Fellow humans,
I have no doubt that America is healing. Oppression is not tolerated nearly as much as it used to be in this country. However, we have a lot of work to do. George Floyd’s name represents positive change for America. His death has ignited another attempt to right the wrongs of American history.
Our issues do not exclusively affect black communities though. Our issues reflect poorly on every community in our nation. We cannot solve our problems until every community is on board.
If you believe in God, I’ll refer you to the parable of the lost sheep. A shepherd left his flock of ninety-nine sheep in order to find one lost sheep. As human beings, I believe we’re all connected in one way or another. We’re like a flock of sheep, and some of us get lost. I believe we have a responsibility to help each other find our way back.
I’m not blaming anybody. I understand these issues were created thousands of years ago. Oppression existed all over the world throughout history. I believe we need to treat oppression like a bleeding wound — apply pressure until the bleeding stops. By holding each other accountable and doing the right things, we are moving in the right direction.
The following words are an extract from the Declaration of Independence, established in Congress on July 4, 1776:
“all men are created equal”
From my perspective, there is a disconnect between the way we live, and the way we say we should live. We say “all men are created equal”, but since that was written, America has treated black communities much worse than other communities. For example, white men were always allowed to vote in America, while black men were not. Can you imagine the message that was sending to black communities?
Since the Declaration of Independence was established in 1776, there has been continued oppression towards black communities. Slavery existed for another 89 years. Segregation lasted even longer. Police brutality is still happening. Rather than becoming defensive about this, we need to become offensive. I’m not saying we need to attack each other, but we need to attack our problems. Being passive is not working.
I am no expert in black history, nor did I come up with a plan to move forward. I’m trying to have a better understanding of our issues, so I’ve been having conversations with a person from the black community. A private patriot (as he or she would like to be named) believes that America owes reparation to black communities. The following points are some of the private patriot’s methods for providing reparation. Some people will agree, some will not. I’d appreciate your feedback.
Money — America has built a powerful nation and wealthy economy through black slavery. American government should return wealth to black communities.
Education — schools should not be weaponized against black children.
Punishment — law enforcement officers should be punished to the fullest extent if they abuse their power. Also, if anybody harms a law enforcement officer, they should be punished to the fullest extent.
What do YOU think?
Until next time,
Salvatore Norge