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Reconciling Racism...It's All In The Cards...!!!

If you're a Pinochle player, you know that the game goes smoothly as long as each player has cards of each suit, but once any player gets down to a 3 suited or less hand, trump cards will appear, and the game reaches its exciting and sometimes cutthroat climax...

But that is Pinochle...an entertaining card game...but just a game...!!!

In real life, my sister and I were raised hearing stories of the Great Depression, being encouraged to 'save for a rainy day', and made aware of prejudice towards those of us of Italian descent...

We lived in a black and white world then...

And color television had not yet been invented...!!!

When a group of people walked toward you on the sidewalk it was very difficult to tell a Jew from a Catholic, an Italian boy from an Irish boy, an immigrant from a native born citizen...

However, when one person in the group was black, it was evident that there was a difference...at least judging by color...

Even before reality TV shows came on the scene and certainly before the advent of color TV...racism, prejudice, biases, favoritism, excessive nationalism, and the like, were all real occurrences experienced by all real people...!!!

At the same time in our childhood when all these aforementioned things were evident all around us, my sister and I were being given a genuine and authentic Catholic education...which included an awareness of the reality of sin, the certainty of God's love for all men and women, and the need to preach the Gospel, the Good News, to all mankind...

Peace and justice, and prayers to bring about such realities in a world lacking both, were espoused and taught as paramount necessities...!!!

Such were the memories of my early childhood days...

Now, I find myself politically and fundamentally opposed to the beliefs and ideologies of the first black American President...I would never vote for someone solely because they were Italian, Catholic, white or black, Democrat or Republican...!!!

I carefully seek the Wisdom of My Lord before I vote...and I always vote my conscience...!!!

I find myself diametrically opposed to the values of my President, and for those opinions I express, many will deal the 'trump' card, the race card, and make accusations of racism and prejudice...

It is still my contention that the majority of Americans have a belief in The Judeo Christian God, who abhors racism, prejudice, and the like...and in order to follow faithfully our God, we also must abhor these things, and be reconciled to God by turning away from such practices and espousing TRUTH...

Racism is evident wherever the race card is played...!!!

Until the Lord returns we must seek His forgiveness, His reconciliation, and His Truth, Peace, and Wisdom...

And 'play' the 'game' of life fairly and reverently and lovingly...!!!

P.S. For homework and extra credit read Matthew Chapter 15 verse 19...!!!

Posted by Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ on 09/17/2009 09:48 AM

Comments (37)

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Originally posted at: Fran The TitleMan's Blog: Reconciling Racism...It's All In The Cards...!!!

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37 Comments on Reconciling Racism...It's All In The Cards...!!!

SEP

Fran,

I could not agree more. I always vote my conscience. there are many conservative black men and women who I would vote vote but no I did not vote for Obama.

Years ago it was about others. Helping them, praying for them, be kind and considerate without judgement. Now many believe it is about me, the world revolves around me, the center of the universe that others were put on earth to serve. Being humble, grateful and helping others is becoming less common place in a dog eat gotta win, beat someone world. And that's where Maine comes in....(segue to chamber of commerce talk about the benefits of living in friendly Maine) Good post! Neat images too!

Mike: Problem today, Mike, is that there are many with improperly formed consciences...!!!

Andrew: Well said! I was taught what JOY really meant...Jesus first, Others next, Yourself last...good mnemonic...!!!

Thanks, Fran

Just curious, when you say:

Racism is evident wherever the race card is played...!!!

Are you saying that someone who accuses another of racism is racist themselves? Or are you saying that the "race card" isn't played unless there is racism involved? Sorry, this statement just doesn't make sense to me from the context of the post.

What a wonderful post Fran. I agree with all that you have said. I am getting rather tired of not being able to disagree with current policy and this administration and being labeled a racist. What happened to dissent? What happened to being able to believe in other policiies? Why are our troops fighting for our freedom when it is slowly being taken away by those playing the race card?

Fran ~ excellent post as always. I share the same thoughts as Kim above. Why can't we just disagree without it being about race. If he was of another race, what then would we be accused of? It is a sad time in the world when we just can't agree to disagree and not make it about race.

Julia,

I can see the confusion here...!!! Basically, what I'm saying is that the race card should never be played...racism in all its forms should be abhorred...race should never play a central role in any of our decisions...Yes, if we are scientists seeking to eliminate sickle cell anemia, we might consider race as a factor, but not in the normal course of life...!!! Thanks, Fran

Again, just to clarify...So you don't think that people who make racist statements (or actions) should be called out on them?

I certainly agree that racism should be abhorred but that also includes pointing out racism where it exists. Ignoring racism is the same thing as condoning it. Evil wins when good people do nothing.

Kim: Exactly...!!!

Jan Marie: As an example, I'm hoping that President Obama doesn't surpass President Carter (who I voted for once) as being the worst president in my lifetime...!!

Thanks, Fran

Julia,

I'm not suggesting we ignore racism...which surely and certainly exists in our world...but eradicate it from our own personal lives...just because I disagree with someone who happens to be black, does not mean that I'm a racist or have racist motives...period...!!! I'm willing to give you or anyone else the benefit of the doubt before I accuse you of descriminating against Italian Americans...!!!

Some of my best friends are black...!!! (tongue in cheek)

Thanks, Fran

P.S. BTW, Good people doing something, doesn't include racism...!!!

Fran,

First , I learned Pinochle when i was still in Grammar school but has probably been over 20 years since I played.

Second I have also learned that we are ALL created in God's image. Period I try very hard to remember that in my day to day life.

Hugh,

It is true! We are all created in God's image, but some feel that there are inferiors among us...!!! That is racism, elitism, egoism, narcissism, terrorism, and other isms...!!! Thanks, Fran

Fran - I haven't played pinochle in years, but I certainly did enjoy it. You and I were probably getting a Catholic education around the same time.

It is an interesting analogy that you have made, though. Throwing in the trump card does often change a strategy. An apropos verse from Matthew. Blessings.

I have a southern accent. I no longer try and hide it - it's me. In my travels I learned to use people prejudice of me to my advantage - especially in New Jersey where people were kind enough to educate me about how ignorant I must be because of the way I speak. Boy did I sell a lot of widgets at full price there back in the 80s!

Fran, Racism exists in the world and in our country no doubt. You mentioned that you disagree with the President and your disagreement has nothing to do with race. I agree.

"Racism is evident wherever the race card is played...!!!"

The race card is being played by those who wish to silence the dissent against the President's policies. Not that the protesters are fed it with big government or against health care reform but simply all to do with he Presidents race.

It is speech stopping when it ocurs. That is the intent of the person throwing the card. When one who is expressing a dissent is accused by another of racism, they are therefore marginalized by the accusation.

Even President Jimmy Carter threw it out yesterday. It would seem to me that if the counter attack used against the dissenter was to throw the race card - those throwing it were participating in a form of racism.

The one throwing the card is using the advantage of the Presidents race to silence the opposition.

Maybe I did not make myself clear but I hope you understand what I was trying to say.

Mike: The Truth always wins out in the end...!!!

Ken: Kudos for using the brain God gave you and conquering prejudice...!!!

Bonnie: To me, you made yourself perfectly clear...You speak for more than half of the good people in this Country...!!!

Thanks, Fran

They should just take off the sheet and come out with it.

But we can't look at a 400% in death threats to the president as racism, right? It's gotta be all those socialist policies. Or what about the 33% of republicans who believe that the president is not a real president, but a Kenyan. What about the signs and bumper stickers with the president as a witch doctor and bones through his nose.

No racism to see here folks, move along.

Nogui,

There is plenty of racism to go around for sure...!!! Rather than witch hunting, however, you should read up on your American history, the moral law, and the natural law, then assess President Obama accordingly...!!!

Thanks, Fran

Thanks for agreeing, Fran.

SEP

Hi Fran,

I can always come to your blog and be educated. I have never played Pinochle but I have a feeling I would love to play.

What is interesting to me is that in America today there is a real threat to those people who we that oppose this current President are accused of hating. When in fact I choose to Question with Boldness, Hold to the Truth and Speak without Fear. Not because I hate a man based on the color of his skin but because as a Catholic and Christian I am called to love all people. Obama has surrounded himself with intellectuals who have views that present a real threat to all Americans of all races.

Many are unaware of the close connection between racist eugenics and the proliferation of birth control. Many of the original sterilization, abortion and birth control movements, including Planned Parenthood, were at least partially motivated by a desire to "purify" the human race. It seems implausible to most of us today, but now so does slavery. The truth is that many intellectuals and ideologues at that time were eugenicists. A new movie, Maafa 21, chronicles this history. Here's the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLnNi_qb7nY&feature=player_embedded

We need to really know who we have put in the highest positions in the US Government who have the power to enslave and be the Master.

I think this is a very interesting analogy below from Fr. Barron. Christ did not seek to be the Master he became the slave so that we are set free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g_PlxEIyqs&feature=player_embedded

OK Fran you got me on a roll again.

Blessings my friend!!

Alice

"He who has hope lives differently." - Pope Bendict XVI

The sad part of it all is people confuse racism with prejudice and the word loses it's meaning. I do not like eggs I have a prejudice against them. To describe an opposing view as racist just because the folks are different is really big brother-isms word speak at it's best. Its a kin to calling someone a commie in the old days you and I know. It stops all reason and logic. Today I see this when people say oh he is a liberal or conservative. It is an easy way to dismiss an idea you might be uncomfortable with because it has some merit.

Your post was excellent. I despair the misuse of words. It is not really an academic exercise I am going thru . As I am saying it really effects the quality of debate. Good post and good points.

Nogui: Thanks for adding to the comment thread of this post! You can take my earlier suggestion by reading the comments by Alice and Charlie...It'll be a good start...!!!

Alice: Well spoken and forthrightly presented...Unfortunately, unless the Lord opens their ears, they won't hear...!!! Thanks for the links and adding substance to this topic...!!!

Charlie: I agree wholeheartedly...!!!

Thanks, Fran

I was born and raised in the north and now have lived in the south for over 35 years. I have never seen more racism than thatt against jews and italians, But it is always blacks that seem to pass it out like butter. Racism is just another excuse and attempt to get what you want from another race. Racism would be just another word if it didn't sell news.

SEP

Joyce,

Interesting observation...!!! Thanks, Fran

SEP

I posted a comment regarding Joyce's "observation" a couple of days ago and then deleted it because it was kind of snippy. And I try to stay on an even keel when it comes to things like this. But I then decided that I would be remiss if I didn't address it at all.

What south do you live in? The one where someone called me the other day (he lives on "Confederate Way" but I'm sure - sarcasm alert - it's about heritage and not hate) and told me he didn't want to live in a neighborhood with blacks - those people - he reiterated. Or maybe it's the south where a black couple called me and said "we're relying on you to make sure we don't end up in a neighborhood where we won't be welcome." Or maybe it's the south where you can be pulled over or even arrested for DWB. I'd bet most of the white audience will have to google that. My black friends know what it means.

But I'll bet that you, Joyce, and you, Fran, and many of the others who have commented in solidarity don't have any black friends. Not anyone that you would invite over for dinner tomorrow. And if you did, and if you then asked them if racism still exists, and if you then listened to them with an open heart, I'm sure you would find that "playing the race card" is not some political ploy to get sympathy or money or whatever you think that they are gaining by pointing out that racism exists where it does.

You might actually find that these are people just like yourselves except that they are mad as hell and don't want to put up with it anymore.

You let me know after that dinner is over.

Julia,

I just have to step in here and say you do not know the heart of anyone you are accusing of not having black friends they would invite over for dinner. You are correct that kind of remark is snippy and rude. In addition it does nothing for your argument.

Just as you living in Chattanooga would experience one thing those from PA would experience another based on who lives there and the culture at the time. As Fran stated any racism should be abhorred. In addition using racism to bait another should be abhorred.

I have a great blog and book to suggest for anyone who is interested in a very good read.

"The Big Black Lie" by Kevin Jackson

I have met Kevin and I can tell you he is man of character and a great American. And yes I would have him to my home anytime.

The Black Sphere - Kevin Jackson Black Conservative

Alice, I'm more than happy to be corrected.

Has Kevin been to your house? Or any other black person in the last year? Not WOULD you have a person of color over for dinner, but HAVE you? And if so, have you asked them the questions I posed?

And if you have, what were their answers?

Alice: As far as your, PA vs. Chattanooga comment, Joyce mentioned that she lived in the south. I just wondered which south she had lived in (certainly isn't mine). And notice I didn't say "you haven't had a person of color over to your house" I said "I bet."

I've got $100 for the first person who has commented on this blog, had a black person over for dinner, asked them these questions, and actually listened to the answer.

I'd love to have to pay out but "I bet" I won't.

Julia I would like to commend you for bringing out something very important. I am not sure your age but I am guessing you are fairly young. Fran and Joyce have a different perspective I just suspecting.

Please correct me all parties if I am wrong.

I also want to recommend another great Black conservative at Raginging Elephants. http://www.ragingelephants.org

Julia, Claver Kamau-Imani who runs Raging Elephants know exactly what DWB stands for. He would also tell you that those who are playing the race card in Washington are no more interested in helping people of color than flying to the moon.

I think we need to step back and look at what Fran is saying and learn from his experience.

I.E. "We lived in a black and white world then..."

"When a group of people walked toward you on the sidewalk it was very difficult to tell a Jew from a Catholic, an Italian boy from an Irish boy, an immigrant from a native born citizen...

However, when one person in the group was black, it was evident that there was a difference...at least judging by color...

Even before reality TV shows came on the scene and certainly before the advent of color TV...racism, prejudice, biases, favoritism, excessive nationalism, and the like, were all real occurrences experienced by all real people...!!!

Peace and justice, and prayers to bring about such realities in a world lacking both, were espoused and taught as paramount necessities...!!!"

Now bring in 1960....

Please watch the first video in this post and you will hopefully understand....If you don't have the time please at least go to 1.55 and listen and learn. How Not to Help the Poor. What have Community Organizers really accomplished.

Julia, what you describe is real but what many people don't understand is the history behind how it has come to be that way.

I am guessing what inspired Fran's post is Jimmy Carter's comment below.

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he's a black man. And I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of a belief among many white people, not just in the South but around the country, that African Americans are not qualified to lead this great country."

Now Julia while you are right to call attention to what you know, I want to call your your attention to some history. Unless black friends of yours and you understand this the enslavement of Black Americans will continue and you and I Julia will be enslaved right along with them.

Let's keep debating AR friends maybe we can all learn from each other.

Blessings on your Sunday evening.

Alice

Julia,

I haven't seen this comment thread for a couple of days...I'm glad that people like you and Alice, my good friend, can debate these issues and 'fight nice' on my blog...That is exactly what my blog is for...a safe place where ALL are welcome to give their civil opinions...!!!

You would lose your $100.00 times over, but instead...keep the $100.00 and donate it to your favorite charity...

Perhaps before you were born, my best friend and I attended many musical venues together, and there were several occasions where I was the only white person in the audience numbering thousands...!!!

Racism, sexism, bigotry, political patronizing are only some of society's ills...

Christians are bound to oppose such behavior as individuals and corporately...!!!

Only you can decide to walk the path less traveled, however...!!!

A careful and intense reading of my friend Alice's blog will be very enlightening and point you in the direction of Truth...particularly her information on Planned Parenthood, its founder(s), its purposes and goals...one of the largest financial contributors to President Obama's campaign, Planned Parenthood is the most racist threat to the black community...!!!

Respectfully and thankfully, Fran

From Fran: "You would lose your $100.00 times over, but instead...keep the $100.00 and donate it to your favorite charity..."

What did they say when you asked them about racism in America?

From Alice: "Now Julia while you are right to call attention to what you know, I want to call your your attention to some history. Unless black friends of yours and you understand this the enslavement of Black Americans will continue and you and I Julia will be enslaved right along with them."

I'm not sure what history you are calling attention to. I didn't read anything in your comment that acknowledged that racism has been, and remains, a unique hurdle for black America (not to mention those in other countries/continents) and if there is one thing that I can achieve with all of this, it's just some attention from white America that racism is alive and well in the US. No one (white) wants to admit this. Pretend to be as color blind as you will.

I think about (and fight against) racism in my own heart and soul Every. Single. Day. To say that it doesn't exist or that those who speak up about it are wrong or racist or "snippy and rude" themselves is offensive in more ways than I can express.

SEP

Julia,

Take the chip off of your shoulders! No one in this post or that I know denies that racism exists...!!! That would be stupidity! Who and where was it said that racism doesn't exist??? The most racist people are those of color...!!!

Thanks, Fran

"The most racist people are those of color...!!!"

Really? Wow, you have effectively rendered me speechless. Clearly I am wasting my time trying to help you to become more aware of the challenges faced by people of color. You definitely just don't want to hear it.

Julia,

I expected I would get that reaction from you...When you presume to know how another person feels you tread on shaky ground! That is a life lesson I have learned many times...!!!

I try to meet each person where they are and accept or reject them based on who they are, not what they do or the color of their skin...!!!

The quote of mine you referenced can be made clearer by imagining a box of crayons in which all the crayons were shades of white and shades of brown and black...!

Just to go back and give my definition of a racist: One whose decisions are based predominately on color rather than on substance.

Thanks, Fran

SEP

Fran,

I heard this and thought about your post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRB7XGN_0CI&feature=player_embedded

Julia,

Maybe this will help you know what many black Americans are thinking and feeling. Not just the ones you have over for dinner.

Here is another Black American's point of view!! Definately worth your time to listen to.

http://www.americasright.com/2009/09/he-shoots-he-scores.html

SEP

Alice,

Black conservatives may be rare, but they certainly make sense when you hear one...!!! Thanks, Fran

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