For over three weeks protests and demonstrations were held throughout the nation acknowledging that black lives do matter. The immediate impetus for this activity was the bold, open, daylight killing of George Floyd at the hands of one policeman, abetted by three others. The whole world watched the incident unfold via cellphone cameras. The tragedy was cruelly evident. The resolution was begged by many but the cops remained unmoved. Supervision was ineffective as well.
Floyd’s death was and is real. In front of our very eyes this took place. For all to see.
But to feel? Yes; as a white male I felt enraged by this. The feeling, however, was most deeply felt by the loss and powerlessness of our black community. They know George Floyd’s death was not one of a kind. It is the living symbol of what has gone on for 400 years in America. It is emblematic of injustices endured for generations even after the Civil War. The oppression is real. It is menacing and suffocating to our black brothers and sisters.
These are not empty words.
The emotions flared immediately after Floyd’s death. Protests, marches and vigils popped up spontaneously. All over our nation, and in many other countries as well. These were peaceful protests in the main. Some went over the top. Others transgressed from outside the community and played troublesome roles in rioting, looting and senseless violence. Such is easily sparked. Enraged human beings can quickly get caught up in mayhem.
Most don’t. the protests were peaceful. Communities came together the next day and cleaned up the messes caused by others. The nation was on the road to healing from this latest outrage of racism in a country that claims otherwise.
Now weeks later our hope for change is somewhat dampened. This time in our history we came to feel that change was imminent. Time, however, has quelled some of the passion. If true, that passion will be raised the next time a police murder of a black, brown or immigrant happens.
Why wait for the next time? Don’t we realize something needs to be done NOW?
Police reform is one agenda item that has come due. Policing must be reformed. It has spiraled out of control and no longer represents what America believes in.
Racism is a sickness of our society. Has been since our beginning. At times hidden from view, but real nonetheless. Discrimination is always present and working its sinister evil. We cannot allow this to continue. It will consume us if we ignore it. Consume you. And me. We must face this awful thing.
We do not need another senseless killing to know this. In our hearts we know this.
Then let’s do something about it right now. Police Reform and Face Racism. Two items on our agenda that need to be handled successfully. For our own good.
Right now. Please God, don’t wait any longer.
What better prayer should we be giving on this day commemorating the founding of our national hope?
July 4, 2020
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