My Stand on the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST:

I have been walking with CHRIST now for 43 years and have not regretted one second. Most of you know that I walked away from a successful and rising secular music career to follow JESUS.

I have an interactive relationship with JESUS CHRIST, the Son of GOD, through HIS HOLY SPIRIT, but I am not a “religious” person. I am not perfect, but I always endeavor to allow HIS SPIRIT of love and mercy to guide me. HE causes me to grow in grace and learn from my mistakes. I would be delighted to entertain your most difficult questions about GOD. Simply send me an email at info@hymnnheart.com.

Politics:

I believe in actively participating in the rulemaking process… commenting during public commenting periods and attending open forums when time and opportunity permit. I write my congressional representatives with suggestions regarding complex issues. As a former manager at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, I understand that leaders have some, but not all of the answers.

A wise leader…

• recognizes a good suggestion when he or she hears one…

• is humble enough to adopt or present the suggestion for ultimate adoption… and

• is not ashamed to acknowledge (and honor) the source of the information.

This approach, in my opinion, is more productive than scouring the politician (openly or privately) with vitriolic criticism.

Colin Kaepernick:

Colin Kaepernick is a young man who was so deeply moved by the unmitigated injustice witnessed in our country that he “took a stand by taking a knee.” While he gained the respect of many, an equal (if not greater) number of Americans were offended by his actions.

Police Brutality:

A brief discussion concerning Mr. Kaepernick dovetails into a more thorough discussion on police brutality. It is one thing to protest, but following the protest… clear-headed, well-intentioned Americans (unaffected by agenda) must discuss the issues.

As an American citizen, I proffer the following simple resolutions to police brutality:

• Prescreen police officers prior to (their) being allowed to carry guns into the neighborhoods of those against whom the officer harbors hatred. Any man or woman with ties to white or black nationalist groups or who has any history of expressed dislike toward another race must not be allowed on the police force.

• Screen existing officers, removing from the force those found to have racist histories.

• Train officers to understand that even if a crime has been committed, that the officer’s primary duty is to make the arrest and bring the criminal to justice. The use of lethal force and unnecessary brutality towards a subdued and helpless individual must be avoided and rooted out of police culture. Incorporate more de-escalation drills into officer training programs.

• Aggressively recruit (and award with “hazard pay”) officers of color to patrol inner-city neighborhoods, only sending members of a different race into a predominantly Black or Hispanic community when Black and Hispanic police officers are unavailable to respond.

This last suggestion (i.e. recruiting officers of color), due to underlying complexities, can only be successfully implemented if multi-dimensioned challenges are addressed, one of which is described below:

Ironically, Black police officers patrolling Black neighborhoods, in some instances, will be met with more opposition, hatred, and scrutiny than some White police officers. Many officers of color will be viewed as “sell-outs” and targeted accordingly (especially by gang members and drug dealers). To offset this potential, resources must be allocated for intense community outreach and education… aimed at effectively bruiting the message as to why these changes are necessary. Additionally, more resources must be made available for youth activities, school renovations, and neighborhood improvement programs; a well-maintained environment is less conducive to crime infestation than a run-down neighborhood with few opportunities for youth.

These are a few of my thoughts on the precious gospel of JESUS CHRIST, politics, the Colin Kaepernick controversy, and police brutality. This information is being shared for those who were interested in knowing my position on these issues, but were apprehensive about asking. It is important to note, however, that I am not an “open forum” debater. I prefer to be contacted via email to discuss issues-of-concern (especially those regarding the gospel).

Peace and Blessings….

Brother Earl

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