IT IS A FOOL'S GOLD

IT IS A FOOL’S GOLD 

Amy and Dennis Tippen did not raise a 3^rd class citizen, not even a 2^nd class. I refused to live in shame as a third class citizen. I was determined to find a place where the pride of a gay man could be expressed without shame or condemnation. I have seen how some members of my family and friends died with their heads down in shame because they were gay. I know many men who sacrificed their happiness to live in a heterosexual relationship ashamed to admit they were gay.  I know many others who have lived their entire lives in the “closet” because they were ashamed of their homosexuality. Warped Christianity has brought shame to LGBTQ individuals, and I refuse to allow that to happen to me. When I die I will not die as a wilted flower.

What some so-called Christians have done to the Christian religion is one of the great religious debacles of mankind. It is the same as what fool’s gold is to real gold. In contemporary USA, a fool’s religion has taken over Christianity, and as a result, a heavy price will be paid. Instead of religion condemning gay individuals, gays can now condemn this man-made religion. The same book that supposedly condemns LGBTQ lifestyle, also condemns, liars, cheaters, and adulterers. Many American Christians are following a false leader, who is proclaiming a false doctrine, and “when the blind leads the blind, they all fall in the ditch together,” a quote from the Christian’s favorite Holy Book.

America could be a perfect example of the social mixing-pot of the world. All that needs to be done is the equal accepting of the superiority of all races, and admitting the valuable contributions that immigrants have made to the building of America. It is foolish to consider America anything other than the people of the world coming together to formulate a perfect union, and to establish the world’s greatest society. 

In defense of the USA, it is now proclaimed that the majority of Americans accept gays and same-sex marriages. However, I believe that American gays are far from being “out of the woods” particularly in religious circles. Nevertheless, any progress is appreciated.  If this can be done for one of America’s most hated groups, it can be done for others. The people of the world are saying that “Black Lives Matter” and are not willing to accept anything less. It must be admitted that a police presence is important but police brutality must be eradicated.

******A PERSONAL NOTE******

After reading Mary L. Trump’s book, “Too Much Is Never Enough----How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” I have greater concerns of what Donald Trump is doing to America. Donald Trump is a “malignant liar” and even though his lies may not be believed, they are accepted within the Republican Party. Very few times in American history have Americans come this close to loosing a democratic form of government. The tail of woe or success will be determined in the presidential election of November, 2020. 

MONUMENTS THAT SPEAK

MONUMENTS THAT SPEAK 

My monuments are the faces of Southern relatives who continue to support the whip cracking, the raping of African American women, the hanging and castrating of African American men, and the burning of African American homes. These faces support a White Power government, the Confederacy that was built on hatred, bigotry, prejudice and injustice. I am a product of that government, and I recognize the social flaws that continue to haunt the American nation, but I have moved on to a better location. 

I have heard your remarks of anger when I have written examples of your discrimination, and I have seen your replies of hate against anti-Confederate Op-Ed’s. I am ashamed to admit that the same type of blood flows through my veins, but the blood that flows through me has gone though a purification process called, “ALL PEOPLE ARE CREATED EQUAL.” It may not have changed the color, but it has changed the content of the character. 

You have been quick to talk about the burning of the American flag and of course, we all know that is wrong. But the greater wrong is to ignore the thousands of service men and women who gave their lives to give you the right to wave your Confederate and Nazi flags. The freedoms those flags represent are not even one tenth of the freedoms represented by waving the Red, White, and Blue. Only by your birthright have you been allowed to live in a free democratic society, and now you see that society through the naive lens of selfishness and would rather destroy it than share it. 

The power of the American government has always been in the hands of the white man, simply known as White Supremacists. The election of an African American President placed an awakening fear that the white man was loosing control. Thus the bells started ringing and White America went to work to make sure that White Power stayed supreme.  A pact was formed within the Republican Party that they would do whatever is necessary to keep White Power in control, even if it meant lying.   And they have been true to their commitment. By closing voting booths in minority neighborhoods, removing minority’s names from voter registrars, attempting to deny mail-in ballots, and using other illegal tactics of voter suppression are the ways the Republicans plan to stay in power.    

To continue fighting the Civil War is the most destructive element to a peaceful America. To revive the meanness of White America not only reverts to the troubles of the past but invites troubles for the future. Also, there is a contagious characteristic in meanness that is quickly absorbed into younger generations. To live a life in conflict is an elementary level of improvised incompetence. In other words, it is a totally wasted life. 

Sins are sins and the results are evident, but the sin of all sins is the inability to learn from the original sin. The enslavement of humans was America’s original sin and nothing good will ever come from the exploitation of living beings.  Racism can add nothing beneficial to America’s future but revive the revolts from the past. Human slaves, by nature, will never be satisfied with that position in life and within institutions of slavery there is no peace. Americans are missing the art of successful living by failing to learn from the mistakes of the past. It is much easier to get along with people than attempting to enslave them, a lesson many white Americans have failed to learn. 

It seems strange that some Americans cherish living in conflict. If America is ever to have peace the inherited prejudice of the white race must be corrected.  It can only be corrected by education that comes from parents, the schools, and the churches. There will never be peace in America as long as prejudice accompanied by hatred is preached from the pulpits. The monuments that speak are still carrying the hatred, bigotry, and prejudice, of the Confederate Era. Although, there seems to be widespread condemnations that may bring those images of hate crashing to the ground; it is hoped that the widespread condemnation will show up strong in the election of November, 2020.    

SLEEP TIGHT WITH PLEASANT DREAMS

SLEEP TIGHT WITH PLEASANT DREAMS 

It would have been nice if we could have realized how significant our teenage years were. If we could have attained the knowledge of just how fast youth passes, we would have cherished every moment of those years with greater appreciation. If we could have put “time in a bottle” as the writer of the songs says, and preserved it, and opened the bottle in later years, what a great time growing old would have been.  But the only way those times can be preserved is in our dreams. The Bible tells us that, “old men shall dream dreams.” And this is what it means; in our dreams we can relive those precious days of youth. 

If in our retirement we are living in a peaceful and secure environment our dreams will reflex those wonderful times of childhood. It is true we may have an occasional bad dream, but by far deep sleep and beautiful dreams fill our senior nights. For us who have had to struggle for our identity, great joy waits at the “End of the Trail,” and with a series of pleasant dreams all those struggles are made worth while. 

There was nothing easy about being a gay teenager in the Southern Bible Belt.   Even today the threads of discrimination pull heavy at my heart, and I have to take precautions to maintain a level head. I have faced discrimination, and I don’t like it! And I don’t like those who discriminate.  I must admit that in recent days there have been a series of occurrences that have upset those nights of adorable dreams. 

I have written much about Donald Trump, and I have made many of my friends and family members angry. But I feel strongly about this, and with every fiber of my being I believe that Donald Trump is corrupt and if unchecked he will destroy America’s democracy and set himself up as a dictator.  I have never felt stronger about anything in my entire life, than the fact that Donald Trump is a corrupt individual. 

The way this man has taken control of the Republican Party and the evangelical Christian Church has been abhorrent to me. And I have difficulty convincing myself that I am wrong. Everyday Donald Trump adds fuel to the belief that I am right. 

We have seen Donald Trump make fun of a handicapped reporter. We have heard him make disrespectful remarks about women. We have seen copies of the checks he used to pay porn stars for sex. 

We heard him make the statement, “Russia if you are listening,” and “There are fine people on both sides,” and we’ve seen him clap and smile when the audience shouted, “Lock her up.” We know this is not the correct approach for an opponent in a democracy. 

He sided with Putin at Helsinki in 2018 against all seventeen of American Security Agencies. In March of 2020 he was told that Vladimir Putin was paying Taliban Militants to kill American soldiers, and Donald Trump did nothing! 

He fired the Director of the FBI and other members of the Justice Department who were investigating him. He fired the people who told the truth about him at the Impeachment Proceedings.  98% of his cabinet members have been involved in corrupt schemes for personal benefit. 

He told Americans and the world that Mexico would pay for the Wall. He called football players “who took a knee” to address grievances against social injustices, “sons of bitches.” He called Mexicans rapists.  He called African nations “shit-hole countries.” He took babies from Mother’s arms and put them in cages at the Southern border. 

He has spent millions of taxpayer’s dollars hiring lawyers to prevent public inspection of his income tax returns and his business records. He has reduced the sentences of his buddies in crime, and has pardoned other friends who were convicted of crimes. 

He refused to take the advice of the scientists and doctors, and as a result, he has totally mishandled the Corvid-19 pandemic. His advice was to inject disinfectants to kill the Corvid-19 virus. He has made wearing a mask a political issue. He said, “If we didn’t have testing we wouldn’t have cases.” Now he has cut funds for Corvid-19 testing. As the result, America leads the world in deaths from Corvid-19.  During the height of the pandemic he asked the Supreme Court to overturn the “Affordable Care Act,” and eliminate preexisting conditions. 

It is safe to say that those people who have worked close with Donald Trump and were fired and who wrote a book, describe him as a totally incompetent, draft dodging liar, who should never have been elected the president of the USA. Hundreds of professionals are now saying, America may be able to survive 4 years of Donald Trump, but not 4 more years. If you love America, and if you believe in democracy, you should make plans to vote in the November election of 2020. Republicans are already making voting difficult because the only way they can win in November is by voter suppression. So regardless of the hardships, we must endure and we must vote because the “soul” of America rests in our hands. 

Now back to the issue of sleeping; I have made the decision that I will not allow any person or anything to disrupt my peaceful life and beautiful dreams. To my relatives and friends, who are Trump supporters, if he wins in November in a fair election, I will not shed tears on my pillow, but for now I will  do everything I can to see that he is defeated. However, from now until then, be assured I will sleep tight with pleasant dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY

THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY 

Donald Trump represents the smallness in humanity.  He is a man who was born surrounded with riches, but has never scarified one minute in service to anyone but himself. Donald Trump is a self-serving individual who is taking advantage of the ignorance of hundreds to build up a temporary monument to an orange-faced god of materialism. He is capitalizing on the weaknesses of others who are afraid to stand up and challenge him for the series of infractions he has committed. 

The goal of Donald Trump from the very beginning has been to make himself the god of America. He demands human worship and his followers are so blinded by the glow of his orange skin that it is impossible to see the real Donald Trump. If possible, he would make himself the god of the universe! The depths of degradation into which Donald Trump has dragged the USA will be recorded as one of the great offenses of modern times.  He and his complete organization is a corrupt gang of thieves. His children are just as corrupt as he is, and his grandchildren will be forced to live with the difficulty of his name. 

The way Donald Trump has completely mishandled the Corvid-19 virus, which has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans, will go down in history as “The Crime of the Century.” To make the wearing of a mask a political issue is one of the stupidest acts in all of the chronicles of time. For an individual not to be concerned about personal health is a matter that only mental professions can explain, but to go a step further and reprimand those who are wearing a mask, delves deeper into a mental disorder.  

What has gone wrong in America’s classrooms? Mr. and Mrs. American taxpayer you haven’t gotten your money’s worth here! When 35% of the population is following a fool, there is a big problem in the educational process. After listening to the ladies at the town hall meeting in Florida, it is evident that America is faced with some of the most severe cases of ignorance as any nation on the planet. 

It is one thing for an adult to refuse to wear a mask in large gatherings, but for a parent to take a child to a rally is “endangering the life of a minor.” Thousands of parents have been arrested for far less offences. For example, hundreds of parents have been arrested and separated from their children for the simple act of smoking a joint.

There are some serious dangers that lay ahead for America if certain precautions are not taken. There is a wide social gap that has produced an even wider political gap. With encouragement from the executive leader, America is in danger of returning to the days of the Confederacy. White Supremacists, members of the KKK, and Neo-Nazi’s are all over the streets waving Confederate flags and displaying Nazi emblems. Police departments have employed disguised White Supremacists who are killing African Americans at alarming rates, and millions of Americans are fed up with it. But with all the marchers and carrying of signs, police are still killing African Americans.  

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

...AND GOD LOOKED AT HIS CREATION ...

…AND GOD LOOKED AT HIS CREATION

…AND SHOOK HIS HEAD 

Even God must be scratching his head on this one and saying what happened to this so-called perfect creation.  He provided Americans with special blessings with the sole purpose of showing the world what free people can accomplish. But before a government could even be established the greed of the white man set in. He couldn’t wait to establish a government that would legalize the institution of slavery. He couldn’t wait to declare man’s dominion over women. He couldn’t wait to control all the lands that belonged to American Indians and exercise genocide over the entire race regardless of the cost of human lives. 

The economic system of capitalism is designed to advance the White Man’s greed.  You have heard the saying, “give a man an inch and he will take a mile,” well, give a White Man a dollar and he will try to control the entire monetary system. Not only that, but he will do anything necessary to gain and keep control. 

The greed that sustains the economic system has entered the portals of the evangelical church. Preachers have discovered the importance of the almighty dollar. They have also learned that bringing in more people produces more dollars and preaching popular subjects brings in masses of populations. One of two things has happened; either preachers have failed to read the Bible, that they hold up as the most sacred of all books, or they have become expert Biblical cherry pickers. They have omitted such scriptures as “be sure your sins will find you out” or “ye shall know the truth.” They have failed to inform parishioners about the time when Jesus over threw the money changers in the Temple. 

The USA has developed an immoral society. The Christian Church needs to generate a major campaign in the teachings of morality. It seems as if American Christians do not know that “The Good Book” condemns liars. Never in American history have so many people been able to stand flat-footed and with a straight face, lie to thousands of people. This is the biggest break down of morality in the history of mankind. 

Americans have moved into a New Era where “Actual Facts,” are replaced with “Alternative Facts. Within a matter of a few years lying has become an acceptable social behavior.  Apparently, if a lie is told to protect the president, then lying is okay!  The extent to which American Christians have gone to protect the lies of the president is one of the most bizarre occurrences in world history. Authoritative worship has popularized Christian adulation.  In America’s social circles lying has become as common as taking a drink of water, and is an acceptable facet within Christian doctrine.  

However, there is a pay day coming to America, and we better hope that we are not around to see it. The writing is flashing on the wall! There are thousands of chickens yet to come home to roost, and this home-coming is going to be one of the worst in recorded history. America has followed the same footsteps of other great civilizations that failed in utter defeat. American governmental leaders have taken PRIDE in discrimination. Dishonesty has been made honorable, and the elite have been able to break the law and suffer no consequences. God is not pleased! When the blessings were granted, the people choose to worship the orange statue of riches, rather than God, the giver of the blessings.  Many times in history God has allowed man to dig his own grave, and when God has had enough his wrath comes down hard and complete. 

 

OH! TO BE A HUMAN

OH! TO BE A HUMAN 

It makes me sick and ashamed of a race of people, to which I am connected by birth, who have for hundreds of years held on to the cultural misdemeanor that the color of skin produces superiority. The only thing this misdemeanor has produced that is superior is ignorance, because those involved have not learned the simple fact of how to get along with others. What makes me sicker are the people who still today support these acts of evil. It is plain and simple; White Supremacists will never rule America again! 

To think that some Americans believed they had the right as a vigilante, white mob to burn African American’s homes with women and children inside, was a damning act of evil.   To think that a white man could rape an African American lady, go to church and sit in the Amen Corner, and realize the existing government and the church, condoned his hideous act, merely fans the flames of hell. 

To think that the executive leader of the White race could march 60,000 American Indians, including women and children, 5,043 miles into what is present day Oklahoma, is a show of violation and disregard of human rights that was perpetrated by the U.S. government. On this “Trail of Tears” over 4,000 Indian women and children died. If a pregnant Indian lady died on the way her body was kicked to the side and left to rot. This is a shameful act that should never be accepted by any race of humans. Also, if an African American died on a slave ship to America, his body was tossed in the sea as food for the sharks without any formal observance of being a human. 

A white man can put his knee on the neck of a dying man, with the man’s face pressed in a gutter, begging for his life, and the white man can look up at the camera and smile, is some kind of an out-of-control creature that is no where near being a human. A white man can shoot a black man in the back and then kick him while he is taking his last breath, is the act of a monster not a human. 

A white senator, with a smirch on his face, can cast a vote for a man who has lied so many times it is impossible to count, and who has openly asked leaders from other countries to intervene in an American election, to help him win, is a serious un-American performance. This is an act that is in direct violation of the US Constitution, and should have every man, women, and child appalled by this abomination. Those senators, both men and women, who call themselves Americans, should not be allowed to use the word human, because they stink with the stench of death because as far as humanity is concerned they are dead. 

Many Americans do not understand the real meaning of BLACK LIVES MATTER. They use the words “all lives matter” as a disguise for racism. When a group of people have endured decades of discrimination supported by a government unwilling to prevent it, they are forced to take matters in their own hands. American government is notorious for discrimination. It is a government that says one thing in writing but does another in deeds, and rest assured, one way or anther, this is going to stop! The majority of Americas are fed up with racial discrimination and police brutality. If police departments are not willing to properly police themselves, the future scenes are not going to be pretty. 

Every day the Trump administration moves closer to an authoritarian take over. It has come to the point that there are some Americans who desire a dictator.  I say this with all sincerity; I never dreamed the extent that stupidity reigns in America. Any person who would sacrifice a democracy for a dictatorship has acquired the depth of stupidity that is unbelievable. Not only is it unbelievable but it is one of the most selfish acts ever perpetrated by parents upon future generations. 

There is a dark side to Donald Trump that gets darker every day. His physical health is declining and he has been warned by numerous mental health professionals that his mental health is problematic. His inability as a leader was incapable of realizing how serious it was when leaders from around the world laughed at him.  His followers are so blind that they are incapable of seeing his infirmities. It seems as if he is going to face a downfall with voters, and if that happens Donald Trump is going to explode with an explosion that will be heard around the world. 

Citizens of the USA fasten your seat belts because the next few months are going to be a turbulent ride. The only way Republicans can win is by voter suppression. And they are showing everyday that they have no intentions of backing off from their scrupulous tactics. If you think it is bad now just wait a few more weeks. The Republicans are going to do everything possible to win the elections in November, and legality means nothing. Staying in power is all that matters to Republicans, and they will do what ever it takes to win. The Republican Party is definitely the “White Man’s Party,” and they are scared to death of the social “mixing bowl” that is the real America. These fears are unwanted, because there are so many in America’s coalition, with great talents and with the unselfish desire to build upon America’s diverse greatness. Voting in November is one of the most important elections of our lifetime and taking part in this election is of utmost importance.                          

UNDER THE SHADE OF THE FAMILY TREE

UNDER THE SHADE OF THE FAMILY TREE 

My grandfather George McDuff Tippen, planted a dogwood tree in the center of the Tippen Cemetery. For over 100 years that tree grew, blossomed, and provided shade. Grandpa Tippen was laid to rest in the shade of that tree, which he named the Tippen Family Tree. When the tree finally died and had to be removed from the cemetery, it measured 17 and 1/2 inches across the base of the trunk. This was one of the largest dogwood trees ever to be on record. 

For decades the Tippen family name stood for honesty, integrity, and the belief that all men and women are created equal. To my grandfather a hand shake was as good as a contract, and a man was only as good as his word. Grandpa McDuff lived the life that set the example for his offspring’s to follow, but sadly some of that has been neglected. 

Dennis Tippen was McDuff’s youngest son.  Dennis and Amy met, fell in love, got married, and gave birth to nine children. All of the children were born in the log cabin, at the edge of the Louisiana swamp land. There was no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no telephone, and little connection with the outside world. If the children were lucky they might get a ride into town on Saturday’s. The only books available in the home were The Bible and the Sears Roebuck Catalog. The one thing the children had that connected them to the outside world was the big, yellow, bus that gave them a ride to a place where their brains could be challenged to gain knowledge of the world around them.   

Dennis was a hardworking man who had experienced prejudice. His primary blood-line was American Indian and he had difficulty adjusting to the White Man’s world.  His greatest pleasure was playing his hand-made fiddle to the tunes of some of the traditional, country songs. He played, Turkey In The Straw, She’ll be Comin’ Around the Mountain, Corinna, Corinna, and Beautiful, Beautiful, Brown Eyes,   late into the night sitting on the front porch of the log cabin. Many times the children went to sleep with the tunes of Dennis’ fiddle echoing in their heads. 

My relation with my Father was only within the areas of hunting and fishing. He never attended the annual Father and Son Banquets at school; he was never present at a basketball game where I played; he never saw a High School Play in which I had a part; his presence was absent from any programs whereby I received an award; and he never attended my High School or college graduations. Yet, he was a man that I loved and respected. 

Amy was the greatest Mother who ever lived. She was up early every morning at 4 A.M. through the heat and the cold, and out to the cow lot to milk the cows. She churned the butter, baked the biscuits, cooked a hot meal on a wood-burning stove, and saw her children off to school with freshly washed and ironed clothes. She was known as a famous cook and fed more than just her immediate family. She was the matriarch of the family, and the neighbors would jokingly say she was the only one who could control her husband, Dennis.  Dennis was deeply rooted in the Christian faith. He was a member of the conservative, evangelical, Church of Christ. Therefore, he never acknowledged the fact that he had a gay son. To him there was no argument, homosexuality was wrong, period. 

If there is a secret to longevity it may be in the environment of childhood.  In the depths of poverty, it might have been a blessing that I did not have access of soft drinks, potato chips, or fast food. Instead, I was in the garden eating strawberries, cucumbers, green peas, cantaloupes, and watermelons. I could hide in the branches of a peach tree and eat big, round, juicy, peaces, until my hunger was quenched, or do the same in the apple tree that stood in the corner of the garden. There were some great benefits to country living! 

Being the only one left who can speak directly for the family is a position that I take seriously. In the days I have left I plan to live an honorable life to uphold the good and respectable family name. I will do whatever I can to close the political gap that exists within the family. Nevertheless, I am committed to use my voice and the power of the pen to stamp out hatred and injustice where ever they appear. 

Today, I fear no man! However, it is never a pleasant experience to have lies told about you.  Nevertheless, attempts to destroy my character are no more than mere fantasies without merit. Your death threats twirl in the wind because you are the cowards who run for cover when the going gets rough.  I have traveled the world searching for freedom, and at last I have been led by a powerful Deity to a place of safety where I can speak freely without retribution. Freedom brought the rebirth of an oppressed individual who was yearning to be free. Freedom freed this individual from fear.  I have learned that all the gold and silver in the world is not worth one hour of freedom. I will sacrifice everything I have to extend these freedoms to the future generations. 

I have learned from the “College of Hard Knocks” to see beauty in all skin colors. I recognize greatest in all sexual orientations, and I see determination in those of other ethnic origins who have faced nothing but “put downs.” I admire people who are willing to fight for survival. I know what it means to be a “poor man,” and I will never forget the struggles I had in fighting for social acceptance and financial success. 

When the time comes that my life on earth is ended, it is my request that my remains be placed beside my Grandpa, in the exact spot that for many years was the shade of the Family Tree. 

(Good advice for America) 

Tear down the walls of discrimination,

Remove the hearts of hatred,

Stamp out injustices,

Put on the armor of honor,

Shine the light of freedom,

And reap the eternal blessings of happiness.