Black on White Crime?

It was only 50 years ago that whites in the south murdered and attacked African Americans almost routinely, without repercussion from police.

(SALEM, Ore.) - I can't believe there is a discussion on this subject, in fact I think the whole 'black on white' crime idea is a non-subject. What kind of rocket scientist does it take to simply look at the plight of the African/American? They were slaves in some cases, just four generations ago. How could any race or group of human beings recover from that in less than 140 years?

Take the case of Emmett Till, a small 14-year old youth from Chicago who in 1955, went to Mississippi to visit family. He was accused of disrespecting a white woman, and he was brutally murdered by a band of white adults over it.

This happened 53 years ago. That is not what I would consider distant history by any means.

His brutal murder sparked the Civil Rights movement, and caused a nation to confront its own racist conscience. (see: Emmett Till article)

After Emmett came Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King and others who waged and won a very complex and brutal campaign against bigotry that brought a degree of equality to Americans of all colors. They were giant steps, but this is a never-ending road and somewhere along the line our society took an offramp.

Racial bigotry is still a part of modern southern culture; it is programmed into the minds of young people who are helpless to find a different and better perspective, and it is a problem in all 50 states, though nothing like in the smaller and more rural communities found throughout the land of Dixie.

It is a mind boggling problem, and it extends from hillbilly towns, to metropolis downtown's, and into the U.S. military. One Indiana National Guard soldier in Iraq recently stated to me, "I don't know of a single white soldier in the Indiana Guard who would vote for Barack Obama because he is black." The soldier also said that he hopes some day there is "a race war" in the United States. Of course as soon as a black soldier walked nearby, his racist commentary fell silent.

It was only 50 years ago that whites in the south murdered and attacked African Americans almost routinely, almost without repercussion from police.

The election of a black President in the United States would bring a redeeming quality that some perhaps could care less about, but our nation desperately needs. As his opponents do their best to bring destruction, Obama only seems to grow stronger. Perhaps the polls will hold true and he will soon be elected. The most important thing for everyone is to vote for the candidate who they believe will represent their values, not their skin color.

Black on white crime seems irrelevant to me because the road many African/Americans have to travel is full of hazards and perils that white people largely fail to understand. It is true that far too many black males commit crime, there is no question about it. In fact the last time I checked, there are more black men serving time in prison that enrolled in college. That, I hope we could all agree, is a national shame.

Rather than turning toward prejudice, we have to look at the reasons things have turned out this way. You can't treat a race of people in a way that shifts from slavery to cultural poverty, and then expect there to be no lasting impact. The fact so many hundreds of thousands of black Americans have found prosperity is proof that all people can at least eventually, rise from the ranks of poverty.

The work left behind by the greed of a former slave-owning society is not done. Black people do not choose to have extremely challenging lives, but that is what many are given. Some day when the rich bear more of their fair share of government taxation, we may see a reduction in crime. The only way to have a law abiding and safe society is to create an economy that is realistic.

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frjm April 9, 2012 1:34 pm (Pacific time)

Tim King
The first sentence of your comments indicate what an idiot you are. What white people did to blacks was horrenous but that does not excuse what Black are doning to White now days or what whites are doing to blacks. For you to basically suggest that whites are just getting their just deserves indicates you must be related to eric holder.
frjm

Tim King: I'm the reporter who outed Holder's 2009 memo proving he lied to Issa in the Congressional hearings. I am not an idiot, idiot. You should stay above name-calling because much more is accomplished, and appreciate what a sick and twisted thing it is that we the humans, are still locked into this terrible pattern of racism. I grew up in gangland LA where being white was very, very unpopular. I had my ass kicked regularly rarely by a single individual, I know the downside of racism toward whites, but I also know history and accept that it was the responsibility of the white race to fix this properly, and it failed, miserably, terribly, and yet we can look at other countries and see where people lived without bigotry for long periods, even the Romans! So advocate what you want and drop down to small child level and call writers 'idiot' but don't expect to make a difference. .

Art Phillips January 7, 2012 8:53 pm (Pacific time)

s3bdd I was stationed in Camp Casey, Korea in 1968. There was a main gate and a north gate going off the post. The main gate was used by everyone and the north gate was unofficially reserved for black soldiers, as was the north part of the village (Tong Du Chon). One of my buddies made the mistake of coming in the north gate one evening and was severley beaten for his audacity. I doubt there is a single person over 30 who hasn't at least one ancedotal incident to recount. Your discrimination of lowered expectations is more damaging to black people than the outright racists. For what it is worth I came in 2nd on the promotion board in 1969 and the SMG said there was a push to get black soldiers promoted. Didn't bother me a whole lot, I was just a couple months late in getting another stripe. It's been 50 years of affirmative action, unless people are treated equally and are given a pass there will never be true equality. As usual, the liberal mindset makes the liberal master feel good while keeping the poor disenfranchised on the bottom rung of the ladder.

confused white guy April 12, 2010 6:20 am (Pacific time)

my sister is married to a black man and he has really good values. he sets at a park all day and sells crack. when he gets caught will that be a crime.Oh i forgot the police are racist and picked him from a group of gangsters is that racist? Hell no its not hes a dope dealer. So for all the sobbing and bull about crime tell the father to be a dad not a friend.Bye the way my family will never be on that side of town because of the crime rate.

John January 18, 2010 8:18 pm (Pacific time)

I had to re-read this a couple of times to determine if it was supposed to be a sarcastic joke. I'm a very liberal guy, voted for Obama, support stem cells, gay marriage, and equality for all. But, I find your argument against black on white crime to be ridiculously ignorant. I agree that poverty and education are huge problems contributing to increased crime rates among young black men. These would explain thefts and drugs for money etc but what about rape and murder? Talk to some US immigrants who traveled here from 3rd world countries and they'll tell you that even blacks (and whites) from the poorest areas of the US live better than most of the people in their 3rd world countries. They can't possibly understand murdering someone for an ipod or a nice pair of shoes - maybe stealing a loaf of bread to feed one's family...

bill August 27, 2009 12:01 pm (Pacific time)

Facts are facts. Your attempts to justify criminal behavior is sickening.

Nathan Brown August 5, 2009 7:01 am (Pacific time)

I just stumbled across this website while doing research. I would appear that Tim King has appointed himself the "watchdog" of racial equality........the more power to him. However, I find his verbal "eliteness" somewhat disturbing....people that consider themselves always right; seldom are.

ancestor_of_a_dead_soldier May 26, 2009 1:48 am (Pacific time)

just so you know, i voted for obama. i know race relations are complex. but i stand by what i said earlier. this black on white crime simply due to the race of the white person is a legitimate concern among whites. i'm trying to hear you. please try to hear me on this. okay enough said on the subject.

ancestor_of_a_dead_soldier May 26, 2009 1:33 am (Pacific time)

you go on about the legacy of slavery and jim crow. how about a word of thanks and appreciation to the families of the 300,000 white men from the northern states who gave up their lives end slavery? the stain of slavery on the white soul was paid for in blood on the battle field. as for the jim crow racism in the south, that's a southern thing. keep it out of the north. we didn't do it.

Marilyn May 4, 2009 5:05 pm (Pacific time)

Emmet Till was not small. He waa 5ft 9in and weighed about 160 pounds. He r...

Editor: Listen you nasty skank; get your stinking racist ass our of our Website; you leave an odor of hate and off the charts ignorance. Every person connected to his death is a piece of trash rotting in hell like you soon will be. I mean it, you are one rotten bitch and the crap that spews from your dirty fingertips is a pathetic joke. That said, we will laugh about you for a while.

Jsnow May 2, 2009 11:57 pm (Pacific time)

I find it more than a little irritating that you, who seem to be at least somewhat educated, still insist on continuing the stereotype that southerners are ignorant bigots. Having lived in Mississippi for most of my life and having worked in a great portion of this country, meeting many different people from various social and ethnic backgrounds, I feel obliged to write in hopes that you will actually post my feelings here. Crime in any sense is deplorable. Trying to justify it based on past wrongs is just as bad. It has been my experience that while many of the older generation( that generation that is 45 to 60 years old) in the south may still hold some resentments most of the rest of us are actually much more likely to get along with one another than differing racial groups in other parts of the country. Most people in other parts of the country say they are not prejudiced, but they also seem to live in highly segregated communities and have very little interaction with one another. That said the prejudice you may see in the media is very generally isolated in nature and in national media coverage is almost only covered if caucasions are being blamed. This is a sad fact even if you refuse to believe it. I actually witness bigotry on a wider scale from blacks in the south than from whites. This may stem from the fact that whites try to be PC in their dealings because they are afraid of being labeled as racist which can cost them their jobs, or can get them physically assaulted by blacks who can then "justify" the assault by saying the white was racist and disrespectful. This also sadly has actually occurred. It is my sincere hope that we can all get beyond this type of behavior and become a country that works together without even thinking about a person being anything other than a person regardless of other factors. At that time we can do away with laws that aid in continuing this blame game such as hate crime laws. Law should be law, just as people are people.

amintha lx April 9, 2009 10:23 pm (Pacific time)

it is very hard for me to end racism, when i know people my ancestors die coming over on this slaveship and was rap, beat, got cut up from head to toe. and work this land of this for free without reparation. of course someone is living the legacy of this plantation until, now and mighty rich as well. just give us the black people our fare share of reparation now, and we can call it even.

ben March 9, 2009 11:58 am (Pacific time)

"It was only 50 years ago that whites in the south murdered and attacked African Americans almost routinely, almost without repercussion from police."

Evidence? Right, you don't have any, BECAUSE IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

Tim King: Ben, forget your lithium today? Do you also deny the Holocaust? I only approved your comment for the sake of entertainment, you nasty little POS. Try going to Google images or looking at a history book you sick little LOSER!

Bobo February 26, 2009 5:44 pm (Pacific time)

Did anybody actually come here from Africa ? Why don't you help yout brothers and send at least 300 bucks a month to DARFUR. Better yet, go to DARFUR.

Jim February 25, 2009 5:42 pm (Pacific time)

I cannot believe you get paid to write. The web has ample evidence of the epidemic of black on white crime. Stop making excuses for the violence of the black/gangsta culture.

WHITE GUY February 12, 2009 5:17 pm (Pacific time)

Non-subject, this writer is either brain dead or hasn't visited our beautiful state of mexifornia. There are no-go-zones for whites or rival gangs alike. I grew up poor, one parented, but somehow never had the urge to vandalize, rob, rape, steal from anyone. I must be unique. As for the disenfranchised black youths are concerned, stay put, butcher your own as you do so well, and stay the hell away from me. It's only going to get uglier, guaranteed.

Editor: I hesitate, but I am going to go ahead and publish this comment. It is hard living in Southern California when you are a white minority. Trust me, I grew up in Huntington Park and South Gate and I had a major complex as a teenager of always looking over my shoulder. But, I grew up and now know way more than I did then. It is about the state of things; it is about poverty and not having an easy time growing up and pressure from gangs. I applaud you for not falling into the trap, but hopefully you will always be able to separate racism from other issues that affect us in life. All I ever said was that it isn't about the color of somebody's skin or where their parents were born.

Chris February 7, 2009 5:10 pm (Pacific time)

This story is absurd! You sound like a middle school child. Your writing has no bases and you create no arguement. You are using excuses to defer responsibility. Black people being Opressed has nothing to do with black people these days. There are far more black people commiting crimes against whites than vice versa and you say, what do you expect? How ignorant are you? I EXPECT people to be responsible enough to get an education, get a better job and improve their neighborhoods. Playing the victim is pathetic.

Tim King: Take a hike Chris, I don't care what you think and you have been told that this type of comment is not what we are looking for around here.

Matthew Taylor November 21, 2008 1:24 pm (Pacific time)

Thank you Tim Casey. I could not have said it better myself.

Steve November 8, 2008 2:37 pm (Pacific time)

To G. May, first let me say that unjustified violent acts against anyone is wrong. Growing up in Boston, Ma. in 1970/ 1980 was an open book about racism. The violent acts that took place against African American people, just because of the color of our skin, was a horrible realization as a young boy. And then to learn the history of America, where in school we were taught about the “Land of the Free, the Home of the Brave” The American Dream” but my teacher didn’t tell me that only white people were included, guess he forgot. So what I’m saying is, when a person/group of people are depressed, beaten down, lied to, attacked from all sides even from the people who are assigned to protect them, only two things happen, either they lay down and die or they fight back in the same ways that they were treated, Its bad, but what do you expect. So, Mr. May, there have been so many unreported acts of violence throughout the history of America, against African Americans by the kkk/etc. we will never know how many. And now a presidential candidate’s rallies have racial tones(”KILL HIM”) just because some white people are afraid of a black man becoming president. Its sad the world is the way it is.

Coral Anika Theill November 4, 2008 3:30 am (Pacific time)

G. May, in my comment of October 31, 2008, I was citing the racial hate crime of James Bryd, Jr., committed 10 years ago, for readers who may be under the impression that these types of crimes no longer exist. For more information about McCain Rallies: Please view: Keith Olbermann's Special Comment and Request to Senator John McCain. http://www.wikio.com/video/549347 Keith Olbermann's Special Comment: McCain/Palin Hate Speeches http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXs_u4f2ZD8

Coral Anika Theill November 4, 2008 3:25 am (Pacific time)

Please read article and transcript: Olbermann: McCain, Latest Pander Plan http://www.truthout.org/101508A Excerpt: "As public figures with the power to influence and persuade," said Congressman Lewis, "Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all." Sen. McCain, your supporters, at your events, are calling Obama a terrorist and traitor and are calling for him to be killed. And yet you keep bringing back these same rabid Right Wing nuts to deliberately stir these crowds into frenzies. And then you take offense when somebody who remembers the violence in our political past, calls you on it. You, sir, are responsible for a phalanx of individuals who are shouting fire in a crowded theatre. There are some things to respect and honor about you, Sen. McCain. But on this, you're not only a fraud, Senator but you are tacitly inciting lunatics to violence. If you want to again grand-stand and suspend your campaign here's your big chance. Suspend your campaign now, until you, or somebody else, gets some control over it and it ceases to be a clear and present danger to the peace of this nation.

G. May October 31, 2008 10:28 pm (Pacific time)

In response to Coral: Anyone in their right mind will agree that what happened to Byrd was tragic and inexcusable. What is also tragic and inexcusable are the unspeakable acts committed against Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian. I presume you are familiar with that incident? Perhaps Micael Carter and Dustin Kaiser? Or what about something a little less atrocious, but no less racially motivated than those other two events: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/1205071atrain1.html No, I'm sure these events will remain either unknown, or unimportant to you while you evoke such absurd and ridiculous charges of McKlan rallies. I'm sure you will cling to extremely isolated incidents of Klan/skinhead activity as endemic, while the statistics and evidence to the contrary as pointed out in the first response to this article will remain curiously unaddressed.

Coral Anika Theill October 31, 2008 3:44 pm (Pacific time)

In response to "Lyn's comment of Oct. 27, 2008." Please read the links and information below about a racial hate crime committed in the USA 10 years ago. Recently I read this remark, "I went to a Klan rally and a 'McCain Town Hall rally' broke out." The McCain/Palin presidential campaign rallies, which are sounding more like Klan rallies. disturb me greatly. On June 7, 2005, I had the privilege of attending a memorial service for James Bryd, Jr. in Beaumont, Texas. That same week a home was burned down in a black neighborhood near where I lived. Locals believed the crime was committed by the Klan. Please see: http://www.rickross.com/reference/hate_groups/hategroups307.html Excerpt from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Byrd_Jr. On June 7, 1998, James Byrd, Jr., 49, accepted a ride from three drunk men named Shawn Allen Berry, Lawrence Russell Brewer, and John William King. He had already known one of them. Instead of taking him home, the three men beat Byrd behind a convenience store, chained him by the ankles to their pickup truck, stripped the man naked, and dragged him for three miles. Although Lawrence Russell Brewer claimed that Byrd's throat had been slashed before he was dragged, forensic evidence suggests that Byrd had been attempting to keep his head up, and an autopsy suggested that Byrd was alive for much of the dragging and died after his right arm and head were severed when his body hit a culvert. His body had caught a sewage drain on the side of the road resulting in Byrd's decapitation. King, Berry, and Brewer dumped their victim's mutilated remains in the town's black cemetery, and then went to a barbecue. A wrench inscribed with "Berry" was found within the area along with a lighter that had "Possum" written on it, which was King's prison nickname. The next morning, Byrd's limbs were scattered across a very little-used road. The police found 75 places littered with Byrd's remains. State law enforcement officials along with Jasper’s District Attorney Guy James Gray and Assistant Pat Hardy determined that since King and Brewer were well-known white supremacists, the murder was a hate crime, and decided to bring in the FBI less than 24 hours after the discovery of Byrd’s remains. One of Byrd's murderers, John King, had a tattoo depicting a black man hanging from a tree, and other tattoos such as Nazi symbols, the words "Aryan Pride," and the patch for the Confederate Knights of America, a gang of white supremacist inmates. In a jailhouse letter to Brewer which was intercepted by jail officials, King expressed pride in the crime and said he realized he might have to die for committing it. "Regardless of the outcome of this, we have made history. Death before dishonor. Sieg Heil!", King wrote.

Walter October 30, 2008 9:04 pm (Pacific time)

"Just" four generations ago? I think blacks need to practice what they preach and "Git ovah it".

G. May October 30, 2008 1:30 pm (Pacific time)

The point you are missing is that white on black crime and black on white crime are reported differently. One is widely considered to be a hate crime and the other is not. It should be instructive to note that I do not need to clarify which is considered a hate crime. Since the consequences of hate crimes are different (and more severe), this is an extremely relevant issue, despite your claim of it being a non-subject. When you take into account the fact that black on white crime is more prevalent by far, you should see a wildly uneven application of justice. Going back 50 years or four generations is not as relevant as today's crime statistics and distorted criminal justice system. I agree that turning race against race is not the answer. The problem is that it is already institutionalized and needs to be addressed. Dismissing this very real issue by simply ignoring it and bringing up some sort of twisted moral equivalency argument is not only dishonest, but it will also perpetuate the problem.

Lyn October 27, 2008 1:35 pm (Pacific time)

Foolish op-ed. Black-on-White crime is real, it's hate crime, and it's an epidemic. The author has to go back 50+ years to find some case of an alleged racial attack. Every day in this country blacks rob, rape, and murder Whites. Of course blacks rob, rape, and murder every other ethnic group, too. But for Tim King to write his op-ed just shows his ignorance. And anyone who would cite this op-ed as a reference for a critical writing assignment is really sad.

Tim King: Wow Lyn, that is a very harsh assessment. You apparently miss my point; that is that this foolish "black on white crime" BS is coming up as part of the election and it doesn't help racism at all to single out a race and anyone with half a brain knows that. I write this article to remind people that it was very recently that people like Emmett Till were abused and murdered simply for being black and in fact, a memorial to him was just vandalized yesterday. The American people should not be turned against one another over race, that is my simple point. In fact I believe I addressed exactly what you criticize me for, acknowledging that there is an accelerated level of arrests and convictions of black men in this country. But it is easy to understand of you place your prejudices aside and if you want to, oh well. Your own racism is present in your comment by the way. I noticed that you capitalize "White" but "black" is not. So much for not giving up your position.

Shlaura October 23, 2008 10:31 pm (Pacific time)

This is a very well writen article. I will use this for my Prejudice essay and give you credit. Kudos! i completely agree

Marnel October 19, 2008 8:39 am (Pacific time)

Tim-Bon Why don't you just block the IP address of this multiple poster? Problem solved.

Henry Ruark October 18, 2008 3:01 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Editor King says it very well, discharging our mutual jrnlst professional responsibilities to readership. Will add only own apologies for any name(s) I may have missed, given application of wellknown content analysis tools. Sorry if any got by...and thanks to all for good faith participation, including check on mine any time, part of our honest drill here with "see with own eyes" and THEN use own mind.

Dylan Duke October 18, 2008 10:07 am (Pacific time)

Time Is Short!

Barack Obama’s top campaign contributor is the international Finance firm of Goldman Sachs led by Larry Blankfein.

Three-fourths of John McCain’s top 20 contributors are New York international bankers, including Goldman Sachs.

No wonder both voted for the 700 billion robbery of the American people. Both Support Amnesty for illegals, more gun control and endless wars (and American Blood and Gold) for Israel!

Goldman Sachs’ executives have been repeatedly charged with fraud and theft. The bailout is now run by Paulson and Kashkari, who are former Goldman Sachs executives!

We will either have Mr. Amnesty, John McCain as President or black radical, Barack Obama.

Four days after the election we will meet in Memphis, Tenn. to give a true voice to the European American people that will no longer tolerate the destruction of its rights and the heritage of America’s founders!

SEE YOU THERE!

Editor: The individual submitting this comment seemed familiar, so I checked the log on his/her IP and discovered that he or she has used a number of different names in recent months in an apparent effort to make it appear that his/her points, generally racist and intolerant in nature, are supported. This is the list of names:

Dylan Duke, JB Stallworth, Deb Myerson, War Veteran, Rich Millison, WV, Percy, Delaware, Del, Carlson, Real Democrat, Retired Military, Sourced, LH, Going Broke, Len Hannoford, Oregon Veteran, Telford, Humos, Eternal Optimist, Scazry Times, Capitalist, Ronan, Brian, Wonder, Steve, Gomer, Casse, Ben Jammin', Jason Burbach, Kevin, JB, Kilroy, Carol Ann, Sgt. Rock, Abdul Farqua, Wally, Change, Micro/Macro, Booker T Washington, Stewart, Kyle, Pragmatic, Teacher Veteran, ex-government employee, Ayers Weatherman, Fido, Real Combat Vet, Mary Stennis, Proud Schwab Investor, Bullfrog, Hopefully, Update, Fed Up

I almost feel like I should apologize for this going on so long, and now those of us who spend time around here know that the number of people who voice extreme positions regarding right wing politics on Salem-News.com are not as strong in number as they appear. This individual who uses male and female names to launch frequently ridiculous attacks on myself, Henry Ruark, Professor Stephen Zunes, Dr. Phillip Leveque, etc., is nothing more than a disturbed poser who writes comments, then writes back to herself or himself, representing several people instead of just one. I would write off anything ever posted here under those names, or by anyone who resembles the ramblings left by this individual.

Tim King

Henry Ruark October 17, 2008 1:42 pm (Pacific time)

Kate et al: Great power of honest dialog is to clarify and clinch meanings. Yours does that admirably, and I thank you for your civil participation, determination to be heard --and ditto to be understood. Mine was generalized, as was yours, which is where our small differences seem to have arisen. Again, I agree with you at least 98 percent, and suggest much can be accomplished when we motivate and make meaningful the effective learning experiences all young people need, through both schools and homes, and the communities that shape them all too.

Henry Ruark October 17, 2008 1:41 pm (Pacific time)

Kate October 17, 2008 10:51 am (Pacific time)

H.R.: If you look back at what I said, I have made no mention of a particular race. I only used my position on personal responsibility as a means to resolve an issue. It makes no difference to me what race, color, religion, sexual orientation, etc. a person is. I base my opinion of another on their character and character alone. While it would be ethically right to use government funds to assist those in need, and I have received such funds for very brief periods in my past (when a former husband took off and refused to pay child support for the two children), I stand firm that an individual should do everything possible on their own to resolve their problems before asking for help, to be grateful for the help when received, to use that assistance for it's purpose, and to pass on the assistance to another when the time comes. I am the last person who should be referred to as a bigot LOL...I'm a card carrying psychic medium, the mother of two Heinz 52 kids, and the former wife of a man who decided he liked men more than women. In the end, all that will matter is our true character and deeds.

Henry Ruark October 17, 2008 8:26 am (Pacific time)

To all: For classic examples of what racism does to uninformed minds, see Jason and SMountain comments here. As a nation we've earned much, much better than that, if we have wit, wisdom and WILL to demonstrate that progress to the world. IF we fail, forget any further pretence ever of democracy as freedom and each human person given equal opportunity to grow, learn, prosper and build a strong democratic society. To pretend otherwise is to promote and extend the myth of racism, used by some to save their own ... insted of doing the job via own full efforts. (See WPedia for deep research)

Henry Ruark October 17, 2008 8:19 am (Pacific time)

Kate: Sincere regards to you for your straight answer here. My Dad had two degrees, decades of experience, built strong family --and was killed by depression forced by Great Depression. I agree absolutely re building same values you demonstrate. BUT you will agree that our personal experience does not automatically translate into prejudice vs millions of color and other "differences" which historically have been greatly disadvantaged by accident of birth. There is no question possible whatever that has taken place. Re "government handouts" there are some things ONLY govt. can do and should do. I earned my GI benefits, as did millions of others, building the great Middle Class now so abused. IF programs suffer from incompetence, blame those in charge --as Bush for eight years-- and Congress for the costs and damages. THEN give others chance to remedy all. BUT let us not condemn a race or other group to unfair and surely undemocratic abuses, any longer. History clearly shows great achievements by far and away most within all such groups. See Op Ed re racism for the historic picture on record.

Kate October 17, 2008 6:18 am (Pacific time)

H.R.: My parents did not graduate from high school. They did, however, teach me values and a sense of personal responsibility which I have taught to my own children. I attended school, excelled in music, art, and sports after school. I had to do this on my own without the help of affirmative action or other government programs offered to minorities. I put myself through six years of college and have worked hard to stay employed through illness and personal crises for my entire adult life. I, too, was denied opportunities in the 1970's due to the fact I was "female" but I never expected the government or the people to compensate me for those lost opportunities. To be given a free handout such as this is akin to wanting the reward without putting forth the effort to obtain it.

stonemountain-1915 October 16, 2008 7:56 pm (Pacific time)

Hay Ill be the first to admitt the darkies went threw some rough stuff 140 years ago,But who the HELL DID`NT ??? ya got over 600,000 DEAD White people over that War.howlong they gonna be able to terrorize good,clean white ,folks and cry well my great great grand pappy was a slave ???? So ya`ll just go on and let me go now er I get Al Sharpton and Jssie Jackson to take ya`lls jobs. And them Slaves were sold by there own brothers.they wernt kidnaped.And the American Indian, now thats somebody who ought to be complaining.

Editor: I didn't read a word you said after "darkie". Just remember that when you show your racism, you correspondingly betray your lack of knowledge. "Good clean white folks"- that is really hard to comprehend.

Jason Briggs October 16, 2008 7:54 pm (Pacific time)

So we should just excuse an African American if he rapes or murders a White person?

Tim King: Jason, where did you get that from? It pays to stay rational when discussing things like this and not jumping to self-fabricated conclusions. All I am saying is crime is crime; it doesn't matter what color the person's skin is. If a person commits a crime they should be punished for it. I wrote this article because all of a sudden "black on white crime" is a subject and I want to remind people that things are the way they are for a reason. I never suggested what you mention here.

Todd October 16, 2008 3:37 pm (Pacific time)

I have to admit thatI am prejudice, because black men scare me, they always have. Maybe Ruark and King are right, but I won't be finding out because that would cause me to actually confront things I am scared of, and anyone who knows me, knows that won't be happening any time soon. I just hope McCain is elected so white people stay comfortable.

Henry Ruark October 16, 2008 2:34 pm (Pacific time)

K.R.: You wrote:"The solution lies in the taking of personal responsibility for oneself and our children." Reads like educated writer; so must ask "Did you work your way through college ? OR did family send you there ?" Equal opportunity often is denied those of color; that is fact, not personal surmise or feeling. IF you did get there yourself, great for you. My opportunity was GI Bill after wartime service for 3 years, so can understand when others are deprived of it by accident of birth --esp. when slavery in other forms maintained for decades, even generations. That's fact of history, too, cannot be denied except by myth multiplied for same reasons racism is still so used. See Op Ed current here.

Kate Roy October 16, 2008 12:54 pm (Pacific time)

The solution does not lie in legislation nor does it lie in the apportionment of income tax. Four generations is more than enough time to surpass the trials of slavery. The solution lies in the taking of personal responsibility for oneself and our children. We are all born with challenges of one form or another. Life is learning to take the responsibility of overcoming those challenges without blaming anyone other than yourself for failure.

Kate Roy October 16, 2008 12:12 pm (Pacific time)

What was racist about saying the solution was for the population to take personal responsibility? Publish the material I submitted with your response rather than making comment without backing it up.

Tim King to Kate: I do not recall seeing that and I also don't recall deleting anything with your name on it. Sometimes the comments do not make it through, can you please resubmit the comment" Thanks

Henry Ruark October 16, 2008 11:11 am (Pacific time)

To all" "Checkered career" includes deep personal experience with psychiatric experts, via both interviews, close association, and consultation. Can verify Tim's accurate assessment of raving, ranting msg., and content analysis shows high probability it written by fraudulent sender. FYI, actions indicated are nearly impossible, highly costly, too complex for single person, unthreatening even if completed. Check for yourselves with any practicing attorney. Wimgnuts work loose in every mechanism, including any try at democracy.

JB Stallworth October 16, 2008 10:15 am (Pacific time)

WE ARE GOING TO MAIL A COPY OF THE BELOW VIA THE USPS TO EVERYONE OF YOUR LISTED ADVERTISERS. WE ALSO KNOW YOU WILL NOT POST THE BELOW, BUT IT WILL REACH MILLIONS AS IT WILL BE POSTED ON WEBSITES THAT ALSO CONCENTRATE ON EXPOSING THOSE OF YOUR ILK. Also a formal complaint to Google. HAVE A NICE DAY.
I have just seen correspondence that is being disbursed throughout the Indiana National Guard and I assume will eventually reach all veterans organizations in my home state of Indiana (and your state of Oregon-have forwarded to Oregon American Legion state headquarters, VFW, DAV, Oregon Vietnam Veterans, more to follow) about the "racial tarring" of one of our soldiers by a freaky POS. Are you familiar with the esprit de corps concept of attacking one you attack all? How about creating a "hostile environment" [maybe even deadly] for our military because someone will see an Indiana (or for that matter anyone in uniform across America) resident in military uniform and will attack him because of your unfounded racist allegations, and maybe even kill them! It was also brought to my attention some of your other twisted and unfounded crap. Before I close let me give you some insight about Indiana's voting history. Reagan beat Mondale 61.7% to 37.7%(you dressed Reagan in "gang-banger garb'-who is the real hater you dip sh--?!). Bush beat Kerry 60% to 37.3%. You have libeled every member of the Indiana National Guard and possibly put them in harms way, and I believe multiple civil juries will believe you have also. The bell cannot be unrung, the cow is out of the barn, unless of course you indentify the soldier you called a racist who wanted a "race war" according to your inflammatory lies". Yeah well, we know you are nothing but a filthy scummy lying punk! It's my prayer that each member of our military will file a separate civil law suit against you, get a judgment and transfer that judgment to any place you move your cowardly freaky azz. Chapter #7 will not get you out of these thousands of judgments! You crossed the line you pos! You HAVE put our military personnel in a life-threatening environment. Any future assault or even murder of one of any soldier in the country must include you as a possible cause. Congrats moron! Let the legal system move forward in a lawful and orderly way to resolve your egregious acts! No apologies will get you out of this freak boy! Watch what real combat people do when dealing with obnoxious non-combatant wannabe ignorant loser scumbags! THIS IS NOT GOING AWAY! What a major POS!

I'm disappointed that someone from within the ranks would defend these racist comments, the right to make racist comments, and then pursue the non-hater as the villian here. I guess you forgot to take your meds today, eh? That remark from the Indiana Guardsman was made at the chow hall at Camp Anadonda at Balad. I did not solicit or seek to hear such absurd racial drabble. You on the other hand, are very hard to take seriously. I guess you think my job as a reporter is to ignore BS like this? I think not, and too bad the discipline of the military organization in question allows such idiots to walk around in uniform spewing racial prejudice to a person they know is part of the media. I suggest you go to the doctor and get some help, you need to visit a professional. Too bad you can't scream and rant and make things change, welcome to the real world. And by the way, next time I hear racist garbage I will report that too, because it is my job and only very low IQ types are racist anyway, and that doesn't throw up much of a roadblock. As far as spreading this all over the Internet, be sure to remember that there is a dash in Salem-News.com. I am a former Marine and I have been to both Afghanistan and Iraq to cover our soldiers and Marines at war. 99% of the people I work with say they would be glad to work with me again, because I am honest and I care about our military.

Tim King

-----------------------------------------------------------UPDATE-------------------------------------------------------------

Tim King

Kate Roy October 16, 2008 6:24 am (Pacific time)

Are you simply not posting comments that differ with your opinion?

Editor: Well Kate, if the comment is racist then it won't be published. I just published one from a person who thinks I am terrible, so comments are not necessarily thrown out just because we don't like them.

Deb Myerson October 15, 2008 6:06 pm (Pacific time)

I was wondering if during your time with the Oregon National Guard if any of their soldiers shared the same racial sentiment as the Indiana soldier did below? Or do you know of any active duty Oregon military personnel sharing the same feelings?
"One Indiana National Guard soldier in Iraq recently stated to me, "I don't know of a single white soldier in the Indiana Guard who would vote for Barack Obama because he is black." The soldier also said that he hopes some day there is "a race war" in the United States. Of course as soon as a black soldier walked nearby, his racist commentary fell silent."

Tim King: No Deb, nobody from the Oregon Guard had anything to say like that at all. I also met soldiers from Indiana who were not like that one that I mentioned. I tried to get permission from the Air Force to ask soldiers and Airmen on the base at Balad who they were voting for, I thought that would have been really interesting for people here in the states, but the request was denied. I believe most members of the military are not prejudice, at least outwardly, and those who are biogts have no place there.

-----------------------------------------------------------UPDATE-------------------------------------------------------------

Tim King

Tim Casey October 15, 2008 11:34 am (Pacific time)

Tim interesting article and I agree that there is plenty of racism going on in the world, from all races as well as ethnic and religious groups. What I look at is the actual crime statistics that the Justice Department has kept for 50 plus years, though the sociological/psychological cause and effect variables need constant review, it still boils down to extreme violence, whether it be murder, rape or aggravated assault. When you're dead you are dead, or a victim of any crime, you are a victim. All racial groups have their bad apples and saying what you are going to do is a lot different than doing it (violent criminal acts). When you take the murder conviction data over the last 30 years (including an extrapolation of unsolved murders-over 600,000 murders in 30 years!) blacks(13% of population) account for well over 65% of all murders and now the violent hispanic (14% of legal population) crime rates are way over their percentage of the population. In 2005 there were a reported 37,000 rapes of white women by blacks (rapes are way under reported) and less than 100 black women raped by white men). Whites out number blacks by approx. 5 to 1, so you can see the disproportionate ratio quite clearly. These violent crimes are happening now, and have been disproportionately high since before the 60's. The murder of whites by blacks in just one year is more than the lynching count of all blacks in the approx. 70 years of records kept by the Tuskagee Institute (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynching_in_the_United_States) ---these are big numbers. I've been around a lot of racial murder victims and they have been particularly henious. They are going to get worse, read some of the African Baseline Studies (and other similar black ethnocentric curriculum) that are being taught on the taxpayers dime, and they may give you some insight on the hate that is being taught to black youth. We are balkanizing and rigid law enforcement must be implemented immediately, or there really will be an out of control situation coming. You can't wish or explain away this data.

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