The Royster Chronicle

“Everyone is a terrorist when the oppressor labels them that way.” Dr. BLR   No matter what you say or how you try to spin it, I am not the terrorist. This is a common defense for those labeled the “boogeyman.” However, when the truth is revealed, the exposure is apparent but not surprising. As long as I have paid attention to this issue, the powerful have always chosen those individuals or groups who carry the label.  Historically, poorer countries have been looted and robbed of their natural resources by occupying forces for their own benefit. This has been a common practice, and no one is allowed to complain until those affected say enough is enough; therefore, they continue what they do. Often, the colonizer destroys infrastructure and communities mainly to push an agenda that maintains control. They then make it seem as if others are to blame, but enough of the nonsense. Let’s look at the evidence.  The U.S. has participated in many wars over the past century. I...

“Humanity doesn't stop growing; nurture it daily for survival.” Dr. BLR It’s not every day you get to sit back and watch the world self-destruct right before your eyes. Usually, there’s nothing you can do except pray if you’re a believer or write down your thoughts to calm your mind. I choose the latter. Over the past decade or so, I’ve noticed a troubling neglect of people's lives. This attitude shows up in underserved communities, middle- and upper-class neighborhoods, and, most notably, in government-sanctioned killings.  For the past two years, the world has been captivated by the impunity granted to the Israeli government for its widespread killing of innocent men, women, and children in Palestine. Similar atrocities are happening in Sudan, but the media only mentions them in passing. Additionally, the current Trump administration is now involved in killing suspected drug traffickers in international waters.  I don’t understand how this happens when most people claim they...

“Victim manipulators can never be the chosen ones.” Dr. BLR The family should be the most sacred institution, valued by everyone. However, that’s not always the case. I recently listened to the audiobook Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice, written by Virginia Roberts Giuffre (Giuffre) and co-authored by Amy Wallace. In her memoir, Giuffre details the sexual abuse she suffered from her father and family friends. It was the trauma from these events that later led her into the hands of Jeffrey Epstein (Epstein), a multimillionaire known for providing estate services to billionaire clients. Epstein, who maintained close ties with Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and many other influential people, was also a convicted sex offender who reportedly committed suicide while in prison.  I finished listening to the entire book quickly because I was captivated by her story and the involvement of numerous wealthy and powerful individuals. At times, I had to p...

  “The deed not seen is more precious than the one posted on social media for spectacle.” Dr. BLR The capitalist system enables individuals to leverage their perceived talents to increase their earnings. Some might argue it’s beneficial, but over time, the true nature of this system reveals its flaws. Those in power only offer benefits to those they consider deserving. Many communities have representatives who target people based on race or ethnicity. Sadly, it appears the Black community is influenced by a seven-foot-plus buffoon known for his basketball skills and goofy demeanor, a smaller buffoon some find amusing, and a loud-mouthed sports commentator who refuses to accept the reality of a receding hairline—all of whom appear in multiple commercials trying to persuade viewers to buy, play, or sign up for unnecessary products.  This point is understood by those who recognize the core issue. Keeping the uninformed busy with trivial matters distracts them from understanding l...

Not my enemy “I can’t believe what you say because I see what you do.”  James Baldwin   No one will ever fully agree on controversial issues or people. Recently, someone reappeared in my life after a period of silence. Assata Olugbala Shakur (also known as JoAnne Deborah Byron and JoAnne Chesimard), an African-American woman, was convicted of murdering a New Jersey State Trooper, Werner Foerster, on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973. As a retired New Jersey State Trooper (NJSP), I feel conflicted about why I have allowed her to occupy space in my mind. She allegedly killed a state trooper, and law states she should have spent the rest of her life in prison. However, I wasn’t entirely convinced she was guilty.  Growing up as a young Black man in Newark, New Jersey's inner city, I often heard about our struggles to survive within an oppressive, predominantly white, male-dominated system. I vaguely remember the 1967 riots in Newark, but later I researched the NJSP’s role ...

“Social media has provided an opportunity for the misinformed to become the voice of the miseducated.” Dr. BLR   As a strong supporter of the First Amendment, I am disappointed that, in this era of political correctness, voices are being silenced on both sides of the political spectrum. A lively debate fosters intellectual growth, regardless of how unpopular someone's opinion may be. In this context, I will discuss the recent death of Charlie Kirk (Kirk) at a speaking event on the campus of Utah Valley University. For the record, I knew nothing about him before his untimely passing, until I visited his website and the algorithmic whirlpool directed his information my way. Unapologetically, I have a selective indifference to his death because I didn’t know him. Nonetheless, I genuinely appreciate young people, even if their views are controversial, stepping up and speaking out on issues that will impact their future. Some examples include Nick Fuentes, Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, La...

“My moral standards diminish your sense of superiority.” Dr. BLR   For all the brave individuals who have chosen to wear a police uniform, I commend you for selecting an exciting career. To say that your lives will not change dramatically would be disingenuous. Your decision to pursue a career in law enforcement speaks volumes. Some believe that police work is a calling based on their childhood experiences. Although backgrounds vary, law enforcement officers universally desire to help others. At the same time, many were drawn to law enforcement for ulterior motives.   As expected, the law enforcement profession grants its members a significant level of societal authority. This power can be overwhelming and even intoxicating. However, it is not surprising that some individuals who were bullied in their youth intentionally chose this profession to seek revenge. Others have family members who wear the uniform and wish to follow in their footsteps. Some were inspired by watching p...