My friends tell me that “Black Lives Matter” and I agree, and I fully understand where they are coming from.  I feel, as a 54-year-old white Jewish American, to just repeat what others say is wrong in the most complete way, it is an act so foul that it makes me sick.  You’re freaking right “Black Lives Matter,” but why do we need to say that. They are victims of a systemic war of both trade and economics.  The black community was singled out by the white and powerful to minimize their legal and economic rights, and over the centuries, no one listened!

I think of Ethiopian Jews, an ancient people that have maintained both status and wealth over the centuries.  In times where Jews were persecuted, this part of Africa acted as a haven for both Jews and Africans.  I believe this mutual good will and fellowship is the secret to the wicked ills going on in America.  The saying "Treat your business as family and your family as business” is an old one but relevant in today’s economic environment.  If the people you do business with to earn a living are treated like family then all transactions are for mutual benefit where an individual’s needs are considered.  Adversely, if you treat all responsibilities, chores, and promises like business not some family thing you can choose to do or not do, you will find your home is full of respect and love.

How does this apply?  I sell cannabis smoking games and sell to any community that will have me.  I work with many ethnic groups and foreign countries.  In fact, I do less business near my home than I do in in places like Brooklyn, parts of DC, Denver, and Las Vegas.  Those places are more diverse than my local area.  When I deal with my varied customers, I embrace that I’m an old Jewish guy - I don’t hide it.  I believe that a person’s story is what makes them interesting and approachable.  I want to know the people I do business with and like to meet their families and friends.  It makes my customers family and brings with it a level of trust and respect. 

Black Lives Matter, sure, I’m tired of “The Rebel Way.”  Black Wealth Matters, definitely, so the practice of “Red Lining” infuriates me.  Cities and towns all over New York have been economically segregated.  The leaders of “The Tea Party Express,” “The MAGA super pack” and 113 Billionaires live in my Empire state.  And sure as shit, New York has slipped over the last 25 years.  The roads suck, the trains are slow and never on time, the airports are old and being renovated for the first time since the 70’s.  Let’s face it, Billionaires have had a negative impact on Long Island and all over New York.  It is clear to me that without Black, Hispanic, and other groups, society just doesn’t work.  The fact that my little cannabis community is doing great is another prime example of a need for diversity. 

Without hesitation, I can say that the lives of those I do business with matter to me.  I support economic empowerment of the Black Community and believe that reparations are needed for the past 50 years of the criminal state.  Through systemic incarceration and selective enforcement, many communities of color have been destroyed.  Only through investment can past ills be righted: words are small, we need deeds of the grandest kind.  Individuals like Lebron James have financed schools and other local programs that help marginalized people.  America built the Hoover Dam - we can do this, and we can do more.  Americans love to build, just give us a chance, allow us to show that Black Lives matter, not just say it. 

Let’s rebuild, re-imagine, rededicate to the future, and fulfill the dream of America.  A Land of the Free and a Home of the Brave.  Turn homes into Earthships, turn toxic dumps into sustainable communities of diversity and health, and make our public education system great again and not for profit!  I work every day to improve the lives of those around me but I’m only one man.  If we could work together, the future of our beautiful blue world can be filled will love and fellowship.  Black Lives Matter… so I love unconditionally, I give without limit, and I work until I can’t do anymore.  Join me?