MY RESPONSE TO THE 2018 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

I have been observing the State of the Union Address ever since the days of President Richard Nixon. One of my first political memories is Nixon's resignation and President Gerald Ford assuming office.

What was my reaction to the State of the Union Address? Weariness and grief. No, not at all because of anything personal regarding President Donald J. Trump. As a matter of fact, my weariness has nothing to do with Trump at all. I guess you could say that I am just sick and tired of the back and forth.

What do I mean? If a Democrat is president, he gives his State of the Union speech, shares the platform of his party, the Democrats stand and applaud the whole time and the Republicans sit there like "bumps on a log." If a Republican is president, he gives his State of the Union speech, shares the platform of his party, the Republicans stand and applaud the whole time and the Democrats sit there like "bumps on a log." And so I have observed this back and forth, all through Presidents: Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush (George H. W.), Clinton, Bush (George W.), Obama and now Trump. I am sure it will continue with the next president, and the next president and so on and so forth.

Last night Trump did a masterful job at presenting the platform of his party. Republicans stand for: small government, 2nd amendment rights, national pride, support for Israel, etc. Once a Democrat is President, he or she will also do a masterful job at presenting their platform: increased wages, environmental concerns, healthcare, etc. But, when will we see a President (or any government official) that is committed to THE PEOPLE and not the platform of their party.

It is not secret that I am a conservative - so I dare anyone to say that I am pushing a liberal, anti-establishment agenda (Note: I did not mention a particular political party). Actually, most black preachers are morally conservative and socially liberal. We believe in obeying God's standard of conduct; while not forgetting "the least of these."

I am sure that most white evangelicals will relish the president's speech as we pushed "God and country." And, there is nothing wrong with pride in your country. I would think that most of us in the United States love our country. As much as people may complain about certain circumstances in our nation; there is not a large exodus to leave here and move elsewhere.

But, we must stay balanced. For example: while the President recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; most evangelical Christians do not realize that Israel is a "secular" state (just check how it was created). Orthodox Jews do not recognize it, Tel Aviv is considered the "gay capital" and "Las Vegas" of the Middle East and many of its citizens are atheists. Ask me how I know? I have been there numerous times and was shocked to learn all of this. So while we should stand for Israel's right to exist, let's stay balanced; we must also recognize and acknowledge the pain and atrocities that many "Palestinians" have suffered. Again, I have been there numerous times. So I am not going on hearsay. I am going on what I have SEEN FOR MYSELF.

We should honor our police and first responders (as the President did). Most police are wonderful citizens. They risk their lives for our safety. It's a blessing to be able to call 911 and get an immediate response. That truly is a blessing. But, ALSO acknowledge the pain that many of our citizens have experienced through police brutality. Why disenfranchise and entire community of your citizens; simply for the sake of your "base" and your party's platform.

No, everyone will not agree on how we honor the flag and what it stands for. It's insulting to some, to see people kneel as the pledge of allegiance is recited. But, you should seek to understand that (1) many of your citizens ancestors were brought here against their will (2) they were NOT in the mindset of the founders of this country (3) the descendants of those ancestors YET experience injustice on a regular basis (this is why the flag and the pledge may have a different significance to some citizens). YES, there is great opportunity in this nation. But, at least ACKNOWLEDGE the pain of a large portion of your constituency.

The greatness of this country's founding of "250 years ago" was mentioned; without any acknowledgment of the millions of natives that lost their lives because of European invasion. Some may say, "get over it." Boy, that sounds very Christian for people that are so committed to God (sarcastic voice).

Yes, this is a great country. But, it should be a great country for all. To be inclusive, the atrocities of the past should not be ignored; as if they never happened. Just like conservatives say that confederate statues are a part of our history (sarcastic voice); the native genocide, slavery, mistreatment of Asians during World War II, etc., are a part of our history as well.

No I am not a part of the anti-Trump movement; nor the pro-Trump movement. And I am not a part of the pro-liberal movement either. Christians must stop viewing and referring to the presidents as "men of God," just because they stand for our "pet" issues.

The Democrat party is no more committed to the black community than the Republicans are. The Democrat party just knows that they must have the "black vote" to win. Therefore, they create a few "tokens" and hand out a few "crumbs" (dollars) to make it seem like they care. But, neither party (my opinion) is GENUINELY committed to the good of minorities. They BOTH are ONLY committed to acquiring and maintaining power: THAT'S IT.

It is a crying shame that out of a nation of 323 million people, we only have two parties in power. While there are numerous other parties, none have proven their viability to win major nationwide elections. That is my response: after viewing all this back and forth  (State of the Union), I wish there was some kind of alternative to the Democratic and Republican parties. A party that will stand for the good of the people and not for maintain the platform of the party nor the support of a base (that could care less about ALL of the citizens of our nation).