Is this where we have gone?

[Diana Michelle]

I am sure by now all of you are aware of the tragic death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests even the looting and the destruction of property as well as the arrest of a reporter who happens to be a person of color covering the incident. I have my opinions on each of these as I am also sure all of you do as well however what we think of them is not the issue here. The reasons behind each of these and how they relate is in my never to be humble opinion is though.

I am going to fight the urge to fly into a diatribe here rather ask that each of you ask yourself is this the country we envisioned growing up? Is this country we were taught about back in high school civics class? Is this the country of "all men are created equal?" Is this the country of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?" Is the country many of our ancestors left a comfortable and secure life from wherever they came from to immigrate to? Is this the country we want to leave to our children, grandchildren, and generations beyond? I cannot speak for anyone else but my answer to each of these questions is a resounding NO!

I really don't care of which side of the aisle you sit on if the incidents of the past several days don't bring a tear to your eye IMO you may be beyond hope. I am not one to tell anyone what to think or how to live their life and I do truly attempt to understand everyone's opinion if it is expressed calmly and with facts however I am having a difficult time wrapping my mind around anyone not feeling at least mild outrage of where we have gone as a society and all the aforementioned incidents of the past several days.

[Lauren]

Spot on Diana! Thank you for saying so eloquently what many of us are thinking and feel right now.

[Heather W]

I too can answer a resounding NO to all the questions posed. I have watched the coverage of TV s well as seen close up one of the protests taking place. I have my opinions on this issue but rather than turn this political I am going to pose yet another question for all to ponder.

Perhaps I am being naive here but isn't one the principles of this country all are equal under the law? I have seen the following quote posted here before but feel it is quite appropriate here

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Martin Niemoller