As I watch Politics Nation on MSNBC, I'm amazed! I've loosely followed the tragedies in Florida with my mouth sort of open in shock that in 2014 we're still at such a disadvantage as black people. I mean, in my own little bubble, I sometimes forget I'm black and most of my friends are white. We're just people striving to have great lives together.
So what is happening in Florida? They are trying to make sure people can stand their ground and use deadly force to do so. Two white men have killed black young men without receiving the sentencing they deserved. A black woman who fired a warning shot that hit no one was sent to prison. Justice is not equal in Florida and apparently blacks cannot assume they will receive the same protections under the law as their white counterparts. What does this have to do with you?
Namely, whether you're white or black, we all have to watch our lawmakers. I'm not of the opinion that most people are prejudice. I believe most people are uninformed. We leave our courts unchecked and our lawmakers too free to venture from their promises and our wishes. The news makes us afraid and sometimes seeks to steal our power by making the problem seem too big for us. But this country is great because it is supposed to be a country ran by the people for the people. We all, each voice, has power.
In states like Florida, it isn't just the trampling on the rights of blacks that is alarming. The most alarming aspect of miscarriage of the law is that it can truly happen to anyone. Look at it this way: all people are protected under the law, so to speak. Blacks were ensured extra protection under the letter of the law because it was necessary. Now if someone who has been afforded extra protection can be so easily violated, what protects those who are only basically covered? I mean, if someone will trample five laws to hurt someone, what keeps them from trampling two to hurt you?
I don't want you to be afraid. I want you to be informed. I want you to begin thinking beyond the news shows, beyond the televised promises of politicians and get involved with YOUR life, even the political parts. Be true to YOUR values. You're going to leave this world to YOUR children. We cannot put this country on autopilot. We MUST man the helm or our children will pay the price!
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So what is happening in Florida? They are trying to make sure people can stand their ground and use deadly force to do so. Two white men have killed black young men without receiving the sentencing they deserved. A black woman who fired a warning shot that hit no one was sent to prison. Justice is not equal in Florida and apparently blacks cannot assume they will receive the same protections under the law as their white counterparts. What does this have to do with you?
Namely, whether you're white or black, we all have to watch our lawmakers. I'm not of the opinion that most people are prejudice. I believe most people are uninformed. We leave our courts unchecked and our lawmakers too free to venture from their promises and our wishes. The news makes us afraid and sometimes seeks to steal our power by making the problem seem too big for us. But this country is great because it is supposed to be a country ran by the people for the people. We all, each voice, has power.
In states like Florida, it isn't just the trampling on the rights of blacks that is alarming. The most alarming aspect of miscarriage of the law is that it can truly happen to anyone. Look at it this way: all people are protected under the law, so to speak. Blacks were ensured extra protection under the letter of the law because it was necessary. Now if someone who has been afforded extra protection can be so easily violated, what protects those who are only basically covered? I mean, if someone will trample five laws to hurt someone, what keeps them from trampling two to hurt you?
I don't want you to be afraid. I want you to be informed. I want you to begin thinking beyond the news shows, beyond the televised promises of politicians and get involved with YOUR life, even the political parts. Be true to YOUR values. You're going to leave this world to YOUR children. We cannot put this country on autopilot. We MUST man the helm or our children will pay the price!
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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