What can I say except here we go again. Another black man loses his life due to police brutality. It would be overstating the obvious if I said that we as a people are so tired of this because not only is another life loss, but our distrust of the justice system only adds to the anguish and pain because in most cases justice is the last thing that we receive. It has been reported that George Floyd tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Now whether it was intentional or not we may not ever know, however the subsequent actions that followed this alleged crime was definitely not warranted. We have marched, sang and protested these crimes against black men and women and to no avail it has often been futile because of the systemic racism and hatred of a people by a people who still view us as inferior, ignorant and not worthy to be treated as equals.
Unfortunately we have not come far within this civil rights struggle and one of the profound obstacles that is not spoken about much is their fear of us. The noted poet and author James Baldwin once said " it is certain in any case that ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy justice can have" This quote is so profound because it speaks directly to the two issues that are at the forefront of this systemic malady that has plagued us for centuries, ignorance and Power. In this case Ignorance is not about the state of unawareness. No, it is so much more than that. There is an old saying "Contempt prior to investigation is everlasting ignorance."In other words, to hate or have disdain for something or someone that you know little or nothing about is ignorant. Power, well the phrase that best describes it is the quote "Absolute Power corrupts absolutely. Power is often seen as an intoxicating elixir once tasted creates a need and a want that is often unquenchable.
Those in power are always wanting and seeking to keep the status quo tilted in their direction because becoming one of the have nots is an inconceivable that they are not willing to live with. So you see it is not just a race thing, it's the ability to do as you please to whom ever you please, disregarding race, religion or lack of religion with impunity. Why? Because the only color that is respected and cared about is GREEN. Furthermore no matter who you are if you try to interfere with their program you too will become collateral damage. Not to forget it but when you add racism to the equation you create an unholy trifecta that has been dominating the face of the earth for centuries. The year 2020 represents the biggest threat to the so called norm in close to 60 years. Which brings me to this point; How is it that we are still asking for civil rights when the most basic of human rights is not being respected?
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