HOPE and VICTORY

Deaths of Inequality: AOC on Black and Latinx Communities at Epicenter o...

2020-04-20T16:50:00.001-04:00

When Leaders Make the People Cynical

2020-04-19T21:38:00.000-04:00

Jerel Shaw
4/29/2020

People are showing that they are fed-up - om all fronts. Not a day passes where pinned-up inertia is finding a way to come alive by expressing anger, hopelessness, and frustration in how the world is being run.

Now that there is much anything new to report about. We all know that virus pandemic known as COVID-19 seems to have blindsided the whole world. The misery, pain, and confusion are immeasurable consequences that will problem be with humans on earth until the end. It's a disease that even our smartest humans seems to be clueless, or are slow with finding answers to help arrest this virus. However, the must telling revelation comes in the reality that the world (once again) will never be the same.

Call it a laboratory experiment that went wrong; act of God; or something caused by climate chain but whatever it else our leaders are having to change their plans on the run. The greatest revelation is showing how malign leaders are trying to maintain their evil initiatives and fight this pandemic at the same time. Something has to give, and Trump personifies this polemic of self-aggrandizement and narcissism vs. saving the people.

What we can say is that the verdict for the reasoning of this ascendance of biological chaos can easily be assigned to to Trump, leader of the free world, and who is a self-proclaimed earthly god that tries to use the real God and all the people that God loves. Hence, this is a spiritual warfare that won't end pretty, as the pride of Trump is aligning with a great fall, and the people he's suppose to b e leading are classified as collateral damage as he continue to rule in ways that will cause great destruction.

BULLIED: People and Nations

2020-04-07T02:00:00.000-04:00

Might sound complicated and a little mystifying, but I vicariously feel pain when others are bullied or violated and its more intense when the one causing the main is indifferent to other's pain. It's nothing that I wish on others, or even feel that no one should have to endure - this includes individuals, groups and nations.

I don't think my feeling may be intrinsically related to my being somewhat of a empath, and it very well can be, but the foundation is maybe based in my personal experience. I've been there before, more than once as a victim of bullying, but being there only adds sustenance to the argument that says bullying is a crime that comes in different degrees (yes, misdemeanor or felony and everything in between).

Living in a country that equates itself with being exceptional makes it even harder to swallow when I see that this mystique of exceptionalism includes the propensity to belittle others. But, as I said, it's a crime that can's doesn't deserve absolution, or an escape from karma or the law of returns.

It's important that we as a nation that is composed with some of the most intelligent people in the word understand this. The universe will hold us accountable for the fruits of arrogance that birth its offspring to embody bullying and destroying others.

How can one claim a nation under God and not get this simple truth?

Bullied Nations

No sooner than the present occupant of the White House was inaugurated or crowned king over us peasants some of his many hate missives were targeted to the motherland (Africa). When news broke that he had intimated to a group of (white) Senators referring to Haiti and African nations as Shithole Countries the reaction was swift.

Former House of Representative Cynthia McKinney, PhD even wrote a book of collective essays (https://www.claritypress.com/product/how-the-us-creates-shthole-countries/) repudiating this arbitrary racist and baseless attack. To be sure, the black media; black leaders; black community, and the community at-large were all incensed by this profound arrogance. But yet the decoded point was his giving a message to the world to fear and bow down to him shrouded in the disguise of making America great again even if it means to walk over others and destroy them if necessary - even the innocent. The ascension of Trump meant an era of unprecedented bullying that wasn't just local, but global.

Needless to say, this act of bullying sat the stage for people questioning the temperance of a President who was suppose to be representing "all the people" (In Trump's words), and threatened the long held status of a nation that others in the world saw (by default) as the world leader. Vicious rhetoric did just cover the weaker nations of the world, but it does not discriminate regarding allies and attacking many of the people in America that represent the foundation of our democracy.

Yet, while there has been a lot of barking coming from those attacked, it is very disconcerting as many has fold adn withered into inertia that doesn't change things. As this article is about to be published, the bullying has intensified as even it seems that he is gaining allies who are as nasty as he is.

And even as this is startling, the world world leadership seems to accepted his bullying as official modus operandi - how sad. The sorriness of this can't be put into words as the same people probably will have hell to pay sooner than later.

Meanwhile and once again it has been bad news for many developing nations putting them in the cross-hairs for no apparent reason besides fabricating charges of mischief where there really are none. Counties like, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Yemen, Venezuela have been commanded to bow down to his majesty as the anachronistic colonial tools that were evident from the past are still being used in Africa, Puerto Rico, Panama; and the the ghost of colonialism in South America has been reborn.

Then too, this is another sorry example of a sorry case where there's nothing worst then a bully than for those bullied to fall in line without a fight that reaches chaotic dimensions like subsequently often seeing the bullied turning on each other, etc.

It's been more than a decade since South Africa finally was able to get from under the scorn of a bullying (and murdering) apartheid regime, but many scars are still healing and, seemingly, there is irreparable damage that many generations must deal with..

During the time of apartheid demise, America finally stepped forward and joined other nations in indicting the apartheid regime of South Africa. Yet it's turning out to be a tall tale because in reality as America allowed the bullying of black people South Africa for decades it real and inherent leaning was to jump to another apartheid country, Israel. Arguably, it is even more vicious and evil (If that is possible).

Israel is the the sister bullying nation of the United States as they too have virtually bullied the original owners of the land into submission and are in partnership (w/terrorists) to bully everyone in the neighborhood and it appears that the arrogant Ergogan of Turkey is mimicking the same behavior, bullying.

Palestinians continue to hang on to their dignity and pride by the thread of their teeth as they are harassed and oppressed as a matter of officialdom by the exceptional Zionist who also feel that others are not their equal. Bullying doesn't take a day off even when a world pandemic is scorching the earth as sanctions and boycotting whole countries has intensified.

From cutting off the sea; to stealing Palestinian and Syrian land (and oil); to killing Palestinians and Syrians with impunity, it's a surreal observation as the docile and powerless United Nations seems to have been bullied bullied into submission. A day of reckoning can't come soon enough.

Bullied Individuals

So, enters my story. I know what it means to be bullied. But let me stop you before your assumptions veer to false assumptions. Of course the first one thought is probably is my referencing my school days. But even if that's true, bullying still continues, today.

To be clear, I experienced some of the growing-up bullying. But you know what, many of us have. Hence, one either succumb to the onslaught or grows stronger to live another day. Most of us would fall onto the latter category. But there's another perspective that we are missing here.

We are forgetting abut the ones that have been scarred for infinity. That is to say, they are functioning victims who have never overcome those dark days of being bullied. In a way, I feel that this fits this archetype, yet in a way that doesn't cry for sympathy. Let me explain.

Bullying for me turned out to be a revelation that opened the doors of compassionate empathy (many prefer to use either word separately, but empathy can't stand on its on as a virtue. Quite often it is used as a vice for human ambition for staying ahead of his/her competitor in a dog-eat society where the strong conquers the weak). But adding compassion was a a gracious gift from God that I have graciously grown to appreciate and take seriously in that it was a window to see the holistic and critical meaning of bullying in how it negatively affects all relationships in our world.

Let's not forget the world remains in the clutches of disparity for the masses because of bullies. Bullies that sooner than later that those who want to survive must learn to stand against or continue to be destroyed unto oblivion (this include nations). There is no way around this truth. There is no way in hell that those who are bullies are going to stop at will. It's a demon that has made permanent residence in one's personal dominion of existence on earth - not unless it and the host are arrested (stopped) the world is doomed.

Can you imagine the US and NATO hegemons who call themselves protectors of the world simply to stop their destruction and zeal for world control? One should pity the fool who thinks that. It's been centuries since Africa was (officially) colonized, and it still remains colonized today because the colonizer refused to go by using direct threat or sanctions as it demands that you fall in line or be destroyed.

Hence, the abolishing of South Africa's apartheid regime was a Pyrrhic victory for black South Africans as decades later one must admit that local apartheid has really been supplanted by post-colonialism which attest to an unbroken cycle. For the most, South Africa and the whole of Africa still obey the commands of a world that is ruled by white colonials.

Now, that's saying a lot as many can't see it that way, but it's as clear as day, and that's one of the reasons why I decided to write about it.

So today my awakening from the throes of being bullied has transformed to a higher recognition. I have no alternative - no alternative but to be vicariously connected to the pain of bullied nations that in turn vicariously and historically connects to the pain of my ancestors and the suffering of so many in the world today because of imperial bullying and implicit racism.

The truth is that in being raised in America black people were bullied every step of the way. Racism has never been vanquished, but its blatancy has been put in hibernation for the most part it (and still) forcefully brands in the souls of most blacks (even if they don't say it) - hence, it was a thief by day and night, but now it's a thief by night.

I find myself being apprehensive when another black defines success according to what a person with a whip in one hand and a pistol in the other told him to accept with forced indoctrination/bullying.

The telling hint is found in losing one compassion in order to obey the master. Even if one argues that we had no other choice, they must still acknowledge that the bullying by the master race succeeded in desecrating the threads of God-Given strength that says that's any meaning resilience must be predicated on the necessity of not allowing someone else to dictate one's destiny. This is what countries like Iran and Venezuela is fighting for today. God forbid that they should lose in their rightful and noble quest. Nations like the aforementioned are perfect nations, but neither of the bullies. They are sovereign nations with a right to govern themselves.

The bully has destroyed the dignity and identity of many individuals and nations and the onlookers are just as bad. In the land of the free it appears that only divine intervention is going to work as there are those who are intent of controlling and/or destroying others.

Those who recognize the truth shall be set free, indeed.

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

#CynthiaMcKinney
#DonaldTrumpRacistTirades
#BullyingNations
#SanctionsEmbargoes
#KarmaCovid-19

The writer is the editor of this Hope and Victory Blogspot. Jerel Shaw has been writing for many years about subjects relevant to finding peace and justice n earth. His recent book is entitled: Passages of Grace: The True Bucket List that can be found at Amazon and other Book outlets in paper and eBook formats.

Taking Wooden Nickels: Man Cluelessness in Crisis can be final and fatal

2020-03-23T13:33:00.004-04:00

Society has been proliferated with data coming from research that examines the real status of Americans. But, no matter how profound and informative the data may be, humans have what one would call a 'selective perception' opting to believe a lie before the truth. Hence, hoping vs. reality seem to have clashed since the beginning of time.

Currently, the government is supposedly determining the amount of direct funding that it would issue to its (some) citizens to help them overcome the ravages of a virus pandemic that has placed society in and obit of uncertainty. And, while those in government are acting like they care it's arguable that our capitalistic system are revealing holes in human response. To be perfectly clear, the banks, wall street, airlines are really the priority - just like before. Every profit making entity supersedes human concerns for those most at risk, i.e., the elderly, disabled, and citizens in general. Now people would like to hope that this is not the case, but reality begs to differ.

People Just Want to Return to Normal?

This is where too many aren't reading the handwriting on the wall. Things just don't happen - but it's more to the story because things will never be the same that they were, and if they are, humans haven't learn any lessons.

Let's take a look at a partial list of the things that humans have learned to accept has normal:

Forever Wars. Yes, Americans say they don't like wars, but that's seem to be lie as we continue to elect leaders that aggravate peace from the 4-corners of the globe, and it physically manifested in military bases throughout the same globe. Hybrid Wars in the form of both military confrontations and sanctions. Collectively, Americans are accessories to millions of deaths throughout the world including of fighters and innocent men, women and children. We've accepted this ongoing slaughter as normal.

Racism. This evil is as American as apple pie. To be fair, it's a global crime. Humans have been given centuries to fix it, and they have applied many patches to the sore, yet it systemically persists today and even our closest ally (Israel) has been given carte blanche to build an apartheid society. They receive billions of our tax dollars annually, and some and no has had the guts to say 'no more'. While more Blacks and Whites are working together and even marrying it does not eradicate the deep wounds that have never been healed. We've who do get the most respect are class conscience Blacks whose skills or position allows them to sell-out all others. Yet the statuses that we have accepted is what we want to return.

Colonialism.. Not sure why the prefix 'Post' was placed before this noun, but the world imperials keep returning to the fountain of world domination. European and all other Western countries refuses to stop trying to run developing countries and demand that they become (or remain) subservient to an imperial-slave paradigm. It's really a disgraceful status as so many countries have either been neutered or destroyed by this domination matrix. It's been centuries that Africa has been fighting for the independence to make their own decisions from South Africa to Nigeria to Haiti; also, include other nations of color like Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, Yemen the colonial control outweighs any progress because the White European and the Zionists have always felt that they were the masters the universe. This returning to the normal conditions that people are urgently yearning to return too.

The Myth of American Exceptionalism. Right, Americans after being told this for years are now accepting it. We are better than anyone. God only loves us. We are superior, and on and on. As millions have died form America and It's imperial coalitions, it appears that people just don't care. The love of many have truly waxed cold. Immigration has been demonized; Drone warfare on the innocents doen't bother us; overthrowing legitmate countries even its goes against international does not apply to. Amd America has used it financial system to blackmailed many so-called democracies to follow their lead. It's become normal.

Extrajudicial Killings. Especially to Black men and People of Color has become a American past-time, but once again it's become a systemic part of a society that haven't overcome the aforementioned abnormal statuses and behavior. Supported by right-wing leadership where the courts seem impervious to racial prejudice, the whole prison complex speaks to centuries of racial leanings that have proliferated through the years. Also, as there are supose to be reform (that is overdue), one shouldn't expect it to flow smoothly. Yet his is the type things that "Christian" people accept as normal, and are yearning to.

Moral Decay. The hedonistic nature of many appear irreparable. Our system seem intent on spitting in the face of God.

Let's stop there, but this is the normalcy that people want to return which brings us to the argument that God has a hand in this pandemic. God has been warning humans for some time. And, our loving God is slow to justice (people getting what they deserve one da). We've been warned for centuries about wayward actions of humans that have caused much suffering and disenfranchisement. Quite simply put, it is impractical to return to the same statuses that we have learn to accept (and support) before this current crisis hit. Matter of fact, this writer believes that we are in the 'final warning stage'. Hence, to comprehend the depth of the latter can save many, It's downright indignant to see the evidence that humans are incredulous in their denial.

During this time I have spoken to many associates who seem to be unaware of the vital consequences and appear to be waiting-out the storm - so that they can return to things as usual.

If I had one 'nugget of wisdom' to offer, it would be that humans refine the art of social distancing within the context of preserving your human energies on things that matter most - wrapped in the belief that we must prepare ourselves to ascend further into God's dominion that has many many dimensions and space. Getting through these entrances (this writer suggest) being able to complete what you've been assigned on earth. Many of us want to believe that our assignments are bound to simply breathing, surviving and enjoying life in this world - but, it's much more than that, and those who are able to understand this should consider themselves highly blessed.

Nothing is Free!

When receiving 'free money' (of course there is no such thing), one can expect enough to cover their basic expenses; and a flow that will continue until the storm has passed over. Unfortunately the means test fails to solve neither. Whether it's $1000 or $2000 it will not be enough even for those who have decent paying jobs, or have some type of asset (like a house) that can prop up that portfolio. Eventually humans will find themselves at their wits end for problem solving. One can find it plausible to accept that humans are given gifts to develop solutions, but history has shown that problems are never solved completely which arguably shows the limitation of man. Call it grace that we have been allowed to go from one crises to another crises to buy time. But, just like the dollar, the value of exchange has been incrementally decimated over time as even the dollar can't but heaven.

Almost 40% of American adults wouldn't be able to cover a $400 emergency with cash, savings or a credit -card charge what hey could quickly pay off.

What Jobs?

Overnight the unemployment rate has gone from the lowest in modern times at 5% to an estimated highest in modern times 20%. Considerations should be given to the fact the the unemployment that is reported monthly by the Federal government has never factored in the scheme that leaves out millions who have dropped out of the job market, and the fact that minimum wage jobs really don't merit, necessarily, being employed. So believing what you've been told continues to be an endemic problem that has altered reality of many.

Millions don't even have emergency income

A Federal Reserve study found that Almost 40% of American adults wouldn’t be able to cover a $400 emergency with cash, savings or a credit-card charge that they could quickly pay off. This no small matter - facts don't lie. However, society appears zombitized to adjusting to this reality. Put desperation and chaos, people would take anything amount of money to sooth them from the shock the shock that engulfs them when a crisis strike - and the ruling oligarchy knows this much who have always worked in the shadows of our minds at building a foundation of fear and timidity.

The law of diminishing returns does allow for those who are fortunate to have more to last out longer. But even there distorted assets will be will inevitably be hollowed out. That's is called the the first sin belief of a system that is based on predatory mechanism that eats away at anything that dares to show human compassion of the care of others. The 'world winning' is not something defined by by the hearts and soul of humans but by their masters.

The 40% who are left to take the leftover crumbs can't afford not to say 'no' or even take the time to investigate the merits or the fairness of the offering. For someone from the underground resistance to make it an issue sure brings out the wrath from fellow sufferers - and this is just what the oligarchy desires.

Yes, it does seems unimaginable to to surmise that 'father shall turn against son. mother against daughter, and children against parents' could ever become a reality, but it's happening. Not that your 'love ones' are killing you with a gun but they are surely joining camps and tribes where the goal is to destroy what they define as anachronistic elements of the past that have no use in today's society. Hence,we may still have family components today, but they are driven by a parasitical materialism that is the fruit of greed, selfishness, and desperation that when push comes to shove anyone is vulnerable to to betrayal.

The White House said it was preparing to send the payments to Americans with two weeks as part of a vast stimulus package to shore-up confidence in the world's largest economy...

Desperation flows from the top

The desperate and dysfunctioning leadership in the White House, as well as Congress, are at it again. Their recent actions adds credence to the euphemism that says "cash is king". Of course the cash handout to citizens leaves out the biggest motive, that being reliance on cash to quiet the masses means any amount that would apply bandages to the issue at hand. Ultimately, it solves nothing but is most ost like destined to the same vicious cycles that keeps humans in a state of desperation. The White House said it was preparing to send the payments to Americans within two weeks as part of a vast stimulus package to shore-up confidence in the world's largest economy.

The problem shows humans at their worst when the have little control of the situation, Afterall, who expected the Covid-13 Virus to appears on the scene. It was never invited, or was it? Whatever the situation, human don't know what to do as the conspiratists suggest that it's a outcome of a man made bio weapon that was meant to destroy a competitor or enemy. Either way, whatever the origin, right now its intended purpose is well out of the control of humans.

The nation should see that the highest position in America is held by someone who doesn't tell the truth. So why would Americans believe a thing that he says in a time of crisis - desperation and chaos sometimes brings out the worst. It's an enviable position that no one wants to be in, Yet, it's hard to believe that 'wooden nickels' can cover-up this great malaise of incompetence.

Getting a Grip on Reality

Here's the real deal. If humans are not able to respond properly to this intervention - repent and turn from your wicked ways - consider it all down hill from here. I take no pleasure in telling you this truth, but instead, I must tell you because indeed it is the truth. Those who want to return to normal should pray for understanding.

Jerel Shaw has been writing for over 40 years about matters that humans should concern themselves with, mostly things that they care not to indulge. His recent book: Passages Through Grace: Life's True Bucket List (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1672518334) is a essay memoir-style presentation that discusses why humans are running out of time to do the right things and to fulfil their calling in a fading world.

2020-02-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

Small Things Matter: Prolific and Thoughtful Advocacy for Elders

Submitted by: Jerel Shaw

Let's face it, the world would be screwed without the expertise of lawyers helping people when they've been wronged.

Then of course, this reality (helping) is predicated on the a myriad of competing conflicting interests in our capitalist society - in others words, everybody has to get paid.

From the guy who was just blindsided by an errant vehicle who is lucky to be alive to the child who just unfortunately didn't survive when a out-of-control vehicle came out of nowhere onto the sidewalk in both the the lawyers and the claimant or their survivals can be well compensated if the lawyer works his magic. From stifling class action lawsuits to million dollar lawsuits, the likelihood of the inevitable occurrence of disagreements often are the supply that demand that lawyers are needed. And, unfortunately if there's money (profit) then without that element one can fairly speculate that lawyers lose interest - fast. The bottomline is that many (if not most) can afford a lawyer without the caveat that there's 'money to be made'

Brings us to the mission of advocating for others. Everything that needs to be made whole is not necessarily based on a million-dollar lawsuit, but still it's small things in life that can throw people lives off balance. No need to go into details here, but the average citizen can relate to these sometimes unwelcomed and small random matters.. As an advocate for seniors and the elderly I would suggest that they are unnatural targets for fraud, scheming, deceit and malicious interactions.

There are millions of stories where seniors are routinely interacting with others in making a fair exchange (Consumer/Providers & Suppliers). Yet, they are at-risk of being screwed as soon as that predator's radar of implicit prejudice is activated Not just seniors either, but identity prejudice happens to all types of people. Yes, that include the person who is of a particular race and is stopped for just walking or driving, etc.).

Recently, as an advocate I assisted someone who was having trouble in getting his car fixed because the mechanic seemingly had nefarious intentions. the mechanic saw this elder as a target. From receiving a normal repair job, the person who was in need of a repair could not secure his auto over an extended period time because the mechanic was intent on squeezing as much money from him as possible. Can you imagine the pain, stress, and agony this customer was experiencing?

So to make a long story short, I was able to guide this senior to charitable legal services, and just the threat from the legal representative got an immediate and favorable response from the mechanic in and benefitted the senior consumer. One can rightfully ask would this problem occurred if the person under siege was not an elderly person, who also used a cane?

Then this this elderly couple had moved to a senior facility, When they were able to actually move, they still owed a portion of a utility bill, The utility agreed to take monthly payments. It should be noted that the same utility company had reneged on their reduced billing plan earlier and had elevated the couple's monthly payment to higher levels. Because of this, it could be argued that this is why the couple had an outstanding utility bill when leaving.

They sent in a payment that was minus a few cents on the payment plan, and the utility company went ballistic. I was able to call the utility and explain that this couple could barely pay for their medical prescriptions each month, and both were sickly. The utility didn't budge or apologize, but at least they were aware that this couple had a public advocate that was helping to record their faulty customer relations.

Whatever the routine activity is many people take for granted, and it is well documented, that elders are at-risk in all activities that make society function. The moral of the story is this: The elderly and/or the disabled can use your support and/or stewardship in helping in some of their dealings in life. From daily routines to internet interactions, many are at risk.

If you would like to share your story, please comment. Thank you.

Playing Card Back Vectors by Vecteezy

Discover more articles on: Hope Victory

Also visit: Essential Earth-Time Bucket Lists & Retiring Not

The Ancestral Spirit of Africa Speaks In A Quiet Voice

2020-02-02T08:54:00.004-05:00

Jerel Shaw
@jerelshaw

Presently, I am finishing a book that I envision being published before the end of 2019. I find it a unique essay in the sense that the reader will find an interweaving of prolong dichotomy that separates the Africa roots from what we call Black American diaspora. It's been a long process of disenfranchising American Blacks from their ancestral roots. The book is not a history lesson on how blacks have through slavery have evolved from the motherland to a foreign land, but it is a commentary filled with flashes 'what if'.

The transatlantic slave trade began in the 15th century, after the Portuguese started exploring the coast of West Africa. At first the number of enslaved Africans taken was small. In about 1650, however, with the development of plantations on the newly colonised Caribbean islands and American mainland, the trade grew. The slave for America until 1808 - that's nearly two centuries of shifting black souls from their continent to the continent ruled by whites. Mind you, that the slave trade extended beyond that 1808 depending on the overall pervasive depth of whites in the world did a thorough job of de-constructing the black soul.

One day, she says, she began hearing voices. Rather than

call her doctor, she called on her ancestors, writing down the

names of those she could remember and surrounding herself

with the slips of paper. She claims that this took place before she

knew what the practice of ancestral worship was.[1]

[1] https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bjgxx4/jesus-hasnt-saved-us-young-black-women-returning-ancestral-religions (Person rediscovering African religion and tradition)

$32 Million of TaxPayers' Money Wasted on the Mueller Report? Now This

2020-02-02T08:54:00.001-05:00

Jerel Shaw
@jerelshaw

So, Trump calls it a "witch hunt" and the Democrats says that he's broken the law. Either way, it's costing the taxpayer lots of money. Let's say that that hypothetically it is a political witch hunt; and, the Democrats have decided that they've found an incontrovertible smoking gun to finally get rid of Trump. Now if this is true, did anyone break the law by not pointing out how Lawmakers overall are breaking the laws and not paying a price? Let's take a look.

So after a two-year-long investigation into the Trump campaign’s ties to Russian interference in the US election, and the president’s efforts to obstruct that investigation, and the dramatic unveiling of the final report by special counsel Robert Mueller, and then Mueller’s own testimony before Congress, and a myriad of other potential offenses, this phone call to Ukraine is what finally spurred the Democrats to start the process of impeachment.

But why, after everything, is this the thing that rises to the level of impeachment? It’s a good question.

ttps://qz.com/1722150/did-trump-break-the-law-with-his-ukraine-call/

32 million for Mueller

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/02/robert-muellers-russia-probe-cost-nearly-32-million-in-total-doj.html

Passages Through Grace: Life's True Bucket List

2020-01-05T12:43:00.002-05:00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1672518334
@jerelshaw

This is Landmark Legislation: McCollum for President?

2019-10-28T01:43:00.003-04:00

Jerel Shaw
@jerelshaw

Of course there are many things going on in our turbulent world - so much to talk about and not enough time to cover everything - it seems. I would however like to take up some space to reiterate an unprecedented move by US Congressperson Betty McCollum presenting legislation that would "tie the US military aid to Israel to its long-standing policy of imprisoning Palestinian children".

Sounds like a small thing, you say? Well, it's not. It's refreshing and liberating even when the robotic Zionists Congress offers some sign that they can disagree with Israel,

McCollum has been serving since 2001 as a Democrat from Minneapolis and has served on many important committees affecting women rights, the environmental protections, farmers and labor, yet her being a member of the powerful United States House Appropriations Committee hopefully will be the lasting legacy that she leaves as the bill challenges interest groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the extreme right-wing Zionists that seem to be running Israel (and the US).

Yet the children of Palestine deserves more than death, dying and imprisonment thanks to a sullied unchallenged position held Administration after Administration that occupy the White House and entities from the dark state like namely the Industrial Military Complex.

Exciting conversations in my 'new' book. Dedicated to an audience who understands that 'time is of the essence' for resolution of key pressing issues. What is your calling?https://t.co/WQFM6X2R41 pic.twitter.com/cu95PMecQ4
— Jerel Shaw (@jerelshaw) January 1, 2020

Yet her colleagues from both sides of the isle may be her staunchest opponents. Both branches of Congress have seemingly given Israel carte blanche to maim and kill innocent children and their families under a false pretext that states "Israel has a right to protect itself". The Presidents in modern history vassalage to Israel lobby has been beyond despicable.

This long and disgusting sin of omission for killing and imprisoning innocents shall infamously be recorded as some of the darkest periods in American-Israel History. This initiative may not go far enough it, but it must be at least acknowledge as a harbinger for change that can contribute to a long overdue change against moral fabric that has embarrass those of conscious for decades.

Please call your Congress and encourage them to make history: 202-224-3121.

Sources:

-MintpressNews.com
-JerelShaw @Twitter.com
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_McCollum

Oh Mary Don't You Weep: Miracles can happen - sometimes

2019-08-10T15:07:00.000-04:00

Jerel Shaw

Of course when one hears the familiar words "Oh Mary Don't You Weep" many will associate it with a Biblical rendition of a sister (along with her other sister) who just lost a brother (Lazarus). Mary was overcome by grief when Jesus arrived to visit. Yet, to make a long story short, her grief was turned into joy when Jesus miraculously raised Lazarus from the grave. Yet, this story is not about that Mary, but a Mary who I became acquainted with when shopping at a local supermarket (national chain). Her smile, and bubbly personality when serving the customer was always buoyed by her fantastic customer service.

Mary is a senior citizen who still has to work for a living, but she has never complained (not to me) about needing to do what is necessary to maintain a roof over her head, food on the table, and to pay the other bills. If you can identify, it's never seems to be enough, but a little can go a long ways..

Recently, when shopping at this store, Mary had (if you will) a weeping spirit. She was somewhat concerned about her employer's seemingly insensitivity to her needs. Her hours had been drastically cut and, according to Mary, their attitude was that she can take it or leave it.

Let me briefly reflect on the reality that (too) many who have put in years of worthy service and dedication to an employer receive little respect. Too often, people are easily discarded based on soulless capital/profit gain concerns or simply, they are prejudice - they are displaced by a younger person; or displaced by someone who family knows the manager/owner; or displaced for no reason at all except of meanness and antipathy. I presage that it is the latter. Mary was being processed out of a workplace because someone has failed to see her worth anymore. This unfairness happens to a lot of people, but we are speaking from the context of a senior citizen who is working beyond their prime, and happens to be 72 years of age. And, for the record, Mary (Like so many other seniors) probably could never see retiring.

So here we are again, showing another prolific example that could easily be construed as age discrimination. Like Mary, many seniors need an intervention. Not that this national grocery chain is not associated with a union; but what good is the union if you can't pay the $10 weekly dues? Yet the most egregious act this writer observed when listening to Mary's story is that those in the organizational chart who were responsible for caring about their 'number one asset' (employees) had turned a deaf ear.

I advised Mary as much as I could, but my empathy for her situation was great - I've seen many others who can share similar stories. When leaving and heading through the front lobby, I was confounded to see a regular sign of recruitment that had the words "great career and advancement". I was angry still because this appeared to be a lie - maybe not for some, but for surely for people like Mary.

Not until our society awakes to the crisis that is evading the welfare of seniors throughout America, many of out love ones will prematurely depart from this earth, or live the remainder of their lives as a ward of the state. We need interventions, like policies that can arrest situations like this as many nonprofits; government agencies' and for-profits are failing senior citizens at the most delicate times of their lives - and at an alarming rte.

Don't have an updated status report on Mary, but I'm praying for her strength, and a divine intervention. Empowering seniors can help empower the hope and dreams of younger people and buttress their expectations for living in a society that cares when needed, and cares for the duration of their lives.

The Meme "Stay in Your Lane" Is not Absolute

2019-08-08T23:25:00.000-04:00

Jerel Shaw

There are a lot of memes that people use in conversations that I would call a 'shortcut' to avoid relevant issues. I like and don't like the meme stay in your lane.

Let's start with the likes. I like it because there really are times when people should stay in their lane versus getting into other people' business that often starts and confusion and can be the cause of negative consequences. You know the story about the 'nagging mother-in-law" who is always butting into the marital affairs of her sons or daughters? This is a a unnecessary nuisance and a behavior not becoming of an adult. So here, her married children should tell her to buzz-off (another meme), or get lost.

What about that roommate that you have that is always advising you on who you should date; or telling you who is best for you? Or, maybe someone telling you that your living standards need an upgrade - you need a better apartment; live in a better community; be around better people; get a better job, etc.? Surely, everyone has been in a situation where others try to impose their will and desires on others just for the sake of doing it? Once again, these type of people should stay in their lane.

Yet, staying in one's lane is not always the best thing to do especially for those who genuinely care about others, and desire to give them unconditional support if the need arises. What about the drug addict who is in denial, He/she is always asking for money. You know what they'll going to use it for, but you give it to them with a false hope that they would do the right thing. The irony here is that you should definitely be staying in your lane versus falling for the game. Because you inappropriately crossed into that lane of the addict, you instead became an enabler and a victim at the same time. You possibly should have considered sending them down the right lane of recovery.

So, here we have several variations of staying in one's lane; sometimes it's the right thing to do, but it can also be the wrong thing to do. One story that I can share is about one who chose 'not' to stay in a lane. Sure, you've heard of Jesus? Of course, He paid a price, but that price was well worth it based on the fact that God so loveth the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That Son on earth was God in the embodiment of man. He got into a lot of faces.

The Need for One Not Stay in One's Lane

The world needs fixing and the only way progress can continue is to get in others' lanes. For instances, getting into Trump's lane is a no-brainer. And getting to the lanes of those who are helping to destroy the world is a no brainer. To use the argument that one should mind their own business when the trust of the public is being violated is a cop-out. If you don't have the stomach for it, fine - stay in your own lane.

Yet, all great people who contributed to putting the welfare of the world on a positive trajectory got in the lane of others. The work Jesus on earth is the greatest example, even as he suffered at the hands of those who were predisposed to cause destruction of both: ones life on earth; and one soul.and the soul.

Yes, there will always be wars, criminal acts, cheating, stealing, killing and all of the above. But, none of these can never be solved without arresting the actions of those who are responsible. Ultimately, of course, God will put an end to it all, but this same God has commanded that we put on His armor, and go to war - go into vineyard, into the lanes of others who are causing hell on earth. In all practicality though, many are called, but few are chosen. If you are truly called, boldly go forth.

Empowering Others Can be Self-Empowering

2019-07-28T01:36:00.000-04:00

God Will Not be Mocked: Accountability is Knocking at the Door

2019-07-19T15:10:00.001-04:00

Jerel Shaw

When a society and its leader lose the will to fix stuff that are antithetical to the values and morals they behold, the light of humanity is darkened for infinity until they decide to correct the matter - if it's not to late.

There are several events and/or crisis in American that have taken place since it's founding in 1776 that still hangs and an unhealed scar or sore. My opinion is that within the laws of cause and effect - some call it karma - people should expect that the hand of justice is inexorable - time cannot physically expand beyond its universal constraints referred to here as linear progression. You either fix something within the allotted time given or expect justice. Let me explain further.

We live in a world of 'selective' forgetfulness. This reality has become more intense in today's societies. Unlike the clinical psychotherapist that suggests (sometimes) that people should forget about yesterday and move forward with their life, the collective conscious of normal people have a choice - they have not only the power to remember, but to fixed things from the past. However, the atrocities of today seem to have sped-up - murder, wars, lying, and stealing have become an indelible part of acceptance - what's done is done.

I offered ten egregious acts that breached the consciousness of our our universal values and beliefs in the past decade within the parameters of my arguing that they can't be forgotten, but must be fixed:

1. Immigrant children on the Southern border being stolen from their parents and sordid
conditions of immigrants in general.. This episode is still outstanding.
2. The hacksaw murdering of author/journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi Arabia
henchmen. This episode still remains outstanding.
3. The murder and starving of thousands of people on Yemen. This episode remains
outstanding.
4. The prosecution of truth teller Julien Assange. This episode remains outstanding.
5. The extra-judicial killings of black men, and systemic persecution of blacks. This episode
remains outstanding.
6. Electing a racist and hateful white man to America's highest office. This episode remains outstanding.
7. Slavery in Libya and other areas of the world.. This episode remains outstanding.
8. The apartheid state of Israel that oppresses Palestinians and POC where they, with
impunity, breaks every rule in the international community where they attack other
countries and destroy life. This episode remains outstanding.
9. Western countries neo-colonial distorted policies toward sovereign states crippling them
through sanctions; regime change; and and the threat of war are pervasive if a nation does
not become a vassalage. This episode remains outstanding.
10. The prosecution of Muslims word-wide and POC. This episode remains outstanding.,,

The above is only a partial list of unforgivable actions/sins that the world sees in the rear view mirror; are in denial; or simply don't know what to do.

These horrific acts may have move from the collective conscious of Americans (save a few who continue to resist and protest for justice), but make no mistake the God ordained laws of the universe shall avenge atrocities such as these - it is better for humans to fix them while time is running out as God will not be mocked - payday is fast approaching. For them who can hear and understand, may you become a part of the solution versus forgetting, and moving on.

Add a comment. What are some things that must be fixed while there is still time? Do you think that the world will ultimately get away with something?

The Politics of Diversity: Equality has yet to appear

2019-05-30T19:53:00.004-04:00

Jerel Shaw

It's strange when there has been so much energy put into the nobility of diversity in societal institutions as equality still remains elusive. If giving a litany of examples would help, then let's get started.

Gentrification is surely a derivative of diversity, yet it also be considered 'negative' diversity. When your traditionally urban black community is invaded by (mostly) well-to-do (white) citizens - even a hand-full - that should present a clear paradigm for diversity. The only problem is that if the net returns are expected to be positive for the poor indigenous occupants, don't hold your breath.

Poor people and well-off people being next door neighbors can either elevate (or equalize) the conditions of everyone or add depth and complexity to the problem, like when the Biblical scripture says "the poor will be with you always", people may feel that is a license to ignore their plight, whether next door neighbors or not.

Stepping back, let's take a closer look at gentrification - I like how writer Emily Chong explains it in her post in the online Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy: "Usually, gentrification occurs when more affluent people move to or become interested in historically less affluent neighborhoods. Gentrification is a phenomenon such to much debate-some believe that its effects are purely positive, while other argue that gentrification brings about harmful consequences.

Of course, Ms. Chong continues to sufficiently explain her rationale referencing profound data and writers. For instance she uses a reference from author/anthropologist Dr. Sabiyha Prince (based in Washington, DC: additionally. Dr. Prince is a former faculty member in the department of anthropology at American University. She has authored books and journal articles that explore the impacts of urban change and societal stratification on Black populations). She can be considered an authority on gentrification and cultural displacement and uses DC as a point of reference in her studies, she says this:

"Gentrification is a policy-driven process that begins with targeting low-income, urban communities for discrimination and neglect and ends with "improvements" that exacerbate vulnerabilities that culminate in displacement, according to conclusions offered by historians and social scientists who have examined the role of racist, housing discrimination - specifically redlining, restricted covenants and blockbusting...".

Dr. Prince further states: "Becoming estranged from one’s home place is a process that unfolds gradually. It happens when low-income and/or residents of color lose more than they gain from top down redevelopment...". She shows the DC as a major example. Yet, other cities have symmetrical negative effects, like, Philadelphia, Portland, Richmond (to name a few).

Hence, gentrification in all of its glorification, in this writers opinion, can be classified as systemic racism - at its finest. To be sure, this is a good case where diversity seems to be an excuse for intentional institutional and systemic racism. Of course, there are always some possible exceptions, but this writer does not know of any.

But, it can at least be said that the degree of the negative effects of gentrification may be different in different communities. In this diversity scheme blacks and the poor get the short end of the stick. (Note: You are invited to share your thoughts and experience on this subject).

So, at this point the question should be: who needs diversity when it only ultimately benefits only the usual suspects?

Yet, let's not get ahead of ourselves. It would take more than this short article to actually wholly present this writer's view of true picture of diversity. This is a good start. Yet, diversity does not result in equality (Let's get that out of the way). It is not even a solution to equality - based on historical critical evidence.

Now, arguably, it may give disproportionate opportunity to a few, but that few have never yield results for the rest (Like, it's nice for someone black to go to Harvard, or paid a lot, but what about the rest of us?).

One of my favorite writers and (conservative) critical thinkers, Paul Craig Roberts, recently submitted an article entitled: 'White Peoples and Their Achievements Are Headed for the Trash Bin of History'. As usual, Dr. Roberts work is well written and researched. Yet, with due respect, his serving as an apologists for 'white people' in general was a blindside because objectivity has rarely been ignored in his scholarly writings.

He went down the road of making diversity a pivotal concern, and alluded to how it was destroying the quality of life; in other words, the white man's preeminent standing in the world is under attack(?) and the destruction of standards accomplished.

I'm referencing this to reiterate how 'diversity' has been become a tool for dismantlement, as well. It's like a decoy for power moves. In other words, no matter how much it claims to 'help to even-the-score', it's done the opposite. People as a whole who were unequal remain unequal (and once again) people who were rich remain rich and affluent - of course, let's not forget how a few opportunities has been used (literally) a marketing tool for achieving nothing.

Here, I don't necessarily agree with Dr. Roberts, him lamenting the perceived diminishing of white influence and culture, besides if it is completely dismantled, me and my grandchildren won't be around to witness it. Yet, I do agree that diversity has been historically misappropriated for years, at a minimum, it's a two-edged sword. It has done (I repeat) virtually nothing to cast aside racism. Using a term from Dr. Prince on gentrification, it is a policy-driven process - only to add that it's a half-baked policy.

If you want diversity, make sure that you empower all parties to perform on equal footing. Diversity can be found not only in housing, education, neighborhoods but also music, entertainment, labor, etc. It is an acceptable policy (IMO) that can be seen as a neo-quota system, and everyone is not being benefited - the entertainment industry is an excellent model of selective diversity - hence seeing more black faces or hearing more black music doesn’t 't necessarily mean equality - even as was mentioned early, the opportunity for a few cannot supplant the need for an opportunity for the masses.

Returning to gentrification, if you think the gentrifiers main concern was uplifting conditions of their poor neighbors, you have been terribly misinformed. Diversity and inequality is what we have in society today - they are not one in the same, yet both are caught up in faulty policy and processes.

NOTES:

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/poverty-journal/blog/examining-the-negative-impacts-of-gentrification/

Sabiyha Prince, African Americans and Gentrification in Washington, DC: Race, Class and Social Justice in the Nation’s Capital 2 (2014).

https://ncrc.org/gentrification-dc/

https://ncrc.org/gentrification/

https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/category/articles/

2019-05-04T23:38:00.002-04:00

Venezuela: Establishment Talking Points Translation Key

Things keep heating up in Venezuela, with possible “military options” now being seriously discussed at the Pentagon. And of course you know what that means! That’s right, it means we can expect to see even more lies and manipulations from the political/media class as the narrative managers try to get their rapey little fingers into our minds to manufacture support for unconscionable acts.

This can create a very confusing environment for everyone, where up means down and black means white and “humanitarian intervention” means “murdering thousands and thousands of innocent human beings”. With that in mind, here’s a handy translation key to help you understand what the establishment mouthpieces are really saying:

“I stand with the people of Venezuela” = I stand with some of the people in Venezuela, specifically the ones who support US government interests.

“Interim President” = Some guy most Venezuelans had never heard of until January of this year.

“Brutal dictator” = Elected leader who opposes US dictates.

“Usurper” = The guy calling the shots and leading the country.

“Opposition-led, military-backed challenge” = Coup.

“The people of Venezuela are starving” = Oil! Oil! Oil!

“All options are on the table” = One option is on the table.

“Popular uprising” = Unpopular uprising.

“Grassroots activists” = Let’s pretend the CIA’s not a thing.

“Freedom and democracy” = US control of Venezuela’s petroleum resources.

“Humanitarian aid” = Pretext for further escalations.

“Failed socialist policies” = Inability to overcome US economic warfare.

“Foreign interference” = An ally of Venezuela supporting its ally.

“We support the National Assembly” = Foreign interference.

“The Venezuelan Constitution” = Our convenient interpretation of the Venezuelan Constitution.

“We can’t just sit around and do nothing” = I have learned nothing since the Iraq War.

“54 countries recognize Guaido as president” = 141 countries don’t recognize Guaido as president.

“Troika of tyranny” = John Bolton’s second-favorite masturbatory fantasy.

“Special Envoy to Venezuela” = Convicted war criminal.

“The Monroe Doctrine” = I think all the countries on this side of the planet are my personal property.

“Operación Libertad” = Operación Libertad para el Petróleo de Venezuela.

“Shut the fuck up, bitch.” = Standard talking point from Venezuela coup narrative managers on social media.

“Talk to Venezuelans” = Talk to the wealthier, English-speaking Venezuelans with abundant free time and internet access who support a coup.

“You love Maduro” = I don’t have an argument for your opposition to US interventionism.

“You’re just a socialist who loves socialism” = I don’t have an argument.

“Go live in Venezuela if you love socialism so much” = I don’t have an argument.

“Maduro is killing his own people” = Yeah I’m just making shit up now.

“Maduro refuses to let in aid” = I just believe whatever the TV says.

“Trump is liberating the people of Venezuela” = I just believe whatever QAnon says.

“This US regime change intervention will be different” = I have replaced my brain with shaving cream.

Author: Caitlin Johnstone

https://caitlinjohnstone.com

Republished w/permission

May 4, 2019

Trusting the Empire? Guaido is a Traitor caught between a Rock and a Hard Place.

2019-04-30T08:25:00.000-04:00

#Venezuelan defense minsiter says army stands with President #Maduro, denounces #Guaido as traitor. #Venezuela #HandsoffVenezuela
pic.twitter.com/ohHWkP27Kb
— nonouzi (@Gerrrty) April 30, 2019

Foot Soldiers for Truth

2019-04-18T19:33:00.000-04:00

Smh~Mueller Report shows obstruction by President unsuccessful because aides didn't "carry out orders"#Trump asked his own staff, WH counsel Don McGahn, to lie & deny media reports about trying to remove #Mueller
McGahn resigned in protest after POTUS asked him “to do crazy ish” pic.twitter.com/AOMVdvOog5
— Mustafa Santiago Ali (@EJinAction) April 18, 2019

Are you Paralyzed today - with Fear and Confusion?

2019-04-11T00:23:00.003-04:00

Working with professionals in fighting against a terminal illness that had devastated individuals, families and communities globally was a great learning experience.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) had not only affected and infected people in general, but it brought havoc on people who I loved. It was a death sentence for decades.

There are many deadly diseases that need controlling, yet many are not being controlled simply because establishment is paralyzed until help is identified. Yet, the part that we rarely broach is the fact the aftermath of devastation. For HIV/AIDS many people died leaving a indelible scar on our hearts, however, there are those who survived where their lives will never be the same. In a nutshell, when things in life are under attack, they never remain the same.

Of course, there will always be people people who courageously and boldly resist diabolical forces that are predisposed to destroy and control the world (Thank God), yet we can fairly be opined that multiple paradigm shifts are taking place right underneath our noses.

pic.twitter.com/FaztF4spy5
— KarmicTimes (@TheKarmicTimes) April 11, 2019

Our values, morals and spirits are being challenged like never before - and sadly - evil has made inroads. There are a myriad of examples of this malign phenomenon, like we see infinite and unnecessary wars - but arguably our ability to respond may not be massive enough.

It is easy to overthrow sovereign governments nowadays because it has become acceptable, for the most part. It seems that many of those who protested the Facebook fiasco have fallen in line - and virtually all those who were active on Facebook are still active(?).

People nowadays will believe a lie before the truth - and believe me, there's a lot of lying going on these days from those who we are obliged to support in leadership all the way down to those on the streets and families who who are adjusting to 'new' paradigms - paradigms for the most part show an America that is not that light on the hill for democracy and compassion anymore, but it deceitfully promotes a a misnomer called 'humanitarian intervention' when in reality it's 'death and destruction'.

Surely you can see that things are changing? Of course, there will always be resistance and battles where the good guys win, but today those victories are becoming far and few. Yellow flags are flying all over.

Yet, there is some reprieve as we are thankful for social media and blogs (like this one) that give us an outlet for expression to speak-up - not always agreeing, but speaking-up without apology. (By the way, social media is under attack, still).

Stop the US from illegally overthrowing the democratically-elected government of #Venezuela: https://t.co/EkEbrUOTVk
— CODEPINK (@codepink) April 10, 2019

Not to say that people are not angry (I am). There will always be those who speak truth to power and are committed to fighting until a change has come. Yet as we survey the inventory of celebrated human resisters, surely a shutter rushes through one's vains. Can we expect that whistle-blower John Snowden will ever set foot on American soil again (alive)?What about Julian Paul Assange, and our other sons and daughters who sacrifice for justice - will their sacrifices for truth be in vain? Will they allow him to go home to Australia and not be extradited to the American-style gulag? Let's hope so.

While starting the article by using the HIV/AIDS epidemic as an example that needed and demanded a response - the responses finally came - but much damage was done. Yet, those who love and cared about others who deal with terminal illnesses, those who love America and the foundation of the idea of liberty that it was built on, must break the chains of paralysis. If this doesn't happen, believe me, our children (and their children) will suffer even more consequences. STAND.

Notes:

1- https://bdsmovement.net/what-is-bds BDS must work.
2- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_laws_of_the_United_States Take a closer look at the First and Fourth Amednments.
3-https://www.forbes.com/sites/ygrauer/2015/10/06/whistleblowers-twitter/#aa3984642208
4-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugitive. Assange hasn't given up.

Many Countries at UN Oppose Trump Interference in Venezuela

2019-01-29T22:53:00.001-05:00

One Thing for Sure: The Children shall be Avenged

2018-11-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

Mark 9:42

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

6 hours ago

"More than 14,000 unaccompanied immigrant children are in government custody — a new record high — and all signs point to that number getting larger. This is inhumane." @KamalaHarris

Verified accoun@KamalaHarr

Cultural Appropriation is Ancient History

2018-04-12T15:46:00.000-04:00

One thing is clear, Blacks seem to be predisposed and driven to share their most unfiltered sacred stuff with the world. Much money has been made from this propensity, and Zuckerburg is not the first to harvest this gold mine.

Most of our (Black people) stuff through the centuries have been stolen and either monetized; or, falsified claims of fake ownership are now filed and codified at the Library of Congress.

Yes, the complete lineage of Black History has been either revised or hidden. If every now and then we get to witness any drop of this astonishing history, that has been sold to the highest bidder, we continuously and erroneously think that our cultural inventory was simply limited to the commoditization of our bodies in the slave trade.

As we argue about cultural appropriation in modern society, guess what - cultural appropriation is centuries old. The next time someone returns from Africa wanting to sell you a rare plant that heals, you should be cognizant of history.

Blacks' cultural treasures continues to enrich modern-day colonial-capitalists - I post that without our treasures, there will not even be an America to want to call "great."

Let's talk about cultural exchange vs. Cultural Appropriation next. A short preview reveals that 'reciprocation' is pivotal in defining he difference.

OPINION: The Necessary and Unnecessary Pain of American History

2018-04-09T23:44:00.000-04:00

Jerel Shaw

As I listened to the choir sang "No Cross, No Pain", in my mind I envisioned how we must all be able to bare pain at different (or at some points) - everyone can testify to this reality as it's a integral part of the human experience on earth.

Yet, the context that they were singing about was how Christians must be able to suffer though persecution on earth, that too is a part of pain index except the reward may be different.

Opining that there are two major types of pain on earth - the necessary and the unnecessary need not be rocket science.

As was aforementioned pain is a natural (necessary) phenomenon of the human life experience on earth - anytime one feels the slightest effect from being hurt it qualifies as pain.

In the physical, it may be losing a love one and 'coping with the pain. It may also be about being rejected for a job that you really want - that cause a lot of pain.

Yet the aforementioned are common occurrences, we will continue to lose love ones; and we will be rejected over and over again for opportunities that we compete for - but lose. No one is immune from the human experience index of pain.

Yet, arguably, the unnecessary pain caused by evil intent is the most egregious of all pain. Humans have the propensity to hurt one another. Even as many proclaim America as a Christian nation, the cruelty and the evil that humans historically inflict on others are unprecedented.

Specifically, the days of slavery in America brought out the most vile and inhuman instincts that man acted on. And, most history books gloss over this evil episode n American history - bu not telling the whole truth and story, or remains an open scar on the soul of a nation.

"The New Lynching Memorial Rewrites American History" talks about the forbidden history that should shame all of America. The opening of this Museum is a beginning of walking back the lies and inaccuracies that have been recorded about the the past horrific acts and pain that Americans did to other humans, namely Blacks.

The unnecessary pain cause should never be forgotten, and really the scars will never heal. For centuries, this infamous era of pain was covered-up and forgotten, as far as its complete effects.

If only humans now had the will to see the pain that they have inflicted, or ask God to help them to see the obvious, only then can we ascend to a higher space in God's hierarchy of love.

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/lynching-memorial-montgomery-alabama/index.html

Ceiling Raised or Lowered: Is the US at-risk for becoming a failed state

2018-04-07T16:02:00.002-04:00

It appears that man is at his wits end. For centuries society has thrived off of man's inventions from the the invention of the wheel to spaceships that can fly to the moon (and back). Yet man's genius at changing things and inventing things that can help the people live a more efficient and better life seem to have reach a ceiling. Let's be honest for once.

Our nation (leader of the free world) is on the threshold of becoming a failed state. However their might be a loophole in the meaning.

According to Wikepedia, it reveals that: The level of government control required to avoid being considered a failed state varies considerably amongst authorities. Furthermore, the declaration that a state has "failed" is generally controversial and, when made authoritively, may carry significantly geopolitical consequences.

But let's be honest again, no other nation seems to have the guts to call America a failed state - maybe because of the fear of being attacked, or expecting that the consequences will include a monetizing warfare - we are [the] superpower; our petro-dollars control the world's financial system; we have the largest and the most expensive military; our technology is the best - whatever the reason of non-designation, this article goes against the grain.

Yet, lost in the blogospere is the fact that without healthy discussion that the challenges on the homefront bring inevitable consequences are either further erosion or surely something catastrophic that causes irreversible destruction.

Hence, if people love America the way that we say that they do the 'ceiling for change' must be expanded without tarry.

A nation that has had over three hundred years to evolve into the sphere where it is able to exhibit the a balance of spiritual-moral and "exceptiional" values that the majority of us espouse to, has had an awful long time to break cycles of dismay that are repeated over and over again.

As reported by Newsweek, America ranks the worst in healthcare amongst the highest income nations.

One half of all income is earned by households making over $200,000. About One quarter is of all income is assigned to he top 8%, the rest are fighting over leftovers.

After 300 years, racism still raises its ugly head institutionally and systemically, with the disproportionate murdering and imprisoning of of black men. The income gap between whites and blacks has been consistently large in post-slavery life (That's almost 200 years). Another instance as reported by Pacific Standard's article in 2017 "Black-White Age Wage Gap Grows as Americans Remain in Denial".

The richest country in the world is ironically running on fumes, literally, and it can be opined that 'perpetual wars' keeps us in the funk - this as our country's infrastructure crumbles. Building a wall and Trump not taking care of our highways and utilities (See the article from Cato Institute "Why the Wall Won't Work") is a crime.

We use - 'collective projection' on other less fortunate (Or labelled as) countries to deflect our real status, and conditions - Venezuela, Iran, Russia, North Korea, African Nations, Libya, etc. Even with the so-called Humanitarian Interventions (Real humanitarian Intervention is sometimes needed) the quid pro quo is often being able to interfere with any the governance of sovereign nations - that is - if the nation's not destroyed in the process.

Our unemployment rate is 4.1%, but it's really over 8%. This fictitious reporting has been a constant ignoring all of the intangibles (underemployed, discouraged from looking, etc) that are closest to the real truth. One shoe doesn't fit all in America - never has. In January the black unemployment rate was listed at 6.8% and Hispanics at 5.9%, and the irregularities still must be computed. Yet the elephant in the room is that generally people can't survive off of low wages or income - employed or not.

We imprison more people than any others in the world, however: Whites represent 64% of the U.S. population with an incarceration rate of 1450 per 100,00; respectively, Blacks make up 13% of the U.S. population and are incarcerated at a rate of 2306 per 100,00; and Hispanics 831 per 100,000. This inequity merges into the core of many factors represented in systemic racism. Our 'One nation under God' country has the highest prison rate in the world 7424 per 100,00. We will not mention our meddling in other people affairs through rendition fiasco.

As leader of the free-world we find ourselves defending for those who are breaching human Rights through schemes like, killing, apartheid, imprisoning, and general repression (and oppression). 'By any means necessary, we are driven to to be in control.

We find ourselves reneging on some of the most constitutional endorsed rights like immigration, abortion, privacy, etc. and wherein those in power selectively choose what they prefer to follow, like freedom to bare arms;

Things like nuclear and climate change can destroy the world, but we (under the delusion of America-First moniker) has become to "exceptonal" to be bothered. On the former, whether then finding ways to eliminate nuclear weapons, we are creating more, and projecting 'weapons of mass destruction' on others - as we are a leader in arms sells.

To extend on the above list should not be hard to do. But the questions that arise here are: How did we get away with it for so long? How have we been able to maintain this illusion for such a long time? And, why is accountability finally at our doorstep?

When we are unable to break through the ceilings that will make the world a better place to live by responding in reactionary mode; or becoming mute, it can presupposed that it is fueled by desperation; meaning, by any means necessary whether stealing, lying and cheating our standards of local and global human interaction are fast becoming absolute anarchy - one need not look any further than the world body called the United Nations where we run roughshod over other nations by either refusing everything (without two-way discussion) that we don't like, or simply breaking the rules, at will.

We have had the opportunity to put a stop to the things that are alien to our democratic narrative - living in a land of the "brave and free". yet we've squandered crucial opportunities at strategic times which repeatedly bring us repeat the mistakes of the past - having to inevitably go back over things that we should have fixed a hundreds of years ago. No, man is not perfect, but God gave us the talent to fix things within our physical abode.

Living in denial is a miserable space to be in - yet, I'm sorry, but things just don't disappear - the problems continue to compounded.
Let's take another look at some of the things that shouldn't be happening after 300 years of existence as they affect the quality of life and bind the Nation in a stalemate that can last forever if the ceiling is not broken.

At-Risk for Nuclear Annihilation. Whether then decreasing our warehousing of weapons of destructuin, we are increasing them. Does they sound lie a nation that is not stuck?

Institutional Racism and Discrimination. In a sad way, after over 300 years of abominable behavior, the lineage of settlers never meant to change the system tha gives them privelege and the upper. They are thankful for our great public relations jugganauts who contnue to make things seem diffrent than what they really are. The 'post-racial' jargon has to be the the most vcious joke during 300 years of cycles where the ceiling hasn't been broken. Dr. ing and the civil rights heroins gave it a good try (wouldn't you say) but all we have is a mounment on the Mall in DC that symbolizes that we have passed that way over a million times, and the legend of demonic racism still floursh after 300 years.

Social Welfare Under Attacked. Of course he great debate is whether or not not the welfare of the masses whuld be turned over o Wall Street (In a sense, it already has). This is the most omnous sign of (profit over welfare for the people) that somethng has to give.

Killing of Black Men by Protectors. Of course, after 300 years institutional white racism has rediscovered "hanging fruit". Lynching will never stop - society seems to have hit the ceiling for exorcising this demon - killing black people. For 2018, already 289 people have been killed by police officers and - and counting. Total for 2017 was 989 (Washington Post Police Database, April 5, 2018). The most alarming part s that over 20% was black men (2017 and the percentage remains consistent in 2018 wheras blacks make-up only 12.3 % of the American population. This is significant for several reasons: American has a history of ether enslaving; torturng; an killing black people. Man has not been able to change this grave occurrence over several centuries. Second, Black activist groups, like Black Lives Matter are really having the repeat he same portests that took place over te course of centuries. These is a despicabe precedence that should be stopped, but man seems to be at his wits end afte years of either trying or not knowing how to fix the problem. This is another ara that clever peole have reached their ceiling of competence, it seems.

Global Warhawking and Colonialization. In the 21st century when American bolsters a the 'exceptional' meme forall the world to see, if fails to list both the bad and he good that its democracy has wrought. America leads he world indetermining who deserves to to be attacked and destroyed under he shroud of Humaniatarian Intervention. While most of the coonials nations has proclaim an end to the nefarious practice after centuries of casting people in to darkness, American seems to be a modern day colonizer and has been succesful in elbowing their through their supoerpower position persuadng other other post-colonials to reurn to the days of old. It would be unfiar to label only America as a hegeon that is seeking to dominate others, but it's an exceptional one. Yet, man's whole world is guilty of allowing this cypti verson og colonialism to resurface with a vengeance. One again, nothing has changed.

In summary, we are one of the greatest enterprising nation (if not the greatest) for at least in the last century. I would concur that we can consider our selves as "exceptional", but let's be clear ; we've strayed from the path that God has given us to go down as a nation. Our real compassion and respect have not been cultivated to the point where we can be that 'light on the hill'. This is unfortunate.

We have become a raging bull in the midst of a world that needs us to show the way. We have failed (and are failing) the world. Our children are even being scorned as they search for the light of new hope. This status is not tenable. Something has to give - and the hour is getting late. We must will ourselves to resolve spiraling into nothingness. We must break through the ceilings in order to extract ourselves from present death-hold - and it may already be too late.

Older people can be cool

2018-03-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

PART I: Humanitarian Intervention (HI): The Greatest Fraud on Lovers of Human Life

2018-03-08T16:22:00.001-05:00

The imperial Humanitarian Intervention (HI) is probably the last frontier of imperial fraud that we will ever experience in theses end times. As one research think tank offers their take on the efficacy and nobility of the meaning of this phrase it should become clear that it is simply a tool that is used for more powerful nations to attempt subordinating less powerful - has nothing to do with the people that are the victims (collateral damage) and are left homeless, wounded and/or murdered.

Let's take a closer look.

While there have been a proliferation in debate on the merits of HI there is one, the MISES Institute (short name for Lugwig von Mises Institute for Austrian Economics). that continues to do research on global issues related to modern day global conflicts [Also, he reference here has nothing to do with Austrian racism as objective research can been found in the most unlikeliest places].

This may go back a ways, but an article submitted by one of its progenitors Marko Marjanovic offers profound insight stating by HI is such a "bad idea" and needs further consideration. Amongst the reasons listed include:

HI is funded by taxation, which is theft.
Yes theft. As a rule, citizens are not consulted about how their tax dollars will be distributed - in a democracy their supposed elected representative is charged with making that decision. In the case of the U.S. Presidential system versus Parliamentary System, the layers of power are mostly found between Congress, Supreme Court and the Office of the President where many intermediaries are scrambling to appease this juggernaut of imperial rule.

As I mentioned earlier in an article, the DNA of the Imperial Collective Mindset (ICM)is antithetical to serving its subjects (in this case the taxpayers), which by logical default makes it moot that there ever was a model democracy that works solely for the people.

The point is that just like HI, rule by representation is a historical scandalous plot that has effectively pulled he wove over the eyes of the masses for a long time.

The common thread between the two (HI and ICM) is that both are tools of destruction. Both achieves its goals through aggression, propaganda and deceit (Probably the most underrated sector of society is its propaganda apparatuses (of course this is not a 'new' revelation). But the desired outcome is making palatable their aggression palatable to subjects that pay the taxes.

So the goal of any Humanitarian Intervention is, once again, is to be a tool of the Imperialist Collective Mindset need for domination, it is used for achieving that goal - and more power. Humans who voluntarily or non-voluntarily get in the way are expendable - even when the Intervention was purportedly made to protect and save the same.

Here it should be noted not all areas that fit the bill for suffering are candidates for HI - however, they may become based on the strategic interests of the a ICM.

Eventually, once the people realize and accept that they are only a part of the imperial master design for conquering, maybe one day they can respond, accordingly. however, for he purpose of this article, today there is nary a heartbeat for responding beyond the voices of truth tellers (like myself) who fight everyday to liberate the Subservient Collective Mindset (SCM) to confront the ICM.

While Marjanovic mentions several aditional categories for defining HI and its consequences, including: Any HI will result in innocents being killed or injured; War psychosis in intervening can actually be used to prop up a certain ruler (or produce regime change);

Any state (US included) can be in violation of human rights at any given time or as a matter of adversarial standards - so the logic goes that virtually every state deserve an intervention - from foreigners.

It breaches local magistrate and allows foreigners to come into one's foreign abode to dictate; and, it builds on the imperialist' principles where hegemony is given too much dignity in the global mix, so one should understand at this point that just like climate change those in power tend to have little interests in the stewardship of God's earth and the people that God has created (Thank God there are exceptions).

Yet to conclude this submission about the threat of Humanitarian Intervention, it should be clear that even if intervention is needed (as the world can used Divine Intervention - right now) those in power has successfully distorted its righteousness by using it has a tool of selfishness, control and deceit to destroy and to gain more power on earth.

People who are innocent bystanders -their only alternative is to run for their lives, if indeed there is a place to run.

Jerel Shaw