Black Americans still suffer

This Web only Speakout has not been edited.

James J. Tenant

Published April 14, 2008 at midnight

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April 14, 2008

7:38 a.m.

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Mike_In_Hartsel writes:

Tell us Commander, did you let your racial bias interfere with your military duties? It certainly sounds like it. But then, half of your anti-white rant is left wing anti-Bush bias flowing forth.

What happened 400 years ago, or even 100 years ago, isn't relevant to today and tomorrow unless one prefers to wallow in the past instead of advancing forward from the past. The same white America you attack is also the white America that is pushing forward towards equal treatment of all people. Instead of working for a united and positive tomorrow, Rev Wright emphasizes the separation and negative of yesterday. Moving forward or going backwards, Commander? What's your direction?
April 14, 2008

9:39 a.m.

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T1anda writes:

James J.Tenant you are either Icdrjjxant or his clone!!

Obama's mentor of 20 years J. Wright might be in need of your services. Call him.
April 14, 2008

11:22 a.m.

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vudumom writes:

T1anda, he is one in the same. I'm surprised the RMN printed his rant. This guy is like a broken record. He justs keeps posting the same thing over and over again. I bet he threatened the RMN with a lawsuit claiming they were discriminating against him for not printing his rants. This is not the first time they have printed his rants either.
April 14, 2008

12:55 p.m.

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LFC writes:

Nice Post James. But remember when you feel racism is still rampant in this country, PART of the cause will be looking you in the mirror every morning.

He is right there is still racism in this country, that being said everyone has a chance to succeed in the states. I have read stories of young black men fighting like crazy to get out of poverty to have a very successful life. If one can do it that means more can, and it doesn't matter what color you are. In this country you CAN succeed. Unless you have the older generations telling them how bad it is how repressed we are and encourage them to fail. Keep coming James, you are bringing us a better tomorrow.
April 14, 2008

1:11 p.m.

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raysmom writes:

Bill O'Reilly is friends with the Rev. Al Sharpton. I have seen Rev. Sharpton appear on Fox News with him several times. They disagree respectfully, and O'Reilly is much less abrasive with Sharpton than he is with many white liberals. Your challenge is silly- you won't get on TV because you're not famous, not because of your race or ideology.

As for your claims of our military "culling blacks" through war, that's something I never would have considered, and now that I have, I think that's hogwash. I'm not saying that it never happened at all- I'm sure that in the past, some blacks were put on the front lines, due to racial policies and ignorance. But today, the military has become a refuge for many minority groups, offering them education and training that the private sector could not. If the majority of losses in war are minorities, and I don't know that to be true, actually, but I'll assume your position on that to be true to make a point, then it is because so many minority individuals have joined the military to take advantage of what the taxpayers offer them in exchange for service to their country.

I cannot know how a black person feels about being black. But I can say that to propose that whites, especially American whites, are the worst bigots, is bigotry in itself. Ignorant hate is everywhere. Warring black factions slaughter each other in Africa. Hispanic and black gangs clash in our cities. Spain erects razor-wire fences to keep Morroccans out of their country. Spanish Mexicans and indigenous tribes kidnap and kill at will. Pakistan & India keep their soldiers on the borders and their weapons aimed at each other. Chechens slaughter non-Muslim school children in Russia. French Canadiens in Quebec threaten to secede. And in the Middle East, EVERYBODY hates Israel! So to call America a "Taliban" is just so ridiculous and self-serving. To accuse whites of developing AIDS to kill blacks , as Rev. Wright claims, is ridiculous and self-serving. But it keeps his coffers full, and your kind of hate speech keeps people at the trough, right where the politicians want them. Your vitriol plays right into the hands of the haters, don't you see that? I haven't had your life, so I won't judge you, but I wish you weren't so angry- I can't see that it does you or anybody else any good.
April 14, 2008

1:26 p.m.

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JSeifert writes:

Just remember The term Racist goes both ways. I served for 12 years until I got fedup with political correctness and Clinton. I served under 2 black E5's, 1 Black E7, 1 Black Sargent Major and 1 Black Captain and all of them I would have been willing to give my life for because as My first Platoon sargent said (he was a white from the south) we all bleed Green so thats all that matters. I have met people from all over the world in the service Russians, Nigerians, Mexicans, whites, blacks and browns male and female and I never heard a racist remark from one. Maybe what the Poloticians need is to serve in the armed forces before they are allowed to do anything else to bring them to the real world. Racial divide is only what the Politicians make of it I see male and female that it. I judge on the person not the skin or sex and I vote republican.
April 14, 2008

9:13 p.m.

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Sweetpickle writes:

If blacks could just learn to admit they are inferior and express some gratitude for the improvements whites have brought to their lives so many people would be in a better mood.
April 15, 2008

6:33 a.m.

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GWM writes:

So we now know who lcdrjjxant is - aka James J. Tenant.
April 15, 2008

7:31 a.m.

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GWM writes:

Mr Tenant, now that we know, lcdrjjxant stands for Lt Cmdr J Tenant, and you can, when you try, be somewhat lucid, why is it you never respond to anyone? You are an angry, angry poster. Why not have a dialog?
April 15, 2008

9:06 a.m.

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Coco writes:

Mr. Tenant - thank you for your service. The statistics you sited regarding % of blacks/whites killed in Viet Nam are simply not true. According to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment statistics (as well as many others):

"Myth: A disproportionate number of blacks were killed in the Vietnam War.
86% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasians, 12.5% were black, 1.2% were other races. (CACF) and (Westmoreland papers)
Sociologists Charles C. Moskos and John Sibley Butler, in their recently published book "All That We Can Be," said they analyzed the claim that blacks were used like cannon fodder during Vietnam "and can report definitely that this charge is untrue. Black fatalities amounted to 12 percent of all Americans killed in Southeast Asia - a figure proportional to the number of blacks in the U.S. population at the time and slightly lower than the proportion of blacks in the Army at the close of the war." [All That We Can Be] NOTE: "All That We Can Be" by Charles C. Moskos and John Sibley.
April 15, 2008

11 a.m.

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rjnova writes:

The commander like all who serve in the military deserves an expression of gratitude and respect. Yet he is a bitter man and uses the same distorted logic and exaggeration of Rev Wright and his ilk. There is no doubt that black slavery in the US was reprehensible and the injustice inexcusable. But it was not uncommon at the time and is still practiced in certain African, Asian and Arab countries today by people of color.

Indeed, Slavery originated in Africa/Egypt and goes back to pre-Biblical times. And justified later on the basis Noah made his son Ham servant to his brother Shem if you want to carry forward and spread the blame. However, Noah might be considered more recently African that Semite. In the least he was not Caucasian. Moreover, it was black Africans raiding other black African tribes they then sold into slavery, so white people are not at the origin of black slavery. The US fought a civil war to rid itself of slavery killing 500,000 citizens in the process so they paid a terrible price for their exploitation of blacks. None of this excuses what happened to blacks brought to America. But after 150 years it is time to get over a time for which no one alive today had any responsibility.

Blacks today need to grow out of the black/white animosity situation because it exists mostly in an out of date world. Blacks have all the opportunities of every other ethnic group in this country. Their problem is the 40 years of Great Society welfare system in this country has ruined the black family as an institution. Whenever blacks choose to recognize that fact and begin to take on the mission of getting the black community to step forward and take responsibility for changing the cycle of black high school drop-out, out of wedlock babies, single family mothers, drug sales and usage as a life style and all the other self destructive activities of black’s indulgence, that will be doing blacks a service that no one else can do. Many whites are tired of constant drumming that whites are the cause of black problems. That simply ignores the fact that blacks are the only minority in this country that cannot break out of the government handout and patronage that has proven to be their ruin.
April 15, 2008

12:04 p.m.

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freethinker07 writes:

I feel sorry for the writer. Concentrating on suffering rather than the good is dysfunctional. Just as Jews need to focus on what is good in their culture and get past the Holocaust, so do Blacks need to get past slavery and discrimination and focus on the good in their culture.

People will always notice differences in appearances. Live with it. Sensitive when whites use certain words in certain ways? I understand. Have a problem when white culture ignores Black issues? I understand that too. Eastern Europe had a holiday when it was customer to beat up any Jew who happened to be in a public place. The holiday was Christmas Eve. Christmas carols always ring a little false to me. It never occurred to me that I could ask that they not be played.

But, rather than be depressed, I focus on my wonderful life. Hey, I'm 56. 200 years ago I would have probably been dead. But I'm not. Instead I get to write annoying letters to people who feel sorry for themselves. 8-)
April 15, 2008

12:17 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

rjnova:
I also am a bitter man and Iam white. I think James goes a little to far with his posts but as a Vietnam Vet myself I also witnessed who fought that war while people in power or money weaseled out. And then just like Iraq we were putting our lives on the line while corporate America made millions off it. Then when we do get a vet to run for office (John Kerry) these little coward weasels send their con gronies to attack him. That takes some gall. So James even though I think you carry the race card to far I'm with you brother!
April 15, 2008

12:54 p.m.

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Hazardous_T writes:

I really have to question the veracity of this entire speakout, there are so many factual errors I have a hard time believing Tenant even served in the military.

Most glaring of all is NOBODY has ever been drafted into the Marine Corps. If you were drafted you served in the Army. Many who knew their lottery number was coming up enlisted in the other branches and a real Vietnam Vet would know the difference.
April 15, 2008

1:01 p.m.

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GWM writes:

COCO, thank you for your statistics. I did not know for sure what they were, but I knew lcdrjjxant, aka JJ Tenant wannabe Lt Cmdr in the Navy had no idea what they were.

lcdrjjxant, I know you are an angry poor black man from the South who wants to spew hate and venom on these posts. But a Lt Cmdr in the Navy??? Not a chance in HE**!!! (Folks, a Lt Cmdr in the Navy is an O4 equal to a Major in the other services. Do any of you think lcdrjjxant was an O4?) I have you pegged for an 8th grade education at best with a GED prior to being taken by the Navy. IF YOU SERVED AT ALL. If you did, thank you for your service. I hope it was honorable.

lcdrjjxant, aka JJ Tenant, why is it you never respond to anyone? Why is it you are so angry? Did you receive a head injury in Vietnam? If so, I am very sorry. But why not have a dialog with people? I do not believe you even know the truth to start with, so you may not be capable of lying. Why would you now expose yourself with your true identity and a false stature in the Navy? Just curious.
April 15, 2008

1:22 p.m.

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Hazardous_T writes:

Oh please... John Kerry was the cowardly weasel who spent 42 days in Vietnam conniving ways through his Kennedy connections to pull 3 Purple Hearts for wounds that were fixed with Band-Aids.

Then while still an Officer of the U.S. Navy he went to Paris to conspire with the enemy. Then he had the "gall" to admit as much before the U.S. Senate while delivering the Communist terms for our surrender. As a member of a military family going back to the Revolution, I think Kerry is damn lucky he didn't face a firing squad for treason. (again the Kennedy connection saved his sorry ass) Kerry soils the honorable service of every American who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedom so many take for granted.
April 15, 2008

2:03 p.m.

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GWM writes:

Hazardous_T, well said!!
April 15, 2008

2:40 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

Hazardous_T:
Where did you get your facts from Bushies crony riverboat idiots. And where did your Texas war hero serve in Nam. Kerry reported to congress what he saw going on over there just like I did. Your a worm and have know idea what went on. Anybody that condemns a man or a women that served in our arm forces then hales a coward that ran from the war with daddies help is a true worm and that is you,GWM,Earl,and any other right wing Bush lover.
April 15, 2008

2:43 p.m.

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Jimminy writes:

Not sure whether we're talking about racism/slavery or Viet Nam.I do know that some six hundred thousand white guys died ending slavery.I'm also pretty sure that the OP would be a little less angry today had we gone to Viet Nam intending to win.
April 15, 2008

2:45 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

Also Hazardous you don't know what you are talking about because I knew 3 guys that was drafted into the navy and 2 in the marines. The selective service filled needs of all branches but yes the majority went to the army. Again another republican talker. Thats all they can do.
April 15, 2008

3:02 p.m.

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GWM writes:

dilligaf, you are as angry as the "author" of this piece. Where does your anger originate? You continue to lower yourself to name calling.

There is no doubt that Mr. Bush received *favoritism* in his service. But, HE SERVED. Can you tell me he is the only one? and from just one side of the aisle (that means parties - Dem and Rep). Mr. Bush was born to privilege. I know that that makes you angry, but many people born to privilege get certain privileges. Does that fact alone make him a bad man?

John McCain was born to privilege but to a long line of distinguished military men and chose not only to serve, but to stay in captivity with his buddies. What a noble warrior! Does that make him a better man than Mr. Bush? I say no. My opinion. The two chose different paths. Many of privilege choose different paths. Privilege is a fact of life and should not be held against anyone.
April 15, 2008

3:22 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

Yes GWM it makes me very angry when a man uses privileges to get out of a war and then sends others to war. I guess to answer your question why I am so angry I guess you needed to be with me in my car when I was on my way to work one morning and heard on the radio the description of north vietnamese tanks rolling into Saigon. And when I had to pull over and cry. So when I hear some idiot slam on anyone that was in country and I don't care if he or she was there one day and got a scratch those people are worms to me. And yes Bush is one too.
April 15, 2008

3:50 p.m.

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GWM writes:

dilligaf, I was in Thailand with the USAF when those tanks rolled into Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). We all felt sad that all was obviously for naught. So, in what branch of the armed forces did you serve? When did you serve?
April 15, 2008

4:24 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

The Us Navy Rivet Forces (PBR's) 1970-1971
April 15, 2008

4:30 p.m.

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GWM writes:

sorry dilligaf, this flyboy does not know what a Rivet force is or a PBR other than Pabst Blue Ribbon. What did this force do?
April 15, 2008

4:59 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

PBR stands for patrol boat river. We patroled mostly in the Mekong Delta. The north used these rivers to transport supplies. If you try to respond back I may be gone for my time is up and time to go home.
April 15, 2008

5:16 p.m.

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GWM writes:

dilligaf, thanks for your service. If you had come back with "I did not serve" I would have had unkind things to say to you. Those that have served can say just about what they want although I might disagree. I am just so sick of those that have never done anything and want to bash, and bash and bash. Jane Fonda comes to mind. She is responsible for US soldier deaths. But I digress.

I think you are off target with your comments, but we can talk about that another day.
April 15, 2008

6:38 p.m.

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GWM writes:

lcdrjjxant, aka JJ Tenant, you are not going to say anything else, are you? So typical!! Why do you bother?
April 15, 2008

7:35 p.m.

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arby writes:

lcdrjjxant
T1anda caught you and so did I. Probably others too. Get over this black thing and I'll get over my white thing. Maybe some others can get over their brown thing, red thing, yellow thing. Deal?
Get over Nam. I did. It is eating you up. Let it go. We are killing different people now. If you as a military man are against killing how did you make Lt Cmdr? It's the whole reason for the job!
April 15, 2008

7:41 p.m.

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GWM writes:

arby, there is no way he made O4. He is more full of it than a Christmas turkey.
April 15, 2008

7:50 p.m.

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arby writes:

GWM
Sorry, but spending 5 years getting drunk and spending 5 years in a Viet Nam POW jail are not the same thing. Bush is a phoney, and so are his brothers. Too bad they don't have to cajones their father does. Maybe they were raised wrong. McCain is the real thing.
April 15, 2008

8:04 p.m.

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GWM writes:

arby, you either did not read what I said or did not understand what I said. There is no comparison to their service. John is the true warrior. I just do not think that makes him a better man. That is all I meant. You are obviously very angry Mr. Bush. Get over it. Hillary will fix you right up.
April 15, 2008

8:30 p.m.

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Hazardous_T writes:

Your a worm and have know idea what went on. Anybody that condemns a man or a women that served in our arm forces then hales a coward that ran from the war with daddies help is a true worm and that is you,Posted by dilligaf on April 15, 2008 at 2:40 p.m.

I guess by your standards we should have given Lt. William Calley and John F'n Kerry a Medal of Honor. As Fleetwood Mac said "Don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that ya want me to. Oh well"
I seriously doubt that you are even a Veteran but I have no doubt that you are a democrat and running a few fries short of a happy meal. If you really served its no wonder we lost the Vietnam war. Thank God we have raised the standards for military service and competence from our soldiers now means something.
April 15, 2008

8:31 p.m.

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arby writes:

GWM
OK, I apologize. I misconstured what you said. I know Hill/Bill are going to get the job. That's alright with me. They know what they are doing and how to get the wheels greased and possibly get us out of the mess that we are in both fiscally and this unwinable war that the current resident has gotten us into.
How did we get in this mess? By not paying attention.
April 15, 2008

8:36 p.m.

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Hazardous_T writes:

Where is Audie Murphy when you need him?
April 15, 2008

8:56 p.m.

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arby writes:

WAR
The reason for going to war is to steal the other guy's stuff. Plain and simple. That's what the 2 world wars were about. That's what Korea and Viet Nam were about. That's what the 1st Gulf war was about. That's what our present predicament is about. That's what the Old Testament is about. The problem is we aren't the good guys anymore. We used to defend now we are the aggesors. And don't say I'm a Jane Fonda. I am USMC.
April 15, 2008

9:09 p.m.

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arby writes:

Audie Murphy. The REAL DEAL

John Wayne

Roy Rogers

The Lone Ranger

All are gone. Now we have BS artists that lie to us and we suck it up. We need to get back into being involved in how our country is governed instead of just sitting on the porch sipping a cool one.
April 15, 2008

9:12 p.m.

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Hazardous_T writes:

The reason for going to war is to steal the other guy's stuff. Posted by arby on April 15, 2008 at 8:56 p.m.

Does that mean its ok to go to war to defend against the democrats since all they seem to want to do is steal everybody else's stuff?
April 15, 2008

9:43 p.m.

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arby writes:

Hazardous
No. You're not supposed to steal your brothers things. Didn't your mother teach you anything?

Show me any other reason for going to war than to either gain territory, (stealing the other guys land) or to get minerals, oil, gold, etc. (stealing the other guys resources). Now if you just made a free trade agreement then it might cost a little more initially and some of those sneaky varmints might get in. But maybe your kid wouldn't end up in a body bag.
April 15, 2008

10:02 p.m.

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arby writes:

lcdrjjxant
I read your letter again and have decided I have to agree with GWM. You are a phoney. If your are not I am glad I didn't serve under you. I don't think you know sh*t about Nam. Ever been shot at? It's fun. You probably couldn't find Viet Nam on the map. How dare you use MLK's words of peace and appeasement in your racist rants. Shame on you. Dr. King was everything you are not. I take back my earlier statement that I thought you had something to say. You don't.
April 15, 2008

10:54 p.m.

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GWM writes:

arby, you said to Mr. Tenant:

"You probably couldn't find Viet Nam on the map."

Were you actually there yourself. Most people know it is not Viet Nam, but Vietnam. I would think someone who served there would certainly know that. Hmmm.
April 15, 2008

11:16 p.m.

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arby writes:

GWM,
Actually it was Indochina then Vietnam. However the popular way to spell it now is to separate the words. Don't be a dick. Yeah, I was there when it was still Indochina.
April 16, 2008

5:34 a.m.

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GWM writes:

Arby, you do not make sense. Vietnam has never been two words and never will be. That would be like saying Colo Rado was the new way to say our State name. That is silly.

And, Vietnam became Vietnam in 1954. What war were you fighting in prior to 1954 when it was still Indochina?

Methinks I smell another turkey. No?
April 16, 2008

8:28 a.m.

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gr8fuldude writes:

Arby/Hazardous - Hell, where's Abbie Hoffman when you need him?

Mr. Tenant - You are an idiot. I think the liquor stores in Centennial open at ten. Go for it, and enjoy your day.
April 16, 2008

8:31 a.m.

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kathyM writes:

EVERYONE still suffers, Tenant. It's the HUMAN condition. Get over it.
April 16, 2008

9:15 a.m.

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American100 writes:

Tenant - The overwhelming majority doesn't care anymore.

When most people hear "heaped upon us for 400 years" we're thinking, someone is looking for an excuse for their failures.

Nobody who is alive now had anything to do with bringing your people here.

If you think we took you away from something better in Africa, by all means, pack up and go back.
April 16, 2008

9:22 a.m.

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GWM writes:

*OH*MY*GOSH* American100, great post!!
April 16, 2008

10:07 a.m.

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American100 writes:

Thanks GWM
April 16, 2008

10:17 a.m.

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American100 writes:

My wife and I have black friends who are every bit as successful as we are and then some. They got there doing exactly the same thing we are doing to succeed. Hard work.

Being black does not hold you back.

Your thinly veiled dislike, distrust of white America will hold you back.
April 16, 2008

10:46 a.m.

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arby writes:

GWM
My unit was the 8th Comm Battalion Force Troops FMFLANT We were sent to Vietnam in 1961 as 'advisers'to set up comm and to train the Vietnamese. We were not supposed to engage in comabat. I was only there 3 months. Didn't kill anyone, wasn't hurt myself. I was slightly involved in 1 fire fight. By slightly I mean I was mostly looking for a place to hide. Sorry I'm not the expert that you are. I think the name got split when people started calling it Nam.
April 16, 2008

11:10 a.m.

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GWM writes:

arby, thanks for your civil comeback. I believe you were there. Thanks so much for your service. You were one of the first there. I came in at the end - 71-75 and spent most of my time with the F4s in Thailand. The Domino Theory of Laos, Cambodia and Thailand falling to the Communists did not happen for one of two reasons. Either it was faulty logic, OR the leaders at that time did not want to go through another Vietnam with the US. If it was the latter, then the 57,000 American boys and girls did not die for naught.

But just for the record, Viet and Nam *never* got split. You and your buddies might have thought so, but it has never been split. I apologize that I attacked you. Your saying "Viet Nam" and "I fought in Indochina" made me suspect to your credentials. Thank you again for helping to protect me and my children.

Now that I was suspect of your credentials, could JJ actually have attained the rank of O4? We would have to figure a way that he made it through four years of college with his intellect. We would have to figure a way that he could have survived in any job in the military for 20 years unless it was to oversee the kitchens. Neither of those premises makes sense to me after reading his posts for many months. My theory, today (as scary as it sounds) he actually did make it through either college or an ROTC course and won a commission and then flew under the radar because he was black for 20 years. Oh my gosh! Are those that served lucky we did not serve under JJ.
April 16, 2008

11:52 a.m.

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GWM writes:

Folks, you may not care, but I have reached a conclusion after giving this a lot of thought and experiencing the military mentality. This is going to be racist, so hold on. I love my black friends and respect who they are, but lcdrjjxant does not fall into this category.

Here is my new theory. (Racist On) He made it through four years of college (barely) winning a diploma because his college needed to graduate blacks. He went to a recruiter who not only needed bodies, he needed black "educated" bodies (he thought lcdrjjxant fulfilled that status. WRONG!). lcdrjjxant gets his commission. He does not really know how to do anything and is assigned to the mess or to supply. He advances to the rank of O4 because he does not mess up and he is black.

Here we have a poorly educated black man from the South that slipped though as many others did. (Racist Off)

JJ, any comeback? Oh, I forgot, you can't talk to anyone.
April 16, 2008

12:10 p.m.

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gr8fuldude writes:

Actually GWM, I was in the USMC, class of 1983 at Parris Island, and I think you've nailed it.
April 16, 2008

12:16 p.m.

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GWM writes:

gratefuldude, que?? That means, what did you just say?
April 16, 2008

12:18 p.m.

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GWM writes:

Oh, never mind. You think I nailed the JJ status. Got it. Just a little slow. Thanks for your service.
April 16, 2008

12:26 p.m.

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gr8fuldude writes:

GWM - Exactly! I think he was the typical desk jockey who was marginally competant, but not worth the paperwork to demote and/or discharge. Civilian equivalent positions would be working at DMV, city gov't or greeting at Walmart.

I picture his life today as a bitter, lonely existence where his morning involves a trip to the local liquor store (where the owner knows him by name), then home to watch Maury, Springer and the like before falling asleep (aka passing out) in his well-worn recliner. He'll repeat the cycle when he comes to at around six this evening.
April 16, 2008

12:44 p.m.

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GWM writes:

gr8fuldude, whew!! You have courage. More than me. OR, maybe we are the same. I guess it took courage from me to admit I have racist feelings toward some.

This is going to seem patronizing, but I am going to say it. One of my best black friends (no, I do not spend time out of work with him and I do not want his son to marry my daughter and he does not want my daughter to marry his son. We agree on this.) sits around his dinner table just like me and discusses his family goals and values. He wants the same thing for his children that I do for mine. He talks about how to be positive and get ahead just like me. He does not say "oh the last 400 years have caused me to be a poor bitter black man from the South". He grew up in Alabama to parents who had the MLK vision. HE DID IT!!

JJ, don't give me any of your crap. You got your commission - *maybe* (one way or the other) and you are still bitter. What the f man!
April 16, 2008

1:35 p.m.

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gr8fuldude writes:

GWM -
Not as sure that it is courage, as much as just experience. I am married to a woman of another race, so we've heard all the crap, and it started with my family. I've seen Tenant's type before, starting with my own father. It is a sad existence, and to be honest, I really pity him more than anything else. NOT how I want to live out my golden years.

None of this is to say that bigotry and prejudice do not exist today. In ALL genders, colors and ages. Complaining though about stuff that went down decades (or more) before you were born isn't going to change it though.
April 16, 2008

1:56 p.m.

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GWM writes:

gr8fuldude, I hear what you are saying. My white niece married a black man from the South side of Chicago. None of us in the rest of the family thought this was a good decision. As it turns out, he is a hard worker, a good husband, and a good father. His kids excel in school and sports. He is another person of color ANY COLOR that can rise up, do the right thing and succeed. He worked hard while my niece went to nursing school. She is now an RN and contributes to a very nice standard of living. It can happen to anyone that tries effort rather than ranting and whining. AND these three kids will likely go to college and continue the winning and not whining.
April 16, 2008

2:40 p.m.

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GWM writes:

jeuden, what begins with f ends with k and has uc in the word? firetruck bwahahaha!!
April 16, 2008

2:42 p.m.

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Shaupeen writes:

What does your name mean jeuden frei?
April 16, 2008

2:53 p.m.

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GWM writes:

Shaupeen, just copy and paste into Google and you will find out. Let's not get the poor jeuden kicked off once again. It is easy to find out. I know he has leanings, but I believe he is playing with us. Look at his posts for wit and sarcasm and then decide if he really means what his name says. He is a funny, funny guy.
April 16, 2008

3:19 p.m.

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OhBrother writes:

My parents actualy taught me to remember and respect the past as it directly impacts the future. They never taught me to blame others for my actions or to look for handouts.

GWM-you are racist. If your idea of having a black friend is someone you don't associate with outside of a place that you get paid to go and you don't want your children to marry, date or I'm assuming probaly even associate then I don't know what else to call it? If you know of him to be such a good person with good morals then why would it matter? and your "friend" would be racist as well if he feels the same way.

Racisim exsist on both sides of the wall, it's not just a "white" problem. I don't blame you for anything that's happend in the past, I hold you acoutable for your own actions as I hope you would for me. Any time someone brings up the past treatments of blacks it isn't always to get somthing from you, make you feel bad, or blame you for everything. Maybe it's just to have a discussion as the past does impact today. This JJ guy is an idiot, he may have valid points but it is lost in his madness. He doesn't speak for all black people or anyone other then himself...and I guess RMN, but hey I can't speak on that
April 16, 2008

3:19 p.m.

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GWM writes:

lcdrjjxant, James J Tenant, possibly an O4 in the Navy,

Oh great wise one, why not give us more of your wisdom with rebuttal to maybe even ONE of the comments?

Here is a thought, copy your DD214, whiteout what is not pertinent and let us see that you retired as an O4 from the Navy, honorably, and what your specialty code was. (Snapfish with allow this posting)

If you do yours, I will *definitely* do mine. I have said nothing but the truth about my service.
April 16, 2008

3:23 p.m.

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gr8fuldude writes:

GWM -
By the way, the whiteout part of the DD214 may not even be necessary...Did you get a letter last year indicating that a lot of Vet information has been lost? I did, so the gov't is providing a year of ID theft coverage. You may want to contact the VA.
April 16, 2008

3:32 p.m.

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GWM writes:

OhBrother, I assume you are a black man. If you are a good morale person, I would enjoy working with you. If you want to go on and on about the past 400 years, I do not even want to talk with you. My friend and I at work were called "twins" because we did everything together at work. Small talk in the hall. Lunch together almost every day. AND KNOWING THAT WE LOVED EACH OTHER!! Yes, we are both racist. He wants all I want for my children and I want all he wants for his children. But we do not want to mix our races. You that think that does not matter have your heads in a prairie dog hole.

We are from different cultures!! Don't you get it? We can both be racist and still love one another. We are different AND equal. Let him do whatever he wants in his family and let me do whatever I want in my family without thinking our cultures are equal. Call me an egoist and a narcissist. My friend's children achieved greater grades in school than mine and won full scholarships to schools. He is doing better than me in some areas.

YOU ARE THE RACIST FOR CALLING ME A RACIST.
April 16, 2008

3:39 p.m.

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GWM writes:

Thanks grateful. I heard some info had been compromised, but did not know what. It would be a good idea to look into that.

After more reflection, JJ Tenant could download a DD214 and edit it with whatever info he wanted on it. Oh, I am so stupid sometimes.
April 16, 2008

3:57 p.m.

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gr8fuldude writes:

GWM - Per your comment:
http://dd214.us/images/dd214-sample-f...
April 16, 2008

4:02 p.m.

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GWM writes:

Yep, grateful a copy means nothing today unless you can see the blue seal or is it a raised seal? I have not seen mine in years. It is in the SD box.
April 16, 2008

4:15 p.m.

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OhBrother writes:

GWM- I won't call you a egoist or a narcissist as I don't know that to be true. I called you a racsist due to your comments, but you agreed with and admitted it to be fact. It doesn't make me racsist becuase I said you are, but you are smart enough to know that.

I have had many a discussion on mixing races and I must say, not wanting to mix races doesn't make you racist, evil or anything like that. Very valid points have been made, I can see why people think that way. What it does typicaly mean is that your just old. Not trying to be a jerk or anything it's just that older people black, white, mexican etc normaly express this view while younger people (most) seem to see no problem with mixing races. Sign of the times I guess...but I think that shows the true racial tension in this country. It's the older people that continue and create the level of tension, in a few generations young people won't care at all...maybe
April 16, 2008

4:44 p.m.

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jay writes:

Yep...good thoughts brother. Just as we now look back and see the folks that were against giving people of color equal rights as the bigots they truly were...we will look back in a few years and see the people against giving gays the same rights in the exact same light.

quite the company some of you folks on the right keep.
April 16, 2008

4:52 p.m.

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MGD writes:

Sorry Tenant but no ethnic, religious, or social group has the market cornered on hard times. Your transparent hatred and envy towards White Americans shows you to be as racist as you claim others to be.

Your letter is off the deep end and I fear you are too far gone as well.
April 16, 2008

5:30 p.m.

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mtnsrfer writes:

I figured out the lieutenant commander part a long time ago.

jj = James J

xant = Ten ant or Tennant.

As soon as I began to read his rant I knew it was him. Same old, same old.
April 16, 2008

6:26 p.m.

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Hazardous_T writes:

Posted by arby on April 15, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hazardous
No. You're not supposed to steal your brothers things. Didn't your mother teach you anything?

Show me any other reason for going to war than to either gain territory, (stealing the other guys land) or to get minerals, oil, gold, etc. (stealing the other guys resources).

Exactly my point. The democrats are the ones who are trying to steal our stuff. (minerals, oil, gold, etc.)

So I assume you think we should just bend over and let democrats have their way without a fight? Not me brother.
April 16, 2008

6:29 p.m.

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GWM writes:

Oh my OhBrother, good post. I appreciate your discussion. MAYBE I am not a racist after all and maybe my friend is not because we do not want to mix our families. I don’t consider 60 old, but there you go. Maybe I am old enough that I feel the races should not mix. Afterall, Michael told us “We are the world”. He used to be black. He wasn’t then. Does that make me a racist to say that? Does anyone else think MJ ‘used to be black’ and did not want to be? Tell me if I am full of chit.
April 16, 2008

8:31 p.m.

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arby writes:

I've been gone a few hours and things have changed. Ok I'm probably going to get myself in trouble here. But what the heck. My Grandson is a full blood blonde haired blue eyed American of German descent. Hitler would have welcomed him with open arms. His girlfriend is also an American of mixed Hispanic, Italian, English descent. They made the most beautiful little boy. Now he is a true American and will be raised as such. No hyphens.
As Ohbrother said there is racism on both sides ot the wall. Then knock down the d*mn wall!
April 16, 2008

9:07 p.m.

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arby writes:

I can't believe you guys lost your DD214's. I have my original stuck behind my framed discharge, which hangs on my grandson's wall. Different grandson from the last post, same blood line just a little smarter and younger than his cousin :-) Probably 5 copies in other places. Your DD214 and your SS card are the most valuable pieces of paper you own. Even your marriage license or divorce papers aren't worth as much. I've got 2 sets of those, suitable for framing, to remind not to be so stupid again.
Seeya
April 16, 2008

9:23 p.m.

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GetReal writes:

Tenant was exposed by a number of us last year when he wrote a similar letter. The RMN identified him as being from Castle Rock at that time.

I have never, not even once, seen him respond to anyone. The guy justs rants and disappears.

One thing for sure, he has been officially Obamatized.
April 16, 2008

10:50 p.m.

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Sweetpickle writes:

Millions of blacks now living in America might be starving in Chad or Darfur had white Americans not paid to help their ancestors come to America.
April 16, 2008

11:48 p.m.

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redwhiteandBLUE writes:

LOL!!!LOL!!! 40 acres!!! lol!!
April 17, 2008

5:58 a.m.

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Oh_Wise_One writes:

jay, you are as big a moron as JJ. "quit the company some of you folks on the right keep." <<< I know some people on the 'left' that keep the wrong company too. You need help for your bigotry.
April 17, 2008

10:31 a.m.

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OhBrother writes:

GWM- a lil late with reponse but just to clarify, I beleive racisim has diffrent levels and I think with open dialog certian levels can be explained with valid points, but at the end of the day its a word more than the actual meaning that threatens most people.

as far as MJ, I will always respect his music, I grew up listening to him. But he is a fine example why stars and entertainers shouldn't be role models....becuase he is CRAZY. Anyone that thinks he is sane must not actual listen or watch anything he does. He named his actual child BLANKET. Black or white, black and white, human or ailen...anything is up for discussion with that...guy/girl. Your are not in the wrong at all to question if he wanted to be white. I think his actions speak for themselves, 1 thing is for sure-black with a skin disease does not equal out to having white children
April 17, 2008

8:25 p.m.

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arby writes:

I'm back. I wonder how long the RMN will let this post go on?
Ohbrother. I don't understand your saying it's the word more than the actual meaning that threatens. Please explain. I've been called honkey and I admit I have used racial slurs that I shouldn't have. Both ways probably had something to do with too much beer. But I didn't think I was going to get hurt or killed and I don't think the people that I was insensetive to thought I was going to hurt them. They just thought I was an ass. They were right.
April 17, 2008

10:25 p.m.

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redwhiteandBLUE writes:

I can't believe you all take him serious. lol!
April 18, 2008

5:43 a.m.

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Houstongolfnut writes:

In one generation the Pakistanis own 40% of the hotels in the USA. In one generation the Vietnamese control the offshore shrimp fishing industry. One group has not succeeded in this country IN 12 GENERATIONS because they believe that THEY ARE ENTITLED!
April 18, 2008

8:46 a.m.

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KelcyCo writes:

Barack Obama, as an example, is referred to as a black man. Why? He is a black and a white man so why be referred to as one over the other. However, that he categorizes himself as such says as much about him as anything else. I have had numerous friends over the years of mixed heritage and it never once occurred to me to consider them exclusively white or exclusively black, or exclusively Caucasion or exclusively Asian, and so forth. In the 21st century we should be way beyond these categories and that we still are not, even within ourselves, says a lot for the human species, and not any of it good.

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Home › Opinion › Speakout

Black Americans still suffer

This Web only Speakout has not been edited.

James J. Tenant

Published April 14, 2008 at midnight

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