Like a recurring rash this is an issue that will not die, and I can understand the writer's frustration with the overall state of affairs. As I've said before, the constant overuse of the charge of "racism" for the sake of political posturing serves no purpose other than to dilute and distort the meaning of the word when the real thing is encountered.

Seeing everything through such a racially distorted prism makes the perception of fairness an impossibility, if a white man disagrees with a black man it is presented as racism while if he agrees it is labeled as "pandering" and ignored - when the rules of such political posturing are followed.

The possibility that an individual may be ignoring race totally and simply disagrees with the logic or conclusion of another's opinion is thrown out totally.

How absurd is that?

Meanwhile, in the real world, blacks and whites are capable of trust, closeness, cooperation and understanding when they are allowed to interact without a predisposition toward viewing every issue in life through a racial funnel of thought.

Even the closest of families have disagreements, and to expect otherwise between persons of your own race or any other would be past illogical to the point of idiocy.

Please excuse my language here but within the next few paragraphs I need to use a somewhat offensive term to properly make my point.

Many years ago I worked for a company that produced fresh baked goods for delivery throughout the state. We had a nightly production deadline which, if it wasn't met, left the delivery drivers on the road all night waiting to gain access to places such as Charlotte's Douglas Airport which had a firm cut off time for their nightly deliveries. We'd had turn over problems in the production department and had been running constantly late for months until the powers that be hired an obviously and admittedly gay young black man.

His dependability and work ethic were exemplary, and overnight we were back to running on time. One night I happened to overhear one of our black drivers complaining about having to "work with that little queer" and in reply I heard JD - a big, tough, stereotypical white redneck - reply:

"But he's our little queer so you just keep your mouth shut and leave him alone."

Let's see here, white redneck, black gay, but by the example of his work performance the black man had gained JD as an ally willing to stand up for him in a disagreement.

My point is as always, racism still exists, but individuals are the key to it's elimination, not self serving politicians.

Tony, perhaps you need to attend one of those "race relations seminars" that my spouse was required to attend several years ago when employed by the county (not guilford co. to their credit). It was basically a group of white people held captive in a room and forced to listen for three days to a cadre of black speakers who were 'experts' on rooting out racism in the workplace.

To hear them tell it they were still on the plantation. The real shame here is what the black kids are learning from these "leaders", that being always blame someone else for your troubles, preferbaly a white person.

The shame in this, Neo, is that there is group mentality that uses racism, against whites, for profit and gain soley for minorites in politics and business.

Affirmative Action favors hiring and advancement based on skin color in the workplace. If that isn't "institutional racism" I don't know what is, but you won't hear our local black "leaders" Nelson Johnson, Skip Alson, Bruce Davis or Diane Bellamy Small complaining about that injustice.

And just look at all the "Auntie Tom" and "Uncle Tom" comments that have been hurled at Condolezza Rice, Colin Powell and Clarence Thomas over the years. Harry Belafonte Even called Powell a "house ni---r", I can only think point of that was publicity.

This is a letter from one of the most bitter partisans in Guilford County. The only thing I can truly compliment Moschitti on, is that he avoided the use of "liberal" "democrat" and the like.
After considering the source, I will leave the commenting to the VERNON ROBINSON supporters. They love this kind of thing.

DD's got a new 'slur' in his vocabulary: " Vernon Robinson supporters".

I love it that Vernon has DD's panties in such a twist.

Also, calling Tony a "bitter partisan" then complimenting him on not being partisan is contradictory.

Two situations, on the same to day to exericise a point. I am a young white female, who while growing up has been pounded with classes and lectures about how I should never be racist towards a black person.

1:00 pm. Target store. Cashier: Young black female. I was in line waiting, the lady in front of me was black and was having a nice checkout and having a chat with our cashier. My turn: no greeting. Scans item without looking up. I aske her how she is doing? I smile as she does not bother to look at me and says "fine". She gives me my total, as I look at her to smile she looks at me without expression. I find that I am trying to smile and be nicer to her even though she is being outwardly rude to me.

1:15pm Subway. Young white female. She asks what I would like, and as she ir ready to put on my toppings she keeps interrupting me with and "and what else" question everytime I open my mouth to keep going. After the third such interruption I make no hesitation in telling her that she is being a rude little b*tch and that I would tell her what I wanted if she would quit interrupting me.

I think this happens a lot. Since I had my revalation I have tried to take notice of other people who are white and see if presented with the same situation if they react the same way, and do you know what? They do. For the most part, white people will be a lot more forgiving of a black person being rude to them then they are when a white person is rude to them. Is it racism to allow yourself to be treated badley because that person is black? Somehow I bet the black leaders would not see it that way.

I know i have to be careful with my wording on this but this letter seems to be the same angry white male letter that Tony writes when he is allowed to send one in. I have been reading him for years and generally the same position. Never any solutions but rather he blathers on about how others are horrible but never him. just 45 years ago, state sanctioned racism was alive and the law. African-Americans living then remember vividly the white racism directed towards them in all parts of this country. i am not justifying their present day actions/faults, but i am saying that whites cannot just wipe away recent history so whites can move on. We are talking cultural suspicions and not just race. Can't wait to get blasted for this!

Hugh,
You stuck your own head on the chopping block by defending the rhetoric of Vernon Robinson....and by referencing Popular Mechanics as a political news source. (LOL!) If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!

While Hugh is so worked up on Vernon's campaign, let's check in and see how many high profile REPUBLICANS are running to endorse Robinson........
http://www.vernonrobinson.com/robinson_contents/endorsements/

What? NO ENDORSEMENTS? Hugh, do you find this a tad confusing??? I thought at least Dr. James Dobson or Pat Robertson would be running to Vernon's side?
ARE YOU THE ONLY ONE (Other than Oak Ridge Runner) WHO SUPPORTS VERNON ROBINSON???

EMBARRASED? LOL
****
We'll keep checking in on Vernon throughout the campaign to see when those "last minute" folks storm the campaign...to hop on the Vernon Train to glory!

Don,
Your observations are correct. Tony Moschitti is a parrot of right wing demagoguery. He does suggest a violation of the Voting Rights Act to make his point, so I guess you could say that this one time, he actually proposes something.

DD, I know your elitist mentality prohibits you from picking up such a red zone magazine as PM, but you really ought to try and broaden your horizons.

Glad to see Vernon still has you riled up. Means he's a viable threat to your candiate Might want to try a new anti-perspirant as it seems you're sweating prematurely over this election.

Ok Don. Granted, just because white people want to move on does not mean that we can just sweep the recent past under the rug, but what would you suggest? Repairations? Public apology? If public apology, then should it represent everyone in the city or just those of enough years to have been alive then? I personally do not feel responsible at all. Am I not part of this city? These elected leaders represent me too.

Also, what are your views on 25-30 year olds who walk around yelling racism whenever the body shop leaves dust on their dashboards after a repair becuase they are black (actually happened)? Do people who are really not old enough to have lived in the time when racism was the norm deserve to use this term at every turn? Doesn't it in fact take something away from the black people that have suffered true injustice to have this phrase pandered about for every little thing?

Thats a lot of questions, sorry.

Hugh,
I think most (thinking) people are repulsed at Vernon's caustic rhetoric, and his divisive politics. Only you (and ORR) seem to be on par for Vernon's "ENDORSEMENTS"! LOL

How's that working for you?

DD, I recommend Speed Stick.

LBB,

i agree with you. People need to take responsibility for their own lives and actions. We know most of this is political machinations. but there is real racism in this country. it does not mean we are bad or good but it is part of our culture. You may not practice it but there are people who want to go back to white only rule and law. a beaten dog winces at the site of a newspaper. again not an excuse to use it at will but sometimes an involuntary response.

thanks, don

Well I've been gone for two weeks and have noticed a significant change. DD is now on a Vernon Robinson kick instead of a gay marriage/flag burning kick.

Back from Russia, the Baltic countries, Poland, and a few Scandanavian countries. The one overall thing that struck me the most is how successful people can be when they have one cherished gift from God: Freedom.

Only a short 16 years ago, Estonia, Lituania, and Latvia were part of the Soviet Union and it was forbidden to travel there. People were housed in massive public complexes that make the ones in Chicago appear miniscule. Food stores were poorly stocked and people had to wait in long lines for a loaf of bread or piece of meat.

Now that these people are free, there is construction everywhere, refurbishment of older buildings, world class restaurants, modern grocery stores, new roads, new cars, computers everywhere, a booming economy, and many happy people. It was a truly moving experience.

My tie in with this LTE and your opinions are welcome please.

Don mentioned that only 45 years ago state sanctioned racism was alive and well. I take this statement to mean that these remnants may still affect blacks and hamper their progress today. At least that is the argument I hear from the reparations/racism/affirmative action crowd.

In comparison, only 16 years ago, the countries I visited were enslaved in the Soviet Empire. Now, given one simple thing; freedom, they are making tremendous progress and, to paraphrase DON "wiping away recent history and moving on". The only exception I found was the very elderly, who lived their entire lives under communism and are having difficulty adapting to a free economy as most cannot work.

So here is my tie in: If these entire countries, given freedom, can make so much progress in 16 years, why have some blacks, given freedom, not made the same or better progress in 45 years in our country?

lbb,

I read you loud and clear. Looking back, most of the racist attitudes I get from black people are from those who are less than 40 years old. The older folks are generally much nicer in my experience.

Most black people I deal with are nice and treat people the same. The exceptions, however, can really hurt your feelings and ruin your day.

My wife is completely color blind. She doesn't care what color you are, you better not mess with her. Being black will not get you a free pass with her. Quite frankly, that's the way it should be. Whites that appease hateful attitudes from people only because they are black are encouraging the problem to grow worse. If someone mistreats you, ask to speak to their manager. Go as high as it takes to get your problem handled. You can complain and be persistent without showing out and cussing people. And generally, I've found it to be more effective.

It's also funny how the ones who are so "concerned" about being labeled 'racist' are usually the worst offenders. They retort,"Heck I've got plenty of black friends", or "Look, I'm supporting vernon Robinson, so I'm not racist". The "black friends" turn out to be folks they've never had over to their homes, or even asked to go out to eat or to a social event. They are folks they work with or know through others---but it does make them feel better about themselves to say those things!

Given a chance, people can justify their own behavior in some pretty creative ways.

Funny how DD uses fictional ancedotes to create fictional support for one of his perceived observations.

Dan, welcome home! Hope you had a great trip.

Since no one has answered Dan's question, I will.

Why has some blacks not made the same progress in the last 45 years as the eastern Europeans have in the last 16? The American blacks hitched their wagon to the democratic party who promised them Shangri-la in return for their vote, but all they delivered was just another form of slavery: government dependency.

Nice to see you back Dan.

Dan,
Welcome back! Poor old Hugh has dug his hole deep while you've been gone. No one but Oak Ridge, Neocon, Bobby, and Hillbilly will jump to his aid on the Robinson thing. Seems no mainstream Republicans, or even the wildest wackos have endorsed ol Vern yet! So what does Vern do? He just talks about those who have endorsed him in the PAST! Note there are NO, ZERO, NADA, ZILCH endorsements for his present candidacy.
http://www.vernonrobinson.com/robinson_contents/endorsements/

Of course, while you were gone, Ralph Reed lost his primary in Georgia and blamed it on Democrats! LOL.
Stem Cell research gets a Presidential Veto...but he couldn't possibly veto the bills containing massive red ink or legislation fouling the environment. And how's that Bush immigration plan going?
Yes, Dan, the flag burning and gay marriage amendments went over like a turd in punch bowl. Can't say I didn't tell you it was stupid!

Good old fashion race baiting, character assasination, and fear mongering going on over in the Robinson camp--great entertainment!

Oh, and tell us about how the folks in Europe are waving the U.S. Flag and shouting long live Bush! (LOL) Welcome Back!
*****************************
http://www.vernonrobinson.com/robinson_contents/endorsements/

(still no endorsements!)

Old "one note neocon" and his third grade grammar strike again!

"…a beaten dog winces at the site of a newspaper. again not an excuse to use it at will but sometimes an involuntary response."

Don, that's the whole point... people are not dogs! They are human beings who are very capable of controlling what they say and do. The problem is, certain folks choose not to control their actions.

Saying that cries of "racism" are an involuntary response IS just another excuse. The situations that LBB described have also happened to me on far too many occasions to simply be a coincidence. If you truly agree that people need to be responsible for their own actions, then your comment about dogs and newspapers really doesn’t belong.

"one note".... hmm where have I heard that before?... Oh yeah, I said it.

Dan, Bishop, Neo Con,

just a hypothetical question: would you trust some one who has cheated you? Would you trust someone who assaulted your family? Probably not.

The point is 45 years is just a spit in time. I still hear white males around here reliving the civil war and that was 140 years ago. So many people do not forget or forgive. Would you ask a Holocaust survivor to just forget. I think you know the answer already.

Dan, i agree for the most part on Russia but several of the diverse russian states are having some tremendous problems: Poverty, prostitution and crime. I do not think it is as great a vision as you described. You are your history.

Bishop, I think people are creatures of habit and culture and they respond accordingly. Go watch the films of Birmingham in 1962 and 63 and then see if you can relate to being the object of the firehoses. Would that have a profound effect on your psyche?

I am not rationalizing anyones behavior but trying to understand the source of the behavior.

A blast from a fire hose might feel pretty good right about now.

YD, watch out regarding fire hose statements, lest they be construed as racist. Were you blogging last summer when the N&R ran a photo of a black child enjoying a piece of watermelon? Someone wrote a LTE regarding the photo and labelling it racist. Gotta tippy toe in this PC society we live in.

DON, I'm not asking anyone to forget, just to move on, especially the younger generation. My great grandparents immigrated from Ireland around the turn of the century, last century that is. My grandmother used to tell me alot of stories about how her family was treated like s**t because they were Irish. I was glad to hear the stories and learn from them, but they do not hamper my life, nor do I blame my misfortunes on my ancestors.

Of course with some blacks, moving on is bad for business. They seek to continually attribute each misfortune as racist, but this boy calling wolf syndrome is predictable and hackneyed.

Witness todays N&R, first page of the local section. "Black leaders to protest firing". This is in regard to former County Mgr. Willie Best, a black man. Black guy gets fired, racism. Period.

"When we connect the dots," said the Rev. Cardes Brown, a prominent black pastor, "it seems to all be connected by racism".

Nevermind the county commissioners said Best "performed poorly on the budget, made some mistakes (not sure what, it isn't mentioned), and generally lacked ideas and aggressiveness".

Does racism still exist? Yes, but not to the extent that a black person cannot achieve anything the rest of us can.

Regarding Russia, I was actually referring to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in my previous post, not Russia. We did spend 3 days in St. Petersburg and found it to be a vibrant city, but Russia is such a huge country that I cannot make a generalization on the status of Russia after having visited one Russian city.

One night we went to an outdoor cafe and hung out with several Russians in their 30's. They seemed quite similar to us, out having a good time with their friends, got their cars, cell phones, and nice clothing. Of course they did do something we generally don't: buy mulitple vodka shots for the whole table!!

Dan,

agreed.

Dan,

I'm glad you had a good time. Sounds like an amazing trip.

My guess is that Best was in far over his head. He followed Kitchen into the position as an interim county manager and those were big shoes to fill. My second guess is that the county leadership gave Best his position because they felt they should at least give him a chance as a matter of rewarding loyalty. I also would not be surprised if their was some pressure from Skip and associates to retain Mr. Best. Skip has a record of doing things out of racial motivation.

The fact that a majority voted to remove Best from office leads me to believe that this was not racially motivated. I imagine it is possible (not probable) that one or two commissioners might vote that way due to race but I can't believe a majority would. Especially when it comes to folks crossing party lines to do it.

I must say I get pretty sick of hearing the whining from the so-called black leadership. But if there is a race problem in this city, the problem is that folks have given in to the opportunists for too long. As far as numbers go, the proportion of black leaders in the county commission fairly represents the black population of Guilford County. Then throw in a black police chief and fire chief and it's hard to say that leadership positions are skewed to the white.

Willie Best reminded me of an old Jerry Clower story whereby the punchline is "Just shoot up here amongst us! One of us has got to have some relief!" He handled the whole ordeal better than Skip & Bruce......and shall I say, with much more class.

Note to Hugh: You don't have to have money to have class.

Skip Alston said last night that the pay for county manager was $180,000 a year. That sounds like pretty good money to me.

$180,000 is not enough money to put up with the clowns on the CC.

Amen, DD.

"Bishop, I think people are creatures of habit and culture and they respond accordingly. Go watch the films of Birmingham in 1962 and 63 and then see if you can relate to being the object of the firehoses. Would that have a profound effect on your psyche?"

Don,

Fact:
Most victims of race crime—about 90 per cent—are white, according to the survey "Highlights from 20 Years of Surveying Crime Victims", published in 1993.

Fact:
Blacks committed 7.5 times more violent inter-racial crimes than whites even though the black population is only one-seventh the size of the white population. When these figures are adjusted on a per capita basis, they reveal an extraordinary disparity: blacks are committing more than 50 times the number of violent racial crimes of whites.

Fact:
Almost 1 million white Americans were murdered, robbed, assaulted or raped by black Americans in 1992, compared with about 132,000 blacks who were murdered, robbed, assaulted or raped by whites, according to the same survey.

So, if you want to paint the picture that whites are the only ones that leave a “profound effect on people’s psyches” then you’re obviously barking up the wrong tree. There have been atrocities on both sides. I won’t deny that. However, the comments by LBB, the statistics above, and what I have experienced in my own life only leave one conclusion.

People can choose to forgive and move on, or they can wallow in their own hatred. It seems more likely with the stats above and the experiences of LBB and myself, quite a few have decided not to move on.

Bish,
Where are you getting your numbers? I am not doubting your numbers, I would just like to see a reference to them. Could you also post the "white on white" numbers for crimes committed? Thanks.

DD,

The reference was right in front of you, but here it is again.

"...according to the survey "Highlights from 20 Years of Surveying Crime Victims", published in 1993."

If you're looking for a possible explanation as to why those numbers appear to be so disproportionate, try reading books like: "The Myths That Divide Us" by John Perazzo

It's not that Blacks are any more violent than Whites. It's that Black "Leaders" like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and “Skippy” poison the Black communities with racist views.

The Bureau of Justice stats will tell you that Blacks and Whites are affected with violent hate-crimes about the same on average. However their stats are misleading because they fail to take into account population for each ethnicity.

Neither side is completely in the right. Both White and Black “Leaders” are engaged in covering up the truth. If “Leaders” on either side were actually interested in promoting racial harmony, Blacks and Whites would have settled their differences a long time ago. Instead both sets of “Leaders” do everything they can to destroy racial harmony for their own selfish ends.

In my opinion there’s only one way to deal with people who treat you badly, simply because of your race. Kill them with kindness. Yes, I acknowledge that I’m treated badly by Blacks on a daily basis. That may give me the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be rude in return.