Originally Posted by tedquick (Post 982227)

First off I do not believe that the incidents related actually happened. Having said that, there are racists in this country. There will always be racists. There is nothing that we “good people” can do that will eliminate all racism. The biggest racist I ever ran into was a black man in a major city in the Midwest. To him, nearly everything was about racism.

I worked on many committees over the years with many black people. Some were excellent workers while others were not. It had nothing whatsoever to do with color. It had to do with their level of ambition. It was exactly the same with white members of the same committees. Some were very ambitious while others expected everyone else to carry the load. Some of my greatest working partners were black. I rarely noticed skin color, but I did notice the character of all with whom I worked.

I also have met many black people who are much more accomplished than I. Everyone has heard of Dr. Ben Carson. He didn’t let color stand in his way nor did he make excuses. He worked hard and succeeded. But then so did Condoleezza Rice, and many many others.

One thing I’ve learned in my decades of living is that when *any* group is separated out from all the other groups there are going to be problems. You cannot divide people and expect smooth relationships to develop. You cannot legislate behavior, morality or ethics. Every time you single out someone or some group you divide and create another avenue for dissent and disagreement. Just look at Travon Martin and the Ferguson ordeal.

The WH is our nation’s greatest promoter and aggravator of racism today followed closely by the likes of Al Sharpton. In the past we have had Presidents who were uniters. Today we have a divider. Both knew/know exactly what they were/are doing. Both extremes had/have their reasons.

I end with this thought: one’s character is exposed, not by one’s words, but by one’s deeds.

Originally Posted by tedquick (Post 982227)

First off I do not believe that the incidents related actually happened. Having said that, there are racists in this country. There will always be racists. There is nothing that we “good people” can do that will eliminate all racism. The biggest racist I ever ran into was a black man in a major city in the Midwest. To him, nearly everything was about racism.

I worked on many committees over the years with many black people. Some were excellent workers while others were not. It had nothing whatsoever to do with color. It had to do with their level of ambition. It was exactly the same with white members of the same committees. Some were very ambitious while others expected everyone else to carry the load. Some of my greatest working partners were black. I rarely noticed skin color, but I did notice the character of all with whom I worked.

I also have met many black people who are much more accomplished than I. Everyone has heard of Dr. Ben Carson. He didn’t let color stand in his way nor did he make excuses. He worked hard and succeeded. But then so did Condoleezza Rice, and many many others.

One thing I’ve learned in my decades of living is that when *any* group is separated out from all the other groups there are going to be problems. You cannot divide people and expect smooth relationships to develop. You cannot legislate behavior, morality or ethics. Every time you single out someone or some group you divide and create another avenue for dissent and disagreement. Just look at Travon Martin and the Ferguson ordeal.

The WH is our nation’s greatest promoter and aggravator of racism today followed closely by the likes of Al Sharpton. In the past we have had Presidents who were uniters. Today we have a divider. Both knew/know exactly what they were/are doing. Both extremes had/have their reasons.

I end with this thought: one’s character is exposed, not by one’s words, but by one’s deeds.

Originally Posted by tedquick (Post 982227)

First off I do not believe that the incidents related actually happened. Having said that, there are racists in this country. There will always be racists. There is nothing that we “good people” can do that will eliminate all racism. The biggest racist I ever ran into was a black man in a major city in the Midwest. To him, nearly everything was about racism.

I worked on many committees over the years with many black people. Some were excellent workers while others were not. It had nothing whatsoever to do with color. It had to do with their level of ambition. It was exactly the same with white members of the same committees. Some were very ambitious while others expected everyone else to carry the load. Some of my greatest working partners were black. I rarely noticed skin color, but I did notice the character of all with whom I worked.

I also have met many black people who are much more accomplished than I. Everyone has heard of Dr. Ben Carson. He didn’t let color stand in his way nor did he make excuses. He worked hard and succeeded. But then so did Condoleezza Rice, and many many others.

One thing I’ve learned in my decades of living is that when *any* group is separated out from everybody else there are going to be problems. You cannot divide people and expect smooth relationships to develop. You cannot legislate behavior, morality or ethics. Every time you single out someone or some group you divide and create another avenue for dissent and disagreement. Just look at Travon Martin and the Ferguson ordeal.

The WH is our nation’s greatest promoter and aggravator of racism today followed closely by the likes of Al Sharpton. In the past we have had Presidents who were uniters. Today we have a divider. Both knew/know exactly what they were/are doing. Both extremes had/have their reasons.

I end with this thought: one’s character is exposed, not by one’s words, but by one’s deeds.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 982149)

Why do you think some people have bad opinions of some people who are black? Why do you think that some people have opinions of anyone in any group? What do you think can be done to help improve acceptance of people of all races? Should we change our behavior, we, older white people?

I have a friend who is black, she was my neighbor in Cincinnati. She posted a picture on Facebook of the recent gathering in Washington, protesting police violence. She said "Isn't that beautiful?" It was a picture of thousands and thousands of people protesting police violence. I didn't know how I felt about that, I very much support the police, but I like her and respect her very much. I am confused. Obviously I am doing or thinking something wrong.

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 982418)

Reference, see Iraq war......................