Good morning! I have NEVER used fb to throw stones. Nor do I use it to attack people. Anyone who REALLY knows me, knows that I will say what I feel and because of such I am accustomed to the attacks and verbal assaults that come with being a public person and a person who speaks with little inhibition. I join people of goodwill in my beloved city and throughout the world who are pained at the incessant, never ending violence that permeates our urban centers across America. It is a disease and something needs to be done about it. I am however NOT in the crowd that is passionately and vociferously demanding our elected officials, based groups (churches, etc.), and other community groups, what are you doing? I agree that these entities have SOME responsibility to aid in the process BUT it does not begin there. BEFORE there was a political process, community support groups, civic organizations or A CHURCH - there was another institution and that was THE FAMILY! The breakdown of the family (in whatever state or structure) is a primary factor in the rampant violence in our communities. These shooters/killers are the children of someone, they have passed through our schools, and YES even some of our churches. Somehow the family has lost its focus and footing and the commitment to protect, oversee, and discipline OUR CHILDREN. When was the last time you as a parent CHECKED YOUR CHILDS ROOM, Backpacks, telephone, etc. Do you know (ask) who there friends are and tell them the ones that you do not like and WHY? Do you live and model before them a healthy, balanced life (i.e. do you vote, save your money, etc.) do you teach/talk to them about the rich history of our people that did NOT START in America as slaves but in AFRICA as Kings and Queens? Do you make sure that they read and are exposed to the literary works of Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni and countless others? Do WE turn of the tv and stop watching Housewives of whoever, and the other mindless television shows and nurture our own mind and heart so that we do not ourselves go crazy? We are asking others to do for us what we need to do (and used to do) for ourselves!!! I am not ignoring the responsibility of the churches and other organizations and MANY CHURCHES in Paterson do many good things BUT the success and strength of the family determines the success of all other organizations. As one who has publicly failed in some aspect of family life I understand the difficulty BUT in no way can I blame others or ask others to do for me what I will not take the first step in doing. The seemingly downward spiral of African Americans even with an African American President is an internal problem that we need to honestly acknowledge, address, and correct! I will not respond to anyone about this - just sharing my thoughts out loud!
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 14:37:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015