Published: July 03, 2008 10:06 pm            

HAMILTON: Those who are closest

A long-time associate corralled me in the supermarket parking lot of the other day and insisted upon challenging me on what he thought that the Republicans were doing – as if I had any control over that.

He said, “Tell me how come your people are out trying to tell my people that Obama is a Muslim, when he ain’t?”

This confused me at first and I tried to figure out exactly who his people were and who my people are. So, I asked him.

“We are both black,” I said. “Your people ARE my people.”

“That ain’t what I am talking about,” he snarled, while swaying on his heels trying in an attempt to keep his balance. “You know what I'm talking about. You Republicans are out there trying to tell us black people that Obama is a Muslim. Why y'all doin' that?”

I smiled. This man, who not only likes to party early and often but also is more sane tipsy than many of those I encounter who are sober. He is, nonetheless, one of my staunchest supporters. Therefore, I had to break it down for him.

“First off,” I said, “I am a registered Democrat, not a Republican; and it makes no difference. Secondly, while I'm not even sure if he is even a Christian, the Clintons had as much to gain by saying that Obama was a Muslim as did the Republicans.

“And thirdly,” I continued, “What is this hatred that you have of the Republicans? The Bible is clear in saying that it is those that are closest to you that will do you the most harm. The Republicans aren't that close to us; but the Democrats are always right there beside us and we are always right where we are.

“Besides,” I continued, “If you went home and wrote down the names of the top 10 people who have personally harmed you in your lifetime, and then checked their party affiliations, I'll bet that nine of the ten are registered Democrats.”

He glanced down at his feet in humility, thought a moment or two, and then muttered, “I ain’t even got to do that.”

“Why not,” I asked, a bit confused by his change in demeanor.

“’Cause they all are family,” he said laughingly, but sadly. Then he turned and headed back to his car, saying, “I'll talk to you later, Kenny.”

I like talking to him. While from time to time it is true that he is likely to have an open bottle, he almost always has an open mind and heart. These are those that are closest to me.



Ken Hamilton is a Niagara Falls resident. He can be contacted at Kenhamilton930@aol.com.

        

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