The FBI Owes Us an Apology
A litany of the times the FBI acted badly.42 total reviews
Comment from Wendy G
You are so right - government is meant to act for the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their colour, and your examples are distressing where this has not been the case. Well written poem, and very thought-provoking.
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2021
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You are so right - government is meant to act for the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their colour, and your examples are distressing where this has not been the case. Well written poem, and very thought-provoking.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2021
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Thank you for your review comments. I appreciate your input.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
The FBI Owes Us an Apology
by nomi338
Great historical poem about racism in America and crooked FBI director, J. Edgar hoover. I can't believe racism still alive and well in our country. It's time for Justice.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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The FBI Owes Us an Apology
by nomi338
Great historical poem about racism in America and crooked FBI director, J. Edgar hoover. I can't believe racism still alive and well in our country. It's time for Justice.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you so much. I appreciate your supportive comments.
Comment from karenina
Wow. I knew he was an unprincipled man who acted on personal vendettas... I'd read he was a man of many psychological issues...
I even knew of his well documented "war" against Martin Luther King. Jr.
I did not know of the others--which makes a strong case that he was acting on racist ideas... As such, I agree, he ought not to be lauded--name on the FBI Headquarters et al. Of course, (not a shocker in today's political climate)--the Far Right argues he was absolutely NOT racist (while giving no proof of that)--the one thing they hang their hat on is (and I quote): "....And, truth be told, the FBI, under Hoover's tutelage, admitted African-Americans into its Special Agent ranks during the early 1920's, with the first, James Wormley Jones, appointed in 1919."---
SO, says the far right...Hoover was a semi-saint! Of course a bit further research (because you hit a nerve!) the fact is (another historical quote):
"Jones was appointed as the first African-American special agent on November 19, 1919, by Bureau of Investigation director A. Bruce Bielaski. Jones was assigned to a new section of the Justice Department created to track the activities of groups perceived as subversive. His work there was under the direct supervision of J. Edgar Hoover."
Other comments included that Mr. Jones was of extremely "caucasian" complexion --(what an odd way to describe him!)--and Hoover likely did not realize he was an African American...
I hate racial injustice. My son fell in love with and married a strong black woman and they have blessed me with three brilliant and beautiful mixed race grandchildren who I adore...and who suffer TODAY, in 2021--from discrimination and snide comments from teachers, other children--and people of both races in their urban neighborhood.
Thanks for presenting this information. We cannot ever hope to change if we do not learn from the past...
Karenina
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Wow. I knew he was an unprincipled man who acted on personal vendettas... I'd read he was a man of many psychological issues...
I even knew of his well documented "war" against Martin Luther King. Jr.
I did not know of the others--which makes a strong case that he was acting on racist ideas... As such, I agree, he ought not to be lauded--name on the FBI Headquarters et al. Of course, (not a shocker in today's political climate)--the Far Right argues he was absolutely NOT racist (while giving no proof of that)--the one thing they hang their hat on is (and I quote): "....And, truth be told, the FBI, under Hoover's tutelage, admitted African-Americans into its Special Agent ranks during the early 1920's, with the first, James Wormley Jones, appointed in 1919."---
SO, says the far right...Hoover was a semi-saint! Of course a bit further research (because you hit a nerve!) the fact is (another historical quote):
"Jones was appointed as the first African-American special agent on November 19, 1919, by Bureau of Investigation director A. Bruce Bielaski. Jones was assigned to a new section of the Justice Department created to track the activities of groups perceived as subversive. His work there was under the direct supervision of J. Edgar Hoover."
Other comments included that Mr. Jones was of extremely "caucasian" complexion --(what an odd way to describe him!)--and Hoover likely did not realize he was an African American...
I hate racial injustice. My son fell in love with and married a strong black woman and they have blessed me with three brilliant and beautiful mixed race grandchildren who I adore...and who suffer TODAY, in 2021--from discrimination and snide comments from teachers, other children--and people of both races in their urban neighborhood.
Thanks for presenting this information. We cannot ever hope to change if we do not learn from the past...
Karenina
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you. I hesitated to actually place labels on certain behaviors, leaving it up to the readers to figure out the message I was trying to convey. You hit the nail directly on its head.
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It's a BIG NAIL...and it deserves to be addressed! Thanks for doing so!---Karenina
Comment from Leann DS
I love the questions you bring up in this poem. Your rhymes are good and I think it is a story that should be told.
If I were to modify one thing, it would be to make all the lines into lines with consistent syllable counts. This would help your poem to flow more smoothly.
keep writing! :-) Hugs and blessings to you.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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I love the questions you bring up in this poem. Your rhymes are good and I think it is a story that should be told.
If I were to modify one thing, it would be to make all the lines into lines with consistent syllable counts. This would help your poem to flow more smoothly.
keep writing! :-) Hugs and blessings to you.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you Leann, I love and appreciate your comments.
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Thanks for sharing the
photo, notes, and poem, nomi.
-You wrote a very good poem
with very good examples and rhyme.
-I also like the questions you ask,
and how those might have
impacted these unwarranted investigations.
-You never really know what lurks
deep within someone's soul.
-The ending lines are very good,
and show there is still a long way to go.
-Well done.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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-Thanks for sharing the
photo, notes, and poem, nomi.
-You wrote a very good poem
with very good examples and rhyme.
-I also like the questions you ask,
and how those might have
impacted these unwarranted investigations.
-You never really know what lurks
deep within someone's soul.
-The ending lines are very good,
and show there is still a long way to go.
-Well done.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you Pam. After receiving some excellent advice from R.G. Starr, I made a needed edit and I believe the poem is now much better. I am not asking for another review I just think that the poem is now much better.
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You are very welcome, nomi, and it is always nice to get recommendations you like that make your poem better!
Comment from jenintorre
You are so right, the F.B.I certainly should apologise.
This is an excellent poem although very disturbing and tragic. I really hate injustice of any kind. Best wishes. Jen.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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You are so right, the F.B.I certainly should apologise.
This is an excellent poem although very disturbing and tragic. I really hate injustice of any kind. Best wishes. Jen.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you Jen. The bottom line is no organization of any country should be guilty of oppressing any of its citizens.
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Indeed. X
Comment from crzypnter
This is a well composed poem of a factional part of our history that flows well from liner to line to tell a story. Thanks for enlighten us
God bless
August
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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This is a well composed poem of a factional part of our history that flows well from liner to line to tell a story. Thanks for enlighten us
God bless
August
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you. I have been aware of the facts for some time. I felt that some who might view the films might think that it is fiction, It certainly is not.
Comment from Susan Newell
This is a well composed summary of some of the malicious acts of the FBI against Black leaders and influencers. I had read that Hoover's own genealogy included a Black ancestor. I feel bound to add, that such actions were not limited to the Black community, either during the Hoover years or after. Hoover's extensive files gave him a vise-grip-like hold on our political leadership and made almost everyone susceptible to some form of blackmail. We can't forget Waco, or Ruby Ridge, either. As a nation, we have allowed too much power to concentrate in too few hands. You did a great job of condensing a rotten part of our history.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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This is a well composed summary of some of the malicious acts of the FBI against Black leaders and influencers. I had read that Hoover's own genealogy included a Black ancestor. I feel bound to add, that such actions were not limited to the Black community, either during the Hoover years or after. Hoover's extensive files gave him a vise-grip-like hold on our political leadership and made almost everyone susceptible to some form of blackmail. We can't forget Waco, or Ruby Ridge, either. As a nation, we have allowed too much power to concentrate in too few hands. You did a great job of condensing a rotten part of our history.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you. While I do not fear retribution from any of these institutions, I am aware that they might target me at some point. I do believe that they will not be able to do this sort of thing indefinitely.
Comment from Goodadvicechan
Thank you for sharing your observation and your opinions of the FBI.
I trust your opinion and observations. Thank you for sharing.
I hope we live in a country with justice.
Happy writing.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you for sharing your observation and your opinions of the FBI.
I trust your opinion and observations. Thank you for sharing.
I hope we live in a country with justice.
Happy writing.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you, the facts can be verified. I do not state my case lightly.
Comment from Ellie White
Dang, this is really good. This poem is very moving, packed with history and emotion. And yet it flows perfectly, every line rhymes and it's an easy read. It summed up so much history and pain in just a few lines which is fantastic. A lot of people can't read long pieces of work and this is perfect because it is moving and short. This should be in schools. I love this. Thanks for the education.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Dang, this is really good. This poem is very moving, packed with history and emotion. And yet it flows perfectly, every line rhymes and it's an easy read. It summed up so much history and pain in just a few lines which is fantastic. A lot of people can't read long pieces of work and this is perfect because it is moving and short. This should be in schools. I love this. Thanks for the education.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2021
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Thank you Ellie. Your wonderful supportive comments have made my week. I was hesitant to post this because I asked myself if I was ready for the possible blow back. I decided that since my statements were verified facts, why not state them.
