thestream--2020-05-31--Conserving Liberalism: A Manifesto for the Class of 2020

You probably feel it in your bones .
This year ought to be the beginning of your great adventure .
Adults should be encouraging you to set out into the world and change it for the better .
Instead , what you ’ re hearing from school announcements , corporate commercials , and government press conferences is “ # StayHome.
” But wait , it gets creepier .
Suddenly you ’ re also supposed to treat hugs , high-fives , and handshakes like attacks instead of signs of affection , and to parrot weird , unnatural phrases like “ contact-tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ social distancing.
” And you ’ re seeing the effects everywhere .
Cops show up and ticket kids for skateboarding in the open air at the park .
Lovers glance nervously around before they kiss in public .
Some of them get so tired of the “ social distancing ” surveillance state that they despair and just break up .
And it ’ s not just Big Brother .
“ Karen ” from across the street might call the police if you forget to wear a mask next time you take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year ahead of you who ’ s home from UC Berkeley ?
She downloaded a government contact-tracing app and put you on a list .
Maybe even your favorite teacher .
He used to encourage you to pursue your dream of becoming a deep-sea diver , a filmmaker , or a civil rights lawyer .
But now he tells you to forget it , and just get used to the “ new normal.
” What you ’ re witnessing is a battle between real , freedom-loving classical liberalism and illiberalism .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes a country free , prosperous , healthy , and secure .
It ’ s the reason parents in America tell their kids they can be anything when they grow up .
Because , up until now , they could .
Growing up in a free ( liberal ) America , no disaster could hold me back .
Kids like me had the freedom to take traumatic events as inciting incidents and calls to adventure , not paralyzing “ new normals ” that would hang over us for the rest of our lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get to walk for my High School graduation .
I dropped out of high school shortly after my 17th birthday and joined the army .
And you know what ?
Since then I ’ ve gotten two degrees , served on two presidential campaigns , and produced several award-winning films .
Nobody I met along the way cared that I was a high school dropout , and it never held me back .
Illiberalism can take any number of forms .
Because illiberal people will use any event as an excuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a tragic , criminal , police abuse of force . )
They ’ re doing it now , using a flu pandemic to suppress our nation ’ s freedom , control its wealth , threaten our health , and rob us of the security of a stable world not in the control of the unpredictable whims of petty tyrants .
Now they ’ re telling you there ’ s no guarantee you ’ ll have the freedom to pursue your dreams in a career you ’ re passionate about .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spiritually healthy activities like time spent with friends playing frisbee in the park .
They ’ re even denying you the right to a private life , secure from the scrutiny of a new surveillance-obsessed regime that hems you in for your own good .
For them , the “ new normal ” means it would be abnormal for you to question why the world is closing in around you .
It means that whatever teachers , health officials , and bureaucrats in distant capital buildings decide to do with you is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means you have no role to play in shaping the future .
In other words , the normal they ’ re trying to foist on you is illiberalism .
So for you the question isn ’ t hypothetical : Will you accept the illiberal future they ’ re bringing about , or will you fight for liberalism ?
To help you decide , let ’ s take a look at representatives of each option Bill Gates was once a free spirit , just like we all should be when we first set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Harvard to pursue a career in computer technology .
He co-founded the tech giant Microsoft , and went on to become one of the wealthiest , most powerful men in the world .
And with all that wealth and power , how did he react to the crisis we ’ re all living through today ?
He contacted the highest levels of world governments , arranged interviews with media mega-corporations , and spread an urgent , fearful message : Stay inside .
In fact , Gates has gone so far as to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Freedom , prosperity , health , and security … all of those things have to wait .
Governments must develop a vaccine , and everyone must be vaccinated .
Until then , life must come to a halt .
Do nothing until someone in authority tells you to .
Look Instead to Elon Musk Elon Musk was a dropout too .
He dropped out of a Stanford University PhD program to pursue a tech career .
He ’ s now one of the most successful people in the world .
On top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it his goal to get the first human beings to Mars , almost 100 million miles away .
When government officials locked everything down ( including Musk ’ s factory in Alameda County , CA ) he didn ’ t just shrug and accept it .
His employees were hurting , and wanted to get back to work .
His own instincts told him his mission was more important to the world than the petty tyrants of Alameda County .
But most importantly , he looked to the future , and the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a few months of waiting , watching , and careful research , he made a decision .
He opened his factory , attended the opening himself , and publicly called on local officials to arrest him ( but not his workers ) if they had a problem with it .
Heroes and Villains Across the Spectrum Bill Gates started out as a bright young kid with a vision .
Today , with his faded pink cardigan and thick glasses , his wearied hunch and his nervous laugh , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal .
You can find illiberals like Gates on both sides of the political aisle .
They ’ re fearful , repressive , and controlling .
Their first instinct in a crisis is always to call down the wrath of higher authorities to punish and control their neighbors—whether that means calling the cops , drumming up a twitter mob , or imposing a new lockdown order .
But when Musk got famous for the big role he was playing in human history , people noticed another thing about him .
More importantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he got famous .
He still tells interviewers his bizarre theories about AI .
He still laughs at inappropriate memes .
He fell in love with a strange musician who goes by the single name “ Grimes.
” They had a baby and named it “ X Æ A-12.
” Musk represents another possible new normal .
It ’ s the new normal of liberalism .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
And liberals , thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides of American politics .
On the left you have people like Elon Musk , Joe Rogan , and Dave Rubin .
On the right , people like Tucker Carlson , Peter Tjeil and Ron Paul .
I ’ m proud to have these people alongside me as I fight for a truly liberal future .
And I promise I ’ ll fight hard for you , to make sure you can live in freedom , prosperity , health , and security after your graduation .
But finally , Class of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll fight too .
And you ’ ll be off to a good start already if you just consider the stakes : Will your future be huddling indoors waiting for orders ?
Or will it be on a rocket headed to Mars ?
Jason Jones is a senior contributor to The Stream .
He is a film producer , author , activist and human rights worker .
You can follow him @ TGCWithJason .

Dear Class of 2020,
You probably feel it in your bones. This year ought to be the beginning of your great adventure. Adults should be encouraging you to set out into the world and change it for the better.
Instead, what you’re hearing from school announcements, corporate commercials, and government press conferences is “#StayHome.”
But wait, it gets creepier.
Now Everybody’s a Snitch
Suddenly you’re also supposed to treat hugs, high-fives, and handshakes like attacks instead of signs of affection, and to parrot weird, unnatural phrases like “contact-tracing,” “together apart,” and “social distancing.”
The old liberalism is the overarching philosophy that makes a country free, prosperous, healthy, and secure. It’s the reason parents in America tell their kids they can be anything when they grow up. Because, up until now, they could.
And you’re seeing the effects everywhere. Cops show up and ticket kids for skateboarding in the open air at the park. Lovers glance nervously around before they kiss in public. Some of them get so tired of the “social distancing” surveillance state that they despair and just break up.
And it’s not just Big Brother.
“Karen” from across the street might call the police if you forget to wear a mask next time you take the trash out. That one girl a year ahead of you who’s home from UC Berkeley? She downloaded a government contact-tracing app and put you on a list. Maybe even your favorite teacher. He used to encourage you to pursue your dream of becoming a deep-sea diver, a filmmaker, or a civil rights lawyer. But now he tells you to forget it, and just get used to the “new normal.”
A War of Two World-Views
What you’re witnessing is a battle between real, freedom-loving classical liberalism and illiberalism.
The old liberalism is the overarching philosophy that makes a country free, prosperous, healthy, and secure. It’s the reason parents in America tell their kids they can be anything when they grow up. Because, up until now, they could.
Growing up in a free (liberal) America, no disaster could hold me back. Kids like me had the freedom to take traumatic events as inciting incidents and calls to adventure, not paralyzing “new normals” that would hang over us for the rest of our lives.
Like you I too didn’t get to walk for my High School graduation. I dropped out of high school shortly after my 17th birthday and joined the army.
And you know what? Since then I’ve gotten two degrees, served on two presidential campaigns, and produced several award-winning films. Nobody I met along the way cared that I was a high school dropout, and it never held me back.
Only in a Free Nation
Illiberalism can take any number of forms. Because illiberal people will use any event as an excuse to paralyze the world. (For instance, a tragic, criminal, police abuse of force.) They’re doing it now, using a flu pandemic to suppress our nation’s freedom, control its wealth, threaten our health, and rob us of the security of a stable world not in the control of the unpredictable whims of petty tyrants.
Now they’re telling you there’s no guarantee you’ll have the freedom to pursue your dreams in a career you’re passionate about. They’re shooing you away from mentally and spiritually healthy activities like time spent with friends playing frisbee in the park. They’re even denying you the right to a private life, secure from the scrutiny of a new surveillance-obsessed regime that hems you in for your own good.
For them, the “new normal” means it would be abnormal for you to question why the world is closing in around you. It means that whatever teachers, health officials, and bureaucrats in distant capital buildings decide to do with you is just how it has to be. It means you have no role to play in shaping the future.
In other words, the normal they’re trying to foist on you is illiberalism.
So for you the question isn’t hypothetical: Will you accept the illiberal future they’re bringing about, or will you fight for liberalism?
To help you decide, let’s take a look at representatives of each option
What Happened to Bill Gates?
Bill Gates was once a free spirit, just like we all should be when we first set out into the world. He dropped out of Harvard to pursue a career in computer technology. He co-founded the tech giant Microsoft, and went on to become one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the world.
And with all that wealth and power, how did he react to the crisis we’re all living through today? He contacted the highest levels of world governments, arranged interviews with media mega-corporations, and spread an urgent, fearful message: Stay inside.
In fact, Gates has gone so far as to say we should never feel secure again. Freedom, prosperity, health, and security … all of those things have to wait. Governments must develop a vaccine, and everyone must be vaccinated. Until then, life must come to a halt. Do nothing until someone in authority tells you to.
Look Instead to Elon Musk
Elon Musk was a dropout too. He dropped out of a Stanford University PhD program to pursue a tech career. He’s now one of the most successful people in the world. On top of that, he’s made it his goal to get the first human beings to Mars, almost 100 million miles away.
When government officials locked everything down (including Musk’s factory in Alameda County, CA) he didn’t just shrug and accept it. His employees were hurting, and wanted to get back to work. His own instincts told him his mission was more important to the world than the petty tyrants of Alameda County. But most importantly, he looked to the future, and the role he feels called to play in it.
He looked to Mars.
After a few months of waiting, watching, and careful research, he made a decision. He opened his factory, attended the opening himself, and publicly called on local officials to arrest him (but not his workers) if they had a problem with it.
Alameda County backed down.
Heroes and Villains Across the Spectrum
Bill Gates started out as a bright young kid with a vision. Today, with his faded pink cardigan and thick glasses, his wearied hunch and his nervous laugh, he’s become the personification of the illiberal new normal.
You can find illiberals like Gates on both sides of the political aisle. They’re fearful, repressive, and controlling. Their first instinct in a crisis is always to call down the wrath of higher authorities to punish and control their neighbors—whether that means calling the cops, drumming up a twitter mob, or imposing a new lockdown order.
But when Musk got famous for the big role he was playing in human history, people noticed another thing about him.
He’s kind of weird.
More importantly, he didn’t stop being weird when he got famous. He still tells interviewers his bizarre theories about AI. He still laughs at inappropriate memes. He fell in love with a strange musician who goes by the single name “Grimes.” They had a baby and named it “X Æ A-12.”
Musk represents another possible new normal. It’s the new normal of liberalism.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
And liberals, thank God, can also be found on both sides of American politics. On the left you have people like Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and Dave Rubin. On the right, people like Tucker Carlson, Peter Tjeil and Ron Paul.
Fight for the Future
I’m proud to have these people alongside me as I fight for a truly liberal future. And I promise I’ll fight hard for you, to make sure you can live in freedom, prosperity, health, and security after your graduation.
But finally, Class of 2020, you have to ask yourself if you’ll fight too.
And you’ll be off to a good start already if you just consider the stakes:
Will your future be huddling indoors waiting for orders? Or will it be on a rocket headed to Mars?
Jason Jones is a senior contributor to The Stream. He is a film producer, author, activist and human rights worker. You can follow him @TGCWithJason.


thestream--2020-06-01--Resentment and the Roots of Rage

Resentment and the Roots of Rage

If anybody can claim “ white privilege ” it ’ s me .
I ’ m a middle aged , well-educated white man .
I was brought up in a stable home , provided with a secure foundation in life , the means for a good education and a strong work ethic .
I ’ ve ended up being well off , well educated , well connected and well , to be honest , very blessed .
As a consequence I hesitate to write about the violence erupting in America .
What do I know about black rage , poverty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of racism ?
I do know a little bit .
I ’ m the pastor of a church in a part of town that is challenged socio-economically .
The folks who live around our campus do not have the advantages with which I have been blessed .
Homes and hearts and lives are broken .
Many struggle with low income and high unemployment .
There is a sub-culture of crime , low aspirations and high addiction .
Prostitution and human trafficking simmer in the run-down hotels around our church .
The homeless wander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it .
The demographers report that the population around our parish is predominantly African American .
Hispanics come next , followed by poverty-bound whites .
In the high-security prison where I minister , the vast majority of the inmates are black .
One of my fellow ministers observed , “ For a white boy going to college is a rite of passage .
For too many black boys going to prison is the rite of passage.
” One of my parishioners is the principal of the local high school and he laments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of our kids graduate .
The girls leave early because they ’ re pregnant and the boys leave early to go to jail.
” I ’ ve struggled to get to know the people who are so different from me .
We work with the pastors of the local black churches .
One of them , I ’ ll call Pastor Jackson , runs a “ church without walls.
” He goes to the poor folks where they are and on Sunday they “ do church.
” The pastor of our next-door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregation of black folks who are holding on to strong values and aspire to better things for their families .
What I ’ ve learned is that beneath all the racial divisions is a sub-current of genuine resentment .
When I say “ resentment ” I don ’ t simply mean the hard feelings because somebody else got a bigger piece of the pie than you did .
I ’ m not referring to the superficial resentment we feel when the other guy wins the game .
I give this Resentment a capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep poison within the human heart .
It is a cornerstone of fallen humanity ’ s condition , and it does not recognize skin color .
Resentment eats away at the soul .
There develops what I call a “ resentment loop ” in which we go over and over in our mind what went wrong .
We blame someone else or some other group for our problems .
We go over in our mind how we ’ re going to get even with the other person , how we ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is and how much they are to blame .
The Resentment loop burns away in our lives — haunting us until it becomes an obsession .
Eventually the Resentment flips .
Instead of it being a dark monster haunting hearts , we start to nurture it and we begin to feel good about it .
The Resentment gives us an identity .
It makes us feel better than the other person who is to blame for our problems .
Before long the Resentment becomes the core of our identity , our culture and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An African American who was adopted by a white family , he was having problems finding his true identity .
Already nearly six feet tall and heavy set , George had the strength and energy to be setting out on a professional football career .
But he was lapsing into drug abuse , was surly and violent and mixing with a gang of black kids who were on the fast track to prison .
I asked George , “ Tell me .
What is it like when you go to the mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re being watched .
Do you feel that way ?
” I said , “ George , you ’ re a big guy and you don ’ t smile much .
Maybe they ’ re scared of you .
What would it be like if you went to the mall dressed in khakis , a button down shirt , shined shoes and smiled and said ‘ good morning ’ to everyone ?
” George said , “ All my friends would say I ’ m being an oreo.
” “ Yeh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the inside.
” “ I get that , and I ’ m not telling you to dress like a preppy white boy , I ’ m just trying to figure you out .
Do you think your friends are doing you any favors ?
In fact , your appearance matters whether you want it to or not .
How you present yourself doesn ’ t have to be “ white ” or “ black ” it can just be polite and respectful of other people .
No matter what color you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” George went on to track down his birth mother and father .
Both had disappeared , but he did find some of his cousins , and unfortunately , knowing he was brought up by a white family they said , “ Get out of here .
We know who you are .
You ’ re too white.
” That harsh rejection was the spur that helped George see that the racial issue didn ’ t have to hold him back one way or the other .
He could move on and rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be “ white ” or “ black ” .
He could simply be a strong , self-confident young man with a future in his own hands .
George ’ s story revealed a culture of resentment within the black community that is hard to shift .
It ’ s especially hard to shift since so much of it is justified .
Yanked from their homeland and sold into slavery , the Africans were thrown into the very bottom of American society .
The cruelty , injustice and deeply rooted racism has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t feel resentful being dealt such a bad hand to start with ?
Who wouldn ’ t feel frustrated and full of rage being born into a community so cursed with a history of oppression , injustice and violence ?
Despite America ’ s great strides in abolishing slavery , legislating for integration and providing extra benefits and assistance for racial minorities , the culture of resentment continues , and all of us need to see that resentment hinders further progress .
In the end , resentment hurts the ones who bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone imagine that African Americans are the only ones nursing resentment , forget about that .
Resentment is part of the human condition .
When things go wrong , all of us fall into the resentment loop .
All of us blame others for our problems .
All of us sulk , nurse our grudges , plan revenge and simmer in our frustration and fear .
The only way for all of us to break the resentment loop is through three R ’ s — and I don ’ t mean Reading , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need repentance .
Repentance is simply the open mind and open heart to accept whatever part of the blame belongs to us .
Someone else may very well be to blame , but repentance means we own up and see that we are probably part of the problem too .
Responsibility follows from repentance .
Once we own our part of the problem we roll up our sleeves to do what we can to solve the part of the problem .
The third “ R ” is reconciliation .
Continuing a culture of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and destruction .
Reconciliation means we extend the hand of friendship and forgiveness to the other side .
White Americans need to step up and take responsibility to work towards reconciliation , but African Americans need to be part of that same program .
The end result will be for all sides to let resentment wither and die and for responsibility and reconciliation to take its place .
Then there needn ’ t be White Americans and African Americans .
Instead there could simply be Americans working together build a strong , prosperous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s new book Immortal Combat-Confronting the Heart of Darkness examines the structures of resentment and revenge within the human condition .
Visit his blog and browse his books at dwightlongenecker.com

If anybody can claim “white privilege” it’s me. I’m a middle aged, well educated white man. I was brought up in a stable home, provided with a secure foundation in life, the means for a good education and a strong work ethic. I’ve ended up being well off, well educated, well connected and well, to be honest, very blessed.
As a consequence I hesitate to write about the violence erupting in America. What do I know about black rage, poverty and the impotent frustration in the face of racism?
I do know a little bit. I’m the pastor of a church in a part of town that is challenged socio economically. Most of the folks who live around our campus are hard working, dependable citizens and good neighbors, but they do not have the advantages with which I have been blessed.
Homes and hearts and lives are broken. Many struggle with low income and high unemployment. There is a sub-culture of crime, low aspirations and high addiction. Prostitution and human trafficking simmer in the run down hotels around our church. The homeless wander in we wonder what we can do about it.
The demographers report that the population around our parish is predominantly African American. Hispanics come next, followed by poverty bound whites. In the high security prison where I minister the vast majority of the inmates are black. One of my fellow ministers observed, “For a white boy going to college is a rite of passage. For too many black boys going to prison is the rite of passage.” One of the teachers of a local high school laments, “We only see about 60% of our kids graduate. The girls leave early because they’re pregnant and the boys leave early to go to jail.”
The Circle of Resentment
I’ve struggled to get to know the people who are so different from me. We work with the pastors of the local black churches. One of them I’ll call Pastor Jackson, runs a “church without walls”. He goes to the poor folks where they are and on Sunday they “do church”. The pastor of our next door Church of Christ ministers to a burgeoning congregation of black folks who are holding on to strong values and aspire to better things for their families.
What I’ve learned is that beneath all the racial divisions is a sub-current of genuine resentment. When I say “resentment” I don’t simply mean the hard feelings because somebody else got a bigger piece of the pie than you did. I’m not referring to the superficial resentment we feel when the other guy wins the game. I give this Resentment a capital “R” because it is a deep poison within the human heart. It is a cornerstone of fallen humanity’s condition, and it does not recognize skin color.
Resentment eats away at the soul. There develops what I call a “resentment loop” in which we go over and over in our mind what went wrong. We blame someone else or some other group for our prob-lems. We go over in our mind how we’re going to get even with the other person, how we’ve been hurt, how bad the other person is and how much they are to blame. The Resentment loop burns away in our lives — haunting us until it becomes an obsession.
Yanked from their homeland and sold into slavery, the Africans were thrown into the very bottom of American society. The cruelty, injustice and deeply rooted racism has imparted deep ancestral wounds.
Eventually the Resentment flips. Instead of it being a dark monster haunting hearts we start to nurture it and we begin to feel good about it. The Resentment gives us an identity. It makes us feel better than the other person who is to blame for our problems. Before long the Resentment becomes the core of our identity, our culture and our whole being.
George’s Story
George was fifteen. An African American who was adopted by a white family, he was having problems finding his true identity. Already nearly six feet tall and heavy set, George had the strength and energy to be setting out on a professional football career. But he was lapsing into drug abuse, was surly and violent and mixing with a gang of black kids who were on the fast track to prison.
I asked George, “Tell me. What is it like when you go to the mall. Black men say they feel like they’re being watched. Do you feel that way?”
He nodded sullenly. “All the white people watch me.”
I said, “George, you’re a big guy and you don’t smile much. Maybe they’re scared of you. What would it be like if you went to the mall dressed in khakis, a button down shirt, shined shoes and smiled and said ‘good morning’ to everyone?”
George said, “All my friends would say I’m being an oreo.”
“An oreo?”
“Yeh. Black on the outside and white on the inside.”
“I get that, and I’m not telling you to dress like a preppy white boy, I’m just trying to figure you out. Do you think your friends are doing you any favors? In fact, your appearance matters whether you want it to or not. How you present yourself doesn’t have to be “white” or “black” it can just be polite and respectful of other people. No matter what color you are or they are, everyone deserves respect.”
George went on to track down his birth mother and father. Both had disappeared but he did find some of his cousins, and unfortunately, knowing he was brought up by a white family they said, “Get out of here. We know who you are. You’re too white.” That harsh rejection was the spur that helped George see that the racial issue didn’t have to hold him back one way or the other. He could move on and rise above it. He didn’t have to be “white” or “black”. He could simply be a strong, self confident young man with a future in his own hands.
A Culture of Resentment
George’s story revealed a culture of resentment within the black community that is hard to shift. It’s especially hard to shift since so much of it is justified. Yanked from their homeland and sold into slavery, the Africans were thrown into the very bottom of American society. The cruelty, injustice and deeply rooted racism has imparted deep ancestral wounds.
Who wouldn’t feel resentful being dealt such a bad hand to start with? Who wouldn’t feel frustrated and full of rage being born into a community so cursed with a history of oppression, injustice and violence?
Despite America’s great strides in abolishing slavery, legislating for integration and providing extra benefits and assistance for racial minorities, the culture of resentment continues, and all of us need to see that resentment hinders further progress. In the end, resentment hurts the ones who bear resentment more than anyone else.
Reconciliation and Responsibility
Lest anyone imagine that African Americans are the only ones nursing resentment, forget about that. Resentment is part of the human condition. When things go wrong, all of us fall into the resentment loop. All of us blame others for our problems. All of us sulk, nurse our grudges, plan revenge and simmer in our frustration and fear.
The only way for all of us to break the resentment loop is through three R’s — and I don’t mean Read-ing, Writing and ‘Rithmatic. First we need repentance. Repentance is simply the open mind and open heart to accept whatever part of the blame belongs to us. Someone else may very well be to blame, but repentance means we own up and see that we are probably part of the problem too.
Responsibility follows from repentance. Once we own our part of the problem we roll up our sleeves to do what we can to solve the part of the problem. The third “R” is reconciliation. Continuing a culture of resentment and revenge only ends in violence and destruction. Reconciliation means we extend the hand of friendship and forgiveness to the other side.
White Americans need to step up and take responsibility to work towards reconciliation, but African Americans need to be part of that same program. The end result will be for all sides to let resentment wither and die and for responsibility and reconciliation to take its place.
Then there needn’t be White Americans and African Americans. Instead there could simply be Americans working together build a strong, prosperous and diverse country.
Dwight Longenecker’s new book Immortal Combat: Confronting the Heart of Darkness examines the structures of resentment and revenge within the human condition. Visit his blog and browse his books at dwightlongenecker.com


thestream--2020-06-01--Military Photo of the Day: Soaring Over Guam

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer flies over Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on May 19 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our @ @

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer flies over Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on May 19, 2020.
Have a safe week, everyone!
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thestream--2020-06-02--Criticize Trump? Fine. But Criticize Biden, Obama, AOC, and Their Ilk Too

Several weeks ago , almost immediately after Trump mentioned that Hydroxychloroquine showed some promise in fighting Covid-19 , skeptics clever enough to “ follow the money ” discovered that he owns a bit of stock in Sanofi , a French company that manufactures Hydroxychloroquine .
“ There ’ s no proof that it works , he ’ s just doing it for the money , ” they all said .
Fantastic !
Great work !
Always happy when people expose corruption in politics .
My question is : how come that same trained eye wasn ’ t also used on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
This ethical double standard annoys me greatly .
It ’ s not the blatant hypocrisy of the situation that is the real problem .
It ’ s the people who fall for these one-sided examinations .
To have a singular focus on anyone with an “ R ” after their name , only to become suddenly infantile and gullible because a politician has a “ D ” after their name is the quintessence of bigotry .
Del Bigtree and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have both used their online presence to explain how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pharma , and the vaccine industry are all in bed with each other .
As soon as a vaccine comes out they will share hundreds of millions of dollars in profit .
Far more , by the way , than whatever pittance Trump would have made on hydroxychloroquine .
It has been around so long nine companies produce a generic version for about 37 cents a pill .
I am just sick to death of listening to so many of my friends examine down to the finest detail everything Trump does with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then they turn off their analytical brain completely for any and all activities taking place on the other side of the aisle .
They rant for hours on how Trump is evil incarnate .
Then they launch into a rave about Obama ’ s fantastic , “ scandal-free ” presidency .
Or about how Hillary was the most qualified person to ever run for President .
Or , most egregiously , lovingly explain how Biden ’ s myriad gaffs , and unwanted physical contact , is “ just Joe being Joe !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone ’ s mind about President Trump .
Many liberals will not accept my point .
They will dismiss it by engaging in the easy self-defense parry of saying this article is simply a mindless defense of Trump .
Their hatred of Trump has been stoked by the media to such a fever pitch that it renders their critical thinking untenable .
They have become rubes that will believe anything about Trump , no matter how illogical or ridiculous , as long as it ’ s negative .
This wouldn ’ t bother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of balance .
While the media will never attack the likes of Obama , the Clintons , and Biden , it would be nice if they would be more consistent .
For example : You may believe Trump engaged in a quid pro quo with the then new Ukrainian president , Volodymyr Zelensky , and deserved to be impeached .
Despite Trump ’ s acquittal in the Senate , you may still think of him as guilty .
That ’ s all right .
All politicians deserve to be regarded with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just ask that you be fair .
The recently released audiotape of Biden speaking to former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko , comes across as the dictionary definition of a quid pro quo .
You should give “ Uncle Joe ” at least a portion of that same cynicism .
This is simply a plea for some perspective .
If everyone , especially my liberal friends , could engage in “ equal opportunity scrutiny , ” we would all be better off .
Again , I ’ m not asking anyone to change their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view him through a lens of heavy skepticism .
Just use that same skepticism on the likes of : the Clintons , A.O.C.
, Obama , and Biden .
Remember : Morality is not a team sport .
If it ’ s wrong when “ their guy ” does it , it is wrong when “ our guy ” does it .
Period .
Even the most rabid Anti-Trumper should , with a minimum amount of effort , be able to find at least a modicum of corruption , or something to despise @ @ @ @ @ @

Several weeks ago, almost immediately after Trump mentioned that Hydroxychloroquine showed some promise in fighting Covid-19, skeptics clever enough to “follow the money” discovered that he owns a bit of stock in Sanofi, a French company that manufactures Hydroxychloroquine. “There’s no proof that it works, he’s just doing it for the money,” they all said.
Fantastic! Great work! Always happy when people expose corruption in politics. My question is: how come that same trained eye wasn’t also used on the people making the vaccine for Covid-19?
This ethical double standard annoys me greatly. It’s not the blatant hypocrisy of the situation that is the real problem. It’s the people who fall for these one-sided examinations. To have a singular focus on anyone with an “R” after their name, only to become suddenly infantile and gullible because a politician has a “D” after their name is the quintessence of bigotry.
Turning Off the Brain
Del Bigtree and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have both used their online presence to explain how the CDC, the WHO, Big Pharma, and the vaccine industry are all in bed with each other. As soon as a vaccine comes out they will share hundreds of millions of dollars in profit. Far more, by the way, than whatever pittance Trump would have made on hydroxychloroquine. It has been around so long nine companies produce a generic version for about 37 cents a pill.
I am just sick to death of listening to so many of my friends examine down to the finest detail everything Trump does with the precision of an electron microscope. But then they turn off their analytical brain completely for any and all activities taking place on the other side of the aisle. They rant for hours on how Trump is evil incarnate. Then they launch into a rave about Obama’s fantastic, “scandal-free” presidency.
Or about how Hillary was the most qualified person to ever run for President. Or, most egregiously, lovingly explain how Biden’s myriad gaffs, and unwanted physical contact, is “just Joe being Joe!”
Remember: Morality is not a team sport. If it’s wrong when “their guy” does it, it is wrong when “our guy” does it. Period.
This article is not intended to change anyone’s mind about President Trump. Many liberals will not accept my point. They will dismiss it by engaging in the easy self-defense parry of saying this article is simply a mindless defense of Trump. Their hatred of Trump has been stoked by the media to such a fever pitch that it renders their critical thinking untenable. They have become rubes that will believe anything about Trump, no matter how illogical or ridiculous, as long as it’s negative.
Needed Balance
This wouldn’t bother me as much if there were some sort of balance. While the media will never attack the likes of Obama, the Clintons, and Biden, it would be nice if they would be more consistent.
For example: You may believe Trump engaged in a quid pro quo with the then new Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and deserved to be impeached. Despite Trump’s acquittal in the Senate, you may still think of him as guilty. That’s all right. All politicians deserve to be regarded with a healthy dose of cynicism.
I would just ask that you be fair. The recently released audiotape of Biden speaking to former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, comes across as the dictionary definition of a quid pro quo. You should give “Uncle Joe” at least a portion of that same cynicism.
This is simply a plea for some perspective. If everyone, especially my liberal friends, could engage in “equal opportunity scrutiny,” we would all be better off. Again, I’m not asking anyone to change their opinion of Trump. Please continue to view him through a lens of heavy skepticism. Just use that same skepticism on the likes of: the Clintons, A.O.C., Obama, and Biden. Remember: Morality is not a team sport. If it’s wrong when “their guy” does it, it is wrong when “our guy” does it. Period.
Even the most rabid Anti-Trumper should, with a minimum amount of effort, be able to find at least a modicum of corruption, or something to despise, in their own party.
George Janek is a conservative thinker encamped in Northern California.


thestream--2020-06-01--A Byzantine Approach to Antifa

A Byzantine Approach to Antifa

I am a historian and a conservative .
That means I look to the past for present guidance .
The ongoing riots in many American cities have precedents .
Ones from our recent history are most obvious — The “ Rodney King ” demonstrations of 1992 ; Detroit in 1967 and Watts two years earlier .
Those killed 63 , 43 and 34 people , respectively .
Thousands were arrested in each case .
The worst public disturbances took place in the 19th century , however .
Hundreds were killed .
The 1863 Civil War draft riots in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly riots in New Orleans and Memphis during Reconstruction .
While the May , 2020 property destruction is bad , the death toll is — so far , thank God — very small .
Historians always have recourse to the French Revolution .
Before the head-chopping Radical phase , the French warmed up in spring 1789 with the Réveillon riots .
Property was destroyed and as many as 100 killed .
Of course , the Reign of Terror which followed killed in the tens of thousands .
Again , looting shoe stores and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one is setting up guillotines .
Yet .
How about jacqueries ?
Those were medieval insurrections led by peasants .
The term originated in France .
It ’ s probably best known in the English-speaking world from Shakespeare ’ s Jack Cade .
He led a failed rebellion in Henry VI Part 2 .
Cade is famous for suggesting “ the first thing we do , let ’ s kill all the lawyers.
” But Minneapolis was set ablaze by sons and daughters of economic privilege ( albeit moral and intellectual poverty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best historical analogy for what ’ s going on now took place 1488 years ago — the Nika Riots in Constantinople , the capital of the Eastern Roman Christian ( Byzantine ) Empire .
The main perps in these conflicts were two urban factions , the Blues and the Greens .
On the surface they were mainly fans of different chariot racing teams .
But the differences went much deeper than that .
They fought each other , and the government — over the nature of Christ ; tax policy and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were as much politicized hooligans as Antifa .
And like Antifa , some Blues and Greens crossed the line into terrorism and insurrection .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The proximate cause for the Nika Riots was the arrest for murder of two men , one Blue and one Green .
The Emperor Justinian , fighting a war with the Sassanians of Persia and not needing the domestic distraction , reduced the sentence to life imprisonment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mobs .
They piled on political demands .
Justinian had tried to reform the Empire ’ s corrupt civil service .
Blues and Greens , supported behind the scenes by shady Senators , wanted the old system back .
Justinian ’ s draining of the swamp “ made it impossible to use obscure laws and jurisprudence to avoid unfavorable verdicts.
” Also , both the Emperor and his ( in ) famous wife Theodora were from the lower classes .
This gave their enemies even more reason to hate them .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hippodrome — the chariot race track — erupted into joint violence on January 13 , 532 AD .
Some converged on the palace next door , while others roamed throughout Constantinople , setting fires .
The church of Hagia Sophia was severely damaged ( although later rebuilt ) .
Political opponents , Senatorial and otherwise , threw their support behind the mob and tried to leverage it into removing the Emperor .
They even crowned a new one at the Hippodrome .
Justinian , his courage stiffened by his wife , deployed carrots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Narses with a bag of gold to the Blues in the Hippodrome .
Doling it out , he reminded them that the Emperor supported them .
The Blues then abandoned the rebellion .
Another famous Byzantine General , Belisarius , then led Imperial troops against the Greens and even some recalcitrant Blues .
When the smoke cleared , 30,000 Byzantines were dead .
Justinian executed the attempted usurper and exiled the Senators who had supported the riots .
How does this resemble what ’ s going on here today ?
First , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a murder .
Second , this event was then leveraged by opponents of the extant government into a cause célèbre , in an attempt to delegitimize the ruler .
Third , said ruler is unpopular in some quarters for several reasons .
He is not from the traditional ruling class .
He ’ s attempting to change the crooked ways followed by many in the government .
And he ’ s ordered investigations into a system in which those with power put themselves above the laws which the rest of us must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church has been torched in the capital .
Yes , in many ways Trump is Justinian and the Blues are Antifa .
Many in the Democrat Party are the Senators — or , in Joe Biden ’ s case , former Senator — overtly or covertly supporting them .
Can the American President learn anything from the Byzantine Emperor in terms of dealing with riots devolving into rebellion ?
The latter divided the opposition , bought some of them off , used force and delegitimized his political enemies .
Trump needs to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done to George Floyd , while simultaneously condemning Antifa-led violence .
That he is already doing .
Gold may be necessary , too .
That is , the federal government may need to promise federal funds to rebuild destroyed businesses in riot-torn cities .
Trump can not exile politicians who are trying to use this crisis to bring him down .
But he can shame them by pointing out they ’ ve become useful idiots for a domestic terrorist group .
Finally , the President has already said he ’ s willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to stop further urban violence .
The streets of American cities do not need to run red with blood , as did Constantinople ’ s .
But the nascent insurgencies must be stopped in their tracks .
So perhaps President Trump should not “ get medieval ” on Antifa .
He should get Byzantine .
Timothy Furnish holds a Ph.D. in Islamic , World and African history .
He is a former U.S. Army Arabic linguist and , later , civilian consultant to U.S. Special Operations Command .
He ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Middle-earth ; a history professor ; and sometime media opiner ( as , for example , on Fox News Channel ’ s War Stories : Fighting ISIS ) .

I am a historian and a conservative. That means I look to the past for present guidance. The ongoing riots in many American cities have precedents. Ones from our recent history are most obvious — The “Rodney King” demonstrations of 1992; Detroit in 1967 and Watts two years earlier. Those killed 63, 43 and 34 people, respectively. Thousands were arrested in each case. The worst public disturbances took place in the 19th century, however. Hundreds were killed. The 1863 Civil War draft riots in New York, for example. There were also deadly riots in New Orleans and Memphis during Reconstruction. While the May, 2020, property destruction is bad, the death toll is — so far, thank God — very small.
The French Revolution?
Historians always have recourse to the French Revolution. Before the head-chopping Radical phase, the French warmed up in spring 1789 with the Réveillon riots. Property was destroyed and as many as 100 killed. Of course, the Reign of Terror which followed killed in the tens of thousands. Again, looting shoe stores and defacing CNN headquarters is bad. But no one is setting up guillotines. Yet.
Jack Cade?
How about jacqueries? Those were medieval insurrections led by peasants. The term originated in France. It’s probably best known in the English-speaking world from Shakespeare’s Jack Cade. He led a failed rebellion in Henry VI Part 2. Cade is famous for suggesting “the first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” But Minneapolis was set ablaze by sons and daughters of economic privilege (albeit moral and intellectual poverty). Not disaffected serfs.
The Byzantine Precedent
Perhaps the best historical analogy for what’s going on now took place 1488 years ago — the Nika Riots in Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Christian (Byzantine) Empire.
The main perps in these conflicts were two urban factions, the Blues and the Greens. On the surface they were mainly fans of different chariot racing teams. But the differences went much deeper than that. They fought each other, and the government — over the nature of Christ; tax policy and even over who should be emperor. They were as much politicized hooligans as Antifa. And like Antifa, some Blues and Greens crossed the line into terrorism and insurrection.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The proximate cause for the Nika Riots was the arrest for murder of two men, one Blue and one Green. The Emperor Justinian, fighting a war with the Sassanians of Persia and not needing the domestic distraction, reduced the sentence to life imprisonment. But even that did not placate the mobs. They piled on political demands. Justinian had tried to reform the Empire’s corrupt civil service. Blues and Greens, supported behind the scenes by shady Senators, wanted the old system back. Justinian’s draining of the swamp “made it impossible to use obscure laws and jurisprudence to avoid unfavorable verdicts.” Also, both the Emperor and his (in)famous wife Theodora were from the lower classes. This gave their enemies even more reason to hate them.
Eastern Roman Riots and Rebellion
A combined Blue and Green crowd at the Hippodrome — the chariot race track — erupted into joint violence on January 13, 532 AD. Some converged on the palace next door, while others roamed throughout Constantinople, setting fires. The church of Hagia Sophia was severely damaged (although later rebuilt). Political opponents, Senatorial and otherwise, threw their support behind the mob and tried to leverage it into removing the Emperor. They even crowned a new one at the Hippodrome.
Imperial Response
Justinian, his courage stiffened by his wife, deployed carrots and sticks. He sent the eunuch General Narses with a bag of gold to the Blues in the Hippodrome. Doling it out, he reminded them that the Emperor supported them. The Blues then abandoned the rebellion. Another famous Byzantine General, Belisarius, then led Imperial troops against the Greens and even some recalcitrant Blues. When the smoke cleared, 30,000 Byzantines were dead. Justinian executed the attempted usurper and exiled the Senators who had supported the riots.
Lessons Learned
How does this resemble what’s going on here today? First, the proximate cause for the current unrest was a murder. Second, this event was then leveraged by opponents of the extant government into a cause célèbre, in an attempt to delegitimize the ruler. Third, said ruler is unpopular in some quarters for several reasons. He is not from the traditional ruling class. He’s attempting to change the crooked ways followed by many in the government. And he’s ordered investigations into a system in which those with power put themselves above the laws which the rest of us must follow. Lastly, a major Christian church has been torched in the capital.
Can the American President learn anything from the Byzantine Emperor in terms of dealing with riots devolving into rebellion?
Yes, in many ways Trump is Justinian and the Blues are Antifa. Many in the Democrat Party are the Senators — or, in Joe Biden’s case, former Senator — overtly or covertly supporting them.
Can the American President learn anything from the Byzantine Emperor in terms of dealing with riots devolving into rebellion? The latter divided the opposition, bought some of them off, used force and delegitimized his political enemies. Trump needs to make clear that he decries the grave injustice done to George Floyd, while simultaneously condemning Antifa-led violence. That he is already doing. Gold may be necessary, too. That is, the federal government may need to promise federal funds to rebuild destroyed businesses in riot-torn cities.
Trump cannot exile politicians who are trying to use this crisis to bring him down. But he can shame them by pointing out they’ve become useful idiots for a domestic terrorist group.
Finally, the President has already said he’s willing to deploy the military if it’s needed to stop further urban violence. The streets of American cities do not need to run red with blood, as did Constantinople’s. But the nascent insurgencies must be stopped in their tracks. So perhaps President Trump should not “get medieval” on Antifa. He should get Byzantine.
Timothy Furnish holds a Ph.D. in Islamic, World and African history. He is a former U.S. Army Arabic linguist and, later, civilian consultant to U.S. Special Operations Command. He’s the author of books on the Middle East and Middle-earth; a history professor; and sometime media opiner (as, for example, on Fox News Channel’s War Stories: Fighting ISIS).


‘Good Master’

And , behold , one came and said unto him , Good Master , what good thing shall I do , that I may have eternal life ?
” ( Matthew 19:16 KJV ) If the young man in the gospel used this title in speaking to our Lord , how much more fitly may I thus address him !
He is indeed my Master in both senses , a ruling Master and a teaching Master .
I delight to run upon his errands , and to sit at his feet .
I am both his servant and his disciple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to own the double character .
If he should ask me why I call him “ good , ” I should have a ready answer .
It is true that “ there is none good but one , that is , God , ” but then he is God , and all the goodness of Deity shines forth in him .
In my experience , I have found him good , so good , indeed , that all the good I have has come to me through him .
He was good to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for he raised me by his Spirit ’ s power ; he has been good to me in all my needs , trials , struggles , and sorrows .
Never could there be a better Master , for his service is freedom , his rule is love : I wish I were one thousandth part as good a servant .
When he teaches me as my Rabbi , he is unspeakably good , his doctrine is divine , his manner is condescending , his spirit is gentleness itself .
No error mingles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ golden truth which he brings forth , and all his teachings lead to goodness , sanctifying as well as edifying the disciple .
Angels find him a good Master and delight to pay their homage at his footstool .
The ancient saints proved him to be a good Master , and each of them rejoiced to sing , “ I am thy servant , O Lord !
” My own humble testimony must certainly be to the same effect .
I will bear this witness before my friends and neighbours , for possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seek my Lord Jesus as their Master .
O that they would do so !
They would never repent so wise a deed .
If they would but take his easy yoke , they would find themselves in so royal a service that they would enlist in it forever .

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16 KJV)
If the young man in the gospel used this title in speaking to our Lord, how much more fitly may I thus address him! He is indeed my Master in both senses, a ruling Master and a teaching Master.
I delight to run upon his errands, and to sit at his feet. I am both his servant and his disciple, and count it my highest honour to own the double character. If he should ask me why I call him “good,” I should have a ready answer.
It is true that “there is none good but one, that is, God,” but then he is God, and all the goodness of Deity shines forth in him.
In my experience, I have found him good, so good, indeed, that all the good I have has come to me through him. He was good to me when I was dead in sin, for he raised me by his Spirit’s power; he has been good to me in all my needs, trials, struggles, and sorrows. Never could there be a better Master, for his service is freedom, his rule is love: I wish I were one thousandth part as good a servant.
When he teaches me as my Rabbi, he is unspeakably good, his doctrine is divine, his manner is condescending, his spirit is gentleness itself. No error mingles with his instruction — pure is the golden truth which he brings forth, and all his teachings lead to goodness, sanctifying as well as edifying the disciple. Angels find him a good Master and delight to pay their homage at his footstool. The ancient saints proved him to be a good Master, and each of them rejoiced to sing, “I am thy servant, O Lord!”
My own humble testimony must certainly be to the same effect. I will bear this witness before my friends and neighbours, for possibly they may be led by my testimony to seek my Lord Jesus as their Master. O that they would do so! They would never repent so wise a deed. If they would but take his easy yoke, they would find themselves in so royal a service that they would enlist in it forever.


thestream--2020-06-01--No Evidence White Supremacists Are Derailing the Protests, Left-Wing SPLC Says

A researcher with the Southern Poverty Law Center said he had not seen evidence supporting the theory that white supremacist militia members were responsible for inciting violence at protests against police brutality last week .
“ I have not seen any clear evidence that white supremacists or militiamen are masking up and going out to burn and loot , ” Howard Graves , a research analyst at the SPLC , told The New York Times for a report published Sunday .
The group , which tracks anti-government extremist groups , has been criticized for calling mainstream conservative organizations “ hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speculated about whether extremist groups are derailing demonstrations against the death of George Floyd , who died after a Minneapolis , Minnesota , police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes , as shown in a video of the incident .
MSNBC host Joy Reid suggested in a series of tweets Saturday that white supremacists were interjecting themselves into the message .
Other groups disagreed with the SPLC ’ s claim that there was little evidence right-wing extremists .
“ We ’ re going to see a diversity of fringe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University , San Bernardino , told TheNYT .
“ We know for a fact there have been far-right agitators both online and at these rallies , as well as far-left.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The Trump administration believes the protests took a dark turn after left-wing agitators associated with the Antifa movement took advantage of an emotional issue to sow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country , the voices of peaceful protests are being hijacked by violent radical elements , ” Attorney General Bill Barr said Saturday , according to Politico .
“ In many places it appears the violence is planned , organized , and driven by far left extremist groups and anarchic groups using Antifa-like tactics.
” The U.S. government is officially designating Antifa ( short for anti-fascist ) as a domestic terrorist group , President Donald Trump announced in a tweet Sunday .

A researcher with the Southern Poverty Law Center said he had not seen evidence supporting the theory that white supremacist militia members were responsible for inciting violence at protests against police brutality last week.
“I have not seen any clear evidence that white supremacists or militiamen are masking up and going out to burn and loot,” Howard Graves, a research analyst at the SPLC, told The New York Times for a report published Sunday. The group, which tracks anti-government extremist groups, has been criticized for calling mainstream conservative organizations “hate groups.”
Some politicians and commentators have speculated about whether extremist groups are derailing demonstrations against the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes, as shown in a video of the incident.
MSNBC host Joy Reid suggested in a series of tweets Saturday that white supremacists were interjecting themselves into the message.
Other groups disagreed with the SPLC’s claim that there was little evidence right-wing extremists.
“We’re going to see a diversity of fringe malefactors,” Brian Levin, the director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, told TheNYT. “We know for a fact there have been far-right agitators both online and at these rallies, as well as far-left.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The Trump administration believes the protests took a dark turn after left-wing agitators associated with the Antifa movement took advantage of an emotional issue to sow chaos.
“Unfortunately, with the rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country, the voices of peaceful protests are being hijacked by violent radical elements,” Attorney General Bill Barr said Saturday, according to Politico. “In many places it appears the violence is planned, organized, and driven by far left extremist groups and anarchic groups using Antifa-like tactics.”
The U.S. government is officially designating Antifa (short for anti-fascist) as a domestic terrorist group, President Donald Trump announced in a tweet Sunday.
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Justice and Peace

“ Speak up for those who can not speak for themselves ; ensure justice for those being crushed.
” — Proverbs 31:8 NLT We were horrified to see what happened to George Floyd .
Betty and I along with all our LIFE Outreach friends grieve for his family and pray for the comfort only God can provide .
Please take a few minutes to read this message by my very close friend , Dr. Tony Evans , founder of the Urban Alternative and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas , Texas .
No one can say it better : This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address our cultural pandemic .
A reset not based on societal patchwork which produces no long-term impact , but rather a spiritual foundation influenced by a repentant , obedient and unified church .
We must rise up together to rectify the individual & systemic issues we face .
Issues of injustice , inequity , lack of opportunity , educational disparity , the healthcare gap and economic inequality rooted in disproportionate employment possibilities boil to the surface in times like these but it is their very constancy which prohibits the cure .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be , responsibly addressed as we unify around a strategic and righteous long-term plan .
This is a time to build on a better tomorrow , and not tear down .
And while we must address the crisis before us , we must also not allow ourselves to be drawn into a destructive response .
I not only affirm , but also encourage the peaceful and righteous protests & protestors — as does God ( Acts 16:35-40 ) .
Voices must speak up ( Prov .
31:8 ) .
But unrighteous destruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ultimately experience once and for all .
Pray for peace .
Pray for unity .
Speak truth , in love , but still speak .
Then , act .
Together , we can effectuate positive change if we pursue it with wisdom , tenacity and strength .
I ’ m dialoguing and exploring different options with the thought leaders locally in my church and community as well as around the nation .
The aim being to provide more tangible recommendations on things each of us can do right now in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promote healing in our land .
WATCH : Dr. Evans sharing his heart over the death of George Floyd and how we must move forward as a society .
“ The devolution of our society is different from the way God intends us to live .
We must pray , hearts must change , & we all should work together .
”

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” — Proverbs 31:8 NLT
We were horrified to see what happened to George Floyd. Betty and I along with all our LIFE Outreach friends grieve for his family and pray for the comfort only God can provide. Please take a few minutes to read this message by my very close friend, Dr. Tony Evans, founder of the Urban Alternative and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. No one can say it better:
This is the time for a national reset to address our cultural pandemic. A reset not based on societal patchwork which produces no long-term impact, but rather a spiritual foundation influenced by a repentant, obedient and unified church. We must rise up together to rectify the individual & systemic issues we face. Issues of injustice, inequity, lack of opportunity, educational disparity, the healthcare gap and economic inequality rooted in disproportionate employment possibilities boil to the surface in times like these but it is their very constancy which prohibits the cure. All of these areas can be, and must be, responsibly addressed as we unify around a strategic and righteous long-term plan. This is a time to build on a better tomorrow, and not tear down. And while we must address the crisis before us, we must also not allow ourselves to be drawn into a destructive response. I not only affirm, but also encourage the peaceful and righteous protests & protestors — as does God (Acts 16:35-40). Voices must speak up (Prov. 31:8). But unrighteous destruction will not accomplish the goal we need to ultimately experience once and for all. Pray for peace. Pray for unity. Speak truth, in love, but still speak. Then, act. Together, we can effectuate positive change if we pursue it with wisdom, tenacity and strength. I’m dialoguing and exploring different options with the thought leaders locally in my church and community as well as around the nation. The aim being to provide more tangible recommendations on things each of us can do right now in order to bring about a reversal of injustices and promote healing in our land.
WATCH: Dr. Evans sharing his heart over the death of George Floyd and how we must move forward as a society. “The devolution of our society is different from the way God intends us to live. We must pray, hearts must change, & we all should work together.”


thestream--2020-06-01--Domestic Terrorists Don’t Care About Racial Justice. They Want to Take America Down

The violence burning and wrecking cities across America is not a spontaneous spasm of hurt and anger at the death of George Floyd .
It is a choreographed , coordinated invasion by violent anti-American radicals who care no more about George Floyd than they care about Pink Floyd .
Look at what they attack .
Look at how they attack .
They ’ re not targeting American racism .
They ’ re targeting America .
Sunday , after years of being coddled by Democratic leaders and cheered by the likes of CNN ’ s Don Lemon , Antifa is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
Their history of violence is long .
Ask journalist Andy Ngo .
( And yet Joe Biden ’ s campaign is bailing rioters out from jail ? )
Attorney General William Barr had already signaled Antifa and aligned groups are behind much of the violence we ’ ve seen in recent days .
The voices of legitimate protest have been “ hijacked by violent radical elements .
… The violence instigated by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Brooklyn , mayors and citizens are reporting buses of “ protesters ” pouring into their town , or spotting out-of-state cars parked on their streets .
Who ordered the buses ?
Who footed the bill ?
In cities like Dallas , pallets of bricks were preplaced in the path of protesters .
This young black man was none too pleased .
Breitbart has collated some of the reports around town of the bricks .
Positioned not for construction , but destruction .
Deliberate .
Organized .
Funded .
And the bricks soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One brick nearly hit Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall .
“ Everything was peaceful , ” Chief Hall told CBSDFW .
“ Then , all of a sudden , bricks started hailing ( in ) , hitting our squad cars , hitting our officers , … and then I nearly got hit with a brick.
” Police Chief Hall happens to be an African-American .
Punks throwing bricks at a black woman who has risen to one of the top police positions in the nation to protest racist cops ?
You can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Ebay .
The warfare isn ’ t limited to the streets .
Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz reported Sunday morning that the state government was hit with a massive cyberattack just as the state was coordinating its protest response Saturday night .
“ Before our operation kicked off last night , a very sophisticated denial of service attack on all state computers was executed , ” Walz said , “ That ’ s not somebody sitting in their basement.
” City and police websites in Minneapolis were also blocked .
The hacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack .
In Los Angeles it ’ s curious where the rioting took place , if you believe the fantasy that the violence has to do George Floyd .
Windows were smashed and a kiosk was set ablaze at The Grove .
This is a beautiful outdoor shopping and restaurant mecca catering to upscale Angelenos .
Right next to CBS Studios and the famed Farmer ’ s Market , The Grove is where you ’ re likely to see your favorite celebrity out for dinner and a movie with pals .
Odd place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to strike a blow at capitalism and Americana .
Militants also tore through the mostly Jewish Fairfax District and looted an Apple Store on trendy Melrose Avenue .
The anarchists ripped up Beverly Hills ’ famous Rodeo Drive , carrying signs saying “ Eat the Rich.
” In New York , two high-powered Brooklyn lawyers were among those arrested for tossing Molotov cocktails at police .
In fact , the daughter of New York City ’ s progressive and incompetent Mayor Bill deBlasio was busted as part of a group throwing objects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t fall far from the tree .
In Washington , D.C. , the historic St. John ’ s church was set on fire .
Virtually every president since James Madison has worshipped there at one point .
Fortunately , the damage was contained .
Even the Lincoln Memorial was vandalized .
A protest about the death of a black man at the hands of a white cop is going to desecrate the memorial of the man who freed the slaves ?
No .
But a protest against America and her freedoms ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ further proof of coordination and training behind the violence .
The Real Tragedy ?
We Knew It Was Coming Three years ago , on the 25th anniversary of the L.A .
Riots , I wrote of my experience .
But , with Antifa ’ s violent antics getting a free pass and Maxine Waters and the like stoking the same divisive , destructive rhetoric used to flood the city with emotional gasoline before it exploded , I was scared for what was to come .
“ I can see the smoke plumes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more direct , more explicit .
In May 2017 he wrote an article titled “ Will America ’ s Second Civil War Turn Violent ?
” In the wake of continued , unpunished violence by the left , many American now see that many public officials don ’ t care to stop the violence .
We must pray for peace .
But it is not enough .
We must pray that people of peace stand tall to protect their communities .
We must pray that civil authorities do their job and restore order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Justice will expose every poisonous tentacle of this militant , organized attack on the United States and her people .
We must unite to flatten the curve of the Anti-American Revolution .
The good news : This spring alone , we beat back a global pandemic and put men back in space .
Brothers and sisters of all colors and creeds , we ’ ve got this .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

The violence burning and wrecking cities across America is not a spontaneous spasm of hurt and anger at the death of George Floyd. It is a choreographed, coordinated invasion by violent anti-American radicals who care no more about George Floyd than they care about Pink Floyd.
Look at what they attack. Look at how they attack. They’re not targeting American racism. They’re targeting America.
Domestic Terrorists Antifa
Starting with Antifa.
Sunday, after years of being coddled by Democratic leaders and cheered by the likes of CNN’s Don Lemon, Antifa is being declared a domestic terror organization by President Trump. Their history of violence is long. Ask journalist Andy Ngo. (And yet Joe Biden’s campaign is bailing rioters out from jail?)
Attorney General William Barr had already signaled Antifa and aligned groups are behind much of the violence we’ve seen in recent days. The voices of legitimate protest have been “hijacked by violent radical elements. … The violence instigated by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly.”
Attorney General Barr’s statement on rioting, the role of the Department of Justice, and Antifa. “The violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly.” pic.twitter.com/6aKElRYZdR — KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) May 31, 2020
From St. Paul to Seattle, Atlanta to Brooklyn, mayors and citizens are reporting buses of “protesters” pouring into their town, or spotting out-of-state cars parked on their streets. Who ordered the buses? Who footed the bill?
The Pallets of Bricks
In cities like Dallas, pallets of bricks were preplaced in the path of protesters. This young black man was none too pleased.
“They” staged a pallet of bricks in Dallaspic.twitter.com/jp9IoUUuRT — Ali † nabbed Antifa (gotem.gif) (@ali) May 30, 2020
Breitbart has collated some of the reports around town of the bricks. Positioned not for construction, but destruction. Deliberate. Organized. Funded. And the bricks soon rained down on police and property.
One brick nearly hit Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall. “Everything was peaceful,” Chief Hall told CBSDFW. “Then, all of a sudden, bricks started hailing (in), hitting our squad cars, hitting our officers, … and then I nearly got hit with a brick.”
Police Chief Hall happens to be an African-American. Punks throwing bricks at a black woman who has risen to one of the top police positions in the nation to protest racist cops? You can’t even sell that load of manure on Ebay.
A Very Sophisticated Cyberattack
The warfare isn’t limited to the streets. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz reported Sunday morning that the state government was hit with a massive cyberattack just as the state was coordinating its protest response Saturday night.
“Before our operation kicked off last night, a very sophisticated denial of service attack on all state computers was executed,” Walz said, “That’s not somebody sitting in their basement.”
Coordination. Sophistication. Viva La Revolution.
City and police websites in Minneapolis were also blocked. The hacker group Anonymous is signaling responsibility for that attack.
Anti-Capitalist Thugs and Sophisticates
In Los Angeles it’s curious where the rioting took place, if you believe the fantasy that the violence has to do George Floyd. Windows were smashed and a kiosk was set ablaze at The Grove. This is a beautiful outdoor shopping and restaurant mecca catering to upscale Angelenos. Right next to CBS Studios and the famed Farmer’s Market, The Grove is where you’re likely to see your favorite celebrity out for dinner and a movie with pals.
Odd place to be protesting police brutality. Perfect place to strike a blow at capitalism and Americana. Militants also tore through the mostly Jewish Fairfax District and looted an Apple Store on trendy Melrose Avenue. The anarchists ripped up Beverly Hills’ famous Rodeo Drive, carrying signs saying “Eat the Rich.”
In New York, two high-powered Brooklyn lawyers were among those arrested for tossing Molotov cocktails at police. In fact, the daughter of New York City’s progressive and incompetent Mayor Bill deBlasio was busted as part of a group throwing objects at police. The rotten apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
In Washington, D.C., the historic St. John’s church was set on fire. Virtually every president since James Madison has worshipped there at one point. Fortunately, the damage was contained. Even the Lincoln Memorial was vandalized. A protest about the death of a black man at the hands of a white cop is going to desecrate the memorial of the man who freed the slaves? No. But a protest against America and her freedoms? Sure.
Down in Ft. Lauderdale, further proof of coordination and training behind the violence.
Agitators in Ft.Lauderdale have goggles, some have gas masks. They throw rocks at police then raise their hands in air. Then after a few minutes do it again. And trust me these agitators aren’t members of BLM — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 31, 2020
The Real Tragedy? We Knew It Was Coming
Three years ago, on the 25th anniversary of the L.A. Riots, I wrote of my experience. But, with Antifa’s violent antics getting a free pass and Maxine Waters and the like stoking the same divisive, destructive rhetoric used to flood the city with emotional gasoline before it exploded, I was scared for what was to come. “I can see the smoke plumes on the horizon.”
Dennis Prager was even more direct, more explicit. In May 2017 he wrote an article titled “Will America’s Second Civil War Turn Violent?” In the wake of continued, unpunished violence by the left, many American now see that many public officials don’t care to stop the violence.
Left-wing officials sympathize with the lawbreakers, and the police, who rarely sympathize with thugs of any ideology, are ordered to do nothing by emasculated police chiefs. Consequently, given the abdication by all these authorities of their role to protect the public, some members of the public will inevitably decide that they will protect themselves and others.
Pray for Peace
We must pray for peace. But it is not enough. We must pray that people of peace stand tall to protect their communities. We must pray that civil authorities do their job and restore order to their cities. We must pray the Department of Justice will expose every poisonous tentacle of this militant, organized attack on the United States and her people.
We must unite to flatten the curve of the Anti-American Revolution. The good news: This spring alone, we beat back a global pandemic and put men back in space. Brothers and sisters of all colors and creeds, we’ve got this.
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-06-01--WATCH: On Streets of Ferguson, This Pastor Responds to ‘Unholy Rage’ With Peacemaking

Saturday marked the sixth night of protests following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Over 500 miles south in Ferguson , Missouri , things were starting to get heated .
What started at 6 p.m. as a peaceful demonstration of several hundred activists changed as the night wore on .
By 9 p.m. , the crowd in downtown Ferguson swelled to more than 500 total , including about 200 who arrived from elsewhere in the St. Louis area .
A portion of that group was not interested in mere protesting .
“ It ’ s always a fringe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jonathan Tremaine Thomas , a pastor and owner of a local coffee shop .
“ About sixty people who arrived downtown weren ’ t activists , they were anarchists.
” “ This group was done with the language of peacemaking .
They said , ‘ Bro , this is the revolution.
’ ” Thomas witnessed several men break the storefront window at Beauty World , a few doors down from his shop .
When they began to carry out merchandise , he spoke to a young man .
He recounted it later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bro , by doing this , you are playing into the stereotypes , ” said Thomas .
“ You are affirming [ what ] causes a police officer to come in contact with somebody like me and justify that my life has no value.
” While this first man seemed convicted about his actions , his cohort emerged from the store and pushed past the two .
“ Get out of my way !
” he yelled .
Thomas , a teaching pastor at Destiny Church in St. Louis , replied in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop in Jesus ’ name !
” Suddenly the man reached for his back pocket .
“ Whenever you see the reach-back , you know there ’ s a weapon back there , ” said Thomas later .
“ And he wasn ’ t afraid to use it.
” The aggressive man seemed seconds away from using his firearm .
“ [ The ] guy almost pulled a gun on me , ” recounted Thomas .
“ So I turned around and kept moving.
” Yet he and a half-dozen other 30-something men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not to protest or riot — but to pray and be agents of peace .
Tensions flared nationwide on Saturday at protests in large cities from coast to coast .
Nationwide , at least five people died , most following riots breaking out .
Ferguson had outsized protests for its small size .
The city gained national prominence in 2014 with the death of Michael Brown Jr. , and subsequent protests .
Thomas moved to the city soon after .
For years , he has served as an informal mediator among Ferguson community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , Thomas mobilized their group following a call from a chaplain affiliated with the Ferguson Police Department .
“ Can you bring as many clergy and Christians as possible ?
” asked his contact .
“ We need them to come and help us keep things calm.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Over the years Thomas has seen various protests , from prayer vigils to hyped-up rallies .
He contrasted those with what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside agitators took charge .
“ Anarchist groups showed up here in Ferguson to incite destruction , ” he said .
“ I believe America came under a coordinated attack intended to baptize the nation in the fires of unholy rage.
” Seven officers were injured and at least 11 police and fire vehicles were damaged in Ferguson .
However , no arrests were made following Saturday night protests .
The clergymen believe violence did not “ get as ugly ” as it could have .
“ I don ’ t know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praying , that things would have been worse , ” stated Kingston Arthur , a local prayer leader .
“ But I do know that I was where the Spirit wanted me to be.
” At one point , demonstrators rushed the doors of the police station .
Officers deployed tear gas and the crowd momentarily dispersed .
Thomas , Arthur , and team were close enough to be affected .
“ I got gassed tonight a couple of times , ” said Thomas .
“ We ’ ve been engaging in conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the live video , Thomas encountered Lt. Jerry Lohr of St. Louis County PD .
The police captain has been praised for his conciliatory approach to protests .
Lohr responded to Thomas ’ inquiry regarding Floyd , a black man in Minnesota killed while in police custody .
An officer had pressed Floyd against cement for eight minutes before the man died .
“ It was a terrible , terrible situation , ” said Lohr .
“ Unfortunately , the actions of that officer now reflect upon me and my profession .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of policing ourselves and of weeding out those bad apples.
” The two reflected on shared grief and struggles .
“ The bad police officer is making the goodhearted police officer ’ s job harder for him , ” said Thomas .
“ [ And ] the guys that make a living off of lawlessness , they ’ re making the law-abiding black man ’ s life harder .
In many ways , we ’ re in the exact same boat !
” They discussed how stereotypes set up walls between people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] down is by talking to one another , ” said Lohr .
“ Reach outside your comfort zone and get to know people that aren ’ t like you .
Take that time to show respect to everyone.
” Thomas contrasted the roles of church and state .
“ As peacekeepers , the police ’ s job is to enforce the consequences of bad behavior , ” he said .
“ The church ’ s place is to [ be ] peacemakers who change the spiritual climate , dealing with peoples ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the justice realms , to make it a more just society in our legislation and structures.
” With dozens of officers mobilized behind him , prepared for the worst , Lohr endorsed the prayer team engaged in peacemaking .
“ The faith community can usually bring [ a ] sense of calm and peace , ” he said .
“ They can help diffuse situations that are tense .
They play an important role in our community , and in my personal life .
We ’ ll take all the help we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thwart the Chaos This team had prepared to be ready for this moment .
Thomas founded grassroots national network Civil Righteousness in 2018 as a catalyst for reconciliation and restorative justice .
They believe their message is suited for the current crisis .
“ I feel like the window of time is running out , ” said Thomas .
“ If these agendas persist , there will be massive casualties .
People died last night and early this morning , but the coming bloodshed will be far more grievous.
” On May 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 21-day Isaiah 58 Fast .
The nonprofit group developed a free Field Action Guide to equip Christians for peacemaking .
Currently , their teams in more than 45 cities nationwide are bringing prayer to protests .
“ God often uses the few , but we need the many right now , ” said Thomas .
“ Even just a few of the global church is still a lot more than the anarchists .
They ’ re becoming mainstream , and we ’ re just watching it happen and commenting on it online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up.
” He urged believers to run to the crisis .
“ This [ is ] a public demonstration asking for the mercy of God , ” he said .
“ We ’ re overwhelming the enemy ’ s agenda by our presence .
If we [ commit ] to pray through the night with our feet on the street , it can impact the trajectory of the nation.
” His brother-in-arms Arthur spoke to the impact they made .
“ I was scared at times , ” stated Arthur .
“ Looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have been more bold .
[ But ] last night I saw nine people who professed faith in Jesus and expressed trust that he would intervene.
” Reiterating their message of peace , Thomas noted that even many Christians misunderstand it .
He said : “ We think peace is passive , like it ’ s the quiet tone of voice and posture .
“ No , peace is [ the ] setting right of wrong things .
It ’ s the tamping down of demonic chaos .
It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earth.
” In the video below , Thomas describes the vision for Civil Righteousness teams standing in prayer and fasting during mass protests .
A graduate of the University of Colorado , Josh M. Shepherd covers culture , faith , and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist .
Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

Saturday marked the sixth night of protests following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Over 500 miles south in Ferguson, Missouri, things were starting to get heated.
What started at 6 p.m. as a peaceful demonstration of several hundred activists changed as the night wore on.
By 9 p.m., the crowd in downtown Ferguson swelled to more than 500 total, including about 200 who arrived from elsewhere in the St. Louis area. A portion of that group was not interested in mere protesting.
“It’s always a fringe element that has violent ideology,” said Jonathan Tremaine Thomas, a pastor and owner of a local coffee shop. “About sixty people who arrived downtown weren’t activists, they were anarchists.”
“This group was done with the language of peacemaking. They said, ‘Bro, this is the revolution.’”
Clergyman Confronts Armed Vandals
Thomas witnessed several men break the storefront window at Beauty World, a few doors down from his shop. When they began to carry out merchandise, he spoke to a young man.
He recounted it later in a live video. “Look, Bro, by doing this, you are playing into the stereotypes,” said Thomas.
“You are affirming [what] causes a police officer to come in contact with somebody like me and justify that my life has no value.”
While this first man seemed convicted about his actions, his cohort emerged from the store and pushed past the two. “Get out of my way!” he yelled.
Thomas, a teaching pastor at Destiny Church in St. Louis, replied in biblical terms: “No, you stop in Jesus’ name!”
Suddenly the man reached for his back pocket. “Whenever you see the reach-back, you know there’s a weapon back there,” said Thomas later. “And he wasn’t afraid to use it.”
The aggressive man seemed seconds away from using his firearm. “[The] guy almost pulled a gun on me,” recounted Thomas. “So I turned around and kept moving.”
Yet he and a half-dozen other 30-something men would remain downtown for several hours. Not to protest or riot — but to pray and be agents of peace.
Anarchists Descend On Ferguson
Tensions flared nationwide on Saturday at protests in large cities from coast to coast. Nationwide, at least five people died, most following riots breaking out.
Ferguson had outsized protests for its small size. The city gained national prominence in 2014 with the death of Michael Brown Jr., and subsequent protests. Thomas moved to the city soon after. For years, he has served as an informal mediator among Ferguson community activists, clergy and police.
On Saturday, Thomas mobilized their group following a call from a chaplain affiliated with the Ferguson Police Department. “Can you bring as many clergy and Christians as possible?” asked his contact. “We need them to come and help us keep things calm.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Over the years Thomas has seen various protests, from prayer vigils to hyped-up rallies. He contrasted those with what he saw occur after 10:00 p.m., when outside agitators took charge.
“Anarchist groups showed up here in Ferguson to incite destruction,” he said. “I believe America came under a coordinated attack intended to baptize the nation in the fires of unholy rage.”
Seven officers were injured and at least 11 police and fire vehicles were damaged in Ferguson. However, no arrests were made following Saturday night protests.
The clergymen believe violence did not “get as ugly” as it could have. “I don’t know that if we weren’t out there praying, that things would have been worse,” stated Kingston Arthur, a local prayer leader. “But I do know that I was where the Spirit wanted me to be.”
At one point, demonstrators rushed the doors of the police station. Officers deployed tear gas and the crowd momentarily dispersed. Thomas, Arthur, and team were close enough to be affected.
“I got gassed tonight a couple of times,” said Thomas. “We’ve been engaging in conversations in the middle of tear gas.”
Longtime Local Officer Addresses Loss of Floyd
In the live video, Thomas encountered Lt. Jerry Lohr of St. Louis County PD. The police captain has been praised for his conciliatory approach to protests.
Lohr responded to Thomas’ inquiry regarding Floyd, a black man in Minnesota killed while in police custody. An officer had pressed Floyd against cement for eight minutes before the man died.
“It was a terrible, terrible situation,” said Lohr. “Unfortunately, the actions of that officer now reflect upon me and my profession. We have to do a better job of policing ourselves and of weeding out those bad apples.”
The two reflected on shared grief and struggles. “The bad police officer is making the goodhearted police officer’s job harder for him,” said Thomas. “[And] the guys that make a living off of lawlessness, they’re making the law-abiding black man’s life harder. In many ways, we’re in the exact same boat!”
They discussed how stereotypes set up walls between people. “The way we break [those] down is by talking to one another,” said Lohr. “Reach outside your comfort zone and get to know people that aren’t like you. Take that time to show respect to everyone.”
Thomas contrasted the roles of church and state. “As peacekeepers, the police’s job is to enforce the consequences of bad behavior,” he said. “The church’s place is to [be] peacemakers who change the spiritual climate, dealing with peoples’ internal life. Then we also work in the justice realms, to make it a more just society in our legislation and structures.”
With dozens of officers mobilized behind him, prepared for the worst, Lohr endorsed the prayer team engaged in peacemaking.
“The faith community can usually bring [a] sense of calm and peace,” he said. “They can help diffuse situations that are tense. They play an important role in our community, and in my personal life. We’ll take all the help we can get.”
Prayer And Fasting To Thwart the Chaos
This team had prepared to be ready for this moment. Thomas founded grassroots national network Civil Righteousness in 2018 as a catalyst for reconciliation and restorative justice.
They believe their message is suited for the current crisis. “I feel like the window of time is running out,” said Thomas. “If these agendas persist, there will be massive casualties. People died last night and early this morning, but the coming bloodshed will be far more grievous.”
“Peace is the setting right of wrong things. It’s the tamping down of demonic chaos. It’s the most powerful weapon in heaven and on earth.” – J.T. Thomas
On May 30, hundreds linked to Civil Righteousness began a 21-day Isaiah 58 Fast. The nonprofit group developed a free Field Action Guide to equip Christians for peacemaking.
Currently, their teams in more than 45 cities nationwide are bringing prayer to protests.
“God often uses the few, but we need the many right now,” said Thomas. “Even just a few of the global church is still a lot more than the anarchists. They’re becoming mainstream, and we’re just watching it happen and commenting on it online. But we’re not showing up.”
He urged believers to run to the crisis. “This [is] a public demonstration asking for the mercy of God,” he said. “We’re overwhelming the enemy’s agenda by our presence. If we [commit] to pray through the night with our feet on the street, it can impact the trajectory of the nation.”
His brother-in-arms Arthur spoke to the impact they made. “I was scared at times,” stated Arthur. “Looking back, I see moments where I could have been more bold. [But] last night I saw nine people who professed faith in Jesus and expressed trust that he would intervene.”
Reiterating their message of peace, Thomas noted that even many Christians misunderstand it. He said: “We think peace is passive, like it’s the quiet tone of voice and posture.
“No, peace is [the] setting right of wrong things. It’s the tamping down of demonic chaos. It’s the most powerful weapon in heaven and on earth.”
In the video below, Thomas describes the vision for Civil Righteousness teams standing in prayer and fasting during mass protests.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Josh M. Shepherd covers culture, faith, and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist. Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.
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