This is what makes me happy: That I have three amazing children who think for themselves. This is from my son, Joel, who is 18, Buddhist, vegan, a college kid, and transgender. He has certainly has taken his share of everything from confused looks to outright glaring and name-calling. That he took the time to share his opinion, that he can experience so much compassion, makes me very, very proud that he is related to me. Im hoping, in the end, that I can learn from him to spread joy and love, and remember that everyone --EVERYONE -- has a backstory with grief and loss and pain. Because of men like Joel, I know that all is not black and white. There is hope. Thank you, honey. Joel Johnson All night, Ive been seeing peaceful protests and vigils from around the world (including right here! Go Soka!) on my Facebook page. They are beautiful and inspiring and have shown me a brave, compassionate side of humanity. However, I just watched a video that made me shudder. It was six minutes of one of the protesters in New York yelling at a member of the NYPD. The police officer (who was black, fyi) stood silently, taking the abuse. Youre a murderer! the protester shouted, after daring the officer to touch him. The crowd around the two cheered. I kept watching the video, wondering how it had garnered so much support and almost 50k shares. I thought maybe something inspirational or damning would happen at the end. But no. The whole video was one man shouting at another because of his career. I kept imagining that cop going to a job fair during high school and deciding that he wanted to be a member of a protecting force. Police academy, rigorous training, he was proud of what he called himself. When he saw what was happening in Ferguson, he shed a tear. He vented to his wife about the injustices done to Eric Garner, wishing he could do something. He told his son why people were so upset in the city they were both raised in when the non-indictment failed Daniel Pantaleos victim and the city he had sworn to protect. All this was in my imagination, but whos to say it wasnt the truth? But what I saw in this video was an innocent, a bystander, having someone take their anger out on him. And he let it happen. Peacefully. There are more than two sides to this battle. Stay safe, all.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:47:04 +0000