Know Christ, Know Christmas

Presenting America’s Forgotten History and Heroes with an

Emphasis on our Morals, Religious, and Constitutional Heritage

By: David Barton, Wallbuilders

In recent years, a growing number of public officials and bodies have worked to reduce Christmas to a secular holiday, obscuring and at times even denying its origins. This is why it is always inspirational to recall the Christmas words of leaders from previous generations.

For example, in his Christmas Eve address of 1949, President Harry Truman told the nation:

Since returning home, I have been reading again in our family Bible some of the passages which foretold this night. . . . We miss the spirit of Christmas if we consider the Incarnation as an indistinct and doubtful, far-off event unrelated to our present problems. We miss the purport of Christ’s birth if we do not accept it as a living link which joins us together in spirit as children of the ever living and true God. In love alone – the love of God and the love of man – will be found the solution of all the ills which afflict the world today.

And on Christmas Eve, 1952, he declared:

Through Jesus Christ the world will yet be a better and a fairer place. This faith sustains us today as it has sustained mankind for centuries past. This is why the Christmas story, with the bright stars shining and the angels singing, moves us to wonder and stirs our hearts to praise. Now, my fellow countrymen, I wish for all of you a Christmas filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and many years of future happiness with the peace of God reigning upon this earth.

This week there was a refreshing throwback to the spirit of the leaders of previous generations. The occasion was the lighting of the Christmas tree at the U. S. Capitol.

During those ceremonies, Speaker of the U. S. House John Boehner reminded the nation:

Though winter is upon us, the Christmas tree flourishes as a symbol of everlasting life. That life and light, of course, is Christ, whose birth to Mary fulfilled a prophecy of joy and salvation. Out in the fields where the shepherds slept, the angels broke the silence by singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men.” We best serve this story by serving one another . . . by showing it is more blessed to give than to receive, especially when so many of our fellow citizens are without jobs and in need.  For Christmas is not a distant historical event. It is a spirit, always bringing us closer to each other and closer to the peace of which the angels sang. So on behalf of my wife, Debbie, our two girls, my 11 brothers and sisters, and all the Boehners, I wish one and all a very Merry Christmas.

Kudos to Speaker Boehner for his courage and historical accuracy.  And in the words written by Christian author Charles Dickens in 1843, and spoken by Tiny Tim in The Christmas Carol, “May God bless us, everyone!”

                                 Merry Christmas

And a Blessed New Year

Who is Black Louisiana Sold Out To?

I was reading my paper the other morning and the first thing I saw was mass headliner that read “Black Voters’ Influence Waning”.  I thought to myself, someone finally dares to put this into print.  Personally, I saw this coming from my kitchen window a mile away. 

When it comes to Black voters in Louisiana, and Black America for that matter, this is one of those situations where some of us can’t see the forest for the trees!  I believe we have been straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel for so long that we miss a very large issue that everyone is acutely aware of, but nobody wants to talk about. Perhaps a sore spot or a political hot potato, it's something that no one wants to touch with a ten foot pole.  You know; the elephant in the room.

Well!  Allow me to take a stab at it!  You see, when most of Black America chooses to “serve” a party rather then the Almighty God, waning influence is a great possibility.  In fact, you count on it.  What we “serve” can become an idol and render us ineffective.  Serving one party as a block vote makes our influence a commodity to be used at the pleasure and discretion of the party as it deems it beneficial to do so; or even traded and pimped out by our own “leaders” for their benefit more than the people’s benefit.

When our own desires, ideals, and philosophies began to replace Gods’ plan for our lives, we will be silenced!  When our voting is not based on an understanding of and commitment to biblically inspired principles of limited government, constitutionalism, due process, and liberty of individuals, we will be given over to voting based on self-centered desires like pulling a child out of the womb piece by piece for the sake of convenience; a man marrying a man and a woman marrying a woman; or wanting the government to supply your every needs at the expense of fiscal stability rather than God providing by moving on the hearts of those who are blessed to be a blessing to others less fortunate.

I believe we have sold our soul to the “party” for something God has freely given to us!  God gave us rights; all we need to do is fight to protect those rights.  His way!  He gave us economic opportunity and relief; all we need to do is work for it.  Genesis 3:19 puts it this way, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food”.

At the risk of sounding like I have never been poor, and I have, there are some things more detrimental than not having enough money; it is having all the money in the world and losing your soul.  Because the black vote as a block is based on putting our worldly concerns first and not putting God’s eternal concerns first, our influence is slipping.  More people are voting to avoid the fiscal meltdowns seen in European countries based on financially unsustainable levels of social programs that encourage a dependence of government. 

It is hard to convince people that the solution is taking more money from the rich when the root self-focused culture of wanting more from the government before taking more responsibility for self is never addressed.  While we do have legitimate arguments that institutionalized racism and some corporate crooks have negative effects on economic opportunity, we cannot forget to sweep around our own front door before we sweep around someone else.  We cannot continue to solely blame others that our communities have broken families, high drop-out rates, and crime; and then consistently vote for the party that encourages us to continue blaming others as the reason we cannot improve our community.

THE NEW CHALLENGE FOR BLACKS: MAINTAINING OUR DIGNITY TO PRESERVE THE VIRTUE AND LEGACY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE

By J.M. Hunter, D.D.

Hate speech does not come from those who tell the truth. It comes from those who hate the truth and love a lie. Using the civil rights struggle to promote the sexual appetites of the homosexual agenda is an affront to the dignity of black people. No other group in America has had to suffer the wicked injustices as did African blacks who were forced to provide hard labor with no compensation, and their American descendants.

Blacks from Africa were put in chains and imported to America packed on slave ships like La Amistad.

Homosexual groups were not. That is not hate speech; that's an undeniable fact. An undeniable fact is the truth.

Those who hate truth love a lie.  The right to own, buy or sell a black man was upheld by the United States Supreme Court in the Dred Scott Decision. The right to own, buy or sell a homosexual was not. That is not hate speech; that's an undeniable fact.  An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

After the United States Civil War, black people were denied the right to vote. Homosexuals were never denied the right to vote. That is not hate speech; that's an undeniable fact. An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

During the days of segregation, there were public schools where black children were not allowed to attend.

Homosexuals were never turned away from a public school. That is not a hate speech; that's an undeniable fact.  An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

During the early struggle for civil rights, there were state colleges where qualified black applicants were not

welcomed to pursue a degree. Homosexuals were never denied the right to pursue a degree from a state college.  That is not hate speech; that's an undeniable fact. An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

Population controllers like Planned Parenthood have set up offices in the zip codes of minority communities that are predominantly black or Hispanic under the guise of helping the poor. No population control group has set up in the zip codes in predominantly homosexual communities under the guise of helping the poor. That is not hate speech; that's an undeniable fact. An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

To this day, the descendants of African slaves have not been compensated for the misery, toil and slashes on the backs of their ancestors by large corporations who profited from the slave trade in America. There are no descendants of homosexual relationships from the slave trade, and since no corporation profited from cheap homosexual labor, there is no call for compensation. That is not hate speech; that's an undeniable fact. An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

As blacks, we have our faults, for all have sinned, but we never insist that God approve of our wrongdoings. Many sins are done in secret because of the shame experienced. In fact, we hold revivals to repent of our shortcomings, and shout in appreciation for the unmerited blessings God has bestowed upon us. Homosexuals want ministers to approve of their unholy unions regardless what God thinks. They know no shame and flaunt their behavior with public parades boasting their pride. There is no repentance for those who know no shame. So, God resists the proud. That is not hate speech; that's an undeniable fact. An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

Therefore, it time for blacks to regain the dignity of the civil rights struggle and take back the mantle stolen from the legacy of the foot soldiers and leaders. An unnatural sexual appetite is not the same as being black. It never was! This is not hate speech; it's an undeniable fact. An undeniable fact is the truth. Those who hate truth love a lie.

This is why there are those who hate me. I don't mind. Because if someone loves a lie, I do not want to be loved by them. If someone loves a lie, let them love the apostate ministers that will approve of their sins. If someone loves a lie, let them love the corporations and organizations that want to see fewer black children. If someone loves a lie, let them love the black poverty pimps they can fool with their rhetoric of tolerance. But, if someone loves a lie, be glad if they do not even like you – because if someone who loves a lie loves you, then you know you are on the wrong side.

Stop Blaming Parents for School Failure

In my recent letter to the editor of The Advocate, I expressed my concern that the Baker School Board demonstrated its concern for protecting the jobs of teachers in schools that are under performing over pursuing other school options for parents such as charter schools.  The most common rebuttal that I have read on comments to the online version (http://theadvocate.com/news/opinion/1274059-123/letter-fire-bad-teachers-and.html) focus on blaming parents and the students themselves as the primary problems for struggling schools.  

As the parent of three college graduates who all attended college on academic scholarships, I will never undervalue the critical role that parents play in the academic achievement of their children.  This includes actively and persistently seeking out the best options to educate them (I know from personal experience of not liking my local option for a school to send my children).  

Ultimately, every man and women stands before our Creator to take full personal responsibility for their life.  However, to use that principle to defend under performing teachers and lay blame on parents and students goes against the commandment that we love our neighbor as ourselves and expectation to help those less fortunate.  

One comment (from the username "bluedogdemocrat") mentioned poverty, society, and even race as other factors besides the teachers that can hinder school performance. Yet there are many examples of high performing schools (traditional public and public charter) in under-served communities facing all of those factors including poor parental involvement, poverty, and high minority areas.  It is the teachers, and more so, the school leadership that are determined to be innovative and relentless in finding solutions to overcoming barriers who are able to succeed in this situation.  It is not the leaders and teachers who assume that parents do not care to be more involved, but those who form cooperative relationships with parents to help them learn to be better involved in their child's education, and not just blame them for what they are not doing to support their child's education.  

If the charter school is not doing that, pull the charter.  If the traditional public school is not doing that, give parents another option.

The Birth of a Black Republican (Part 1)

I was standing over my sink cleaning mustard greens this past weekend, (yes, mustard greens; I’m a Republican, but I’m still Black) and I was in deep thought about the history of Blacks and Republicans.  I was a Democrat from the age of 18, when I first voted until recent years.  However, in the summer of   1972, when the Roe vs. Wade decision legalized abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy, I became keenly aware of my own morals and values.   As a Democrat, I began to look deep into the heart of political leaders, community leaders, pastors where this issue was concern (abortion).  It was not a pretty sight.  After educating myself about the procedure and the women who have them, I vowed never again to, knowingly, vote for any candidate for public office or other wise that would support such a devilish act as a choice for women in unplanned pregnancy.  To date, I have kept that vow.

This was the beginning of my association with Conservatism.  I figured out that I was always Conservative in my values.  After all these years, I can honestly say that voting my convictions rather than my wallet has given me the peace that so many hunger after because I did not violate my own convictions and the principles in the Word of God. 

Three years ago, I became a Republican, but not for the reasons some may think.   You see, I did my homework again!  I have researched, researched, and researched some more.  Then finally, I read the Democratic Platform and the Republican Platform.  Guess what, my Conservative morals and values were more aligned with the Republican platform.  I could have become an Independent; but for ME it was like being in the middle of the road and I’m not a middle of the road kind of gal.  It’s like pulling the good from the left and the good from the right.  Like having your cake and eating it too; know what I mean?  It reminded me of what God said to the Laodicea Church in Revelation 3:15-16, “…you are neither cold nor hot.  Would that you were cold or hot!  So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spue you out of My mouth.”      

I am a true blue Republican!  And proud of it!

By the way, White people eat mustard Greens, too!

Charter Schools in Baker, LA

At its Tuesday night meeting, the Baker School Board addressed an organization attempting to start a Charter School in Baker. (See Baton Rouge Advocate article)  The only point emphasized against the proposal was the affect of possibly loosing teaching positions as the money left would leave with the students.  However, this is the very school district that received a failing grade of at least a “D” for every school in the district.

I support the hard work of the passionate and dedicated teachers in the Baker School System; the schools have a failing record because there are some under-performing teachers and school leaders, period.

If some teachers unfortunately have to be let go, it should be the under performing teachers we are looking to improve if not replace.  As the Baker School System is federally mandated to provide supplemental or alternative educational options, the last concern should be making the jobs of the very underperforming teachers the primary issue.

Having a charter school does not mean that all Baker School District teachers will lose their jobs; however, in any industry, the bottom performers have to accept the possibility of being let go first in response to the poor performance to the organization.

I think the Baker School System cannot say “NO” to making this choice available to the parents of Baker.  Choosing the almighty dollar to protect teacher’s jobs should not take precedence over the educational opportunities of our kids.

Our State Needs Healing...

Political Columnist John Maginnis recently wrote about the battle between fellow Republican candidates for Lt. Governor, Jay Dardenne and Billy Nungesser, and their efforts to court black voters for their support during the recent election.  As you all know by now, Mr. Dardenne won the election.

What I found troubling when reading the article, as I have for years, is how this target was placed on the so called black voting block.  Without being too emotional, I believe it's time we have some frank and open conversation about race and politics in Louisiana.  While this type of activity has taken place for years in Louisiana (and many parts of this country for that matter), this election brought an extra piece of irony to the situation.  This year we had three black republicans running in 2 legislative races in Baton Rouge.

To me the obvious question has always been why are white voters never a targeted demographic in an election.  We had commercials running on local urban radio stations by these candidates and others "targeting" black voters.  Some of them were simply insulting.  In our campaign we made a strong effort to treat all voters the same and focus on issues that impacted the entire community.

On election day, we saw these political games play out in atrocious ways.  It's time that we stop playing political games with the lives of our citizens.  It's time citizens hold elected officials accountable for the promises and claims they make.  Different teams have wrestled for the trust of the people and in four years, the circumstances through out this state better have changed for the good or we're all to blame.