Finding answers about character

I recently read of a threat from Black Lives Matter leader Hawk Newsome if New York City Mayor Eric Adams reinstates NYPD's controversial anti-crime unit. I am baffled.

Hawk Newsome seems to have more Black support than the city's soon-to-be new Black mayor. The new Black mayor is calling for law and order. Hawk Newsome is calling for mob justice.

So, why do so many of us Blacks continue to support people of questionable character? I think I know. When I reflected on this particular issue, I was reminded of my own lack of character in the past.

As a young Black man, in 1982, I had become extremely fond of prescription pain killers and experienced a personality change as a result. I then successfully engineered a plan to live off of the government and was able for a time to have my pleasure-seeking lifestyle supported by the taxpayers.

And so at that time in my life, when a political leader gave speeches about how oppressed and disadvantaged we Blacks were, I listened and I felt justified in avoiding my obligations as a citizen.

These grifters and politicians were giving me a license to remain intoxicated, government supported and guiltless for rejecting any personal responsibility.

By the grace of God, my loving family gradually influenced me to try Alcoholics Anonymous. Today I have many years of wonderful sobriety. I have been self-supporting for several decades.

I think that I can now answer that once-puzzling question. Why do so many of us Blacks continue to vote for and support people of questionable character?

I believe it is because at times many of us have allowed ourselves to become people of questionable character.

Charles Danyus

Round Lake Beach