Welcome to Center Porch News and Perspective. For those that have read my blog, Center Porch Ministries, this new blog will be OP/ED articles about news events. It will cover many things including the things that are important to me and global events. Many will be in the areas of the Persecution of Christians globally, US immigration issues, and yes, politics. But I thought I would give a small background so that you will understand why these subjects are my main focus.

I have been a journalist, in various media styles, for thirty years this July. I started in newsprint. I have also been with online journalism outlets, as well as, independent articles wherever I could get the published. I also have four published books, and currently working on my first fiction attempt.

While today’s society fights, especially in the US, about places of origin, genetics, skin color, and the social construct of race, I am a walking UN. The majority of my being is European. But over the past few years, I was more interested in what lies beneath. And while it would seem that I would embrace the majority, I don’t. A small backstory to show why.

I grew up around migrant farm workers. Like the ones that the current administration seems to joyfully sweep up, place in cages before shipping them from our borders. It was from an early age I fell in love with the people and the culture. Having lived and worked with those of that culture for the majority of my life, I found it interesting that, through genetics, I found a connection that warmed my heart and further drove me to aid these people I learned to love.

I found three interesting points of genetics. Mestizo, the first generation of mixed blood of Indigenous and Spanish blood. And my markers in this genetic area seem to pinpoint to somewhere in the pre-US Los Angeles area.As well as Taino from the Caribbean. Although it is through the Islands (Puerto Rico, Cuba, etc), being from the US, I am going to assume it comes from Puerto Rico. Mainly because genetic similarities are closer to PR than any of the other islands. And yes, I know its not a perfect science, but its what we need to work with at this time.

But I also found a few more interesting points in the various testing results. Middle Eastern from Lebanon and the mTdna from Turkey. Punjabi, linked to genetics from Lahore Pakistan. And of course, the Irish link from Northern Ireland I already knew of (Antrim and Derry).

The Irish is the only European bloodline I acknowledge. As for the genetics listed above, I accept them as well. And this is the reasoning behind the passions I have behind the causes that affect these different grouping of people. While the issues facing the Mexican American community have always been a passion for me, before finding it in me, the others have become important enough to me to help fight for. Those, added to my Christian (I’m Catholic) faith demands that I be a voice of some type in their struggles.

The old Minsitries blog had been read globally. And yes, I can provide the proof if desired. That’s not to pat myself and say great work. It simply means that one can have some type of impact, even if microscopic, outside of his own little sphere. And while I may never see desired changes in my lifetime, I do believe in the Butterfly Effect.

To end this article, I say this. Comment on an article on the actual blog page. Yes, I use Facebook to promote my work. But answering on the blog itself tells me you actually read it and not just the Headline. Second, my articles will come with the data to back up my position. So I won’t debate. If you answer with an opposing rebuttal, please use data. Most that have tried to give an opposing opinion use memes and unverified rhetoric. And let be known. I’m neither Democrat or Republican. You find I am Liberal where needed and Conservative where needed. My views haven’t changed in decades. That won’t start being a thing now. Also, I believe that the Constitution applies for both sides. And don’t quote it only when it fits your narrative.

As for monetization. Many write and post with the intent on being paid. I have a job so their will be no monetization. That is for the simple fact that I want nobody to be able to claim that opinions are swayed by financial gain from one side or the other. If I write and post it, its because I believe it.

Have a wonderful day.