Two Forward, One Back

 

In less than four years, President Trump has successfully unmasked every racist and white supremacist hidden in plain sight. 

"His bigotry on full display at the 2020 presidential debate was appalling and repulsive, to say the least, for any U.S. president. It’s an utterly disgraceful chapter in American history." 

For all the advances this country has made through the civil rights movement, and the countless lives lost fighting racism and discrimination, to have Trump lead us all down a dark and divisive path is shameful. As Americans who love this country and the multitude of diversity that we all bring, enriching our lives for the better, we must learn to starve our fears about what divides us as a people, while taking great aim at distinguishing racism, no matter the president’s repugnant comments or tweets.

By William J. Booker, as printed by New York Daily News, Oct 06, 2020

Moving Forward Together Against Racism

As published by the Chicago Tribune, July 24, 2020 by William J. Booker

Racism has hurt America in many ways, from policing our citizens, to housing and voting, to someone simply taking a jog. And although we appear to be moving backwards as a nation, in many ways, we are also moving forward towards racial tolerance. 

"If Trump was not president, the conversations we have about race and racism, infecting this country like a virus of its own, might be a mute talking-point."

It is because the majority of Americans agree that racism is a horrible thing, and that something needs to be done to root it out of institutions and expose people who perpetuate racism, and promote hate; that better days are ahead of us. 

"In the wake of the death of Civil Rights leader, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, America is moving forward together, and against symbols of hate." 

Gone are the days of honoring Confederate generals, or taking pride in the flag of the Confederacy for no good reasons. We no longer value racist opinions, or views no matter who it's coming from, whether the name of a football team, the views of a well-known celebrity, or the name brand of maple syrup; times are changing and history will judge us on how we respond to this moment. 

We are a nation of people who will no longer stand for the killing of unarmed people of color by the police under any circumstances. And it would appear that the whole world is in agreement with us. As crazy as it may sound, America is going through a metamorphosis and a purge at the same time, and will become a much better place despite the president's divisive, and shameful attempts to stoke the flames of hatred and cultural divide.

We must do our part to protect ourselves

As published in the Chicago Sun-Times by William J. Booker 3/19/20 

We can't allow differing political views to keep us from following guidelines for defeating coronavirus

For all the fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, it has given

Americans pause to reflect on life, and how they plan to survive during this difficult and
potentially life-threatening time.

The irony is that many of the social ills that separate us as individuals — and as communities — suddenly now confine us all as human beings, as more of us become infected.

"As social distancing becomes the new normal, it doesn’t matter how wealthy or famous you are.

We must do our part to protect ourselves. The risk of catching the virus could be three times higher than the flu. There is no amount of money anyone can throw at this global pandemic to stop it. We must do our part to protect ourselves and ensure that no one else dies or get sick. At a time of social distancing, it is vital that we find new and creative ways to focus our energy.

President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency, but he has also
made it clear that true leadership, in his eyes, means not taking responsibility for any
decisions he may or may not make in the weeks ahead.

In any event, we can’t allow our political views or differences to keep us from following the strict guidelines and instructions given to us by the Centers for Disease Control and state health departments. For updated information on the coronavirus visit www.cdc.gov.  

Making History Defeating Trump

As published in the Daily Southtown by William J. Booker 2/14/20

The difference between the 45th president and the 46th is that the next president won't have a free pass to lie to America. He or she won't be motivated by financial gain, or have the innate ability to mobilize, or embolden racists every time he opens his mouth or sends out a tweet. The next president will have the temperament of a true leader and will lead by example. He will understand that words matter, especially during times of uncertainty and unrest. 

He will not abuse his power, or stand in the way of justice because he knows that no one is above the law, not even the president. He or she won't use our adversaries as political pawns in our elections, take sides with Russia, or signify, belittle or take revenge out on his opposers.

"The next president will have my vote, because he believes that this country is great because of our diversity, not in spite of it."

He won't view the free press as an enemy of the people, but rather a voice for the people. He will inspire us through his humanity and moral conscience which will guide every decision that he or she makes. 

I pray that the next president can unite this country, and change things for the betterment for all Americans despite our differences. 

Finally, the next president should be someone all Americans can be proud of because he has integrity, and will defend anyone's right to protest in silence against social injustice. The next president won't have to worry about being on the right side of history, because the next president--will make it. 

Military Parade Forgot Vets

"As we celebrate America's independence this 4th of July, with a great military parade, not so much as a dime was spent on homeless veterans." 

Although Sen. Maxine Waters recently introduced Bill HR 1856, Ending Homeless Act 2019, president Trump saw fit to spend millions in tax payers dollars on a military parade that didn't do anything to help the hundreds of thousands of veterans who are homeless across the country.

If the parade wasn't being used as a political pawn, the Trump administration might have been able to use the celebration in a more meanful way by offering made-in-America sponsorship opportunities as a means to help homeless vets, or a donation hotline such as 1(800) USA-VETS.

It could have been a win-win across party lines. Showcasing not only America's strength--but truly the spirit of our nation.

Trump Could Do Anything & Congress Won't Impeach

As Published in the Chicago Tribune By William J. Booker

What troubles me the most about everything that President Donald Trump has done since being elected is not the multitude of racist statements he has made; the countless number of lies he has told; the allegations of him colluding with Russians, obstruction of justice or calling people nasty and shameful names unbefitting the presidency; starting a trade war; or his abuse of power (taking away the security clearance of people whom he politically opposes).

No, what troubles me the most in all that has transpired is that the 115th Congress of the United States would stand idly by and allow Trump to burn down the White House and degrade everything this country stands for in order to protect their own self-interest.

"This is, without a doubt, one of the saddest times in American history. Other countries gasp in amazement and utter disbelief every time Donald Trump opens his mouth."

The Republican Party has aided and abetted Trump in dividing this country. They have defended and supported his racist policies and tweets and watched Trump condone and incite hate and violence. Prior to the election, Trump admitted to intentionally engaging in sexual misconduct; despite this, Americans still elected Trump president. I am convinced there is nothing the president can do that would cause him to be impeached.

Millions of Americans have no problem with anything the president has said or done. The sad truth is, although Trump's approval rating is at the lowest for any modern American president, there are people all over the country who still fully support him. His supporters will soon learn that when you get behind crazy, you're subject to go crazy.

Reprint: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/ct-letters-donald-trump-russia-congress-crazy-20180824-story.html

#Trump #Congress #45 #TrumpLiesMatter #United States #Impeachment 

:: FED UP ::

In the wake of the United States budget crisis, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and President Trump's ongoing efforts to keep illegal immigrants out of the United States, and to build a wall that Mexico still refuses to pay for; Congress needs to pass the 2018 Farm Bill which will have a huge impact on farmers and over 45 million low-income Americans who currently depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families. 

The Farm Bill, passed every five years, provides millions of dollars in subsidies to farmers for things like home loans, access to improved broadband service, improved drinking water systems in rural areas, and provides grants for research at universities in fields of animal health, organic crop production and biotechnology. 

The Bill also funds conservation programs that help farmers improve air and water quality on farms which affects us all. The farm bill is detrimentally important for all Americans, and can have far reaching effects on the price of food across the country if it's not reauthorized by Congress and the President this year.  On the table for SNAP recipients, will be everything from imposing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents; making it tougher for people to qualify for LINK, to limits on what people can buy with SNAP benefits like soda or other foods that are considered unhealthy. 

"The Farm Bill doesn't guarantee that the price of  fruits and vegetables won't go up because of Trump's immigration policy, but what it does guarantee is that feeding the poor and hungry will never be an issue for those who can afford to eat unhealthy foods like cheeses burgers on their multi-million dollar private jets, then have their doctor lie for them about their weight."   

:: The Price of Patriotism ::

America's eyes are open wide shut to the relentless persecution of blacks by racist white people in this country, and their misuse of emergency 911 calls to the police to aid them in their discrimination and racial profiling of blacks. As Americans, we watch these horrific episodes being played over and over again through the lens of social media; as racists are given a pass to abuse emergency 911 calls and trespassing laws to have blacks arrested for doing absolutely nothing wrong.

It's uncanny, in many ways in its resemblance to Civil Rights era Jim Crow laws, and no one seems to be doing anything about it. This reckless behavior puts innocent black people in handcuffs and in jail, while onlookers watch in utter disbelief. This America is our truth.

"Make America Great Again is nothing more than code for Make America White Again. Giving privileged white Americans the right to discriminate against blacks."

We all heard the sentiments in an announcement made by President Trump at one of his rallies in North Carolina, just before he was elected President. When Trump stated that he would pay the legal fees of a white man that sucker-punched a black protester. This was his national call-to-action in my opinion to "Make America Great Again" and his unwavering support for white nationalists.

We heard it again in Charlottesville Virginia, during a white supremacist rally, when Trump seemed to side with white nationalists initially, condemning the violence on "many sides". I could go on, but it's clear to me that we live in a country where two Americas exists. One that puts police officers against black and brown Americans, and threatens their safety, and one that seems to make it ok for white Americans to call the police on black Americans, and have them arrested for just being black.

This is the America we celebrate on the 4th of July. It's the America our troops, of all nationalities, die and fight for, and the America we all stand for during the national anthem--and in many cases are willing to take a knee for regardless of the consequences, or the price we have to pay to the NFL. As we celebrate this 4th of July, and in times of racial uncertainty let us all remember, a very wise man once said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

In Solidarity,

William J. Booker

"In the case of the American Negro, from the moment you are born every stick and stone, every face, is white. Since you have not yet seen a mirror, you suppose you are, too. It comes as a great shock around the age of 5, 6, or 7 to discover that the flag to which you have pledged allegiance, along with everybody else, has not pledged allegiance to you. It comes as a great shock to see Gary Cooper killing off the Indians, and although you are rooting for Gary Cooper, the Indians are you."

— James Baldwin "The American Dream and the American Negro" (March 7, 1965)

Tax Bill Won't Benefit Middle Class

As Published in the Washington Times, 12/19/17 By: William J. Booker

The Republican Tax plan lowers the corporate tax rate; citing that America has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. They want to bring jobs to the United States by lowering the tax rate, BUT none of this makes sense. Companies don't make their decision on where to locate solely on tax rates. They make their decision based on cheap labor. Lowering the tax rate does little--if anything at all to drive the economy.

America has a very strong, robust and innovative economy with millions of consumers. The most fundamental concepts of economics is supply and demand.

I doubt that companies like Apple are sitting around thinking, hey lets lower our prices so more people can afford to buy the new iPhone X. Thus, lowing the corporate tax rate doesn't translate to foreign companies wanting to run to set up shop in America because the price just went down.

"It's wrong to run a corporate fire sale at the expense of American consumers who can barely afford to feed their families." 

The plain truth is, the average corporate tax rate is about 28% which is passed down to consumers anyway. If Republicans really want to help the economy grow; they would pass a tax bill that puts more money in the hands of people who need it the most--the middle class.

#MeetThePress #FireSale #America #Business #Democrats #Republicans #Politics #NewYorkTimes #NewYorkPost #ChicagoSuntimes #ChicagoTribune #TaxBill #MiddleClass

Outcry for the Casualties of War

Right now, as you sit safe in your home, enjoying the beautiful day with your family, the United States of America is busy bombing hundreds of innocent men, women and children in Mosul and  northern Syrian. 

In fact, 230 mostly women and children have already been killed by American forces in Mosul. The Trump administration has even sped up the process of approving airstrikes, and an official review is underway to approve attacks without presidential consent. 

"I understand why people in Islamic States hate Americans; and burn our flag. Currently 400,000 civilians are reportedly trapped between all the fighting, without food or water, in the US lead NATO effort to keep Americans safe from Isil; and the number of civilian deaths are growing everyday." 

Don't get me wrong, I love America, but how proud are we to be living in a country, where we cry about the craziest things. Great efforts are constantly being made to keep all Americans safe at airports, but long airport TSA security lines, and airport carry on restrictions have blinded most Americans from even viewing the bigger picture. 

Instead of criticizing airport security, and baggage restrictions, we should be thankful and praying for the victims of war, and all the suffrage and destruction that is beyond the imaginations of most Americans. These people, though we know not who they are; are considered to be casualties of war, and have given much more than just their lives, so that you and I--may enjoy ours. Travel in peace.