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Poor Man's Lotto: Memoirs of a Black firefighter in America
For those of you who believe there is no racism or discrimination in America's Fire departments, think again. Poor Man's Lotto: Memoirs of a Black Firefighter in America brings to light the racial predjudices that are still part of this courageous group of men. Now only if they can find the courage to face their discriminatory practices. As Former Director of Emergency Services and Homeland Security, it disturbs me greatly and deeply that this continues to be a norm in this agency. Hopefully, Poor Man's Lotto will open not only your eyes but also your minds. Personally, I would be scared to go into a hazardous environment knowing how some of you really feel about Blacks!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alan Shaw on
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About time you weighed in on this one Kali, I too was waiting to hear what you had to say.
Here is a question that no one seems to be able to answer for me. Why is there even a term for reverse discrimination? Isn't it just discrimination, no matter who is being discriminated against? It seems to me that even adding the extra adjective goes against the very concept of equal protection under the law.
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Permalink Reply by Spanner 122 on
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Reverse discrimination is not "discriminating against white people" wouldn't that be elitist to think so? lol Reverse discrimination means, by definition, to favour historically disadvantaged groups. Basically it means trying to right a wrong. I suppose in the end, the effect is the same, but you wouldn't call it reverse sexism if a male was passed up, it would just be called wrong.
Agreed - best person for the job. Hiring minorities (and women for that matter) just for the sake of hiring does favours for no one!
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Permalink Reply by Ernest Richardson on
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Derek
sorry i took so long to get back to you. Pete is fuckin asshole. "web chief excuse my language" Hes a racist and what he did showed his true colors. Your not gonna use me or what i went through to spit venum. him and I have been at each others throats since he did that and i'm not afraid to say he was a bad choicce for me. hes an angry dude... I do appreciate him working on my book but he crossed the line. us as firefighters can talk about each other it happens all time, but when an outsider tries i take it personal. trust me he was dealt with.
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and to answer your question.... i had nothing to do with what he did... I dont think he knew what he was doing because nobody wanted any part of my book when he went off on a racist tear. the only reason i knew what was going on is because he told me that you guys were going off on him about the book. when i opened up the post i coulnt believe my eyes. He was the aggressor and tried to place blame else where. what i went through made me stronger not hate people. I personaly think he hates different races, but again thats him not me. I'm just real about life. racism goes all different ways, not just black and white. i've taken a stance and my life will not be hindered by using race as a way to get over or use as an excuse. i cant look at me... a man living a childhood dream of being a firefighter when everyone told me i cant because of my race.... as always.... stay safe brothers....
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Spanner,
We know how it is. its not about what you know.... Its about who you know. Thats sad because alot of times the best person is passed up for a person that knows someone. thats wrong.....
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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Connectivity cannot be dismissed on the basis of "who you know". It can bring strength to any process, if done in the right way. I think that "what you know" and "who you know" could be synonymous with an integration of ideas and missions.
I know several people who can help my causes. It has taken me more than two decades to develop those relationships. It has made me smarter and more effective as a fire service rep.
I don't think it should be discounted or ostracized.
One little snippet from me on racism: I believe that racism does exist, but I believe that it can exist without hate. That is not to say that it should be accepted.
So; if I was writing a book...and I am...I shouldn't use your publisher?
TCSS.
Art
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I wouldnt recomend him. Hes not a people person. Good luck on writing your book.
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Permalink Reply by Loyd Dittfurth on
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Well does anyone think that bullying is a form of discrimination?
It does discriminate against people that are under priveleged by society.
Just my thought I would take name calling all day. But when you go to a job interview, I have found that you get a better end result if you drive a nice car to the interview. Had a old boss said he could tell everything about a person by looking in and at there car. Whether its the trash in the floorboard or the mud on the side when it hasnt rained in a month. Also the stickers you have on the back of it demonstrating your political views or positions on other things. He also factors in how early you arrive to the interview.
I had one job interview that was accually at a bar. I pulled up walked in and this gentleman said are you Mr. XXXXXXs to oclock I said yes I am. He looked at me and wrote down an address and said to go there and wait around and come back in an hour. This bar was the most aqward place you could find to stick an old country boy in. Needless to say I am the kinda person that adapts well to any situation.
I waited that hour and returned sat down and here walks in the bartender shakes my hand and says "hello im Mr. XXXXXX". I asked him and he said I do that because in the position that you applied for you will be forced into situations that you may be uncomfortable with and its to see how you adapt to the situation.
It worked I got the job, made a hand, and made alot of friends in the process.
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Permalink Reply by Rusty Mancini on
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Sounds like a preplanned to me??? But a smart one!!
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I here ya! I couldn't help it... I'm sure you'd have no trouble finding the right one! lol..
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salesman
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