Thoughts on Racism.

Here’s a fair question to ask. What do I know about racism as a white male in his 60’s? It’s a fair question.

I grew up with very a very racist grandfather who went as fat as to threaten an elderly black couple crossing the drive at the church they attended together. My grandfather almost ran them over, stopping at the last moment.

“ Mover you nigger asses or I will run you over.” I was about 7 or 6. My mother seemed to take it in stride, though she later told me, “That’s just how grandpa is. I’m not like that and I don’t want you to be either.” My father later talked to me about it. He told me, “Don’t judge a man simply by the color of his skin. Get to know him. If h’s stupid, it will come to show. If he’s ignorant, that’s different to me. I believe you can educate the ignorant, but stupid is forever.

“There are far more stupid and ignorant whites than you can possibly imagine. I want you to have something I didn’t. Am opportunity to judge for yourself.”

I took it to heart. My first wife is Hispanic, so now, are my children. They’ve been harassed by police and white people alike in Texas. My daughter was forcibly drug from her vehicle by a Dallas officer who pulled her over because he said her music was too loud. She also has very nice tattoos on her shoulders; one of the Virgin Mary and the other of Jesus in his crown of thorns. Obviously, she must be a gang-banging piece of Latino shit. When in fact, she graduated North Texas with a degree in psychology, and is currently a mid-level manager for AT&T. I am no expert, nor do I claim to be. However, I usually know what is meant to be racist and what is just ignorance.

Donald Trump’s comments regarding the four congresswomen of color are racist. My grandfather used to say the same things. “Go back to where you came from. It’s America; love it or leave it, etc.”

It is not pollical rhetoric when you attack someone personally. The are all citizens of this nation. They all have the right to free speech – including criticizing the President. They have the right to pursue a more progressive style of government.

What reveals Trump’s stupidity, not ignorance, is he told three U. S. born women to go back where they came from. He said something about coming from countries with broken governments, crime-infested, etc. Taken at face value, Trump thinks the United States has a pretty crappy government, is crime infested and hates America.

Trump has recently been described as the most racist president since Andrew Jackson. I’m no presidential historian so I will defer to their judgement. I do know the Trump family business has been charged an sued in the past over discriminatory actions towards minorities.

I also didn’t realize it is a condition, or proof of my loyalty or love of my nation that I have to love the Israelis. I respect them greatly and support their right to their homeland. It doesn’t mean I love every decision they make as a country – which has nothing to do with my feelings for Judaism.

The house voted to condemn Trump yesterday. It amazed me how many Republicans defended his statements. Fortunately, there are enough who value the principles of our nation or partisan politics.

These, of course my opinions. You don’t have to agree with me, not at all. I am merely standing up, as a white male of European descent for the rights of all peoples under the Constitution.

So, I say to you – if indeed you are a white of European descent, “If you don’t like it, please feel free to go back to where you came from.” The country of your ancestors, not the last place you lived.

Freedom isn’t free.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”  A quote attributed to

Edmund Burke (in a letter addressed to Thomas Mercer). That's the short version, attributed to Burke.

Robert Ullrich, July 17, 2019

Review of "Suicide by Everest", a novel by Scott J. Thurman

"Suicide by Everest" 

This is my first read of a work by Author Scott Thurman, a talented writer with a knack for historical fiction.

"Suicide by Everest"; a title that catches you eye and curiosity - it did mine. I am somewhat familiar with the Prestige which comes from scaling her, and the exceptional risks.

"Suicide" is the story of Brigham Young VIII, son of Brigham Young VII and what I perceive as the struggle to wear such a famous name. The pressure, the expectations, the life of privilege tempered by the expectations of such a legacy in the Mormon community.

It also deals quite well with the loss of a parent - the different effects on siblings and others left behind.

I am not a "spoiler" reviewer. I read it - you should, too. It may help you understand the reality of growing up with a "famous" name draped over you like a mantle.

Good character development - meaningful dialogue - unique story-line.

"Suicide by Everest" is out of my preferred genres in reading - but was well worth the side-trip.

Get Your Copy on Amazon

Put it on your want-to-read shelf today.

Robert Ullrich, Phantom Scorpio Productions

Neighbors

One of my neighbors, albeit not very neighborly, was recently overheard having a late-night alcohol fueled conversation with a friend of his. The subject was me, my wife and our three dogs. The drunken prattle concerned the shooting of our dogs, suggested by my neighbor. His friend responded, from what I have been told, with enthusiasm when he said, “Fuck that shit, we should shoot the owners.”

How do I know he was referring to us? First, the ongoing negative interaction between us, which began with him allowing his small dog to charge mine when they were in the yard, fenced in.  Secondly, we are the only people in a multi-block radius with three dogs. They are not petite – all are rescues from dire circumstances. There’s Günter, or Gunny as we call him – all 90 plus pounds of  two-year-old Shepherd. A playful yet veritable force of nature with a seemingly endless source of energy. Then there’s Banx, our 11to12 year-old, 80-pound Golden retriever. Self-established Alpha of our small pack. He’s older, but a very creative fighter with Gunny to maintain his position as Top-Dog. Last, but far from least, the petite princess and 60-pound Shepherd female, Miss Cheyenne. Difficult to believe for many, Cheyanne is the most dangerous. She was also the most badly abused. She bonded with Kim as only a Shepherd can and will defend her to the death.

Our neighbor seems to find me frustrating, from what he told the police told my wife today. The officer was responding to the latest incident – the overt, outside, loudly declared desired to kill.

Kim told me about the comments on Tuesday the 9^th. You could say I became a tad upset – or majorly pissed; whichever you’re comfortable with. I went to the local Police department and got the exact response I expected.

“There’s nothing we can do about the threat, and you should have called immediately.” Kim didn’t tell me for two weeks, knowing how I would react. I was lectured on the necessity of calling immediately when he’s harassing our dogs, or us in any manner; which is futile, He shoots of fireworks in 5-10-minutes. Ensuring the police won’t arrive until it’s too late. They have to be caught in the act. It never happens.

They suggested we journal is action, (I have been since hi dog charged into the canine pack Kin was walking.) Young Master Lincoln has well-documented several incidents. The can be added to the criminal to the criminal complaint.

I have little confidence in SPPD responding in time of a life-threating incident. So I am taking the time to put in security cameras.                      

It would seem almost every neighborhood has a  asshole of their own. Who knows? Maybe the fac I don’t tolerate bullies, drunken wifebeaters, speeding cars down the alley and my commitment to never being an innocent bystander make ME the neighborhood ass-hat.

A hat I can live with.

      

 

 Banx  

                                                                   Mr, Guntar                                                                          

                     

 Cheyenne - Protecting Kim as always