Sunday, May 31, 2020

Something Has to Change

When I started this blog I told myself I would avoid politics.  Period.  For the most part I have tried to do that, but there are things happening in my country now that make me feel I have to say something.  I don't know how I can change anything but I won't turn my back on it.  Please forgive me for expressing my feelings on this, but I feel I must.  Most people know about the man that was arrested and killed in custody.  This was not here in Kansas City but it could have been anywhere in this country.  The thing is, this is not the first time that has happened.  I'm not going into any details but this has to change and I do not know how.

Right now there are protests and riots in over thirty major cities in this country.  I believe in peaceful protests.  I do not believe in riots in which property is damaged and people are harmed.  There is a good reason for peaceful protests but unfortunately when the riots start it defeats the purpose of the protest.  I keep hearing there are two groups of protestors, peaceful and not peaceful.  I have seen on our local news casts the peaceful protestors attempting to stop the others from causing destruction.  One man was carrying a fire extinguisher and putting out fires started by others.  Some are trying to do this right but others are not.

I live about twenty miles outside of Kansas City and as I write this the riots are going on for the third night in a row.  The majority of the riots have taken place in the heart of our city, The Plaza area.  This is a place of beautiful Spanish architecture, fountains and old world charm.  The past three nights it has become a place full of tear gas, burning cars and huge crowds of protestors, police and the military.  Yesterday the governor declared a state of disaster for Missouri and called out the National Guard.  And this is going on in many cities all over our country now.


Kansas City Yesterday Afternoon

Kansas City Last Night

The frustration of all this is difficult to put into words.  Something has to change but I do not believe violence is going to change anything.  The mayor of Kansas City is trying desperately to get people together to talk and work on the problems.  I believe that can be a good start if handled properly.  Personally I wonder if they need to screen candidates for the police department better.  That is no place for racism.  There is no place anywhere for racism but especially not there.  I care about all people and I have always believed it is the person inside that matters, not their race, sex, religion, nationality or anything else.  I grew up in the southern part of our country in the 1950's and 1960's.  So yes, I have grown up around racism and I have seen riots most of my life.  My parents raised me to care about all people regardless of race.  I treat all people equally and have friends from many races and backgrounds.  The only way I know to help change things is in the way I reach out to others and in the way I vote.  I raised two boys and I didn't have to worry about the possibility that if they made a mistake and got arrested they might not come home alive.  A black Mother has these worries and it breaks my heart.       

“The limitation of riots, moral questions aside, is that they cannot win and their participants know it. Hence, rioting is not revolutionary but reactionary because it invites defeat. It involves an emotional catharsis, but it must be followed by a sense of futility.”

                                                                                 Martin Luther King Jr.

         

30 comments:

  1. You have an election this year. The riots are no doubt started deliberately. It is all political. I am sure I don't need to tell you that. Happy days Bonnie. X

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    1. I am thankful this is an election year although I know even that won't solve some of these problems. You are right about it being political. There are several different layers of politics here but sadly there are also people dying when they should not. I hope you have a good day Rachel and I hope your ear is much better. I will be back to blogging about cats and such.xx

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  2. I can understand the frustration people feel when they are not being heard and I agree with peaceful protest. However, I am aware of professional protestors that jump on a bandwagon whether it be racism, environment or any other cause to show up at a protest and use it to further their own agenda.

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    1. That is correct Simone. There are other people involved with different agendas and that makes it worse for the people that are genuinely trying to change a bad situation. Most of them have no idea they are being used.

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  3. Like Rachel and Simone, I have my suspicions that when peaceful protests turn violent it is frequently a deliberate attempt to twist or discredit the protest.

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    1. You, Rachel and Simone are absolutely right Tasker. It has been discovered that many of these protestors have come in from out of state to stir things up for various political reasons. As I told Simone, this discredits and hurts the people that are honestly and peacefully protesting for change. There is a real need for change but it gets lost in the violence. Thanks for your comment Tasker.

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  4. This situation keeps on repeating itself. Speaking up helps but I think we have to do more . More education, action, involvement. Racists are very scary people to talk to. They are irrational.

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    1. That is true Red. This has happened many times and nothing gets changed. I can't speak for other cities, but Kansas City now has a mayor that is trying to get the people together to discuss the situation and hopefully make some changes. We have to get the riots to stop first and then we will see. There are some people that are irrational and frightening for sure.

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  5. A very good and timely post, Bonnie. Like you I attempt to keep my blog non-political. I don't always succeed, but I do my best. Yesterday President Trump designated Antifa as a terrorist organization. I wholeheartedly agree. There, I said it and I'm glad, George Soros notwithstanding. I used to like to read the Drudge Report, but it seems to be fanning the flames lately.

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    1. I've thought about you and your wife RWP. Don't you live just outside Atlanta? If so, you are dealing with the riots as well and know how discouraging it can be to see places you know go up in flames. Yes, I did hear about the plan to designate Antifa a terrorist organization. I agree but they are not sure they can since it is actually a U.S. organization. I also I have heard that Antifa could be behind the violence in these protests. Some authorities here think the out of town protestors could be part of Antifa.

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  6. I agree with your thought. Yes, "something has to change" to eliminate this kind of protest in future.

    # Stay safe, healthy and virus free

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    1. Yes, the violence has to stop. The needless killing has to stop as well. It is beyond me why intelligent adults can not get together and work things out better than this.

      Thanks for your comment Tanza. You stay safe and healthy as well.

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  7. I had the same struggle as you, Bonnie - what to say when my blog is usually politics-free. As some point we need to speak up, I think. I'm glad you wrote this. It must be scary to be so close to the rioting. Peaceful protest is one thing, but riots are another matter. Let us hope they subside and the real work of fighting racism can begin again in earnest. Stay safe there.

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    1. Thank you Jenny. I appreciate what you said on your blog today. I hate to get into politics, but when things like this happen with innocent people unfairly being killed, I feel like it is my responsibility to speak up. It is frightening to be close to the riots and it hurts to see this happen in places that I care about and spend time. Still, it would be worth it if it would change things, but the violence will not change anything. There are two groups of people protesting and one of them could care less about preventing any deaths. I feel like the people that are honestly trying to bring about change are being used by the violent group. This makes it worse for everyone.

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  8. I've lived through a lot, Bonnie, and this is the worst. I can do nothing; even my protests are futile. God help us all.

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    1. I understand and feel the same way. I want to make a difference but it has gotten to where that is difficult to do. Right now I am afraid to think that this year could get any worse. Take care Joanne.

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  9. I am totally for peaceful protest, but other step in to change and discredit by turning it into a riot. They have every reason to protest. Killing of over 1,000 people of color every year by police is unconscionable. Violence begets violence. Changes must be made. I agree that they need to change at the core--with who they hire and how they train, etc. Not much has been learned since the 60s. Breaks your heart.

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    1. It does break your heart doesn't it? It is so hard to watch what is happening to our country.

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  10. At this time, we really need a strong leader to step up and help us heal. Unfortunately, there is no one in DC that can fill that void. I just feel a lot of people are fed up with everything and the murder of George Floyd sent them over the edge. Take care.

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    1. You are correct. I am truly concerned about the state of our country right now. As if a pandemic wasn't enough, right?!

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  11. A march took place in my city today and I was sad to not join. My husband has pre-existing conditions that would make Covid-19 especially dangerous for him and I was afraid to be part of a crowd. But several of my friends went and everything was peaceful and lovely. I'm so proud of our community!

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    1. I understand you not going due to your husband's health and the Covid-19 possibilities. I am so happy to hear your city had a peaceful and successful march! They are still marching tonight in Kansas City and you can see from this post how it has been. If I was a little younger I would join the march as I did many years ago. My heart is with the peaceful protestors. Maybe this time things will improve. It is wonderful that your community did it right!

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  12. MLK's words are often profound and that is one of his quotes that is new to me, and it is definitely wise. He has long been a hero of mine from back in the day when I was active in the civil rights movement. Peacefully!

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    1. He does have some wonderful quotes. He was a wise man and many can learn from his words, especially today. It's good to hear from you again! I hope Bounce is doing well!

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  13. Very interesting to read this - from a decent white woman in the heart of America.Thank you.

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    1. This has all been difficult for everyone. After all these years you would think things would be better. And on top of the pandemic too. Thanks for stopping by YP.

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  14. I have tried to think of what to say...to me it is a question of what in the world is wrong with people. I could tell you a couple things...one that was said to me, and one to my husband...that I don't want to put on here. But it just makes you shake your head and wonder about people.

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    1. I understand Rose. It leaves many of us speechless. I just hope things will improve.

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  15. We've had protests here in the UK and most of them have been peaceful. There is so much sadness going on in the world right now that it leaves me feeling overwhelmed. Good post.

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    1. Thank you Joe. Yes, there is much sadness and fear in the world today. I do hope and pray for change but we've been here before sadly.

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