Jeff Bailey
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

I wonder what being an American means? Here is Whiteville, I thought a few people I know were open minded, and I was applauded to see how quickly the underlying prejudice & racism was allowed to show once Obama stepped down.

Back in the late seveties, a wise old black guy likely saved my life one day. Back in the late seventies, I was jogging near Oakland CA I was enjoying the scenery. I had run for some time when I noticed the houses had become colorful and the yards here utilized as flower and vegetable gardens.

I was feeling happy and energized and enjoyed the endorphin high. I heard a car on the road behind me keeping pace, and I tried to ignore it, but its persistence demanded that I take a look.
I turned, and the car sped up and momentarily matched my speed; the driver seemed to be an old black guy whose hat & shirt caught my eye. Without looking at me, he said, “Hey Honkey, if I were you I would turn around and run just as fast the other way.” It took several seconds for that warning to sink in but I did as he suggested and I have often wondered why he did it.

I am from the Northeast, and there is no mistaken me for being white, but this stranger offered to help me then drove off down the road. I know what I saw in the neighborhood that day, it was a caring for oneself, the painted houses, the gardens, the upbeat feeling; the people living there cared about life and that translated into caring about others, about me.

Those ignorant bastards that spew hateful remarks believe the lies they have been told.

    Jeff Bailey

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