What I fear

[chieftain]

I have seen a lot of racial progress in my 67 years on earth. When I was a kid in Kansas City, Blacks couldn't stay at the Muelbach Hotel. they were relegated to the balconies of movie theaters and they were limited to housing east of Troost. I knew no Blacks. They were not in my school or my neighborhood.I was unaware of any Black history or culture. The baseball teams were all white, as were the football and basketball teams.
Dr. King, the Civil Rights Movement and the Democratic Party helped remove the dead hand of racism that had held our country back. I watched the Freedom Riders have their heads bashed. I watched the marchers to the Pettis Bridge be hit with the spray of fire hoses and the teeth of police dogs. And 4 little girls gave their lives in Birmingham to the hatred of and ignorance of those who wanted to turn back the clock,
The clock could not be turned back. Dr. King articulated a dream and a view of America that was both uplifting and consistent with the values taught to me by my family and my Catholic Church. And America responded.
It responded with laws ensured that Blacks could eat where they wanted, stay in hotels of their choice and buy homes where they could prosper and raise their children consistent with the dreams of the middle-class.
There is a concerted effort to roll back all of the progress that we have made. This RW Supreme Court has stripped necessary protections for that most American of rights, the right to vote.
And now this. This case was about race. It was about police bias in the first instance. And it is about the NRA's efforts to create an armed citizenry, too many of whom will be Barney Fife wannabes with hair trigger fingers.
We are at a very dangerous point in our history. There our insidious voices who are launching attacks on all the racial progress that has been made since the 60's.
I know we didn't reach the dream of a post-racial America, I fear that we reverting to our racist past. The verdict tonight is but the latest example of the trend.

[CakeGrrl]

1. The racist RW is putting up a mighty fight

A black President is more than they can take.

When they they have a majority, they use it to assert control over the groups who threaten them, evidenced by the anti-abortion treachery in TX and NC, and the damage inflicted by other GOP governors like Walker in WI and Scott in FL.

The news that the demographics in America are shifting to people of color is fuel on the fire.

[Booster]

2. Very well said. As a white 70 yr old woman, I am totally embarrassed by what I'm seeing today. We

are certainly, not in any context, a free country and we should all be ashamed. I know I am.

[mstinamotorcity2]

3. The fear for you may be one thing....

But walking while being a person of color is another. Living as a person of color is different for them in America. We know our children will never be safe.

[MirrorAshes]

5. I know you are hurting, but I find this unnecessary

White people will never know the full extent of the experience. But we can sympathize with you, fight for you, and cry for you when we cannot do enough. Tonight was one of those nights. And yes, we are ashamed for what you have to face. Tonight is a shameful night. But I would beg for solidarity.

[chieftain]

7. Well said. n/t

[mstinamotorcity2]

8. No you don't know.

I have two sons, nephews, cousins, friends who are of color. We speak on these issues frequently and talk to our children differently. We are fearful of their safety since the Middle Passage. Do you understand???? We have had over 200 years of being Murdered for no earthly reason. Hurt by the Zimmerman Verdict, expected this verdict. Just hoped my intuition was wrong. Listen when there had to be a protest for Zimmerman to go to trial, most people of color knew that the fix was in. So it was no surprise when they started warning of riots after the verdict. They threatened to arrest anyone who participates in any kind of protest. Look at the narrative. You go to jail for freedom of expression but get to shoot children of color in the street like a dog and not be held accountable. In a county that is missing young males of color who took a ride with the local sheriff and never returned. So there are some things that are necessary and letting our children believe they are safe when they are not will not be something I will do.

[MirrorAshes]

9. I did not mean to presume.

Just know my thoughts are with you.

[chieftain]

6. That is the tragedy of tonight.

I cannot begin to know what Black parents are going through tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

[mstinamotorcity2]

10. Tears!!!!!!!!!

Because the struggle Continues!!!!!!!!!!!!And seems as though there is no end in sight. Wish I had something cute to say. Listen people of color really do realize there are some superb Caucasian brothers and sisters who are not with the mis-treatment of any human beings. We are angry because we want all people to feel safe and secure in their homes, cities, states and this so called Great Country of ours. But our Country can only be a great as the People in it. As long as you have an unequal justice system and people who define themselves by demeaning other ethnic groups not like themselves, there is no safety for children of color. That is what will be told to children of color.

[chieftain]

11. I've been watching Joy Reid and Mellissa Harris Perry.

It is heart rending to see these brilliant women grapple with the knowledge that their children are not safe in this country.

[MirrorAshes]

4. you've absolutely nailed it. n/t