Christ did not teach blind hatred nor did he teach his followers to give their personal power away to churches and governments. Only when churches and governments took over his teachings did that all become part of being a 'good Christian.' He did not tell us to hate nor to judge. Bigotry and war is not Christ-like, nor Buddha-like, nor in keeping with core teachings of any religion. All spiritual teachers taught same message - love one another and do not harm each other nor planet and animals given to you. Take politics out of religion and they all come down to same wonderful teachings that have been trampled on by dogma, greed, and bigotry.

Most of America does not realize what a great event we have just experienced. This election was at its root a fight over fear and love. Which would govern us as a country? We are a country under attack. We are a country at war. It is only natural that people are afraid. One candidate ran his entire campaign on fear and hatred of others not like us. The other ran his campaign on love and fellowship. For us to come so close to winning during such a frightening time is marvelous! Were we not at war, I have no doubt that American people would have chosen to be guided by a leader who chooses love and fellowship as his motivator rather then someone who teaches us to be afraid and to hate others. I have never been so proud or felt that New Age Movement was so powerful as I do today.

Do not weep and worry about next four years. Love has taken hold of this country and all will be well. We have covered so much ground towards our goals of tolerance, acceptance, and true spiritual brotherhood. During our great grandparents time, Gays and Lesbians, Pagans and Native Americans, Women and Blacks never would have been allowed to even speak out. We are no longer a minority, those of us who believe that good still exists and that country can be ruled by humanitarian principles instead of fear and egos ruling our governments. Fear is still strong, but love is finally voted as equal. Balance has been restored. All is well.

Copyright 2004, Skye Thomas, Tomorrow's Edge

Her reference to values appeal underestimates our intelligence. She seems to think that blacks support Bush's values out of hatred for gays and non-Christians. Bush's value statement isn't just about gay marriage amendment or stuffing faith in our face, which is arguably wrong choice. It's about traditional values; especially traditional family values which it seems as if liberals are deeming politically incorrect. Many blacks are seeing demise of black family and damage it is doing to our children a result of our rejection of values that got us through much harder times than we face now and no longer believe that its purely racism.

Overall, I disagree with article but it's important to read because it shows a growing age and class disconnect within black community that can only work to our overall disadvantage.

The article in question, can be found at http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/mathis1025