Dear faithful readers,
I haven’t been with you for a while now, not since the shooting of George Floyd. That horror literally stopped me in my tracks, making whatever wise advice I had recently accrued seem meaningless, as were the photos of my garden finally with poppies in full bloom; now the poppies have come and gone.
I saw an interview Sunday night with Sherrilyn Ifill, President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund https://www.cbsnews.com/video/60minutes-2020-06-07/ - I recommend it (start at 2:09). One of Ifill’s many insights was in answer to the question, What was different about this racist murder? To which she responded, It was long. Indeed, exactly, so long. So much time to be aware that you are forcing the life breath out of a person So much time to ignore the cries of a human being as you are taking his life from him. And the look on the cop’s face, indifferent, casual, arrogant, one of the faces of murderers throughout time. That film clip haunts me, every time, and should haunt me for the rest of my life, calling for action, propelling me to action.
One action of many involves the police in our small town – how can we redirect some of the funds they are allocated in the city budget to be better aligned to the actual needs of the community? The police are not best trained or best equipped to serve/respond to the homeless, to substance abusers, to snarky kids testing boundaries, to those acting out emotional extremis, to family violence; in fact, what we need are more professionals trained with relevant skills.
And what are some of the institutions which offer opportunities and support for the advancement of members of the black community who’ve been so long held down, under the knee, unable to breathe? There are so many things to do, so many worthy causes to support. And never leave out voting. Without justice, there can never be peace.
A very different video my friend Martha Ackelsberg sent to me via Dorothy Zellner who writes, I know you, like me, are getting hundreds of emails and links, etc., but this one is exceptional. Please watch the Rev.Joseph Lowery, a veteran of the civil rights movement (recently deceased), tell one of his favorite stories as only he could, the meaning of which is so relevant for today. It's short and riveting and oh so important, https://youtu.be/4OsT7L3-Xgs.
Contrary to newly relaxed restrictions and the rejoicing of some that numbers have declined, the coronavirus has not gone away, nor have the stresses on those still working to offer medical care, emotional support, vital community services. So I’m still helping rabbis in hospital chaplaincy, synagogue rabbis who are working so hard with unprecedented responsibilities – those who need others to listen, to care, to share strength. Therefore, I’ve decided to take a bit of a break from A Time to Write. I will let you know when I’m back in business. Till then, try the other writing program on the Derekh site, Writing in the Paradigm of Prayer; stay well, continue distancing and wearing masks – we’re not there yet.
What have been your reactions to the murder of George Floyd? To those charged for his murder?
What is your view of the United States and how/has your view changed with regard to race relations?
If you are a POC, are there stories you want to tell, stories you want others to hear, about your experiences growing up, living, working, going to school in the US? If you are not a POC, how can you be an ally? For all, how might you work to create a better, more just way of life for all - locally? nationally?
Do you have others with whom you can honestly discuss racism in the US? If not, how can you find a network? Identify who can help you find books to read, films to watch, so that you can become more educated on race matters.
What have you considered/what might you consider to add your voice, your resources, toward solutions?
May our pain and brokenness heal as we work to create a just and equal society.