Truth Doesn't Matter

Recently, a conversation was held on a Durham, NC list-serve.  The conversation was between a white conservative Republican woman and a black liberal Democrat man.   Readers tell me it was interesting, to say the least.   

To view this conversation, click here

June 5, 2012   
(updated Aug. 22, 2012)

(Note: Carl Kenney is a columnist at the Durham News, Durham, NC.  
Be sure to read his response to this blog post at the bottom of this page.)

How did I know Carl would take the bait and run with it?  I knew he was fishing when he began his first post about racism being a possible cause for his lack of finding a job.  Fish stories have a tendency to grow and grow, don't they?

I'd like to tell you a story of a hero. Webster's dictionary defines the word hero as a man or woman of distinguished valor or enterprise in dangers.  This hero's name is Jim Regan. Friends called him Jimmy. He was born in Rockville Centre, N.Y., and grew up in Manhasset. By high school, he had become a top student, a gifted athlete and excelled in community efforts. He was named an all-American lacrosse player and all-state scholar for football and was given the Nassau County Sports Commission award for outstanding academic achievements, athletic achievements and service to the community.1

Regan was recruited by Duke University and awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious school and join its lacrosse team.1

Now, when you hear the words "Duke lacrosse team," you might have a negative reaction. Depending upon what you've heard or read, your negative reaction might come out of anger with District Attorney Mike Nifong for bringing charges against the Duke players without proof after a black female accused them of raping her.1

The lies Crystal Mangum told were repeated, broadcast around the world on every news channel.  It was twisted into a story that enflamed black/white relations. The truth didn't matter.  Jesse and Al chimed in on the lies.  Carl took the bait and ran with it, and with all the drama he could muster. The Duke players were called "rich frat boys" or "racist and sexist." Nowhere did you read the truth about the Duke Lacrosse team.

Until now.

This story is about the character of one Duke lacrosse player Jim Regan. Unlike the story Jesse, Al and Carl told America, this story is true.

Jimmy earned a bachelor's degree in economics, with a minor in business and marketing and was immediately offered a position with UBS, a financial services company. He was also offered a scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University's Law School.
Life, as they say, was looking good for Regan. He met the girl of his dreams. He had great options. He also had great dedication.1

Instead of accepting the job or the scholarship, Regan volunteered for military service. He passed on going to officer candidate school and, instead, entered the Army, focusing on becoming a Ranger. 1

Engaged to be married the following year, their plans ended February 9, 2007 when Jim Regan was killed after his vehicle was struck by an explosive in northern Iraq. Duke is honoring him. Lacrosse teammates joined family and friends in mourning him when he was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. 1

Jim Regan fought and gave his life so we can continue living in freedom.  Jim Regan is one lone white man.  White men, numbering in the millions, have fought for freedom, in fact, my great great grandfather comes to mind.  He fought on the Union side, helped burn Atlanta and Marched to the Sea.  He was disabled for the rest of his life as a result of his service in the Civil War. 

When asked how many white people not crossing the street would it take for him to get off the race bandwagon, Carl said, " This's my [sic] may be hard for you to hear, but since you asked the question, there will NEVER be enough white people... Too much damage has been done, and, no matter how many walk with me, there are ten for every one working against me."  and later he said.... " I’m willing to sacrifice it all for my brothers and sisters who suffer due to the way they are viewed. ..... Even if it means I die."

There you have it folks.

When the truth about Crystal Mangum came out, they couldn't be bothered to hold another press conference.  They ruined the lives of several families and they couldn't hold even one press conference to apologize to Duke, the Lacrosse team and all of America.

The good news is that within the black community, it's only a small group that thinks the way Carl does.  And this number is dwindling as each decade rolls by.  The bad news?  This small group of black folks make a lot of racket.  Their jobs depend on it.  If racism goes away, they lose the only job they have. Watch, you'll see him stir the pot every chance he gets.  Closing down an old school and putting up a new one couldn't be celebrated, could it? Carl had to tear open a 20 year old wound, add salt, and stir up infection because that's what Carl does.

Carl broadcasts his opinions through the Herald News, speaking engagements, blog space,  any venue that will give him a voice.   It couldn't possibly affect the way non-racists look at him, right?  And certainly not prospective employers!  Nope, it's not Carl's fault he can't get a job.

In Carl's world, 2 white women crossed the street.  In his mind, they crossed the street to get away from him.  They couldn't possibly be crossing to go into a restaurant or put money in the meter, etc.  They had to be crossing because they are white and he is black. 

This is Carl's fish story.  He's enslaved himself, and nothing will deter him from staying enslaved.  As long as Carl can blame his troubles on the white man it's not his fault.  It's not his fault that he can't get a job, it must be racism!  And the fish, as all fish stories go, grows bigger and bigger. 

Yesterday it was the Duke Lacrosse team.  Now it's poor folks on the bus system.  Today it's little ol' me.  Tomorrow, it will be another white person who will be used to feed the addiction of blaming others for their problems.  The truth doesn't matter.

  1. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jjregan.htm 

copyright 2012 Christine Chamberlain

---

Added June 5, 2012 at 6:04pm

Carl's response to my blog entry:

From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
To: joymicklewalker@xxxx.com; christine@xxxx.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 12:32 PM
Subject: RE: My blog has this response

This is my last response to you.  You don't deserve my time or attention.  There are more important things to do, and this is a waste of my time and talent.  With that being said, this is between the three of us.  Don't post it, and don't respond.  I refuse to allow your words to impact my spirit anymore.  They are evil, misguided and based on a myriad of false assumptions.

Two points for you Christine.

1. You must not know how to read.  I never asserted that racism is the factor that keeps me from getting a job. I offered it as a possible factor that deserves deeper reflection.  I also asserted that there are other possible explanation, one of which is how my personal decisions and conduct impact my getting a job.  I spoke of how my own journey can serve as a jumping pointing regarding race.  What you have done is to take both my message and the intent of that message out of context.  I blame it on your inability to read past your own presuppositions.

2. You mentioned the Duke case, but failed to mention my recent blog that addresses the mistakes I made on that case.  In doing so you have minimized the discussion based on what happened (old news) and failed to engage in a discussion on how race, class and gender inequity fueled that story.  I take exception to how you refused to honor the work I have done to undo the madness that was.  

My conclusion is this.  I refuse to play the game you play: name calling, false assumptions, statements about failures all of which is based on your assumptions - yes - rooted in your privilege.  I refuse to call you a mess, but one things is certain, you must not know how to read.

One final point.  You assume I'm a Democrat.  I never stated my party affiliation.  I never have in public space.  Another one of your assumptions. You call liberal, but what does that mean, and how does it show up?  Both may be true, but you have offered labels based on assumptions.  That's something you should not do.  It's at the core of your problem