We could not hear the program from our place, but there were a few speakers, a few chants and then the group made its way down the sidewalk. They were headed south to walk around downtown Port before coming back to the park to kneel for eight plus minutes in memory of George Floyd and then disperse.
Sadly, this time, a Facebook post went out earlier in the day that BLM planned to burn an American flag and the opposition came out of the woodwork. Comments saying "This won't happen!" and "I am bringing my crew!" made us concerned that what was supposed to be a peaceful gathering might turn ugly. During the event there were several pick up trucks revving engines and going up and down the street with American flags flying off the back....and a few noisy motorcycles disrupting the quiet hour over and over and over. Other than that we didn't see any real confrontations.
It wasn't until the group marched past our building heading for town that we noticed about 20 men and women in small groups and I said "Is that a gun!?" Yep.....long guns, more than one, on full display across puffed out white chests. White people proclaiming "This is our park"....or whatever. It was really strange, sad and such purposeful intimidation. One guy even looked like he was dressed as a policeman want-to-be.
As a 73 year old privileged white woman I know that American's can buy guns....but stupidly, it never occurred to me that they could carry these long guns right down the main streets through Port and into our parks. Wow. Just wow. Wondering what these people would have actually done with their guns if anyone had shown any disrespect to their flag?
I sit here this morning re-thinking the evening and reminding myself not to paint with a broad brush. Every individual has a family history, an education, a reason for feeling the way they do....just as I have my reasons. I shouldn't look at these guys as one group ....they are individuals....but I can't help it. My immediate broad brush is "What a bunch of jerks."
So I am part of the problem......
To some extent everyone is part of the problem. You are able to ask yourself that question and seriously look at your attitudes and perspectives. So many are not. Some many will hear only what they already believe. You and I are part of the problem, but we are also a big part of the solution. And we can be grateful as we humbly go forward in trust and hope. Joe S.
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