July 12th, 2010 5:46 pm CT
I just left a Memorial Service for a man by the name of Robert Eugene Pate. Robb died on June 12th of this year at the age of 62. The service was held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral on Poplar Avenue.
But I’m not here trying to write a Obituary or Eulogize Robb Pate, but to tell you something about what I saw, heard and felt at the service.
First, some of you may recognize the picture of Robb, taken by Robin Salant, outside the Manna House on Jefferson Avenue, and you’re probably saying, “I know that guy, but I didn’t know his name was Robb. I thought it was “Elvis.” And you’d be correct.
I first met Robb several years ago, I can’t remember where, but I remember the moment. I was having an absolutely horrible day, and this guy appears and starts singing some Elvis Presley song. Not only that but he looked like Elvis. Now, at the risk of being hit by a bolt of lightning, I’ve never been much of an Elvis Presley fan, but Robb brought a huge smile to my face and changed my day.
At the service today, I heard those moments repeated over and again in words and song. Robb “Elvis” Pate, touched lives.
One of the Readings at the service was “What is a Blessing”, which was written by Robb Pate. In the reading he writes about, “begin[ning] with God himself as the one who provides blessings on all of His children regardless of whether they are His according to both the natural and spiritual…”
His writing concluded with, “Remember one thing, though. God only has two gifts to give us (as I see it). First, physical life and, second, spiritual life through His Son, Jesus Christ. If we claim the first gift and do not claim the second, we have missed it all.” (“Door of Hope” newsletter, March 2010.)
I left the church thinking, how often do we walk on the other side of the street when we see a street person? Do we avert our eyes, hoping not to notice their pain, which we might actually share? What have we missed by doing this?
Robb was a man who brought his understanding of God and Salvation through Jesus Christ to the people through his entertaining way. Some might have ignored him, others walked across the street, yet a few were fortunate to see the mystery of the Holy Spirit working through this man of the streets.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
IONA Give Midtowners An Earful
July 10th, 2010 12:32 pm CT
This Saturday morning at 7:30, I pulled into the Snowden School parking lot on McLean with a load of corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and peas. I was the first of two loads of vegetables that were grown by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Poplar Grove, TN for free distribution in Midtown by the Iona Community of Faith.
This partnership between rural and city churches is part of a very unique ministry started by the Cumberland Presbyterians. IONA would best be called an “emerging church”, in the light of author Phyllis Tickle. They are not traditional is structure, but foundational in a new way of experiencing a Spiritual Life.
Services, which are held on Monday nights at the home of Lisa and Barry Anderson, 1790 Faxon Ave in Midtown are of a Celtic style, of music, meditation and prayer. Yet, beyond this un-typical service in this home church, IONA Ministers outreach through hospitality and catering, working with the poor and homeless and through various other community-centered ministries.
The “Garden of Eatin’” is one example of hospitality and of sharing food with and loving our neighbors. It is a ministry that planted its seeds, literally, with two rural churches so that they may reach out to the inner-city with gifts they are able to provide…in this case – vegetables.
The example set this morning in this Midtown parking lot was part of the message in the Book of Acts, of bringing to the table the resources of the community and sharing them with those who have a need.
Let blessings bestow this birthing IONA community.
This Saturday morning at 7:30, I pulled into the Snowden School parking lot on McLean with a load of corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and peas. I was the first of two loads of vegetables that were grown by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Poplar Grove, TN for free distribution in Midtown by the Iona Community of Faith.
This partnership between rural and city churches is part of a very unique ministry started by the Cumberland Presbyterians. IONA would best be called an “emerging church”, in the light of author Phyllis Tickle. They are not traditional is structure, but foundational in a new way of experiencing a Spiritual Life.
Services, which are held on Monday nights at the home of Lisa and Barry Anderson, 1790 Faxon Ave in Midtown are of a Celtic style, of music, meditation and prayer. Yet, beyond this un-typical service in this home church, IONA Ministers outreach through hospitality and catering, working with the poor and homeless and through various other community-centered ministries.
The “Garden of Eatin’” is one example of hospitality and of sharing food with and loving our neighbors. It is a ministry that planted its seeds, literally, with two rural churches so that they may reach out to the inner-city with gifts they are able to provide…in this case – vegetables.
The example set this morning in this Midtown parking lot was part of the message in the Book of Acts, of bringing to the table the resources of the community and sharing them with those who have a need.
Let blessings bestow this birthing IONA community.
The 4th Is A Trashy Event
July 5th, 2010 8:32 am CT
and the trash receptacles were barely half-full
Photo: JM Stygles
I decided at 4:45 this morning, since my neighbors felt it was appropriate to light off fireworks, that I might as well get up and go walking along the River.
It was a beautiful, cool July morning. It was also so early that the street lights were still on, but light enough to be considered an Early Bird vs. a Night Owl.
I pulled into the parking lot at the Riverwalk and it was obvious that many people had celebrated the forth along the Mississippi. The Parks cleaning crew had not started working so trash was everywhere. Now, I understand crowds and group behavior, but the trash receptacles put out by the city to collect your fireworks, bottles, paper cups and other junk, were barely half-full.
I don’t quite understand this? I know we are celebrating Independence Day but that doesn’t me you have an independent right to be a slob. The Independence we celebrate comes with a responsibility to one another to be good citizens. And, in case some folks just don’t know, cleaning up after oneself can be an act of good citizenship.
On this “official” bank holiday, the 5th of July, let’s remember what our role is in society. We became Independent from England and formed a constitution where the Rights and Privileges are to be afforded to all people. Those Rights and Privileges are not for a select few, just as one’s celebrating the 4th at the Riverwalk is not just for their pleasure. Respect your rights and Respect the rights of others.
And PICK UP YOUR TRASH!
and the trash receptacles were barely half-full
Photo: JM Stygles
I decided at 4:45 this morning, since my neighbors felt it was appropriate to light off fireworks, that I might as well get up and go walking along the River.
It was a beautiful, cool July morning. It was also so early that the street lights were still on, but light enough to be considered an Early Bird vs. a Night Owl.
I pulled into the parking lot at the Riverwalk and it was obvious that many people had celebrated the forth along the Mississippi. The Parks cleaning crew had not started working so trash was everywhere. Now, I understand crowds and group behavior, but the trash receptacles put out by the city to collect your fireworks, bottles, paper cups and other junk, were barely half-full.
I don’t quite understand this? I know we are celebrating Independence Day but that doesn’t me you have an independent right to be a slob. The Independence we celebrate comes with a responsibility to one another to be good citizens. And, in case some folks just don’t know, cleaning up after oneself can be an act of good citizenship.
On this “official” bank holiday, the 5th of July, let’s remember what our role is in society. We became Independent from England and formed a constitution where the Rights and Privileges are to be afforded to all people. Those Rights and Privileges are not for a select few, just as one’s celebrating the 4th at the Riverwalk is not just for their pleasure. Respect your rights and Respect the rights of others.
And PICK UP YOUR TRASH!
What the hell wrong with these kids?!
April 27th, 2010 10:16 pm CT
That’s how a “status” started on Facebook a few weeks ago. The comment was posted by a police officer who was getting frustrated with locking kids up and telling them to stay out of trouble, then finding out the kids had several more cases pending.
I thought of this when I read about, “29 arrested after fights near Kirby High School” in the Commercial Appeal (4/27/10). I recognize that “fights” happen, but 29 arrests, including several “adults.” Do you think we have a problem here Memphis?
Psalms 29:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.”(NRSV)
Now, I’m not an advocate for corporal punishment, a few years of Parochial School will change one’s mind on that, but I think people forget the second part of that Scripture: “but a mother [or father] is disgraced by a neglected child.”
One of the Facebook Friends who commented on the above thread spoke about how he has a schedule for his kids, and yes he does discipline them. But the most noticeable comment he made was, “Most children just want attention and to be loved by their parents. It doesn’t even take 2 seconds just to say "I love you.”
That’s powerful stuff! I believe that’s the key.
For some reason, we have shirked our responsibility as a community to our children. When the streets of this City have a stronger draw to our children than the home, or church or school we have a problem. We have neglected our children.
When a spokesperson from Memphis City Schools was asked to comment on the incident involving 29 arrests that started at the end of the Kirby High school day, they basically said they don’t know if any Kirby High students were involved.
Why did I see an image of Pontius Pilot washing his hands as I read this quote?
“It isn’t my responsibility!” We have neglected our children.
Last Saturday night I attended the performance of “Umoja” at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. It was one of the most power presentations and reminders to the “Spirit of Umoja”, the community, of our responsibilities to our children. It was a powerful message, I believe to the adults in the audience to wake up and start acting like community.
The only benefit of our neglect, the washing of our hands, not taking responsibility as a community and acting like real neighbors, is job security for police officers, judges and jailers.
That’s how a “status” started on Facebook a few weeks ago. The comment was posted by a police officer who was getting frustrated with locking kids up and telling them to stay out of trouble, then finding out the kids had several more cases pending.
I thought of this when I read about, “29 arrested after fights near Kirby High School” in the Commercial Appeal (4/27/10). I recognize that “fights” happen, but 29 arrests, including several “adults.” Do you think we have a problem here Memphis?
Psalms 29:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.”(NRSV)
Now, I’m not an advocate for corporal punishment, a few years of Parochial School will change one’s mind on that, but I think people forget the second part of that Scripture: “but a mother [or father] is disgraced by a neglected child.”
One of the Facebook Friends who commented on the above thread spoke about how he has a schedule for his kids, and yes he does discipline them. But the most noticeable comment he made was, “Most children just want attention and to be loved by their parents. It doesn’t even take 2 seconds just to say "I love you.”
That’s powerful stuff! I believe that’s the key.
For some reason, we have shirked our responsibility as a community to our children. When the streets of this City have a stronger draw to our children than the home, or church or school we have a problem. We have neglected our children.
When a spokesperson from Memphis City Schools was asked to comment on the incident involving 29 arrests that started at the end of the Kirby High school day, they basically said they don’t know if any Kirby High students were involved.
Why did I see an image of Pontius Pilot washing his hands as I read this quote?
“It isn’t my responsibility!” We have neglected our children.
Last Saturday night I attended the performance of “Umoja” at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. It was one of the most power presentations and reminders to the “Spirit of Umoja”, the community, of our responsibilities to our children. It was a powerful message, I believe to the adults in the audience to wake up and start acting like community.
The only benefit of our neglect, the washing of our hands, not taking responsibility as a community and acting like real neighbors, is job security for police officers, judges and jailers.
Paying physicians with peppers
April 24th, 2010 12:51 pm CT
The Tennessee House of Representatives Commerce Committee met recently to discuss HB 3433, known as the “Tennessee Health Freedom Act”. The Bill is sponsored by Republican Representative Mike Bell of Riceville, TN and supported by Tea Party advocates who feel the Health Care Bill passed by the U.S. Congress is imposing upon the citizens of Tennessee to make personal health care choices.
Sponsors, who are still angry over the passage of a Health Care, want Tennesseans to be able to opt out from participating without penalty. Okay, if we accept this, the idea will be that if a Tennessean opts out, and gets sick, they will have to find a way to pay for their own health care.
But, if a Tennessean opts out, gets sick, goes to the Emergency Room of The Med and requires immediate care, who do you think is going to “foot” the bill? We, the tax payers are!
One of the major points of the new Health Care Bill is it actually “budgets” for all the free, indigent care that has been provided over the years. This is the type of expense that nearly closed down the Regional Medical Center recently.
In lieu of a real alternative to the recent Health Care Bill passed by Congress, Republicans have yet to suggest a workable alternative.
Oh, I misspoke. Rep. Mike Bell, R-Riceville stated on April 13, 2010 in the TN House Commerce Committee that the uninsured would “pay cash or work out other alternatives.”
To this Rep. Joe Towns, Jr. D-Memphis responded, “you’re saying they pay cash? For organ transplants and cancer and heart cases, they pay cash?”
Rep. Bell responded, “I know for a fact. I know someone in the medical field who has been paid with vegetables…”
Although Rep. Towns attempted to explain economics in the 21century to Rep. Bell, like most things, facts have no value.
Is paying for health care with vegetables a reasonable proposal? In full disclosure, let me state, my father was a doctor and yes, at times he accepted cakes, brownies and even a sweater as payment for his services, but I also recall my mother asking him, “How do we feed the kids with a sweater?”
There are good people out there that will help; the Church Health Center is a great example of care and service to the community.
Accessible, affordable health care is something we should expect in this country. But health care is not free, whether paying the costs with taxes after the fact or upfront, at reasonable rates, in the form of premiums.
Peppers, tomatoes, ears of corn once were a useful form of currency, but that’s not practical in today’s world. People expect payment in cash not vegetables. Besides, if I could find a wallet big enough to hold my vegetables, I’d be sitting on squash!
The Tennessee House of Representatives Commerce Committee met recently to discuss HB 3433, known as the “Tennessee Health Freedom Act”. The Bill is sponsored by Republican Representative Mike Bell of Riceville, TN and supported by Tea Party advocates who feel the Health Care Bill passed by the U.S. Congress is imposing upon the citizens of Tennessee to make personal health care choices.
Sponsors, who are still angry over the passage of a Health Care, want Tennesseans to be able to opt out from participating without penalty. Okay, if we accept this, the idea will be that if a Tennessean opts out, and gets sick, they will have to find a way to pay for their own health care.
But, if a Tennessean opts out, gets sick, goes to the Emergency Room of The Med and requires immediate care, who do you think is going to “foot” the bill? We, the tax payers are!
One of the major points of the new Health Care Bill is it actually “budgets” for all the free, indigent care that has been provided over the years. This is the type of expense that nearly closed down the Regional Medical Center recently.
In lieu of a real alternative to the recent Health Care Bill passed by Congress, Republicans have yet to suggest a workable alternative.
Oh, I misspoke. Rep. Mike Bell, R-Riceville stated on April 13, 2010 in the TN House Commerce Committee that the uninsured would “pay cash or work out other alternatives.”
To this Rep. Joe Towns, Jr. D-Memphis responded, “you’re saying they pay cash? For organ transplants and cancer and heart cases, they pay cash?”
Rep. Bell responded, “I know for a fact. I know someone in the medical field who has been paid with vegetables…”
Although Rep. Towns attempted to explain economics in the 21century to Rep. Bell, like most things, facts have no value.
Is paying for health care with vegetables a reasonable proposal? In full disclosure, let me state, my father was a doctor and yes, at times he accepted cakes, brownies and even a sweater as payment for his services, but I also recall my mother asking him, “How do we feed the kids with a sweater?”
There are good people out there that will help; the Church Health Center is a great example of care and service to the community.
Accessible, affordable health care is something we should expect in this country. But health care is not free, whether paying the costs with taxes after the fact or upfront, at reasonable rates, in the form of premiums.
Peppers, tomatoes, ears of corn once were a useful form of currency, but that’s not practical in today’s world. People expect payment in cash not vegetables. Besides, if I could find a wallet big enough to hold my vegetables, I’d be sitting on squash!
A funeral of violence
April 23rd, 2010 2:15 pm CT
“The Silent Protest: The Funeral of Violence.”
We don’t listen to our young people. We don’t acknowledge their worth. We just tell them what to do and how to do it.
But, “We” are failing. We believed “We” knew all the answers, but “We” have failed our children.
Yet, those voices we silenced and put in the corner; ignored and admonished are about to scream at “Us” in “A Silent Protest: The Funeral of Violence”
We better start listening.
While most of Memphis will be enjoying their Saturday mid-day, young people will walk in a silent funeral procession to shout loudly the need to stop the violence, the gangs and the dependency on drugs.
We need to listen, if only with our eyes first as the youth of Memphis assemble at Carver High School at 11 A.M. Saturday, and end at Creative Life on Riverside Blvd. where a mock burial will be held.
Over 1000 people are estimated to participate in this event as they focus attention on the seemingly endless nature of violence in our neighborhoods.
“Walk with us in silence to honor the young lives cut short by violence, gangs and drugs.”
Participate - Listen - Hear the voices of the children crying out.
“The Silent Protest: The Funeral of Violence.”
We don’t listen to our young people. We don’t acknowledge their worth. We just tell them what to do and how to do it.
But, “We” are failing. We believed “We” knew all the answers, but “We” have failed our children.
Yet, those voices we silenced and put in the corner; ignored and admonished are about to scream at “Us” in “A Silent Protest: The Funeral of Violence”
We better start listening.
While most of Memphis will be enjoying their Saturday mid-day, young people will walk in a silent funeral procession to shout loudly the need to stop the violence, the gangs and the dependency on drugs.
We need to listen, if only with our eyes first as the youth of Memphis assemble at Carver High School at 11 A.M. Saturday, and end at Creative Life on Riverside Blvd. where a mock burial will be held.
Over 1000 people are estimated to participate in this event as they focus attention on the seemingly endless nature of violence in our neighborhoods.
“Walk with us in silence to honor the young lives cut short by violence, gangs and drugs.”
Participate - Listen - Hear the voices of the children crying out.
As the state prepares to kill again
April 22nd, 2010 11:29 am CT
In his book, The Founding Murder, Rene Gerard recounts when Cain killed his brother Abel and realizing what he had done stated: “Now that I’ve killed my brother, anyone will kill me at sight.”(Gen. 4:14) God then brings forth a new law against murder stating: “If anyone kills Cain, he shall be avenged sevenfold.”(Gen 4:15)
The question is: Was this God’s intent to punish those who murder one another by capital punishment – the death penalty?
Capital punishment as we know it is justified by the State based on the writings of St. Augustine’s “Just War” principles. Specifically:
1. Just Cause – In order to protect human life, to prevent a murder by a particular individual, for a crime that is so ‘grave’ that it disrupts society;
2. Right intention – The intent of capital punishment is based solely on the heinous and egregious criminal act of which an individual has been found guilty;
3. Proportionality of ends – The killing of an individual as punishment for their crime cannot be greater than the crime of which they have been found guilty of committing against society.
Public prosecutors tend to seek the death penalty when, by statue, it is justified. Society allows these prosecutors to determine and vie for the death penalty when the “proportionality of ends” meets the standards established by society.
In order for there to be a “proportionality of ends” the sentence – death cannot be greater than the crime committed.
The method the State uses to cause death in fulfillment of the sentencing has lead to some modifications. In some respects society wants it both ways: To control crime –societal disruption by having a death penalty and, to implement the death penalty in the “most humane” manner. Oxymoron comes to mine.
Society in making laws uses their own rationale to justify their actions. The movement of states from having a death penalty on their law books to not having one has been a political process. This process has been a slow one, yet public opinion has swayed many legislators and governors.
Gaile Owens, the former Bartlett resident is scheduled to be executed on September 28. If she is killed it will be the first time in 190 years that a woman has been executed in the State of Tennessee. Has the “proportionality of ends” been met?
If Gaile Owens sentence is commuted by Governor Phil Bredesen, she will have to live with the memory of her grievous act. This is much more harmful to the soul than death.
In his book, The Founding Murder, Rene Gerard recounts when Cain killed his brother Abel and realizing what he had done stated: “Now that I’ve killed my brother, anyone will kill me at sight.”(Gen. 4:14) God then brings forth a new law against murder stating: “If anyone kills Cain, he shall be avenged sevenfold.”(Gen 4:15)
The question is: Was this God’s intent to punish those who murder one another by capital punishment – the death penalty?
Capital punishment as we know it is justified by the State based on the writings of St. Augustine’s “Just War” principles. Specifically:
1. Just Cause – In order to protect human life, to prevent a murder by a particular individual, for a crime that is so ‘grave’ that it disrupts society;
2. Right intention – The intent of capital punishment is based solely on the heinous and egregious criminal act of which an individual has been found guilty;
3. Proportionality of ends – The killing of an individual as punishment for their crime cannot be greater than the crime of which they have been found guilty of committing against society.
Public prosecutors tend to seek the death penalty when, by statue, it is justified. Society allows these prosecutors to determine and vie for the death penalty when the “proportionality of ends” meets the standards established by society.
In order for there to be a “proportionality of ends” the sentence – death cannot be greater than the crime committed.
The method the State uses to cause death in fulfillment of the sentencing has lead to some modifications. In some respects society wants it both ways: To control crime –societal disruption by having a death penalty and, to implement the death penalty in the “most humane” manner. Oxymoron comes to mine.
Society in making laws uses their own rationale to justify their actions. The movement of states from having a death penalty on their law books to not having one has been a political process. This process has been a slow one, yet public opinion has swayed many legislators and governors.
Gaile Owens, the former Bartlett resident is scheduled to be executed on September 28. If she is killed it will be the first time in 190 years that a woman has been executed in the State of Tennessee. Has the “proportionality of ends” been met?
If Gaile Owens sentence is commuted by Governor Phil Bredesen, she will have to live with the memory of her grievous act. This is much more harmful to the soul than death.
Hooks: "Giving a voice to the voiceless"
April 20th, 2010 4:10 pm CT
“Remember that down in the valley where crime abounds and dope proliferates…where babies are having babies, our brothers and sisters are crying to us, ‘Is anyone listening? Does anyone care?”
Dr. Benjamin Hooks spoke those words at the 1992 National Convention of the NAACP as a reminder to members who had gain financial success to not forget those who still struggle.
As we celebrate the life of Reverend Dr. Benjamin Hooks we recognize the gap between the ‘haves and have-nots’ has widened. Who is standing up for social justice?
Glenn Beck has a war against social justice, calling the use of the phrase “social justice” nothing but, “code words for Nazism and communism.”
Today, everyone seems to be against something. Downtowners are against homeless panhandlers, Tea Partiers are against taxation, and the Republican Party is against anything that Obama does.
We need to stand up for something. We need to stand up for principle. We need to stand up for justice and for those who are voiceless.
Dr. Hooks left a legacy for us to follow. On Wednesday, April 21, a public viewing will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to pay final tribute and thanks to Dr. Hooks at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, 369 G.E. Patterson. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m.
The President stated, "Our national life is richer for the time Dr. Hooks spent on this earth, and our union is more perfect for the way [he] spent it: Giving a voice to the voiceless."
Let us be inspired to listen and care about what the voiceless are saying.
“Remember that down in the valley where crime abounds and dope proliferates…where babies are having babies, our brothers and sisters are crying to us, ‘Is anyone listening? Does anyone care?”
Dr. Benjamin Hooks spoke those words at the 1992 National Convention of the NAACP as a reminder to members who had gain financial success to not forget those who still struggle.
As we celebrate the life of Reverend Dr. Benjamin Hooks we recognize the gap between the ‘haves and have-nots’ has widened. Who is standing up for social justice?
Glenn Beck has a war against social justice, calling the use of the phrase “social justice” nothing but, “code words for Nazism and communism.”
Today, everyone seems to be against something. Downtowners are against homeless panhandlers, Tea Partiers are against taxation, and the Republican Party is against anything that Obama does.
We need to stand up for something. We need to stand up for principle. We need to stand up for justice and for those who are voiceless.
Dr. Hooks left a legacy for us to follow. On Wednesday, April 21, a public viewing will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to pay final tribute and thanks to Dr. Hooks at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, 369 G.E. Patterson. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m.
The President stated, "Our national life is richer for the time Dr. Hooks spent on this earth, and our union is more perfect for the way [he] spent it: Giving a voice to the voiceless."
Let us be inspired to listen and care about what the voiceless are saying.
Fired cop gets off on beating transgendered
* April 20th, 2010 10:44 am CT
Justice has not come to Duanna Johnson after Monday’s mistrial declaration. Although the Judge asked the jury to continue deliberating, one person was not convinced Officer Bridges McRae acted intentionally in the beating of Miss Johnson.
Since the beating, scores of people have seen the video tape of McRae “winding up” and delivering blow after blow upon Duanna Johnson. McRae claims it was not intentional, that he just wanted to get her fingerprints. It is doubtful that police policy stresses using force over reason in gaining fingerprints.
Why? What aggravated this Officer? Was it because she was belligerent or because she was transgendered?
We will never fully know the answer to that question as she was killed in a shooting at Hollywood near Staten Avenue, on Sunday, November 9, 2008, nine months after the beating.
This series of events is frightening. The impression that this decision leaves is that it is okay to brutally beat a person in custody if they are different, if they are transgendered.
It is appalling that beyond the attacking McRae, there were others who just watched, as one assisted in holding Johnson. Like the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross, while others watched. I guess they were just doing their job.
Duanna’s voice was not heard in this time, but Justice’s voice will prevail as Prosecutors intend to ask for a new trial.
A “Vigil for Justice” will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. at Civic Center Plaza, 125 N. Main St., Downtown Memphis, TN
Justice has not come to Duanna Johnson after Monday’s mistrial declaration. Although the Judge asked the jury to continue deliberating, one person was not convinced Officer Bridges McRae acted intentionally in the beating of Miss Johnson.
Since the beating, scores of people have seen the video tape of McRae “winding up” and delivering blow after blow upon Duanna Johnson. McRae claims it was not intentional, that he just wanted to get her fingerprints. It is doubtful that police policy stresses using force over reason in gaining fingerprints.
Why? What aggravated this Officer? Was it because she was belligerent or because she was transgendered?
We will never fully know the answer to that question as she was killed in a shooting at Hollywood near Staten Avenue, on Sunday, November 9, 2008, nine months after the beating.
This series of events is frightening. The impression that this decision leaves is that it is okay to brutally beat a person in custody if they are different, if they are transgendered.
It is appalling that beyond the attacking McRae, there were others who just watched, as one assisted in holding Johnson. Like the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross, while others watched. I guess they were just doing their job.
Duanna’s voice was not heard in this time, but Justice’s voice will prevail as Prosecutors intend to ask for a new trial.
A “Vigil for Justice” will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. at Civic Center Plaza, 125 N. Main St., Downtown Memphis, TN
* Memphis Religion & Politics Examiner.Com
Jesus was a panhandler
* April 18th, 2010 4:26 pm CT
Last Tuesday the Memphis City Council voted to enact a new ordinance that would restrict panhandling in areas of downtown. This proposal was offered by the Center City Commission.
The Mid-South Peace and Justice Committee and other homeless advocates who protested this ordinance urged the acceptance of a Resolution offered by Councilman Joe Brown that would actually attempt to address the “root causes” of panhandling with the goal of solving the problem.
Advocates for the homeless, stressed that this ordinance targets the poor, especially those with profound addiction problems and mental illness.
Many protesting the Ordinance wore T-Shirts proclaiming “Jesus was a Panhandler.”
For many, the concept of Jesus being a panhandler is farfetched. Yet ask, “How did Jesus support himself during those years he was doing ministry?”
One can find in Luke 8:1-3 the following:
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (NIV)
Okay, Jesus didn’t have a job, but he and the disciples who lived on the streets, supported themselves from handouts from the “women…out of their own means.”
Isn’t that what many homeless do, live on the streets and somehow support themselves with handouts from [men and] “women…out of their own means?”
The point being made by these advocates for the homeless is since there were already laws on the book prohibiting panhandling; addressing the problem of panhandling takes more than enacting more laws. Treatment and assistance is the solution, at less expense to the city than locking someone up for being poor and needy.
The city’s elite and privileged residents and businesses of downtown won their quest to be rid of the “unsightly.” But as we are reminded, “You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives…" Mt. 26:11
Isn’t it time to address that problem?
* April 18th, 2010 4:26 pm CT
Last Tuesday the Memphis City Council voted to enact a new ordinance that would restrict panhandling in areas of downtown. This proposal was offered by the Center City Commission.
The Mid-South Peace and Justice Committee and other homeless advocates who protested this ordinance urged the acceptance of a Resolution offered by Councilman Joe Brown that would actually attempt to address the “root causes” of panhandling with the goal of solving the problem.
Advocates for the homeless, stressed that this ordinance targets the poor, especially those with profound addiction problems and mental illness.
Many protesting the Ordinance wore T-Shirts proclaiming “Jesus was a Panhandler.”
For many, the concept of Jesus being a panhandler is farfetched. Yet ask, “How did Jesus support himself during those years he was doing ministry?”
One can find in Luke 8:1-3 the following:
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (NIV)
Okay, Jesus didn’t have a job, but he and the disciples who lived on the streets, supported themselves from handouts from the “women…out of their own means.”
Isn’t that what many homeless do, live on the streets and somehow support themselves with handouts from [men and] “women…out of their own means?”
The point being made by these advocates for the homeless is since there were already laws on the book prohibiting panhandling; addressing the problem of panhandling takes more than enacting more laws. Treatment and assistance is the solution, at less expense to the city than locking someone up for being poor and needy.
The city’s elite and privileged residents and businesses of downtown won their quest to be rid of the “unsightly.” But as we are reminded, “You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives…" Mt. 26:11
Isn’t it time to address that problem?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)