Ajabu,
What EXACTLY is it that you want?
Seems to me forgiveness is a more sincere Christian value than retribution. It also seems to me that you, and large segments of the population of the world are wasting their lives on hateful animosity toward people who have done them wrong. If you can find a society that has done no wrong to their neighbor then you are a better historian than I. The fact that humans are humans is obvious. The greater achievement is overcoming a desire for retribution. The desire for retribution is the subject of much discussion throughout the Bible. It never was met with a great outcome....Cain and Abel, Joseph's brothers, etc., while the patience and faithfulness of the oppressed has always led to victory....Joseph is the PERFECT example.

I happen to believe that this is the side of Obama that is most impressive. He seems to have the ability to be slapped in the face over and over by people who mean him wrong and he turns his cheek. Over and over and over again. As a result, he emerges the victor. He believes that this is what will bring the US to a new position of leadership in the world....when our might is matched by our values. I happen to agree with him. But I also think it will take a lot of time.

As a person who is half American Indian, Cherokee, to be precise, I happen to like the Western society I live in more than the native society of my ancestors. I feel no anger. In short, I moved on. You should too. It's what a Christian is EXPECTED to do.

Dawn,

I want fairness. No disrespect, but it is always suspect for me when the people that have benefited from another's discrimination will take the position of just get over it. That response provokes me to ask to get over it under what conditions? If the people who experienced the discrimination took the position that they were going to let this injustice be with no call for reparations, then that is more acceptable than hearing the benefactor of the discrimination saying the same thing. If the benefactor says just get over it, then it just appears to self serving. This is the negotiation that is going on between the Palestinians and Israel now. The question is how do we move forward. There is no argument that we must move forward, but there is the question of how. Does the person whose property was stolen just say OK everything is cool and just accept the loss? Or does the discussion evolve around what would be just considering the present situation? I would tend to lean toward the reign of justice. So what do I want? How about a little justice. Is that too much to ask for?

I don't disagree, but in regards to Obama and how he's handled his position. He has learned to distant himself from certain things, so he can quietly see who he can trust. He can't act or react because of his so-called popularity, but listening and watching.

Remember those on the left and right are still adamant when it comes to how he's handled some things so far. He's like a member of organized crime, there's usually a reason to be paranoid and trusting of only self until you're able to [build a crew]

I'll say to also watch your back. I have learned through the years to be less critical and more observing, not knowing [a person's fears] or what often motivates them. When I see him, I think about Martin Luther King Jr's end, so I understand. Although we can't fully protect him, we as blacks must support his actions, even if we disagree.

As far as the Jews and their neighbors,
if it were Europeans who converted to Judaism, why wouldn't biogotry exist? Wherever Europeans control or seem to be occupying today racism suddenly sufaces. I know I don't have to give you a lesson, but this is a [lie or truth] that has been hushed for hundreds of years.

Not a fan of the guy by any stretch of the imagination, nor am I a card-carrying anti-Semite, but where was he off point with regard to Israel...?

AHMEDINEJAD: Mr. Chairman, honorable secretary general of the United Nations, honorable United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Ladies and gentleman:

We have gathered in the follow-up to the Durban conference against racism and racial discrimination to work out practical mechanisms for our holy and humanitarian campaigns.

Over the last centuries, humanity has gone through great sufferings and pains. In the Medieval Ages, thinkers and scientists were sentenced to death. It was then followed by a period of slavery and slave trade. Innocent people were taken captive in their millions and separated from their families and loved ones to be taken to Europe and America under the worst conditions. A dark period that also experienced occupation, lootings and massacres of innocent people.

Many years passed by before nations rose up and fought for their liberty and freedom and they paid a high price for it. They lost millions of lives to expel the occupiers and establish independent and national governments. However, it did not take long before power grabbers imposed two wars in Europe which also plagued a part of Asia and Africa. Those horrific wars claimed about a hundred million lives and left behind massive devastation. Had lessons been learnt from the occupations, horrors and crimes of those wars, there would have been a ray of hope for the future.

The victorious powers called themselves the conquerors of the world while ignoring or down treading upon rights of other nations by the imposition of oppressive laws and international arrangements.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us take a look at the UN Security Council which is one of the legacies of World War I and World War II. What was the logic behind their granting themselves the veto right? How can such logic comply with humanitarian or spiritual values? Would it not be inconformity with the recognized principles of justice, equality before the law, love and human dignity? Would it not be discrimination, injustice, violations of human rights or humiliation of the majority of nations and countries?

The council is the highest decision-making world body for safeguarding international peace and security. How can we expect the realization of justice and peace when discrimination is legalized and the origin of the law is dominated by coercion and force rather than by justice and the rights?

Coercion and arrogance is the origin of oppression and wars. Although today many proponents of racism condemn racial discrimination in their words and their slogans, a number of powerful countries have been authorized to decide for other nations based on their own interests and at their own discretion and they can easily violate all laws and humanitarian values as they have done so.

Following World War II, they resorted to military aggression to make an entire nation homeless under the pretext of Jewish suffering and they sent migrants from Europe, the United States and other parts of the world in order to establish a totally racist government in occupied Palestine. And, in fact, in compensation for the dire consequences of racism in Europe, they helped bring to power the most cruel and repressive racist regime in Palestine.

The Security Council helped stabilize the occupying regime and supported it in the past 60 years giving them a free hand to commit all sorts of atrocities. It is all the more regrettable that a number of Western governments and the United States have committed themselves to defending those racist perpetrators of genocide while the awakened-conscience and free-minded people of the world condemn aggression, brutalities and the bombardment of civilians in Gaza. The supporters of Israel have always been either supportive or silent against the crimes.

Dear friends, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. What are the root causes of the US attacks against Iraq or the invasion of Afghanistan?

Was the motive behind the invasion of Iraq anything other than the arrogance of the then US administration and the mounting pressures on the part of the possessors of wealth and power to expand their sphere of influence seeking the interests of giant arms manufacturing companies affecting a noble culture with thousands of years of historical background, eliminating the potential and practical threats of Muslim countries against the Zionist regime or to control and plunder the energy resources of the Iraqi people?

Why, indeed, almost a million people were killed and injured and a few more millions were displaced? Why, indeed, the Iraqi people have suffered enormous losses amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars? And why was billions of dollars imposed on the American people as the result of these military actions? Was not the military action against Iraq planned by the Zionists and their allies in the then US administration in complicity with the arms manufacturing countries and the possessors of wealth? Did the invasion of Afghanistan restore peace, security and economic wellbeing in the country?

The United States and its allies not only have failed to contain the production of drugs in Afghanistan, but the cultivation of narcotics has multiplied in the course of their presence. The basic question is that what was the responsibility and the job of the then US administration and its allies?

Did they represent the countries of the world? Have they been mandated by them? Have they been authorized by the people of the world to interfere in all parts of the globe, of course mostly in our region? Are not these measures a clear example of egocentrism, racism, discrimination or infringement upon the dignity and independence of nations?

Ladies and gentlemen, who is responsible for the current global economic crisis? Where did the crisis start from? From Africa, Asia or from the United States in the first place then spreading across Europe and their allies?

For a long time, they imposed inequitable economic regulations by their political power on the international economy. They imposed a financial and monetary system without a proper international oversight mechanism on nations and governments that played no role in repressive trends or policies. They have not even allowed their people to oversea or monitor their financial policies. They introduced all laws and regulations in defiance of all moral values only to protect the interests of the possessors of wealth and power.

They further presented a definition for market economy and competition that denied many of the economic opportunities that could be available to other countries of the world. They even transferred their problems to others while the waves of crisis lashed back plaguing their economies with thousands of billions of dollars in budget deficit. And today, they are injecting hundreds of billions of dollars of cash from the pockets of their own people and other nations into the failing banks, companies and financial institutions making the situation more and more complicated for their economy and their people. They are simply thinking about maintaining power and wealth. They could not care any less about the people of the world and even their own people.

Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen, Racism is rooted in the lack of knowledge concerning the root of human existence as the selected creature of God. It is also the product of his deviation from the true path of human life and the obligations of mankind in the world of creation, failing to consciously worship God, not being able to think about the philosophy of life or the path to perfection that are the main ingredients of divine and humanitarian values which have restricted the horizon of human outlook making transient and limited interests, the yardstick for his action. That is why evil’s power took shape and expanded its realm of power while depriving others from enjoying equitable and just opportunities of development.

The result has been the making of an unbridled racism that is posing the most serious threats against international peace and has hindered the way for building peaceful coexistence in the entire world. Undoubtedly, racism is the symbol of ignorance which has deep roots in history and it is, indeed, the sign of frustration in the development of human society.

It is, therefore, crucially important to trace the manifestations of racism in situations or in societies where ignorance or lack of knowledge prevails. This increasing general awareness and understanding towards the philosophy of human existence is the principle struggle against such manifestations, and reveals the truth that human kind centers on the creation of the universe and the key to solving the problem of racism is a return to spiritual and moral values and finally the inclination to worship God Almighty.

The international community must initiate collective moves to raise awareness in afflicted societies where ignorance of racism still prevails so as to bring to a halt the spread of these malicious manifestations.

Dear Friends, today, the human community is facing a kind of racism which has tarnished the image of humanity in the beginning of the third millennium.

World Zionism personifies racism that falsely resorts to religions and abuses religious sentiments to hide its hatred and ugly face. However, it is of great importance to bring into focus the political goals of some of the world powers and those who control huge economic resources and interests in the world. They mobilize all the resources including their economic and political influence and world media to render support in vain to the Zionist regime and to maliciously diminish the indignity and disgrace of this regime.

This is not simply a question of ignorance and one cannot conclude these ugly phenomena through consular campaigns. Efforts must be made to put an end to the abuse by Zionists and their political and international supporters and in respect with the will and aspirations of nations. Governments must be encouraged and supported in their fights aimed at eradicating this barbaric racism and to move towards reform in current international mechanisms.

There is no doubt that you are all aware of the conspiracies of some powers and Zionist circles against the goals and objectives of this conference. Unfortunately, there have been literatures and statements in support of Zionists and their crimes. And it is the responsibility of honorable representatives of nations to disclose these campaigns which run counter to humanitarian values and principles.

It should be recognized that boycotting such a session as an outstanding international capacity is a true indication of supporting the blatant example of racism. In defending human rights, it is primarily important to defend the rights of all nations to participate equally in all important international decision making processes without the influence of certain world powers.

And secondly, it is necessary to restructure the existing international organizations and their respective arrangements. Therefore this conference is a testing ground and the world public opinion today and tomorrow will judge our decisions and our actions.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, the world is going through rapid fundamental changes. Power relations have become weak and fragile. The sound of cracks in the pillars of world systems can now be heard. Major political and economic structures are on the brink of collapse. Political and security crises are on the rise. The worsening crisis in the world economy for which there can be seen no bright prospect, demonstrates the rising tide of far-reaching global changes. I have repeatedly emphasized the need to change the wrong direction through which the world is being managed today and I have also warned of the dire consequences of any delay in this crucial responsibility.

Now in this valuable event, I would like to announce to all leaders, thinkers and to all nations of the world present in this meeting and those who have a hunger for peace and economic well-being that the unjust economic management of the world is now at the end of the road. This deadlock was inevitable since the logic of this imposed management was oppressive.

The logic of collective management of world affairs is based on noble aspirations which centers on human beings and the supremacy of the almighty God. Therefore it defies any policy or plan which goes against the influence of nations. The victory of right over wrong and the establishment of a just world system has been promised by the Almighty God and his messengers and it has been a shared goal of all human beings from different societies and generations in the course of history. Realization of such a future depends on the knowledge of creation and the belief of the faithful.

The making of a global society is in fact the accomplishment of a noble goal held in the establishment of a common global system that will be run with the participation of all nations of the world in all major decision making processes and the definite root to this sublime goal.

Scientific and technical capacities as well as communication technology have created a common and widespread understanding of the world society and has provided the necessary ground for a common system. Now it is upon all intellectuals, thinkers and policy makers in the world to carry out their historical responsibility with a firm belief in this definite root.

I also want to lay emphasis on the fact that Western liberalism and capitalism has reached its end since it has failed to perceive the truth of the world and humans as they are.

It has imposed its own goals and directions on human beings. There is no regard for human and divine values, justice, freedom, love and brotherhood and it has based living on intense competition, securing individual and cooperative material interest.

Now we must learn from the past by initiating collective efforts in dealing with present challenges and in this connection, and as a closing remark, I wish to draw your kind attention to two important issues:

Firstly, it is absolutely possible to improve the existing situation in the world. However it must be noted that this could be only achieved through the cooperation of all countries in order to get the best out of the existing capacities and resources in the world. My participation in this conference is because of my conviction to these important issues as well as to our common responsibility of defending the rights of nations vis-à-vis the sinister phenomena of racism and being with you, the thinkers of the world.

Secondly, mindful of the inefficiency of the current international political, economic and security systems, it is necessary to focus on divine and humanitarian values by referring to the true definition of human beings based upon justice and respect for the rights of all people in all parts of the world and by acknowledging the past wrong doings in the past dominant management of the world, and to undertake collective measures to reform the existing structures.

In this respect, it is crucially important to rapidly reform the structure of the Security Council, including the elimination of the discriminatory veto right and to change the current world financial and monetary systems.

It is evident that lack of understanding of the urgency for change is equivalent to the much heavier costs of delay.

Dear Friends, beware that to move in the direction of justice and human dignity is like a rapid flow in the current of a river. Let us not forget the essence of love and affection. The promised future of human beings is a great asset that may serve our purposes in keeping together to build a new world.

In order to make the world a better place full of love and blessings, a world devoid of poverty and hatred, merging the increasing blessings of God Almighty and the righteous managing of the perfect human being, let us all join hands in friendship in the fulfillment of such a new world.

I thank you Mr. President, Secretary General and all distinguished participants for having the patience to listen to me. Thank you very much.

Brother Ajabu,

Well, my brother you have really stirred up a hornets nest with this one. Obama is very popular, yet you continue to call a spade a spade. The Jewish influence here and abroad is enormous, yet well hidden, yet again you call a spade a spade. Continue to speak truth to power, my brother.

Minister, I would like to share a few brief comments, if you don't mind?
1. Obama is now part of the system of White supremacy. I believe he will do what he is allowed to do in exchange for his acting as the "token" to calm international rebellion against the status quo.

2. Racism is a red herring used to pit poor whites against poor African-Americans, Hispanics, etc. It should be obvious any reasonable person that the rich and powerful have done a job on all Americans - white, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Indian, etc. We all got took.

3. People believe they are superior because of the color of their skin are in need of professional mental counseling. Have you noticed how difficult it is to reason with such a person? Racism is a form of insanity.

4. The State of Israel is racist and evil. It was set up by the U.S. and Britain after WWII under cover of the U.N. IMHO, I believe these nations are taking advantage of misplace Jewish religious zeal and nationalism. They are being financed, armed and supported to act as a lightening rod in the "Middle East" or North Africa. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Britain remain unscathed.

4. President Ahmedinejad provided a compelling and damning historical perspective of the key roles played by the U.S., Britain and their European allies in their attempt to rule the world. Historical shifts of power are now taking place that will bring this nation down several notches. I thought he made a very insightful comment when he pointed out the spiritual aspect of this racism issue: Man, (Adam) by turning his back to the light, love and life (Almighty God) must be facing darkness, hate and death!

Also telling was his observation that racism and unrestrained selfishness and greed have brought the West to the point where, as he said, "the unjust economic management of the world is now at the end of the road."

A new world is coming and along with a new government - the Kingdom of God with Christ Jesus ruling as King. Are we ready?

Your brother, Wes Barnard

I think you all have some pretty serious issues and I think you all need to spend a lot more time on your knees, is what I think.

All the way through the old and new testaments of the Bible there were stories of plunder and pillaging. There is no way to go back and sort out history and correct all the wrongs and the Bible doesn't ask us to do that.

My ancestors walked the trail of tears. They were not Christians. I met Christ through my Western ancestors. I don't try to make sense of why things happen I just try to move forward and find God's hand in it all.

My daughter was raped and suffered an eating disorder. We never sought to bring her rapist to justice. Things happened in his life to bring him to justice. We have worked with her through her trials to try to help her see God's hand in her affliction. And she is recovering and she is using her pain for good.

I just think you are lost in your pain and are losing your direction.

I don't think that Obama is lost in these same weeds. His pacifism makes me nervous because he is dealing with people like you, Ajabu...people still seeking retribution not redemption. But I am trying to not let fear keep me from seeing good. Reaching out and turning cheeks to people who hate you is right. As a Christian, I have to admire him for this.

Dawn,

My sister, as I stated above, to turn the other cheek to be hit on it just sounds a little empty when the person doing the hitting is giving the advice. Some past wrongs cannot be righted, however, some can. The God I serve is a just God. It would not be godly to accept a wrong as a right when the wrong can be corrected. Will the correction bring back the original status quo? Maybe not. However, to accept the full weight of the wrong behavior as being a sign to move on into the future is also not the answer. These things must be fully and fairly discussed so hatred does not simmer and explode by teaching and persuading your children to blow themselves up in an attempt to correct the wrong. Or you teach your children to bomb, main, and promote human tragedy in order to sustain the wrong. The God I serve is not happy with either of the described acts. Don't be afraid. Sometimes the truth is not easy to swallow. That is why you should take it in small doses. Do not fear the truth. The truth will set you free. I think that is in the Bible somewhere. God bless.

Ajabu,

I sometimes don't know what Bible you read. What are you talking about "the one doing the hitting is giving the advice." As a cherokee Indian and a female I could sit around and bemoan the cruelties of groups of people, but groups of people are not held accountable by God. Individuals are. You really need to study more. As a pastor, you are held more accountable than are lay people for the truth. And you don't seem to know it. Read your Bible more, Ajabu, rant hatred less. I would have thought that you would have learned more than you have from the pain you have endured in your life. Sometimes I marvel at how little you have learned. I mean this very sincerely. You need to get on the side of reconciliation and off the side of judge and juror. You're not qualified.

by Chief Elder Osiris Akkebala
o_akkebala2002@yahoo.com

To Whom It May Concern:

When the issue of Race and Racism come to the fore front for honest discussion, then you can look forward to America and her Racist allies to not be a part of such a discussion.

I have shared many Times about America insincerity about the Race problem in America and the World, Hell, America is a major contributor to the practice of Racism and no better example than the Racist stand America has decided to take on a conference on Racism and Class.

So, by America to not engage globally in a discussion on Race and Class, then you in America should know that America is not serious about discussing Race in America among Americans.

So, I urge you to open up your eyes, all three of them, and see the problem Black People are entwined with in America, America thrive off of the practice of Racism, yet here Black People in America are, putting all of our survival in President Obama change, when in fact President Obama, and no other America President, make the final call concerning America Business, which is Racist in its many aspect of transaction.

It was more than President Obama that made the decision not to participate in the conference on Race in Geneva, so you see, do not accept that old slogan about the American President stating that the Buck stop at the President desk.

Obama like all of the Presidents before him, after America the Republic was dismantled, take his orders from other forces in America and in the World, but then, when it come to the Divine Truth being shared with Black People, we have been well conditioned to make fun at the Divine Truth, while the force of Racism remain True in America, as Black People are fast sinking into the Melting Pot of Racial assimilation in America and the world.

2

Let us see how and if the Racist America Media deal with this America decision not to discuss Race international, this America decision erase any and all creditability America can make, as she with words only, make claim to being interested in solving the problem of Race and Class in America and the World.

Divine Thought

copyright@2009

Copy Furnished:

President Barrack Hussein Obama (regular mail)

Office of the Speaker, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (regular mail)

Secretary of the State, Hillary Rodham Clinton(regular mail)

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (emailed)

Congressman Ron Paul (emailed)

Mr. Rush Limbaugh (emailed)

Oprah Winfrey's (regular mail)

Dear Mmoja,
Good thoughts - thank you for sharing.
Thought you might have commented also on the true but not diplomatic attack of the Iranian president on Israel. Of course countries and peoples all over the world seem to have our racisms, and he may have been offended and walked out himself if someone began talking about the racism in Iran.... A world of sin we must continually answer with love, truth, and humility/self-examination, only whole when we put them together..., in Jesus' Love, /pastor tom blossom, Garfield Park UCC

Mmoja, Good Morning

Read the Bible and look for the part where a great power turns their back on Israel when attacked.
Also the Tree planted in 1900 something is growing to it's full cycle.
We have been adjusting to this madness that is so far from what this great country could be to it's own people and the world.
Evil is at work and he will come back as the Son of God to show all where they really were before and during his coming.
Ask John Price to share his new novel and his perspective with you.

He is a good Christian and a scholar. A worldly knowledge and legal perspective to a mind seeking God's will.
I Trust you are on a path not based on Political opinion but on the word of God

Their is Evil at work and a lack of will to allow Christian Faith to be evident in public prayer and right to life.

These things are wrongly in the minds of our failed leaders in every party as is the their intent to make us slaves to the high, overly burdensome Taxation and redirection of our wills to dream and be individually powerful in our lives as free men.

They are wrong and they too will fall as they fail.
Israel's path is a track of time in this world.

The President may have recently been made aware of his need to read and know this path. Let's hope so.

To Find Peace of Mind in all we do and live.
David Kaley

T. Duffy,

Thank you so much for sharing. I agree with 99% of what you say but, my brother, there is a slight departure. You say:

"I'll say to also watch your back. I have learned through the years to be less critical and more observing, not knowing [a person's fears] or what often motivates them. When I see him, I think about Martin Luther King Jr's end, so I understand. Although we can't fully protect him, we as blacks must support his actions, even if we disagree."

It is the last sentence that we have a slight, and I say slight departure. I as a Black do support President Obama. More so as a man of God I see the calling that is on his life. But being a man of God I cannot support his actions when it goes against the calling. I will always love and support the sinner but never will I support the sin. President Obama should have had at least an official delegation at the Racism conference in Geneva.

Wes:

As always your words are right on target. I may have "stirred up the hornet's nest' but when I accepted my call to the Christian ministry I accepted the responsibility to be a custodian of the truth. Therefore, a spade must be called a spade. If I called a spade anything but a spade then I would be a diversion from my call. Keep doing what you doing. God bless.

Dawn,

You say that you found Christ through your western heritage. Your writings sound like it. You also say that God does not hold groups accountable, but it is individuals that are held accountable by God. The last time I looked, groups are made up of individuals. God would hold an individual accountable for the part they played while being a participant in the group's behavior. It is truly amazing how in your writings that you are somehow the ruler that everyone else should determine their measure. This position is a reflection of your western heritage. That attitude is what caused the world to coin the term "ugly American." The calling on President Obama is to change this ugly face that the past has put on America's appearance. That why he can respect President Chavez of Veneszuala while disagreeing with some of his policies. President Obama's respectful demeanor puts a better looking face on America's world appearance. This same respect is why the Queen reached out to touch First Lady Michelle Obama. The white world was appalled that our First Lady had broken protocol by touching the Queen when Michellle simply return the touch that was given. By doing so she put a beautiful appearance on the ugly face that America has too often shown the world.

My sister, if you desire to model the life of Christ then put your arrogance aside. You are not superior to anyone. America's fear has always been that her lack of superiority will be the demise of her world stature. It is just the opposite. If America will only learn that all of God's people are equal, and should be treated as such, then America's stature will raise and again be looked to for world leadership. In my humble opinion and observation, this is the call that has been placed on President Obama's presidency and life. It is our job to hold him true to the calling.

Pastor Tom:
Thank you for your kind words. Please share the racism that you see in Iran. Your offering assumes that I know there to be racism in Iran. If this is so, then it is more reason for President Obama to have been in Geneva. I don't know of any problem that is solved by walking out on it.

Dave:
Why would you instruct me to read the Bible to find a story. If the story is in the Bible then please give the citation. I am not going to go looking for a needle in a haystack. I will gladly find the needle if you point me to its location in the haystack.

And what is this tree planted in 1900 that you are talking about? My brother, you must give people better references.

You say that "Israel is a track of time." And President Obama may have been recently made aware of this track. What are you talking about? Are you saying the Israel was called to take Palestinian land without saying this is what your're saying? Is this the track of time? I am not going to engage in dialogue with something so unclear. Please clarify yourself. God bless.

Ajabu
If you read what I write, I have many times praised Obama for his steady demeanor and open spirit.

You on the other hand, get very testy when I suggest that you broad brush people and do so with a spirit of vindictive judgement.

You have not changed your heart, brother. I genuinely believe that you need to separate from politics and you need to work on your spirit.

Just as there have been and continue to be, western despots, there have have and continue to be cruel despots all over the world. There are also people of good will all over the world. God doesn't ask us as individuals to persecute groups of people for the actions of individuals. That makes you as evil as those you hope to punish. You do not hold individuals accountable, you broad brush. And that broad brush festers more evil.
Search your heart. I think you will agree. I am speaking with humility as a person who has endured my own grief along the way with sexual abuse of both myself and my daughter. I could have turned that abuse to anger, but it would have been unjust. I turned to prayer, as did my daughter. And we have been healed. You are not healed. And until you are healed, you will not do the work of Christ that I believe you long to do.

My, my, my. I will just keep it real. Reading this information really vexed my spirit. Racism, another word for sin. I will not waste this time concerning myself with how or what President Obama should or should not do concerning this issue. I will however elaborate on the issues of right and wrong in regards to the taking of land and resources. I agree that many nations were overrun and colonzied as a result of racism and a distored view of superiority. And yes, many people suffered as a result and still are today. However in light of the information regarding Palestine, truth is Palestine is historically the land of Judah. Judah being the southern kingdom and Israel the northern. Yes, the Israelites have every right to seek to reclaim the land of David, given to them by God. Jesus Christ was also born in Judah. When it fell weak as a result of sin, the Palestines took it over. So, traditionally it was never theirs (the Palestinians). Moreover while the worldly eye thinks this is a matter of right and wrong, it is truly a matter of God's plan, purpose and destiny. So I ask these questions, was it right for Abraham to take over the land of Canaan, or Joshua the land of Jericho? Did not God send the Baylonians to take over Jerusalem and capture the Jews who they then took to their land for 70 years? When I look through my spiritual binoculars I can clearly see that what the world looks upon as right or wrong is simply a misunderstanding of what God is doing. The purpsoe in all of this is to get a people to look up and stop depending on others and to depend on the one true and living God. Now the Lord has allowed chaos and mayhem in order that He be glorified. But also judgment has taken place in many arenas. It is important to know God is a God of opportunity , when we don't take the opportunity to OBEY Him, then yes, lands will be taken over, economic and social systems will be broken, their will be racism, and other traumatic instances. It all goes back to the book of Dueteronomy and 2 Chronicles. you know we say God is faithful, many times in the context of receiving something good, well we had better understand God is faithful to His whole word. While I sympathize and empathize with many, I am ever so grateful to be able to see some things through the eyes of God. In that the hope not to continue to blame but to seek solutions to overcome. I believe if we focused more on praying for these unfortunate circumstances and live clean lives (from the core), then will God's hand move on the behalf of ourselves and others.

Remember is Mark 2:4-5, Jesus said, "Because of your faith, have I healed this man."

God bless.

LuWanna,

You are far more articulate than I. God Bless.
Reconciliation will come on our knees when our necks are no longer stiff.

Dawn

LuWanna,

Just read a little about your story on the LOTW page. You sound like an amazing woman, doing God's work. God Saves. He saved you, he saved me and he saved my daughter (who is also at Ivy Tech!) Love triumphs over everything and your love radiates.

Dawn,

From your last offering, I do sense a change in your written attitude. However, there is still a judgmental twinge left. Let me explain. The theological foundation from which I operate is all of us are works in progress. None of us have perfected our spiritual beings. By the mercy of God I believe that perfection is achieved upon our transition. I am so grateful that I serve a merciful God. Otherwise, I never would have made it.

Yes I have seen you praise President Obama for "his steady demeanor and open spirit." But even in this writing I see a twinge of disrespect by you not recognizing the office that he holds. Proper protocol, to my understanding, is to call the person that holds the office by the title of the office. Now we both know that because of the free speech that we experience you can call the President just about anything you want. But out of respect, we call the person that holds the office by the title of the office. I pray that this mishap is unintentional. I will give you the benefit of the doubt until you remove the doubt.

Dawn, you cannot see my heart. I appreciate you trying, but you need to calibrate the lens through which you look. Your vision is not clear. Let me illuminate this comment.

President Obama in his book "The Audacity of Hope" spoke about his varied religious experience because of his father and mother's, and even grandparents backgrounds. Out of all the choices he could have made on where to go and worship, he chose the Black church. In his own written words he says the following:

"...my experiences in Chicago also forced me to confront a dilemma that my mother never fully resolved in her own life: the fact that I had no community or shared traditions to which to ground my most deeply held beliefs. The Christians with with whom I worked recognized themselves in me; they saw that I knew their Book and shared their values and sang their songs. But they sensed that a part of me remained removed, detached, an observer among them. I came to realize that without a vessel for my beliefs, without an unequivocal commitment to a particular community of faith, I would be consigned at some level to always remain apart, free in the way that mother was free, but also alone in the same ways she was ultimately alone. . . . In such a life I, too, might have contented myself had it not been for the particular attributes of the historically black church, attributes that helped me shed some of my skepticism and embrace the Christian faith. . . I was drawn to the power of the African American religious tradition to spur social change. Out of necessity the black church had to minister to the whole person. Out of necessity, the black church rarely had the luxury of separating individual salvation from collective salvation. It had to serve as the center of the community's political, economic, and social as well as spiritual life; it understood in an intimate way the biblical call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked and challenge powers and principalities. In the history of these struggles, I was able to see faith as more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death; rather, it was an active, palpable agent in the world."

President Obama has so eloquently depicted the history of the Black church through the eyes of his life experiences. So separating religion from politics is not a luxury that our traditional has exercised. Looking at individuals who acted as a group is the reality of our tradition. In the name of America Africans were taken from our homeland and by law treated as being less than human. By American law, it took five people of African descent to make three white people.Although the law has changed, there is still detected on the part of some white people that they still feel superior to other people. Your advise to me to separate my religion from my politics again is an example of how you are using your experiences as the yardstick to which others must take our measure. I am sharing this not out of hate or malicious intent. This sharing strictly is for the breeding of understanding. I am going to make one more point then I am going on to other things.

President Obama tried to forgive and not prosecute the Bush administration, its lawyers, and the CIA agents that carried out torture in the name of the United States. The CIA agents that carried out this behavior were advised by President Bush's lawyers that it was legal to use these atrocious interrogation techniques. President Obama tried to forgive everyone and move on. However, to do so would make America to be not a nation of laws. It is against American law to torture people. Congressmen and vast majorities of citizens are calling for someone to be tried for breaking the law. So now at the very least the President is going to have to explore trying in a court of law the one's responsible for giving the OK to torture. Unfortunately, because of party politics, it is not in America's psyche to forgive unless it is the one needing forgiving. The world does not look at the individuals that order the CIA to behave and place this ugly face on America. The world looks at America. President Obama is called to remove this ugly mask from America's face. All Americans look ugly because of the decisions of the Bush administration's decisions. It's the world's perception.

Dawn, I hope you take what I've written in the light in which it was written. It is this type of dialogue in which America should have engaged by attending the United Nations Conference on racism. It was a missed opportunity. This writing is an attempt to not miss the opportunity with you. God bless.

Reverend Ajabu,

I appreciate what you are saying. I agree that the church is an agent for change. I think that there are healthy change methods and unhealthy change methods. I think that holding individuals accountable for the sins of people who shared nothing more than skin color is grossly unhealthy.

Are you aware that Nancy Pelosi was briefed on the CIA "torture" techniques, as were all of the leading members of the appropriate committees? I have genuinely mixed feelings about all of that, as do most Americans. I have spent that past 8 years watching Americans being paraded on Al Jazheera TV, hooded and begging for their lives, to later be found headless in the desert. Nobody ever died from waterboarding. I might not like it, but it has been effective and the appropriate bipartisan committees were informed.

If you would like, I will search your posts for the "titles" you have attached to former President, Bush. Please. I will be happy to refer to President Obama as such. I am happy to have him as President. I think that he has a unique spirit of both compassion and reconciliation that our nation needs. I think he needs to be cautious about who he accepts advice from, though. Taking economic guidance from tax cheats (Geithner) and from people who receive personal enrichment from government tax assets (Pelosi) is a bad start. There are a lot of people out there who handle their money faithfully. It is something our nation needs to observe. Mindful spending, Mindful saving, Mindful giving. We've filled our highest positions in the Treasury for years with people who have some pretty bad ideas about money. Not just in this administration.

LuWanna, I have done more research about you and see that you are associated with Horizon House. My children and I are interested in donating some time to a worthy organization. What could we do there? I see that they are always seeking donations, but are there other areas where they could use our help?

Minister Ajabu,
This memo is for Dawn. My sister, Almighty God does hold groups of people accountable. Let me think a moment. Have you not read of the Flood of Noah's day? Everybody died that failed to get on the ark. What about the 10 Plagues that befell Egypt? That entire nation was devastated, even losing their first born children! How about the Babylonian conquest of Israel? The land lay desolate for 70 years. The Israelites were taken into slavery. Sodom and Gommorah? I could go on and on.

Even more profound is the answer to this question: Why do we grow old and die? Read Romans 5:12 and absorb this truth: We inherited a genetic defect from the first man Adam. It's in our DNA.

We are all dying, as a group. Why? Because God told Adam the penalty for sin was death and He enforced that penalty, thus the death penalty has been passed on to all of us and we all die.

As for judging, I agree. We should leave that job to Jesus. None of us are qualified to judge anyone else, and that includes you Dawn. Yet you insist on judging our brother, calling him a liar, ranting hatred and posing as judge and juror.

Brother Ajabu could be a bit more diplomatic, but Peter was impetuous and made mistakes. He was forgiven and loved by our Lord. Can't we make some allowances for our brother?

Dawn, I believe, as Christians, we have the responsibility to teach truth to those willing shed the lie, the veil that has been pulled over our eyes by Satan the Devil.

We live in a world that floods us with propaganda that is called law, government, ethics, education, news and entertainment. It is really all propaganda, lies. Jesus identified the 'father of the lie' Satan as the 'ruler of this world'. So we should not be surprised to discover that this world reflects his personality - a liar and manslayer.

Brother Ajabu is trying to speak truth. Most will not listen and fail to ask questions. Instead they severely criticize him. Just as the young lady in the Miss America pageant is being severely criticized today because she respectfully disagrees with the idea of same sex marriage. What has happened to "free speech"?

Isn't it interesting that Jesus spoke the truth and was also severely criticized for it.
Eventually, they arranged to have our Lord killed and to this day deny it.

Dawn, I would suggest you listen, learn, ask questions and meditate on what you hear, learn and absorb. Perhaps then you can draw fair conclusions and make even-handed comments.

Warm Christian love, your brother, Wes

Brother Ajabu,
Please allow me a word with our sister LuWanna? Sister, you write about the taking of land and resources, about colonization of peoples and the great wrongs that have been heaped on peoples world-wide. All true and accurate, in general. Doesn't make it right. Just keeping it real.

However, when we express the idea that the Israelites have a right to the land called the "Holy Land" or by others "Palestine", I believe some clarity is needed here. This was a very special piece of real estate, meant for a special people, the nation of Israel.

Who is an Israelite? If you turn your spiritual binoculars around and look very closely you will read about the covenant that was negotiated between Abraham and his 'SEED' for this land. Thus, the land is entitled to the off-spring of Abraham. That's why, during your reading of the Scriptures, you frequently have to plow through these long lists called geneological lists. These lists were maintained by and preserved in the temple by the priests in Jerusalem. Thus, an Israelite is a descendant of Abraham.

Who today can prove that they are a descendant of Abraham? Only one person that I know of. There is no one on earth today who can prove that they are a descendant of Abraham. Why not?

Because of Israelite rebellion, Roman armies in 70 CE destroyed Jerusalem and those carefully kept records. In point of fact, there are no Israelites on earth today. ZERO.

Thus, the land reverts back to the status of those lands you mentioned generally in the beginning of your post. The Palestinian people have lived on that land for almost 2,000 years. For much of that time, they lived with Jews peacefully until America and Britain decided to impose a State of Israel on these people. You know the rest of the story.

Interestingly, the only person that can PROVE that he is an Israelite is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Why would Almighty God oversee the preservation of these scrolls for centuries, even during years of exile in Babylon and allow their destruction by the Romans? Yet, we have a record of our Lord's ancestry in our copy of the Bible.

The King of all the earth is the only one who can lay legal claim to the land now being soaked in blood. Those who call themselves Jews have no real claim to these lands and are really an occupying army and foci of hate in North Africa, just as described in the Palestinians legal complaint against the Jews.

LuWanna, please ponder the information above and perhaps you can comprehend the depth of animosity that is growing in that region and even threatens this country.

Your brother, Wes

American Institutionalized Torture???

Prosecute everyone involved in the simply indefensible heinous and abusive violations of right that not only occurred, but were well- planned, accepted, advocated, and scientifically carried out. The investigation of and indictments regarding this program should be extended to the criminal justice system generally and absolutely every agency even possibly employing tactics of this type. The people who did these things were not just trained within the military and/or special forces; others trained them. Who? Where did they develop and deploy these tactics previously? They have obviously done these things on a regular basis both at home and abroad. To come up with the manuals, teams of trainers, and entire program others have for a long period of time consistently and deliberately targeted specific groups of people for this type of treatment. Who were the perpetrators, who were the victims? Why were things things not just countenanced but encouraged to the point they have manuals on how to do and what to do and when to do it? This program didn't pop up in a vacuum; it grew incrementally over a long period of time while being developed, studied. and perfected by trial and error. Who were the prior guinea pigs of whoever all came up with the program implemented in this specific context?

I don't think a special prosecutor should be assigned. This is a criminal matter and certainly ought to open the door for civil suit as well. Zero tolerance must be enforced all along the chain of command, but that same zero tolerance needs to be applied to all companion agencies and the specialists on the sidelines who worked as trainers, consultants, and observers who provided oversight and guidance.

Uprooting this tree of evil is critical; but its roots are deeply intertwined with many others within a long-standing well-rooted and as yet hidden forest. Root them all out. How is what was done by Americans in the military detention system different from what was done in Nazi Germany, by the secret police, during the Spanish Inquisition, and by those in Latin America trained by graduates of the School of the Americas? How did any of all this happen in a so-called democracy? What made this acceptable behavior? How did this become standard operating procedure? We are way beyond the pale here. How did we get there? Why? Who helped cultivate these tactics? For what purposes have they been previously used?

Some say the ends justify the means. In fact, the means determine the ends reached. This is so deviant it is clearly unconscionable behavior. How did all involved fail to recognize that? How was it funded. What accounting was there for the expenditures made to purchase boxes, insects, and waterboards? Who approved the overtime. Who authorized payment of the invoices for interrogation services of this type? Did they sit down and negotiate what would be included within their regular hourly rate, and what would entail specialty billings? How weird can it get and still be simply processed as a normal cost of war? We couldn’t afford decent armor for our troops but can and did pay perverts to do all these perverse things to mostly innocent people? They will to answer to God for this. They also need to answer to those who at least appear to be their fellow humans? Did no one even notice they were fiendish ghouls? God have mercy on us.

Submitted by Sharon from San Francisco, CA

Mmoja, I enjoyed this article very much. I am trying to be patient with our new president since I disagree with a few of his major decisions, but find many others right on the mark. I keep telling myself it's impossible for him to change everything immediately. I do wish the leadership in this country would deal with Israel reasonably rather than capitulating to their every whim, but perhaps it will take some time. After all, President Obama has a really full plate. However, it is definitely our responsibility to hold his feet to the fire!

Keep it going, brother.

Janet

Wes,
Apparently you never read the New Covenant part of the Bible. Do you even know why God sent the rainbow? You pick and choose what you want from the Bible. But the Bible is a whole document.

The new covenant pretty much eliminates your right to go out and render judgement on others.
But I suggest that there is a lot of heart cleansing that needs to occur on this board from people who claim to represent the lamb.

Finally, there is a lot of racism against Israel here. You need to remember that Abraham's people are God's people. You may not be able to prove who is of the lineage of Abraham, but God knows.

Interesting Wes, that you see me as judgemental. I am pointing out to you that you claim Jesus as your savior and Jesus would never have encouraged you to hate Jews or Europeans. Your on your own with that one. Jesus would have sought reconciliation not retaliation. Because the retaliation has no end.

Just as in Northern Ireland, they are seeking peace, I suggest that people of faith around the world need to adopt that model. There is no other alternative.