Some One Needs to Tell the Truth
by Michael J. Hall
iUniverse


"It is the absence of the divine factor and the presence of a human element that exhibits antagonism in the world!"

The author of this short but worthy treatise is, in his words, a black male who has spent forty-seven years in the career of nursing under the aegis of Christian Science. He has chosen as his presentation method a series of direct, often tough questions about the state of American culture and politics in this crucial period in our history, followed by answers that deal with these serious issues in a manner both logical and philosophical. He lists as some of his main topics the recent outcry to defund police departments, the racial injustice sparked by certain incidents, the make-up and purpose behind newly-formed groups such as Antifa, the dictatorial attitude of government generally, the futility of many known and suggested solutions, and the efficacy of "putting God first" to effect genuine change in the long run.

Hall launches immediately into his subject matter by asking if it is beneficial to face these arduous crises head-on and responds that we must do so in order to rightly understand the problems and reduce or eliminate their causes. He addresses the matter of police defunding with his bold statement that just as treating a virus requires immunity, treating crime requires police oversight. If there is little crime in an area, then defunding or reducing law enforcement in that location would be acceptable. However, he insightfully points out that it seems that in the present day, the call to defund is coming from the very places where there has been a groundswell of unlawful activity such as looting and neighborhood destruction. A counter notion would be that those in such areas should make their region "a shining example and inspiration." He also sagely advises that the prison system needs reform, and that would, in turn, alleviate some of the contributory deficits. He is critical of the current president who, though honest, he sees as iron-fisted.

The author stresses the overall necessity for a return to religious values without proselytizing for any single church. He reminds readers that the "human element" offers no meaningful solution without the element of the Divine. Hall fully believes that with improved ethical values stemming from dedicated religious institutions, people can exercise their freedom of speech to bring about real change. One must relearn the basic meaning of "forgive and forget," as demonstrated by Jesus. Human attempts to create moral values are erratic and ultimately futile. He posits that many churches have a spirit "written in stone" but not inscribed in the heart. He often returns to a defense of the Constitution, which determines the nation's legal structures despite the failures of those in government. He supports the rights of those who protest peacefully while warning that those who come to destroy property should receive due consequences under the law. He writes with profound conviction, using a style that manages to convey emotional passion for the subject matter while adhering to an overarching, reasoned insight. Hall's message provides a calm, welcome voice in times of distress and should be given a fair hearing by all thoughtful readers.

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