Christmas. Ho Hum

Even as a child, I was uneasy about Christmas. Although I had the same anxiety as other children about what presents I was getting, there was something very annoying that Icould not, at that time, explain.

Born and raised in the Black Church, I attended the obligatory Sunday school despite all attempts to avoid it. In filtering out all the myth and dogma, which even then offeneded me, I came to love the historical Jesus, that was when Jesus was a Jew. This guy made sense and his philosophy, if embraced, gave me a chance of growing up to be a pretty good man.

Each year, Christmas became more and more commercial. Spend more money. Buy more stuff. And if you didn't participate you were a cheap-skate, lacked the Christmas spirit and just an all around Grouch. But I thought Christmas was about Jesus. He was a pauper. He taught us not to store up things on earth for weather to corrupt and thieves to steal. What's up with all this scurrying around to find the best gift, going into debt and feigning good spirit? Wasn't this supposed to be the celebration of Jesus's birthday?

It is so tacky to throw a party and not invite the host. The big lighted tree with piles of gayly wrapped gifts beneath, the carols, the feast, the nativity scenes all in evidence. But where is the host of this shindig? Where's Jesus?

Let's remember what this is -or should be- all about. When we go into our big opulent churches and sing those great Christmas hymns, let's listen to the words. Let's worry less about immersing our kids in theology, but help them to hear the words of the man for whom we threw this party. He was an amazing prophet and his teachings wait silently while we celebrate a myth.

Bill Cosby, What Hath Thou Wrought?

Bill Cosby's recent pointed criticism of inner-city parents and families seems to have done little but roil the choir. There is little evidence that the audience to whom his criticism was directed has been affectd. The vigorous, and somtimes, acrimonious response is coming from the well informed and socially active segment of the Black community. Few disagree with his observations, but contest the manner in which they were made. There is much to be said for the veracity of this opposition.

Bill Cosby, after pouring millions -probably hundreds of millions- of dollars into Black institutions of higher learning is uderstandably anquished by the lack of visible progress in our inner-city communities. He is to be commended for putting his money where his proverbial mouth is. Statistics and mere cursory observation fully support his complaints. But the opposition points out, often eloquently, that his criticism is simplistic and disregards the social conditions under which our inner-city bretheren must contend; under these circumstances, they are doing the best they can and don't need to be further degraded and admonished.

Our inner cities are indeed in cisis. Drugs, Black-on-Black killing, incarceration, the utter disregard for elementary education and inferior health care are decimating our youth. Who, or what is to blame? Cosby is saying that it's time for Black parents to take responsibility. But the dogged boot-strap methods that served him and others like him simply can't work for the masses.

After the Civil Rights struggle of the 60s, middle and upper-class Blacks have made massive social and economic gains. But in typical "American" fashion, these gains did not translate to the lower classes. Have those of us who have benefitted done our part in raising the standards of our less fotunate brothers and sisters? Clearly, we have not.

Chris Rock, the vulgar comedian, couragiously postulated: "There is a civil war (in the Black community). There are Black people and there are niggers. And I hate niggers." Amazingly, his largely Black audience applauded in agreement! Has it come to this? If so, we as a people are doomed. The exasperation of the upwardly mobile is understandable. But to divorce itself from the daily trials of the masses would be a fatal mistake.

Young , Black men and women, hats turned backward, baggy pants hanging from their buttocks, have created a culture which has invaded every nation of the world. Billions of dollars continue to be made every year. Conservative parents cringe at the sounds of their music and the vulgarity of their speech, while the money rolls in. Are they brilliant entrepaneurs or merely "niggers"? Children thrughout the ghettos of the world, are spouting their "Rap", telling their stories and perhaps for the first time in their lives, sense the chance to "be somebody".

Our generaton struggled to asimilate into the dominate culture through cultural ascention, and were summarily dismissed. Like it or not, this generation has rejected that approach and forced assimilation through the effective use of the lowest common denominator. Black and white parents watch, powerlessly, and can but hope for the best.

Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, you're approachng the problem from opposite ends. Upwardly mobile Blacks, your lack of involvement has, perhaps, been a blessing in disguise. This is the real civil war. And the message is resonating in youth throughout the entire globe. They've taken their destiny in their own hands. Either get on board and use your experience to creatively guide the movement or step back and observe. Hip Hop Rules!

Rumsfeld's Response to Soldier

Rumsfeld's response to the soldier who complained about the inadequacy of armor on military vehicles was nothing short of incredible! "You go to war with the army you have..." No. You defend with the army you have; you don't start a war with the army you have if that army isn't fully prepared for all eventualities. Which, apparently, this army is not.

How many stupid positions do the administration's hawks have to take before they realize -what the fighting men and women are beginning to realize- that our soldiers and marines are sitting ducks in a senseless war that can't be won?

We citizens are being led around by the nose, herded like sheep and fed a diet of incessant lies. And our media are very nearly useless, although they get credit for airing the Rumsfeld meeting with the troops. John Steward's Daily Show, though highly slanted left, at least provides visual evidence of the lies and screw-ups that our "leaders" commit almost daily. The White House and the Pentagon defended, vigorously, their position that there were enough troops. But now, after thousands of casualties, they're sending more troops. Just more fodder, more targets, more fatherless and motherless children to grieve.

We need new bumper stickers: Support Our Troops. Bring 'em Home Now!!