Is it Racism?

I am well aware that racism still exists in America on many fronts.  But there is something that everyone needs to realize.  If you do not want the police coming after you, pulling guns on you, or tazing you....don't rob, don't burglarize, and when a cop tells you to stop....then stop.  It seems there is an increasing tendency for the criminals to be the ones perceived as victims.  Does this mean that the police are always in the right?  No.  But I have a very difficult time in believing that police officers have some kind of vendetta against those of another race.  If ANYONE is robbing or disobeying a direct order from a police officer, that officer is going to do what it takes to keep himself safe...regardless of race.

Police officers work hard in this country to serve and protect.  Yet the amount of negative publicity that has been surrounding them has caused them to be looked upon with disdain.  What must our children think of police officers when they hear adults speaking so negatively?  Who will our children turn to for protection when they are in trouble if they do not believe they can trust police officers?

I hate racism.  I grew up with it, and recognize it on all levels.  Whether it is black on white racism or white on black racism....I hate both.  There is an air of racism right now in America...and it is being fueled by all of the rioting and the calls for protests by leaders such as Al Sharpton.  It is being fueled by the media who is looking for higher ratings.  It is being fueled by politics, and those who need votes.

Racism is not solved by riots, by looting, by destroying businesses.  It is not solved by violence, by calls to protest.  It is solved by each person who commits to loving their neighbor, regardless of race. And if change is necessary, there are legal means to go about that change.  If people would spend more time contacting legislators and congressmen,  using intelligence instead of violence....then change might happen.  If people would spend more time praying for peace rather than rioting...then peace would come.

I'm so frustrated right now.  I could go and on......

                                                       Photo by Cheryl Williams, 2014