Change the Wind

In Memoriam: Fort Hood

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

The tragedy of the Fort Hood massacre touches us all. We can scarcely comprehend the stress, or hatred or ideology that seeks to justify the senslessness of this act.

But we all honor the lives and seek to console the families of those who died on that day. And we appreciate the words of the President as he seeks to convey the love, gratitude and grief of an entire nation.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Let's Not Celebrate Too Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:10:00 +0000

No Alternative - That Is If You Want Affordable Health Care

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +0000

So the U.S. House finally came up with a health care bill!

"After a daylong clash with Republicans over what has been a Democratic goal for decades, lawmakers voted 220 to 215 to approve a plan that would cost $1.1 trillion over 10 years. Democrats said the legislation would provide overdue relief to Americans struggling to buy or hold on to health insurance."

"“This is our moment to revolutionize health care in this country,” said Representative George Miller, Democrat of California and one of the chief architects of the bill."

"Democrats were forced to make major concessions on insurance coverage for abortions to attract the final votes to secure passage, a wrenching compromise for the numerous abortion-rights advocates in their ranks."

"Many of them hope to make changes to the amendment during negotiations with the Senate, which will now become the main battleground in the health care fight as Democrats there ready their own bill for what is likely to be extensive floor debate."

After a summer of angry, hysterical protests throughout the country; name calling, labeling, fear mongering, misinformation and meanness - sometimes from both sides of the aisle there is finally a bill that can be sent to the Senate. Of course, the name calling, labeling, fear mongering, misinformation and meanness, will continue until the appropriate compromises are reached.

But, there's a House version of the health care reform legislation that has been vetted through committees, give and take and compromise has had its way late Saturday night the bill was produced. If you want to stretch all bounds of credulity, you can even say it's bipartisan - after all one Republican House member voted for it.

Of course the rest of the Republicans who did not vote for it are not happy.

"“This bill is a wrecking ball to the entire economy,” said Representative Jack Kingston, Republican of Georgia. “We need targeted specific reforms to help people who have fallen through the health care cracks.”"

So, if that is the case, where was the GOP's version of health care reform legislation? As I've said before, even if it is true that it would never see the light of day in the vaunted House chambers, let America see it and let us raise 'you-know-what' with our representatives to give it a full hearing! Let us know what we are missing.

Oh. I forgot. They did.

"Late last night [apparently November 4], the Congressional Budget Office released its initial analysis of the health-care reform plan that Republican Minority Leader John Boehner offered as a substitute to the Democratic legislation. CBO begins with the baseline estimate that 17 percent of legal, non-elderly residents won't have health-care insurance in 2010. In 2019, after 10 years of the Republican plan, CBO estimates that ...17 percent of legal, non-elderly residents won't have health-care insurance. The Republican alternative will have helped 3 million people secure coverage, which is barely keeping up with population growth. Compare that to the Democratic bill, which covers 36 million more people and cuts the uninsured population to 4 percent."

"But maybe, you say, the Republican bill does a really good job cutting costs. According to CBO, the GOP's alternative will shave $68 billion off the deficit in the next 10 years. The Democrats, CBO says, will slice $104 billion off the deficit.""

"The Democratic bill, in other words, covers 12 times as many people and saves $36 billion more than the Republican plan. And amazingly, the Democratic bill has already been through three committees and a merger process. It's already been shown to interest groups and advocacy organizations and industry stakeholders. It's already made its compromises with reality. It's already been through the legislative sausage grinder. And yet it saves more money and covers more people than the blank-slate alternative proposed by John Boehner and the House Republicans. The Democrats, constrained by reality, produced a far better plan than Boehner, who was constrained solely by his political imagination and legislative skill."

So let me get this straight: after months of name calling, threatening, birther rallies, cries of socialism, death panels and throwing old people off Medicare THIS is the best they could come up with?! I say 'after months', but most Republican legislators, along with their Democratic colleagues, have said that health care costs are out of control, have been for years and Americans need relief. That means that for eight of the ten years that the Republicans were in the majority knowing American's needed relief, was spent coming up with something the Congressional Budget Office (embraced, when pointing out the weaknesses of Democratic proposals), won't cut the deficit as much as the Dems proposal and won't cover nearly as many people?

I want to be clear: I'm one of those who believes that the House version of health care reform doesn't go far enough. After compromise with the Senate, it will be less strong still. But, no one ever gets everything they want in a political process and you live to fight another day.

But on the other side of the aisle, to cry 'Liar', 'socialist takeover' and 'the end of the free market' and have no competitive plan?! Are you serious?

I've never seen a group so anxious to be marginalized!

This is a Small World!

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:28:00 +0000

This great clip of a portion of a sermon by Dr. S.M. Lockridge (1913-2000) has resurfaced over the past week.

It is a thrilling conclusion by one of the masters of preaching. Lockridge, who pastored Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego, California, for 40 years (1953-1993), was also the first President of the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. If you haven't heard it, I hope it blesses you as it is blessing countless people throughout the country.

But here's a little know "this world is too small" fact...

Dr. Lockeridge's brother, Joseph E. Lockridge was one of the premier Civil Rights heroes in Dallas. In fact he was the first African-American elected to the Texas State Legislature from Dallas in 1966.

Joseph Lockridge was killed in a plane crash a couple of years later. Who was appointed to fulfill his unexpired term and win reelection in his own right after its completion?

None other than Dr. Zan Holmes, who will be the opening speaker for Dallas' Justice Revival November 10!

For Those Who Would Change the Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Ralph Waldo Emerson
1803 - 1882

Essayist, Poet, Philosopher

"America is another name for opportunity."

Good Luck With All That

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:38:00 +0000

Dallas' Justice Revival: Walking to Support Ending Homelessness

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +0000

Churches participating in Dallas' upcoming Justice Revival are asked, as a symbol of our commitment to become advocates for Permanent Supportive Housing, to participate in the upcoming Help the Homeless Walk-a-thon, on November 14.

We will begin the work of strategically determining how to pursue the fulfillment of this commitment after the revival. But to demonstrate that we want action to follow the celebration we think its important to do something as soon as possible. To join the hundreds of service providers and supporters of the effort of non-profits across the city to put an end to the scourge of homelessness, is a pretty good start!

Please make sure to register for the Help the Homeless Walk-a-thon at the Justice Revival at Market Hall, November 10-12 or you can do it their website here.

Dallas' Justice Revival: Working for A City of Justice and Mercy

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:58:00 +0000

According to Metro Dallas Alliances Point in Time census, there are about 6000 homeless people on the streets in Dallas on any given night. That is most likely a low estimate. Some of us place that figure considerably higher. While Dallas' effort to deal with the issue of citizens living on its streets and beneath its highway underpasses is significant, the Bridge is not intended to be a permanent solution.

A nationally recognized model for dealing with homelessness is called Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Permanent Supportive Housing recognizes that there are some people for whom life on the street can be solved, simply by providing them with a roof over their heads and enough support to help them navigate the systems which can help them keep their lives together.

In a remarkable way, very much like the rest of us!

Permanent Supportive Housing is, just as it implies, permanent. The residents in housing until they decide not to be.

Dallas' Justice Revival taking place next week has placed on its social justice work agenda the issue of PSH for homeless citizens. More specifically, the Dallas City Council supports a goal of 700 units of PSH to address the needs those homeless citizens for whom it will be appropriate. Obviously, we need more than 700 of those units, but identifying the 700 units is challenging enough. Nearly every section of the city is afflicted with NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard), when it comes to housing for the homeless. Given how little is known about it, and given how resources and promotion has gone with setting the goal of 700 units, its not particularly surprising.

That's where we are asking churches to step in...

First we are asking churches to get educated about homelessness and PSH. It is important that believers know the depth of the problem and the importance of the solution. Churches need to be educated on the importance of PSH because they can be an effective tool in allaying the fears of their communities regarding the 'dangers' of such housing in their communities.

Churches can play a critical role in helping to stabilize residents in PSH by reintegrating them into a loving, affirming community of friends who are genuinely concerned about them and who are there for them. Including PSH residents in church activities, providing counseling support, establishing Bible studies or even welcome baskets for new residents are just some of the ways that churches can be helpful. Most importantly, once taught, churches can call on their communities to join them in helping these formerly homeless citizens reestablish their lives.

Our faith communities are also needed as advocates in the public arena for PSH. While Dallas' City Council made an important step in calling for 700 units of PSH, that is not enough. It's not a priority with the city until some funding is put behind it and until the city is actively engaged in serious strategic planning as to where in the city this housing can be located. Churches can offer support to council members, once informed regarding the importance of PSH, in making presentations at their town hall meetings to reach an even greater population in their community about the importance of making room for this type of housing. And this should happen before any planning for PSH is proposed, so that getting as many people off the street through PSH is not longer considered a special project.

In Matthew 25, Jesus, as he talked about those who would be commended for having compassion on those considered 'the least', in his catalogue of qualifications for that 'least' category said, "I was a stranger and you took me in." The phrase, 'took me in' is actually one word and it is the word for 'synagogue'. We usually mean that those so commended took someone into their homes. It means more accurately, to make room for someone in the community.

This is true justice. This is true mercy. This is what the revival is meant to help bring about.

This will change our city. We look forward to you joining us November 10-12.

Dallas' Justice Revival: Worship AND Work...

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:02:00 +0000

What will separate Dallas' Justice Revival from some traditional gospel meetings is that along with the focus on evangelism, there will be an emphasis on the engagement of the Body of Christ in issues that impact the lives of our congregations and our communities. What that means is pretty simple: after the celebration of worship, we are committed to going to work!

There are a myriad of such issues, but the two upon which we've settled are education and permanent supportive housing for our homeless citizens.

Education is the great equalizer in our country. Yet it is becoming increasingly clear that more and more of our children are less equal than others. It's easy to see this problem as insurmountable, target poor students and their families for the 'personal responsibility sermon of the week' and tend to our own. But at the end of the day, if we don't commit ourselves to do something, we will all suffer.

In fact we are all suffering...

Here's a more practical reason for churches to become more engaged in public education: kids who drop out of school are costly to all of us; their quality of life is diminished in virtually every way imaginable.

"Andrew Sum, director of Northeastern University's Center for Labor Market Studies in Boston, says he has worked on a number of reports in the past that reached similar conclusions. He refers to the problem as "a tragedy for the workforce," and says dropouts fare very poorly in today's labor market:

"And that’s particularly true for men—men’s job opportunities decline considerably. By the time they get past their late 30s, fewer than half hold a job. The lifetime earnings of male dropouts are lower than any time since 1959."

"If you drop out of school today it’s the equivalent of committing economic suicide. There’s just no role for dropouts. Their role is they perpetuate the growth of our jails and prisons. They are far more likely to be in jail or prison than any other group. If you care about your workforce, you would be terribly frightened by these numbers."

These are some of the people who will, almost inevitably, find their way to our churches - it makes sense we find our way to them first!

We are looking for 25 partnership between churches and public schools because we know that churches can do a great deal to address this decline.

They can establish enrichment based after-school programs that do more than help with homework; they can develop programs which help teach the practical application of what is learned during the school day. Churches are in the unique position of working with local schools to help design and implement such programs, on their own or in collaboration with other churches to defray costs or with non-profit organizations;

Churches can help establish mentoring programs for children and their families to help make up for damaged family infrastructure. The unfortunate truth is, that there are some families that are too damaged to talk about the traditional family unit being 'restored'. Yet, that doesn't mean that the the family can't be salvaged, or that more than a measure of health can be achieved. Churches can, through counseling and creative interventions make an impact in countless homes being threatened if not destroyed by addiction, incarceration and poverty. Again, it is what some churches can do on their own, or it is what partnering congregations can do in a collaborative effort.

Churches can also be a body of encouragement and nurture for teachers and school staff. Many good principals I know face tremendous challenges by the demands of central administration and the reality they see everyday. Pastors can be partners with those principals, while at the same time being a resource that helps them to do the best possible job in truly educating our youth.

The same is true in the role churches can play with teachers. What I've learned as I have become older than a number of the teachers I know, is that life doesn't stop for them, in spite of the demands of their profession. Bereavement, illness, financial pressures, expectations from principals, parents and children all weigh heavily on our best educators, old and young.

And of course the politics of education must also be addressed. Churches are impacted by the policies of the school board and the state which shape the minds and provide a future for the young people who attend our congregations and live in their surrounding communities. People of faith, must be equally concerned about the accountability of those who are elected to represent the families of children in public school. In that regard, churches do indeed have the role of advocates for their communities, not with a partisan agenda, but with an agenda for the best resources being made available for all children.

Churches can do much more than this. But they certainly ought to do no less.

Brick City: the Politics of Redemption and Resurrection

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Brick City, is an enlightening and inspirational story about Newark, New Jersey and it's energetic young mayor, Corey Booker.

To say simply regard it as the story of a man and the city, is an understatement. It is a saga of a city that is trying to overcome what some would consider insurmountable odds: gangs, violent crime, poverty and the rage which comes when progress is made, but when expectations and pent up exasperations are equally high.

To watch Booker, playing midnight basketball with youth, at crime scenes with the police, encouraging, preaching and pleading, police, business leaders, community leaders and radio listners, to join with him in making Newark better, safer and liveable, is wonderfully inspirational. And something from which all of us, can learn.

It is a story of retail politics, redemption and a city that struggles for revival. It's worth our attention.

Bernice King elected SCLC President

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Rev. Bernice King, youngest daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, it was announced this past Friday.

"Bernice King was selected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
King was elected over Arkansas Appeals Court Judge Wendell Griffen.The vote by the board of directors was 23-15. King was not present when the vote was announced. , phoned King with news of her victory."

""In the spirit of your late father, with great anticipation, we look forward to your leadership," [The Rev. Byron Clay, interim SCLC president] Clay told King in the phone call."

"Clay said the board will meet with King soon before making any other announcements. "She is excited, I am excited and the nation will be excited," Clay said."

It is an exciting and historic move - Rev. King is the first woman president in the organization's history - and hopefully bodes well for the efforts to reinvigorate one of the nation's most storied Civil Rights organizations.

Congratulations, Rev. King!

For Those Who Would Change the Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Henri Nouwen

1932 - 1996

Priest, Professor, Author

"Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure."

Battling Youth Violence with Opportunity and Hope for Urban Families

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

A few posts ago, I said I would continue to address the issue of youth violence. I didn't forget. I just decided I would do it in my monthly column. Here's an excerpt...

"Derrion is the Chicago youth killed last month while walking home from school, beaten to death, caught in a fight between two rival gangs. Other young people witnessing the event captured the tragedy on cell phone video, which was broadcast on news outlets throughout the country and then went viral online."

"Both Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder were dispatched to Chicago, where they condemned the horrendous incident and announced federal funding and the need for new strategies to stem youth violence, referring to it as a "public health issue.""

"That may be true. But youth violence cannot be addressed that narrowly. Efforts to reduce it must be viewed in a larger context of urban, concentrated poverty. Until that is the norm, such a tragedy as 16-year-old's Derrion's death is possible in Dallas or any city where poverty is addressed ineffectively..."

"The more effective tools address the larger issue of concentrated poverty in Chicago, Dallas and every other major city in our country: increased education and job training, increased prevention services, increased counseling and access to substance abuse treatment."

"The Children's Defense Fund recommends additional policy solutions, such as a minimum wage indexed to inflation, increased affordable housing and adequate funding for and access to food stamps. These solutions are critical complements to effective anti-gang programs."

"Youth must be held accountable for the crimes they commit. But all adults are accountable for creating an environment in society that provides them with more opportunity and hope."

Sick AND Broke? Outrageous!

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

It appears that we are getting closer to watching the U.S. Senate vote on health insurance reform bill that includes a public option - we'll see.

The fact that we have come this close, given all the misleading brouhaha over the summer is amazing in itself. Also amazing is that the prospective bill won't give liberals everything they want, but may provide what everyone has come to say is needed: some relief from the exorbitant costs of health care. It is amazing in that everyone - Democrats and Republicans - say that citizens need relief, yet aside from a prescription drug bill in the last administration that increased the costs of prescription drugs, prohibited government negotiation on costs and increased the deficit, nothing has been done.

In the meantime, the other inarguable fact is that, whether or not you agree that America has the best health care system in the world, it certainly costs its citizens the most - in more ways than one. Depending on whom you want to believe and how you want to slice the data, somewhere between 19% - 50% of bankruptcies in the country are related in some way to health care costs. A wide swing? You bet. But there are other countries which have us beat in this regard. Watch...

Deflections on the subject don't address the issue. The fact is, we do need help with health care that will make it possible for people who are ill to not go bankrupt as well - no matter how many there are.

Don't Forget the Justice Revival

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

November is almost here and a great deal will be happening!

Daylight Savings Time will end (this weekend, DON'T FORGET!)

There's a School Board election in a few districts in Dallas (again, DON'T FORGET...November 3rd!)

Thanksgiving (as if you would forget!)

And the Justice Revival! November 10-12, Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway.

Go to http://www.justicerevival.org and register for a great refreshing period of worship, followed by meaningful opportunities for service!

Our city will change!

Great Movie; Great Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Ernesto Cortez, Jr., is directs the Southwest Region of the Industrial Areas Foundation. Ernie has been a tremendous influence on my life and ministry, helping me to expand my world view and my understanding of what it means to be engaged in public life.

Ernie, who can always be counted on to teach with an intellectual depth that is both informative and inspirational, broke into a pattern which some of us recognized but hardly anyone said anything about. In his discussions and even conversations, Ernie would quote philosophers, prophets, politicians, economists, academics, clergy, etc. Gradually we noticed that he started making his points reminding us of scenes from movies. Finally one of the organizers asked, 'Ernie, why are you quoting lines from movies so often?' To which Ernie replied, 'People may not remember what they read, but they remember the movies they see.'

This is a great scene, from a great movie, "Twelve Angry Men". Hope you enjoy it and learn from it as much as I have!

Latino in America: It Really Should be a Conversation Starter

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

If you didn't catch Soledad O'Brien's 'Latino in America' special, you need to. I think its an important look at the growth of the Hispanic community in this country in light of our country's failure to put into effect a comprehensive and comprehendable immigration policy. Like her previous documentaries on what it means to be 'Black in America', its sure to spark conversation, pro and con.

There are moving stories about the plight of undocumented children who come here looking for their parents; undocumented workers and a community of Hispanics whose assimilation into our country's community values which has transformed a dreaded neighborhood into one in which families celebrate the search for the American dream.

And then there is the segment which bothered me the most: the beating death of Luis Ramirez, an undocumented immigrant in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. Almost as incomprehensible as the acquittal of Ramirez's attackers (they were convicted of 'assault'), is the assertion of residents of this community that it 'wasn't a hate crime'. Equally disturbing was the dismissive attitude that if Luis hadn't been there in the first place, that 'it wouldn't have happened'.

Whatever else, 'Latino in America' shows (and it does indeed reveal the wonderful pride and spirit of Hispanic people), it also shows that our country does indeed have a long way to go.

Schmatta: An Informative and Interesting Look at the U.S. Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:59:00 +0000

HBO's documentary, "Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags" is an very informative and engaging look at the decline of New York City's garment industry.

If like me, you've never quite understood the intersection between the textile, fashion, clothing industries were and issues such as immigration and unions were to the development of our economy you will find this special pretty valuable. In that regard, the garment industry is a metaphor for the what has been happening in our country over the past 30 -40 years.

You owe it to yourself to watch!

For Those Who Would Change the Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

John Steinbeck

1902 - 1968

Author, Nobel Prize Laureate

"Man is the only kind of varmint sets his own trap, baits it, then steps in it."

Corruption in South/Southern Dallas Didn't Begin with Don Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

My predecessor at the church I pastored had developed what was called a 'Procedures and Guidelines Manual'. It was a pretty useful document and pretty well put together. Of course, it fell my lot to not only implement the 'procedures and guidelines', but as we grew and as circumstances changed - let's just say I grew to, shall we say - hate it!

Not because it was a bad thing to have - as a matter of fact most churches have them, in some form or another. No, my problem became that members, especially leaders, started to look to it to answer common sense problems. One example of the challenge was that the church provided a floral spray for the funeral of a deceased member or the immediate family. But, then the question arose, 'What about parents?'; 'What about 'step children'?; 'What about step-parents?' Believe it or not eventually listed, literally, nearly every conceivable, eligible, familial relationship eligible for a floral spray at the funeral.

As the copies of the procedures and guidelines became scarce, I stopped making them, though some leaders grew agitated because they couldn't find them and we didn't update them. We solved most problems through, prayer, conversation and common sense. Things didn't run perfectly (but, they didn't run smoothly with the manual, either!). But somehow we managed - without a lot of extra rules. We also found out that the key to operating effectively wasn't just to have written guidelines, but to find the right people who would make good decisions in the interest of the entire church. That too, was not a perfect process. But it also meant that we took our time in identifying leaders.

Now that's a small church in a poor section of Dallas. In some respects not an apples to apples comparison to what I want to write about - not totally.

The recent conviction of Don Hill, his wife Sheila and his Plan Commission appointee, D'Angelo Lee, is a sad and disappointing saga in the history of our city. Corruption in our public officials is not pretty. And it is interesting, if not telling, that there has been no public uproar in the African-American community during the trial or at the conviction. For those of us who know them - particularly Don and Sheila - we are saddened by the whole affair, mainly because of the promise that Hill had shown throughout his career on the council. He, conceivably could have been Dallas' second black mayor.

The corruption centered around bribery of low income housing developers, for favorable votes on their tax credit applications. Hill says it was tough politics, with no intent to defraud or bribe anyone. Twenty-three guilty convictions by the juror says that they don't believe him.

Now, aside from the convicted parties awaiting sentencing and possible appeals, two other questions have arisen. The questions involve what this means for the prospects of southern Dallas development in light of these convictions and the alleged prevalence of corruption when it comes to economic development in southern Dallas and the need for ethics reform on the city council.

Let me take them one at a time.

I believe it is wholly unfair to suggest that corruption in southern Dallas among elected officials is worse than among any other elected representatives in Dallas. We can talk about incompetence. We can talk about a lack of political savvy and sophistication. We can even talk about power grabs and district fiefdoms.

But, if we want to talk about corruption, then I will argue that historic corruption gave birth to the conditions that exist in what we now call 'South Dallas'. It is a corruption that helped create the underdevelopment, blight and neglect that, in turn, helped create the need for the massive redevelopment needed in southern/South Dallas, in the first place.

The zoning and rezoning that blighted residential areas of South Dallas with heavy industrial traffic, creating environmental health hazards for the citizens that remain; the lack of zoning, that allowed 300 liquor related businesses in a 13 square mile area; the lack of code enforcement that allowed absentee landlords to continue hold on to urban nuisance properties near schools and churches.

That is corruption.

Those who went to the Fair Park recently, and who either drove over the bridge to the south, or who parked on the parking lots to the south during the Texas-Oklahoma game, were driving over or parking on, what used to be a neighborhood. It was a neighborhood which was nearly destroyed by the wreckless, predatory, cruel use of eminent domain. For nearly 50 weeks during the year, those parking lots sit vacant. They give mute testimony to the callous disregard with which black communities were and in many ways still are held.

That, too, is corruption.

Whether the efforts of black politicians are misguided, heavy handed, incompetent or - if you like - corrupt, it is against this backdrop that most of them came into public life: the recent historic memory (less than 40 years ago), of the careless and wanton displacement of vulnerable, poor black people.

There is even a 'corruption' if you will, in the development of Uptown and the Arts District, in this sense - those areas were to Dallas what Auburn Avenue is to Atlanta, Georgia. It was redeveloped and gentrified in such a way that it failed to preserve the history and the culture of the people who lived there. Even the graveyard of African-Americans was paved over to create a highway.

How many minority contractors participated in the redevelopment of this area?

How many participate in the development of the Arts District?

This is the area which, at one time was the mixed income African-American community in Dallas. The only two reminders left are St. Paul United Methodist Church, which struggles basically because there is no longer a community for this historic institution to be a church to and Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet High School, which many (if not most) of the great-grand children of the loyal alumni of the '50's may not qualify to attend.

Again, a form of 'corruption'. Every deal may be legal while the whole affair may be corrupt.

So, no, southern/South Dallas doesn't have a lock on corrupt politicians. There are men and women in southern Dallas who have held office honorably. They have had to face the challenge of proving themselves credible, in spite of the fact that they and their constituency were lightly regarded. And, yes, southern/South Dallas has had more than its fair share of those who have been sloppy, unsophisticated, exploitative and ineffective.

But, they are no more corrupt than the public officials and elected politicians who have implemented policy that officially decimate a whole community.

As to whether or not this will impact developers who want to do business in southern/South Dallas: those who don't want to do business in southern/South Dallas will always find a reason not to; those who want to do business in southern/South Dallas will see the opportunity and seize it.

As for the ethics issue. There does need to be reform. But not just because of Don Hill and not just because of southern/South Dallas. There needs to be ethics reform because we need to restore public trust and accountability across the board. James Ragland, in his Dallas Morning News column on Thursday has an important analysis of why it should and how it can be done.

But at the end of the day, new ethical guidelines are still requires addressing issues in the only way I found the 'Procedures and Guidelines Manual' effective: the right people serving with wisdom and common sense.

That's important no matter who you're elected representatives are, or what part of the city they represent.

Wonderful Intersect!

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:03:00 +0000

When relationships and responsibilities intersect in a meaningful way, it can make you awfully proud!

One relationship that falls in that category is with Shawn Williams. I hesitate to refer to him as a 'fellow blogger' because he is so far ahead of the curve when it comes to what he does and what I do! His creativity and entrepreneurship in this area is just outstanding. Not only is his Dallas South blog top rate, but his online publication, Dallas South News is really impressive (and he hasn't paid me to say any of this - yet!). Seriously, the depth and breadth of his work is pace setting and I enjoy his work.

The responsibility aspect is also exciting. I happen to supervise several programs at Central Dallas Ministries and I'm extremely proud of the work of all of our program managers. Our After School Program, in Dallas Housing Authority's Roseland Homes community is growing more and more exciting! Due to the loss of learning centers in Dallas Independent School District, it now serves well over 100 children, with homework, recreation and enrichment. One part of the program happens to be the oldest after school offering which we call our After School Academy, headed by Janet Morrison. She too is a fellow blogger and her passion and commitment comes through in every post.

Shawn and Janet have combined forces to create a Junior Reporter program. The 3-5 graders are learning reporter skills that are making them 'citizen journalists'! I dare you to think about the implications of young urban youth, who are learning to blog, learning digital photography, developing interview skills, all in a new journalism environment which provides greater access and opportunity as the 'digital divide' is bridged.

Check out Shawn's article on the effort in our city's 'D' Magazine online offering!

This is more than just a shout out to Janet and Shawn. This is bragging on young people who are learning to defy the odds through education, exposure and experience, and the adults who believe in them enough to provide the opportunity.

The next time you here disparaging news about young people, you ought to think about this story!

Sorry for Losing My Patience, Preacher!

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Okay, I'll admit it. There are times that I am particularly impatient with some people. Sunday was one of those times.

I had just concluded preaching the sermon at the church we are members of, when one of the associate ministers asked me, 'Have you heard about the law that congress is trying to pass, that would outlaw the preaching of the gospel?'.

When it comes to social and political issues, uninformed and ill informed clergy, can be a pet peeve of mine. I tried to suppress it (my impatience), but evidently I must have rolled my eyes, or something and said, 'That's probably not going to happen...'

I mean, really?! Outlaw the preaching of the Gospel? Are you serious?!

Nonetheless, I've been wondering where on earth something like that could come from? The immediate suspect was the Internet. I'm beginning to believe that there needs to be some filter for some people to use to see if they have enough discernment to actually use it. Those of you whose inbox or spam box gets stuffed with the latest conspiracy theories know what I mean.

But, this man seemed so sincere, I was wondering where on earth such nonsense could come from.

Then I found it!

The Democrats in congress have attached an amendment to the military appropriations bill - a federal hate crimes amendment. Its a bill named after Matthew Shepherd, the young man who was killed in Wyoming 10 years ago, brutalized and beaten to death because he was gay. It also is named after James Byrd, the African-American who was dragged behind a pick-up truck in Jasper, Texas and killed by two white men.

(Talk about uninformed clergy - I thought the bill had passed! I guess now I have to be irritated with me!)

At any rate, it appears that Republicans have been successful in defeating the measure everytime it has been introduced. Now, by voting for the military appropriations bill, they will be voting for a bill that protects the safety of homosexual and transgendered people.

Now this post doesn't have anything to do with how you feel about any of that. Remember the preacher who is concerned about preaching the Gospel being outlawed...

"The talking points being circulated among conservatives and repeated like video loops on talk shows are few but they are powerful -- and they are delivered with conviction: Pastors would be hounded out of their pulpits or even rounded up because a hate crimes law would "criminalize" speech and particularly sermons that quote scripture saying homosexuality is a sin."

Devastating right?! And untrue.

Read a little further...

""In June, 60 religious conservatives sent a letter asking senators to filibuster the bill, which they said "would criminalize preaching the Gospel and put preachers in the cross-hairs." The letter was signed by the likes of James Dobson of Focus On The Family, Don Wildmon of the American Family Association, and Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America. Many Republicans, including Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana and Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, agreed with them.After the House passed the bill on Oct. 8, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council renewed the charges, saying the legislation is an Orwellian "thought-crimes bill" that would give "special rights" to homosexuals. Rep. John Kline of Minnesota echoed that, saying that "any pastor, preacher, priest, rabbi or imam who gives a sermon out of their moral traditions about sexual practices could be found guilty of a federal crime.""

"But the bill in fact expressly prohibits any such thing, and at several points reaffirms all First Amendment and other constitutional protections on free speech and religious freedom. Among other things it says:

""Nothing in this division, or an amendment made by this division, shall be construed or applied in a manner that infringes any rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Nor shall anything in this division, or an amendment made by this division, be construed or applied in a manner that substantially burdens a person's exercise of religion (regardless of whether compelled by, or central to, a system of religious belief), speech, expression, or association..."[The full text of the bill can be found here, near the bottom of the National Defense Authorization Act.]""

Here's the problem (and maybe its my own idealism that's showing here): can't anyone argue policy on its own merits anymore? Is the only way to get legislation passed to try and see just how many citizens can be scared out of their wits?

Sorry, preacher! Looks like you're not the one with whom I should be losing my patience!

Defying the Stereotype

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Thanks to Steve Blow, Dallas Morning News columnist, for this moving piece on the victim of tragic accident on yesterday.

Nearly all of us would describe Clay Campbell as 'homeless' and many people intentionally dredge up the worst stereotypes when it comes to these citizens. But one reason for that is because its much more convenient to promote those stereotypes than to have compassion and to try and do something about the primary tragedy: homelessness itself.

Often when we try and get people to understand the plight of people who live on the streets, those efforts are made with all manner of caustic and sarcastic comments. It would be interesting to hear from some of those same people about this situation.

Estimates put the number of homeless people in Dallas at above 6000. Clay Campbell is not every homeless person. But there are far more of them than we know and they need our compassion, not our hard hearted indifference.

"Clay Campbell was killed Monday morning when an 18-wheeler struck him as he stood on a street corner just south of downtown Dallas. Witnesses at the scene described him as "a transient," and that was reported in news accounts of the accident."

"But now family and friends want to set the record straight."

"Clayton Webster Campbell may not have led a conventional life, but he was not a transient. In fact, he died in the same hospital where he was born 34 years ago – Baylor University Medical Center."

"Campbell was a 1995 graduate of Highland Park High School, attended the University of North Texas and served in Iraq in the U.S. Navy."

"And, according to his mother, he was a young man who "just never found his way."
Campbell confounds many of our notions of what it means to be homeless."

""No, he might not have had a roof over his head every night. He died along South Central Expressway in an area where the homeless often roost for the night in hidden corners."
But Campbell reported regularly for a volunteer job in Plano, clean and well dressed. Just two weeks ago, Campbell was in coat and tie, posing for ribbon-cutting photos with U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson."

""He kind of bounced around. I don't think he had a permanent address. But he definitely wasn't a bum," said Robert Aiken, who worked closely with Campbell for the last year.
"He was just trying to get his life squared away," said Aiken, also an Iraq veteran.
Most recently, the two men had been working together in Plano to establish the U.S. Veterans Chamber of Commerce (www.usvcc.com). That was the basis for the recent photo session with the congressman."

This Can't Make Anyone Feel Safe

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:41:00 +0000

I've been trying to digest the idea that something like judicial or political pride in our state would trump wanting to make certain that we got a crucial matter like capital punishment right.

The case of Cameron Todd Willingham has been the source of significant public conversation nationally. Willingham, not the most upstanding of citizens, was, nonetheless found guilty of an arson that took the lives of his two daughters. He was executed in 2004.

It appears as if the forensic science that ruled the deaths of these two girls was the result of arson, was tragically flawed. If that is the case, one horrible mistake was compounded with another. You would think that the state would prefer to know that, going forward. You would think - that if we were going to have the death penalty, we would want to use it judiciously and correctly. You would also think that as a state in which we tout an individual's 'right to life', we do not cavalierly taking anyone's life carelessly - even if you believe the state has that right.

In recent weeks, the Governor of our state, has mocked those who have found the science which helped convict Willingham (using air quotes when referring to the 'experts'); has conveniently replaced members of the panel who were scheduled to hear the testimony from those experts and is now, and now is essentially saying that Willingham was such an unsavory character its not hard to believe that he may have been guilty of murder.

All of these stances are disturbing. The last one, more so to me. If we can incarcerate, let alone execute people because - although not guilty of the charge for which they are arrested and convicted - they must be guilty of something, we're headed down a dangerous path indeed.

Let me put it like this: I want to know if our state executed a man for something he didn't do; I want to know if the evidence was faulty and whether or not it was known to be faulty at the time. I'd like to know whether his conviction was a mistake or was it convenient. And I would like to know if there are others on death row, because of a similar 'mistake' or convenient conviction.

And I'd like to know that we have elected officials who are concerned about the same thing.

Season of Service: A Wonderful Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald Britt) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

What a novel idea! Evangelism by establishing relationships by demonstrating compassion and concern for the city! Kevin Palau has organized this tremendous mission outreach in Portland, Oregon. A type of mission that does not see the city as an 'object' to be 'won to Christ', but as people with whom relationships are built and 'good news' shared as friends!

Season of Service, is a season that can last all year long...