I am not an eloquent person,
but I want to put out to the universe that I want my lovely neighbors and
beloved friends of color not to live in fear.
It’s not ok with me, a
policeman’s daughter that they don’t experience the peace officer as a source
of safety but as someone who might end their lives if they don’t act perfectly.
It is ok with me that we are taking to the street to make it known it is time
for a change.
It’s not ok with me that that
the smart, lovely son of my community was followed home from the grocery store
and threatened with violence by their neighbor who said he didn’t belong
because he’s a strong athletic black “man” (he was 14). It is ok with me that
our local police department came into their house and listened for over an hour
to get the details and reassure this scared boy that he is entitled to his
neighborhood and that he matters
.It’s not ok with me that
folks are breaking into and looting businesses. Their actions are taking away
from a needed protest. It’s ok with me that non-violent protesters are still
showing up. It’s ok with me that there are some folks who can only help by
praying, expressing their hope by participating in feeding programs.
It’s not ok with me that the
President uses military level force on protesters to clear the way to hold a
photo op on the steps of a church building while holding a prop. This action is
no more Christian than it would be Jewish if he was holding a Torah on the
steps of a Temple. It’s a show, and I don’t buy it.
The pain my coworkers,
friends, and neighbors are feeling is real. My love, support, and prayers go
out to them. I hope we can see beyond the distraction of the looters and agree
that even someone has possibly broken a law can be taken into custody without
having their life ended, or go for a jog without having their life ended or
being a lawful gun owner without having their life ended or having a tail light
out without having their life ended or playing cops & robbers in a public
park without having their life ended, or react badly when police
randomly/mistakenly break into their apartment without notice without having
their life ended, or walk home from the corner mart with skittles,
or...or...or..
For the record, I have never
lived in fear of any of these things...we should ALL feel that way.
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