This has been a stressful time for me. I know I should not listen to Donald Trump. I know this since for as sure as the day is long he will say something racist or bigoted.
If I were inclined to be disappointed, true to form he told all who listened that people from most of Africa come from s–hole countries. This hatred directed at others comes after comments that folks from Haiti all have AIDS!
This ignorance prompted a response from our former Governor General Michelle Jean, who as if happens is a refugee from Haiti. So on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day I feel my words are of little importance.
I listen to the defense many present about Trump and his racism. The fact remains for many years the man has shown his true colours. The President is a liar and a racist. I wonder for those who follow his words with admiration — what does this say about you?
I am going to step off the stage for just a moment so you can read the words of Maya Angelou and Dr. King:
“I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion and compassion.”
Dr. King said, “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe or political nor popular but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.”
“ There is only one race — human! At the end of the day we all bleed.”
“The bible tells us to ‘love your neighbour as you do yourself.’ ”
“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”
“Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world but has not solved one yet.”
“I choose love since hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Maybe this quote from Dr. king is directed to people like me: “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Dr. King did say “I have a dream.” He, like many of us, had dreams for humanity. Maybe we are not smart enough or decent enough to know that hatred and racism are just wrong.
My words or the words of great people from the past and hopefully from the future will not change the hearts of those who wrap themselves in hateful thought. Still, I have a dream.
I cannot help but think about my friends present and past who have suffered racism. My heart aches for them when I recall the racism they endured. Enough said. I hope you can have reasonable discussions about this topic. I will say it again — I have a dream.
You can call me at 250-846-5095 or email a note to mallory@bulkley.net.