Justice, Equality And Peace

It’s late morning on the third of June as I begin to type this essay. It’s not the essay that, up until June 2, I was planning on writing. That one will have to wait till next time. No, even though I’m not a particularly incisive observer of, nor commentator upon, societal and political matters, I feel compelled to lay down some thoughts about what’s been happening in my country (the USA), and in other parts of the globe as a result of George Floyd’s murder by a police officer, Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. George Floyd, who was unarmed and handcuffed during the incident, was black. Chauvin, who has been fired from his job and charged with murder, is white.

Did anyone predict or expect that, in the wake of Floyd’s killing, hordes of people would take to the streets to denounce systemic racism and police brutality against blacks? I’m not sure, but I’m guessing not. Once put in motion, though, the protests expanded to locations far from Minneapolis. That includes Philadelphia, where I lived for decades, and which is very near to the town that my wife and I now call home.

I’ve watched television coverage of the marches and demonstrations, and of the violent turns that some of those gatherings took. The looting and property destruction that have taken place sadden and sicken me. Ongoing behavior such as that can deeply damage society, and can make conditions far worse than they already are. Fortunately, for the moment anyway, looting and destruction have lessened greatly, and peaceful protests continue.

Where will the protests lead? What will they result in? Will they result in anything, for that matter, or simply peter out as the energy and indignation that fuel them slowly evaporate? I hope that such will not be the case, because it’s undeniable that racism in the United States is alive and well, that many folks in this country don’t want equality-for-all to become an absolute given. The existence of white supremacy groups, and the continuing efforts by more than a few members of the Republican party to suppress the vote of minorities and of the marginalized, are two examples of this. The USA has a long way to go.

And what of the possibility that the protests explode into mayhem, uncontrollable violence, even civil war? I don’t discount this idea at all. Anything might happen, a frightening thought.

Barack Obama, in a level-headed and insightful essay about the Floyd tragedy, states what he believes should be the responses to it. Click here to read the piece. He urges us to vote out of office those elected officials with stone-age mentalities. And he focuses his exhortations on the young, who he says are the ones that must lead the efforts to make the world a better place. Here are a few of his thoughts: “The point of protest is to raise public awareness, to put a spotlight on injustice, and to make the powers that be uncomfortable; in fact, throughout American history, it’s often only been in response to protests and civil disobedience that the political system has even paid attention to marginalized communities. But eventually, aspirations have to be translated into specific laws and institutional practices — and in a democracy, that only happens when we elect government officials who are responsive to our demands.”

We can only hope that Obama’s way forward will prove to be the chosen path. His commentary, of course, would be lost on Donald Trump, who doesn’t care about the whys behind the reactions to Floyd’s death. That’s only to be expected from he who is callous, narcissistic, vindictive, a pathological liar and a thug. If Trump deploys federal troops, all bets are off.

At about 8:30 PM on June 2, I slipped outside to the deck at the rear of our house. Very unsettled by George Floyd’s death and the violence that partly filled its aftermath, I needed to decompress. That’s what happened as I stared at the dense foliage, listened to the birds and scanned the heavens.

Much of the sky was heavy with clouds, so almost no color emerged from the sunset. Bummer. But I was in luck anyway, because twenty minutes after I took my place on the deck I looked to the east and saw a vivid Moon rising, It seemed to have come from out of nowhere. Possibly it had been hidden by now-dispersed clouds. The Moon, as bright as a powerful LED light, was stunning. It made me feel somewhat hopeful.

As did Peace, a song recorded by the Ornette Coleman quartet in 1959. It played over the radio as I brushed my teeth two hours after Moon-watching. It wasn’t coincidental that WRTI, Temple University’s radio station, played this composition. That evening, the station was attempting to offer comfort to its listeners.

None of us knows with any degree of certainty where we are headed, but may justice and equality for all, and peace (it goes without saying), be intrinsic parts of the destination. And of the journey that takes us there.

(Please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this essay)

131 thoughts on “Justice, Equality And Peace

  1. Lyn Douglas June 8, 2020 / 12:13 am

    A tough essay to write but good for you. It has been a horrific time since that act of unreal inhumanity. We have had peaceful demonstrations right across Australia and for the first time in my life I wanted to be a part of it, with my right arm raised. Please God, this stops now and for good.

    Liked by 4 people

  2. Lynette d'Arty-Cross June 8, 2020 / 1:22 am

    I have seen many bloggers who don’t usually write about politics tackle this difficult topic lately. You have done a good job of it, in my opinion.

    I agree that Trump is nothing more than a thug. I hope that people are able to keep up the pressure, and that this doesn’t melt into the background to allow a return to business as usual.

    Liked by 5 people

  3. sniderjerry June 8, 2020 / 2:44 am

    Hello Neil,
    There is no question that what the police did was wrong. People should protest. But when looting and violence come into play, it only hurts the cause. That’s not the way Martin Luther King, Gandhi, or John Lennon would encourage change. Strength in numbers – peace and love. And to end with a positive vibe, there is a story coming out of Columbus, Ohio where a seventeen year old mixed race high school senior, who has wanted to be a policeman since age three, cooks one hundred meals a night to feed the police working the protests. He says “I see both sides and not all policemen are not bad” Have a great day. Jerry

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:20 pm

      Hi Jerry. It’s a societal issue, I think. Slavery was, obviously, a horrible institution. And its legacy lives on in our society and culture.

      Like

  4. joylennick June 8, 2020 / 3:15 am

    Dear Neil, A true and well-written piece. I may be British, but I felt your angst and caring. Don’t forget, the UK also has a bumbler and an inconsistent man at the helm too at present. I may be living in Spain, but naturally care what happens in my birth country. I abhor racism and our sons were always encouraged to include EVERYONE in their circles and always have. We all bleed the same!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:22 pm

      Hi there, Joy. The world never has been and never will be perfect. But many nations need to do better.

      Like

  5. Alyson June 8, 2020 / 3:44 am

    A tough subject to tackle but you’ve done a really good job of articulating what I would hope, most of us are thinking. We have also had large protests taking place all over the U.K. this weekend in support of the BLM movement, but thankfully most have been peaceful. Glad you found solace for a time in our only satellite – It was a truly beautiful Strawberry Moon.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:23 pm

      You know, I’m not outside at night particularly often. I felt lucky to haver seen that beautiful Moon.

      Like

  6. Friko June 8, 2020 / 6:30 am

    The only word in this essay I would take issue with is ‘hordes’. ‘Hordes’ is historically applied to vandals and barbarians – European history -, with people I would use the word crowds. It is far less derogatory and offensive. Otherwise I agree with your reading of the situation.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. C C Cedras June 8, 2020 / 6:35 am

    Thank you, Neil. This is a thoughtful, evocative piece. I doubt it was easy to write.

    I have spent days watching the events of the past two weeks unfold with a strange mix of awe, horror, despair and hope. The utter craven lawlessness, cowardice and absence of leadership in the US administration has stunned even my cynical self. When the looting and destruction of the early nights of protests gave way to the massive, peaceful turnouts we’ve seen the past several days — not just in the US, but around the world — I finally started to believe that Obama’s inspiration might actually come about. Three weeks ago I wondered how we’d be able to vote in November with COVID-19 decimating the country; now I believe we will crawl over broken glass, if that’s what it takes, to effect change from the top down.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:26 pm

      Hey there, C C. I’m really glad to hear from you. Where have you been? Yes, Trump’s a disgrace. He absolutely must be booted out in November.

      Liked by 1 person

      • C C Cedras June 8, 2020 / 5:34 pm

        I’m a horrible blogger this past year, but still enjoy reading your posts. We got caught up in getting book 2 published, then marketed. Let life derail many, many things. Now we’re focused on book 3. You’d think the pandemic and all the idle time would prompt more engagement, but it takes a serious kick in the butt. The past few weeks, and the hale back to the 60s and 70s of my teen and young adult self/fears is shaking me out of the doldrums.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. rivertoprambles June 8, 2020 / 7:44 am

    Thank you for this. Well said, and to the point. Institutionalized racism is a horrible fact of life, and our spineless antagonistic “leadership” only brings it to a boil without relief– unless we the voters hit the streets peacefully and open some minds & hearts.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:30 pm

      Hopefully a lot of decent-minded people will be voted into office, or reelected, in November. Positive changes probably will take place if that happens. On the national level, Trump’s got to go, obviously. Ditto for Mitch McConnell, and a big bunch of others in Congress too.

      Like

  9. Almost Iowa June 8, 2020 / 8:06 am

    A point of clarity.

    The last Republican left the Minneapolis City Council thirty years ago. The current council consists of 12 very progressive Democrats and one Green. These people, and no others, control the police budget as well as the recruitment, selection, training, discipline, hiring and firing of Minneapolis Police Officers.

    Mayor Frey and the council blame the police union for their inability to rid the city of problematic officers. They seem to assign super-powers to Lt. Bob Kroll who was elected by the membership to lead the union. But it must be pointed out that the council approved the contract that gave Kroll all of his powers.

    What we have here are people who say, “elect us, we will solve the problem” then do nothing of the sort.

    Now, they are promising to abolish the MPD.

    Okay, watch how that birdie will fly.

    There is a good chance the MPD will be dissolved and the Hennepin County Sheriff Department will assume policing the city. It will hire MPD officers put out of a job……….and the next time, a deputy kills an unarmed civilian, the mayor and the council will merely point the finger of blame south toward the Hennepin County Government Center.

    What was that line from The Who?

    Meet the new boss
    Same as the old boss

    Liked by 3 people

  10. vprofy June 8, 2020 / 8:27 am

    Thanks for your perspective. We all need to reach deep and honest.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Paddy Tobin June 8, 2020 / 8:51 am

    We have a saying, “When Britain sneezes, Ireland gets a cold.” What happens in one country effects others and I think this is one reason much of the world had looked at the USA with a nervousness these last few years. Donald Trump is your President and is the face of America that the world sees on its news channels everyday. His actions are what represent the USA to the world.

    The tragic death of George Floyd comes as another appalling incident which makes us worry about the stability of the USA and, of course, of the consequences of that instability on the whole world.

    We had another example on our lunchtime news: a man drove his car into a group of protesters and when stopped, got out of his car holding a handgun and, it was reported, shot one of the people in the crowd. I, and many, many other people in Ireland would find this bordering on the insane. We cannot understand why anybody would need to have a gun, would be so quick to turn to violence, even killing. It is beyond us.

    I might sum up our thoughts on the USA by saying that for several years we have had thoughts of visiting the country but we consider it a country too dangerous to visit. Racism seems to be very strongly embedded in the USA and an unreasonable attachment to and use of guns also. Such a country frightens us.

    I am heartened by your essay. It is not an unexpected view as it is how I imagined you would think on these matters. It saddens me that good people, such as yourself, – and I realise there are many such as you in America – have to live with such conditions.

    My best wishes!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:36 pm

      Yes, another huge problem in the USA is guns. Gun ownership is an historic “right” here. Still, most people in the States are normal. I don’t think you should have qualms about visiting this country, in terms of personal safety.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Joyce Hamilton June 8, 2020 / 9:05 am

    Very well written. Yesterday l went to a peaceful rally in Landsdale. There were many great speakers and 2 female singers. There were many people but we could spread out wearing masks. It was very emotional. Great moon photo….l also got a few.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. courseofmirrors June 8, 2020 / 9:14 am

    Thanks for this, agree, totally. Racism is alive in the U.K. as well, only a little less blatant.

    A friend of mine sent me a link to the talk below, which made me understand the resentment that’s been bottling up for such long time. It’s a powder keg. No wonder the cruel incident, which was for all to see in the media, produced such outrage. The man may not have been a saint, but that’s irrelevant. To watch the police officer, casual, with his hand in his pocket, to basically kill a man was totally creepy. I truly hope politicians understand what’s at stake.
    Here’s the link to the talk byCarol Anderson …
    Kindling of trouble over decades – subtle white rage expressed in policies that deny access to voting etc. – putting up barriers to the aspirations of black people –
    Carol Anderson, Charles Howard Candler Professor and Chair of African American Studies April 9, 2018

    Liked by 2 people

  14. sloppy buddhist June 8, 2020 / 9:18 am

    Thank you for sharing Neil and my mind goes to the works of bell hooks…I met her once decades ago it seems now…I think this sticks for me…’Humans who attend an unlearning racism (workshops) and learn to acknowledge that they are racist are no less a threat than one who does not. Acknowledgment of racism is significant when it leads to transformation…made sense to me. Transformation is a wooly word. Dismantling and listening is hard work…we have our own communities to live in up here…and yes the world
    Is watching. Peace✌️and smiles Hedy

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:45 pm

      The fact that so many people (many of them young) have taken to the streets to protest, is a hopeful sign. Racism and police brutality, and other problems, are starting to be tackled by the young. That’s exactly what needs to occur.

      Liked by 1 person

      • sloppy buddhist June 8, 2020 / 6:08 pm

        Indeed Neil my hope is with the young humans…ever hopeless hopeful☺️✌️

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Hafsa Majid June 8, 2020 / 10:21 am

    It sickening to say the least that this has been ongoing for generations, I guess the good thing to come from George Floyd’s death is that it’s now waking up an ignorant world. Thank you for sharing – please feel free to read my latest post too, and let me know what you think.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:50 pm

      I hadn’t known about the hospital shooting. It’s horrific. There is, and always has been, tremendous amounts of violence in the world. We are, incredibly sadly, a violent species.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Laurie Graves June 8, 2020 / 10:26 am

    Might be a difficult subject but in the United States this is our reality, and to turn away from this reality would be a terrible mistake. We all must face it, and then move forward, doing what we can, each in our own small or big way, depending on who we are. I felt completely cracked open by George Floyd’s murder. If my husband and I weren’t high risk, we would have donned masks and gone to local protests. When the a vaccine comes out, we will be more actively involved.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:52 pm

      Who can believe that the virus situation and the George Floyd ramifications are taking place simultaneously? We are living in tumultuous times.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Helen Devries June 8, 2020 / 11:03 am

    Thank you so much for your calm and reasoned post on events in this sublunary world.

    Whatever the answer is…and in my view it is to think of our nation as a whole undivided body,,,to provide it with good housing, healthy food, education and health services and decent employment to give everyone a chance to make a good life for themselves and their families – it is niot political correctness.
    I saw how that worked in France….the police have all but given up on the suburbs of Paris where most immigrants end up being housed….if they intervene in a manner normal in other areas they are accused of being racist and all but disowned by the politicians. This is racism turned on its head…the majority of decent people living in those suburbs are being deprived of protection…in the name of anti racism…

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:57 pm

      Yes, there’s no doubt that things can become very complicated. Over time, hopefully, balance and good sense win out.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. talebender June 8, 2020 / 12:46 pm

    Bad policing is a problem, especially when condoned through lax civilian oversight. But there is no one cause for the plight of racialized and Indigenous people. Two of the most basic root causes are poverty/income inequality and unequal education opportunities.
    Start there!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 5:59 pm

      Thanks a lot for adding your opinions. I believe you’re absolutely right.

      Like

  19. andrewcferguson June 8, 2020 / 12:46 pm

    Well said, Neil. As Alyson said in her comment above, there have been protests on this side of the Atlantic as well. One of them that got most coverage was in Bristol, where the statue of some city father who made his money from slave trading was pulled down and unceremoniously dumped in the river. Vandalism? Maybe, but I’d far rather see the understandable anger taken out on a statue than real people.

    The local police deserve praise too, for not intervening and turning it into a riot – of course they immediately got quizzed by the media as to why they hadn’t intervened: if they had, the same media would’ve questioned that, too.

    There are times when I despair of human nature. Unfortunately people like Trump lend legitimacy to racism: but a sizeable minority of the population in the States and the UK don’t seem to need much encouragement.

    Keep up the good work.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 6:02 pm

      You’re right about Trump. He is bad, bad news. Bigoted, backward-thinking people have become very energized because of him.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. selizabryangmailcom June 8, 2020 / 1:28 pm

    Heartfelt and moving, Neil. Thanks for your perspective.
    If something resonating this strongly, world-wide this time, peters out eventually…then I think we’re pretty much screwed.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 6:04 pm

      That could be true. In the USA the upcoming elections, national and local, will show us where we’re heading, I think. And we better be heading in a good direction.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Paula B June 8, 2020 / 1:37 pm

    Neil, I think your question about whether the protests will result in anything is a good one, and it’s almost a plea. I would say that already there have been results. The officers in Minneapolis have, at least, been charged. The Breonna Taylor case has been reopened, and the Louisville mayor has suspended no-knock warrants. The House is considering a racial justice bill. PDs all around the country have been announcing reforms. So I’m optimistic that these protests will indeed result in systemic change. Thank you for writing about this!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 6:06 pm

      Thumbs-up to all the points that you make. Many thanks for adding this info. I hadn’t heard about some of it till now.

      Like

      • Apple Hill Cottage June 8, 2020 / 10:16 pm

        And I’m very glad you did. Thoughts have been ruminating around in my head but nothing coherent will come out yet. Except that I can no longer laugh at Trump jokes. He has become too evil to laugh at and evil just isn’t funny. Good words.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 11:18 pm

          Hi. Yes, these are disorienting times. And yes, there’s nothing funny about Trump. He’s an awful human being.

          Liked by 1 person

  22. Ann Coleman June 8, 2020 / 3:21 pm

    Sometimes, just when we need it most, we see something that gives us hope, like that bright and shining moon. This was a very well-written post, Neil. And I also hope that things change for the better.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 6:10 pm

      We know now that many people want positive changes in their communities and countries. That hadn’t been truly apparent before. So, that’s a very good sign.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. tylerus June 8, 2020 / 3:22 pm

    A fascinating post and responses. Kudos. There’s always good to be found in the bad. Let’s keep the faith.

    Liked by 2 people

  24. JT Twissel June 8, 2020 / 5:26 pm

    I think we’ve reached a tipping point and just can’t stand to see police act sadistically towards fellow human beings just because they think can any longer. It’s taken too long.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. annieasksyou June 8, 2020 / 9:32 pm

    For someone who professes not to be a political commentator, you’ve done a fine job here of laying it all out.
    I am optimistic—as Obama is—about how young people can bring about the necessary change.
    The fact that these predominantly peaceful demonstrators were so diverse is very encouraging.
    I just hope we don’t see huge spikes in coronavirus cases among the marchers.
    And the fact that the Generals stood up to our lawless president—and got him to back down—is a huge relief.
    I appreciated your personal touch of moon and music, both enriching your essay.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 8, 2020 / 11:21 pm

      Hi Annie. I’m sure that just about everybody is holding their breath these days. I’m trying to be optimistic.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. George June 9, 2020 / 2:53 am

    Very well said, Neil. You echo my own sentiments entirely. Too often protest erupts and raises awareness only for that awareness to fade in the aftermath, people falling back on voting more from habit than from conviction, or perhaps from fear of change, if they vote at all. Over here a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was toppled in Bristol at the weekend and thrown into the sea (which has an air of poetic justice, given that’s where a significant number of his victims ended up). A newspaper article summed it up perfectly by saying what seems to have shocked many people is that Bristol had a statue commemorating a prominent slave trader in the first place. The authorities had been intending to take it down for years, but had never got around to it, perhaps more afraid of upsetting the delicate sensibilities of a minority who still thought it had historical merit, than the terrible affront it represented to a much large percentage of the city’s population.

    Let’s hope the fury at what happened to George Floyd is longer lasting among the populace as a whole than the fury over the Rodney King beating, and you don’t end up relecting Trump. We have our version of course, and I hope the anger resonating here is equally long lived and results in positive change. I am an optimist when it comes to young people. I do believe they will yet prove our salvation.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 9, 2020 / 7:07 am

      Good afternoon. I really appreciate your comments. They widen my perspective on what’s going on outside my country. Young people, to really make positive changes, must start voting in large numbers. Otherwise, the Trumps of the world will continue to inflict enormous amounts of damage.

      Liked by 2 people

  27. cath June 9, 2020 / 6:23 am

    Your essay, and the comments, have reflected, so thoroughly, my thoughts and feelings about this that it seems I can only repeat what you’ve written. And that’s what I want to do, because the important thing now, surely, is that we keep talking about it. Nice post, Neil.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 11, 2020 / 1:28 pm

      Hi Cath. Maybe we’re at a positive turning point. Let’s hope that that proves to be the case.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. eden baylee June 9, 2020 / 11:48 am

    Hi Neil , thanks for taking on the subject. It’s important that Black and racialized people have allies in this difficult time.

    Fighting for change is always messy, stacked with multiple levels of complexity, and yes, sometimes violent. This is true throughout the history of social movements. I don’t condone violence, but I’m also not going to qualify the protests based on this point.

    Peace is what we strive for, however, I hear people saying: “I was all for the cause until the looting started.”

    This is just too simplistic. What is happening now did now occur in a vacuum and sometimes there is no other choice. Sometimes the world needs to burn so something new can be built in its place.

    Be well,
    eden

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 9, 2020 / 12:59 pm

      Hi, and many thanks for your input. Societies/countries/cultures/people are complicated. Always have been. It’s possible that peaceful paths will be the ones that bring about reforms and changes in consciousness. I sure hope so.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. lookingforthehigherself June 9, 2020 / 5:46 pm

    Hi Neil. I loved this piece of yours and concur with most of the comments above. I feel your pain and aspirations and loved the full moon’s symbolic offering of hope. I’m praying that come November this year, there will be a change of hands in leadership. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

    Liked by 2 people

      • lookingforthehigherself June 10, 2020 / 12:10 am

        I know… I’ve become a little numb with outrage… I may have to hibernate for four years in remote cave if he gets re-elected… I’m not even American but his power has legitimised alot of negativity around the world…

        Liked by 2 people

  30. Michele Anderson June 9, 2020 / 9:16 pm

    Wonderful post Neil. You and I have been thinking about this. Let’s hope come November that we can vote the jerks out of office and then change can begin. A lot of this comes from the top and we don’t have leadership there at all. But it also comes from the hearts of the people and some just don’t really have kind hearts when it comes to race.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 9, 2020 / 10:08 pm

      If tomorrow were Election Day, I think that Biden would win. Such needs to be the case in November. Many thanks for stopping by, Michele. Take care.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. swabby429 June 10, 2020 / 7:59 am

    You mention Obama. Of course Barack is Trump’s nemesis. Trump’s dislike of Obama is much of the force behind Trump’s destructive speech and behavior.

    Liked by 2 people

  32. Basia Korzeniowska June 10, 2020 / 10:15 am

    Excellent post, Neil Thank you too for linking to Barack Obama’s piece too. Lots of words of wisdom there too which I have shared on other social media. I am very distressed by the mindless violence which always seems to happen whenever a large amount of people embrace a cause, no matter how right or worthy. Racism of any kind is abhorrent, and yet we come across it all the time. The lessons of the last war have been largely forgotten, added to the general lack of respect for people who are different in any way. This pandemic has a lot to answer for too, by closing borders everywhere, and encouraging the dismantling of globalisation or world friendly attitudes, leading tothe increase of suspicion of different cultures and traditions all over again. Back to square one in the snakes and ladders of this lading people to more mature and understanding attitudes.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 10, 2020 / 11:33 am

      You’re right about the effects of the pandemic. Those are really good points that you make. I hadn’t thought about them. As if there already weren’t enough barriers to overcome!

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Pam Lazos June 10, 2020 / 1:33 pm

    George Will’s piece about voting out all Senate Republicans out was very compelling. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m seeing BLUE!

    Liked by 3 people

  34. cincinnatibabyhead June 10, 2020 / 2:37 pm

    Do I love that piece of music. Just listened to Herbie Hancock’s ‘I Have a Dream’ last night. Same vibe. Just trying to do our part to make things better fella. Later. CB.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 10, 2020 / 3:44 pm

      Hey CB. Do you have The Shape Of Jazz To Come? The song Peace is on it. Great album. Most of Ornette’s are.

      Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead June 10, 2020 / 4:08 pm

        Yes I do Neil. It will get the CB treatment eventually. I got it around the same time as Giant Steps. My jazz takes were getting a little “sax’ heavy so I changed it up a bit. I know you’re a Ornette guy. I’m listening to album right now because of you. Man is it sounding good. Thanks fella.
        Good one including this cut with your take. Nice touch.

        Liked by 1 person

  35. chattykerry June 10, 2020 / 2:59 pm

    I wanted to write about our current events in America but couldn’t find the right words. Yours were excellent. I was brought up in Scotland although born in the USA. Right now I feel like I don’t belong anywhere but I guess that is why so many people peacefully protested. There is a cancer in our society that needs to be excised.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 10, 2020 / 3:49 pm

      Many thanks for your comments. I really appreciate that. There are far too many bigots and small-minded people in the USA. Nevertheless, the activism and protests currently taking place may very well win out in the end. Let’s hope so.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. johnlmalone June 10, 2020 / 5:53 pm

    the movement is alive and well in Oz too; the words of Barack Obama are wise and measured; let’s hope a more equal society emerges

    Liked by 2 people

  37. Léa June 12, 2020 / 4:55 am

    No Justice there will be No Peace

    Know Justice and we shall Know Peace.

    Liked by 2 people

      • Léa June 12, 2020 / 9:29 am

        That would be ideal. Yet without shutting out those who came before. Just because we didn’t succeed, doesn’t mean we didn’t try. We didn’t have the internet to help get our messages out and to connect with others so rapidly. But if they approach it with an open mind and heart, I have no doubt that there are still those of us who want to help all we can. Some of us never stopped the struggle…

        Liked by 1 person

  38. bluebrightly June 12, 2020 / 12:10 pm

    Well said! I appreciate that you referenced what Obama said – I hadn’t gotten around to actually reading it, only read about it (how often does that happen these days?). And oh, I love Coleman! Thank you.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 12, 2020 / 1:58 pm

      Hi. I don’t think that Barack Obama and Ornette Coleman ever met. They’d probably have liked each other.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Robert Parker June 13, 2020 / 6:34 am

    Good essay, Neil. What do you think of what’s happening right across the river with Camden’s “Community-oriented policing”? I know that sounds like just another clumsy slogan, but it seems like, by flushing away the old corrupt police department, and starting fresh with a new department with a whole different attitude, one where the staff are involved and committed to being good neighbors and fellow members of society, they’ve achieved real progress Maybe a good model for a lot of cities?

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 13, 2020 / 9:29 am

      Right, it’s a success overall, I think. The changeover began maybe about eight years ago. The powers-that-be took a very bold approach to things, that’s for sure.

      Liked by 2 people

  40. alhenry June 13, 2020 / 5:56 pm

    One of the responders here says they have seen many bloggers who don’t usually do politics, speak to this moment and it’s deep and troubled history. I myself am writing a post inspired by the brutal, cruel, and completely unnecessary death of George Floyd. I just want to thank you for also addressing this extremely troubling issue. As the saying goes: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Your post is a part of the something that cries out for justice.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 13, 2020 / 10:05 pm

      Evening, Amy. It’s really good of you to say that. And I’m looking forward to your piece. It will be excellent. Of that I have no doubt.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. viewfromoverthehill June 15, 2020 / 3:35 pm

    Sorry to be so late in responding to this very important post Neil: I lost your email in my new oh-so-complicated new computer. Urggghhh.
    Unfortunately, Canada is not without racism and we’re having demonstrations here as well. I well remember the terrible riots years ago when I lived in L.A., but nothing has changed. I hope these demonstrations are not for naught.
    I share your thoughts, Muriel

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 15, 2020 / 5:15 pm

      There’s a lot of work to be done, that’s for sure. Hi, Muriel. Bye till next time!

      Like

  42. America On Coffee June 15, 2020 / 8:24 pm

    Maybe and hopefully one day soon the world will wake up into a peaceful understanding. An Awesome share Neil!

    Liked by 2 people

      • America On Coffee June 15, 2020 / 10:28 pm

        You are welcome Neil. Here’s an interesting perspective shared by another blogger… isolation and mask wearing is creating a lot impatience and temper problems. I wonder. I am watching. 🤔. Have a wholesome week!

        Liked by 1 person

  43. Julie Holmes, author June 20, 2020 / 12:31 pm

    Hoping that this time will be different, more progress on finally making the field more level for everyone. It’ll be tough to dig out the insidious weed of systemic racism, but it’s necessary. I pray for the day the color of someone’s skin makes no difference in their accomplishments.

    Liked by 2 people

  44. Librarylady June 21, 2020 / 2:47 pm

    I’m a little late to jump in here but will anyway. My brother made an interesting comment today. He said what if there was a way to remove all the white policemen from the force and replace them with minorities? Well that opens up a whole can of worms, but I have to admit one of my first thoughts was would they be fair to the white people? I mean they’re all mad at us
    Wait, this is exactly how the minorities feel! Lesson learned.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 21, 2020 / 4:17 pm

      Hi. I appreciate your input. I think that in order for the USA to progress, many more sensible and open-minded people will have to be elected to office locally, regionally and nationally. Trump must be rejected. And the Republican majority in the Senate must end.

      Liked by 1 person

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