Glad someone else noticed this....
Link:
"My question is much simpler: Why would Mel Gibson make a movie about people in the ancient Middle East and cast it with so many white people? To look at the central actors in this film, you'd think Jesus did his work near Manchester, New Hampshire instead of the Holy Land. The answer to that question lies within the United States, the prime market for this film. There are millions of Christians in America, some 25% of whom would characterize themselves as evangelical. It stands to reason that this film would do very well here, especially given the controversy that has surrounded the content.
The whiteness of the cast, however, speaks to a decidedly un-Christian truth that lies near the heart of this republic. Simply put, nailing a white Jesus Christ to the cross on film will generate a far more emotional response from the American viewing public than the crucifixion of a savior who actually looks like he is from the Middle East."
Friday, February 27, 2004
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Legacy of Racism
This is unbelievable.....
Updated. Here is a picture of the Valdosta charter as of 2-26-04 Link
George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 23 February 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144
Dear Valdosta, City Mayor & Council
SUBJECT: Displaying the Valdosta City Charter of 1860, near the Hall
of Justice in Valdosta Georgia!
As the Georgia State Flag issue will be revisited, voted upon, and
hopefully---resolved in the upcoming election.
The Citizens of Valdosta, and Lowndes County Georgia, should be focused
on the second floor of Valdosta City Hall---leading into the Valdosta
Municipal Courtroom of Judge Edwards. Where one will discover a copy of
a framed, Valdosta City Charter of 1860, displayed on the wall that was
passed by the Georgia General Assembly of 1860, Valdosta (No. 108).
100: Section XI, “the Mayor and Council, they shall pass all proper and
necessary laws and ordinances for the control of slaves and free
persons of color in said town and suppress and abate all nuisances arriving
from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in said town,
or from other causes.”
It is mind boggling as to why our elected officials have allowed this
1860, Charter to be displayed so close to the Valdosta Municipal Court
Room—in the first place. Where American citizens must come in hope of
receiving equal justice under the law in the State of Georgia---in the
21st Century.
This document does little to complement GeorgiaÂ’s Justice System---here
in Lowndes County. Especially for citizens whose ancestors were slaves
and veterans today---who served and paid the ultimate price to keep
America a free and democratic society.
While we cannot, nor should we try to hide the facts of history. It is
of utmost importance that we remove even a stake from deceased
remains---if within our heart of compassion to do so.
Therefore, as a moral and ethical gesture, the new Valdosta, City
Charter should be on display, or the 1860 charter be removed and placed in a
location away from the Hall of Justice in Valdosta---to the City
Museum. The symbolism and insensitivity of displaying this 1860, City
Charter is inappropriate at this period in Georgia, and American history.
As a retired United States Air Force Vietnam era veteran, I cannot
understand why this document is displaced near the Valdosta Municipal
Courtroom. Because too many Georgians suffered, bleed, and died to preserve
the right to be respected as human beings and not as live stock, or
second class citizens.
Therefore, it is my hope, and others prayer---that someone will do the
right thing in the 21st Century. That the healing process may begin by
being sensitive to others---for the overall good of our community,
state, nation, and world. Peace!
This letter is addressed to you in an attempt to resolve this situation
as soon as possible!
Sincerely
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
Cc: Lake Park Post, Valdosta, Daily times, Valdosta, Lowndes County
Branch of the NAACP, Peoples Tribunal, WCTV – Channel 6, WALB TV –
Channel 10
Updated. Here is a picture of the Valdosta charter as of 2-26-04 Link
George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 23 February 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144
Dear Valdosta, City Mayor & Council
SUBJECT: Displaying the Valdosta City Charter of 1860, near the Hall
of Justice in Valdosta Georgia!
As the Georgia State Flag issue will be revisited, voted upon, and
hopefully---resolved in the upcoming election.
The Citizens of Valdosta, and Lowndes County Georgia, should be focused
on the second floor of Valdosta City Hall---leading into the Valdosta
Municipal Courtroom of Judge Edwards. Where one will discover a copy of
a framed, Valdosta City Charter of 1860, displayed on the wall that was
passed by the Georgia General Assembly of 1860, Valdosta (No. 108).
100: Section XI, “the Mayor and Council, they shall pass all proper and
necessary laws and ordinances for the control of slaves and free
persons of color in said town and suppress and abate all nuisances arriving
from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in said town,
or from other causes.”
It is mind boggling as to why our elected officials have allowed this
1860, Charter to be displayed so close to the Valdosta Municipal Court
Room—in the first place. Where American citizens must come in hope of
receiving equal justice under the law in the State of Georgia---in the
21st Century.
This document does little to complement GeorgiaÂ’s Justice System---here
in Lowndes County. Especially for citizens whose ancestors were slaves
and veterans today---who served and paid the ultimate price to keep
America a free and democratic society.
While we cannot, nor should we try to hide the facts of history. It is
of utmost importance that we remove even a stake from deceased
remains---if within our heart of compassion to do so.
Therefore, as a moral and ethical gesture, the new Valdosta, City
Charter should be on display, or the 1860 charter be removed and placed in a
location away from the Hall of Justice in Valdosta---to the City
Museum. The symbolism and insensitivity of displaying this 1860, City
Charter is inappropriate at this period in Georgia, and American history.
As a retired United States Air Force Vietnam era veteran, I cannot
understand why this document is displaced near the Valdosta Municipal
Courtroom. Because too many Georgians suffered, bleed, and died to preserve
the right to be respected as human beings and not as live stock, or
second class citizens.
Therefore, it is my hope, and others prayer---that someone will do the
right thing in the 21st Century. That the healing process may begin by
being sensitive to others---for the overall good of our community,
state, nation, and world. Peace!
This letter is addressed to you in an attempt to resolve this situation
as soon as possible!
Sincerely
GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!
Cc: Lake Park Post, Valdosta, Daily times, Valdosta, Lowndes County
Branch of the NAACP, Peoples Tribunal, WCTV – Channel 6, WALB TV –
Channel 10
letters
George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 25 February
2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Dear Editor
The Celebration of African American History Month at Valdosta State
University Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Multicultural Affairs
presented SANKOFA. This African American Cultural Museum on Wheels
with Angela Jennings, Curator/Director of Denmark, South Carolina, an
educational experience for all that attended.
The Curator Angela Jennings was extremely knowledgeable of African
American History. She called the exhibit, “A journey from Africa to modern
day inventions and everything in between.”
Among her displays were models of Black inventions such as: the
Cellular Phone, by Henry Simpson, The Lawn Mower, by John Albert Burn, Grand
Father Clock, (first striking wood clock) by Benjamin Banneker,
Switching Device for Railways, by William and Burr, Telephone System and
Apparatus, by Granville T. Woods, Golf-Tee, by George F. Grant, Kitchen
Table, H.A. Jackson, Refrigerated Trucks, F.M. Jones, Spark Plug, Edmond
Berger, Riding Saddle, William S. Cambell, Door Knob, O. Dorsey, Tunnel
Construction for Electric Railways, Gramille T. Woods, and Guitar, Robert
F. Flemings Jr., to mention a few.
Also on display were lynchings of Blacks, slave ships, magazines,
historical documents and quotes from Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker
for his accomplishments, and many other never before seen items in this
area.
The Curator told a story to a group of children brought over by Joseph
Matchett of the Valdosta Boys Club on Tombs Street, who heard about he
exhibit on WJEM Radio Station. She told the children about an elderly
Black man whose eyes had been put out because the plantation owner
discovered he was trying to learn how to read. She told the students that
there was no reason why they should not be on the honor roll.
Joseph Matchett said: “Every student in Lowndes County both Black and
White should have been at this exhibit.”
Ms Jennings when asked why she started the Museum on Wheels---she
replied, “When I realized that my honor student nephew knew little about the
history of Africa she established SANKOFA in 1995.”
Now less than a decade later, her museum on wheels is considered to be
one of the foremost collections of African American History readily
available in this country today.
As SANKOFA’s Curator, Ms Jennings has traveled throughout the United
States the U.S. Virgin Island, West Africa, and Europe to amass a
collection of art, collectibles and memorabilia that rivals many traditional
museums.
While here in Valdosta her “Museum on Wheels,” exhibited the testament
to the vast contributions that African Americans have made to this
country and the world.
The Ghanaian term, SANKOFA, tells us to “use the wisdom of the pass to
build the future.” Angela Jennings and her Museum on Wheels epitomize
the meaning of the term by educating, enlightening and empowering young
and old alike with living history.
The Valdosta community is indeed grateful to Angela Jennings, Curator,
Dr. Beverly Richardson-Blake, Assistant Director, Office of Equal
Opportunity Programs and Multicultural Office, James E. Rice, Administrative
coordinator, and a special thanks to Valdosta State University. A job
well done, and very much needed. Thanks!
George Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Dear Editor
The Celebration of African American History Month at Valdosta State
University Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Multicultural Affairs
presented SANKOFA. This African American Cultural Museum on Wheels
with Angela Jennings, Curator/Director of Denmark, South Carolina, an
educational experience for all that attended.
The Curator Angela Jennings was extremely knowledgeable of African
American History. She called the exhibit, “A journey from Africa to modern
day inventions and everything in between.”
Among her displays were models of Black inventions such as: the
Cellular Phone, by Henry Simpson, The Lawn Mower, by John Albert Burn, Grand
Father Clock, (first striking wood clock) by Benjamin Banneker,
Switching Device for Railways, by William and Burr, Telephone System and
Apparatus, by Granville T. Woods, Golf-Tee, by George F. Grant, Kitchen
Table, H.A. Jackson, Refrigerated Trucks, F.M. Jones, Spark Plug, Edmond
Berger, Riding Saddle, William S. Cambell, Door Knob, O. Dorsey, Tunnel
Construction for Electric Railways, Gramille T. Woods, and Guitar, Robert
F. Flemings Jr., to mention a few.
Also on display were lynchings of Blacks, slave ships, magazines,
historical documents and quotes from Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker
for his accomplishments, and many other never before seen items in this
area.
The Curator told a story to a group of children brought over by Joseph
Matchett of the Valdosta Boys Club on Tombs Street, who heard about he
exhibit on WJEM Radio Station. She told the children about an elderly
Black man whose eyes had been put out because the plantation owner
discovered he was trying to learn how to read. She told the students that
there was no reason why they should not be on the honor roll.
Joseph Matchett said: “Every student in Lowndes County both Black and
White should have been at this exhibit.”
Ms Jennings when asked why she started the Museum on Wheels---she
replied, “When I realized that my honor student nephew knew little about the
history of Africa she established SANKOFA in 1995.”
Now less than a decade later, her museum on wheels is considered to be
one of the foremost collections of African American History readily
available in this country today.
As SANKOFA’s Curator, Ms Jennings has traveled throughout the United
States the U.S. Virgin Island, West Africa, and Europe to amass a
collection of art, collectibles and memorabilia that rivals many traditional
museums.
While here in Valdosta her “Museum on Wheels,” exhibited the testament
to the vast contributions that African Americans have made to this
country and the world.
The Ghanaian term, SANKOFA, tells us to “use the wisdom of the pass to
build the future.” Angela Jennings and her Museum on Wheels epitomize
the meaning of the term by educating, enlightening and empowering young
and old alike with living history.
The Valdosta community is indeed grateful to Angela Jennings, Curator,
Dr. Beverly Richardson-Blake, Assistant Director, Office of Equal
Opportunity Programs and Multicultural Office, James E. Rice, Administrative
coordinator, and a special thanks to Valdosta State University. A job
well done, and very much needed. Thanks!
George Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Sylvester citizens rally against police brutality
Sylvester citizens rally against police brutality:
"'Enough is enough,' said Bruce Washington. 'This is 2004, not 1940.'
They say they know it was police brutality that killed Herman Jackson. And they've had enough.
John Cole Vodicka, director of civil rights group the Prison & Jail Project, told the crowd that most police officers are good enforcers of the law.
'But we also have some very bad law enforcement officials,' Vodicka said. 'Either because they're poorly trained and underpaid or because they're mean spirited and racist bigots.'
Vodicka sent a letter to the US Attorney's office asking that the FBI investigate Jackson's death.
The Sylvester Mayor Bill Yearta said the city is doing an investigation with the GBI.
'We won't tolerate police brutality,' Yearta said. 'We have good police officers and then we have some that aren't good police officers.' "
"'Enough is enough,' said Bruce Washington. 'This is 2004, not 1940.'
They say they know it was police brutality that killed Herman Jackson. And they've had enough.
John Cole Vodicka, director of civil rights group the Prison & Jail Project, told the crowd that most police officers are good enforcers of the law.
'But we also have some very bad law enforcement officials,' Vodicka said. 'Either because they're poorly trained and underpaid or because they're mean spirited and racist bigots.'
Vodicka sent a letter to the US Attorney's office asking that the FBI investigate Jackson's death.
The Sylvester Mayor Bill Yearta said the city is doing an investigation with the GBI.
'We won't tolerate police brutality,' Yearta said. 'We have good police officers and then we have some that aren't good police officers.' "
Our community organizations SHOULD look like the community!
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority has amended its personnel policy on equal opportunity and affirmative action to state that it will cast a "wide net" to find the most qualified person for a position to maintain diversity.
This decision comes a month after The People's Tribunal, a local civil rights group, questioned past hiring practices and asked the Board to find the most qualified African-Americans to fill positions as they become open at the conference center.
The Rev. Floyd Rose, president of The Tribunal, stated in a press release that he and The Tribunal were pleased with the Authority's decision.
LINK
This decision comes a month after The People's Tribunal, a local civil rights group, questioned past hiring practices and asked the Board to find the most qualified African-Americans to fill positions as they become open at the conference center.
The Rev. Floyd Rose, president of The Tribunal, stated in a press release that he and The Tribunal were pleased with the Authority's decision.
LINK
Monday, February 23, 2004
Letters
George Rhynes (229-251-8645) 19 February 2004
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Dear Editor/Message Boards
{Guest Column where applicable and where posting is available. The
truth must be told to the American People—to maintain our present form of
Government!}
Tick tock, tick tock! America must begin to vigorously address the
problems concerning the American people. Otherwise, our greatest threat
of terror could come from within our own boarders.
Many Americans are dissatisfied with the direction our nation is
headed. They are being ignored by elected officials. While America's news
media reports tabloid type news stories----that is of little interest to
ordinary American Citizens!
Tick Tock, Tick Tock! Americans are angry because their jobs and the
future of their children success--are going to India and other foreign
nations. Our public schools are falling apart, citizens are being abused
and dying at the hands of law enforcement. While elected officials
turn their head the other way, and approve The Patriot Act behind closed
doors!
Our constitutional rights are being taken away, veterans are losing
their benefits, and citizens are being divided by political party
labels—as never before. While Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech are
being suppressed--that could lead to another civil war.
Statistics show that there is still discrimination towards America’s
Blacks in top management positions. While crime, violence, and drugs are
allowed to run rampart across our nation.
America is spending billions of dollars in Iraq. It has been reported
that toxic waste is (now), being brought into America from foreign
nations with a life expectancy of perhaps millions of years----into the
future.
We continuously give billions of dollars to Israel that is used to keep
the Middle East conflict going. We have failed to keep immigrants from
crossing the boarders from Mexico. In addition, we declared war on
poverty, illiteracy, drugs, terrorism, hate crimes, and violence---yet
things have become worst.
Tick tock, tick tock—our democracy seems to be in great decline, and
could be on the brink of a war from within. This threat is real
---because many American citizens refuse to vote! Especially since our President
was selected into office by the Supreme Court instead of---by the
American people.
All Americans, must remember the words of President Abraham Lincoln:
“IT IS RATHER FOR US TO BE HERE DEDICATED TO THE GREAT TASK REMAINING
BEFORE US---THAT THESE HONORED DEAD WE TAKE INCREASED DEVOTION TO THAT
CAUSE TO WHICH THEY GAVE THE LAST FULL MEASURE OF DEVOTION---THAT WE HERE
HIGHLY RESOLVE THAT THESE DEAD SHLL NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN—THAT THIS
NATION, UNDER GOD, SHALL NAVE A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM---AND THAT GOVERNMENT
OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE, SHALL NOT PERISH FROM
THE EARTH.” Peace!
A Minister, Business Owner, Retired Veterans from the United States Air
Force!
Single Parent, Black African American, and patriot beyond words, and
game playing!
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Dear Editor/Message Boards
{Guest Column where applicable and where posting is available. The
truth must be told to the American People—to maintain our present form of
Government!}
Tick tock, tick tock! America must begin to vigorously address the
problems concerning the American people. Otherwise, our greatest threat
of terror could come from within our own boarders.
Many Americans are dissatisfied with the direction our nation is
headed. They are being ignored by elected officials. While America's news
media reports tabloid type news stories----that is of little interest to
ordinary American Citizens!
Tick Tock, Tick Tock! Americans are angry because their jobs and the
future of their children success--are going to India and other foreign
nations. Our public schools are falling apart, citizens are being abused
and dying at the hands of law enforcement. While elected officials
turn their head the other way, and approve The Patriot Act behind closed
doors!
Our constitutional rights are being taken away, veterans are losing
their benefits, and citizens are being divided by political party
labels—as never before. While Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech are
being suppressed--that could lead to another civil war.
Statistics show that there is still discrimination towards America’s
Blacks in top management positions. While crime, violence, and drugs are
allowed to run rampart across our nation.
America is spending billions of dollars in Iraq. It has been reported
that toxic waste is (now), being brought into America from foreign
nations with a life expectancy of perhaps millions of years----into the
future.
We continuously give billions of dollars to Israel that is used to keep
the Middle East conflict going. We have failed to keep immigrants from
crossing the boarders from Mexico. In addition, we declared war on
poverty, illiteracy, drugs, terrorism, hate crimes, and violence---yet
things have become worst.
Tick tock, tick tock—our democracy seems to be in great decline, and
could be on the brink of a war from within. This threat is real
---because many American citizens refuse to vote! Especially since our President
was selected into office by the Supreme Court instead of---by the
American people.
All Americans, must remember the words of President Abraham Lincoln:
“IT IS RATHER FOR US TO BE HERE DEDICATED TO THE GREAT TASK REMAINING
BEFORE US---THAT THESE HONORED DEAD WE TAKE INCREASED DEVOTION TO THAT
CAUSE TO WHICH THEY GAVE THE LAST FULL MEASURE OF DEVOTION---THAT WE HERE
HIGHLY RESOLVE THAT THESE DEAD SHLL NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN—THAT THIS
NATION, UNDER GOD, SHALL NAVE A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM---AND THAT GOVERNMENT
OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE, SHALL NOT PERISH FROM
THE EARTH.” Peace!
A Minister, Business Owner, Retired Veterans from the United States Air
Force!
Single Parent, Black African American, and patriot beyond words, and
game playing!
From the ACLU
From: Debbie Seagraves [mailto:dseagraves@acluga.org]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 10:59 AM
Dear Freedom Train Participants,
We have an emergency developing in the legislature right now and we need your help. HR 595, the resolution that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman only, could be voted out of the rules committee today and be brought to the House floor for a vote as early as this afternoon. We talked about this proposed constitutional amendment at our Freedom Train meeting in your city. It is very important that this bill not come to the floor for a vote. We are asking each of you to call the Chairman of the Rules Committee, Calvin Smyre, and tell him that you oppose HR 595 and that it should stay in committee.
This bill would write discrimination into the Constitution. Regardless of how one feels about marriage for same-sex couples, we cannot justify using our constitution to discriminate against one minority group. This is especially true when we already have laws on the books prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples. We would like the Legislature to focus on more important issues-like the budget-rather than focusing on issues that discriminate against and divide us.
Please call Representative Calvin Smyre with this message,
“We are depending on you to stop HR 595 in the rules committee. It must not come to the floor of the House for a vote.”
and then call five friends and ask them to do the same.
Together, we can make a difference TODAY, but we must take action immediately.
Call Calvin Smyre’s office at 404.656.5024, then if you can, follow up with a fax with the same message to 404-657-8278. You can also forward this e-mail to as many friends as possible.
Thanks,
Debbie Seagraves
Executive Director
ACLU of Georgia
PS. If you have a moment, please let me know by return e-mail when you make the call.
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 10:59 AM
Dear Freedom Train Participants,
We have an emergency developing in the legislature right now and we need your help. HR 595, the resolution that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman only, could be voted out of the rules committee today and be brought to the House floor for a vote as early as this afternoon. We talked about this proposed constitutional amendment at our Freedom Train meeting in your city. It is very important that this bill not come to the floor for a vote. We are asking each of you to call the Chairman of the Rules Committee, Calvin Smyre, and tell him that you oppose HR 595 and that it should stay in committee.
This bill would write discrimination into the Constitution. Regardless of how one feels about marriage for same-sex couples, we cannot justify using our constitution to discriminate against one minority group. This is especially true when we already have laws on the books prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples. We would like the Legislature to focus on more important issues-like the budget-rather than focusing on issues that discriminate against and divide us.
Please call Representative Calvin Smyre with this message,
“We are depending on you to stop HR 595 in the rules committee. It must not come to the floor of the House for a vote.”
and then call five friends and ask them to do the same.
Together, we can make a difference TODAY, but we must take action immediately.
Call Calvin Smyre’s office at 404.656.5024, then if you can, follow up with a fax with the same message to 404-657-8278. You can also forward this e-mail to as many friends as possible.
Thanks,
Debbie Seagraves
Executive Director
ACLU of Georgia
PS. If you have a moment, please let me know by return e-mail when you make the call.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Marriage 45 years ago.......
The language is the same - plus 45 years
In the years after the Civil War, it was an eagerness to "preserve the integrity of the white race" by preventing the birth of mixed-race children that in great part motivated states to pass miscegenation laws. Some states, like California, chose to specifically prohibit "intermarriage of white persons with Chinese, Negroes, mulattos, or persons of mixed blood descended from a Chinaman or Negro from the third generation inclusive." In 1869, a Georgia judge blocked the marriage of a white Frenchman and a black woman by saying, "The amalgamation of the races is not only unnatural but is always productive of deplorable results. Our daily observations show us that the offspring of these unnatural connections are generally sick and effeminate." And a Missouri judge in 1883 prevented an intermarriage, because, "It is stated as a well authenticated fact that if the [children] of a black man and white woman, and a white man and a black woman intermarry, they cannot possibly have any progeny, and such a fact sufficiently justifies those laws which forbid the intermarriage of blacks and whites."
In contrast to the ignorance that muddied such racist rulings, the clearer prejudice of Virginia's Judge Leon Bazile in the famous 1959 Loving case (in which a black man and white woman were sentenced to prison for trying to circumvent Virginia law by marrying in Washington DC) is almost refreshing. "Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, Maylay and red, and he placed them on separate continents," he said. "And but for the interference with His arrangement, there would be no cause for such marriages." The 1967 federal law superceded state statutes, but it took decades for all states to officially remove these laws from their books; Alabama did so just this year.
The first Gallup poll conducted on the issue of interracial marriage was in 1958 and showed that 94% of whites opposed such unions -
In the years after the Civil War, it was an eagerness to "preserve the integrity of the white race" by preventing the birth of mixed-race children that in great part motivated states to pass miscegenation laws. Some states, like California, chose to specifically prohibit "intermarriage of white persons with Chinese, Negroes, mulattos, or persons of mixed blood descended from a Chinaman or Negro from the third generation inclusive." In 1869, a Georgia judge blocked the marriage of a white Frenchman and a black woman by saying, "The amalgamation of the races is not only unnatural but is always productive of deplorable results. Our daily observations show us that the offspring of these unnatural connections are generally sick and effeminate." And a Missouri judge in 1883 prevented an intermarriage, because, "It is stated as a well authenticated fact that if the [children] of a black man and white woman, and a white man and a black woman intermarry, they cannot possibly have any progeny, and such a fact sufficiently justifies those laws which forbid the intermarriage of blacks and whites."
In contrast to the ignorance that muddied such racist rulings, the clearer prejudice of Virginia's Judge Leon Bazile in the famous 1959 Loving case (in which a black man and white woman were sentenced to prison for trying to circumvent Virginia law by marrying in Washington DC) is almost refreshing. "Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, Maylay and red, and he placed them on separate continents," he said. "And but for the interference with His arrangement, there would be no cause for such marriages." The 1967 federal law superceded state statutes, but it took decades for all states to officially remove these laws from their books; Alabama did so just this year.
The first Gallup poll conducted on the issue of interracial marriage was in 1958 and showed that 94% of whites opposed such unions -
Marriage - Geogia House pay attention!
Here is the link to the whole article
Here's why: No matter what the final outcome, this past week will go down as one of those defining moments, a seminal point in American history. It hearkens back to the civil rights movement and to women's suffrage, though with less screaming chanting effigy-burning marches and beatings by angry cops, and more roses and warm-hearted grins and life-affirming smooches on the steps of city hall.
It was a delicious and heartwarming historic spectacle indeed, and there was simply no way for any person of any elevated consciousness or spiritual awareness -- anyone with any heart whatsoever -- to witness the huge line of happy, eager same-sex couples snaking around city hall and not be deeply moved, profoundly touched.
I was there. I saw the lines, the smiles, felt the intense emotional energy. It was simply irrefutable: These are people in love. These are couples who have been together for years, decades, who have started families and raised children and set up homes replete with dogs and dinner parties and antiques and regular shopping excursions to Safeway and the mall. You know, just like "real" Americans.
These are couples who are willing to go the distance, to commit and connect, and who are eager to prove to themselves and the world that their love is something true and real and momentous, something that, in truth, can only serve to reignite and reunite our stagnant, fractured, contentious, 50 percent-divorce-rate nation. Hey, we need all the help we can get.
And one other thing was very apparent: It was a situation in which you simply could not imagine anyone hurling gobs of intolerant hate at it. It would have required a serious amount of nasty, inbred ignorance and appalling nerve to march up to any of the passionate and committed couples waiting patiently in line for their marriage ceremony and say, you know, God hates you for this, you immoral disgusting sodomites, and it's intolerable and unacceptable that you wish to love and honor each other till death do you part.
Which, yes indeed, is exactly what a great many antigay groups are doing, in effect, right now.
But here's the best part: The City's brave move was not merely a giant well-manicured middle finger to the Christian Right and indignant homophobic conservatives everywhere.
Nor was it just an audacious act of civil disobedience, guaranteed to raise the ire of Bible thumpers and so-called pro-family groups hailing everywhere from Orange County to Colorado Springs. That's just a nice bonus.
It was, more than anything, an incredible celebration of love. The more than 2,600 wedding ceremonies performed so far were the purest evidence, an irrefutable outpouring of the most wondrous and messy and baffling and orgasmic and desperately needed of human emotions, the air electric and warm, the ceremonies themselves radiant and poignant and genuinely tearful.
And no question became so clear, so obvious, as the one being asked by same-sex-marriage advocates around the world: What, really, is so wrong about this? What is the horrible threat about two adults who love each other so intensely, so purely, that they're willing to commit to a lifetime of being together and sleeping together and arguing over who controls the remote? And what government body dares to claim a right to legislate against it?
It is a question no group, no homophobic senator, no piece of antigay legislation, no BushCo stump speech, no Bible-humping pastor has been able to answer with any clarity or conviction.
They can only mumble about immorality and quote some vague Scripture about sodomy that makes them all tingly, as wary biblical scholars all over the world roll their eyes and point to a thousand proofs that demonstrate, over and over again, how the Bible is basically a reinterpreted regurgitated piece of classic patriarchal misogynistic mythmaking that says exactly what the church rewrote it to say.
But I might have part of an answer. From what I can glean from some of my hate mail and the general conservative outcry, here is what the homophobes fear about same-sex marriage: bestiality.
That is, they are utterly terrified that same-sex marriage is a slippery slope of permissive debauchery that will lead to the utter breakdown of social rules and sexual mores, to people being allowed to marry their dogs, or their own dead grandmothers, or chairs, or three hairy men from Miami Beach.
In short, to the neocon Right, a nation that allows gays to marry is a nation with no boundaries and no condoms and where all sorts of illicit disgusting behaviors will soon be legal and be forced upon them, a horrific tribal wasteland full of leeches and flying bugs and scary sex acts they only read about in chat rooms and their beloved "Left Behind" series of cute apocalypse-porn books.
You know, just like how giving blacks the right to own their own land meant we had to give the same rights to house plants and power tools, or how granting women the right to vote meant it was a slippery slope until we gave suffrage to feral cats and sea slugs and rusty hubcaps.
This, then, is why it is a time to be incredibly proud. San Francisco is slapping this moronic worldview back to the dank basement of subhuman intellect, where it belongs. We have broken the taboo, challenged the ignorant and the easily terrified, made it beautifully clear that what matters most in a modern society is not unfounded, naive fears, not uptight religious puling, but a humane and equal, joyous sense of love for all.
The war is far from over. It will be a brutal battle, with much hate yet to be spewed, much Bible waving and law mangling accompanying what will undoubtedly be a slow, painful sea change for a very uptight, easily terrified American society.
But S.F. has taken the lead, has sounded the battle cry, has defined itself anew. And for that, more than any other of its wonders, I am incredibly proud that I live in San Francisco, the best city in the whole goddamn world -- gay, straight or anywhere in between.
Here's why: No matter what the final outcome, this past week will go down as one of those defining moments, a seminal point in American history. It hearkens back to the civil rights movement and to women's suffrage, though with less screaming chanting effigy-burning marches and beatings by angry cops, and more roses and warm-hearted grins and life-affirming smooches on the steps of city hall.
It was a delicious and heartwarming historic spectacle indeed, and there was simply no way for any person of any elevated consciousness or spiritual awareness -- anyone with any heart whatsoever -- to witness the huge line of happy, eager same-sex couples snaking around city hall and not be deeply moved, profoundly touched.
I was there. I saw the lines, the smiles, felt the intense emotional energy. It was simply irrefutable: These are people in love. These are couples who have been together for years, decades, who have started families and raised children and set up homes replete with dogs and dinner parties and antiques and regular shopping excursions to Safeway and the mall. You know, just like "real" Americans.
These are couples who are willing to go the distance, to commit and connect, and who are eager to prove to themselves and the world that their love is something true and real and momentous, something that, in truth, can only serve to reignite and reunite our stagnant, fractured, contentious, 50 percent-divorce-rate nation. Hey, we need all the help we can get.
And one other thing was very apparent: It was a situation in which you simply could not imagine anyone hurling gobs of intolerant hate at it. It would have required a serious amount of nasty, inbred ignorance and appalling nerve to march up to any of the passionate and committed couples waiting patiently in line for their marriage ceremony and say, you know, God hates you for this, you immoral disgusting sodomites, and it's intolerable and unacceptable that you wish to love and honor each other till death do you part.
Which, yes indeed, is exactly what a great many antigay groups are doing, in effect, right now.
But here's the best part: The City's brave move was not merely a giant well-manicured middle finger to the Christian Right and indignant homophobic conservatives everywhere.
Nor was it just an audacious act of civil disobedience, guaranteed to raise the ire of Bible thumpers and so-called pro-family groups hailing everywhere from Orange County to Colorado Springs. That's just a nice bonus.
It was, more than anything, an incredible celebration of love. The more than 2,600 wedding ceremonies performed so far were the purest evidence, an irrefutable outpouring of the most wondrous and messy and baffling and orgasmic and desperately needed of human emotions, the air electric and warm, the ceremonies themselves radiant and poignant and genuinely tearful.
And no question became so clear, so obvious, as the one being asked by same-sex-marriage advocates around the world: What, really, is so wrong about this? What is the horrible threat about two adults who love each other so intensely, so purely, that they're willing to commit to a lifetime of being together and sleeping together and arguing over who controls the remote? And what government body dares to claim a right to legislate against it?
It is a question no group, no homophobic senator, no piece of antigay legislation, no BushCo stump speech, no Bible-humping pastor has been able to answer with any clarity or conviction.
They can only mumble about immorality and quote some vague Scripture about sodomy that makes them all tingly, as wary biblical scholars all over the world roll their eyes and point to a thousand proofs that demonstrate, over and over again, how the Bible is basically a reinterpreted regurgitated piece of classic patriarchal misogynistic mythmaking that says exactly what the church rewrote it to say.
But I might have part of an answer. From what I can glean from some of my hate mail and the general conservative outcry, here is what the homophobes fear about same-sex marriage: bestiality.
That is, they are utterly terrified that same-sex marriage is a slippery slope of permissive debauchery that will lead to the utter breakdown of social rules and sexual mores, to people being allowed to marry their dogs, or their own dead grandmothers, or chairs, or three hairy men from Miami Beach.
In short, to the neocon Right, a nation that allows gays to marry is a nation with no boundaries and no condoms and where all sorts of illicit disgusting behaviors will soon be legal and be forced upon them, a horrific tribal wasteland full of leeches and flying bugs and scary sex acts they only read about in chat rooms and their beloved "Left Behind" series of cute apocalypse-porn books.
You know, just like how giving blacks the right to own their own land meant we had to give the same rights to house plants and power tools, or how granting women the right to vote meant it was a slippery slope until we gave suffrage to feral cats and sea slugs and rusty hubcaps.
This, then, is why it is a time to be incredibly proud. San Francisco is slapping this moronic worldview back to the dank basement of subhuman intellect, where it belongs. We have broken the taboo, challenged the ignorant and the easily terrified, made it beautifully clear that what matters most in a modern society is not unfounded, naive fears, not uptight religious puling, but a humane and equal, joyous sense of love for all.
The war is far from over. It will be a brutal battle, with much hate yet to be spewed, much Bible waving and law mangling accompanying what will undoubtedly be a slow, painful sea change for a very uptight, easily terrified American society.
But S.F. has taken the lead, has sounded the battle cry, has defined itself anew. And for that, more than any other of its wonders, I am incredibly proud that I live in San Francisco, the best city in the whole goddamn world -- gay, straight or anywhere in between.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Please tell me how this is different
Please tell me how the arguments against gay marriage are any different than the ones used against allowing interracial marriage years ago. Didn't people then quote the bible, common cultural values, and what God and the founding fathers meant? Seems like the same sources were used for denying intergration and voting rights. What we really have here is an argument about POWER.
Who controls access to it, allows others to "join the club" and how you have to act to become a member. The white, straight power of this county is making sure that they stay the dominate culture. They are going to try and redefine gay culture in their image.
Does this not all seem/feel familiar?
AJC editoral
Who controls access to it, allows others to "join the club" and how you have to act to become a member. The white, straight power of this county is making sure that they stay the dominate culture. They are going to try and redefine gay culture in their image.
Does this not all seem/feel familiar?
AJC editoral
The Working Poor: Can't Win for Losing
New book out that documents the issues surrounding the working poor. Check it out.Link:
"The phrase ''working poor'' doesn't carry much weight in this fractious political season. It slips by in a campaign speech, with nothing much to grab onto as it passes. It suffers from a kind of blunt-edged simplicity -- a collision of enormous, rounded terms that, by the lights of American exceptionalism, should not be joined. Both political parties quietly agree that it is an ugly, unsettling combination -- that any American who works steadily should not have to suffer the barbed indignities of poverty. But Americans do -- millions of them. There are 35 million people in the country living in poverty. Most of the adults in that group work nowadays; many of them work full time. And while there are heavy concentrations of African-Americans and white single women in the mix, the group is every bit as diverse, and diffuse, as the nation is. "
"The phrase ''working poor'' doesn't carry much weight in this fractious political season. It slips by in a campaign speech, with nothing much to grab onto as it passes. It suffers from a kind of blunt-edged simplicity -- a collision of enormous, rounded terms that, by the lights of American exceptionalism, should not be joined. Both political parties quietly agree that it is an ugly, unsettling combination -- that any American who works steadily should not have to suffer the barbed indignities of poverty. But Americans do -- millions of them. There are 35 million people in the country living in poverty. Most of the adults in that group work nowadays; many of them work full time. And while there are heavy concentrations of African-Americans and white single women in the mix, the group is every bit as diverse, and diffuse, as the nation is. "
Monday, February 16, 2004
So, we now are one step away from having a state constitutional that requires discrimination.....sweet jesus
What Would Jesus do? Not this:
"You want to put all your energy into legislating morality,' Thomas said. 'The men and woman who feel they want to live in a world free of sin, I suggest you find another world.'
Thomas said she was disturbed when 'I see people come to the Capitol in the name of the Lord God but they don't come here in the name of love. I do have an issue ... that they are for God but come down here with a legislative agenda to take rights from everyone.'"
"You want to put all your energy into legislating morality,' Thomas said. 'The men and woman who feel they want to live in a world free of sin, I suggest you find another world.'
Thomas said she was disturbed when 'I see people come to the Capitol in the name of the Lord God but they don't come here in the name of love. I do have an issue ... that they are for God but come down here with a legislative agenda to take rights from everyone.'"
Thanks Dad....
Mary Cheney (vice president's daughter) is campaigning for her father.....it would be sweet except she has been openly gay for years and daddy is pushing for a non-marriage amendment for gays. Thanks dad!
Guess it does not matter- daddy has money.
Guess it does not matter- daddy has money.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
More Letters
George Rhynes (229-251-8545)
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144
Dear Editor
If living beings are found on Mars, I pray they have a better method of dealing with conflicts than our leaders of today.
In Vietnam, we lost over 50,000 American lives, with 300,000, physical casualties (many more with mental, and emotional problems). North Vietnam and the Viet Cong's suffered 900,000 deaths and 2 million wounded at a financial cost of more than $200 billion.
Today in Iraq more than 500 of our sons and daughters have been killed, with thousands of others being wounded.
Therefore, if Martians exists, and know how to stop this war, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, promote diversity, create jobs, save the children, and give us a new religion of peace. Then bring it on ---and liberate us from our own weapons of mass destruction internally. Because we are the number one threat to ourselves, others, and our environment.
Therefore, our President should use his influences among his advisors---to bring our sons and daughters back home. Then maybe the Martians will liberate us from a flawed foreign policy in the middle east. Peace!
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144
Dear Editor
If living beings are found on Mars, I pray they have a better method of dealing with conflicts than our leaders of today.
In Vietnam, we lost over 50,000 American lives, with 300,000, physical casualties (many more with mental, and emotional problems). North Vietnam and the Viet Cong's suffered 900,000 deaths and 2 million wounded at a financial cost of more than $200 billion.
Today in Iraq more than 500 of our sons and daughters have been killed, with thousands of others being wounded.
Therefore, if Martians exists, and know how to stop this war, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, promote diversity, create jobs, save the children, and give us a new religion of peace. Then bring it on ---and liberate us from our own weapons of mass destruction internally. Because we are the number one threat to ourselves, others, and our environment.
Therefore, our President should use his influences among his advisors---to bring our sons and daughters back home. Then maybe the Martians will liberate us from a flawed foreign policy in the middle east. Peace!
Letters
George B. Rhynes (229-251-8645) 10 February 2003
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Governor Bush! America always had an Affirmative Action Program
and Set-Asides for the white privileged and their children. There was
an invisible sign, which read “Blacks need not apply.” This practice
went on into the sunset, and met at the O.K. Corral of economic
prosperity.
Even the bathrooms, restaurants, theaters, armed forces, water
fountains, churches, State, and Federal Contracts etc., were all
set-asides for privileged whites and their children. They benefited
tremendously and were able to send their children to Technical Schools, Colleges
and Universities. While blacks were relegated to discrimination,
inferior schools denied their civil and human rights. This was no myth of
the imagination---this is American history. In addition, many White
Christians gave their approval by silent consent decree.
Today, we hear! “I had nothing to do with what my ancestors did,”
which may be true! However, Jesus had nothing to do with Adam and Eve
committing sin in the Garden. Yet, he dedicated his life to eliminate
the inequities in society without oppressing others directly or
indirectly for self-gain. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as you love
yourself,” this is an easy undertaking when God’s love exists within the human
heart.
Our conscious is what distinguishes us from other animals. In
addition, until Americans desire for their neighbors, the same things that
they themselves and their children have received. Then Americans will
continue to lose their humanity, on the world sage of
respectability----. Peace!
George B. Rhynes
A Concerned Citizen & Brother of Humanity
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Governor Bush! America always had an Affirmative Action Program
and Set-Asides for the white privileged and their children. There was
an invisible sign, which read “Blacks need not apply.” This practice
went on into the sunset, and met at the O.K. Corral of economic
prosperity.
Even the bathrooms, restaurants, theaters, armed forces, water
fountains, churches, State, and Federal Contracts etc., were all
set-asides for privileged whites and their children. They benefited
tremendously and were able to send their children to Technical Schools, Colleges
and Universities. While blacks were relegated to discrimination,
inferior schools denied their civil and human rights. This was no myth of
the imagination---this is American history. In addition, many White
Christians gave their approval by silent consent decree.
Today, we hear! “I had nothing to do with what my ancestors did,”
which may be true! However, Jesus had nothing to do with Adam and Eve
committing sin in the Garden. Yet, he dedicated his life to eliminate
the inequities in society without oppressing others directly or
indirectly for self-gain. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as you love
yourself,” this is an easy undertaking when God’s love exists within the human
heart.
Our conscious is what distinguishes us from other animals. In
addition, until Americans desire for their neighbors, the same things that
they themselves and their children have received. Then Americans will
continue to lose their humanity, on the world sage of
respectability----. Peace!
George B. Rhynes
A Concerned Citizen & Brother of Humanity
Letters
Been busy...but here are some recent letters.
George Rhynes (229-251-8645)
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Dear Editor
Don't blame the president alone!
We cannot blame President Bush alone for the war with Iraq. It was the
American people who refused to hold our elected officials, news media
outlets, religious leaders, and cooperation’s accountable.
Instead many Americans buried their head in the sand like the legend
concerning the ostrich bird, and remained silent concerning the war.
It is said that in our form of government that the power is with the
people. However, after 911, apparently we have been tricked, used, and
misled by politicians, mass media, and false patriots ---who seems to be
chiseling away at our Constitutional Rights.
Here in America people were afraid to speak out against the war with
Iraq. They believed they would be viewed as unpatriotic.
Now unless real Americans step up to the plate of responsibility. Our
nation may go into decline. With our active duty, retired, disabled
veterans suffering, and their benefits being cut while the American
people seem to be powerless in helping their own children---in the Armed
Forces.
Therefore, Americans must question their government as to why--- the
Islamic world hates Americans---so much.
Is it our foreign policy towards Israel and the billions of dollars we
give. Of which is being used to oppress the defenseless Palestinian
people--- to the point of strapping bombs around their waists, blowing
themselves up in a public place to maintain some level of dignity, and
self respect before their love ones?
So, was 911, a retaliatory strike because of our inhuman foreign policy
around the world? I pray not, but questions must be asked and
answered. Peace, and God Bless everybody!
George Rhynes (229-251-8645)
5004 Oak Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
Dear Editor
Don't blame the president alone!
We cannot blame President Bush alone for the war with Iraq. It was the
American people who refused to hold our elected officials, news media
outlets, religious leaders, and cooperation’s accountable.
Instead many Americans buried their head in the sand like the legend
concerning the ostrich bird, and remained silent concerning the war.
It is said that in our form of government that the power is with the
people. However, after 911, apparently we have been tricked, used, and
misled by politicians, mass media, and false patriots ---who seems to be
chiseling away at our Constitutional Rights.
Here in America people were afraid to speak out against the war with
Iraq. They believed they would be viewed as unpatriotic.
Now unless real Americans step up to the plate of responsibility. Our
nation may go into decline. With our active duty, retired, disabled
veterans suffering, and their benefits being cut while the American
people seem to be powerless in helping their own children---in the Armed
Forces.
Therefore, Americans must question their government as to why--- the
Islamic world hates Americans---so much.
Is it our foreign policy towards Israel and the billions of dollars we
give. Of which is being used to oppress the defenseless Palestinian
people--- to the point of strapping bombs around their waists, blowing
themselves up in a public place to maintain some level of dignity, and
self respect before their love ones?
So, was 911, a retaliatory strike because of our inhuman foreign policy
around the world? I pray not, but questions must be asked and
answered. Peace, and God Bless everybody!
John "Jackboot" Ashcroft
This should scare the crap out of everyone. The goverment wants the the names of anti-war protesters. What for? Who wants them? Where do the names go?
Article:
Federal authorities drop subpoenas to Iowa anti-war activists
By Joanne Laurier
World Socialist Web Site
12 February 2004
Federal prosecutors February 10 effectively withdrew a subpoena demanding that an Iowa university hand over information on participants of a November 2003 anti-war forum. Subpoenas directed at four activists were also withdrawn. This extraordinary attack on democratic rights had provoked protests from civil liberties and anti-war organizations.
Article:
Federal authorities drop subpoenas to Iowa anti-war activists
By Joanne Laurier
World Socialist Web Site
12 February 2004
Federal prosecutors February 10 effectively withdrew a subpoena demanding that an Iowa university hand over information on participants of a November 2003 anti-war forum. Subpoenas directed at four activists were also withdrawn. This extraordinary attack on democratic rights had provoked protests from civil liberties and anti-war organizations.
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