THE KEY TO THE MASSA'S HOUSE
By: Bishop Stephen Ward
On January 21 members of the African-American community gathered at the Kitchen For The Poor in support of a chapter of the SCLC being formed here in Toledo. While that press conference was going on...at another MLK event, the massa issued keys to the city.
When I ponder upon the significance of the keys to the city being issued and to whom they were issued to... I am reminded of Matthew 16:19, “And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you declare to be improper and unlawful on earth, must be what is already bound in heaven, and whatever you declare lawful on earth is already permitted in heaven.” This is a prophetic metaphor in Toledo when you think about who the keys were issued to, and who attended the mayor's press conference in regard to his reaction over the ¾ % income tax renewal.
During slavery, house slaves usually lived better than the field slaves. They usually had better food and were sometimes given the family's cast-off clothing. In some cases the slaves were treated like the slave-owners children. When this happened close bonds of affection and friendship usually developed. Even though it was illegal, some house slaves were educated by the women in the family. Trusted house slaves who had provided good service over a long period of time were sometimes promised their freedom when their master's died. However, there are many cases where this promise was not kept.
In 2008 in this city some of those same principles are being used...a different method but yet the same results. Positions, keys and glass awards are issued with hopes that a one-sided agenda can be supported and accomplished...however in close-door private meetings the agenda's soon change. Just look at the “massa” and everything he said he would do for the African-American community if he was elected. We were bamboozled! Nevertheless, there are a still a few in the city who have not learned their lesson. While citizens are suffering the effects of the “massa's” rule, some house negros insist on supporting the “massa.” When will they realize that the Emancipation Proclamation set us free...we are free to vote for what we choose, and vote out who we choose! When will the house negros realize that compromising on issues, character and integrity get us nowhere? And to continue to do so for a sake of a position, key or glass award? The reality is that when the “massa” is finished with you he will terminate you from your position, change the locks so the key will no longer open any door and leave you stuck with the glass award that has shattered your ego and integrity and has left you begging for scraps. I guess the O'Jays say it best in their song; “What they do, they smile in your face... All the time they want to take your place, the back stabbers!”
The mayor said that “voting against the income tax renewal would result in major jobs being cut that are vital to the community.” Question...since when is the mayor concerned about the budget or job loss? Since when is he concerned with the residents of Toledo? Must I add this is not an issue of black and white, as the mayor treats everyone like...
What I am saying is that this same mayor is the one who allegedly assaulted someone physically and verbally at the Erie Street Market in 2000. On the Daily Show segment that aired during the 1997-98 season he compared Toledo to Hollywood. In 1998 he was fined $400 and court costs after pleading guilty to ethics charges, realized a $10,000 profit from Owens Corning's purchase of his condo, and his failure to publicly report the gain. He plagiarized a single line in his KICK-OFF speech in 1998. He suggested relieving the problem of the noise complaints from the neighbors of Toledo Express Airport by selling homes nearby at low cost to deaf people. Not to mention more recently the unethical and unjust firing of two African-American directors in the city, and we cannot forget about the King Kong statement. In addition, he wanted to close all the city pools, he didn't want to replace the retiring fire chief but combined responsibilities with the police chief plus other cuts in the safety budget. He wanted to eliminate affirmative action, charge $6 per month for trash collection, sell city assets to seed economic development, he spent $9,996 of city money to complete the installation of shower facilities in the City Government building and the list goes on and on...we must remember that he is a political weathervane, however he feels at that moment dictates what he says and what he will do. Let's remember during his long career in public service he has been a member of multiple parties. At various times and for various offices he has run as a Republican, a Democrat and an Independent. Regardless of the party association, Carty has but one goal...and that is his independent agenda. James 1:8, “ A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
Mayor Finkbeiner suggest that “for a resident of Valdosta Georgia, or any other state to campaign to defeat a school levy or payroll tax in Toledo Ohio is irresponsible and uncaring.” The truth of the matter is that for all the injustice that Carty has done in Toledo, it is irresponsible and uncaring for him to be permitted year after year to speak at the MLK event, an event in which we honor a man who stood for justice and equality. Furthermore, if Carty can go to London to misrepresent Toledo for a bogus award to use to push his agenda further, surely the citizens can summons the help of a Valdosta resident or any other person to lead us out of this plantation to freedom.
In closing, we must look at the facts...the facts don't lie. Recently Carty had a fundraiser, this is a sign that a reelection effort is forthcoming. Carty will try to rally another team of black supporters promising them positions if they work his campaign. You know, the house negro vs. field negro story. Nevertheless, as I said months before it was echoed in the press conferences and media over the past few weeks...ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
You may contact Bishop Stephen Ward at pastorsmward@yahoo.com
