GEORGE FLOYD // FROM LONG BEACH WITH LOVE
I am proud to be from Long Beach and found pride among my community as we marched to the beat of progression. Progression from a despicable way of treating our fellow members of society. Progression from an ancient tradition that should have perished with its decay long ago. Progression towards a healthy form of a societal mold. Progression for all united as one. It is quite clear the system is clinging to its roots and unwilling to depart from its infantile ways, yet it is critical for maturation to be in effect. Maturation into a productive institution, rather than remaining stagnant in a cataclysm of hindering ideals.
I see color, yes, and I fucking love to. I love that my friends are different than me and I to them. I am absolutely enthralled by the differing ways of each culture and I let them steep in my psyche so I can be the Man I have become.
I am angry and deeply saddened by the way humans are treated here in my country. To say it's not fair would be cliche , yet that is the truth.
I find it atrocious to even be having to say this. I find it atrocious that communities across America feel that lashing back in violence is the only way to have their point heard, their point acknowledged, their Being accepted. For this reason alone is why what had been a beautiful peaceful protest and moved this individual to tears seeing the anguish and solidarity of those involved, turned into a disgraceful smash and loot ultimately distracting the core issue from heart-shed hurt and desire for change to a vulgar display of retaliation. Retaliation is only necessary in the midst of oppression. And so it is necessary as a display of self defense. The destruction of property, disobedience and the breaking of the societal contract is a reaction to violence already enacted upon it. It may be wrong, but in that way it can be viewed as justified.
We need solutions, we need reformed drug laws, we need respectful authority. We will respect the police force as a whole, when the police force as a whole respects the citizens it claims it protects.
In any case, we are all upset by the treatment and murder of George Floyd and the rest of the innocent victims of authoritative abuse. We marched in his and all of their honor. We marched to exclaim our desires. We marched and our impact reverberates around the globe. Strengthened and strengthening all the other exclamations for Progress much overdue.
My gratitude goes to all purveyors of justice and I am optimistic that reasonable solutions will prevail.
Thank You.
