Here it is again

For all who think that racial profiling is a thing of the past, here it is again.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., renowned author and Harvard professor, was arrested in his home for suspected burgularly. Story here

It is sad to think that even a well known, 59 year old black man has to deal with profiling by the police. The next thing we will be reading in the newspaper is that Barack Obama was arrested for being in the White House.

What a sad commentary on the state of our country. I know that racial profiling happens every day on the west side of Chicago where I live. Young men being stopped and harassed for the crime of walking down the street while young and black. This is an everyday occurance in long forgotten neighborhoods like ours. But to hear about profiling in Cambridge of all places is even more discouraging.

What will it take for people to see everyone as a part of the same human race?

Why do police so easily get away with this type of treatment of those that they are to "serve and protect"?

Injustice

Did you see the movie Slumdog Millionaire? Many people did. The movie received eight Oscars and grossed over $326 million. You would think that everyone involved in this project is doing pretty well financially.

It is all of over the news this morning that one of the child stars of the movie lost his home today. Not his big home in Hollywood. His shanty in the slums.

You mean to tell me that a child who starred in a movie that grossed hundreds of millions of dollars did not receive enough money to help his family buy a home. It is unbelievable that this young boy was still living in the slums.

This is a terrible picture of the exploitation and injustice that is all to common in our world.

Hollywood gets rich on the backs of poor people and doesn't even care enough to help them out of poverty. This sounds much like the Walton family and what they have done through their Walmart empire.

God help us to love our neighbor.

What are your reactions to the story about this young boy?

Obama tells the truth - UNFORTUNATELY

This week, President Obama kept one of his campaign promises. His administration struck down a rule that banned our tax dollars going to agency that support abortion. Now your tax dollars can (and will) be sent to others countries to help support abortion.

This is a part of Obama's public policy that upset me during the campaign and now he has proven to be a man of his word and followed through on his promises to promote an agenda that allows (and promotes) more abortions.

One thing that frustrates me about it is the lack of logic used to promote it. Obama said this is a "political wedge issue," adding that he had "no desire to continue this stale and fruitless debate." It is treated as if everyone must see it his way or else. Differing opinions than his are just for politics and fruitless.

President Obama presents himself as someone who listens to all and seeks to help people respect differing opinions. But when it comes to abortion, there is no room for debate with him. We all need to quit debating and see it his way.

If it wasn't a matter of life and death for so many innocent people, it might be simply ironic to see his completely different character on this issue.

I personally view abortion as not only murder, but also as a fundamental issue of justice. Justice for those with no voice who are being killed. The injustice that blacks in America are disproportionately targeted for abortions.

Heaven helps us to repent of our continued sins of injustice as a nation.

What are your feelings about Obama's stance on abortion?

Learning about the city

A friend of mine, Scott Lundeen, is producing video and other materials to introduce people who are unfamiliar with the issues that exist in our urban centers to ways that they can be involved. The website states that "Urban Entry is designed to generate conversation that leads to action around a variety of what have been considered “urban” issues: poverty, race relations, justice, etc."

If you are a Christian who cares about the problems that exist in the cities of America but are not sure how to get involved, I would suggest URBAN ENTRY as a first step in learning. Take the time to peruse the website and even watch the videos.

Are you looking to show the love of Christ to the problems of our inner cities?

What are some other resources that others might use to learn about how to be helpful?

Abortion

This is not meant to be a political endorsement of any person or political party.

I have to admit that abortion is a big issue for me. I am utterly opposed to it. For me, it is an issue of justice. If we are not a just society to those who have the least control then it will be difficult to be just at all.

For me, it is also a race issue. This website gives the best details that I have found to show that abortions are being specifically targeted at the black community. The website states:

The purpose of this website is to reveal the disproportionate number of black babies exterminated by the abortion industry in America.
Although black women constitute only 6% of the population, they comprise 36% of the abortion industry’s clientele. The leading abortion providers have chosen to exploit blacks by locating 94% of their abortuaries in urban neighborhoods with high black populations.
This high rate of abortion has decimated the black family and destroyed black neighborhoods to the detriment of society at large.

The founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger, had roots in racism and aimed her organization in that direction. An organization that had from its very inception had a group of leaders who used abortion as an attack on a race.

The whole thing idea of abortion is appalling to me. To consider that it is legal in our society causes me to question the idea that we are in any way a civilized nation.

Most of all, abortion is an issue of the image of God. The taking of human life is an attack on God himself. What God "knit together" man destroys.

I pray that God will awaken our nation's conscience to this sin and we will repent.

How do you feel about abortion?

What is justice?

There is a lot of talk in Christian circles now a days about justice. But justice is rarely defined.

So how would you define justice?

Still unequal

A group of Chicago ministers are seeking to bring the inequalities in school funding to light. Their method is to ask students to boycott the first day of school to bring attention to this issue.

Many of these ministers are men that I have met and have a great deal of respect for. But I have serious questions about this method of bringing the issue to the forefront.

I do agree with them that education is still quite separate and unequal in this country. I do agree that children in our neighborhood are served with substandard schools while other communities have a shopping mall of learning opportunities in their schools.

My concern is more to do with why ask children to not go to school to highlight the importance of school. Especially since funding is largely based on attendance. These schools will receive less in funding because of these students not showing up. Some of these same pastors led campaigns last year going door to door to ask parents to have their children at school on the first day in order to help increase funding. The messages seem mixed to me.

Do you agree that education is still unequal in our country?
Do you think having kids protest school is a good way to make a statement about this issue?
What can be done to help bring equality in this area?

When did slavery end? Or has it?

In today's Chicago Tribune, columnist Leonard Pitts writes that slavery did not end in America in 1865. He shares some of the methods of slavery that existed long after slavery was officially abolished. He references a new book called "Slavery by Another Name".
Here are just a few of the examples that he shares:
"...the system was so elaborate that businesses could put in orders with local sheriffs to arrest the number of men they needed."
"...in the antebellum years, a slave represented an investment of up to $2,000, but in this new economy, slave labor was cheap, which made slave life cheaper still."
"...white men were openly buying and selling black men under this system until after World War II."
It is easy to paint hard lines on history. It is easy to say, "that was a long time ago". As we do that, we often ignore what is really going on. We ignore the systems of slavery that still affect our society today. We turn our heads as slavery in its cruelest forms is still practiced around the world.

Do you believe that slavery still exists in America? How should a Christian respond to slavery?

Goodbye to Starbucks

Many of you have heard that Starbucks is closing around 600 stores nation wide. Our local Starbucks here on the west side is being closed as a part of that. The Chicago Tribune wrote about it today. The Tribune states that the nearest Starbucks is 2 1/2 miles away.

This Starbucks opened less than two years ago. To many on the west side it was a sign that investors were finally willing to start their businesses here as well. It was a sign of hope. And now it is leaving. It may just be a financial decision to headquarters in Seattle, but glimpses of hope that are then quickly removed is a story all to familiar to Chicago's west side neighborhoods.

On a more personal note, this Starbucks has been the site of our weekly elders meeting for our church. I guess, we will be looking for a new meeting place.

Anyone else affected by a closing Starbucks?
Why do you think that businesses refuse to invest in neighborhoods like mine?

Police shooting people

There have been 7 people shot by police in the last two weeks in the city of Chicago. 4 of them fatal. A group of Chicago ministers is looking for answers.

Those numbers are quite high by any standard. We should be concerned.

Honestly, I can see both sides of this. Police work is tough. Especially tough in Chicago. The news media is having a field day this year reporting on the shootings in Chicago. And they only report a small number of the actual shootings. So the police know that the guns are out there and they people aren't afraid to use them.

On the other hand, I have to wonder if all of the 21 incidents of people shot by police officers this year in Chicago were justifiable. Are the police a bit trigger happy because of their perceptions of the community? I know that my experiences with the Chicago Police Department have been for the most part less than pleasant if not in some cases down right wrong. And I am a white law abiding citizen who is generally reserved and respectful.

Sometimes, I feel like Bill Cosby and wonder "what were they doing with the gun in their hand anyway when they were shot". Sometimes, I feel like Rev. Marshall Hatch of Chicago who says in the tribune article "We were asked to have patience, and really, we want to communicate that patience has run out in the community,".

What are your feelings about the number of police shooting people?

Les Miserables

Last night, I took my wife to see the play Les Mis to celebrate her graduation. I enjoyed the time together and the play.

The story is about mercy, forgiveness, justice, the oppressed, love, etc. I am always intrigued by stories that bring out the theme of the mistreatment of the poor and their cry for justice. This story was based much around that struggle.

The classic song "Do you hear the people sing" captures much of that:

Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men? It is the music of
a people, who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart echoes
the beating of the drums there is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!

Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Beyond
the barricade is there a world you long to see? Then join in the fight that will
give you the right to be free!

The lyrics only tell part of the story. With music in the story, they carry much more weight.

Those who are oppressed will always cry out!

Why is it that we can read stories, hear a song, see a great play and be moved, but then never do much to work to practically change the things that we are challenged with?

Les Miserables is a great story seen around the world most often by the people of the world with resources. Why doesn't it grip their (my) heart to change things?

Celebration vs. Suffering

Last night was the 5th annual Vision Nehemiah Celebration banquet. It was a wonderful time to share together in what God is doing through Vision Nehemiah. I was given a few minutes to share the progress of the P.U.R.S.U.E. program that I am leading.

The guest speaker for the evening was Soong-Chan Rah. Rah is currently assistant professor of church growth and evangelism at North Park University. In a short time, Rah spoke a very powerful message about developing leaders. He shared with us that it is projected that by the year 2050 all of the US population will be minorities and their will be no one majority group. He talked about the importance of an emerging leadership in the church that truly represents the diversity of the church. I think that he was saying that ethnic minorities need to be allowed a voice in greater evangelicalism. I couldn't agree more.

Another thing that he talked about is two theologies that need each other. One is a theology of celebration that is largely represented in the western church especially by whites. The other is a theology of suffering that is much more global and is also representative of many minority groups in the US. He shared that need for both to hear from each other and to each learn from and complete each other. Unfortunately what happens to often is a theology of celebration tells a theology of suffering that it needs to conform to it.

In a sense, if you don't play by our rules, then we don't let you get a say in the church. That is why most college theology professors are white. Most evangelical books are written by whites. Most evangelical conference speakers are white. Because those in control just don't relate to the voices of these "others".

The church in America as a whole has not seen the value of learning from a theology of suffering and as a result our theology is often lacking.

So I ask you, do you see this too? What can be done to open doors to these leading voices that need to be heard? Will a time come when more ethnic minorities will teach in our seminaries and have their writings published?

Peace

"If you want peace, work for justice"
Pope John VI

What do you think about this idea? Is peace intimately connected to justice?

Racial Profiling

Is it wrong for the police to profile people based on race? Is it ever an acceptable practice?

I was with some friends last night and we discussed a number of topics. All of us in the group are followers of Jesus. We all are involved in ministering to others through teaching, mentoring, service, etc.

One topic that came up was fighting crime. We were talking specifically about our neighborhoods on the west side of Chicago. Two of the brothers suggested that they have no problem with the police profiling people based on race.

For example, a white person walking or driving through a neighborhood that is known for selling drugs and predominately African-American in make-up. They thought it would be OK for the police to stop them and ask questions simply based on race. The assumption would be that the person was there to buy drugs. They also suggested that it was OK to stop a young black male in a car or walking in a predominately white neighborhood. The assumption would be that the person was up to no good - theft, drug dealing, etc.

They made very clear that they do not approve of the way the police often treat people in these situations, but that their profiling based on race, if done in a respectful and polite manner, would not be a problem to them. For instance if the situation ended like this - "Sorry for the inconvenience, hope that you have a nice evening".

I strongly disagreed with them personally.

But I want you to know that these are not uninformed individuals. Both of them grew up in Chicago. Both of them live on the west side of Chicago. Both of them are faithful followers of Christ. Both of them have had negative interactions with law inforcement for doing nothing, but "looking suspicious".

This does not give you the whole discussion or every side of the reasoning, but I want to know what you think about this issue.

Is it ever right for law enforcement to stop and question people based on race? White, Black, Arab, Mexican - there can be assumptions that come with each depending on the context. Is there a better way to fight crime, terrorism, drug dealing, etc.?

Jury Duty

For the last two days, I have honored my responsibility as a citizen and served on a jury. Although somewhat inconvenient to be summoned, the whole process is quite interesting. From jury selection, to the trial, to jury deliberation, it was a memorable experience to be a part of our justice system at work.

I have many thoughts from the experience so I will just share a couple.

One thing that I found interesting is the whole idea that average citizens have a say in the outcome of the rule of law in our society. It is interesting to think that any of us can be chosen to represent our justice system in such a way that can decide criminal cases and civil cases. This is not only a responsibility, but also a privilege. People from all walks of life are trusted with this duty.

For example, on the 12 member jury that I was on, there were: women and men (mostly women), people of a number of races (5 Hispanic, 2 Black, 5 white), a number of social or economic classes (including a convicted felon on house arrest currently), and many other sub categories.

Another thing that I found interesting is the whole jury deliberation concept. The idea of getting twelve complete strangers into a room to reach a consensus is quite a feat by itself. It takes communication. (talking and listening) It takes courtesy. It takes compromise. In some ways, it is a good place to practice community.

I am thankful for the experience and the people that I met along the way.

What do you think about the jury system? Should the average citizen be given so much say in the outcomes of the enforcement of our laws?

Barack Obama - It seems that Race Matters

Dr. Cornel West, the Harvard University professor, got it right then when he authored the book "Race Matters". I mean that he got it right when in the 1990's he pointed out in his book that race did matter. As we are finding out, race still matters in America.

Geraldine Ferraro said that the only reason that Barack is where he is today is because he is a black man. SHE WAS SAYING THAT RACE MATTERS.

Barack is being condemned for something his pastor said six years ago, partially because RACE MATTERS. If you can, tell me the name of any previous presidential candidates pastor. You probably can't, because no one was ever concerned about what someones pastor was saying before.

I personally disagree with many of the conclusions that Dr. Jeremiah Wright draws from things, but I also understand that his viewpoint comes from a personal history and experience that is much different then mine.

Dr. Wright said what he said from his perspective. Why would his perspective cause him to see things that way?

Michelle Obama also said things from her perspective. Why would she feel the way that she does?

One thing that many people like about Barack is that he is running on a platform of substance and not on race. But RACE MATTERS. So race keeps coming up, even though Barack does not bring it up. Why? Barack is still a black man in America. And in America, RACE MATTERS.

Personally, I am glad that we as a nation are continuing to dialogue about race. We need to talk to each other. We need to listen to each other. We need to try to understand each other instead of immediately reacting and disagreeing.

I am constantly amazed by the number of intelligent white Americans (most often conservatives) who are so ignorant about the issue of race.

One reason that RACE MATTERS is that for our nations entire history we have practiced injustice against certain of our citizens based on race. Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans, and most everyone who is not European has been treated unfairly throughout our history because of race. And we don't want to talk about that fact.

My hope is that Americans would seek to understand each other. That they would listen to people of different races when they talk and try to understand why they are saying what they are saying. That white Americans would quit talking only to other white Americans about race. No wonder so many don't get it. That people of color in our country would be listened to and then in turn seek to dialogue on issues of race.

What do you think? Is race still an issue in America? Do you think Barack has a chance of winning the presidency? How do you motivate people to talk and listen and discuss race with people who are not like them? How can the church encourage this dialogue and true justice?

A national tragedy

There is a tragic issue in our country that is not even mentioned in this election time dialogue.

The US of A leads the world in incarceration rates. I checked several sources just to confirm this.

Something is broken.

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from a friend, Matt Harris, about this very issue. It was on his mind because of an opinion article in the Chicago Tribune by Clarence Page.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0305pagemar05,0,6389297.column

The article states that more than one in 100 adults in the U.S. is in jail or prison. That number is shocking to me. But of course it gets worse.

The article goes on to state that one in every nine black men ages 20 to 34 is incarcerated. So this tragedy has a racial component to it.

Doesn't it make you wonder if the reason that this tragedy in our country is not even being mentioned is because many people are not to concerned with the fact that so many black men are locked in a cage. Maybe we have not progressed as far as a nation when it comes to "justice for all" as we think we have.

I know that the issue is complex and multifaceted, but some questions still need to be asked. I am not naive enough to think this is the only reason for this crisis, but I am also perceptive enough to see that this issue is in someway related to race.

I am a person who doesn't mind identifying problems (obviously), but I get much more excited about working towards solutions.

Anyone have any thoughts on this national tragedy?

A few thoughts

Dr. Martin Luther King, Letters from a Birmingham Jail:

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Booker T. Washington, Up From Slavery:

Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him.