Like many others, I’m trying to understand what’s going on in our nation.
As a person who has been on both sides of the thin blue line (stopped over 50 times in my youth and a 30-year career in criminal justice) it’s not difficult to understand how wounds fester and people get frustrated and beyond.
But to sniper kill police officers during a peaceful demonstration can never be the answer to an already wounded community and nation.
To empathize with police officers and other law enforcement doesn’t mean we don’t empathize with peaceful Black Lives Matter protests.
To take a stand for one doesn’t mean you can’t take a stand for the other. One can be “pro cop” and “pro black lives matter.” It doesn’t have to be “either/or.”
One part of me understands the frustrations, the other part is sickened; the whole of me feels that the fear and worry will separate us more, but it is at this precise moment that we have to create hope.
I want to share this video which shone a light on an otherwise sorrowful week. This occurred after an interfaith prayer service in Dallas on July 8th. This YouTube video is from the Free Hugs Project.
We have to address systemic racism.
We have to find a way to work towards community and peace.
I don’t have the answer on “How” to do this but I know it can be done and it starts with individuals.
It won’t be easy but it will be worth stepping towards hope.
alvaradofrazier.com 
i couldn’t agree with you more….thank you for bringing attention to the power of hope!
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Thank you, Juan. Peace.
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Wonderful article! Thank you for sharing.
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And thank you for reading; peace and love this Sunday morning.
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So, so much agree with what you wrote, Mona. It’s uplifting to read wise and kind words after these last days. I must admit feeling powerless but still so filled with hope when I read your post and also get to talk with my kids and younger people. I want to believe in their capability for real acceptance and equality between all human beings. Peace to you and everyone reading your blog.
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I felt that powerlessness too. I’m glad you are talking with your kids and younger people because I think that is where our society will have the most impetus for positive change. Thank you for your words, too. I just noticed the video is gone, it was from CNN youtube.
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Yes.
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😊 Exactly.
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I stand with a group in a Black Lives Matter vigil on Saturdays and work with that group to implement specific changes that were recommended by the Ferguson Commission for law enforcement and education in the St. Louis region.
This Friday, I’m doing something completely different — sitting down with some counter-protesters that we’ve attracted in one of our locations. They displays signs that say Thank You Officers (no problem with that), All Lives Matter (no problem with that, exactly, but I wish that people who say that would understand it as I do — a goal that we haven’t met and won’t meet until the systems and structures that target black and brown lives are reformed), and one sign that is so racist that I won’t even type it here.
The police chief of that suburb has requested that the two groups sit down together to, perhaps, develop some common understanding. I’m both skeptical and nervous. Do you have insights that might help me be calm and fair at such a meeting? If that’s not a public conversation, feel free to message me on FB or send email to my name at yahoo.
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This is an opportunity for everyone. I’d hope that the participants would listen first and try not to ‘defend’ their position. I’ll send you an email later today. Thanks for participating in your community as this is a step forward.
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YES YES YES!! Love your post!!!From 1 blogger to the next…can you please post your thoughts on this on my blog!! My blog is an open forum on race, religion, politics, media etc. I am new at this but this topic is exactly the kind I want people to share insights on.
http://www.takethefloorblog.com
Thanks! I really enjoyed!
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