire to be a part of this Grand Ole Party, and we have renewed hope that there are those who will welcome us. We extend a fresh olive branch to those within the Republican Party who can welcome and will embrace us with the belief that people of a darker hue are also entitled to the same freedom so profoundly stated in Benjamin Franklins’ quote.
Having such hope, we extend an olive branch, a helping hand, and a willingness to join you at the table of reasoning, to work together for the good of the party and for the good of this great nation.
We await and welcome your olive branch to us. …And for those (especially those of faith) who will say, we did not know all of this was happening to people of color? Now you know, and now you have the opportunity to do something about it by extending your own olive branch, which ignites this political as well as spiritual revival!
As a party, we talk a lot about spiritual revival for our nation. But first let it begin in us. For when the nation sees the God in us, as we do what is right and as we conduct ourselves in a godly manner and live by the same godly principles we preach, then they will believe our testimony of who God is, and will be encouraged also to do what is right. …Because in God’s Eyes, there are no Republicans, Democrats or Independents. Just His children of whom He dearly loves and desires to do the right thing towards each other, regardless of party affiliation. This is what it will take to truly “heal the land”.
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan - to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."
-- March 4, 1865 - Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
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