The reality of the day by Sue Robin

Today, with the use of tear gas and flash bangs, the president had peaceful protestors cleared from Lafayette Park. Looking simultaneously like a banana republic dictator and an empty suit, he hefted a bible and declared that “We have a great country. That’s my thoughts.” My thoughts are unprintable. Fortunately, once again, Sue is able to articulate clearly even in the midst of her grief and anger.

Trump threatens to deploy military in response to George Floyd protests—UPI

Police chief to Trump: If you can’t be constructive, keep your mouth shut—CNN

June 1, 2020

The reality of the day
by Sue Robin, Los Angeles, California

There is a new hawk chick in the tree off the deck. We watched Mama Hawk sit on the egg and Papa Hawk take his turn. Now they are nurturing this tiny fluff ball, hopefully, to adulthood. It is a bit of a distraction, entertainment even, while we eat breakfast al fresco or when we pass by the window. We report to each other, “You can see the baby now!” “Dad just flew in with food.” “Mama has her red tail towards the house.” We grab the binoculars and take a peek. Rewarded by the joy of new life.

Then we return to the reality of the day: more than 377,000 fellow humans have died from COVID-19 world-wide. While yet another Black Man, Mr. George Floyd, has been brutally killed by a policeman. Peoples’ protests have turned into rioting and the one who calls himself President foments. During his tenure, President Barack Obama brought a calming influence after Mr. Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson. Obama ended his speech with, “So now is the time for healing. Now is the time for peace and calm on the streets of Ferguson. Now is the time for an open and transparent process to see that justice is done.” Trump responds to the violence with tweets: “When looting starts, shooting starts” and “We’ll call in the military.” He reposts a “Cowboys for Trump” post that states, “The only good Democrat is a dead Democrat.”

At 72, damn close to 73, I falsely thought that our better natures would learn how to love one another. Too many people love only their own kind and will not open their hearts and minds to the world. We all suffer because of it, but none more than the people of color and those whose religious beliefs are different. In 1991, in Los Angeles after being beaten, Rodney King said, “Why can’t we all just get along?” That question remains unanswered.

God created Eve from Adam’s rib and when I think about what that might signify, I think that one bit of wisdom one might take from it is that God wanted us to see that we are all One. I weep and pray that the message of wholeness becomes the new mantra of our times.