Communication

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MY FRUSTRATIONS


I realize this is a Christian community. But what I have to say, if it doesn’t make a Christian think – then I don’t know what will. And I hope there are more than 2 responses out of 200 or so who read this; positive or of those who think I’m completely full of it.

I am 60 years old, and I’ve cried my last tears over the Katrina’s, Rita’s and treatment of people who no one listens to – without speaking up. What I write about, I know about, I’ve lived it, and by no means am I an expert; just sayin’ what I’ve seen in these past years the Lord has allowed me to see.

In this communication I am in no way trying to say that all our country’s ills come from our government, or that bad things don’t start in “good” neighborhoods. But it is a fact, where ever I’ve lived that the cry from our poorer, darker neighborhoods have basically gone unanswered. When the gangs started training in the Northwest, residents were ignored when they reported increased drug use and violence. So the gang members came, trained and grew. Now we’re stuck with it. You can hear this story from poor neighborhoods all across America. It’s only when drugs and violence start taking over the wealthier areas that it becomes a problem and makes headlines. Money comes from everywhere to be rid of the problem – too little, way too late. For too many years the attitude has been keep it and them where they are.

During the hurricanes, the wealthier, including some of my family were able to get out several days before. They had good jobs, transportation, somewhere to go, and money to support them when they got to wherever. They were truly blessed, and I am grateful.

Now, on to a different subject, same poor folks; Methamphetamines have been around and killing our kids for years. Last year when I went to Minnesota they had a news story about this new drug Meth that was taking over the high schools. They showed several schools in the suburbs where the racial mix was very little; new to them. The story is the same for “weed”, Heroine. I think cocaine was the the only one rich folks fell in love with first. Think about it. The country seemed surprised when Dr.’s wives and their daughters came out of the closet admitting to drug use, and becoming from home prostitutes to get them. Wow, did counseling ever get popular.

If you look at the composure and history of most cities in the U.S. you will see a plan where valuable land has been taxed so high residents on limited incomes cannot continue to keep them up. When the property is sold, and the more well to do move back, the price starts going up so high that the average worker can no longer afford to buy in an area that was once considered “disadvantaged.”

I love our America, and I would like see the day, though I’ll probably be dead by then, when politics and greed do not enter into how our citizens are treated no matter what the race or the income. I would like to see the day, when we can truly be united as ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

I put this poem together this morning as I thought about the dead, the missing, and all the families who have lost so much, yet as the man in Louisiana who was 100 years old said, “I’ve lost everything but God.” May we always, me too, remember God is still in control, and His love will always super-cede our ignorance.

Thank you for reading this far.


OF THESE TIMES

History hasn’t changed that much,
for Black folk or poor folk
who are tryin’ to upstroke
in the good ole’ USA.

Katrina brought out in the open
Old issues they tried to put to rest.
Television caught what they tried
hard to hide.
Just like back in 1955.

In ‘55’ they were
beatin’, burnin’ and hangin’
Blacks who were rightly trying
to live, work and vote,
Most were just barely survivin’.

Today they try to hide the atrocities
Brought on by some rich folks greed;
Levies they knew were bound
to break, floods that kill
they would create.

Quick to rescue the Florida rich
they cannot afford to offend
those who attend to our nations
politics who’s views are hard to bend.

The Bible says see to the poor.
As you open your doors
Blessings will flow.
presidents don’t visit them;
senators ignore them;
ambulances are slow to arrive;
the police just barely tolerate; and
too often they’re left to stagnate.

Drugs, gangs, and most violence
start in the poorest, congested
parts of any town.
Could’a nipped them in the bud,
Before the spill of blood, before the flood;
Before the flood of violence and
neglect,
Before the broken spirits
just gave up and quit.

First, take care of poor folks
here at home,
nip the problems in the bud.
Problems don’t multiply as fast
when they’re dealt with and recognized.

You’re being advised, take some pride.
Stop tryin’ to hide or forget
where most of our talent, genius
and national icons come from –
the poor parts of town.

God Bless the USA.

By, Jay Johnson ©

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