“All Lives Matter.” That seems to be the catchphrase of the summer. It was started by the “Black Lives Matter” movement in response to police shootings of African American men for no apparent reason other than a prevailing sentiment (and, to be honest, prejudice) that the value of one race is less than another and killing them is justified because they are ‘probably a criminal anyhow’. The response, from some in turn, was to attack police officers for no apparent reason other than a prevailing sentiment (and, to be honest, prejudice) that police are shooting African American men for no apparent reason other than a prevailing sentiment…. You get where we are going here, right?
We are in the midst of a devastatingly destructive situation created by a sentiment that the actions of a few (very, very few) are representative of an entire population. Sure, there are African Americans who are criminals, but that by no means whatsoever is characteristic of ALL African Americans. Sure, there are bigoted, police officers out there, but that by no means whatsoever is characteristic of ALL police officers.
The problem is; while we allow these sentiments – these prejudices – to persist, we are merely fostering an environment fueled by ignorance that is destroying the lives of innocent people and destroying the foundation of our nation, which is that ALL lives matter.
The message of the “ lives matter” movement is similar to the reform sex offender law movement. Sure, there are individuals out there who are dangerous recidivists who have done horrible things, but those people are representative of a minuscule percentage of the overall population of registered citizens who have not and will not re offend or whose crimes are not so heinous and unforgivable.
It’s the message that we, at the Florida Action Committee have been trying to convey to politicians – which has been largely ignored. Yet they are now trying to convey back to us. Don’t judge all police for the action of very few.
The cycle needs to end. We need to stop treating groups homogeneously and allow law-abiding people to live their lives peacefully. We also need to allow police to do their jobs effectively. Their job being investigating crime and not harassing any group of citizen because of a prejudice or mistaken belief. All lives matter!
To control a society, there must be an enemy or groups of other human beings that are hated. Best example the Holocaust enacted by the Nazis’.
History shows this pattern in our society for hundreds of years. My life is over for all intents and purposes, for the past sixteen years. My only encouragement are people like you. Soon the Constitution will come under attack, and any rights of citizens can be taken away to support this Cottage Industry in our Justice System, and the fanatic ideals of zealots in the media. I had NO victims, but I am one now.
Can’t move. Can’t travel. Can’t go to church, can’t have social media. Can’t go amusement park. Can’t have decent job. Can’t vote. No friends. No support. After completing two year probation twenty year ago. Is extreme punishment.
inished Two Year probation twenty years ago. Can’t work, Can’t attend church, can’t. Go to carnival, can’t be part of social media. No friends no support. My life dont matter
I could not agree more. Well stated. Clean simple and to the point. Thank you for raising awareness to the devistating destruction that is brought about by ignorance and one size fits all mentalities.