Because Politics Is Not My Life

Time is too precious. The hours, days, weeks and months flee. There is no time to waste. I am willing to write a congressman to let him/her know about an issue that might be of interest to me. Nevertheless, I will not waste my time getting involved in "petty politics," it just seems so silly to me. If I do not like a political leader, should I write letters and try to cause others to write letters as well? What is at stake? Will politics cease to be corrupt if I get involved more fully? I understand that there is a need for politics. But please understand: I have a life. If I have personal problems, it is definitely not the fault of government. I will not go to government if someone does not love me. I will not go to politicians if I am unable to have a happy marriage. Government/politicians cannot help me if I have anger issues. If I am bitter about broken relationships or friends that have betrayed me; is it the fault of government? No. Why blame government if I am not happy? Never,never, never will government be perfect as long as it is run by men and women. Political involvement might keep one busy, but it cannot fill the void that is in the heart. When the prodigal son realized that feeding hogs and wanting to eat their "food" was not for him: "he came unto himself." What does that mean? That means he quit blaming anyone else. That means he did not blame his parents, friends, society, government or anyone else for his situation. "He came unto himself," means he took full responsibility for where he was and what he was doing. He said: "I will arise." He did not say to anyone: "You pick me up....its YOUR fault I am here." He did not say that. Why? because "he came unto himself."

Make No Friendship With An Angry Man

There is a whole lot of life to live. There are beautiful experiences awaiting us. It is best to use our time wisely. If a man is extremely angry about something that has happened in the past; if he does not want to let it go because it continues to be an obsession; even if it has nothing to do with you, make no friendship with an angry man. Why? because he can contaminate you with his anger. He will speak in accordance to his anger. He will plan, act and think in accordance to his anger. He will influence you. Anger is his "friend" and "they" want to include you. No way. Why should you get trapped? Why should you take up an offense that has nothing to do with you? Stay away from that person. He is poison. "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul." (Proverbs 22:24,25) Do you think God knows what He is talking about? Do we know more than He does about relationships?

Little Gangster (Part 13) A woman Scorned

Shakespeare has well stated:"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." It took exactly 3 days for Leti to find out that Jet had married someone. She had been trying to contact Jet for several weeks. Jet's mom did not care much for Leti, even though Leti was beautiful.......she was a chola to the core. To say she felt used is an understatement. As was mentioned before, Leti liked to party. She liked to get high. She liked to be with guys. But she had really fallen for Jet. The weeks that they were together, she saw Jet exclusively. There was nobody else. She thought the relationship had automatically evolved to the point that she was his one and only girlfriend. She was mistaken. She was furious. She was a little crazy. On the other hand Tiffany was upper middle class, educated, disciplined, sophisticated and attractive as well. Jet knew what he was doing. Conditions were already ripe for what was to happen next. There was already a feud going on between one of the gangs of City Terrace and a gang from Estrada Courts in Boyle Heights. Leti had lived in Estrada Courts all of her life. For a long time, a gang member from Estrada Courts had been an admirer of Leti. His name was Toe. Leti had never paid much attention to him. One night she asked Toe to take some vatos to City Terrace and "mess up some dudes from Terrace." He gladly obliged. The problem was that he killed somebody. Toe left L.A. He went to Tecate, Mexico to live with his grandmother. Three days later someone drove by the projects and shot and killed a 14 year-old boy who was not a gang member. One week later, a gang member from Pico Rivera who was the 14 year-old boy's cousin shot and killed two gang members from City Terrace. Neither the Los Angeles Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff were successful in finding the killers. The killings caused a stimulation in gang activity. More gangs seized opportunities to get involved. Gangs in Norwalk, Cudahy, Montebello and the greater Boyle Heights area became involved. By late August, eight young men were dead as a result of these feuds. Some arrests were made. One night during early September of 1973, I heard a mother's plea as I listened to the radio. The woman was sobbing as she uttered these words: "Please, please stop this violence, You are hurting people. I will never see my dear son again. He has been killed because of this violence. Stop, stop, stop, please stop." Jet and Tiffany have been married for over 35 years. They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Jet's mom had also moved to San Jose to be near her son and his family. She passed away about ten years ago. Jet has never returned to East L.A. I don't know what happened to Leti.

(please refer to postings of 2/1,11/30,10/14,9/6 and 8/10 to read all parts related to "Little Gangster" parts 7 to 13)

Little Gangster (Pt. 12) The Wedding, A Fresh Start

"Look Jet, you and Tiffany have been a couple for almost three years. I'm not sure what is going on. You two can get married in Church or in this house next month. I want you to work for me, Jet, we are opening a branch office in San Jose. I want to put you through a training program so that you can learn the business fast. I know you can do it." Everything happened so fast as the days passed. Jet broke the relationship with Leti, and Leti was not pleased. Jet did not tell Leti about Tiffany, or of his plans to get married. Jet sensed trouble. He quit his job at the community college. He shared his concerns with the Olsons. They suggested he move out of East L.A. They offered him a small, one bedroom house to live in, located in the back yard of the property. He started fixing it up. He started working for Mr. Olson. During the evenings, They all ate together. Tiffany was employed by her dad but she worked at home. Every day, Jet reported to work at Mr. Olson's office, learning from the bottom up; the accounting business. Jet was focused, driven and a hard worker. He was in love. The Olsons and Jet made their plans for the wedding. The circumstances were not normal. Everyone understood. But things could have been a lot worse. The day finally came. June 25, 1973. It was a simple wedding at the house. Albeit, it had an elegant appeal. Close friends and family, mostly classy, educated people helped to create a cordial and accepting atmosphere. The weather was pleasant, and the socializing fun and friendly. Dusk arrived. The bride and groom bid their farewell , and with much gratitude hugged everyone goodbye. Jet and Tiffany had their bags already packed. Tiffany's cousin took them to the airport. They boarded a flight which took them to San Francisco for their honeymoon. After one week they headed to San Jose and began to occupy their three bedroom town house in a gated community of San Jose. They were happy. Things were really looking great.

Their Shame Is Their Glory

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isa. 5:20) Have you not seen people brag about the foolish things they have done? It is a spirit of confusion. It is a spirit of foolishness. Eventually some men grow up and realize that wisdom and common sense dictate that their is no glory in shameful conduct. Most people are not honored for breaking the law or for exercising blatant acts lacking self-control. These people need to be taught a different perspective. They need to take that drive and do something else with it, something that can benefit someone, mainly themselves. Self-destructive conduct benefits nobody. Maybe enough pain will teach them. Sometimes pain is a good teacher.

Instructor Accused of Religious Bias

This morning I read an article in the newspaper about an instuctor at a community college in Fresno who has been accused of presenting his religious views on homosexuality, abortion and global warming as fact to students in an introductory health science class. At least two students have complained about him. The ACLU has gotten involved. The portion of the article that really got my attention was the part that mentioned conception and the beginning of human life. Instructor Bradley Lopez quoted the Bible as proof that human life begins at conception. While I agree with Mr. Lopez and the Bible, the Bible does not need to be quoted to prove that human life begins at conception. Human life begins at conception. If it did not begin at conception; abortion would not be a controversy. Firstly, If a female human being is pregnant, she is pregnant with a human being dwelling inside of her. I think we can all agree that no woman will ever be pregnant with anything other than a human being inside of her. That is just the way it is. If a pregnancy is terminated via abortion; A HUMAN LIFE HAS ENDED. It does not matter if it is called an embryo or a fetus; it is still alive until someone ends his/her life. We have all been through the stage of development within the womb, otherwise we would not be here. Abortion is morally wrong. Is it murder? Yes, but apparently it is not. Why is the developing human being alive? Because it adheres to the scientific laws of all living things. 1) It eats. 2) It moves. 3) It reacts to stimuli. 4) It receives oxygen. 5)It grows. (and with the help of the abortionist) 6) It dies. Abortion is harming this great nation of ours. The excuses given to defend abortions are just that. They are excuses. "The fetus will not defeat us," was the rallying cry for the pro-abortion movement at one time. How absurd. How unmerciful. How inhumane. Is the fetus "at war" with us? No. We are at war with ourselves. The war between right and wrong, good and evil, and sin and righteousness. So, who is winning? You be the judge.

Little Gangster (Part 11) The Surprise

Jet turned to Tiffany's parents and said to them: "I can't live without your daughter. I promise to make this right. Mr. Olson, I promise to make this right." Jet was never so sincere in his life. He meant what he said. He continued, "I am not going to waste time getting to my point. At this time, I am not exactly sure how I can accomplish this, but I want you to really know that I mean business. I want to marry Tiffany. I know this whole situation is really awkward, but I am in a 'do or die' spot. At least that is how I feel. I would have preferred to propose in a fancy restaurant with a beautiful setting. Maybe its' too late for that, maybe not. They say anything is possible. If thats' the case, then its' possible that Tiffany will marry me and with your blessing." Jet showed a tremendous amount of courage and determination. He was driven. Driven by a goal. Driven by a dream. Driven by love.
Driven by a desire to be forgiven. Jet felt kind of crazy. He had seen much and been around much craziness all of his life. Violence, crime, gangs, drugs, and pride all around his neighborhood. But somehow, with the help of his mom, and the help of his coaches, he had been able to overcome the clutches of such things. He felt he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. He had developed a certain amount of confidence that had brought him to this moment. The setting was odd but beautiful and touching as Tiffany blurted out: "I would marry you today, Jet." Mrs. Olson suddenly asked: "Are you serious, Tiffany"? "Yes I am, Mom, I'm as serious as Jet is." "Can we do it as soon as possible?" Jet asked. Suddenly everyone in the house started laughing. It was a laughter mixed with joy as well as shock.