America is under assault.

This is a country that has come far in a relatively short amount of time. A country where the responsibility of every American—black, brown, white, or mixed—should lie with the individual, but instead being “American” & “of color” is under assault. From within…and not in the way many in the MSM might think. There is more and more talk, in a nation that is supposedly so “united” behind Hope & Change, of claims for reparations for Blacks & other minorities. A SEPARATIST idea that is sure to fuel a fire between African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, etc. & the nation that gave them the freedoms they (and many other races) enjoy today. Being a “victim” in America today is your best shot at being noticed…that’s sad. That’s sad for all Americans, regardless of race. And I’m fed up. I cannot take another person telling me that because I’m “Hispanic” I’m somehow disadvantaged. I’m so tired of people feeling “sympathetic” when they ask me about my college education & financial situation—and while I take pride in saying that it’s “In Progress”, they automatically assume it’s because I haven’t been shown the “right way…” I haven’t applied for enough government aid or because I didn’t have good enough grades in High School, but rather “only had potential…”

The truth…I had a 3.97 GPA in High School & it was because I applied myself. Even though I often hated every last minute of it, I promised my father I would at least go that far—and I did. And further. I was awarded grants & scholarships & money that I chose not to accept at that time because I didn’t like the stigma associated with it. Now, don’t take this out of context…don’t think that I’m implying taking financial aide for your education is wrong—I’m not. For some, it’s fine. I even encourage it in certain situations because I believe that education is part of the great contribution we, as “minorities”, can offer to the American society as productive members. But for me, I’m plugging away at my education, piece by piece, course by course…part of my reward is found in knowing that I did it myself in every way I could & have yet to ask for help. I am one who chooses NOT to be a “victim” of my heritage.

President Obama recently spoke about “Universal Education” from kindergarten until your first job—he said something about this being the way to secure America’s future—yes, that’s right…by handing out more “government assistance” a.k.a. our tax dollars to pay for yet another colossal spending project. All for us “disadvantaged minorities & our communities”, right?

It’s enough to send me through the roof! I’ve had enough! I’m so tired of listening to “leaders” in our communities tell me & other people from similar backgrounds how evil the White man is! I’m tired of caring about people & communities that don’t care about themselves. They receive funding continually and most do not take advantage of such opportunity. They drop out of schools. They sleep around & impregnate or become impregnated at younger & younger ages. They don’t care. I’m sick of the Hillary Clinton’s & Jesse Jackson’s of the world that constantly defend the government monopoly on education systems that fail our youth—as a result, we see an ever-increasing inner-city youth that cannot read, write, or compute at grade level. That is not the “White Man’s fault.” That is YOUR fault. Yes, I said it. If you choose not to better yourself, that is YOUR fault. Many of these “leaders” continue to try fighting against “white supremacy & racism” as if the conditions that existed during the Jim Crowe days remain unchanged. We give these leaders full permission to say whatever it is they want, always describing the

White Man as the enemy, and yet the truth is—we minorities are our own enemy. Prior to MLK (in many minds), the White Man was the only obstacle between the Black Man & his success…Post-MLK, it’s the Hispanics that are the problem.

Why is it that so few minorities see the pattern here? Where is the personal responsibility? If the church (whatever denomination it is) is such a corner-stone in our communities, why is there not more of a pro-active role taken?

Listening to a radio show the other day, a Black woman told the host of the show (I’m paraphrasing here) that since the Hispanics had taken over her community violence had erupted on the streets—and that we (Hispanics) are the reason she has no job. She said that she was an American & wanted to know where her slice of the pie was…where was her job? After moving past the initial rage, the conclusion I can draw from that statement…people of non-European backgrounds have not changed, in large part. But rather, the way they view other groups & skin colors has adapted to disguise how it is that they discriminate. The way that “we” discriminate…and I only include myself in the “we” because I’m “Hispanic” too! So now it should be a little clearer that “White” is not the issue here…The issue that we must get past—ourselves.

Diversity is strength—that is why this nation thrives ten-fold to racially & culturally specific countries that allow no free exchange of ideas, cultures, religions, etc. And when being American suits you (as a minority) you claim it…but otherwise, you denounce it & call for reparations & claim discrimination. You hyphenate the word “American” placing your preferred group in front of it. And yet, when a new “group” moves in you are just “American” again.

A Transition from the U.S. Constitution to Government Dependence

 I’ve contemplated long & hard how to begin this piece & I’ve come up with only one way, which I’m sure the race-baiters will love…The inauguration & new Presidency of Barack Obama has taught me many things & I’m sure there will be many more to come. But America has become so intrigued by fruitless rhetoric that I realized—in light of Ms. Garofolo’s comments about Tax Day Tea Party protestors being “racists,” only “hating a Black man in Office,” & informing “people of color” who participated that we were suffering from Stockholm’s Syndrome—how much farther that we, as a Nation, must come to make Dr. King’s Dream a reality. His dream encompassed many aspects of life that are often drowned out & dialed down by the obvious—color of the skin. Many of us voted our belief system this past election based on issues & still others voted based on the “historical” nature of it & little else. And whether many wish to acknowledge the negatives of that or not, we will again begin to see its repercussions in the structure of our society. America is a young nation with many strong foundational principles & values, but many of her people seem to have lost sight of those values & their antithesis now runs rampant through our communities & ultimately, our children.

History has shown us those people who devote themselves to helping others, to bettering their countries—work to improve them, even when what’s necessary isn’t popular & particularly when in front of other leaders whose values are different. It’s called “leading by example.” Those who don’t hold strong to their principles aren’t true “leaders;” they are self-serving, egotistical individuals & their desire to be accepted by all, regardless of morals & values, has brought our “leaders” to a most shameful place & is teaching our children that “selling out” in the name of popularity is acceptable. President Obama’s view of not only our country, but also the rest of the world is fundamentally misguided & it will cause us many more problems during his term, be that 4 or 8 years.

And as American leadership has withered away so has the Civil Rights Movement in America which transitioned from liberation & independence to victimhood & government dependence. It would be irresponsible to say this problem lies completely at the feet of politicians, whatever side they lean towards, but this attitude of dependence & ripping America apart at her seams is cyclic in the urban communities & for those politicians who claim to know the plight of the “disadvantaged” and really be representing the “little people”—well we’ll just say the fruits of their labor have yet to be seen.  

Take, for example, the “State of Black America” report issued by the National Urban League… 700 pages of information & ways to improve Black America all of which strictly rely on government. Many believe it “takes a village to raise a child”—if that’s the case, then it’s no wonder children grow up to be adults that believe they’re entitled to everything—this entitlement mentality has replaced strong work ethic & ultimately, pride. Statistics reported are said to be snapshots of “poverty & disadvantage” within urban America, and yet few “leaders” seem to be eager to examine why so many of these situations are so precarious…

“…For White workers, the March (2009) unemployment rate was 7.9% while it reached 11.4% for Latinos & 13.3% for Blacks…” (NCLR News Release, April 3 2009)

 “Blacks are twice as likely as Whites to be unemployed, three times more likely to live in poverty, & upwards of six times more likely to be incarcerated…” (“State of Black America”, 2009)

Just two examples of information presented recently & what were the solutions to these problems according to the reports, you ask?

“…The current recession is clearly demonstrating just how precarious the economic situation is for many minorities...but President Obama is starting to put in place the policies necessary to create good jobs & higher wages, laying the foundation for long-term, broadly shared economic growth…” (NCLR News Release, April 3 2009)

“…Broadly shared economic growth?” Does that even make sense?! What happened to being unique & standing out in the crowd? What makes going through life “equally” as “disadvantaged” as someone else so attractive? What should be infuriating for more minorities—rather than just the select few who are called “traitors” to their race—are the following statistics:

1. Blacks are less than 12% of the population & yet they account for: 50% of all new AIDS cases per year, close to 40% of ALL abortions, & 70% of Black babies are born to unwed mothers, growing up in single-parent homes. Each year since 1973 data indicates that Black women’s share of abortions is consistently twice that of their share of live births…In 2007, Blacks made up 17% of all live births across our nation—they accounted for 39.6% of all abortions…

2. Hispanics make up only 15% of the population of America—in 2004, 28 of every 1,000 Hispanic women aborted their children. Hispanics also account for 22% of all new AIDS cases each year. There are many in the U.S. illegally, causing them to live without many of the freedoms that we enjoy daily, but for those who are legal 25.9% live in poverty, and 32.8% lack adequate health insurance.

3. Even though there is so small a percentage of Native Americans/Alaskan Natives in the U.S. today, they are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS…It is the 8^th leading cause of death for men in the Native community from 35-44—they have a 40% higher rate of AIDS as the White population as a whole. Close to 30% of the Native American/ Alaskan Native population, according to the Census, live below the poverty line. And 26.8% lack sufficient health insurance, in spite of receiving government-funded a.k.a. “affordable” health care.

Where is the outrage about these obvious effects of the breakdown in family values & morals? Where is the outrage about the 1-sided fact “reporting...?” Why is it that the NUL & NCLR fail to mention that Black & Hispanic households with 2 married parents are not living in poverty? Or that poverty in all communities (Black/White/Hispanic/Native) is directly linked to single-parent homes?

And why is it that so many accept the so-called “facts” that young minority girls are to blame for the elevated abortion rates in America today? If you actually choose to read & research the statistics compiled in these reports, you would notice that they are percentages of abortions from all ethnic groups! That’s right! White, Black, Hispanic, Native, Asian, & Undisclosed…And they are all equally disgusting! The truth—girls (15 & under) from all  communities (White/Black/Hispanic/Native) account for less than 1.2% of all abortions yearly, teens (15-20) account for less than 20%, and 32% are obtained by 20-24 year-olds. In other words, those that consider themselves adults—who, even in their “adulthood” make some of the poorest choices possible for “social reasons,” refuse to accept responsibility for their actions & abortion is the only “light at the end of the tunnel.”

My point is this…an examination of the actual facts in communities, including those that are predominately comprised of minorities, would show that poor choices are found at the source of these problems. Everything from not finishing high school to having unprotected sex with multiple partners, to parents & other caregivers striving to be the adolescent’s friend, & those who would rather focus on their own lives…And yet leaders across the nation claim that poor education, low skill sets, & insufficient English skills are the sole barricades between access to high-quality jobs & these “disadvantaged” people.

The reality is that if barriers do exist, which I believe they do, it is the breakdown in family values & individuality—the replacement of those values with the proliferating dependence on government hand-outs—that has destroyed our communities. The fault lies within us & it must be pointed out & not left to the government to be fixed. You must CHOOSE to not be “disadvantaged.” And instead, we pride ourselves on our faith-based communities & yet we fail to abide by the Gospel—unless you practice Black Liberation Theology or a derivation thereof—extortion of the “rich” & the rest of the working class will never be the solutions to the problems within our communities.

And for those who believe that slums & poverty only exist because our “oppressors”—(white men/rich men/etc.)—wish to keep us subservient to them…grow up! Wake up & realize you cannot “change” anyone but you! And until you show progress & consistently demonstrate a stronger work ethic—you are no more worthy of anything than the drunk or the drug addict on the street corner, regardless of being Black, White, Hispanic, Native, Asian, or mixed.

There are many influential people whose thoughts formed historic, poignant speeches, but I do believe MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech would be most accurate in describing the plight of Americans today as a whole, not just those of darker colors…

“Again & again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force…the marvelous new militancy…must not lead us to a distrust of all White people, for many of our White brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone…Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends…”

Our lives are comprised of thousands upon thousands of choices—we must stop blaming others for problems that we create. We must teach our children that all actions come with consequences—both good & bad—& that in order to be a productive, successful person, they must accept responsibility for their actions. And also that those mistakes they have made in the past need to be used to better their futures, not to hinder & hold them back. We, as citizens from all communities of America, must return to the once strong belief that strength as individuals must come first, because without strength as individuals, our strength as a nation will be limited & ultimately restricted by our own anger & resentment for others who have already “made it.”

Both success & failure lie within us and the choice is ours.

“Frustrated that some are "finally" proud of their country...Funny how I always have been!”

From: Understanding

No disrespect but even with the accomplishments of people of color over the years ... a country that promoted slavery, segregation and the legalized domestic terrorism of Jim Crow Laws didn't exactly give some of us reason 2 be proud. It was a mere generation ago that the government sanctioned blacks, whites, Jews and anyone else who stood up 4 what was right having dogs attack them and being water hosed.

Even in the midst of the American people speaking up and putting Obama in the White House I'm sure u're aware that the ugliness of racism and even classism still exists. Nevertheless ... God Bless America.

My Response:

Dear "Understanding",

While I respect your viewpoint of this current political situation (and my Status Message), and can definitely appreciate the significance of electing Barack Obama as the first Bi-Racial man to be the 44^th President, I am torn—as I have been this past week, at some of the snide remarks citizens of this country have made.

Believe me, watching Fox News declare Obama the President-Elect was a moment of elation for ANYONE who does not come from the “White Aristocratic” people that have, in the past, governed our great (and ever-evolving) nation.

Did I wish that all of those citizens of the past that were oppressed and denied their rights due to the color of their skin could see this great moment and rejoice in it as so many of their ancestors did?

I absolutely did.

But did it take electing a man that does not fit the common gov’t demographic for me to feel proud of this country and the opportunities it allows so many?

It absolutely did not.

I am a 1^st generation Immigrant to this country. My parents both came from Warring, military dictatorships that preached “democracy” but lived corruption, segregation, and class warfare…And having family in those countries still, I do have a great understanding of these things.

I am not rich. I am not white. I am not from a family that was well-off. But I was raised in an environment, by my father, that instilled values of hard-work and perseverance of one’s dreams…That is what has gotten me as far as it has. That is what makes me question motives of Obama and some of his political counter-parts…And I, as a legal American citizen, have every right to do so. Just as you are entitled to your opinion…

Am I aware that racism still exists in America today? Yes. As I am aware that Jim Crow Laws are no longer a legal part of our society today.

Attending a predominately “White, upper-class” high school, I am well aware that the social norms for people who are of color (whichever color that may be) are much different from those who are not.

I know exactly what it’s like to be the one who didn’t fit within one demographic or the other.

I know exactly what it’s like to not have someone that resembled me and my people within the body of those that govern our country.

As I know what it’s like to have people within our society today, “write you off” because of the color of your skin, at whatever the task you are trying to accomplish is.

I was always too dark to be white with a funny accent (which I was unaware I had until someone else pointed it out) and Too light to be “Brown” in the eyes of some of my own family members and people within our “Hispanic” community.

So because of that, I was challenged to build myself as a person based on my beliefs and interests. The values that my father instilled in me…

And it pains me to see that so great a portion of our “minority societies” seem to have lost sight of that.

And you are correct in that a large portion of America stood up and elected Obama as our Nation’s Leader…and hopefully it was because his value system reflected theirs.

Would I have been ecstatic to have someone that comes from a Cultural background similar to mine and the people I grew up with, representing us in the White House? Absolutely…I just wish that I could say his values were more reflecting of my own and what values my people stand for.

And I wish that rather than say “I am ‘for the 1^st time proud of my country’” for electing a “Black man” someone would say, “Wow! He reflects exactly what our people desire in this nation.” And that the voice of the people will finally be heard from one end of the country to the other. But they don’t. And that, Understanding, is where we part ways.

Do I respect President-Elect Obama for all that he has accomplished thus far? Absolutely…As I will be loyal to my nation, our Constitution, and our founding ideals—regardless of who occupies the Oval Office and how different our opinions may be.

LaGoldEyez!

NUMB. That is the best word to describe the way that I feel right now.

I am not shocked at all that Barack Obama is now our President-Elect.

Yet and still, to hear Fox News call the election for Obama at 8pm PST, to know that a Black (or should I say Biracial) man WILL be the 44th President, to see a Black woman as First Lady, was just surreal…

It is a moment that many did not live to see, and many others never believed that they would.

For that brief moment, I did not think about the fact I don't agree with ANY aspect of President-elect Obama's platform.

For that brief moment, I was quite elated…wishing that all of our citizens, who’s ancestors were oppressed, reviled and denied their rights due to the color of their skin, who lived thru segregation & all its horrors, could see this moment and rejoice in it as well.

Does this change how I feel about my country? Absolutely not.

I love and am proud of the United States of America, and it did not take her electing Obama for me to feel that way...for MANY OF US TO FEEL THAT WAY.

For those who say that they are "now" finally proud of America—I find myself torn. Almost as if you are not deserving of the bounty and rights that she bestowed on you to BEGIN with...

We should always be loyal to our nation, our Constitution and our ideals—no matter who occupies the Oval Office.

And for now, I will try to relax.

As I wait for President-elect Obama to be sworn in, I hope against hope that those in my own party are wrong.

I hope that he does NOT bring radical change to our nation; I hope that he keeps us secure at home as President Bush has (which, despite your unequivocal hatred of the man, NO ONE can argue with), and I hope that he governs as the moderate/centrist that the MSM claims that he is… I hope he does NOT choose to un-do everything my husband and others like him have fought for.

For if he does, then MAYBE, just maybe, the next four years won't be that bad.

It’s ironic that the true Conservatives are the ones who meandered thru this election as best we could with that 4-letter word…Hope.

Hope that Radical Change would not prevail and destroy the very fabric of our great nation and the ideals which it was built upon.