We need to remember that nine people died less than two week ago because of hatred – hatred inspired and nursed by the racism prevalent in our society. Today, in Charleston, they are still mourning the lives of the victims as more funerals are being held at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
For all of our President’s eloquence yesterday in his eulogy for Clementa Pinckney, those lives will have been taken in vain unless this moves our nation forward, not backward, when it comes to race relations and the ideology of hate to which so many in this country subscribe. Voting rights for minorities are under attack, and the so-called religious freedom laws (i.e., the freedom to discriminate) are still being promoted by bigots.
African Americans are still being funneled into prisons at an alarming rate far in excess of any other group. Their communities are still under attack by over-aggressive law enforcement, de facto segregation in education, and discrimination in employment and housing. We have a long way to go to meet the goal set by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963.
Remember, today is a day of mourning for those whose deaths shocked the conscience of so many. Take time to send your thoughts and prayers (if you are so inclined) to their families who are dealing with such devastating grief, and for all people in this country who still bear the burden of racism, prejudice and the denial of their suffering by too many people.
Your point is well taken, Booman. But before everyone retreats into cynicism, allow me to point out that yesterday’s long-fought-for victory should remind us that good things are possible for those who work tirelessly and strategically, suffering setbacks along the way with resolve. No sane person would have thought, ten or even five years ago, that gay marriage would be the law of the land in places such as Texas or Mississippi in any of our lifetimes.
Though the Supreme Court may have been the last word on gay marriage, there’s no way this decision would have come down had the ground not been carefully cultivated by those who worked day after day with no guarantee of success. There are many issues more than worthy of similar efforts. Highest on my list is reforming the law around corporate entities and regulation of money in politics. We on the left need to coalesce around one or two important issues and then get to work.
Not willing to concede that I’m not sane:
Nov 18, 2003 — the trajectory from MA SC decision in “Goodrich” seemed clear enough to me at the time. Including that the SC couldn’t duck the issue. Could have happened a bit sooner if not for Schwarzenegger and all the squishy liberals that “evolve” very slowly.
I’m giving my community the weekend to celebrate. Back to work on Monday.
And for all the creaking of the ice thawing, there have been five arsons of black churches since the attack on Emmanuel AME.
The beginning is near. That’s where we are.
My daughter to all her diverse Facebook friends:
Guys -watch the whole eulogy. Maybe watch it twice. Get out your to do list- and take notes. Love is a verb and grace can be too. Thankful for graceful whole hearted President Obama. I cried it was so moving.