On violence

Violence be-gets violence and it is a sad reality of the world we live in currently. What we must realize is that each day as violence occurs and we ignore it and do not condemn it; we are responsible for the perpetuation of violence. Unfortunately I believe violence will persist until we as a nation truly believe that all Americans are equal, that we should all have the same chances and opportunities to succeed.
And it isn’t just violence, it is systematic inequality that brings us to the same place every time. When someone like Cliven Bundy, a man who has stolen millions in natural resources from the American people, who’s supporters took up arms and threatened those tasked with enforcing the law. When this man and his supporters are still living and breathing, free and not in jail then inequality exists. When the same people who sang his praises on national television turn around and sing the praises of Darren Wilson there is a clear system of inequality.
When the only answer some people have is “yeah but look what these black thugs did to these white people”, advocate shooting people of color, or my all time favorite response bringing up Martin Luther King JR; because what people of color are supposed to not be like the rest of Americans. Seems to me after 9/11 we opened a collective can of angry whoop ass on people, quite a few who were innocent bystanders lost their lives and property in the ensuing war. Why is it ok when one group lashes out in anger but not another? Why do we cheer for one and condemn the other?
What does it take to bring the American people together, how do we honestly work through issues that divide us when many don’t seem to even care if the issue exists? Others believe we should be divided further; and yes I see this on both sides of the issue. Though in my personal life often times a person who will make overtly racist comments about people of color; will then complain that “they want to make it about race” or “they are playing the race card”; I am sorry, if you have ever disparaged a person because of the color of their skin you are the problem.
And I am just as much a part of the problem as everyone else. I have not raised my voice to condemn violence. I have remained silent as people I have worked for and with speak words of hate against others because of their skin color. I have not gone out into the community to help make a difference. I have kept my head down and looked out for myself. My apathy is as much of a problem as others lack of empathy.