Blacks in Power Don't Empower Blacks

[Lou Newton]

This is a tremendous video that states a truth that everyone in this nation needs to hear:

[Steve Hollander]

Good video Lou. Very well presented. Thanks

[glen smith]

Before the November 2008 presidential election my statement was that if Mr. Obama won, African Americans would be disappointed after he left office because they would be no better off economically or in terms of race relations. The lack of African American advancement pointed out by Jason Riley since the Great Society program under LBJ has been easily observable and well known to those of us who observe. African Americans, the US Congress, and many others, make the mistaken notion that lack of advancement in all areas is because of discrimination and oppression. African American culture is so very destitute that it can only envision itself as having value in the representative or symbolic success of the very few prominent African Americans. African Americans have a poor self –image.

It is obvious that back when African American society was segregated it was African Americans who made demands on African Americans to achieve and act appropriately. The response by African Americans of greater expectations and achievements from their own leaders was positive. Segregation has destroyed positive influences of African Americans upon African American culture. Segregation removed both the “"them and us" and the “"I'’ll show you" attitudes for” motivations.

It has been known for fifty years in sociology that welfare keeps poor people poor and provides them just enough so that the poor do not riot and burn down what the wealthy have built. Welfare is a benefit to protect the wealthy, but the poor are too ignorant to understand the economic and social dynamics. Also, the poor are too needy to risk being responsible for their own welfare. Poverty is debilitating.

Welfare has made many citizens dishonest in that the system provides the means to scam the government.

Jason Riley video makes the correct observation that the consequences of welfare have destroyed the African American culture – family, etc. I think the he is mistaken in thinking that education, economic success, and good families will heal the consequences. What welfare destroys is self reliance, depending upon ones self, and not just a belief that one can do it themselves, but the economic necessity of doing it themselves – because there is not a safety net.

It was supposed that the integration of public schools would bring the African American education performance to that of the rest of America. It did the opposite because the advantages of segregation were loss and lack of performance was blamed upon the teacher and discrimination. Poor performance by African Americans in public schools became evidence that there was discrimination and not because of intelligence or effort. This resulted in poor performance becoming ingrained in African American children as victims of discrimination. Similarly, all aspects of African American culture has assumed this dynamic of poor performance as proof of discrimination, thus, denying personal responsibility which has resulted in mass lethargic behavior with a defeatist attitude.

Jason Riley will not be popular with African Americans. Bill Cosby had a similar message to African Americans, and they hated him. Of course, his sexual behavior has rendered his opinions a negative resource for what is wrong with the African American culture.

I am at heart a bleeding heart liberal in the sense that I believe in aiding and helping those in need regardless of merit. However, life has taught me that because of our human nature we become irresponsible when another takes responsibility for us. This is true from doing our own laundry to providing food and safety. Economic necessities demand responsible behavior. Remove the need for the economic necessities and responsible behavior is no longer required. This is the Achilles heal of welfare or in helping the needy at random.

All who observe objectively, regardless of their political position or sense of social responsibility, will swallow the bitter pill that some must suffer so that fewer will suffer. The liberal is too squeamish to attempt swallowing such a bitter pill and will say in a nation as wealthy as ours none should suffer, while the conservative is filled with so much self interest that the suffering of others in a nation as wealthy as ours is always their own fault.

All who have the indwelling Spirit of God will suffer at the plight of the needy and contemplate ways to give the appropriate aid.

[Steve Hollander]

Glen,
who are you talking about? Black folks? Because they are NOT African Americans. They are just Americans. The man Jason doesn't mince words and he referred to black and white people. It is 200 + years since anyone lived in Africa. It's like calling me an Israeli American. It's a rediculous expression. Even the African people look at American blacks as purely American. That totally foolish expression so as not to offend or give special status. We're all Americans. It's a tool to continue with segregation.
The only African American people are from Africa and have a distinct accent.

[Lou Newton]

Good video Lou. Very well presented. Thanks

Thanks for the reply Steve. I agree it is a very good video. It is sad that few of the ones that need to hear this will take this man serious. They will dismiss him as an uncle Tom.

[Steve Hollander]

Hey Glen,
I apologise if I was too harsh about the black vs. African American thing. I was just pointing it out cuz black people are referred to as some different types of Americans and they are just as American as everyone else. It's a new expression made up by foolish people. But I didn't want to offend you. I know you know the difference. I love youbrother. Blessings

[glen smith]

Glen,
who are you talking about? Black folks? Because they are NOT African Americans. They are just Americans. The man Jason doesn't mince words and he referred to black and white people. It is 200 + years since anyone lived in Africa. It's like calling me an Israeli American. It's a rediculous expression. Even the African people look at American blacks as purely American. That totally foolish expression so as not to offend or give special status. We're all Americans. It's a tool to continue with segregation.
The only African American people are from Africa and have a distinct accent.

No apology needed. I was laughing as I read your comment. Hurt feelings are not possible for me unless it is physical.
I got your point!

Political correctness avoids setting off African Americans. When you teach in a high school where the population is 47% African Americans and 42% Hispanic you avoid terms that hinder your effectiveness as a teacher. I think it also applies to many who might read these posts.

For Jason Riley to use "black" as a descriptive does not label him as drawing attention to skin color because he is one. I try not to use color in describing the differences in people because such a descriptive is often taken as bigotry when used by "whites." Even speaking of a group of people as "white" is labeled as bigotry.

The emphasis of my post intended to lay responsibility at the door of irresponsibility - not as a comment about color of skin but about the failure of a culture.

I heartily agree that political correctness is a foolish thing. I see gender sensitive English Bible versions as more than just foolish but errant. Not being political correct is offensive language felt by people who have issues with themselves. Such language is felt as a personal assault. Being offended is both an issue of maturity and knowledge. However, to effectively communicate with a three year old one must make accommodations in what vocabulary words are used because a three year old is immature and has limited knowledge. Some of the sounds and things I say to my grandchildren are foolish - Thus, I have earned the name Silly Pops. So, when I post "African American" just put it down to being Silly Pops.