Category Archives: Golden Rule

A universal way of looking at this broken world

I joke about a lot of things in this column. What I wont joke about is the current political and social unrest in America and across the world.

Its overdue, in my personal opinion, and like a medical procedure that has been delayed, its more painful because the infection is systemic. The way its always been doesnt care for the way it could be or should be. Ours is a broken world, and fixing it will require changing the way its always been.

I realize Im writing from a place of privilege. My encounters with police have been few, and the troubling ones resulted from my job as a reporter, not because of the color of my skin.

Im no expert, and I dont pretend to be. This isnt my time to talk. Its my time to listen.

Because of how my brain works, I think of things in the context of art. How is art expressing these times? How are local artists manifesting their emotions?

Local singer Britt Reynolds did a photo shoot recently with photographer Lou Columbus that became a statement on the murder of George Floyd, as well as the innumerable unjust murders of unarmed citizens at the hands of police brutality, she said.

These photos are a form of peaceful protest involving a powerful art form; they share the plea for justice, while condemning the violence being used against peaceful protesters, including deadly rubber bullets and abortifacient tear gas; they encourage all citizens to stand up for what is right, and to condemn police brutality and systemic racism, Reynolds said.

This isnt a new issue, she said, but one that has persisted throughout time. While racial discrimination and police brutality toward black citizens sparked the moment, Reynolds hoped police reform would promote the safety and rights of all people, regardless of race or background.

This art stands for justice and freedom, and we hope our images motivate swift governmental and personal change, she said.

I received this week a list of actions and considerations for being an effective ally that make sense to me. Theyre good advice in any situation where you hope to be an agent for peace and understanding.

First, be aware of and challenge unconscious biases or biased behaviors you may have. Try to be a focused, thoughtful and empathetic listener. Encourage and support differences.

Try to be more open-minded, aware and available to discuss issues and ideas. Invite colleagues with different perspectives to your meetings, lunches and social events.

Know that negative comments about race, gender, religion, disability, orientation, etc. are harmful. Dont see or hear something inappropriate and stay silent. Defend others. Speak up.

Treat all people with dignity and respect. When interacting with those who are different from you, look at the world through their lens. Seek to understand more. Educate yourself. Learn from each other.

When I was growing up, we called this The Golden Rule Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Some form of this exists in every religion and ethical system throughout history, and all of the strategies above stem from that same concept.

One of my favorite versions of this maxim is a proverb from the Yoruba people of Nigeria: One who is going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.

Art helps us do that. Its meant to evoke feeling, to communicate grand ideals that elevate us as humans, to show us other perspectives. Yes, it can and should be used for light entertainment purposes as well, but art that lives on is art that touches hearts in some way. Open yours.

Peace.

Tony Simmons is a writer and editor for The News Herald. His column appears most weeks in the Entertainer.

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Of art, allies and the Golden Rule - The News Herald

A misunderstanding of what I meant by justice in last weeks column has prompted me to revisit the subject this week.

A misunderstanding of what I meant by justice in last weeks column has prompted me to revisit the subject this week. Some readers thought I was speaking of getting even, an eye for an eye sort of thing, but thats the last thing I mean. As Gandhi so famously said, An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

No, justice, from my Christian perspective, is about the joy of living the Golden Rule.

Youll recall that Justice was the theme of Cochranes 2017 World Religions Conference, sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community of Calgary (see my column for May 11, 2017). In addition to myself, representatives from Judaism, Islam and the Bahai Faith shared their traditions teachings on justice. Ive reconnected with the other three representatives to get their take on justice in the midst of our current events.

At that time, event organizer Kalim Ahmed, addressing the increase in global tensions then as now, said, The root cause for the lack of peace is the lack of fairness and justice.

In view of our current situation, Kalim adds: The Holy Quran says that, Indeed Allah requires you to abide by justice, to treat with grace and to give like the giving of kin to kin. Humanity is in dire need of the application of this universal principle. They are expected to learn the art of returning more than the others dues; this generosity will benefit people without obligation and become the basis of love, peace and harmony in the society.

Shaul Osadchey, former Head Rabbi at Calgarys Beth Tzedec Synagogue, agrees. One of the foundational principles of Judaism is the embrace of justice as we find in Deuteronomy 16:20: Justice, Justice shall you pursue. This is a concept of justice that does not distinguish it from the values of faith or love.

To this he adds: Hillel, the great rabbinic sage of the 1st century, taught, Do not do what you would not want done to you. For Judaism, a foundation for moral society had to be built based upon minimum standards of conduct that all persons could observe. From this foundation, individuals could rise to higher levels of respect and eventually to the highest rung of love.

In light of the global protests regarding George Floyds death, justice is a fundamental expression of dignity for every human being regardless of race, gender, creed or ability.

Judie Bopp, speaking from a Bahai perspective, noted that the Bahai writings state unequivocally that justice is the essential foundation for world peace: Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.

Responding to the current scene in the spirit of the Golden Rule, she quotes from the writings of their founder, Bahaullah: O son of man, if thine eyes be turned towards mercy, forsake the things that profit thee and cleave unto that which will profit mankind. And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbour that which thou choosest for thyself.

Ill conclude with the Canada-specific perspective of a Stoney Nakoda First Nations member from Morley. Former Eagle columnist and currently Team Lead of the Calgary Indigenous Relations Office Dr. Terry Poucette responded to my concern that justice must not be an eye for an eye:

I really appreciate your emphasis, she says. Revenge is not the answer, as it only tends to exacerbate problems. While many are angry and have every reason to be, what the Black Lives Matter protestors want is not revenge, but justice and equality. Only when Canada opens its eyes, faces reality, and works hard at genuine change can all Canadians be filled with the joy of justice.

So, thats our collective opinion on the joy of justice and the Golden Rule. May it be so!

2020 Warren Harbeck

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COFFEE WITH WARREN: The Joy of Justice and the Golden Rule - Cochrane Today

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Call it karma, the golden rule or paying it forward. In the midst of a pandemic and economic downturn, with racial tensions high, at a time when it would be so easy to turn inward, New Mexicans are looking around to see what they can do to make their corner of the world a better place to live.

And being rewarded in return.

The eighth graders at Santa Fe Waldorf School will still be going on a rafting trip after donating the $2,800 they raised to the Navajo Nation. Samantha DAnna decided to pick up some trash during a recent visit to Jemez Springs and became the villages honored guest. And a group of strangers came together this month to rescue an injured dog from the Sandias and have become local heroes.

As the news brings us brutality and wrongs that must be righted, it is essential for our communities and our sanity that we remember there are many, many good people doing good things who deserve not only recognition but our thanks.

The students at Santa Fe Waldorf sold pizza and burritos for two years to raise enough money for a class rafting trip on the San Juan River scheduled in May. Then came the coronavirus and the cancellation notice. Flush with nearly three grand, the 18 students decided to use the cash for essential supplies enough nonperishable food, toilet paper, disinfectants, thermometers, medicine, baby formula and diapers to fill a large rental van for the Navajo Nation. Teacher Daisy Barnard said it was the first time in months they had something to get excited about.

Eleventh grader Indie Russell, who went on the delivery trip, says she feels privileged to attend a private school with plenty of opportunities. She said she wanted to make things better for others, and the students did. But the story only gets brighter. A man then contacted their school and offered to pay for the trip when health restrictions are lifted. Anchors aweigh, kids!

Los Alamos professional photographer Samantha DAnna was on a trip to Jemez Springs in late May when she noticed a large amount of trash and decided to do something about it. The trash had been left by others in Jemez Springs and parts of the Santa Fe National Forest, and DAnnas appreciation of the areas beauty compelled her to clean it up.

So the appreciative Village of Jemez Springs made June 11 Samantha DAnna Day, even though she doesnt live there. A celebration outside the Village Plaza included Mayor Roger Sweet and village staff presenting DAnna with a proclamation certificate and a $100 gift card. Imagine what New Mexico would look like if everyone had that pick-it-up attitude.

Earlier this month, retired engineer Cynthia Klaila was heading back after hiking five miles on La Luz Trail when she heard desperate wails from a dog in a ravine. Klaila could have hiked on, but she knew the dogs survival depended on her, so she took the steep climb down. The poochs owner, who spoke no English, soon returned with water. The two crafted a makeshift gurney to hoist the dog up the ravine, but none of their contraptions worked. Klaila went back up to the trail to flag down help, and along came 45-year-old Albuquerque attorney Jason Bousliman. Bousliman and Klaila went down the ravine, and with the dogs owner attempted to heave 80- to 100-pound Maya up the rocky wall. But their combined efforts were futile. So Bousliman clutched the dog and managed to clamber up the rocky ravine and start down the trail, where he was met by Velita and Cody Turner, on vacation from Fort Worth, Texas. Once the team reached La Luz trailhead, other hikers came forward to offer aid and share contact info.

These bright spots show simple acts of kindness and decency that make real differences in peoples lives. Just ask Mayas owner, anyone enjoying the pristine Jemez, or any joyfully screaming eighth graders you see rafting down the San Juan River.

OPINION

tuesday, june 16, 2020 A8

editorials

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.

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Editorial: Thanks to the many making news thats good in New Mexico - Albuquerque Journal

Dr. Alton A. Williams, Special to the USA TODAY NETWORK Published 5:00 a.m. ET June 13, 2020 | Updated 12:21 p.m. ET June 13, 2020

Protesters that were among the nearly two dozen taken into custody while demonstrating in Camden Tuesday said they were injured and poorly treated by police in a 12-hour ordeal. Delaware News Journal

Racism in America is as repugnant as any human indignity experienced in all of world history including the Holocaust, killings by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, apartheid in South Africa and on and on. Racism is an abject sin of depravity of the human soul. It is evil and devilish and it must be atoned for. White America and others who have contributed to this system for personal gain must repent both individually and collectively for being the beneficiaries of a system of discrimination, privilege, monetary gain, hatred and yes, even brutal lynchings and indiscriminate murder.

The biblical standard for personal relationships in all aspects is known simply as the Golden Rule. It is stated in the Old Testament in Leviticus 19:18 and it was a direct quote of Jesus in the New Testament in Matthew 7:12 and then again in Luke 6:31. Stated quite simply the Golden Rule is, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Dover protesters continued their trend of peaceful protesting this week, advocating for black equality/(Photo: Andre Lamar, Dover Post)

What does atonement look like? One must first humble oneself, pray, and seek Gods nature and turn (repent, atone) from ones wicked ways. Racism is a wicked way. It must give way to the Spirit of the Lord. What is the Biblical standard for wickedness? It is a synonym for evil or sinfulness. Among theologians and philosophers, it has a more specific meaning of evil committed consciously and of free will.

OPINION: The Two Americas: The divide is still wide

The fact that racism in these United States was committed by free people knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily of their free will absent any duress is what makes racism so despicable. The African people brought to this country as slaves along with Native Americans already living in the colonies taught the white colonists which plants they could eat safely. They taught them how to prepare their food. They built shelters and monuments to their white heroes. In spite of the many contributions of enslaved people, they died at the hands of those same colonists who stole their lives, their children and their humanity.

This history of ungodliness must give way to the Spirit of the Lord. One must cry out to God and ask Him to forgive the wickedness perpetrated on black Americans for centuries. Then and only then will the heart and hand of God move as He promises to forgive your sins and heal your land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

An aspect of atonement is financial restitution reparations for centuries of enslavement, Jim Crow, lynchings, separate but equal policies and repressive laws, denied livable wage jobs and the existence of centuries of free labor. It is easy for any business to survive and thrive on the basis of free labor.

Robert Johnson, the first black billionaire, is calling for reparations to the tune of $14 trillion for 400 years of degradation. I would add to that figure the concept of treble damages. Treble damages are intended to be punitive in order to deter others from committing the same offenses. These damages are imposed to not only punish the perpetrator but to also compensate the plaintiff.

Dr. Alton A. Williams(Photo: Alton A. Williams)

Therefore, I am proposing that every African- American man, woman, and child be awarded $1,052,301 ($350,767 x 3 = treble damages ) for the legacy of slavery imposed upon their lives.These cash payments can be paid over a 1 to 3 year period.To all African- Americans nationwide the great wealth transfer is about to happen. The last shall be first( Matthew 19:30).

OPINION:Black lives matter: Saying that doesn't take away from anyone else's life

Recall how Moses was used by God to set the Hebrew slaves free after 400 years of bondage? God used the tenth and final plague to loosen the grip of bondage and permitted the Hebrews to leave enslavement with all of the wealth of Egypt. The wealth was released not because the Hebrews insisted upon it but because it was the will of God. By the way that wealth has never left the descendants of those slaves unto this day. Likewise, my fellow African American citizens, do not fret about how this transfer will happen since it will be accomplished by the will of God. I believe God is setting the stage now and is speaking volumes in the streets and in cities throughout the world.

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George Floyds death will not be in vain. It doesnt matter that it is not the will of taxpayers to pay reparations, nor if it is not in the hearts of most lawmakers, nor if it is not in the mind of the current president. We will not have to beg for what is rightfully ours. God will judge and He Himself will right the wrongs. We simply need to stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord. How He does it will be His miracle.

Have faith because Black Lives Matter to God.

Dr. Alton A. Williams is a practicing optometrist in Wilmington.

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The sin of racism and a solution: Reparations for African Americans - The News Journal

Insist on masks

As Ohio begins to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been dismayed with the arrogance, willful ignorance, and just plain lack of common decency of many I see not wearing face masks in businesses and public spaces.

And those who wear masks that are loose or leave the nose exposed might as well not be wearing one at all.

Perhaps it is because they do not understand the concept of asymptomatic transmission: People who show no symptoms of sickness can transmit the disease exponentially. One person can infect hundreds and each of them can transmit the virus and so on.

Perhaps they do not understand that the people with whom they come into contact may have underlying health issues related to cancer, other diseases, weak immune systems or to aging.

Perhaps they are making a political statement; yet viruses dont have political affiliations.

Wearing a mask can literally protect others from sickness and death. Numerous studies have been released demonstrating that universal face mask use may be the single most effective act to stop the pandemic.

I call on Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Assembly to pass legislation to make the wearing of face masks in public areas mandatory. I also call on businesses to deny entry of anyone not wearing one or not wearing one correctly.

If people wont live by the Golden Rule by doing a simple thing like wearing a face mask during a pandemic, then they must be called out. Lives depend on it.

Greg Brozeit, Fairlawn

Apology seems sincere

This is regarding the June 10 article Woman fired from job apologizes for texts, which is about (I assume) a Caucasian young lady who at the age of 14 or 15 sent out some racist text messages and was fired from her job. My husband and I are proud African American parents who reared three wonderful African American children into adulthood. Thank God they grew up to be fine, God-fearing, contributing young people. When they were young teens, they did a lot of stupid, immature things that they are not proud of and neither are their parents.

I was impressed with this young ladys sincerity. I think she has matured and realized that her actions were hurtful, immature and childish. She can maybe be able to influence the views of some of her friends, relatives and acquaintances concerning the existence of racism in Americans.

Young people deserve another chance when they try to do the right thing. We all make mistakes, but it takes a mature person to admit it and apologize. I pray that her employer offers her job back and gives her another chance. She deserves it.

Helen V. Sanders, Akron

Honor Sojourner Truth

Yes, Akrons rubber history is important. But the next statue unveiled here will be yet another man. Formerly enslaved, itinerant preacher, abolitionist and womens rights activist Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) gave her most famous speech in Akron on May 29, 1851 nearly 170 years ago. Yes, there are Native American images, but none of named African Americans or women in Akron. The Aint I A Woman! crocheted mural, a temporary installation unveiled in 2018, was removed from Lock 3 last year.

Woodrow Nashs unfinished Sojourner Truth sculpture, commissioned in 2000 by the late Faye Hersh Dambrot, remains unfunded a symbol of our unfinished commitment to eradicating racism.

Nancy Rose Foye-Cox, Akron

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Voice of the People, June 17, 2020: Wearing a mask should be mandatory in Ohio; apology for racist text shows maturity; Akron needs Sojourner Truth...

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

This quote from Jesus Christ is also called, The Golden Rule. Its a foundational pillar of the Christian faith.

Underlying this simple command is empathy. By treating others the way I would like to be treated, I place myself in their shoes. I treat, respect and love them, the way I want to be treated, respected and loved. There is mutuality. We are connected.

I feel we are in a Divine Pause and God wants our collective, connected attention.

The world has been brought to a screeching halt. No gridlock. No school. No sports. No usual distractions. God is asking us to place ourselves in the shoes of those impacted by the trauma of racism and police violence.

We are in a moment in this countrys history where we can define who we are moving forward. The Declaration of Independence states, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal

Because of our countrys original sin, slavery, and its progeny Jim Crow, we have not lived up to the Christian ideal that all men [and women] are created equal. Consequently, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness have been an elusive ideal for too many for too long.

As a country and as people, we are supposed to be connected, but far too often we are disconnected. Disconnected consistently and intentionally, since before the nation was founded by ethnicity (race).

We can choose to unbind the ties of racism that separate us and embrace being a beloved community of Gods children.

We must listen to those impacted by racism.

We must commit to be and do better.

We must commit to a life of empathy and love because our lives are connected and inter-connected.

We can only be who God is fully calling us to be, when those around us are allowed to be whom God has called them to be.

Its time to connect with empathy, end racism and be the beloved community God has called us to be.

Rev. Elliott Robinson, JD, MDiv is the Pastor of Nimno AME Church, in Nicholson. He is an Ecumenical Partner with the Georgia Justice Projects campaign, Second Chance for Georgia. He is also a Teaching Assistant at the Candler School of Theology (Emory University) and Candler School of Theologys Certificate in Theological Studies Program at Arrendale Prison for Women.

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WHAT THIS MOMENT MEANS: Time to connect with empathy - Main Street Newspapers

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Whenever there is a shake-up in the market, there are stories shared and lessons learned. Market downturns are the place where a client discovers, for better or worse, if the financial advice they got from their advisor was the right advice.

When things are going well, and the bulls are running, bad advice gets obscured amid the excitement. Sometimes even the most incompetent and untrustworthy planners look good as long the moon is waxing.

An oft-quoted adage says, A rising tide lifts all ships. But the real test of whether the advice they are getting is sound or not is what happens to their money when the market goes off track.

(Related:Finke, Blanchett: Retirement Advice for Clients in a Crisis)

Because the human brain hates uncertainty, risk, and bad news, we have a kind of collective amnesia when it comes to the carnage of the last recession. The longest bull market in history has caused many people to forget how much they lost and how badly it hurt.

Once the bruises of 2008 healed, a punishing environment for savers had some advisors nudging even their retired clients back toward Wall Street to chase returns and take on risk.

While there were indeed indications that we may have been ready to enter a bust cycle before COVID-19, the pandemic certainly has hastened the end of the bubble in dramatic ways.

It also created a golden opportunity to help clients re-evaluate their risk tolerance levels. Having been in a bull market for so long, most people dont even know what their tolerance level is or where it should be. They havent had to worry about it, until now.

Many of my clients remember 2008 very well. But some of them have gotten so used to getting significant market returns that theyve forgotten how it feels to be on the losing end of things.

As I think about the best way to help navigate my clients through these post-virus uncertainties, my golden rule about money comes to mind. Lyle, what are you doing with your money?

Having lost my life savings in the market in the early 90s, I learned very quickly how foolish taking too much risk can be.

I like to remind my clients that I lost almost everything I had, late in the game. I was lucky that I recovered by implementing the safe money habits I now encourage them to adopt. Unfortunately, most older people wont be that fortunate. They really cant afford to lose a single penny in retirement.

If you genuinely want to stand out among other advisors, particularly as the pandemic winds down, then you need to take a stronger stance when it comes to protecting retirees from risk.

You could begin by surveying current clients and prospects, asking them relevant questions regarding their attitudes toward risk.

For example:

Understanding exactly how much risk your client or prospect is willing to tolerate is critical to helping them design a retirement that is comfortable and secure.

I believe that just after a market downturn is the very best time to discover these answers. You will prove to your clients your devotion to protecting and preserving their savings. Show that you are listening to their concerns, and can provide solutions like a no-fee hybrid fixed indexed annuities that will address those critical risk concerns.

Connect with ThinkAdvisor Life/Health onFacebook,LinkedInandTwitter.

Lyle Boss has taught estate planning and asset preservation for more than 20 years, at the University of Utah and other places. He has also taught more than 200 senior retirement consumer education workshops in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

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Maybe It's Time to Gut Check Your Risk Tolerance - ThinkAdvisor

LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The book, Swords of The Vatican, Reflections Of A Witness To Evil, by Holocaust survivor, Severyn Ashkenazy reveals shocking research on the history of mass murder, persecution and dominance by use of force. To maintain power and dominance for more than sixteen centuries force was used by the Vatican against whole groups of people who were deemed a threat to its power. Any group that deviated from the Roman Catholic Church were slated for persecution and elimination. These innocent lives did not matter, especially the Jews.

Flash forward to 2020. Cries for justice following the horrific death of George Floyd by a white police officer created a global multicultural movement to fight racism and injustice.

Swords of The Vatican, Reflections Of A Witness To Evil provides a chilling look at how brutality and injustice began at the birth of Christianity and still exists today.

Born in 1936, Poland, Severyn Ashkenazy with his parents and brother, survived Nazis after being hidden for two years in a dark, damp cellar. This made him ask why? Why is there so much hate for the Jews? As a child he was taught that life was about kindness to others. Jews educate their children and ask them to follow the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Why then was that not what happened to his family? He spent the rest of his life researching history, religion and the origin of hate. The prologue quotes a Jewish biblical dictum, "He who saves a single life saves an entire world." Shouldn't this be the goal for humanity? Anyone who cares about truth and justice needs to read SWORDS OF THE VATICAN today. Available at Amazon and local bookstores by request.

Paperback - Second Edition ISBN 978057868444-4 https://bit.ly/2LZlAmB https://amzn.to/2A3R1tw

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Media Contact: Roz Wolf818-522-7948[emailprotected]

SOURCE Swords Of The Vatican

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Systemic Hate and The Use of Force Started with Vatican Dominance, Says Author Severyn Ashkenazy - PRNewswire

The La Jolla Light asked readers for their thoughts on race relations and issues such as police brutality in light of the nationwide demonstrations following the death of George Floyd during an arrest by Minneapolis police May 25. Here are the responses as of June 15:

My 12-year-old daughter was so empowered to participate in the recent protest march in La Jolla and made a rainbow of positive and supportive signs to hang in front of our house on the highly visible corner of Draper and Nautilus.

In the late afternoon after the march, I was sitting in the front yard reading the paper when I heard a ripping sound and an angry voice cursing. A very irate white man spewing invective was tearing my daughters signs from the bushes where we had attached them.

I tried to stop him, ask him to leave my property alone, but he cursed at me and shouted, I dont need to see this crap! and left, carrying all our signs under his arm. I was glad my daughter was not home to see such rage.

We live so protected from that kind of violence protected by our skin color and this beautiful place where we live. As I told my daughter when I told her about what had happened, it was just a tiny taste of what so many people face every day feeling powerless in the face of hate for who they are and what they stand for.

Sonia Teder-Moore

It is our job to acknowledge and take the time to learn about the history of systemic racism and how the recent events fit into a pattern of inequality for black people.

Black people only make up 1 percent of La Jollas population, one of the wealthiest ZIP codes in San Diego, largely due to the racism embedded in wealth, income, housing, education, banks, employment and health care.

I urge the La Jolla Light to share resources to help readers educate themselves on our history of oppression and to become actively anti-racist. It is our responsibility to listen to black voices, learn and take action.

There are many books, podcasts, movies and more that shed light on the black experience and dive into important conversations about racial equality and justice. We need solutions to affirm the prosperity of black lives.

We also need to acknowledge police brutality against black people and demand accountability. It is moving to see so many San Diegans come together in support of black lives and against police brutality.

I do believe this movement will lead to lasting change, but it is up to us to make the commitment. Black lives matter, today, tomorrow and every day after that.

Thanks for giving readers a voice.

Sarah Schug

I am writing this as a half-white and half-Filipino La Jollan who has not faced the discrimination that black Americans have faced for hundreds of years. I have never felt the fear that they feel. I have never gone through the pain that they have gone through. To have others harass you because of your race is an experience that I have never had.

So if you are like me and have not gone through what black Americans have gone through, remember to listen to them and their stories.

Throughout history, listening has helped make great change. Americans listened to the experiences of women and fought for the 19th Amendment in the 1920s.

Americans fought for the 40-hour work week after they listened to the experiences of laborers in the 1940s.

Listening can create a better world, and thats what we need to do now. In 2020, we need to listen to black Americans.

If people listened to black Americans, people would hear that black Americans want to end police brutality. They do not want to fear for their lives when doing daily activities like jogging and walking on the street. They want police to protect and serve everyone rather than only protecting certain races.

They want to end the memorialization of Confederate leaders who fought for slavery and the suffering of black Americans.

They want justice for all people that police murdered.

If people listened to the black Americans, people would hear black Americans saying that there will be no peace until murderers are brought to justice. People will hear black Americans saying that the current unfair system that hurts black people needs to be fixed.

People would hear that black Americans want change.

Listen to what black Americans have to say. It is long overdue. When they tell their stories and share their experiences, you can learn the problems that the black community faces and join them in their fight for justice and equality.

I, among many others in La Jolla, have never had the experiences black Americans have had, so I am always ready to hear what they have to say. Listening is learning, and learning can create change.

Nathaniel Watson

The current racial crisis brought back the pain of the 60s, when the country went up in flames over civil rights.

My late husband and I were actively involved in the movement in our hometown of Omaha, Neb., and suffered retribution and death threats, distancing from friends and a bank calling a note on my husbands business, which was destructive.

There were some legislative changes, but discrimination continued. Real change wont occur without elected officials, corporation executives, law enforcement agencies, education institutions and religious institutions becoming really dedicated to weed out the rules, laws, behaviors, culture of discrimination and hate in their respective venues.

You cant change a persons mind about their distorted beliefs without education and the refusal of government and others to tolerate hate and destruction of the lives of others different than them.

I hope I live long enough to see real change happen.

Diana Hahn

I think that as a society we need to redouble our efforts to provide health and education to all the disadvantaged members of our society from birth to grave.

It is important to give maternal health and care before one is born, accompanied by coaching and education on nutrition of the body and the soul (mind) from birth to maturity. This means life skills in the 21st century.

Parents need to have jobs and health insurance and life skills in how to budget, prepare healthy meals on a budget, and bring up healthy and educated offspring with healthy living practices, learning skills and civic education.

This advice refers to all members of society, with a special emphasis on minorities, immigrants and economically disadvantaged members of our society.

Eduardo Feller

I spent my early years in a non-affluent area of Queens, N.Y. I went to public school, was in the Army and worked with people of many backgrounds, without any problems.

I then bought a business and a gun to work in Newark, N.J. Three break-ins, three hold-ups and one murder.

Based on my limited experience, people are people. Given a decent education and a chance at a decent life, no one with half a brain would choose a life of crime and being locked up for most of his life. There isnt enough money in it.

I would like to see if any newspaper would dare print the rap sheet of some that people tried to turn into heroes.

Stanley Back

Prejudice, racism, sexism and discrimination these are all issues that have plagued mankind throughout history. Our progress in resolving these issues has evolved slowly.

We try to resolve these psychological and human-nature issues with a legal approach. The legal process is essential for society, yet not sufficient for psychological and human-nature issues. Of course, we need to enact laws that now require reform to prevent people from acting badly, but it cannot legislate how people feel and think, especially by how some of us have been raised and/or become set in our ways.

Law cannot necessarily force people to respect each other and be friends, as interpersonal relationships are a psychological function, not a legal one. Psychology is supposed to be scientific, about understanding reality and figuring out how things work for making changes.

The best way to overcome racial bigotry and promote racial understanding and harmony is to start practicing the Golden Rule: Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.

Racism is a catalyst for violence, and anger is a legitimate response to oppression and discrimination. Racism is not just the result of peoples distrust in one another but more to do with economic disparity and class distinction. Simply, if you dont feel like youre getting a fair shake, naturally you feel resentful.

This is why its important we treat each other the way we want to be treated. We need to educate the youth of our nation about the inherent bias and dangers of racism becoming saturated into our world. The solution lies in reformed education of our youth, by speaking openly and being honest about our countrys history of bigotry, sexism and stereotypes.

Our history prepares our youth to challenge these issues. For example, a child who knows the racial history of the Confederate flag is less likely to brandish that symbol out of ignorance, as well as being taught the history of the hateful lynchings in the South through the 1960s and the names that were hateful terms and carried the brunt of hundreds of years of painful history.

By teaching our youth that racism is a system of oppression, and that while white people can be prejudiced against, they will learn they have never in American history experienced the long and aching pain of racism.

Ultimately, teach our youth that forgiveness and acceptance are powerful tools, but only after recognizing the ignorance and bigotry of the people they need to forgive and accept.

As residents of our community, whether you are a parent, business owner, neighbor, friend, teacher, etc., we are teachers of our youth and our actions speak louder than words.

This starts with providing the opportunity and making the time, patience and desire to help our youth grow into adults who value and honor diversity. By doing this, someday they will be able to practice what they learned and be better people for it, and at the same time, be accountable and responsible for their actions.

In my view, it will be the youth of our nation who will lead us toward racial understanding and harmony to find justice. It is up to all of us to set an example of practicing the Golden Rule and showing respect to all in order to help achieve justice.

Today, we can reflect back to when then-President Obama spoke at a service in Boston in 2013 about an 8-year-old boy who was the youngest of three people killed in the Boston Marathon bombings, who had previously made a homemade poster at school in which he wrote: No more hurting people. Peace.

At a young age, this boy understood what it could mean to believe in the Golden Rule and so did this Being: From one man, He made every nation of men.Acts 17:26.

Mary Ann Goodbary

I pray that nothing bad happens to me or my family for telling this story, but I feel now I am in good company with so many good people who have had similar experiences with bad police.

I was attacked by the police right here in La Jolla in my home by Windansea Beach. It was in 1995 or 96 and I had a party for my son and his friends. We had music and food and I was well aware that there was a loud-music warning and was told that if there was a complaint the police would come and give me a warning to turn down the music, and if I did not they would come back and make me turn it down. That never happened.

While the party was going on, a fight broke out on the street between two boys, and a policeman threw a girl to the ground, and as people took his picture he called into his phone, Cop down. I was inside my property and had no idea what was going on.

We were having a great time, and at the time, my front yard alone was the size of a city lot. We had a barbecue and music. The next thing I know, police are rushing in in riot gear, helmets, shields. They were grabbing kids, clubbing, spraying pepper spray; it was insane.

Twelve police cars were on the street and a police helicopter was over my house, I took out my camera and took a photo of two police offers throwing a kid to the ground.

The next thing I know, they are running toward me, they push me to the ground on the stairs to my house and start smashing my camera, pull back my head and spray me with pepper spray. My son comes out and says, What are you doing to my mom? and they pepper spray him inside our house and take me to our local prison. I was put in an orange jump suit and one of the inmates asked me why I was there and I said because I had a party in my yard, and she did not understand till I told her the part about taking photos of the police, and then she said, Girlfriend, that is what you are doing in here, not the party.

There is something wrong with the police in this country. The whole time I was going through this experience, I kept reading Protect and Serve everywhere. I was not being protected or served, nor were those people in D.C. and other places where people were attacked by police for wanting to be heard.

I was so scared of the police for years. Every time I saw a police car I would have a small panic, knowing they could do whatever they wanted to me.

I am sure it is nothing like being black in this country, but fear was definitely instilled in me. I have black friends who know they could lose their lives by just driving their cars.

This has to change. This country need to change, police need to change what they are allowed to do and get on with protecting and serving.

I believe we have come to a time when we need to defund the police.

My son and I sued the police and won, as do thousands of people every day in this country. Billions in taxpayer money is going to pay for bad officers. We need to create a National Police Misconduct Register and get these hateful people off the streets.

We need to understand why the good ones will not tell on the bad ones and stop it.

These people have been given a badge by us to let them work out their hate issues, and it is being seen loud and clear by all of us. The whole world is watching!

The time has come to unite this country.

Melinda Merryweather

Letters published in the La Jolla Light express views from readers about community matters. Submissions of related photos also are welcome. Letters reflect the writers opinions and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or publisher. Letters are subject to editing for brevity, clarity and accuracy. To share your thoughts in this public forum, email them with your name and city or neighborhood of residence to robert.vardon@lajollalight.com.

Excerpt from:

Our Readers Write: Race relations and the path forward - La Jolla Light

Before I begin, let me state one important fact: I am a white woman in my late 20s. I do not presume to be an expert on matters of race, and I do not want to center myself in the midst of a conversation where black voices should be the loudest. That said, I recognize that Im a member of the white folks of Sudbury group, and that membership grants me certain access, like reaching an audience of other white folks in Sudbury. So white folks of Sudbury, please if you would, read some of my thoughts:

On June 2, my friend Brian and I attended the Black Lives Matter protest at Haskell Field. Brian and I met at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School when we were 14, and we have been best friends ever since. Over the past 13 years, Brian and I have engaged in conversations about our experiences at L-S and in Sudbury. We have shared what we have learned about our own identities and privilege, as well as how we participated in the myriad ways that L-S and Sudbury embody the systems of white supremacy in our country. (For those of you who just got really uncomfortable reading white supremacy, please keep reading.)

At the protest, we were heartened to see so much of our community (specifically, the white folks in our community), coming together to support the Black Lives Matter movement, and consequently, many of the families that live here. Sudbury is a much more diverse community than it was when Brian and I called it home, and we believed that this act of solidarity showed that our community has started to make necessary changes in this fight.

The next day, someone posted a discouraging post on the One Sudbury Facebook group about the Black Lives Matter messages on Tippling Rock. On the post, I saw members of our community express frustration about the graffiti, compare the graffiti to looting at protests and take focus away from the issue at hand. Given the uproar it caused, the post was taken down the next day in an effort to keep the conversation civil.

I understood the sentiment. In civil conversations, people are nice.

Niceness doesnt solve racism.

This request to stay civil is one of the many guidelines that groups set to maintain white comfort. Robin DiAngelo, the author of White Fragility, explains that these kinds of guidelines or rules presume a lack of differential power in the space. This space can manifest as a classroom, the dinner table or a comment box on Facebook.

We (white folks) come to conversations about race saying (and most often, believing) that we are all equal, that we all deserve a voice and that we would not silence or devalue anothers voice, especially because their skin is another color. We are just trying to abide by the golden rule in our conversations, keeping things polite because thats how we want to be treated. But, DiAngelo continues, power relations are always at play, and people are in different power positions in that room. So the very things that might make a white person feel comfortable may be exactly what says to a person of color, Do not be authentic; do not be yourself. Do not show your emotions. Do not get upset. Do not be angry.

Whether intentional or not, in asking others (specifically, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) to numb their opinions, emotions or experiences, we (white folks) are able to maintain the belief that we have done nothing wrong; we are not racist; we are innocent.

Instead of asking for civility, I ask the students in my ninth grade English classroom to experience discomfort whenever we have conversations about race or identity in the classroom. This norm is not meant for my students of color; this norm is meant for my white students. These conversations are going to be uncomfortable. To quote therapist Yolanda Renteria, Racism is uncomfortable. Rather than tell people how they should and should not converse to make it more palatable for us, we must listen.

To take this concept of white comfort a step further: as white folks, we cannot say that graffiti is the wrong way to protest. Renteria explains, It is not your choice to determine how an oppressed group protests. When as a white person you say violence is not the answer, you are saying peaceful protests and negotiation are the answer. You are denying the fact that marginalized groups often arent heard. Implying there are other ways minimizes the frustration and provides no answers, or solutions. It just points, with privilege, to do things a different way that doesnt disturb your comfort.

To focus on the graffiti on Tippling Rock (or more broadly, the looting and property damage that have been linked to protests nationwide) takes away focus from the issue at hand. The issue that every day, black bodies are exploited by the systems designed to protect us.

Black Lives Matter is not a partisan issue. It is a human rights issue. And residents of Sudbury have influence: connections to elite businesses and universities, political sway and wealth. It is our responsibility to use this influence to dismantle the systems of oppression present in our country, but we cannot do so effectively until we take the time to listen and learn.

While participating in Facebook debates can occasionally change a heart and mind, it is more important that we, the white folks of Sudbury, do the necessary work to change our own. Here is a list of resources where we can to start: Black Lives Matter Educate Yourself, https://bit.ly/3e6td7p; Anti-Racism Resources for all ages Padlet, https://bit.ly/2B5YvMZ; and Anti-Racism Resources, https://bit.ly/2Y5KQhO.

Molly Roach graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in 2011, and is now an English teacher at Cambridge Rindge and Latin.

Read more:

LETTER TO THE EDITORDear white folks of Sudbury - News - Wicked Local Sudbury