As I write this I want to be clear, I am a white male and as much as I try to understand what African Americans feel regarding the past (civil rights, slavery etc.) I can’t truly feel what they do, nor do I expect others to truly understand how I feel regarding my relatives that had to deal with the horrors of the Holocaust or atheists trying to understand why people don’t just convert from Christianity instead of being murdered by terrorists.   The point is we all have experienced or have relatives that have experienced atrocities.  Whether it was perpetrated by individuals or a government, history has shown since the beginning of time, terrible things have occurred and individuals have been treated in a way that goes against God’s teachings. We still see this today and probably will until the end of mankind.  We as a people are born pure, it is only what we are taught or experienced that teach us to hate or have a prejudice against others…those that become terrorists are a prime example that learning to hate is a way of life in certain cultures.  The 50 year anniversary of the March from Selma is a good reminder of where our country once was, how far we have come and how far we still have to go.  The Media /Entertainment World and some Politicians are the first to criticize and place blame on others for some of the issues that still exist.  However, outside of one’s individual family, friends and faith teachings, the media/entertainment is where many learn to place blame, to see and hear about the negative, and to see the world as other’s want them to. TV/Movies that show African American’s as victims, Jewish Men as power-hungry and Christian Men as Bible thumpers feed into all the stereo types that Dr. King tried to move away from 50 years ago.  The Talking Heads on news channels and politicians that call people bigots and racists and play the victim card only increase the anger and prejudice that exists in some and teach others to hate.  Peace and Love will not come from calling each other names, but for taking individual responsibility and asking ourselves “What can I do to show love and be a beneficial part of society?” God created ALL people with the capability to do amazing things.  Obstacles will occur but if we focus on the Good and continue to show/teach all that is good in this world maybe those that want to hate will no longer have anyone that will listen to them.

Eric Grunor

With the pending speech by Prime Minister Netanyahu this week, Washington leaders have a chance to show the world we are united with one of our most important Allies.  The President could have led by example and simply stated that although he would have liked the Speaker of the House to have consulted him on the invitation and despite the differences with the political parties we should embrace the Prime Minister’s visit and listen to his concerns so we can work towards protecting All the Democratic Nations from Nuclear Threats and groups such as ISIS that are trying to systematically  eliminate Christians, Jews and even Muslims that believe in peace and love. The President’s lack of leadership and those Democratic Congressmen that want to protest the speech show that their concern is more about personal pride and school yard bullying than being leaders and putting the security of our Nation and those of our Allies first.  Any member of Congress that “protests” the speech should be ashamed of themselves and should expect to hear from their voters during the next election.  Mr. President, you failed in this opportunity to show leadership instead of acting on hurt feelings!

Eric Grunor, citizen

It is time for Major League Baseball and its leadership to step up to the plate and stop being hypocrites.  26 Years ago Pete Rose was banned from the game for breaking one of the cardinal rules..betting on baseball. After a lot of evidence and many years of denial Mr. Rose finally admitted he did indeed violate the rules of the game.  No one can argue he should have been punished. He has been. I have never heard any player, manager, sportscaster or any commissioner state that Pete Rose never gave less than 100% every play, every game. He was an inspiration to many young kids, like myself, who were not the fastest, or the strongest…but showed that playing hard can lead to success on the field.  There are players in the Hall of Fame that were racist, alcoholics, wife abusers, those that committed adultery and even some that served time in prison for crimes including smuggling drugs. In the Modern Era there are those that admitted or have a mountain of evidence to show they took steroids and yet they are not banned from the game. Steroids is cheating, giving one an unfair advantage..yet they are eligible to be in the Hall, whether the writers chooses to vote them in is another story.  The Hall of Fame is about the players that were the Best on the Field.  Pete Rose holds more records than any player in history and although he did break a rule, and was punished, no one has ever said that Pete Rose did anything to give him an unfair advantage to have over 4,200 hits or to play at least 500 games at five different positions or any other record he holds. He accomplished it with hard work and dedication yet he is banned for life while players that purposely took illegal substances to have a physical advantage continue to play, earn money in baseball and are eligible for the Hall.  I urge Major League Baseball to end this hypocrisy and allow Pete Rose back into the greatest game.  If not for him, than do it for all the boys who grew up watching him and were inspired by him and would like to see his on the field accomplishments honored.

Eric Grunor – A Baseball Fan