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Reverend Martin Luther King, Pastor Jeremiah Wright, Edward Peck; Fierce Urgency of Now

Martin Luther King, "Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam"

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. ~ Martin Luther King, Junior

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Martin Luther King, Junior.

Days from now America will commemorate an anniversary. On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Junior was brutally assassinated. Citizens will recall the wisdom of a man who lived for peace and yet, fell victim to violence. Homage will be bestowed. The American people will praise the preacher, the teacher, and the man who taught us all to speak of what remained tacit for too long. In the United States of America, all men are not equal. As a country, we do not treat people well. Nor do government officials lead us to the promised light of world harmony.

Are African-Americans Black Enough or Anglo Americans Too White?

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

This year, perhaps more than any time in the past, Americans are reminded of race relations each and every day. On televisions, on the radio, airwaves are filled with talk of the current Presidential campaign. For the first time in this nation's history, a viable Presidential hopeful is not a white. Barack Obama is a Black man; he is profound and has purpose. Early on, Anglo Americans, and even some people of color, wondered if Obama authentically represented African-Americans. Countless inquired of Obama's experience, not in Congress, but in the ghettos of this country. The prominent periodical, Time Magazine, published a cover story titled, "Is Obama Black Enough? As Sociologists assess, there is reason to believe another question is apt, "Are Caucasians white enough, or are they too white to understand the Black experience?"

The Life of a Believer, The Rare Reality of Courage to Dream

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

He was a beautiful, bouncing, baby boy. He entered the world enthusiastically. As an embryo, he seemed to absorb all the energy that surrounded him. Once a fetus, the soon to be "Dennis" delighted in the warmth of his mothers womb. He turned and tumbled as the unborn do when some event in the outside world stimulates a response. Once infant Dennis entered into an Earthbound existence, he was delighted. His brown eyes shone with joy. Little sponge that he was, Dennis showed an instant interest in everything.

Dennis' parents encouraged the young toddler to think. The little lad had zillions of questions. He inquired fervently and frequently. "What does this mean?" Why does this occur? How might that affect him, her, you, or me? The tot cared; he was concerned. Young Dennis was infinitely curious. However, as occurs with most of us, this sweet child began to learn what ultimately deadens the desire we each feel or felt. Dennis discovered that if he were to be accepted and acceptable, he could no longer be the person he was born to be.

United Auto Workers Are Everyman; The American Experience

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

The morning broke. There was a momentary blip in the air as broadcasters spoke of the pending United Auto Workers potential strike. Was the short and sweet General Motors walkout the topic of discussion, or perhaps, the work stoppage at Chrysler was the focus. No matter; neither was of interest to Jack, a corporate executive. He received word from his accountant hours earlier; health care costs are too high. We must cut benefits. Perhaps it would be better if we eliminate a large portion of the workforce. Certainly, that would save us much money. The company must consider the stockholders. Individual buyers and brokers look at earnings and expenses.

August 26, 1920; Women's Suffrage Day. Election Day; Women Exercise Right

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

August 26, 1920 is a date that lives large in history. Those of the female persuasion may be more familiar with the day; however, few mark it on their calendars. They may instead honor the occasion on the first Tuesday in November, or on another Tuesday in the Spring of the year. On August 26, 1920, women received the right to vote. Since that date the weight of womanly wisdom is exercised on election days throughout the years.

America; World Superpower?

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copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Americans are proud of their place in history. Those residing in this nation [for the most part] are prosperous. Even citizens of lesser means have more than those in other countries. We, the people often speak of the quality that is America. Our educational institutions are excellent. Health care here is said to be the best in the world. Goods and services could not be better. That is why we often hear “Buy American.” In the United Sates, we take care of our people, physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Americans are financially fat and happy. This country is great! We are known throughout the globe as a, no, the one and only superpower.

Supreme Court Rules; Brown Versus Board of Education Reversed

Affirmative Action: Separate But Equal

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

It is official Brown versus Board of Education has been reversed. Providing equal education opportunities to all children, regardless of race, color, or creed is no longer a priority. The 1954 Court decision that invalidated the principle of “separate but equal” was overturned on June 28, 2007. This day will live in infamy. In another of the many recent 5 to 4 split decisions, the neoconservative Supreme Court canceled the promise made to students of color.

Are Stepparents Real Parents? Are Biological Parents Best?

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

More than a month ago, I began writing this treatise. The significance of stepparents and adopted parents was on my mind. Gerald R. Ford had passed and there was ample discussion of his heritage. Gerald Rudolff Ford Senior did not father his son in a biological sense. Still, the elder Ford was Daddy. Jerry Ford spoke of his father often and how significant he was in the his life. The elder Ford raised his son as any parent would, even though he was actually a stepparent. Ford, the President was not adopted until he in his twenties. At that age, an adoption was perhaps a gesture; after all Jerry Ford was legally an adult. Gerald R. Ford Junior wanted to honor his father or the man that, young Jerry truly felt was Daddy.

I too was fathered by a man not my biological match. For years, this gentle human choose to relate to me as if I was his own offspring. Legally, we had no connection. Let us call him "Adam," was my stepparent. Yet, this soft-spoken man was my Dad. Long before I could, with permission from the government, call him Daddy he nurtured my heart, mind, and spirit. I too am adopted; my adoption was long in coming. For years my biological father, perchance, we can title him Michael, refused to give his permission. In some states, possibly all, this is necessary. As I listened to President Ford's history, I thought of how it mirrored my own.

Barack Obama. Criticism Continues and Keeps Coming

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Please dive in, be a voyeur, and venture into the world of battering Barack. Tucker Carlson on Obama's church: "It's hard to call that. YouTube.

When you are a threat, even if a peaceful one, criticism follows you. Barack Obama is receiving a barrage of barbs. The Junior Senator from Illinois is too inexperienced, too fat, too thin, too handsome, too elite, and not eloquent enough. He is "clean," not as clean as he could be, and too conservative. Barack is not Black enough. Mister Obama declares that, for now, his race is perchance a novelty. However, he surmises, the uniqueness of his tone will wear off.

Milton Friedman, Martin Luther King. Homage to Freedom

© copyright Betsy L. Angert

Please view the video Martin Luther King "I have a dream"
Reflect and recall the upcoming Black History Month.

Economist Milton Friedman has his day. This controversial fervent "free market" advocate is being widely received.

Dr. Milton Friedman was perhaps the most influential economist of the 20th Century, and the impact of his ideas will extend far into the future. To honor the man, January 29th is declared as Milton Friedman Day – a celebration of the economist’s positive impact on American life and business, and the spread of the benefits of free markets to nations around the globe. Milton Friedman Day will include a host of activities, including a “Day of National Debate” at universities across the country, a live online discussion on The Economist’s Free Exchange blog, and the premiere of the PBS special, “The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas of Milton Friedman” (check local listings), among other events.

This man passed only months ago, in November 2006. Yet, this nation is quick to embrace the individual and his economic views. Friedman was influential during his lifetime. The effects of his economic policies are not diminished, even after death.

The same is not true for all men of great standing. Might we wonder why this is.