*In the aftermath of the California wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, it brings to mind the legacy and inheritable properties – many of which were handed down through generations of families – that are no longer there.
Imagine the feeling of loss caused by an unforeseeable accident or force of nature; but nothing can compare to the gut-wrenching anguish of losing your home, loved ones, your whole community and way of life; to the evils of hate and bigotry.
This also brings to mind the unveiled stereotypes that some far-right TV evangelists continue to promulgate from their pulpits. They imply laziness, as one panel leader once said, “Blacks vote Democrat because they want a handout.” How absurd!
Then another preacher did an illustration of the biblical story of the talents, where upon his return, the master gave the talent given to the slothful one who buried it, to the one who invested. Blacks, Native Americans and other people of color (POC) are not slothful, not lazy.
They have worked hard, invested, and established growth in their own communities, only to have it destroyed by the spirit of racist bigotry. Think of the Tulsa massacre, Rosewood, the Trail of Tears, and many other atrocities committed in America.
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Think of the line in Bob Marley’s song “I Shot The Sheriff”: “every time I plant a seed, he says ‘kill it before it grows’.” With injustices like this and other methods like urban gentrification, how can a family build generational wealth? Let’s not even talk about the intellectual property royalties from songwriting and publishing that were stolen from Blacks in the music world!
It’s nothing new. In the Bible, 1 Kings chapter 21, Ahab wanted to buy Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth refused saying, “The Lord forbid me that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” His refusal cost him his life.
Often referred to as “Christian nationalists,” far-right TV evangelists are also in favor of eliminating or cutting back on some government assistance programs like healthcare, food, housing, and transportation. They say some programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are overfunded and view government dependency as a gateway to socialism. Meanwhile, the one percent of U.S. households that control/hold a third of the country’s wealth, don’t pay taxes. What’s up with that?
The poor and needy will always be among us and every American citizen should pay their fair share according to Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution: “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States …”
What a difference it would make if the so-called TV “Christians” would practice what the believers did in the Book of Acts 2:44,45 – “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” – instead of building bigger Mega churches, living in mansions, and buying multiple airplanes. Where capitalism may lead to greed, social caring and sharing meets the need.
Larry Buford is a contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: [email protected]
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