Keeping Racism Alive

Good Morning, Breakfastpoppers. Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2015. Our pious friend, Mantis Manny is at the breakfast table this morning. Manny has been around a long time and witness to a lot of things over the years. He has seen our country come to terms with racism and make astounding progress when it involves extending freedom to people of all races and religions. We will always have room for improvement, but it seems that we are now sliding backwards to a troubled time in our nation's past. Manny has asked for the pleasure of your company this morning. He is preparing breakfast burritos and home fries. I will add to the deliciousness by mixing up a decadent batch of Bloody Marys. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you all for joining me this morning. When I was a young bug i clearly remember the anger and frustration I felt when I saw young black men and women in the south being treated like dogs. We have come a long way since those times. No better example of that progress can be made than that of Barack Obama who became president after a good speech and precious little else. I sometimes wonder if he won the election out of the nation's sense of collective guilt about the past. Whatever the reason, his election should have ushered in an era of racial peace. Instead, the reverse has taken place. It is not coming from disgruntled whites who yearned for the old days, but rather it is coming from members of the black community who are stirring up tensions and keeping the flames of hatred alive. It is no surprise to anyone that Rev. Al Sharpton is a leader in this area. The man practically salivates when a black person is killed by a white officer or anyone in authority. That is his bread and butter. Things take on a totally different meaning when the first black president in the history of this country joins in the fray and ups the racial ante.

President Obama has spoken out too many times about local issues that involve black and white violence. He jumped into these situations before he even knew the facts. I guess he just couldn't help himself. Apparently, Al Sharpton and the president have a close and cordial relationship. Al may just be another one of Obama's mentors and that can't be a good thing. Now the First Lady has joined the chorus of disgruntled blacks who according to Michelle Obama have been frustrated and invisible for decades. Frankly, I can't help but wonder how much more anyone could be visible than Michelle in her role as First Lady. Her message to students at Tuskagee University in Alabama should have been one of inspiration and encouragement. Instead, Ms. Obama chose this occasion to urge young black students to remain involved in civic life during these times of tension in race relations. She forgot to mention her role and the role of others in keeping the tension alive. She reminded the students about systemic discrimination. She reminded them about their "nagging worries that they are going to get stopped or pulled over for absolutely no reason." This is what I call a missed opportunity. I don't think she did the students a favor. She could have used the moment to encourage them to be the be the best they can be, because all things are possible in this nation. The messaging went the way it has been going for six long years, and that is a complete and dangerous use of time.

Saida Grundy is a newly hired Boston University professor who tells her students and everyone else via Twitter that white males are a problem population. She teaches African-American studies, so I think it is fair to assume that she is happy to be teaching her students how to be racists. Boston University is defending their decision to hire her, because they say she is entitled to free speech. I guess by the time these students graduate, BU will have produced another generation of racists so the racial divide can widen and endure.

The current climate in this country is teeming with racism. Suddenly black Americans are angrier than ever despite quantum leaps in public and social policy. The Freddie Gray case is a perfect example of people in power using their position to add to the tension. Marilyn Mosby is Maryland's State attorney. Her rush to judgment in the Gray case may just come back to haunt her. As an officer of the court she betrayed her oath to protect the rights of all citizens. She topped off her unprofessional behavior by appearing on stage with Prince during an ode to Freddie Gray. This incident has been tainted in so many ways that I just can't imagine how a fair trial can take place in Baltimore. We are now a nation ruled by mobs. I have a very strong feeling that things are going to get much, much worse. Let Us Pray.....

Manny's Song

The moment I wake up

Before I stretch my wings

I say a little prayer for you.