Anil Anwar CEO / Editor In Chief Charles Lingerfelt Managing editor & Senior Associate Publisher Editor Matt Snape Editorial Member David Clarke Raven Youngblood
CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE
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Inside
YOUR GUIDE TO WOMAN EDITION
INTERVIEW WITH
TAMMI PICKLE AN UNJUSTIFIED PATH OF VIOLENCE By Katherine Daigle
14
07 10
DEAN CHENGON CHINA AND THEFUTURE THE NOVELCORONAVIRUS(COVID-19),THETRADE WAR, AND 5G By Katherine Schoonover
DEEP DARK SECRETIN AMERICA MYPERSPECTIVEON THEPRESENTUNRESTIN AMERICA By David Colbert
23
www.ctimesmag.com
20
THE CURIOUS CASE OF GEORGE FLOYD MY EXPERIENCE AT MY FIRST PROTEST AS A PARTICIPANT By Chris Grahn Howard
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
P A G E
interview with
Tammi Pickle successful Christian businesswoman reveals the secret to her success
What
makes
your
dating
site
different
from
others?
TAMMI: What makes your dating company different from others? Elite Connections International has been in business for 25 years. person,
interview
and
We meet all of our clients in get
to
know
everyone
personally. We make matches according to personality preferences
and
combability.
We
check
ID’s,
run
background searches and verify everyone personally. We show recent photos and profiles when making all clients matches. We coach our clients through the dating process while getting and give feedback to help them in their dating success We have offices in San Diego, Orange County Beverly Hills Westlake Village Santa Barbara, San Francisco, AZ, TX,
FL, NY and
international offices.
How successful has it been so far?
TAMMI: How successful has it been so far? We started with 3 Southern California offices in 25 years we have expanded into 16 nationwide offices as well as 5 international offices and we are continuing to grow and expand.
7
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
What inspired you to set it up?
TAMMI: My Mom started this company 25 years ago, after joining a matchmaker and opening an office in LA. I grew up in the business but I really feel in love with what I do after meeting and matching my clients. Helping people find happiness and love is the most rewarding job I could ever ask for. I am grateful and passionate about what I do every day and consider myself very blessed to have such a fulfilling career helping people.
What inspires your faith in Jesus Christ?
TAMMI: I grew up in the Christian church. I have a strong belief in God. I believe it is important for my children to learn the importance of the understanding of the Christian religion while learning morals and to have faith in Jesus Christ.
What are your political affiliations?
TAMMI: I consider myself an Independent. Some issues I lean left and some I lean right.
P A G E
8
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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9
How does your website work?
TAMMI: You can fill out a form from our website giving us more detail about yourself and the person you are wanting to meet. We then speak and discuss how we work in more detail and schedule a free consultation to meet personally and get and give more detail about the matches we could make and explaining the process in detail.
Who is the strongest contender for the 2020 Democratic nomination and how much of a threat to President Trump do you think they will be?
TAMMI: Biden I suppose but I don’t think he will beat out President Trump.
What is your vision for your dating company?
TAMMI: Our goal is to have an office in every state while growing and helping more and more people throughout the world.
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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An Unjustified Path of Violence By Katherine Daigle
PHOTO SOURCE:(Elias Valverde II / The Shorthorn)
The mob gives each of its members a sense of deindividuation – a sign of strange courage that lets them unleash the beast within. It is this sight that we’re viewing on the streets today – an unhealthy mob that rages through the country, trying to play the cards of being peaceful. George Floyd’s death by the utter brutishness of an officer cannot be justified by any means; so is the case with the violent protests that are spreading through the US. To glorify it and turn a blind eye to the looting and destruction that is taking place alongside the banner-bearing is to be ludicrous in a situation that demands us to think rationally.
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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Racist thoughts deserve to be eliminated. The anger
radicals, and extremists terrorizing residents, protests,
that
and rioting… they are the antithesis of the destruction
people
find
burning
within
themselves
upon
realizing that discrimination still persists is justified.
of our society at its core.
Nobody should meet a fate similar to that of Mr.
Floyd, President Donald Trump said on Sunday the
After the death of George
Floyd. The rage is justified, but we cannot say the
U.S. government will designate the anti-fascist group
same about the riots that have broken out. It almost
Antifa as a terrorist organization.
seems as though many got a reason to simply wreak havoc and rip others of their livelihood.
Romanticizing
this
destruction
throws
open
a
challenge to lives – if meeting violence with violence was the only way out of times like this, then perhaps the Civil Rights Movement wouldn’t have
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images Photo: Reuters/Lucas Jackson If truth be told, it’s really a pity Antifa seems to have materialized as a monumental feat in history back in
so much energy to oppose some thoroughly disgusting
the
but
1960s.
If
someone
were
to
express
their
ultimately
bigoted
being apathetic; of not caring enough about the system
substantive
of justice; of just being too privileged to realize these
protest
complexities in the society. But the very people who
breaking down small businesses, looting, setting fires
hurl these accusations, on reaching the ‘comfort’ of
everywhere.
their
playbook as the race war accelerationists of the 1960s.
feel
it
convenient
enough
to
blanket
themselves with the same ideas that they now oppose.
and
but
has
criticisms forcing
It
is
very
knuckle-dragging
discontentment for the riots, they’d be accused of
homes,
thugs
unrepresentative
other riots.
race
little than
Agitating
relations
meaningful
or
circumventing violence
using
the
a
and
same
But it’s coinciding with widespread unemployment, a deep
recession,
and
COVID19
pandemic-
or
is
it
The double standards involved in this petty game does
something that is so evil. “Introduce a little anarchy
not prove to be worthy of being inducted into the
upset the established order and everything becomes
larger political scenario. This cannot be put up with.
chaos” Dark Knight, 2008
″
Mr. Floyd’s girlfriend too couldn’t comprehend the ‘sanity’ of the riots: “I am heartbroken. Waking up
We have no leaders–no black leaders, no religious
this morning to see Minneapolis on fire would be
leaders–stepping up calming the masses only the evil
something that would devastate Floyd.”
leading these children. How to talk to your kids about the protests, police, race relations with our places of
Following violent protests and riots across the country
worship closed by the same local governments not
by
and
doing enough to protect our communities as President
#ANTIFA a movement that has no central tenet other
Trump grasps his Bible in front of St. John’s Church
than preventing fascism in the world. The anarchist,
after being set afire.
groups
like
#BLACKLIVESMATTER
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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President Donald Trump stood outside St John's Church with a Bible in his hands
Burning buildings, overturning cars, or targeting random strangers are not solutions that’ll undo underlying racist sentiments – letting one’s needs be articulated and playing an active role in policymaking will do what these riots cannot, which is bringing about changes that are far from being ephemeral. If anything, these disruptive riots stall reforms. How can one expect families to feel safe in our communities where these mob-movements are growing by the day, endangering lives all along? Violence is violence! At a time when the country is leaving no stone unturned to lift the economy back to its prime, violent protests are only going to leave adverse economic aftermath.
CTM NEWS mission is to distinguish ourselves from those who are providing the world with fake news," We report on facts and we have a team of professional reporters and columnists and News Anchors who provide insightful analysis and accurate reporting on the breaking stories happening right now. We are a source of truth and tradition at a time when the world needs it most.
CHANNEL STORE CATEGORY: News & Weather
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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DeanTheCheng on China and the Future Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Trade War, and 5G By Katherine Schoonover
The United States has had a complicated relationship with China over the years. We have outsourced a great deal of our manufacturing to China and as a result, have been able to buy and sell inexpensive products because of their low wages and minimal regulations.
However, China is well known for stealing our
intellectual property, preventing U.S. products from being sold in China, and using government resources to give their businesses an advantage over ours. This disproportionately beneficial association has led to the current trade war. The U.S. informed China that we would no longer turn a blind eye to the situation and then, in the middle of trade negotiations, the world was struck down by a global pandemic further complicating the matter.
As we continue
through this period of health and economic recovery, we need to consider what kind of relationship we want to have with China in the future.
Dean Cheng, the Senior Research Fellow on Chinese political and security affairs with The Heritage Foundation, graciously agreed to provide some insight into these interconnected issues .
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
Katherine
P A E
Schoonover:
Is
there
a
1 5
connection
where we are, which is a global pandemic, global
between the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the
economic shutdowns, a global loss of GDP on the
U.S.-China trade war?
order
of
probably
4-6%,
massive
unemployment
around the world, and massive chaos.” Dean Cheng: “It is interesting that you link these issues together because I think they are linked. I think
Katherine Schoonover:
that what we are seeing with regard to China and
world about the threat of the COVID-19?
Did the Chinese lie to the
COVID-19 is partly a byproduct of the fact that before COVID-19 you had an almost two-year-long trade
Dean Cheng:
war. That trade war did affect the Chinese economy.
Chinese version of the story has evolved. Early on the
It almost certainly contributed to the slowing down of
Chinese themselves recognized and admitted that they
growth. There were also other factors that contributed
had not fully disseminated information. But, as time
to China’s slowing growth rate and a lot of it has to do
has passed, they have altered their narrative more and
with China’s economic reforms.
more to say that they have been open, that have told
ended
as
of
2004,
long
That pretty much
predating
President
Xi
“Over the course of this pandemic, the
everyone everything, and that their hands are clean.”
Jinping. But, as a result, we are watching the Chinese economy become slower and creakier.
Katherine Schoonover:
Is Chinese investment in
U.S. ports and infrastructure concerning? “The other piece is China’s demographics.
China’s
population is aging and aging rapidly. Its workforce
Dean Cheng:
stabilized around 2016 and 2017. Because of the one-
ports, for example, for years. I remember hearing the
child policy and the previous baby boom, you are
head or deputy head of the China Ocean Shipping
seeing China’s labor advantage steadily shrink.
Company,
So,
“Well, they have been investing in our
talking
about
working
with
the
these were factors that were already starting to take
longshoremen in Boston to get Boston Harbor turned
shape
preceded
into a very modern containerized port facility, as well
COVID-19. “I think that the trade war and its
as in meetings with New Jersey longshoremen. China
impending
has been investing in American ports, along with ports
even
before
end
the
with
trade
Phase
1
war,
of
which
the
trade
deal
in
January may have actually contributed to the Chinese policies
on
COVID-19,
because
COVID-19
about towards the end of 2019.
“The problem here is that COVID-19 would have been hitting right as Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year was about to begin. It is the biggest holiday on the Chinese calendar. It is also a significant family event and one of the biggest human migration events. So, shutting down the country at that point would have had
an
economic
impact,
a
family
all around the world, for many years. “
came
impact,
and
“The reality is that what has changed is not the Chinese investments, but how we look at those”
therefore would have had a political impact. “Now, I think that we do need to recognize that U.S.“I suspect that there may have been a number of
China relations have also been evolving.
motivations.
was acceptable in 2007 or 1997 is perhaps a lot more
Do we tell the world that there is an
in
2020.
The
reality
is
that
So, what
emergency? Do we tell Chinese officials that there is
problematic
an emergency, or do we sort of hope for the best and
changed is not the Chinese investments, but how we
what
has
keep things tamped down? And from there we are
look at those investments.”
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
Katherine Schoonover: about
Chinese
ownership
P A G E
Should we be concerned of
U.S.
debt
and
1 6
“The other point to consider is that because of our
their
spending, we have the largest bond market. We can
ownership and control of U.S. Ports and other critical
handle the sheer amount of money that the Chinese
infrastructure?
were chucking around in a way that not even the Europeans could. reasonable
American debt. The American people, including the
credibility? Who has the capacity? We have never
U.S.
largest
missed a bond payment or a T-bill payment. The U.S.
holders of our debt. China holds about $1 trillion of
is almost the only game in town. “How would China
our debt of (pre-COVID) $24 trillion. They are the
hurt the United States on bonds? Well, for example,
second largest holder (after Japan). This is about 5%
let's say the Chinese have a trillion dollars of U.S.
of our debt, as of 2018 or so.“China owns our debt,
bonds to sell, and choose to get rid of $250 billion as a
not because they want to be able to use it as leverage,
start.
not
but
going to sell $250 billion worth of bonds, and other
because of the reality that China 1) generates huge
people buy those bonds. Why does the United States
trade surpluses, which are typically denominated in
care if it's bought by China? We don’t care. Option
dollars, and 2) there is no place for that money to go.
2) So, China is going to flood the market, and nobody
If you keep it in China, the money is not convertible
is going to want to buy those bonds because it is just
because you can’t use the dollar in China. If you keep
too much.
because
of
of
the
the
Treasury,
generosity
of
are
their
the
hearts,
of
return?
Who
Who has a
Dean Cheng: “China is the largest foreign holder of
Department
rate
So, who is reliable?
has
absolute
Option 1) they go out there and say they are
it in China, you might as well build the world’s largest mattress
and
just
stuff
all
those
dollar
bills
underneath.
“Okay, so if you can’t sell a dollars’ worth of bonds at a dollar, and you really want to hurt us, then what do you do? You are probably going to lower the price.
If you want a return, then you’re probably going to
So, you are going to take 95 cents on the dollar bond.
have to put it somewhere else, other than in China. “If
Okay, China takes a loss, and we still don’t care
you go outside of China, where do you put it? Well,
because the Brits bought it. Okay but the Brits say we
first you go to the world stock markets. But nobody is
are full. Okay, 90 cents, 85 cents, 80 cents, at some
going to let China put the hundreds of billions of
point, it will be worth it for the U.S. government to
dollars that you have into stocks, because that would
say I will buy those bonds then we can retire those
mean
minority
same bonds at 80 cents on the dollar. You, China, just
ownership, of a company. The Japanese won’t let you
owning,
or
having
substantial
gave us a 20% discount on the bonds that you bought
own Mitsubishi.
from
The Germans are not going to let
you own Siemens.
The UK is not going to let you
us.
bonds?
Finally,
how
would
we
pay
for
those
We would give them dollars which put us
own British Aerospace. We are not going to let you
right back at step one. “All of which is to say that this
own Google.
whole financial system is much more complex than
So, stock ownership is very limited.
“What about bonds?
‘China owns our debt, and they can call in those bills.’ It's not like a mortgage.
American government bonds and T-bills are the only ones paying a positive rate of interest at this point. Although, I think we are about zero now, but, as of say two years ago, or a year ago, we were the only ones paying a positive interest rate. So, if you bought a € 1,000,000 bond you are going to get € 990,000 back when all was said and done. That’s not a great deal.
“It's not like China can foreclose on Yosemite Park or the Port of Boston.”
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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“That is not to say that Chinese investment is not a
‘look, we are going to have to live with this guy for
problem, especially in key infrastructure where they
four more years.
can do other bad things.
They could gain a lot of
make those future four years more difficult.’ So, part
intelligence, shut down a port facility in the middle of
of the question of ‘will there be a Phase 2 before
a crisis, or maintain awareness of where shipments are
November’
going. There are lots and lots of reasons why Chinese
Donald Trump destined to win?’
goes
Antagonizing him now will only
to
the
Chinese
calculation
of
‘is
investments need to be carefully monitored, and why Chinese
certainly
“So, the other things that I think are important to note
introduce a lot of chaos in the short-term. “If they
sale
of
bond
here are 1) do the Chinese have a global view, and 2)
went on the market tomorrow and said: ‘I’m going to
are they thinking about COVID-19?
sell $250 billion of U.S. bonds,’ that is going to have
very important because while almost all of the West is
an impact. It will have an impact in terms of views, in
focused on COVID-19, I think the Chinese have been
terms of people's confidence in the U.S. economy,
actively trying to put together a number of issues
etc. At a moment like this, that would be a bad thing
relating to COVID-19. “One issue that they must deal
to do. “I don’t want to give the impression that there
with
are no problems with Chinese investments. There are
issue. Why did China claim to send aid to a number
problems.
in
of countries, when in fact they were merely sending
relatively delineated lanes, recognizing that they are
things that had already been bought and paid for?
interconnected. But, the issue is the intelligence issue
They were trying to shape the international narrative
and the strategic issue, not necessarily the financial
with the message that China is a good supply chain
issue of purchasing U.S. debt.”
partner; China is a reliable partner; China does a lot of
However,
holdings
I
prefer
could
to
keep
things
is
the
Personal
Protection
I think this is
Equipment
(PPE)
things out of the goodness of its own heart. Katherine
Schoonover:
How
does
COVID-19 Most of this is nonsense. The second issue is the steel
impact the trade war?
fist inside the velvet glove: rely on us, you need us, Dean Cheng: “First of all, does Phase 1 of the trade
don’t make us angry.
The third issue, which goes
deal still apply? Both President Trump and President
back to the first, is that China is a good and reliable
Xi Jinping made comments that almost sound like
partner for 5G.”
they want to pull out, and both have made comments suggesting that they shouldn't pull out. “It’s quite likely that the Chinese will miss their targets for Phase 1. How much of that is due to COVID-19 and their
Katherine
Schoonover:
Should
the
U.S.
be
concerned about China and the future of 5G, and will COVID-19 have an impact?
economic slowdown, and how much of that is due to
Dean Cheng: “And why does 5G tie back to COVID-
them not living up to their commitments is unclear. If
19? Bandwidth. A lot of people have been using a lot
it
of
is
a
matter
of
them
not
living
up
to
their
video
conferencing
over
the
course
of
this
commitments, it is certainly going to make Phase 2
lockdown. 5G has gone from ‘You know this will be
moot.
As it is, other non-economic issues such as
cool when we have it, to ‘Wow, we really need 5G
Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, all of
yesterday. “Meanwhile, Huawei is just sitting there
these, are going to make Phase 2 delayed at best. The
waiting to pounce because they already have a lot of
Chinese know that we have elections coming up.
I
the technology, and they are more than willing to sell
doubt that they like Mr. Trump very much so they are
it at a fraction of the cost of anybody else. It’s called
probably not going to want to give him any kind of
subsidies from the Chinese government. Why are the
victory,
Chinese willing to do that?
which
is
what
Phase
2
could
be
seen
as
It is because 5G is an
doing. So, if the Chinese calculation is that Donald
enormous intelligence collection opportunity. It is a
Trump is going to win anyway, then they might be
chance to create dependency. This is a chance to do a
willing to give him a victory on the grounds that,
lot of other things. So, the Chinese have made a play
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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1 8
toward various European countries. They have made very nice pitches to less developed countries. ‘Look at all of the aid we are sending you. All of this is to help generate a positive opinion that will help shape the thoughts of decisionmakers when they ask, ‘Should we let Huawei build our 5G network?’ “Now, this cuts both ways. Arguably, the UK’s bad experience with the Chinese on COVID-19 PPE is part of why the UK seems to be pulling back on letting Huawei build out their 5G network.
All of this feeds into how China wants the world to view it when we come out of
lockdown. They would like to see a world marked by two things: a China that has a better reputation and a world that is willing to keep Taiwan in a box.”
Katherine Schoonover:
The U.S. does not appear to have plans to develop its own 5G network.
Should we be
concerned about any national security concerns if we allow China to build our 5G network?
Dean Cheng: The Chinese advantage that Huawei provides, is that it is ‘soup to nuts.’ Huawei makes cell phones. Huawei makes tablets.
Huawei makes computers.
They make the base stations (the 5G equivalent of cell phone
towers), and they make servers and routers, which in the early days, they blatantly stole from Cisco Corporation. But, these days, they actually make them on their own. So, you have, very broadly speaking, the three big pieces. Huawei makes all of them. The U.S. has Cisco. That’s pretty much it. That’s servers and routers, but Cisco does not make cell phones. You have T-Mobile and folks like that, so we have the physical networks. Samsung makes tablets and phones. Samsung is the most likely rival to Huawei because they are working on the other pieces of the system. So, you can imagine a Samsung network rivaling Huawei. You can cobble together something, but anytime you have different manufacturers you have the possibility that maybe the stuff won’t work perfectly coherently. That’s Huawei’s current advantage.
Katherine Schoonover Columnist at CTM
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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DeepMy Perspective DarkOnSecret in America The Present Unrest In America By David Colbert
A person holds a banner reading "Justice for George Floyd", as crowds gather to protest after the death of George Floyd in Washington D.C. Yasin Ozturk—Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Looters carry out merchandise from the Minneapolis Target on Wednesday. PHOTO BY RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII/STAR TRIBUNE VIA GETTY IMAGES
It has always amazed me how things happen in this
It has always amazed me how things happen in this
country. It takes a long time to enact laws here,
country. It takes a long time to enact laws here,
especially the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Martin Luther
especially the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Martin Luther
King Jr. and many others gave their lives for the cause
King Jr. and many others gave their lives for the cause
of racial inequality. Unfortunately there are many who
of racial inequality. Unfortunately there are many who
did not support this act and raise their children not to
did not support this act and raise their children not to
support the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sadly a lot of
support the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sadly a lot of
those who were taught the old ways run multi-billion
those who were taught the old ways run multi-billion
dollar companies, serve in politics and are on various
dollar companies, serve in politics and are on various
police forces around our great country.
police forces around our great country.
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark civil rights
I am in no way bashing those charged to protect and
and labor law in the United States that outlaws
serve the citizens of our great country. I am however
discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or
calling
national origin. It prohibits unequal application of voter
President Donald J. Trump and his Administration. I
registration requirements, and public accommodation.
am hopeful and confident that these issues will finally
There were other additions in later years. Those you
be dealt with under this administration.
can research for yourself.
for
these
gross
injustices
to
end,
as
is
our
C T I M E S M A G . C O M
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2 1
I want to share a statement made by Randel Clemons,
arrested while being black. Believe it or not when I
Formerly of the Department of Veteran Affairs at the
went to school in the 1970’s police were at the door
V.A. Hospital in Tulare, California.
with metal detectors.
“In the Marines we have “dark green” & “light green”.
This article I am writing from my perspective, your
Everyone is green! NO Black, White, Hispanic, Asian
experiences may well have been different if you are
etc. (only for application purposes). From what I’ve
Black, Negro, Afro-American or African American. I
seen in my years of service. People do bring their
often wondered why we were called all these different
biases
names. I am just a person with darker pigments in my
in
with
them,
no
doubt.
But
all
biases
&
differences goes out the door in Boot Camp & when
skin. In the immortal words of Michael Jackson “
bullets
Don’t Matter If You’re Black or White.
are
exploding.
coming We
down
care
less
range about
&
bombs
your
are
race/ethnic
background & where you grew up. We rely on those
I am going to share some of my experiences being
people to our left, right & the team undoubtedly with
black looking for work in this country. I remember
our lives! No matter your skin complexion. I wish the
one time calling a job and requesting an interview.
world was like this. Semper Fi brothers & sisters”
Those of you who are Black will understand this. I talked
properly
without
slang
of
any
kind.
The
Thank you Randel Clemons for your service to these
gentlemen that called me for the interview told me
United States. I want to share something of a personal
when I arrived that I must have been mistaken and that
nature about growing up in the African American or
there is no job. He was the same man, he told me who
Black
to ask for, but he suddenly forgot everything when he
neighborhoods
in
America’s
inner
city
Baltimore, Maryland.
saw I was black. So if you think you know what blacks have been through, believe me you have no
I was taught by my mom and my dad to take and
idea. I am an optimist and I remembered what mom
judge people on an independent value regardless of
and dad said, to take people on an individual basis. I
race, creed or color. My best friend in high school was
could go on and on, but I don’t want to bore you.
a guy who was a 6’2” for lack of a better term, “White Guy”. I loved him like a brother and we went
Many times as African American we find ourselves
everywhere
Southwestern
being the last hired and the first laid off or fired. I was
Senior High in Baltimore Maryland. I am proud of my
hired one time on a job in Maryland and got there and
dear friend. He served as a Baltimore City Police
they had hired the guy back who quit. I was hired
Officer for over 40 years and retired and the became a
several times in transition, once when Chase Bank
U.S. Marshall. His named was Bruce Neill.
became J.P. Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo bought
together
in
high
school,
out Wachovia Bank in San Antonio, Texas, and both I was raised in a culture that for years called police
times I was fired in the transition. To be fair a lot
officers “Pigs”. I must confess, as a kid although I
of others lost their jobs as well, but many of those
never got into trouble with the law. It frightened me to
were Hispanic workers.
have someone around who I knew did not likes blacks carrying a gun. In those days there were no laws
I just wanted to share with you, my readers, why some
against stopping and frisking anyone and they abused
blacks are upset. I believe that there is factions that
us in my neighborhood. I had several family members
seek opportunities to cause unrest and riots. I will not
who were arrested for just being near crime.
go into why at think were targeted in the Covid-19 pandemic. I believe the virus is real, but I also believe
I was an angry and afraid young man at the time.
it was created by China. We have a President Trump
People would ask sometimes why are you angry. I
that
said I didn’t know, but I was just afraid I would be
represent.
cares
about
all
Americans
he
is
charged
to
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I can’t say too much about the death toll with Covid-19, but that I believe that it was engineered to have a more devastating effect on African- Americans and the elderly.
The problem we have in this country is that we believe the hype of the fake news. Do some research and you find that this universal health they want so desperately to be passed as law will determine if you are too old for treatment? If you don’t believe me check out the countries like Canada who have universal healthcare or what Democrats are calling Medicare for All.
As Black Americans and allother Americans, this is not the time to be uninformed or miss informed. I research and find out for myself. I believe we live in a Great Nation. We still have free enterprise which the Democratic Party would love to take away from you. The states with Democratic Governors want to keep you locked up indefinitely, but we revolted in the past and we are revolting again.
When a car starts and begins to move forward the friction causes heat. America is led by a race car driver his name is Donald J. Trump. A car that stands still will eventually breakdown from lack of use namely sleepy Joe Biden. I am excited to get behind our President Donald J. Trump. I like to see things happening.
I want to see African-Americans protect our businesses, and not allow them to be destroyed by opportunist like ANTIFA, BLM many others who want to see America fall.
My Black brothers and sisters stand strong but stand in peace and support President Trump. We will win the battle, that, I am very confident of Be At Peace.
Thank you for reading my perspective on the present unrest. God Bless America and the World
David A. Colbert
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The Curious Case of George Floyd My Experience at my first Protest as a participant By Chris Grahn Howard
Having said that, I am not suffering from white guilt. I Allow me to start this off by saying this – These are complex issues and I ask in advance for some grace as I try to get through them. A longer read than usual too complex for shortcuts. This journey is through my eyes and my effort to see these issues through the eyes of others. You may wonder why I say the curious case of George Floyd? Well there are many similarities to other such sad events, and yet this one is so clearly different. Please keep an open mind and heart, no
did not do these things, and, as you will read I do not support them. The idea that all white people are racist is ridiculous. Some blacks do have racist attitudes toward whites does exist. One does not justify the other and never will. That this has happened in an election year will exacerbate and frustrate this process. Not to mention the silly games that will be played at the expense of both sides. I say both sides because, as I write this, we are dividing back up. We should all be on the side of condemning the murder of George
matter what side you see yourself.
Floyd. First, I want to define a few items on the discussion list. Geoge Floyd did not die at the hands of the police. George Floyd was murdered at the hands of a man who
was
a
policeman
and
the
other
officers
who
allowed him to do so. Mr. Floyd was a flawed man, as all people are in some or even many ways. There is no pretense that he was a threat to others that fateful day, yes he was breaking the law and was being arrested for that. Make no mistake; he was murdered. Being a low-level,
non-violent
criminal
is
no
excuse
for
murder. He was murdered by a police officer who
The police – I am a pro-police person; I believe that the overwhelming majority of officers are good and decent people. They take on, in some aspects, the most challenging task with almost unattainable standards. Think of it this way the police/sheriffs are the living breathing embodiment of what is supposed to be the best of our society and are the physical manifestation of our ordinances laws and our beloved Constitution. No pressure there at all. Each officer holds with them the hopes and fears of every American every day.
could care less for the life he was in control of and responsible for, once in his custody. Mr. Floyd was not a child molester or rapist, and he was stopped for allegedly
passing
counterfeit
bills.
Not
offense, if he had been found guilty‌if.
a
capital
The idea that solving this crisis by disbanding police departments is a dangerous plan. Essentially, what will happen is complete lawlessness and then a federal policing action. The effects of which are the basis for many a dystopian novel. Creating this reality will drive people from the major cities and leave only the criminal
and
vulnerable
behind.
Disbanding
local
police departments go against everything our founding father's warned us about by giving up local control. Ironically I believe that those asking for this new world order will be those hurt most by that very order.
These United States have a long history of challenging and checking authority. Protesting is a part of our cultural DNA.
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teacher
we
P A G E
ever
had
taught
us
to
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question
Racism in America exists still and continues to be the
everything, search for the truth of a thing. Lawful and
national punishment for the national sin of slavery.
righteous and most of all peaceful protests are as
Living in the St. Louis region, I can tell you that
American as apple pie. I support everyone's right to
structural, by design racism exists. Unwrapping that
protest whether I agree with the reason or method or
alone could take a book. The effects of egregious acts
not.
of
redlining,
educational
and
other
mechanics
of
racism are evident here like few other places. I point Conversely, Rioting, and looting are despicable acts of
this out because until you have seen these mechanisms
criminal
at work well you would not believe it. Racism is real,
opportunism
that
should
be
punished
severely. There is no room for this in our society and,
alive and still hurting people.
the harshest possible measures need to be taken to protect life and property. A very distinct line needs to
I am not black and cannot truly internalize what my
be made between these two acts. Sadly the press tends
friends of color must live with every day. However I
to use these terms interchangeably they should not.
have eyes that can see and a brain that can understand
The saddest elements of these acts are twofold. One
(to a point) what is happening. The case of George
the majority of the actions are committed in the very
Floyd is clear cut undeniable and other than in court
communities that need businesses to flourish. Often,
uncontested. Mr. Floyd was murdered by a man who
minority
violated—only
represented our shared values and the embodiment of
communities.
our Constitution. What angered me so about this was
deepening
businesses the
are
despair
what
in
these
is very
These rioters and looters are frequently coming into
that
these communities from elsewhere to create anarchy
government is to reflect in all of us killing one of us
They
without cause.
should
be
arrested
and
tried
on
domestic
image
the
expression
of
everything
our
terrorism and treason charges. Rightly or not many of the other national cases have The so-called Antifa is not a pro-American anything.
questions and doubts swirling around them. Not the
The arguments that Antifa=anti-fascist is laughable as
case
their tactics and message are just that fascist. Defacing
overwhelming
our monuments and attacking police stations is never
streets to say Enough. Maybe just maybe we can have
going
this long-overdue national discussion. Sadly I doubt it.
to
solve
this
or
any
other
problem.
Not
to
here.
Floyd
number
given
Americans
to
an
to
the
problematic. The greatest obstacle will be those who
to resort back to sides rather than the coming together
wish to profit or try to force unrealistic demands on
we have now. This group and ones like it has no place
the conversation. Not to mention the same old and
in the marketplace of ideas.
very tired voices no one hears anymore.
communities for
any
neighborhoods,
that
are
business
companies
attacked—creating to that
move create
into
no
these
jobs,
tax
revenue for local municipalities, and of course, the food products. Food deserts are an issue because more impoverished people often do not have a car people in poor
health
cannot
take
long
trips
on
public
transportation. It is forcing people already suffering to pay higher prices for fewer options within a limited reach.
year
rise taking
2020
incentive
election
has
from the discussion. Groups like this will allow people
same
an
of
mention that these acts will drive many people away
It is not uncommon for "food deserts" to exist in these
being
Mr.
which
makes
that
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The tougher issue here is how actually to have the conversation. Just sit down and talk, sounds simple enough. What we lack believe it or not is a common vocabulary to have that discussion. I have a friend who is a black minister and we do not agree on a bunch of issues. However, we have, over time, made our way through to a language and understanding.
I will never forget one time I was going off on something, and he said, "OK, Chris, can you say that again and not sound so racist?" I was shocked, to me, I had not said or even though anything of the sort. He
knew that but was
making a point about how others hear things. Communication 101- seek first to understand, then be understood. It is not as easy as it sounds. Our shared dialogue took time. Both of us had to be willing to seek the other's true meaning. Those conversations are more comfortable now, but we/I still fall into the old traps. Another fantastic example, during the Protest I attended, I met a black couple, and we started talking, not about race, not about the protest‌we just started talking. The vast majority of people around us were not Republicans. For reasons passing even my understanding, I felt the need to mention that I was a republican, and please don't hate me for that. The wife smiled great big and said, "you shouldn't assume we aren't republicans" Touche! We all laughed at that. Her well-taken point being made, we went on discussing the day. We can all learn from that exchange.
So, how was my local Protest? According to the Ballwin Police Dept., there were roughly 1000 people who very peacefully walked through our park. There was no violence, no looting, Rioting, no spitting on police. Many, myself included, thanked the officers we came into contact with. The next morning I walked my dogs down the same path, and one could not tell that a thousand people had been marching through there. I was moved by the number of people I knew who were there. I am not one prone to participate in any protest.
I pray that George Floyd did not die for nothing, that we can finally find the path forward to having that long-overdue conversation. My fervent hope that the people will see the distinct line between protestors and rioters. Most of all that we find that path for the atonement of our national sin. The trail is not an easy one, it is fraught with peril and error, but it is worth the effort if we will just take on that mantel. The good news is that our history is one of taking the tough road, following the hard trail, and making our country greater for that effort. I also pray that President Trump finds the words to speak and help clear the path going forward to start the healing. I pray you will all join me in those prayers.
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