Here we are well into the 21st Century, and I am confronted with two moral outrages. Should I be angry at a completely immoral President demanding that houses of worship reopen before it is safe, or should I be angry at yet another killing of an unarmed African American man, this time by a cop, while three other uniformed police officers stood by and watched.
Let’s go from bad to worse and start with the President’s orders. Bear with me while I take the opportunity to state a hunch, without proof. I doubt Trump has ever been in a house of worship for any reason other than a photo op, I doubt he has ever chanted a V’dui, beating his chest and confessing his sins, pleading in humility for mercy. So I say No. Just No. To add to the story, he threatened to override any governors who don’t jump at his command. He does not have the right. California has issued conditions under which houses of worship can reopen. Contra Costa County has upheld its shutdown orders. Even if the county says we can open, it is our decision. Our decision will be made with one consideration only. The health and safety of our community.
But sadly, that anger has been eclipsed by the murder of George Floyd in MInneapolis. Confronted by police for suspicion of forgery (an obviously nonviolent crime) he somehow wound up face down on the ground under a police cruiser, with one of the cops kneeling on his neck. He complained that he could not breathe. The officer then asked if he would get into the police car, and Mr. Floyd said he would. The officer asked why he wasn’t doing so, Mr. Floyd answered he could not move because the officer was on top of him. Eventually Mr. Floyd lost consciousness. The officer on him did not move until an ambulance arrived. Mr. Floyd was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The four officers have been fired. Perhaps this will lead to justice. Perhaps. BUT….. what would have happened if witnesses had not caught the entire episode on video? Would a witness’s word be sufficient to implicate four police officers?
Justice, Justice shall you pursue. We can’t vote to oust the corrupt police of Minneapolis (remember Philandro Castille)? But we can vote for leaders with wisdom and forbearance, who will govern with justice and compassion. Vote to change the culture. Voting is an act. Vote.
From the President-May 28, 2020
May 28, 2020 by tbhrich • president
Here we are well into the 21st Century, and I am confronted with two moral outrages. Should I be angry at a completely immoral President demanding that houses of worship reopen before it is safe, or should I be angry at yet another killing of an unarmed African American man, this time by a cop, while three other uniformed police officers stood by and watched.
Let’s go from bad to worse and start with the President’s orders. Bear with me while I take the opportunity to state a hunch, without proof. I doubt Trump has ever been in a house of worship for any reason other than a photo op, I doubt he has ever chanted a V’dui, beating his chest and confessing his sins, pleading in humility for mercy. So I say No. Just No. To add to the story, he threatened to override any governors who don’t jump at his command. He does not have the right. California has issued conditions under which houses of worship can reopen. Contra Costa County has upheld its shutdown orders. Even if the county says we can open, it is our decision. Our decision will be made with one consideration only. The health and safety of our community.
But sadly, that anger has been eclipsed by the murder of George Floyd in MInneapolis. Confronted by police for suspicion of forgery (an obviously nonviolent crime) he somehow wound up face down on the ground under a police cruiser, with one of the cops kneeling on his neck. He complained that he could not breathe. The officer then asked if he would get into the police car, and Mr. Floyd said he would. The officer asked why he wasn’t doing so, Mr. Floyd answered he could not move because the officer was on top of him. Eventually Mr. Floyd lost consciousness. The officer on him did not move until an ambulance arrived. Mr. Floyd was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The four officers have been fired. Perhaps this will lead to justice. Perhaps. BUT….. what would have happened if witnesses had not caught the entire episode on video? Would a witness’s word be sufficient to implicate four police officers?
Justice, Justice shall you pursue. We can’t vote to oust the corrupt police of Minneapolis (remember Philandro Castille)? But we can vote for leaders with wisdom and forbearance, who will govern with justice and compassion. Vote to change the culture. Voting is an act. Vote.
We are what we do.