Manns Medium

  I remember the times when Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, many called him the “Anti-Christ” and proclaimed that he would lead many down a very destructive path.   A destructive path that will cause major damage to humanity and this very nation but last check, Barack Obama preached calm and even demanded protest to remain peaceful and non-violent.   Can we, honestly, say the same thing about Donald Trump, by which, none of those claiming Obama as the anti-Christ even whispered this titled be attached to Trump.   Let’s be honest, for it is written “Romans 16:17-18 says I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve”.   Which explains why, I was not too surprised to find this headline in th...

  The very nature of this species called “man” is one where we can be easily influenced and with an unchecked amount of influence can be easily corrupted.   This corruption can come in many different forms and often we focus on a simple type while ignoring or refusing to see the others. I contend that the filibuster is one form of corruption wielded by those who care less about the majority and more about the group of which they, themselves, are a member.   As a species, we find comfort in aligning ourselves with like-minded individuals and because of that we convince ourselves that what we envision is always the correct path for a town, a city, a community, and a nation.   To view it any other way would mean we would have to force ourselves to consider another’s truth and their opinions even if they differ from our own. As many of you well know, a filibuster is a parliamentary procedure used to prevent a measure from being brought to a vote. It occurs because on...

  No other adage can be counted upon to be proven true than the adage which says that history repeats itself.   This is abundantly evident with the newest moves from the Georgia State GOP.   According to the Associated Press dot com, in an article titled “ Georgia House passes GOP bill rolling back voting access ”, it is reported that “Republican lawmakers in Georgia muscled legislation through the state House on Monday that would roll back voting access, over the objection of Democrats and civil rights groups gathered at the Capitol to protest.   The bill comes after record turnout led to Democratic wins in Georgia’s presidential election and two U.S. Senate runoffs. House Bill 531 passed the lower legislative chamber by a vote of 97-72. It now goes to the state Senate for more debate. The far-reaching bill would require a photo ID for absentee voting, limit the amount of time voters have to request an absentee ballot, restrict where ballot drop boxes could be loc...

  To say that I was surprised to be directed toward an article titled “Evanston, Illinois to begin distribution of up to $25K in reparations to Black residents” written by DeMicia Inman for Yahoo News dated March 4, 2021 would be an understatement.   I guess my surprise came when I realized that this action, while maybe of good intentions, would clearly do more harm than good in the long run.   The article reported that “the midwestern city is the first in the country to establish reparations with a commitment of $10M over the next decade.  In Evanston, Illinois, eligible Black residents will receive reparations up to $25K as part of a commitment from the city. ABC News reported that the city, north of Chicago, will begin issuing payments this year. 5th Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons pushed for the legislation. She was inspired to work on closing the racial wealth gap through her own experience growing up Black in Evanston and still living there t...

  “ In America, 39 million adults don't have a high school diploma and one way or another, they're getting by” but this is only the beginning trappings of how those who have lost faith in themselves may become a slave to society’s current attitude of failing to correct a problem before it grows seemingly too big to solve.   There are three major reasons why obtaining a high school diploma is in the best interest of not only the individual but this entire nation.   The first is employment because the requirement to get a decent job will require at least a high school diploma.   The second is educational requirement necessary to elevate yourself in the job market and the third and final is self-esteem. Self-esteem is by far, the most important because it forces one to believe even stronger in their abilities simply because by capturing a high school diploma or GED it allows them to believe more in themselves.   “ Too many smart people feel stupid because they we...

  When people say “the truth” they often are confused as to what this truly mean.   Many will tell you that there are but two ways to do things, the right way, and the wrong way when really there are quite a few more ways.   These other ways are often hidden from the view of many because they are never recognized or unacceptable to suit our idea of the truth. There is the perceived truth which spawns all other truths.   This perceived truth originates from what you were told, what you have learned and what you have perceived during your lifetime.   The number one reason for it being the perceived truth is that what we view as the majority of human beings believe.   Consider being told that the sky was blue.   We perceive this to be true based upon it being widely accepted and repeated as the truth, but what if whomever gave us the name of colors were wrong and what we consider blue now is brown.   Would then the sky be brown instead of blue? T...

  A brother Marine asked me “Why does the African-American community vote Democrat?   He asked me if I could try to explain it to him and below is my explanation. Since no race of people are all the same, I can only tell you what I think that reason maybe but if you want a more definitive answer you are going to have to ask individual blacks.   Here is what I believe could possibly be the reason so many others vote Democratic.     The first thing that needs to be made clear is the majority of African Americans don’t follow a party but an idea.   If a politician promises to do right by the African-American community, he/she has a really good chance of getting their votes but when they get in power, forget their promises and/or turn their backs on blacks, know that next go around, many blacks would not spit in their butts if their guts were on fire and if the turning of the back was brought on by a group of people, that group would pay as well.   Her...