Start Thinking Differently - Stand Up to Others

How did we get to the point we are at now? The trial  may be over but some of us are still wondering several things that we can't seem to figure out.  Things like:

- When did the Blue Line become more important than a human life? 

- Why didn't the officers with Derek Chauvin stand up to him and tell him what he is doing is wrong???? There were several officers at this scene to question Chauvin over and over again, instead of standing by and letting him make the decision to stay with applied pressure to George Floyd's neck!

It does not matter what color, or race, you are.  It does not matter where you live - what state, city or suburban area.  It does not matter how much money you earn or what material things you have... YOU can be a victim of police brutality.  We are supposed to be able to call the police to assist us when needed. Calling for help from those hired to protect and serve, should not be a second thought.  One should never be afraid to get out of a vehicle, turn their back on an officer or to answer a police officer's questions - fearing for their lives.  As a child, we are taught to respect the police. We are taught they are good people in our community however, that well known cliche is true, "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch."  This means that while we have biases, once you act on them, it creates a domino effect of behavior and actions.  This is one of the main reasons the Black Lives Matter Movement started.  One day, children will be reading about this in their history books.  Well, I hope they will be.

I'm not sure which is worst - an emotional or physical wound.  Emotional wounds heal.  You meet new people with different experiences that alter your way of thinking. You talk about experiences with others shedding light on feelings.  Physical wounds heal quicker, however, this feeling of continued frustration and anger with how the police use force on citizens and get away with it is another feeling.  You see the scars.  You feel the pain they caused and you are instantly reminded of one encounter that caused the scar.  The look in the officer's eyes as he continued with a complete disregard for Floyd's life - made me wonder how many days he has driven those streets with the same look in his eyes and displayed the same rage. We now know, it wasn't the first.  We know that in 2017 another African American male ran in to Derek Chauvin as well.  Of course, he had way too much control over the situation.  He took control of the responding officer's call.  He knew how to apply the heat.  He thought no one would tell.  He was wrong. 

We must ALL tell.  We must ALL pay attention to what is happening in the streets and tell someone else - Social Media!!  It is powerful - when used correctly. 

Again, I pray for Floyd's daughter. I pray she carries on a civil rights conversation and movement to show what she lost, regardless of how they portrayed him.  It's a new day to start thinking differently no matter where you work or where you live. Let's think about that.