Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Do we need a new underground railroad?

I'm trying to understand how we have allowed history to repeat itself in such an ugly way, as to have laws that are similar to the Dred Scott decision and a Jim Crow era to be revived in the 21st century. The 13th Amendment loophole is in full effect. The net is cast wide, sweeping some unfortunate white folks and others in who are considered as collateral damage, because let's face it, the 1% could care less about them either.

[Dred Scott decision: In what is perhaps the most infamous case in its history, the court decided that all people of African ancestry -- slaves as well as those who were free -- could never become citizens of the United States and therefore could not sue in federal court. - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2932.html ]

It's incredible that we still have to remain vigilant in light of the above decision by Supreme Court because the infection of white superiority complex has some people who still think like this... that Black people are not citizens, and have no rights here in the USA. Why are we still fighting and voting for civil rights and voting rights for ALL citizens?

[13th Amendment: Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.]

Prison for profit anyone? 

[Jim Crow: "Emancipation ended slavery, not it's legacy" - http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/ ]

When I look at the Jim Crow laws of the past it is amazing. And even more amazing is how integration managed to help destroy Black businesses by forcing folks who hate Black folks to take our money in their stores and restaurants. Worse though, is how terrorism was allowed which destroyed thriving Black communities, stole land, murder, hangings, humiliation (stop and frisk even today)... How has this devolution come to pass?

So now we have these Stand Your Ground laws where white people have the right to decide they're 'afraid' at any given moment, and then shoot to kill a Black person. This law does not work for Black folks. How is this OK in 2014? Why is Michael Dunn not charged with a Hate Crime after learning from his own mouth, how deep his disdain for Black men is? [ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-dunn-described-himself-as-victim-victor-after-killing-teenager-in-argument-over-music/ ]

How is it that I sign a petition today, to have a man who has assaulted a black man on his bus, on video.... charged with SUSPICION of a misdemeanor? [ Caucasian Male Bus Driver in Nebraska Beats Black Man Senseless for Asking Directions
Troy Fischer, 43, (driver) was only charged with "suspicion of misdemeanor assault"- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/13/troy-fischer-attack_n_3077590.html ]


And then we have the usual chorus of folks hollering about Black on Black crime which is vile in it's own right, but a totally different issue than I speak of here. Because we are talking about the imbalance of the scales of justice! Why is there such a huge list of Black people who are exonerated after being imprisoned for years? Thank God for the Innocence Project. 

So I ask... Do we need another underground railroad? Or are we going to DO SOMETHING about all of this? We HAVE to vote! Not just in national elections, but municipal, county, state elections too. It is VERY important. Just think about how many folks have died for the right. If you don't participate, you're allowing others to make very important decisions that affect your life, for you. 

When sane folks don't vote, nut cases and insane, hateful bigots get elected. It's really sad what the GOP has turned into. I now call it the GOTP. 

We HAVE to be more responsible regarding where and how we spend our money, and support small businesses. I'm not talking about the multitude of pyramid MLMs out there (although a small percentage of folks are successful in that model), but producers, writers, artists, chefs, laborers, so many folks are in business and need your support. We must also share information regarding 'good business' and not accept bad, shoddy work. Shameless plug, but join Business in our Backyard group where we can discuss this kind of thing and steer folks to businesses that we are proud to promote, while warning folks when maybe it's not a good prospect. https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessinourbackyard/

And visit the Business in our Backyard webpage to see a list of small businesses and 'Like' us.  That's a start.... http://www.cydwebster.com/BusinBackyard.html

I'm done ranting this morning. And I'm laughing at how I managed to toot my own horn in the end, but seriously... we HAVE TO WAKE UP and not accept this disrespect. Stand Your Ground laws MUST BE overturned. Justice is too biased for a law like this to work! VOTE VOTE VOTE. Some folks should think about even running for office.  (Guess I'm not done ranting :) I honestly believe, just like back during the Reconstruction period, there were many black folks elected into congress, which caused some white folks to lose their minds, commit terrorism against Black folks and eventually take away voting rights for ALL Black folks, the election of President Obama is having a similar effect. We cannot allow these hateful people to take away the rights of citizens... again!

OK and now... I am really done. After saying all this... I pray and remain optimistic, and remember, Happiness is a choice, but we must do the work and make the effort. 

Cyndie

3 comments:

Cyd Webster Beacham said...

http://www.salon.com/2012/04/11/when_stand_your_ground_fails/

When “stand your ground” fails
John McNeil killed a white man who assaulted him on his property. But, unlike George Zimmerman, he's serving life
Rania Khalek

Enoch Mubarak said...

Far from a rant sister. That was point blank, blunt force, hardcore, straight to the brain articulated commentary and in the coming days I can insure you that Black America will read it and it will convict your soul to ask yourself ..How are we really living and conclude, yes, we definitely, most certainly beyond doubt or contradiction need a new underground railroad.

Thomas said...

Excellent, we have got to do more, we have got to get out and vote...It is known and understood the majority of our laws were created and approved by racist mentalities, this country is in need of an overhaul of our entire justice system...let's do this...peace