The Hinterland Gazette

The Hinterland Gazette Has Moved to WordPress

2011-11-02T23:15:00.000-04:00

The Hinterland Gazette has moved from Blogger and it's old Black Political Thought name to WordPress. Visit us at http://hinterlandgazette.com.

THE WAY THEY DO MY LIFE

2011-11-01T17:18:00.006-04:00

The young woman is clearly in distress. She has come to me for counsel. I have no absolutes for her. Whenever I share, I do my best not to tell people what they ought to do no matter how much I want to give advice rather than counsel (yes, there is a difference); everyone has to take responsibility for the decisions they make. This will not happen if the decision they make is based on what I tell them to do. I can only point the young woman to God’s word, encourage her to seek His face, and clear away the clutter and distractions so that she might clearly hear what He has to say.

It frustrates me to see the negative situation in an individual’s life and yet not be able to take hold of it and make it right for all the parties involved. It burdens my heart to see pain in a person’s eyes and realize I have no power to take it away. It makes me so angry to know the heartache people inflict on others even as they name the name of Christ and profess to love Him with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. In the words of Marvin Gaye, it “makes me wanna holler……” I feel so ineffective and impotent even as I am also absolutely sure that God can, and will, handle every sin committed against us if we will absolutely trust Him for the outcome.

Yes, there are times when I do muse on, and trip over, Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” My humanity wants to know why I must wade my way through the bad to get to the “all things work together for good,” part. Why can’t it always be good all the time because I love the God who is good all the time?!

I turned on the radio just as the radio bible teacher was saying, “Relationships take patience and perseverance,” his point being that we must press our way through those prickly patches in any relationship with patience and perseverance. In other words, we cannot jump ship because my spouse is not right; my mother gets on my nerves; my children have lost their minds; my co-workers drive me crazy; those church members irk me, etc., etc., etc.

Do you know that God has a sense of humor? Well, He does, and I know it because He sent this message to me on the heels of my conversation with the young woman, just as I was thinking, “Everyone has a right to peace and harmony in their lives; why can’t we just cut bait and run?” Not only was I thinking it; I was seriously considering sharing this "message" with her.

Patience and perseverance are two words that can be anathema in this “I WANT IT NOW!” society. I cannot even remember the last time I was in a bible study, or heard a sermon, about patience and perseverance. James’ declaration, “Count it all joy,” is just one big irritant when I can see nothing in my life for which to be joyful. Patience and perseverance in this chaos called life? Are you kidding me? Seriously, God, patience and perseverance in this quagmire of a relationship in which I now find myself stuck?

The Truth: Running from adversity and conflict in relationships does not solve problems, but compounds them. Patience and perseverance are the keys to relational transformation.

7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.
8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned. James 5:7-12 (NIV)

~From “Five Lies That Ruin Relationships: Why a Change in Scenery Rarely Improves the View” ~Chip Ingram/Living On The Edge Radio Broadcast, October 2011

The only way I will learn to be patient and to persevere in times of adversity is to be patient and persevere in times of adversity. This may sound like circular reasoning, but it is fact, hard and cold. Just as I learned to drive by driving, just as I learned to cook by cooking, just as I learned to do anything by doing it, so it is with patience and perseverance in those upside down relationships. We may never reach perfection, but we should at least try. We must kick to the curb the idea of convenience, comfort, and no challenge in this life-journey. I am not saying this will be an easy or challenge free process. I am saying that we must begin to trust Him who is still able to do more than we can ask or think, one day at a time, one step at a time, one moment at a time.

Patience and perseverance, now that's a thought!

The Hinterland Gazette is Moving!

2011-10-30T14:32:00.001-04:00

We are pleased to announce The Hinterland Gazette is moving from Blogger to a self-hosted site! Please bear with us as we make this transition. It is your support that has helped us to outgrow Blogger. The move will be seamless and will be the beginning of great things! The site may go down for a few hours, but I can assure you, we will back on track quickly! Please bear with us.

Dion Evans & RMG Radio, Candlelights For Community...

2011-10-29T16:55:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to see my friend Dion Evans of RMG Radio, Oakland California organize and execute a non-violent vigil in his community. Many of us in one way or another, have seen or witnessed some form of violence. It doesn't matter whether the violence affects you personally in the form of violence against your person or against some one you know, the fact is all of us need to be aware of the damaging effcts of violence in our community. Read more: http://harrietcammock.blogspot.com/2011/10/dion-evans-rmg-radio-candlelights-for.html?spref=bl

Bloody Weekend in Chicago, Two Dead, 16 Wounded in Gun Violence Since Friday Afternoon

2011-10-29T16:27:00.000-04:00

MURDER CITY CHICAGO: Chicago is in the throes of yet another bloody weekend that has seen two killed and 16 shot since Friday afternoon. According to NBC Chicago, a 74 year old man and a 50 year old man, were fatally shot. Read more: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-crime-gun-violence-132847248.html

Christian-Affiliated Shorter University Requiring Employees to Sign Statement Rejecting Homosexuality or Face Termination

2011-10-29T16:14:00.000-04:00

Shorter University now requiring employees to sign "Personal Lifestyle Statement" rejecting homosexuality or face termination.

SHAME: Christian-based Shorter University is now requiring its employees to sign a "Personal Lifestyle Statement" rejecting homosexuality.

Don Dowless, president of the Christian university in Rome, said anyone not signing the statement, which also requires staffers to reject premarital sex and adultery, faces termination.

“I think that anybody who adheres to a lifestyle that is outside of what the biblical mandate is and of what the board has passed, including the president, would not be allowed to continue here,” Dowless told Channel 2 Action News. Source

Students are not required to sign this statement. I don't quite know what to make of this mess, but I think it's a violation of one's rights.

Glendale AZ Police Officer Brad Jones Dies After Being Shot by Suspect During Probation Meeting

2011-10-29T15:20:00.000-04:00

Police Officer Brad Jones dies after being wounded by Ryan Heisler who shot him during meeting with probation officer in Glendale, AZ.

Glendale AZ police officer Brad Jones, 27, was fatally shot while accompanying a probation officer on a meeting with a convict, Ryan Heisler, at an apartment complex Friday night. According to Officer Down Memorial Page, during the meeting, the suspect pulled a weapon and fired at Officer Jones.

The suspect fled in the officer's vehicle after shooting him. Officer Jones was able to make a radio call and responding officers pursued the suspect until he crashed on west Glendale Avenue. The suspect attempted to flee, but exchanged gunfire with the officers and was critically wounded. Officer Jones was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix where he died from his injuries.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Jones, who served with the Glendale Police Department for four years. He is survived by a wife and two young children. According to the Arizona Republic, Heisler remains in critical condition at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.

RMG Radio is Kicking Off 10 Hours of Programming Devoted to the Violence & Other Issues in Oakland, Calif.

2011-10-29T15:06:00.000-04:00

RMG Radio is set up in the Eastmont Town Center Transit Station area in Oakland and kicking off 10 hours of non-stop programming dealing with issues confronting the city through its "Candlelight's for Community," to bring back hope to the community and put an end to the violence. If you are in the Oakland area, stop by and visit Dion Evans and his crew. The city of Oakland seems to have a bad reputation in the media, because they tend to accentuate the negative, but there are many, many good people in Oakland and RMG Radio is making a difference in changing that image.

RMG's PRAYDIO will be on location and on the air from 12 noon to 10 p.m. Remember, you have the power the change the world. Stop by and let your voice be heard! Join the conversation in person or check out RMG's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RMGradio. Listen live at: http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/mini.cgi?station_name=religazine&site=pro&tm=6297. The Christopher Lavell Jones Foundation is also giving away some t-shirts today. The Khadafy Foundation is also giving away calendars highlighting deaths in Oakland.

Words of wisdom from PRAYDIO: Fathers shouldn't just send the family to church. Join the mother and children in service. Don't kiss them goodbye as they depart to church. The time of worship that comes back into your home with you. There is peace in your home because there is peace in your spirit. It's time to end the violence in our communities, not just Oakland. It starts in the home!

Donna Williams, co-host of "Issues After Dark," is talking about how we can be instruments of peace in the community. She said "if the church isn't careful, we are going to wind up being an exclusive club, such as a sorority. Involvement with community-based organizations is important."

I would urge all our readers to support Dion Evans and RMG Radio. They are making a difference across the globe, one listener and one community at a time. Visit www.rmgradio.org for more information.

Pastor James Miller Arrested by Clearwater Police for Sexual Battery of a Minor

2011-10-29T08:45:00.001-04:00

Another pastor has been arrested for sexually abusing a minor. Pastor James Miller, who lived in Delaware, was arrested by Clearwater, Fla., police on a charge of sexual battery of a child. The warrant was issued by Delaware State Police.

Chicago Teen Kelli O'Laughlin Found Stabbed to Death in Indian Head Park Home, Death Considered a Homicide

2011-10-28T09:29:00.000-04:00

Chicago teen Kelli O'Laughlin was found stabbed to death in her home in far southwest suburban Indian Head Park Thursday evening. She was a freshman at Lyons Township High School. According to NBC Chicago, investigators are considering her death a homicide and are looking for a suspect. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Kelli O'Laughlin.

Philly Judge Kevin Dougherty Gave Convicted Murderer & Now-Basement Kidnapping Ringleader Linda Ann Weston Custody of Niece Beatrice Weston

2011-10-28T09:18:00.000-04:00

How does a judge give custody of a child to someone who served time for murder? That would be Judge Kevin Dougherty who gave custody to basement kidnapping and fraud ringleader Linda Ann Weston, of her niece Beatrice Weston, who was also found among the six kids and four teens being held by Weston.

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

Koran-Burning FL Pastor Terry Jones Announces 2012 Presidential Run as Independent Against Barack Obama

2011-10-28T09:04:00.000-04:00

George W. Bush set the bar so low, that any natural-born American fool can run for the presidency. Enter Koran-burning Florida pastor Terry Jones, who announced his bid for the White House as an Independent. Um, hell will literally freeze over and donkeys will be flying if this moron becomes our next president. According to the International Business Times, he said he was motivated to announce his "candidacy" (hysterically funny), because of the country's harsh economic reality. This is a man who doesn't know the meaning of the word diplomacy. He said he would "endorse" Herman Cain if his bid is unsuccessful. Yeah, the blind leading the blind.

AJC Cartoonist Mike Luckovich Mocks Mayor Kasim Reed Over Occupy Atlanta Protesters' Eviction

2011-10-28T08:56:00.000-04:00

AJC cartoonist targets Atlanta mayor over Occupy Atlanta protesters' eviction from Woodruff Park.

Atlanta Journal Constitution cartoonist Mike Luckovich mocked Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed in a cartoon yesterday in which he placed Reed behind a desk grappling to explain to Martin Luther King's image on the newly minted King statue in Washington, D.C. The cartoon was released as protesters set up shot behind the King Center.

SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED!

2011-10-27T15:44:00.006-04:00

Her name was Fannie Lou Hamer, a fierce '60s Civil Rights activist in mean old "we ain't gone never change" Mississippi. She was sick and tired of being sick and tired and decided to do something about it, even to the extent of taking on the Democratic National Convention to challenging the seating of the all white Mississippi delegates at the convention.

Not too long ago, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I began to ask myself some hard questions. How could I, as a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, still find myself in a place of worry and anxiety? Why was I still wrestling with the past rather than trusting God not only for my future, but also for my present? Why was I still putting my trust in mankind (that had already proven it should not be trusted) rather than in a God who had proven Himself to me over and over and over? "Why," as one woman asked me those many years ago, "was I being made out to be the bad guy?" And why was I still pitching my tent in that miserable valley? Why was I rehearsing my misery as if I were preparing for some big production of "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen?" I do know I am wired for worry; what I finally realized back then was that I needed to submit that predisposition to the authority of God. But how?

I eventually declared to myself, "Enough is enough," and determined to fast and pray on the matter. I entered into the fast with the thought that I would fast until God declared "The End." This time I also decided that each time a hunger pang hit I would think on the Word of God and pray. In times past, when the hunger pangs hit, I only thought about food. This time I turned my appetite to God to feast on His Word and to hunger for His righteousness. This became my daily routine and the stronger the hunger pangs, the stronger my prayers.

It is not important how long I fasted, but when I came out of that fast, I came out with the calm assurance that through it all Jehovah Shammah is indeed with me. These days my worry switch is not so easily flipped; after all, if God is for me who (or what) can be against me. I have a peace that confounds even me. When I do feel the tickle of worry, I immediately turn to God (Phillipians 4:6-7).

No, I have not reached perfection. There are still days when the enemy points out the losses, what I do not, and probably never will, have. There are days when I still wonder "What the heck happened?" There are times when Mr. Screwtape pokes me in my spirit and asks, "So, where is the love?" But, when those moments show up, I remind myself that I am the apple of God's eye. He has my name written on His hand. He catches my tears in a bottle. He will be my vindicator long after I've forgotten the hurt and gotten over the heartache. He truly is my light and my salvation. He fills the voids in my life and I am (thank you, Marvin Sapp) stronger and wiser and so much better.

I get joy when I think about what He's done for me!

Skokie IL Man in Police Custody for Stabbing Deaths of Daughter & 27 Month-Old Granddaughter

2011-10-27T09:36:00.002-04:00

SHOCK: A Skokie, Ill., man is in police custody after he called 911 and told a dispatcher he had just killed his 18 year old daughter and 27 month-old granddaughter. No charges have been filed yet, but the man reportedly had blood all over his hands, according to NBC Chicago. The murders occurred at a home in the 4600 block of Main Street. Developing.

Little Known Black History Fact: Black Soldiers Played an Integral Role in Building Alcan Alaskan Highway

2011-10-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

Black history fact: Black troops in segregated units played integral role in the completion of Alcan Alaskan Highway & the Sikanni Chief Bridge, connecting Alaska to the rest of North America, and saw the breakdown of "segregation in the military" on October 28, 1942.

Little known black history fact: October 28, 1942, marked "the first step in the breakdown of segregation in the military," Dr. Ronald Myers told ADN.com . That is date when crews completed the highway -- the Alaska-Canadian Highway, or Alcan, that connects Alaska to the rest of North America. Thanks in great part to the black soldiers who played in role, working with hand tools, to make it a reality.

The story that astonished Myers involves the construction of the Sikanni Chief Bridge, 162 miles out of Dawson Creek. Black troops in segregated units worked on the road with minimal supplies in miserable conditions. They faced a fast-moving river 300 feet wide, but their heavy equipment had been sent to white divisions. The officers said there was no way the men could build a bridge across it on schedule.

The men thought otherwise. They bet their paychecks that they could finish the bridge in less than three days. With hand tools, saws and axes, they prepared the lumber from nearby trees. Tied to the shore with ropes, they plunged chest-deep into the rapid, freezing water and set the trestles. They sang work chants and chain-gang songs. They used the headlights of trucks to keep working in the dark. They finished the bridge ahead of schedule. Source

It is so important for us to learn about the achievements of the foot soldiers in the struggle for racial equality and justice in this country. Many fought for the rights some of us take for granted today.

OH Youth Pastor Travis Bransetter Charged with 3 Counts of Sexual Battery Against 15 YO Female Member of his Church

2011-10-27T09:05:00.000-04:00

SHAME: Travis Bransetter, a former youth pastor at the Church of the Nazarene in Logan, OH, was charged with three counts of sexual battery against a minor, who happens to be a 15 year old member of his church. His bond was set at $100,000. According to WOUB, Bransetter reportedly confessed to investigators he had had a sexual relationship, which took place between Nov. 2010 and Feb. 2011.

Harriet's Blog: Lindsay Lohan's Dad, Michael Charged with Domestic...

2011-10-27T07:26:00.000-04:00

Harriet's Blog: Lindsay Lohan's Dad, Michael Charged with Domestic...: Once again violence against women is in the spotlight as another high profile woman is subjected to violence from an intimate partner. M...

East Providence RI Police Investigating Possible Murder-Suicide at Home Owned by Jeffrey & Amber Arruda

2011-10-26T09:21:00.000-04:00

East Providence, RI, police are investigating a possible murder-suicide. According to the Providence Journal, a couple, police are investigating the murder-suicide of Jeffrey and Amber Arruda at their home located at 94 Hazard Avenue. Developing....

Georgia Seeking to Overturn Portion of Voting Rights Act of 1964

2011-10-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

The state of Georgia is seeking to strike down a portion of the Voting Rights Act of 1964 that sought to protect black voters during the period of American history that saw Jim Crow and racial discrimination running rampant all across the country, moreso in the Deep South.

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Georgia filed suit earlier this month asking that the court approve Republican-backed plans to redraw the state's legislative and congressional districts. But in that filing, the state asks that if the court rejects its redistricting plans, that it also rule the law that requires that approval to be unconstitutional.

Georgia is one of nine states that must get any change in election law, including district maps, pre-approved by either the Justice Department or the federal court in Washington. That preclearance is required by Section V of the Voting Rights Act, the landmark 1964 law passed in the wake of Jim Crow and voting laws aimed at limiting the ability of African-Americans to vote.

Attorney General Sam Olens said the state's argument against the Voting Rights Act is simple: "we're no longer in 1964, there's no longer poll taxes, there's no longer cases where less than 50 percent of the minority population is voting." Of Georgia's 5.7 million registered voters about one-third are minorities.

The suit is the beginning of what could be a lengthy process for approval of its new maps, which are designed to take effect in next year's elections. While Georgia has sued in court for preclearance, it is also simultaneously asking for Justice Department approval. If Justice signs off on its plan, the state would drop its lawsuit.

I would urge Georgia voters to take the time to read about this new lawsuit and what it means for voters in the state. This is much bigger than being told you must have a photo ID to vote. I believe everyone should have a photo ID to establish identity. You can't open a bank account without a picture ID, so why should you vote without one? But, it seems to me that the Republicans in the state legislature want to go much further.

Civil Rights Leader Joe Beasley Says Mayor Kasim Reed is a "Waterboy for the Rich" for Pushing Occupy Atlanta Protesters from Park

2011-10-26T08:55:00.002-04:00

Atlanta civil rights leader Joe Beasley says Mayor Kasim Reed is a "waterboy for the rich" and a "tyrant" for forcing Occupy Atlanta protesters by police force from Woodruff Park.

Joe Beasley

I came across an interesting commentary on the Redding News Review -- a so-called Atlanta civil rights leader, Joe Beasley, called Mayor Kasim Reed a "water boy for the rich" and a "tyrant" for his insistence on removing Occupy Atlanta protesters from Woodruff Park. I might add, the protesters have been removed, some peacefully, some arrested.

"The corporate leadership is actually calling the shots in Atlanta and not water boys, like the mayor," Joe Beasley told Redding News Review's radio program.

"Bull Connor was a chief of police," he said. "Chief Turner is a thoughtful man but he is under the orders of a tyrant." Source

But why do we have to sink to name calling? Racist name calling at that? Joe Beasley serves as the southern regional director for Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Don't get me wrong, I am sure Joe Beasley has done a lot of good things in his life for racial justice and equality in this country, but why resort to name calling? That's counterproductive and only breeds animosity. Why minimize Kasim Reed to a "house negro" or an Uncle Tom?

Bette Midler Mocks Gov. Rick Perry's Foray in Birther Movement

2011-10-25T22:52:00.001-04:00

The Divine Ms. M, Bette Midler, appeared on "Joy Behar Show" and lit into GOP presidential hopeful Rick Perry foray into the birther muck, saying maybe he doesn't know where he was born. She also said President Obama was the first "sitting president to have to show his birth certificate." I guess she'll be dissed by Rush Limbaugh.

Actor Orlando Jones Tweets "If Liberals Want Respect...Stop Listening to Aretha, Kill Sarah Palin

2011-10-25T12:22:00.003-04:00

Actor/comedian Orlando Jones Tweets "If Liberals Want Respect...Stop Listening to Aretha, Kill Sarah Palin."

Brandon DeQuan Harper, Justin Harper & 17 YO Juvenile Arrested Tuscaloosa Waffle House Fight Caught on Video

2011-10-25T10:13:00.001-04:00

Tuscaloosa police arrested Brandon DeQuan Harper, 21, Justin Darnell Harper, 19, and a 17 year old male in a Sunday morning brawl at a Waffle House.

The men were charged with disorderly conduct and their bonds were set at $300. That's quite laughable because such a low bond isn't a deterrent to future criminal behavior. I'm sure they will get in trouble again. According to AL.com, investigators have determined that the fight was linked to an August robbery. The suspect in the case saw the victim in the Waffle House, then started an altercation that led to the fight.

Georgia Pastor Donald Crosby Files Federal Lawsuit Over Warner Robins High School Red-Horned "Demon" Mascot

2011-10-25T09:55:00.003-04:00

Macon pastor Donald Crosby files federal lawsuit accusing city of Warner Robins of violating his rights when they arrested him for protesting high school's red-horned "demon" mascot because it was "offensive to Christians."

FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT: Pastor Donald Crosby, who leads God’s Kingdom Builders Church of Jesus Christ in Macon, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming the city of Warner Robins violated his First Amendment rights when he was arrested for protesting Warner Robins High School's red-horned "demon" mascot. According to the AJC, Crosby was locked up in August 2010 after he failed to show officers a permit while protesting the school's mascot. He obtained a permit a few days later, but was arrested again during a second protest at the school, the newspaper said.

Crosby said in the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Macon, that he was shaken by the experience and forced to move out of the central Georgia town for fear of continued harassment. "Maybe I'm completely crazy and I don't know what I'm talking about. Or maybe all of their allegations are true," Crosby said in an interview. "But the fact of the matter is I believe I have the right to be heard."

[...]

Crosby and about 25 members of his congregation, God's Kingdom Builders Church of Jesus Christ in Macon, gathered outside the high school on the first day of classes in 2010. Waving "Warner Robins Must Repent" signs, they urged the school to abandon the team's name, which Crosby said was offensive to Christians. Source

Um, yes, completely crazy is right. Another pastor picking a fight over a very insignificant matter. I am sure there are a myriad of social issues Pastor Crosby could tackle, such as high unemployment and foreclosure rates. This is a waste of time for everyone involved.