Those of you who are regular readers of these weekly visits know that I try to stay on the "lighter" side of things. There are times in which I do feel compelled to use this pulpit (bully or not) to say some things that I think ought to be said. Sometimes that means tackling things that may not be quite so "bright and cheery." I am very grateful for the opportunity to do so and I will always try to use these opportunities for good and never evil.
The events of the past week or so have caused me a great deal of dismay, as I'm sure it has for many of you. Watching the events unfold, I am reminded of something my father often said to me, when he was trying to teach me one of the "lessons" I needed to learn. I'm sure many of you have heard this same phrase, "Two wrongs don't make a right."
I was horrified when I saw video of the killing of George Floyd. In my eyes, nothing justifies Mr. Floyd being pinned to the pavement after he was already handcuffed. These officers either actively participated in or passively allowed the murder to unfold before their eyes. The callous disregard for human life by the person with his knee pressing down on Mr. Floyd's neck is chilling to watch and is a disgrace to the badge he once wore. Thankfully, he has been charged with murder, which is the right thing. He is entitled to his day in court and he is entitled to a rigorous defense, something he chose to deny Mr. Floyd. The other three participants in this crime have now been charged and from what I have seen, there is evidence enough for such an action. Hopefully, all those responsible for Mr. Floyd's death will be held accountable for their actions, or inactions.
On the other hand, I have seen, also with horror, the burning and looting of many of the great cities across the nation. This criminal behavior resulted from riots that originated as peaceful protests over what happened to Mr. Floyd. I have heard people attempt to justify these actions with excuses such as: "Well, they [the business owners] have insurance, so it doesn't really hurt them," or "Losing some material things doesn't compare with someone losing their life" and "Riots are the only way we can have our voices heard." In my eyes, none of these excuses are any kind of justification for stealing.
Now before some of you say, "Stealing isn't nearly as bad as murder," let me remind you of what Pat Patrick often said to me, "Two wrongs don't make a right." The criminal behavior of those who steal from stores is wrong, period. The criminal behavior resulting in the death of Mr. Floyd was wrong, period. One simply does not justify the other.
Peaceful protest is a God-given right, woven deep into the very fabric of our nation. The second those protests begin to hinder the rights of others, they cease to be a right. Protesters do not have the right to block traffic. Protesters do not have the right to throw bricks at police officers. Protesters do not have the right to steal and destroy the property of others.
Just like a lot of things Pat Patrick told me, there was a great deal of wisdom in "Two wrongs don't make a right." However, "Three rights do make a left."