#IAmBethel -- This Is My Story

AFTER THE BENEDICTION…ENGAGE!  -  A few faithful friends-n-kin begin sharing the #IAmBethel story where they live, learn, work and worship. They know it takes a Whole Village to raise a child.  They know the Christian church will grow around the little ones Jesus valued most.  But putting faith to work means bridging the gap between generations and diverse people of faith. Oh, and IT’S GOT TO BE FUN FOR THEM.

By Eric Stradford, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

AMWS, June 23, 2015, Acworth, GA – Friends-n-Kin here and around the world are discovering America—this time with a new attitude about achieving “a more perfect union.”  Last week some 2.1 billion Christians worldwide awakened to a Kairos Event on their Chronos Timeline.    

At a time when family and close friends are hurting the most, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church, Charleston, SC is demonstrating 21^st Century Southern Christian Leadership.  Their intentional, prosocial behavior is galvanizing diverse people of faith and law enforcement to value and protect lives where Americans live, learn, work and worship. 

Last night, The Reverend Leela Brown Waller, senior pastor of the historic Bethel AME Church joined The Freedom Church's J.R. Lee to declare an end to racism where they live, learn, work and worship.  Waller called on her AME kinfolk from Youth Achievers USA Institute (YouthUSA), to help Bethel AME Acworth share its story, “#IAmBethel.”    

Originally established as a “beyond-the-church-walls” ministry at Ebenezer AME Church, Ft. Washington, MD, YouthUSA develops economic programs in support Positive Youth Development.  Since 1996, the YouthUSA brand has focused on engaging American youth, ages 7-24, as economic beneficiaries.  YouthUSA’s  @FutureCorps7 handle establishes a pro-social venue with program support for local AME Churches in developing future Class Leaders.   

YouthUSA co-sponsors the National Learn-2-Earn Partnership  as an economic response to a credible national security threat.   According to The President of the United States, a “gulf of mistrust” exists between some Americans and others.  The political assessment just begins to acknowledge a history of behavior where citizens of color are systemically valued as “minorities” -- one among numerous terms perpetuating a less-than-equal human capital value.     

In the American tradition of proportional response, the Charleston, SC attack again brings terror to Our Street, USA.   Nine murdered members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina underscores the urgency for an appropriate, sustainable response.   Add to this slaughter, the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, Eric Garner in Staten Island, Akil Gurly in NY, Tamir Rice in Cleveland, OH, Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL and countless others, even children can see a pattern of behavior that needs to be changed.

“The AME Church will join with other faith communities to stress the need for the United States to face, discuss and meet head on the problem of race in this country,” said Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the AME Church.  Informed and engaged AMEs affectionately see Bryant as #IAmBethel’s “Rambo-n-the-Bush.”   His “boots-on-the-ground” presence models a story of servant leadership that is respected (or revered) worldwide.

Granting the troops unprecedented access through a variety of sources to include social media, @BishopJohn4th is tweeting a body of believers toward achieving the “more perfect union” envisioned by framers of the U.S. Constitution.  

This week, the #IAmBethel story presents national news reporting with its greatest challenge since Ben Franklin became wealthy publishing Poor Richard's Almanac.  CNN’s live coverage of Sunday’s worship service at Mother Emanuel in Charleston cut to commercial during some of the most significant elements of the service.     

The media’s insensitivity toward Christian values in their zeal to balance time and money will need to be bridged by some serious Christ-centered, Biblically based learning. Lifelong learners at one Vacation Bible School will investigate Colonial American behavior and its impact on 21^st century national security.  In 1787, Richard Allen, a former slave of African origin, started a conversation on Race in America.  When fellow Christians at Philadelphia’s St Georges Methodist Episcopal Church refused change, Richard Allen prayed.  Allen and his historically disadvantaged friends-n-kin got up off their knees and moved their conversation on race into a blacksmith shop.  Diverse communities of faith have since sweated through my-way-or-the-highway worship models with hopes of declaring once and for all, #WeAreOne.

 

Richard Allen’s vision of the future is evidenced by a lineage of 132 elected and consecrated servant leaders and local stations serving believers among 2.1 billion Christian friends-n-kin.   The first station was dedicated as Bethel in 1794 on a lot purchased by Allen in 1791 on the corner of Sixth and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia.  Today, Mother Bethel AME Church stands as the oldest parcel of land in North America owned by families of freed slaves.

Up to now, AMEs have taught future leaders through litanies and hymns with multi-generational messages such as, “This is my story, this is my song.”  But now, with so many angry voices demanding justice, emerging AME Class Leaders will need to apply two centuries of training to some “boots-on-the-ground” intervention.

#IAmBethel is not limited to the subject of race in America. It speaks to a culture of fear and intimidation, and parallels the story, #IAmAmerican.  It presents one immediate option for #HealingAmerica.   

The President of the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church invoked an American Dream Deferred on behalf of historically disadvantaged heirs on five continents around the world. “The arrest of Dylann Storm Roof, the assailant and alleged murderer does not end this matter. In fact this matter makes even clearer that race is a major problem in our nation that must be dealt with,” said Bishop Julius McAllister. 

Evidence-based outcomes are measured on five continents in regions like South Carolina, USA. “African Methodist in South Carolina are strong and faithful, we will not shy away or lessen our commitment to equality and social justice,” said Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of South Carolina. “This will make us stronger and more determined to advance God’s kingdom on earth. This tragedy will not weaken, but strengthen us. African Methodism will become stronger because of this tragedy,” Norris said.

“The nation can no longer live in denial and act as if it does not exist. Every week there is some incident which involves the negative consequences of race,” McAllister added.  In one voice, the Council of Bishops held true to historic values for #HealingAmerica.

Kairos Events on a Chronos Timeline



AME Church Senior Bishop John Bryant is all too familiar with threats to and attacks on historically disadvantaged Americans.  He is the 106^th elected consecrated bishop in a lineage of servant leaders dating back to colonial America.  

By Eric Stradford, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

AMWS, June 20, 2015, Acworth, GA -- News reporting is one modern day reality in the aftermath of an event such the murders this week in Charleston, SC.  But, modern day news reporting almost always comes up short in explaining Kairos Events on a Christian’s Chronos timeline.

Youth Achievers USA Institute Chief Executive Officer Stephanie A. Walker Stradford is one “angry black woman living in America,” according to a Facebook post.  But, on Father's Day, Stradford and some 2.1 billion Christian friends-n-kin must honor their Father by their love and not their anger.    The former AME Church business manager and founding member of the Black Public Relations Society of Washington, DC, awakened to unthinkable horror Thursday morning, learning of a terrorist attack at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church.

Most mainstream news outlets overlooked the fervent effectual prayers of believers and layers of mercy between the Willie Lynch experiment and Republican Vice President Dick Cheyney’s clean heart.

Likewise, few mainstream correspondents could be expected to connect the dots between the Charleston, SC attack and Main Street, USA.   But, one young congressional staffer, one Sunday morning, thought it not robbery to steal away for Sunday morning worship.   Young Mack Parnell  worshipped among a dwindling flock of believers at historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Acworth, GA.  The historically disadvantaged congregants did not know he worked for a republican.  They embraced him as one of their own.   

The Reverend Leela Brown Waller, senior pastor of historic Bethel AME Acworth, is a former Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader.  To some, she might be viewed this week as one angry Black woman who is on fire for Jesus Christ.   A sister in Christ, The Reverend Raushanah N. Butler received a special appeal this week to model faith-based infrastructure for #HealingAmerica.  Butler’s daughter Joi is one of some 80 corporate beneficiaries endowed with YouthUSA Money-n-the-Bank. They will need to set aside their own grief and anger to help counter threats to Our Street, USA. 

Rep Loudermilk of Georgia

Among the greatest barriers to #HealingAmerica is trust or the absence of it.  President Obama has been uniquely accurate in quantifying a national security threat as “a gulf of mistrust.”   Mack Parnell’s boss, freshman Congressman The Honorable Barry Loudermilk, R GA, has scheduled a Main Street, USA Town Hall Meeting for June 29, 2015 which may offer angry constituents a chance to rise above their problems as one resounding voice for America’s future. 

“Securing our national defense has always been one of my top priorities,” said Loudermilk .  “While threats to our homeland have always existed, America now faces a new wave of threats, such as cyber-terrorism, that seek to destroy our foundational principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Following the devastating terrorist attacks on 9-11, the House Committee on Homeland Security was established to provide Congressional Oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack.  Loudermilk also serves as a member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.

If the South Carolina attack, which killed nine American citizens is discussed as a Civil Rights issue, it will likely spur political debate.  The race issue or any issue within the context of Justice or Education will likely not suppress unspeakable anger boiling in the bellies of Black women since Willie Lynch first framed the conversation for a majority-minority America.   However, if one U.S. Representative stood before constituents and congress to declare in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, One Nation under God, a balm might be prescribed.  Of course, crucifixion is always the other possibility for the courageously outspoken Christian.

Billionaire Republican Candidate, Donald Trump is perhaps overly endowed with capital to run for president of the United States.  He could demonstrate leadership by flying his fellow republican candidates to a Barry Loudermilk Main Street, USA Town Hall Meeting.  Any vision by any candidate will need to be backed with provision for #HealingAmerica.  This is where we acknowledge the sins in our resumes along with a shared responsibility for securing blessings of liberty and ensuring the future of America’s Homeland.

A VISION OF THE FUTURE -- Having determined that the flying of the confederate flag in South Carolina and other states promotes interests deemed to be detrimental to the National Security of the United States of America, WE THE PEOPLE call on the Secretary of Homeland Security to engage U.S. Marines IMMEDIATELY in retiring all such symbols in any state of the union and ensure no flag flies higher than the official standard of the United States of America.  An Act of Congress perpetuates an order by the President of the United States to execute this required action.

The Obama Presidency might leverage enduring success by engaging an eventual Republican and Democratic nominee as partners for #HealingAmerica.   They might all share-the-ride on Air Force One and Two and listen rather than talk at the next Main Street, USA Town Hall Meeting. 

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III is no stranger to Kairos Events on a Chronos Timeline.  A veteran of the U.S. Army and a respected authority on ethics, Dr. Sydnor is the twentieth elected editor of The Christian Recorder, the oldest existing black periodical in America.  Published by the African Methodist Episcopal Church since July 1, 1852, TCR is the only news source in the United States whose existence pre-dates the American Civil War.  Sydnor and Stradford met during CONVO meetings in Philadelphia, where church leaders engaged church members and friends to exchange ideas about the church’s future.

Dr. Sydnor’s initiative to collected emails followed a report by The Reverend Dr. Raymond Bryant, St. Paul AME, San Antonio , TX, which introduced legislation for the church’s transition into the information age.   Since that time, the Stradfords and Sydnors have individually and/or collaboratively reported Chronos news events from a unique Kairos perspective. 

Sydnor’s  Zero Dark 30 wake-up call today, produced TCR’s most recent editorial.  It reads, “Like churches across America, the pastor, congregation and the members of the Bible study probably had many discussions about how to attract more people to the church and more people to Bible study. And, I suspect that they were excited about the young visitor who joined their ranks. They would not have been concerned about his color.”

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has “African” in its name, but the denomination does not discriminate against any race nor does it address race in its book of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

“The terror in Charleston brings us to a decision point,” said Sydnor. He remembers when churches remained unlocked and we took pride in saying “the church doors are always open.”  Unfortunately, we are living in a “different world” and have been living in a different world for a number of years. Church doors have been locked for many years. And, it is not unusual for churches to have security persons present during worship services.

The irony in General Officer Sydnor’s security assessment might be compared with the timeline between the Biblical books of Malachi and Matthew.  A similar threat ensued requiring a restoration of trust.   The Kairos events on the Chronos timeline between 1 and 30 A.D. are recorded in the Gospels of Jesus The Christ.  One enduring command for 2.1 billion followers frames “The Word” for future generations.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35.  It is as much a message to polarizing politicians as it is to potential deranged killers.

In contrast to TCR’s historically significant reporting, The Huffington Post published the less passive theme, “Yes, Seriously, It's About Race.”   Its author, Minister Leslie Watson Malachi is the director of African American religious affairs for People for the American Way and the People for the American Way Foundation. She is the former national policy director for the Balm In Gilead and served for nine years as the director of the Multicultural Programs Department of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

YouthUSA Celebrates 2015 Winner

Left to Right Pastor Mavis Morisseau (Parent), Ashonta Johnson (Community Asset Manager). Mylan (Beneficiary), and Reverend Stephanie Harley (Caring Adult Mentor) demonstrate value in a vision of America's future

By Eric Stradford, USMC, Retired and Stephanie A. Walker Stradford

AMWS, May 16, 2015, Land O Lakes, FL –  When the caring adults come together as the “whole village” it takes to raise a winner, “what’s next?” is the number one question for two percent of us.   In plain language, our presence adds value to a winner’s  vision of the future.  So,  20 caring adults now known as the Mylan Javeen Morisseau Fellowship are finding answers by jut stepping up.

Youth Achievers USA Institute announced plans for a 20-year celebration of winners to The Annual Youth Achievement Awards.  CEO Stephanie A. Walker Stradford joined caring adult supporters to honor Land O Lakes, FL, resident Mylan Javeen Morisseau, 11, as the newest YouthUSA corporate beneficiary.

As a beneficiary, Mylan begins a lifelong relationship with an American non-profit corporation and empowerment to "believe I can achieve whatever I believe I can achieve."  To qualify, Mylan and other Americans before her submitted written goals in seven key areas of their human development. 

"We first got the idea to honor youth for what they believe they could achieve at our local church," said Mrs. Stradford.  "My choir director, gospel recording artist, Reverend Dr. Donald Vails, expressed concerns about everyday challenges to disadvantaged youth."  

Vails learned first-hand about threats to African American youth through his work at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ft. Washington, MD, throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan region and across the country through the Gospel Music Workshops of America.   Vails' "Gideon's Army" initiative resulting in 300 voice choirs inspired YouthUSA capacity building based on "the whole village" it takes to raise a child.

A whole village of 20 caring adults, required on each application since 1996, demonstrates local capacity to support a winner’s vision of the future.  "This is not a "gimmie" ministry.  It is intended to support youth and caring adults who want to LEARN-2-EARN," said Stradford.  "YouthUSA has qualified 86 corporate beneficiaries through the United States.  They win equal access to opportunities, awards and incentives available through the corporation.  Caring adult members of the "whole village" access these opportunities through the organization's cloud-based facility, "The Conference Center." 

As a national 501c3 corporation, Youth Achievers is identifying, qualifying and training leaders from within a corporate village of more than 1000 stakeholders to engage youth in securing "all rights and responsibilities" for themselves, their local community and a national fellowship of winners. 

A 3-day local Learn-2-Earn event invited economic beneficiaries and caring adult stakeholders to a 10-year strategic planning effort.  The event offered free technical assistance to any caring adult affiliated with the Mylan Javeen Morisseau Fellowship of YouthUSA.

Judgment Day for Public Education

CLICK HERE -- SIGN THE “FRIEND OF THE COURT” PETITION  #LETMYTEACHERSGO

By Eric Stradford

AMWS April 12, 2015, Atlanta – There is a “Scandal” unfolding in the heart of Atlanta.  Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter is expected to decide, tomorrow, the futures of educators accused of cheating on standardized tests.  Baxter’s sole decision to free the APS 11 comes at the high cost of lost time, lost money and lost rights of citizens vs felons.

As unbelievable as it may seem, even the Olivia Pope character conjured up in creator Shonda Rhimes’ mind could be charged and jailed for violations of The RICO Act.  It’s anybody’s guess who could be next.  On Wednesday, April 1, 2015, a “real life” Atlanta jury convicted 11 defendants, a mix of Atlanta public school teachers, testing coordinators and administrators — of racketeering, a felony that carries up to 20 years in prison.

One obvious omission from mainstream news plots is that all 11 defendants are African American—an exclusion justified by a diverse complexion of professionals involved in a highly complex “not-a-race” case.  On the bench, The Honorable Jerry Baxter has managed a slew of objections, motions, and maneuvering to demonize working folk for a flawed public education system.

The Reverend Dr. Bernice King, CEO, The King Center, joined thousands of concerned citizens from across the United States in calling on Judge Baxter and District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. for leniency in their sentencing decision.  For the record, The Reverend Dr. King is Black. District Attorney Howard is Black.  Most of the concerned clergy, many of the outraged citizens and the 11 convicted educators also happen to be Black.  But the Atlanta cheating scandal is as much about race as it is about racketeering.  More RICO Act charges can be expected as scapegoats in the much broader "school to prison pipeline" scandal expose constitutionally protected “organized crime” bosses in America's education, prison and political systems.

Before Judge Baxter ordered the 11 Black folks off to jail, District Attorney Howard fondled The RICO Act to prosecute "a culture of fear, intimidation and retaliation," resulting in the indictment of some 34 employees of the Atlanta Public School system.  Howard, an African American male, whose “innovative ideas have left an indelible mark on the local justice system and the community at large,” may himself have been subjected to "a culture of fear, intimidation and retaliation," that compelled him to produce economic outcomes by any means necessary.

But Judge Baxter and District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. are by no means alone in their modern day demonstration of a Sanhedrin Court.   Chief Judge Gail S. Tusan, a Black female who happens to oversee the Atlanta Judicial Circuit – 5^th Judicial Administrative District, will need to weigh 11 convictions against a 400 year history of injustice and her own calling to administer justice for all.   The “sistah” might just be the Moses who can whisper softly into ol’ Pharoah’s ear, “#LETMYTEACHERSGO.”

Even the lovely Yolanda L. Lewis must weigh her worth within a system in need of greater community trust.  As Superior Court of Fulton County Administrator, Lewis stands on a commitment “to operational transparency and forming stronger bonds within the community we serve.”   As a result of Lewis’ role, court administrators across America may become more accountable to commitments for 21^st Century community engagement.

In the creative legal minds of D.A. Howard and Judge Baxter, the threat of a RICO indictment can force defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges, in part, because the seizure of assets would make it difficult to pay a defense attorney.  Despite its harsh provisions, a RICO-related charge is considered easy to prove in court, as it focuses on patterns of behavior as opposed to criminal acts. 

The PATRIOT Act is perhaps a bit more difficult to prosecute because Washington has yet to connect threats associated with “Haves and Have Nots” in America to Homeland Security.  Clearly, the 11 educators subjected to Judge Baxter’s decision bear some responsibility for the "culture of fear, intimidation and retaliation."  Their individual and collective courage to plead not guilty may earn them consultant roles in a soon to be envisioned Tyler Perry-Shonda Rhimes joint venture episode.  

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s role in sowing suspicion about the veracity of test scores dating back to 2009 may provide Judge Mablean’s character the best evidence yet that mainstream press feeds the School To Prison Pipeline.  Perhaps one thing in common that Judge Baxter shares with Tyler Perry’s Judge John John Crier is the cast of characters portraying real and or fictitious Haves and Have Nots.  But the “Judgment Day,” drama expected to unfold in Atlanta may not fully be revealed until the next television season.

In real life, more than 3000 concerned supporters signed online petitions asking Judge Baxter to #LETMYTEACHERSGO.  Their voices and yours may help a system of laws find balance between “retribution and rehabilitation.”  Perhaps balance in today’s judiciary will best define American justice for America’s future, and the shared vision of a more just and humane society.

Two Easter Back Stories

Judas Iscariot and The RICO Act

By Eric Stradford

AMWS, April 4, 2015, Atlanta -- As eleven public school educators sat pondering their futures, historic Easter Sunday outcomes added one ray of hope to otherwise uncertain futures.  Neither the trial, the conviction nor the unjust punishment is how the story ends.  For 2.1 billion Christians worldwide, the indisputable, uncontroversial truth stands -- HE GOT UP!

It’s the single most significant reality in the story of Jesus The Christ. But the controversy leading to the most remembered moment in human history is almost always ignored, forgotten, or perhaps forgiven.  One of two background plots in the traditional telling of the Easter Story centers around 12 faithful followers. 

Judas Iscariot, one of twelve original disciples identified in the Bible, is the one who would betray Jesus.  In modern-day terms, Judas, “the bag man,” handled the money for Jesus’ community organization.  He betrayed Jesus for a bribe of "thirty pieces of silver" and, after thinking about what he had done, went out and hung himself.   This economic twist should not be construed as encouragement for folks who plead out under pressure from government prosecutors.  The pressure then on Judas and more recently on some three dozen educators through modern day use of The RICO Act has inspired even the most seasoned criminals to fess up even if they thought their cause was just.

The RICO Act of 1970 also known as Public Law 91–452, is formally titled The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.  RICO was intended to provide for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization.  The Act is not recorded as one of the Acts of the Bible, but one of which every believer needs to be aware.

In many cases, the threat of a RICO indictment can force defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges, in part because the seizure of assets would make it difficult to pay a defense attorney. Despite its harsh provisions, a RICO-related charge is considered easy to prove in court, as it focuses on patterns of behavior as opposed to criminal acts.

When the U.S. Attorney decides to indict someone under RICO, he or she has the option of seeking a pre-trial restraining order or injunction to temporarily seize a defendant's assets and prevent the transfer of potentially forfeitable property, as well as require the defendant to put up a performance bond. This provision was placed in the law because the owners of Mafia-related shell corporations often absconded with the assets. An injunction and/or performance bond ensures that there is something to seize in the event of a guilty verdict.

RICO focuses specifically on racketeering.  It allows the leaders of a syndicate to be tried for the crimes which they ordered others to do or assisted them. It closes a perceived loophole that allowed somebody who told somebody to, for example, steal, to be exempt from the trial because he did not actually commit the crime personally.

Based on the spirit of the law, the 35 Atlanta educators originally charged with cheating nor Judas Iscariot should have encountered RICO’s long arm.  The modern-day controversy stems from a perception among some African Americans that some standardized testing and too many public school policies fail in adequately preparing young Blacks for the real world.  An educator, with an opportunity to “save” a student from moral and or economic despair might face similar challenges in a “Race To The Top,” or “No Child Left Behind” system of educational accountability.

So, who benefits from jailing educators?  And, for that matter, who benefited from the trumped-up charges, trial and conviction of Jesus The Christ?   The Back Story of Judas The Bag Man offers insight into humans empowered to judge others.  One other back story in the Easter Story might someday emerge from the power of perception.  Who is telling the story and what is being left out?

Mis-Educating America

By Eric Stradford

AMWS, April 4, 2015 – Federal prosecutors will be taking a closer look at the case of 11 educators jailed for allegedly cheating on standardized tests.  Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter's decision to imprison 11 African American educators just before Good Friday may have riled a community of 2.1 billion Christians and sparked an investigation into all things wrong in America.

Sources say the judge, also known as "Get a Life, Baxter" eeked out a win over judges from all across America.  In 2011, Baxter’s alleged corruption earned him the prestigious Horse’s Ass of the Year Award.  Unconfirmed reports on the Internet say Judge Baxter topped Family Court Judge William Adams who reportedly beat his handicapped child and other corrupt judges in Atlanta, including Judge Orinda D. Evans, Judge William S. Duffey, and Judge Thomas W. Thrash.  Baxter’s actions this week perhaps exceeded past achievements as well as future aspirations.

Lawyers already looking into the presidentially defined “Gulf of Mistrust” may have discovered a significant kidney stone in the American justice system.  Among the unlikely advocates for a federal investigation into high crimes are perhaps some recently elected republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Georgia Congressman Barry Laudermilk, a respected scholar on history, faith and family, is “seeing a coalescing of like-minded individuals seeking to change the culture in Washington.”   The Georgia-based believer shares a common vision for America’s future, “dismissing the old my-way-or-the-highway approach towards conservative initiatives.”  Leaders as such are looking to change course through influence, not just brute force.

  

If healing could be legislated it might quickly emerge as a legislative priority for elected officials committed to “a more perfect union” envisioned by framers of the U.S. Constitution.  On the positive side of a ledger one might expect to be reminded of Christian values that helped to shape the republic.  On the negative side, one might expect to be reminded of some senators who conspired against Julius Caesar or some Romans and Religious leaders who conspired against Christ.

The legal precedence set in the conviction of 11 Atlanta educators may present the best possibility for becoming the America folks like Jerry Baxter believes in.    We’ll want to lay the foundation through some common understanding of RICO.  

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly referred to as the RICO Act or simply RICO, is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. The RICO Act focuses specifically on racketeering, and it allows the leaders of a syndicate to be tried for the crimes which they ordered others to do or assisted them, closing a perceived loophole that allowed someone who told a man to, for example, murder, to be exempt from the trial because he did not actually commit the crime personally.

A more appropriate, though not necessarily confirmed example of a RICO Act violation might be a judge, within one of 12 economic regions of the United States, threatening the economic security of 11 U.S. citizens presuming that the tests they were accused of cheating on were fair in the first place.  Keep in mind that economic security is a significant consideration in ensuring our national security.  If educating American children is key to their economic security, then mis-educating them is a threat.

Judge Baxter’s overstep in first allowing RICO to define test-score-cheating is perhaps at the tip of an economic iceberg we conspiracy theorists refer to as the School To Prison Pipeline.   Facebook friend John Sam scored Cheating in Atlanta Public Schools as the latest chapter in a homeland security horse & pony show.  “The criminal minds of the Buckhead Business Coalition and Atlanta Chamber of Commerce were the ones responsible for forcing the increases in fake test scores,” said Sam.

According to Sam, their buddies created the (racketeering) manipulation of student achievement to bring businesses to Atlanta by any means possible. Increasing the test scoring was the leverage needed to encourage businesses to move to Atlanta, creating more building contracts increasing the money flow to BUCKHEAD business owners.

Sam observed that former Atlanta Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Kathy Augustine did not testify nor were any charges brought against her.   In his expression of free speech, Sam theorizes that Augustine is perhaps sitting quietly somewhere with her “Buckhead hush money.” Augustine denied having knowledge of test cheating in Atlanta, but the case followed her to Texas. A Dallas-area school board voted to sever ties with its new superintendent, who was among the untouchables in a test-cheating scandal in her previous district in Atlanta.  The DeSoto, TX school board voted 3-2 to negotiate a $188,000 voluntary exit agreement with its recently hired Superintendent Kathy Augustine.

Conspiracy theorists in the murder of JFK are still scavenging cold case files that might point to a Defense Industrial Complex and a good test case for RICO.  Today, evidence of a School to Prison Pipeline might be perceived as a crime where some citizens benefit and others loose time and money.  Keep in mind that Black educators have complained about standardized testing since Carter Woodson.  The 11 charged this week are among the first African Americans empowered to do something about what Woodson described as the “Miseducation of the Negro.”

No vision of America’s future can expect to prosper in an environment that economically threatens some while benefiting others.  In Georgia, the law calls for communities to plan for an inclusive, equitable future for all.  The benefits of comprehensive planning is that residents, the business community, and nonprofits all work together to develop a growth strategy.  What leaders hope to lead is an attractive place for investment, conducting businesses and raising families.   

Unfortunately, too many advocates of status quo view a common vision for the future as a threat to their economic security.  Their understanding of laws such as PATRIOT ACT, RICO, and STAND YOUR GROUND undermines community and perpetuates CHAOS.