ANOTHER TROY DAVIS GOING DOWN IN LANCASTER, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION.

Friends,

Hello, I met most of you at the summit on September 13th. I thought sharing this with you would be of great interest to me, since you guys really seem to care about how we are treated within the communities. This is a true story that I am about to tell you. The the best story is on Senator Greenleaf desk for review I wanted him to see first hand the corruption that is going on in Lancaster County. I survived a rupture aneurysm in March of 2009, after witnessing my young son just turning 21 sentence to 21-42 years railroaded because I couldn't afford a attorney. this is the case I have ask Senator Greenleaf to review so you guys that are trying to make a difference can witness the injustice first hand. Bear with men I tend to run on it's the effects of the aneurysm..This is what birthed my prison ministry..www.iammybrotherskeeper.org. .I am believing in God's miracle to free Colby and the only one that was helping me to obtain him a lawyer after Colby was turned down for both appeals (no surprise) is my-oldest boy Carl. this is Colby last chance for his pica? if that how you spell it? And now listen to this latest news...

Please take a step! I do not want to see my son become the next Troy Davis. Carl Dixon Jr. was on his way home shortly after midnight after leaving a friends house, on early Tuesday. He was approached by 5 officers that yelled at him made him get on the ground while already on the ground they begin to tazzering and all giving different orders at once only to find he only had a cell phone in his pocket. they were given the orders by the Sargent and then he told them if it was up to him he would of kill that MF. They tazzered my son so bad the had to take him straight to the hospital. Carl called me at 10:am Tuesday morning to explain that i call his p.o. to ask not to violate him because he had did nothing wrong. I asked his charges and he told me loitering and prowling. I dial his p.o. while Carl was still on the phone. p.o. said he would call me back. The officers made Carl hang up. I called the station back and he told me detective Hagan had to continue working with Carl. I called his dad and told him to go down to the station. Long story short he went down and was told Carl was already at the prison and would be charged with loitering and prowling, must they had a detained on him for the violation. I called his P.o. back and asked why did you violate him and he said it was his choice. But those were the charges he was being charged with. Carl called me around 11:00p.m. said he had not too long got to the prison, that he was still in the holding cell when his dad went looking for him. They sneak him into Jimenez so his dad couldn't see his condition and hear there lies. The judge told Carl do not get made or make a sound when he hear his new charges. They said they are dropping the loitering and prowling charges and charging him with attempted homicide on officers...they said they all was in shoot outs and bullets went pass their heads. Carl could say a word not even a plea....Please call the Major office and ask him to investigate the corruption and please give Carl Dixon's name...God Bless and keep me in prayer....

I just created a petition entitled CALL THE MAJOR OF LANCASTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA 717-291-4701: PLEASE CLEAN UP THE CORRUPTION IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM , because I care deeply about this very important issue.

I'm trying to collect 100 signatures, and I could really use your help.

To read more about what I'm trying to do and to sign my petition, click here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/call-the-major-of-lancaster-county-pennsylvania-717-291-4701-please-clean-up-the-corrpution-in-the-judicial-system?share_id=zFHZomQlYq&pe=pce

It'll just take a minute!

Once you're done, please ask your friends to sign the petition as well. Grassroots movements succeed because people like you are willing to spread the word!

Mildred L Dixon
CEO and Founder of
I Am My Brother's Keeper
610-269-4064; 740-383-6056
www.IAMMYBROTHERSKEEPER.ORG

The 2012 GOP Candidates Make Even Conservatives Say: "Yikes"

Neocon editor of the ultraconservative Weekly Standard Bill Kristol wrote after the most recent GOP presidential debate that his magazines official reaction was: "Yikes." After the first GOP debate, at the Reagan Library earlier this month, PFAW president Michael Keegan wrote of the 2012 GOP field, "not even Reagan could get this nomination." Since the advent of the Tea Party, the Republican establishment has adopted a philosophy that you could call "Xtreme Reagan" -- tax cuts for the wealthy without compromise, deregulation without common sense, social conservatism without an ounce of respect -- that makes even a liberal like me almost miss the political pragmatism of the Gipper. It's terrifying that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a hard-line economic and social conservative, whose regressive economic policies as governor were to the right of Reagan, is now widely considered to be too far to the left to even be a contender. In the Tea Party orthodoxy, environmentalism isn't just bad for business, it's unbiblical. Tax cuts aren't just what the rich want, they're what Jesus wants. The Democratic president isn't just a liberal, he's a foreigner trying to destroy America from within. Conspiracy theories become hard-and-fast facts before you can change the channel away from Fox News.

Our Unchanging Father  BIBLE MEDITATION:  "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the
Spirit of God: for they  are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually  discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14 

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: God made the mind of man. All
 true discoveries and all true knowledge in this  world come from God. It is God's Truth and we
do not have to be afraid of it.  But that doesn't mean we are to casually stroll down the devil's
 lane of godless  philosophies.  God's Truth doesn't change like philosophies. Malachi 3:6a says,
 "For I am the  LORD, I change not." I don't know whether that means anything to you, but it 
means an awful lot to me, dear friend. 

ACTION POINT: The same God who loved us enough to put His
 Son on the cross two thousand years  ago still loves us with that same love today. We don't have
 to worry when we  come to God in prayer that we might catch Him in a bad mood. Now, if that 
doesn't start your motor, you don't have one.

Does It Really Cost This Tea Party Congressman $200,000 to Feed His Family?

What do Tea Party congressman feed their families? On Monday, Rep. John Fleming (R-La.), a member of Michele Bachmann's Tea Party Caucus met with MSNBC's Chris Jansing to discuss President Obama's proposed tax increases on the wealthy. Using his own income as an example, Fleming gave an interesting glimpse into the world of Tea Party economic theory ... and economic justifications.

Unlike many of his fellow legislators, Fleming's taxes would rise under the Obama plan. This is because, in addition to his $174,000 congressional salary -- which is far below the minimum threshold for Obama's tax increases -- Fleming also pulls in an impressive $6.3 million from his investments, including several Subway franchise restaurants and UPS stores.

However, Fleming was quick to explain that he only brought home a small portion of his $6.3 million gross income. As he told Jansing, "That's before you pay 500 employees, you pay rent, you pay equipment and food. The actual net income of that was only a mere fraction of that amount." In fact, according to Fleming, he made a comparatively paltry $600,000.

While decidedly less than $6.3 million, Fleming's $600,000 is still nothing to sneeze at: Given the $49,455 that the median American household brought home in 2010, the congressman's yearly income equaled the take-home pay of more than a dozen average families. But, as Fleming noted, even that princely sum was not all it appeared. In order to create more jobs -- and, not coincidentally, expand his business -- Rep. Fleming needed to invest more money: "By the time I feed my family, I have maybe $400,000 to invest in new locations, upgrade my locations, buy more equipment ..."

So, let's see: $600,000 minus $400,000 for reinvestment leaves $200,000 that Fleming has budgeted to "feed his family." In other words, the congressman's yearly food budget is more than the total take home salary for four average families.

And how many people does Fleming's $200,000 feed? Well, the congressman and his wife Cindy have four grown children. Assuming that the pair still has all of their children living under the same roof, the USDA's food allotment under its "Moderate-cost" plan would total $378.90 per week, or $19,702 per year. So, Congressman Fleming is budgeting more than 10 times the average yearly food cost for a family his size.

When Jansing pointed out the vast gap between the average American salary and Fleming's, the congressman responded: "Class warfare has never created a job."

Apparently, however, it puts a lot of food on the table.

DON'T LET THEM STEAL ANOTHER ELECTION. PROPER ID IS THE KEY FOR VOTING IN 2012. GOP-Led States Move To Change Voting Rules Ahead Of 2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio — After years of expanding when and how people can vote, state legislatures now under new Republican control are moving to trim early voting days, beef up identification requirements and put new restrictions on how voters are notified about absentee ballots.

Democrats claim their GOP counterparts are using midterm election wins to enforce changes favorable to Republicans ahead of the 2012 presidential election. They criticize such legislation, saying it could lead to longer lines in Democratic-leaning urban areas and discourage people from voting.

Supporters say bolstering ID rules helps prevent fraud. And at a time when counties face tough budgets, they contend local elections officials don't have the money to keep early voting locations staffed and opened.

The process of changing voting rules may be nonpartisan on the surface but it is seething with politics just below the surface.

"We've had nothing short of a rhetorical firefight for years between the folks who are worried about fraud and folks who are worried about disenfranchisement – a firefight which is pretty much neatly broken down between the two major parties," said Doug Chapin, an election expert at the University of Minnesota.

While states typically adjust voting rules ahead of presidential elections, this year provides an opportunity for new Republican governors and GOP majorities to legislate on election issues.

Put simply, Chapin said: "What's happening in 2011 is just as much about what happened in 2010."

New voting rules recently cleared state legislatures in what have traditionally been presidential battlegrounds, creating partisan rancor.

Plans to reduce the number of days to cast an early ballot cleared the Republican-controlled swing states of Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin. Legislatures in Georgia, Tennessee and West Virginia also lopped off advanced-voting time. North Carolina has a pending proposal. And Maine has done away with a policy that allows people to register at the polls on Election Day before casting ballots.

Each party, when in control, seeks to rewrite the rules to its electoral advantage.

Although the reality may not be so cut and dried, both parties believe a looser voting regimen benefits Democrats because it increases opportunities for Hispanic, black, immigrant and poor people – harder to reach for an Election Day turnout – to vote.

Democratic voters held an edge in early voting during the 2010 elections, despite the unfavorable climate for the party nationally and the eventual Republican gains.

Voters in 32 states and the District of Columbia can cast a ballot in person before Election Day without having to give a reason.

Georgia and Ohio had some of the longest early voting time periods. Georgia had 45 days, while Ohio had 35. The new laws bring the two states closer to the typical timeframe, which is about two weeks before the election.

The move to shrink the early voting window in some states comes as others have pushed to require voters to show a photo ID at the polls.

Five states – Kansas, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas – recently passed strict photo ID laws. At the beginning of the year, just two states – Georgia and Indiana – required that voters must show a photo ID in order to have their vote counted.

Other legislatures are rewriting their state's election laws in other ways.

Florida rolled back its early voting time to one week from two in an overhaul that also makes it more difficult for groups such as the League of Women Voters and the Boy Scouts of America to conduct voter registration drives.

Ohio's top elections chief, a Republican, acknowledged that changes to voting rules have invited an overreaction from each party.

"Both sides of the political spectrum have found it advantageous from a fundraising point of view, from a motivating their base point of view, to call into question the confidence in the election system," Secretary of State Jon Husted said in an interview.

While Ohio's overhaul bans local boards of elections from mailing unsolicited absentee ballot requests to voters, Husted has agreed to have the state send the requests to voters in all counties in 2012.

Ohio's law is not yet in effect, and opponents are working to get a proposed repeal question on the fall 2012 ballot. The legislation ignited debate early this summer on the floors of the state's GOP-controlled General Assembly.

WOW! LADY JUSTICE IS REALLY BLIND. WHEN IT COMES TO FREEING BLACKS IN THE JIM CROW SOUTH.: Troy Davis Denied Clemency By Georgia Pardons Board

ATLANTA -- Georgia's pardons board rejected clemency for Troy Davis on Tuesday one day before his scheduled execution despite high-profile support from figures including an ex-president and a former FBI director for the claim that he was wrongly convicted of killing a police officer in 1989.

Davis is scheduled to die Wednesday by injection for killing off-duty Savannah officer Mark MacPhail, who was shot dead while rushing to help a homeless man being attacked. It is the fourth time in four years that Davis' execution has been scheduled by Georgia officials.

"Justice was finally served for my father," said Mark MacPhail Jr., who was an infant when his father was gunned down. "The truth was finally heard."

Kim Davis, the inmate's sister, declined immediate comment on the decision.

Steve Hayes, spokesman for the Board of Pardons and Paroles, said the panel decided to reject Davis' request for clemency after hearing hours of testimony Monday from his supporters and prosecutors. The board did not elaborate on the decision and didn't detail the breakdown of the five-member board's vote.

The decision appeared to leave Davis with little chance of avoiding the execution date. Defense attorney Jason Ewart has said that the pardons board was likely Davis' last option, but he didn't rule out filing another legal appeal.

Davis' lawyers have long argued Davis was a victim of mistaken identity. But prosecutors say they have no doubt that they charged the right person with the crime.

Davis has captured worldwide attention because of the doubt his supporters have raised over whether he killed MacPhail. Several of the witnesses who helped convict Davis at his 1991 trial have backed off their testimony or recanted. Others who did not testify say another man at the scene admitted to the shooting.

The U.S. Supreme Court even granted Davis a hearing last year to prove his innocence, the first time it had done so for a death row inmate in at least 50 years. But in that June 2010 hearing, Davis couldn't convince a federal judge to grant him a new trial. The Supreme Court did not review his case. Federal appeals courts and the Georgia Supreme Court have upheld his conviction, leaving the parole board as his last chance.

MacPhail's relatives said they were relieved by the decision. "That's what we wanted, and that's what we got," said Anneliese MacPhail, the victim's mother. "We wanted to get it over with, and for him to get his punishment."

"Justice was finally served for my father," said Mark MacPhail Jr., who was an infant when his father was gunned down. "The truth was finally heard."

Kim Davis, the inmate's sister, declined immediate comment on the decision.

The Rev. Al Sharpton said he was "stunned and outraged" by the decision and Amnesty International USA director Larry Cox called it "unconscionable."

"Should Troy Davis be executed, Georgia may well have executed an innocent man and in so doing discredited the justice system," Cox said.

Amnesty International and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People have scheduled an 11 a.m. press conference on the case and a 7 p.m. demonstration on the steps of the Georgia Capitol.

Among those who supported Davis' clemency request are former president Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI. A host of conservative figures have also advocated on his behalf, including former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, ex-Justice Department official Larry Thompson and one-time FBI Director William Sessions.

Davis' legal team said in a statement it was "incredibly disappointed" by the board's decision.

"The death penalty should not be exercised where doubt exists about the guilt of the accused. The Board did not follow that standard here," he said. "The state's case against Mr. Davis, based largely on discredited eyewitness testimony and an inaccurate ballistics report, cannot resolve the significant, lingering doubts that exist here."

___

Associated Press writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed to this story.

ATLANTA -- Georgia's pardons board rejected Tuesday a last-ditch plea for clemency from death row inmate Troy Davis despite high-profile support for his claim that he was wrongly convicted of killing a police officer in 1989.

STOP SATELLITE TAX NOW IN PHILADELPHIA:

As we've mentioned before, the Philadelphia City Council is considering a bill (Bill No. 100200) targeted at satellite TV customers in the City. The City Council just won't leave satellite customers alone. Now they amended their bill to not only require satellite customers to get their satellite dish inspected and possibly even removed, but in addition they want residents to paint their dish to match the color of their house!

So not only do they want you to do more paperwork, not only will there be City inspectors knocking on your door demanding to see your dish, maybe taking it away, now you will have to get on a ladder and paint your dish!

Is this really what we need now?

The families of the city of Philadelphia are going through enough in these hard economic times. More bureaucratic forms and going into families homes inspecting dishes and taking away satellite dishes will not help jobs or quality of life. Nor will a can of paint.

Click here to tell your city council member you don't want L & I taking away your dish and to oppose Bill No. 100200.

Please don't wait! They likely will vote on this Thursday, September 22nd!

If the link does not direct you to the correct page, please copy & paste the link below into your browser: http://www.capwiz.com/stopsatellitetax

WHAT DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR?

What Do You Make Time For? 

BIBLE MEDITATION:  "For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of
 what thou hast seen and heard."  Acts 22:15 

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: What is more important in your
life today? Seeing your daytime soap opera or  asking an unsaved neighbor over for a chance to
love them to Jesus? Joining your  buddies for a round of golf, or visiting your unsaved father?
Going shopping  with your friends, or taking the time to read the Bible to a lost person in a 
nursing home? Someone wisely observed, "We managed to make time during the day  for what's really
important to us."  Friend, the time is running out. We will not be witnessing in heaven. This is
our earthly duty and privilege now. None of us knows how many hours we have  left. We must seize
the golden opportunities that God gives us daily to witness. 

ACTION POINT: A line from "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is our challenge: "Oh, be swift,  my
 soul to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on."

Reconciliation Leads to Revival:

Reconciliation Leads to Revival! 

BIBLE MEDITATION:
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in  unity!" Psalm 133:1

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Do you know what God wants from you today? Reconciliation. That's far more
important than singing in the choir, preaching a sermon, serving in the nursery,  or giving an
offering. When we learn this, God is going to bring great revival  to our churches.  Revival
always begins when people begin to confess their faults to one another,  pray for one another,
and forgive one another. Revival isn't raising the roof  with a lot of emotion. It is getting
the walls down. It is not just saying, "I  am going to get right with God." It is saying,
"I want to get right with my  brothers and sisters." 

ACTION POINT: When we are reconciled,

revival will come. And rejoicing will surely follow. And  not any kind of rejoicing, there will
 be Holy Spirit joy when you know there is  nothing between your soul and the Savior and nothing
 between your soul and a  brother! Joy unspeakable!

For the American Way Foundation Community Reflects on the Tenth Anniversary of September 11, 2001

"This week, along with millions of other Americans, all of us at People For the American Way Foundation are remembering the events that unfolded ten years ago. Even a decade later, it’s impossible to look back on that day without remembering the sadness and grief that so many of us felt. But we also remember the truly heroic actions that were taken by ordinary Americans that day, and the sense in the days that followed that all of us were united in our shared sense of loss. That memory should serve as a powerful reminder that our common commitment to our core democratic values is more important than anything that divides us.

"Ten years later, our country is struggling to live up to that principle: our political discourse has become a toxic mix of anger and shortsightedness in which some feel comfortable challenging the character and patriotism of anyone who disagrees with them; bigotry against immigrants and Muslim Americans has not only been allowed to thrive, but actively encouraged; our government still at times displays an unsettling disrespect for our civil liberties and for the rule of law.

"We still have a long way to go towards being a nation that lives up to its aspirations, but I’m confident with a commitment to our core values of democracy, justice, and equality for all people under the law we will continue to grow towards that goal. I hope that as we look back on the tragedy of September 11th, all Americans will take the opportunity to rededicate themselves to building a nation worthy of those we lost that day."--Michael Keegan, President, People For the American Way Foundation

ask Anita Alvarez to overturn the convictions of innocent men

You and more than 64,000 ColorOfChange.org members have demanded that State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez immediately acknowledge the innocence of 10 falsely accused Black men and vacate their convictions.

Last week, we delivered the petition signatures at Alvarez's office in downtown Chicago. But Alvarez so far remains silent. We need to step up the pressure.

Can you make a quick call to Alvarez's office and demand that she vacate the convictions of these innocent men? If enough of us call, it will let her know we're not going away and increase the pressure on her to act. Just click the link to make your call — we'll give you the number and a short script you can use:

http://act.colorofchange.org/call/alvarez

Attorney Alvarez needs to know that we will hold her accountable for blocking justice and supporting law enforcement practices that compromise all of our safety. Please take a moment now to call Alvarez and ask her to immediately correct these outrageous wrongs.

http://act.colorofchange.org/call/alvarez

Thanks and Peace,

-- Rashad, James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
September 9th, 2011

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU--your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don't share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://www.colorofchange.org/donate

African American Ministers In Action Applauds President Obama’s Jobs Plan

“Last night, President Obama laid out a common sense plan to help put Americans back to work. Without a doubt, Congress should step up to the plate and pass this legislation without delay.

“Right now families across the country are struggling to make ends meet. Millions of men and women are being deprived of the basic dignity that comes with earning an honest day’s pay from an honest day’s work. For people who have been out of work for months, or even years, the challenge of finding a job gets harder every day, and in the African American community almost one-third of our young people are unemployed. For some, this situation is the result of the financial crisis, but for others the problem of finding a good job extends to much, much earlier.

“These are serious challenges, and President Obama has laid out a serious plan to deal with them. Our elected leaders in Washington have a choice. They can pass the President’s plan and help provide good jobs for people who are hurting, or they can continue to play politics at the expense of ordinary people.”

On the Proving Ground  BIBLE MEDITATION: "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For Thy  lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in Thy truth." Psalm  26:2-3  DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: How do automobile manufacturers make sure their vehicles are safe for people to  drive? They put their vehicles onto a proving ground. They're driven hundreds of  miles over rough roads and through water and heat--screeching, turning,  twisting, hitting the brakes, accelerating to top speeds. They want to see if  that automobile will stand the test.  It is the same with our spiritual lives. God gives the test first and the lesson  afterwards. Read throughout Scripture and you will find this to be true. Joseph  was tested. David was tested. Moses was tested. Peter was tested.  When God gets ready to prove you, He is not going to test you in the good times  because that is not a test. Anybody can serve God in the sunshine.   ACTION POINT: The test is not how you behave when there is victory all around; the test is how  you behave when God brings you to the wilderness. He wants to know what is in  your heart. Are you fully devoted to God? 

On the Proving Ground

BIBLE MEDITATION: "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For Thy
lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in Thy truth." Psalm  26:2-3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: How do automobile manufacturers make sure their vehicles are safe for people

 to  drive? They put their vehicles onto a proving ground. They're driven hundreds of  miles over
rough roads and through water and heat--screeching, turning,  twisting, hitting the brakes,
accelerating to top speeds. They want to see if  that automobile will stand the test.  It is the

same with our spiritual lives. God gives the test first and the lesson afterwards. Read

throughout Scripture and you will find this to be true. Joseph  was tested. David was tested.
Moses was tested. Peter was tested.  When God gets ready to prove you, He is not going to test
you in the good times  because that is not a test. Anybody can serve God in the sunshine. 
ACTION POINT: The test is not how you behave when there is victory all around; the test is how
you behave when God brings you to the wilderness. He wants to know what is in  your heart.

Are you fully devoted to God?

Tonight as you watch or listen to President Obama when he presents his jobs speech before the nation

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

1 Corinthian 13:4-8a (NIV)

Good morning Pastors and Ministry Leaders! Tonight as you watch or listen to President Obama when he presents his jobs speech before the nation and entertain the post speech responses, I ask you to consider and reflect on two things: (1) Can you recall what it felt like as a Shepherd, leader, Minister, when those who were with you became against you, when the vision the Lord gave to you was questioned, or had a time when like David you placed your trust in the Lord and ask that you “not be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me”?; and, (2) Do we – Black folk, we’uns, us’, you and me - have an insult bar? How high, how low should it be?

I was privileged to work with Reverend Kip Banks, Dr. Alan Hand and others on the Resolutions Committee for the 50^th Anniversary celebration of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Presented in August were 20 position statements with one of note titled “The Disrespect of President Barack Obama”. Since its passage, I have taken this resolution (see below) now to the National Primitive Baptist Convention, Inc. (thank you Elder Harris), the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (thank you Sister Burkhalter and Reverend Drs. Bland, Fordham, Gable, Young where I am currently attending in Orlando), and submitted it to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (thank you Reverend Dr. Brown and King) in preparation for the annual gathering at the end of this month. Why am I doing this? Because somewhere along the way some people, who have access to dollars and/or media outlets, have become too comfortable with the silence of those of us who minister the “greater gift” of love.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

What does this mean? Charles Koch (pronounced Coke) has stated that the 2012 elections will be “the mother of all wars.” But before we deal with 2012, we are obligated to address rhetoric, propaganda, insults and out-right lies in the remainder of 2011 starting with tonight’s speech on jobs. The Koch brothers, reported to be worth over $22 billion, own Georgia-Pacific paper and pulp company, maker of "Brawny" paper towels, "Angel Soft" toilet paper, "Mardi Gras" napkins and towels, "Quilted Northern" toilet paper and paper towels, "Dixie" paper plates, bowls, napkins and cups, "Sparkle" paper towels, and "Vanity Fair" paper napkins, bowls, plates and tablecloths. At a recent million dollar donor fundraiser, it is reported by Mother Jones Magazine that Charles, who coordinated in 2010 the donations of $1 million dollars each from 32 donors and is now recruiting $10 million dollar donors, welcomed his guest by declaring “We have Saddam Hussein” in reference to President Obama. But the Lord declared on his day of birth that we have Barack which means “blessing”!

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Why should African Americans care? We are a people of faith walkers! The historic 2008 voter turnout among African Americans was not a statement of impatience, that the “deliverer” had arrived, that we were sacrificing the process for the product, or a demonstration of an inability to make informed, wise, thoughtful decisions about who best represents our interest in good public policy. It was a clear values statement of trust, hope and dignity from and for: 18% of African American children receiving Social Security survivor benefits^[1]; 3.9 million African Americans who when last reported in 2006 are on Medicare^[2]; for African Americans who make up 24% of Medicaid recipients^[3]; for the homeless veterans with 56% being African American^[4]); for 20% of the federal employee workforce who are African American; for the 16.2% of the unemployment population that is African American^[6]); and the 7.4 million (22.5% of the total) African American families served by the US governmental Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], formerly known as food stamps^[7].

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Why should African American faith leaders care? Our leadership is under attack! No longer covert, racism/classism/elitism is thriving while many are holding “real men” conferences, “Save Black Men and Boys” forums, preaching about the role of the Black man as the head of household, and building “male dominated” congregations. The holder of the highest office in this country, the nation’s leader, the Commander In Chief, a Black man is being attacked racially, politically, personally. It should be unacceptable!

When Congressmen John Boehner (OH) and Eric Cantor (VA) imply they should “discuss what the speech should say” that the President of the United States will deliver on Thursday evening - whether you are preparing to preach or speak - they are essentially saying “leader” you are not smart enough. Unacceptable!

When Congressman Paul Brown (GA), who tweeted but did not attend the State Of the Union, announced he will not attend (but sit in his office) the President’s speech on one of the most important concerns of the nation - whether you are going to stand at the pulpit in a place of worship or at a podium in the nation’s Capital - he is saying essentially “leader” you are not good enough. Unacceptable!

It always protects, always trust always hopes, always perseveres.

What is the motivation for action? When we continue to patronize corporations such as AT&T and Wal-Mart who provide millions of dollars to pro-corporate groups such as ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council, see www.rightwingwatch.org) who write model legislation such as voter identification laws to suppress our right to vote, they are hearing we have no problem being stewards of our own disenfranchisement, disempowerment, disenchantments, disrespect. We need to say through our voices and our votes, unacceptable for “the devil is a liar”!

Love never fails.”

What can Pastors and Ministry leaders (you) do? Public Policy →Pulpit→Pews→People→Polls=Power in 2012! © The “greater gift” is love! It is what motivates us to “overcome evil with good.” Pray for President Obama, all members of Congress and those elected officials in the state houses and the Governor mansions, those who spew hate, division, insensitivity, racism and classism and elitism to make better, acceptable decisions about what they say and how they speak about a Black man, about Black men.

· 1 of 5 = PUBLIC POLICY – This is a “Teachable Moment”! SPEAK UP after tonight’s speech on jobs Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Elder, Teacher, Evangelist, Doc for a patient love. No matter what, we must, as Disciples of Christ, communicate “what man meant for evil (spreading confusion, misinformation, planting seeds of doubt, fear, frustration, their own insecurities wrapped in dollars bills), God meant for good.” This is about good stewardship and social justice. Allow 5 minutes on the topic during Bible study, leadership meetings, Sunday announcement readings to educate, raise awareness and empower.

· 2 of 5 = PULPIT– This is a “Prophetic Moment”! SPEAK UP after tonight’s speech on jobs for a kind love required at this moment in time and write immediately a personal, congregational, denominational, alliance letter, note, statement to your members of Congress expressing your support for a paradigm that recognizes one size does not fit all when it comes to addressing fulfillment of the basic need for Americans and more specifically America’s vulnerable populations. Share your hope for what is good and what is just.

· 3 of 5 = PEW – This is a “Discerning Moment”! SPEAK UP after tonight’s speech on jobs for a protecting love so that those who hear your voice (salt and light) and seek with you godly wisdom and strength will understand a responsibility to faithfully, actively advocate as those who “walk by faith and not by sight”.

· 4 of 5 = PEOPLE – This is a “No Excuse Moment”! SPEAK UP after tonight’s speech on jobs for a rejoicing love constantly and consistently for and on the issue to your membership, your congregation through your church/house of worship website, Facebook page, twitter, blog, text, monthly newsletters, Saturday-Sunday program/bulletin/remarks/preached word so that the right power of loving self and those who would do harm and the right power of the love of the Good News prevail.

· 5 of 5 = POWER – This is a “Courageous Moment”! SPEAK UP after tonight’s jobs speech for a love that will not fail in places and before faces where your position might not be received warmly or even understood. But you are a part of a movement guided by the “greater gift”. Take the risk, take a step of courage and write (using the sample resolution language below) an letter to the editor, a letter for your faith/denominational/alliance newsletter, a letter to “haters” and show the real faces of Black men – father’s, uncles, sons, brothers, grandfathers, godfathers, etc. - who know what it truly means to be “patient in affliction” , to “love thy neighbor as thyself”, and to stand in these challenging economic times with “faith, hope and love. But the greater of these is love.”

I believe in the power of prayer, the power of this body of progressive, prophetic voices and the power of your presence in conversations and debates about the respect of Black men! As a sister of nine brothers, I want to thank you for lifting your voice and becoming a part of a revived movement, ministry of love. The “mother of all wars” of words, perceptions, influence, elections will be won by the Father of all that is great and small. If I can be of further assistance, including helping to put your statement out, do not hesitate to call upon me. In the meantime, may the Lord continue to bless you and your ministries along with this ministry of civic engagement and social justice.

The information above along with media tracking tactics and topics by conservatives below is provided to: (1) inform progressive, courageous faith leaders; (2) strengthen the communication capacity of progressive, courageous faith leaders on critical issues impacting nation, state, city, pews; (3) encourage empathy; (4) affirm with progressive, courageous faith leaders that “greater is He who is in me then he who is in the world.”; and (5) inspire action by progressive, courageous faith leaders to share, write, preach, teach, speak truth with power. Trust. Believe.

B-R-O-K-E is a plague that has pervaded the American church. I 100% believe it comes down to the leader taking responsibility for this. I have worked with hundreds of churches and see this exact pattern again and again:

B-R-O-K-E church leaders do the following things:

B - Beg for free stuff

I am NOT against shopping for a deal or looking for bargains, but I am against the bottom feeder mentality of thinking stuff should be free or cheap just because you are a church leader. The churches I work with that believe in paying a fair price and loving to bless people have in abundance! The beggar always remains a beggar. Nothing will ever change unless YOU do! Move from begging to a blessing mentality today. If your first reaction to the price of something ministry related is to ask for a discount, you've got BROKE thinking.

R - Refuse to know the numbers

Church leaders that have great financial reporting systems do better financially. It is absolutely ridiculous in this day and time to not have a weekly financial dashboard to review. Most broke leaders refuse to confront the brutal facts and say, "We don't have any extra money so we just can't spend." That is like the family that just lives at zero each month and thinks there is more month than money. It's a lie... If you KNEW THE NUMBERS, you would create margin.

I'm doing a webinar this month called BROKE PROOF to help you with these systems. It's free so register now.

Whether you are a large church or small, this will be so helpful. 500 spaces available starting now! Register for your spot below.

O - Operate with no margin

I can't believe the amount of churches that create NO MARGIN! The good people at Church Of The Highlands do this and have showed that a church can operate this way from day one. How much are you putting back each month for obstacles or opportunities? If nothing, that is concerning.

On the webinar next week, I will teach you HOW to create a real church budget that has built in margin. It's SO SIMPLE, but EXTREMELY powerful. And it works!

K - Keep doing what you have always done

Churches remain broke because leaders refuse to learn. "We just keep listening to other broke people and "hoping" things will get better..." It doesn't work!

E - Educate themselves very little about money

Some of the healthiest churches I work with have financially savvy leaders. It doesn't mean they hoard money, it means they understand how it works. Money works for or against you. You have to start now educating yourself on how money works... Oh... by the way... If you keep saying, "I don't have high capacity donors in my church." That means you don't understand money. When you start understanding how the real world works, you will attract and pastor these people.

Learning to Love, Learning to Hate  BIBLE MEDITATION:
"Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints;
He  delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked." Psalm 97:10 
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: This may come as a surprise to you, but just because you're a Christian
doesn't  mean you're supposed to love everything.   Now, we hear that Christians are to be a
people of love, and that is true. But  did you know that if you're a Christian, not only must
you learn to love, but  you also must learn to hate?  If you love God, then you are to hate what
God hates. It is true in every realm.  If you love flowers, you hate weeds. If you love health,
you hate germs. If you  love God, you hate evil. It is just that plain.
Romans 12:9b tells us in even stronger terms to "abhor that which is evil." A  hypocrite,
something none of us want to be, is someone who says he loves God,  but then he doesn't hate sin.
 ACTION POINT: Don't tell others you love God if you don't hate that which nailed His Son to
the cross. 

LEARNING TO LOVE, LEARNING TO HATE:

BIBLE MEDITATION: "Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints; He  delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked." Psalm 97:10  DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: This may come as a surprise to you, but just because you're a Christian doesn't  mean you're supposed to love everything.   Now, we hear that Christians are to be a people of love, and that is true. But  did you know that if you're a Christian, not only must you learn to love, but  you also must learn to hate?  If you love God, then you are to hate what God hates. It is true in every realm.  If you love flowers, you hate weeds. If you love health, you hate germs. If you  love God, you hate evil. It is just that plain.  Romans 12:9b tells us in even stronger terms to "abhor that which is evil." A  hypocrite, something none of us want to be, is someone who says he loves God,  but then he doesn't hate sin.  ACTION POINT: Don't tell others you love God if you don't hate that which nailed His Son to  the cross. 

Friends,

We've just received terrible news: The state of Georgia has set Troy Davis's execution date for midnight on September 21st, just two weeks from today.

This is our justice system at its very worst, and we are alive to witness it. There is just too much doubt.

Even though seven out of nine witnesses have recanted their statements, a judge labeled his own ruling as "not ironclad" and the original prosecutor has voiced reservations about Davis's guilt, the state of Georgia is set to execute Troy anyway.

Time is running out, and this is truly Troy's last chance for life.

But through the frustration and the tears, there is one thing to remain focused on: We are now Troy Davis's only hope. And I know we won't let him down.

There are three steps you can take to help Troy:

1. Send a message of support to Troy as he fights for justice on what may be the final days of his life:

http://action.naacp.org/page/m/474a362d/79955b86/7ff2c1f5/2f61470c/3381929581/VEsE/

2. Sign the name wall, if you haven't already. And if you have, send it to your friends and family. Each name means a more united front for justice:

http://action.naacp.org/page/m/474a362d/79955b86/7ff2c1f5/2f61470d/3381929581/VEsF/

3. Make sure everyone knows about this injustice. Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter (using the hashtag #TooMuchDoubt) so that Troy Davis's story can be heard. We still have a chance to save his life, but only if people are willing to speak out against injustice.

Today, the state of Georgia has declared their intention to execute a man even though the majority of the people who put him on the row now say he is innocent and many implicate one of the other witnesses as the actual killer. Now that a date has been set, we cannot relent. We must redouble our efforts.

Thank you. Please act quickly and forward this message to all who believe the justice system defeats itself when it allows a man to be executed amid so much doubt.