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We’re Just As Crazy
ears ago, when I was a
huge fan of stand-up comedy, I remember come- dians often joking about the differences between the kind of crimes Blacks typi- cally commit as opposed to those perpetrated by other ethnic groups.
The gist of their humor centered around the notion that there were lines that Black people simply would- n’t cross, regardless of how desperate or insane they were. These days that no longer appears to be the case.
The truth is that some of us (Blacks) have become just as socially inept, sick- minded and mentally dis- turbed as our light-skinned counterparts, who are more often associated with partic- ipating in the most egre- gious of societal offenses.
The time when we could simply hear a news story and determine the race of the individual involved, based on what transpired, has long passed.
I was reminded of how much things have changed earlier this week when I came across the story of the 19-year-old Central Michi- gan University student who
shot and killed his parents inside of his dorm room after they arrived on cam- pus to take him home for spring break.
While no clear motive has been established to ex- plain why the young man snapped, the speculation is that his psychotic episode was prompted by his expo- sure to some type of illicit mind-bending narcotic.
By now you would think that the idea of a Black kid murdering his mother and father wouldn’t be so shock- ing in the post D. C. sniper era, especially considering the number of Black lu- natics who’ve come out of the closet since. But, to be honest, for me it’s still hard to accept that, as a people, we’ve become so seriously ill.
Don’t get me wrong. I re- alize that Black people are capable of being as foul as members of any other group. But in the past we were at least able to take pride in the fact that we, generally, never traveled down the road of complete depravity.... Black children using their parents for tar- get practice effectively ends that idyllic notion.
I imagine that part of what we’re witnessing now can be credited to our com- plete assimilation into American society.
After 160+ years of straightening our hair, at- tempting to lighten our skin, adapting to a foreign culture and being condi- tioned through what Carter G. Woodson de- scribed as a “mis-education system,” we’ve finally pro- duced a generation of indi- viduals who, by all intent and purpose, have success- fully taken on the character- istics of the dominant society. What we once viewed strictly as “white people foolishness” has now become as much a part of our communities as fried fish dinners and block par- ties on Sundays.
With that being the case, it would be crazy to believe that what happens on the other side of town couldn’t also occur in our own back- yards.
There was a time back in the day when that wouldn’t be the case. But, now that the lines have been blurred, and we’re mimicking the be- havior we once found laugh- able, we’re just as susceptible to madness greeting us at our front doors as everybody else.
Reality On Ice is © by the Florida Sentinel Bulletin Publishing Company. You can con- tact Mr. Barr at: cbar- ronice@gmail.com.
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Why We Support Les Miller
illsborough County Commissioner Les Miller has
put forth a 3-point plan to stop the sale and curb the presence of assault rifles in Hillsborough County. In quick clip he proposes (1) banning the sale of assault weapons in Hillsborough County (2) increasing the waiting period for buying guns like AR15s and AK47s from 3 to 5 days, and (3) charging anyone who uses so- cial media to harass or threaten Hillsborough County schools as perpetrating a criminal misdemeanor.
But there’s only one problem. Out of his own mouth, Miller explains a rule exists which states no local gov- ernment can circumvent state law. Furthermore, the Governor can – if he’s of a mind to – “remove” (Miller) from office or he can levy the Commissioner with a $5,000 fine.
Says Miller, “I know I’m putting my career on the line, but I’m going to bring it up (at last Wednesday’s meeting), anyway.”
So, why are we unabashedly standing behind, be- side, and in front of this courageous County Commis- sioner who is no stranger to facing fiery dragons when no one else has the guts to do so?
We’re supporting Miller because once again, the man is right. And if his being right turns out to be suc- cessful, then every man, woman, and child in Hillsbor- ough County, if not the State of Florida, needs to thank him for picking up the mantle of leadership and wear- ing it defiantly.
However, before we say farewell, we must say we didn’t overlook the fact that only the governor could call down Miller’s bid to save lives and make history.
So, perhaps, Commissioner Miller needs to consider moving up to another surname (Governor), which is another way of saying we commend the Commissioner.
After all, what is sacrifice in the face of duty?
It’s About Time
“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.”
– Earl Nightingale
mpowered Greet-
ings. The clock is tick- ing. The countdown has begun. It is about time for you to take center stage.
Come out of hiding. The world is waiting for what you have to offer. It’s about time for you to increase your pres- ence in your community,
corporation, organization and ministry.
Brand and market your- self, your services and the benefits of doing business with you. It’s about time to serve those who have been serving you.
Give back. Give of your time, talent and resources to help others get where you are or where they want to be. It’s about time for you to step up and step out to live a full and fulfilled life.
Stop waiting for the so- called “right time” because time waits for no man. It’s about your time NOW! It’s about time for you to spend your time creating the legacy
you want to leave behind. Lastly, it’s about time for you to “Live well, Laugh often and Love much.” For
life is just about time.
Invite Selphenia to be a
guest speaker, facilitator or workshop instructor at your next event, she is available to speak at churches, schools, universities, business organ- izations, retreats and confer- ence. Call (813) 603-0088.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 5-A