Not the answer

I weep this morning for our country as I awaken to what happened overnight…

Peaceful protests turned to violence and destruction, and buildings are burning.
Our President posted a tweet promoting violence.
A news crew was arrested for no apparent reason.

There appear to be people fighting violence with violence and retribution on every side. Escalating violence will not bring peace.

I weep for George Floyd and his family.
I weep for so many more whose names are not in the national news.
I weep for the racism in our nation.
I weep for the business owners and employees whose businesses have been destroyed.
I weep for the protesters whose message is being co-opted by looting and destruction.
I weep for the law enforcement officers who are are doing it right and find themselves caught in the middle.
I weep for those in law enforcement who abuse their power.
I weep for the atmosphere of violence and retribution that seems to be everywhere, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Minnehaha Avenue.

Violence is not the answer.

For several years, I spent a week in the inner-city where our group of teens and adults were the only Caucasians there. I will be the first to admit that I have not walked in the shoes of an African-American, but here’s what I learned in those times.

It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, how much money you make, or where you live, we all want respect, compassion, and love. The absence of those reverberates throughout our county and our world. It leads to murders, riots, and wars. It builds up anger and even hatred between groups. So when something like the death of George Floyd happens, all hell breaks loose.

We cannot be silent, but we must speak from a place of peace. That does not mean we are quiet or reserved, but that our efforts should not add to the escalation of violence. It doesn’t matter if you sit in the White House or you’re protesting.

Stand up. Speak out. Support your fellow human beings. Reject injustice. Fight racism or anything else that demeans another human being.

We are better than this. All of us are. I don’t have all the answers, but I don’t believe that violence – from any side – is the right answer.