Even Trees Have Auras – Photo: L. Weikel
Hopeful Perspective
All of us have probably seen more than our share of protests and violence, rage and misunderstanding and, well, murder over the last few days. As my small contribution to enhancing life in my little corner of the world, I’d like to offer a smattering of links that provide a more hopeful perspective on what’s unfolding. Just in case you missed them.
Justice
In the area of potentially increasing the likelihood that justice may actually be served in the matter of George Floyd’s death, just this evening Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that the state’s Attorney General, Keith Ellison, will be taking the lead in the prosecution(s) that stem from this case.
This feels like a wise decision for everyone concerned, in my opinion. There is an inherent conflict of interest in all cases in which a local District Attorney is expected to be responsible for prosecuting police officers within the same jurisdiction that they work together in almost all criminal cases. Indeed, it seems to me that appointment of an independent prosecutor should be mandatory in all cases involving police misconduct, and especially police brutality. Such a move shows sensitivity to the perception of fairness that is so critical in the administration of justice.
Perspective of Understanding
If you or someone you know struggles at all with understanding why the slow and deliberate killing of George Floyd has sparked such a profound and gut-wrenching response in so many people across the country (and the world, actually), the Daily Show’s Trevor Noah provides a deeply thoughtful and sensitive explanation. Even if you do ‘get it,’ I encourage you to take the eight minutes or so out of your day to watch this.
Listening and Partnership
While the antagonism and clashes may get the most attention, there are so many truly wonderful people serving our communities as police officers. Those are the ones who are ashamed of the actions of those violent few who seem to have no respect for black and brown people in particular. Check this article out for a taste of communities where listening is taking place and new relationships and partnerships are being forged out of the darkness that has dominated our country for too long.
Community Compassion
Finally, beyond all the stories of protesters and varied members of communities coming together to clean up after the destruction and devastation wrought as a result of when the protests have become violent and destructive (almost always after dark, when insidious elements have descended upon protests with malicious intentions), there are stories like this. Check out what’s happening in Minneapolis over the past few days.
Sending out ripples of love. Let’s all do what we can to promote and maintain a hopeful perspective.
May healing and profound and lasting systemic reform result from the senseless murder of George Floyd – and all those who have been killed in similar racist circumstances before him.
(T-544)