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This Thought Provoking Perspective from Earlene Williams Hancock
who I have dubbed “The Minister of Explaining Stuff” a few years ago
that remains as power and relevant today, in this political environment,
as it was the day the thought was conceived. Let me share these
powerful word and words that speak truth:
I
remember, way back when, during the Civil Rights Movement how many of you
and/or your predecessors spoke loudly from your pulpits against the injustices
leveled against minorities in this country. If it had not been
for your support of Martin Luther King, he might not have been as
successful. We thank you for your sacrifice.
Many
of you also spoke out against what was felt to be an unjust war in Viet
Nam. This country is also indebted to you for helping bring our young
people home.
Strangely,
however, I haven't heard much from you the past two years, while our
country slipped deeper and deeper into a hateful, godless place. You,
as far as I know, have remained silent on the divisive racial attacks against
one of the finest Presidents we've been blessed with in my lifetime.
Forgive
me if I'm wrong, but I've heard nothing about the attacks on his
religious beliefs, his legitimacy to be president of this country, the
unprecedented insults hurled at him day after day, the ugly distortions of what
he's trying to achieve for all Americans ~ and not just for those
who voted for him.
The
Tea Party movement leaves many of us stunned ~ we realize at
its root, their behavior is a result of a deep-seated racism, simply because of
the color of his skin. Many believed we were living in a post-racist
society. One would think so, in 2010 (and now) ~ but I wasn't quite that naive,
but Barack Obama gave me hope that I haven't felt in my entire life.
President
Obama walked into the "perfect storm" on his Inauguration Day ~
and the Republicans wasted no time trying to derail his presidency. The
facts are that the enormous problems he inherited were as a result of the Bush
Administration's squandering a surplus gifted to them by Bill Clinton, throwing
us into a war with Iraq that Bush knew wasn't warranted, banking deregulation
that's cost millions of Americans their homes, and rewarding corporations for
outsourcing the jobs of the middle class throwing them into the struggle of
their lives just to survive. These same workers paid into the
system for unemployment benefits, but now are worried, again, that those benefits
will be held hostage by the Republicans.
I
will not offer an opinion as to whether I think the separation of church and
state is just or not ~ I do know that your nonprofit status could be in
jeopardy or called into question depending on your actions. Sometimes,
though, we are all called to do what is right, no matter the consequences.
I
don't have statistics on all groups who failed to vote on November 2nd...but
I've been told that only 10% of eligible black Democratic voters turned
up at the polls. Young "first-time" voters also chose to stay
away. The turnout was low across the board, except on the
Right. Would it have turned out differently had
you encouraged your various congregations to get out and vote? I'm
almost certain it would have, because your flocks look to you for guidance.
Perhaps
I'm completely wrong and each one of you did, in fact, repeatedly encouraged
your members for weeks leading up to the election, to simply get out and vote ~
whether for Republicans or Democrats. Perhaps you've repeatedly addressed the
disrespect shown at this President or at least touched on the vile racist
environment we find ourselves in today. Perhaps you've also taken a stand
publicly ~ if you have, I applaud you, but somehow I've missed that.
If
not, I am humbly asking each of you to take a stand and speak in
your churches, synagogues, mosques and cathedrals about a virulent atmosphere
of hate that's permeating our society. Your congregants have to
live and work in this society and it seems to me you'd want what's best for
them, their children, and grandchildren.
Will
you also commit to getting your membership motivated… to exercise their right
to vote, reminding them that people struggled and many died so they'd have that
privilege?
Again,
you are a powerful force and your membership will listen. I
know you love this country as much as we all do...and we must all get involved
to restore not just sanity, but decency in our political process, by doing
what's right for all Americans, not just a privileged few.
I
am not on anyone's payroll ~ although it certainly wouldn't hurt during these
troubling times. I'm merely very concerned about where our country is
headed and I implore you to get involved. May God/Allah continue to bless you.
These
words speak volumes and I would suggest that being called by “God” to feed the
souls of mankind – stand for justice and righteousness. Maybe that is why the
Bible says there will be wars upon wars because you remain silent! And that’s my
Thought Provoking Perspective…
“Just a Season”
Legacy – A New Season
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