That's Beside the Point

The other day I saw a post listing all the other countries, races, and peoples who had owned slaves besides the settlers of the United States. Their point being that we are not alone and shouldn't get all upset about it now.

My point is that's beside the point!

We have to acknowledge that black people in this country are still suffering from attitudes instilled in the white mindset by slave owners of centuries ago. That's the point. Racism is alive and well and effecting the way white people relate to black people. Until we white people can get that through our heads and change the way we think or at least the way we act, the fact that anybody else, including black races, had slaves, does not matter! What matters is how we relate and act today. That's the point!

Fathers' Day Memories

Here's to my Daddy!! In a number of ways he is connected to the life we are all living today. In 1918 when he was 13, he contracted the Spanish Flu. He was the baby, the youngest of seven children and the family fought for his life. According to his sister, they fried onions and put on his chest to pull out the infection. Like a mustard plaster, I guess. The onions turned green. Anyway, he survived and grew up to become a prominent lawyer in Dallas.

In 1943 he became a member of the Board of Trustees at Texas Christian University. In the early 60's as the Civil Rights movement was underway, the Board was debating whether or not to integrate the school. His words of calm wisdom along with his established and respected character carried the day and TCU became open to all races.

Later he did the same for the Petroleum Club in Dallas. I remember this with a smile because I said to him, "Daddy, when will the club be open to women." "Give me time, Susan," he said. "I just got our black lawyers and geologists in. I'll work on the women next."

This is a proud heritage for a man whose first case as a new lawyer was to defend a black man accused of some crime against a white person in Tyler, Texas. He won that case. 

To me he was "Daddy". And I heard the stories and even walked with him on part of his walk. I love him still, miss him still, and will always be very proud of him.

Supreme Court Decisions

Two very significant Supreme Court decisions made the news today.

1) LBGTQ persons cannot be discriminated against in the job market because of sexual orientation. No firing from a job for which you are qualified because of who you love or who you are. Yes!

2) California's Sanctuary Law upheld!! That may not mean a lot across the country but to us out here,  it is important and we are pleased.

So - good for the Supreme Court!!

Plant Hope

Daughter Meredith and son-in-law David live in Philadelphia. Very close to downtown Philadelphia. And Philadelphia is on fire and being looted as well as having very peaceful protests against the murder of George Floyd. So far Meredith and David are on the edge and unaffected by the turmoil. And in the midst of all of it, they planted hope around their home.

Wherever you are and whatever your situation; whether you dig in the dirt or stand in a peaceful protest line; if you offer a word of encouragement, a hot meal, or a bottle of water; wherever you are today, plant hope. Mr. Rogers talked about looking for the helpers in every situation. Be a helper. Plant hope.