I am a seventy-year-old white guy who reached adulthood in
the late 60’s and early 70’s when there was a general feeling among the youth
of our nation that, like today, we were
on the brink of a new age of social awakening.
In 1979, as a Pentecostal pastor, I founded a church in southern
Maryland that had a congregation that was predominately black and ministered
there until 2001. Now, I am a Quaker and
recently designed a wristband with black and white hands shaking, the words,
“Black Lives Matter to Me: and a red heart with a peace sign in the middle to
proclaim a commitment to racial justice and harmony in a spirit of peace and
love. I am only presenting this to say that as much as I am able, I understand
and welcome the peaceful aspects of the BLM movement.
I am, however, deeply concerned that those who are caught up
in aggressive/violent protests do not recognize that they are playing right
into the hands of our current president.
Fearmongering is his primary tactic. It is what propelled him into the
White House and is already evident in his political advertising this year. Engaging
in acts of destruction is spreading fear among many citizens who might
otherwise support a progressive agenda and allowing him to present himself as
the only means of restoring law and order.
Consider the accomplishments of those who ‘fought’ for
racial equality in the latter half of the 20th century. Their foundational commitment was to non- violent
civil disobedience. Their possession of
the moral high ground was radiantly clear as they suffered injustice while
maintaining a spirit of patience and love.
Their efforts led to passage of landmark civil rights legislation and
prepared a path straight to the White House for our first African American president.
Your outrage over systemic racism and police brutality is
completely justified. However, we live
in a democracy ruled by laws enacted by elected representatives. Protests may provide a voice for the disenfranchised,
but the election of politicians who share those concerns is the way to bring
about meaningful and lasting change.
De you feel a need to do something. If you must protest, take the wind out of
Trump’s sails and do it peacefully. If
you want to be even more effective, channel that energy into voter registration
efforts and create a voting block that is focused and powerful. Coordinate transportation resources for
election day that will ensure that everyone has a way to get to and from their
voting location. If you live in a state that supports it, help your family
members, friends and neighbors utilize early voting or mail-in ballots.
It has been said that in a democracy people get the
government that they deserve. In 2016,
voter indifference allowed racism to usher Donald J. Trump into the highest
elected office in our nation. I pray that we do not repeat this mistake. Let us make every effort to ensure that this
year we elect individuals who will faithfully work towards a time when there is
truly freedom and justice for all.
We must embrace the final message from our recently departed
national treasure, Rep. John R. Lewis.
“Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul
of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting
and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most
powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use
it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.
You must also study and learn the lessons of history because
humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a
very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, through
decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why
the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges
of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the
globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation
of others.
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the
highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my
life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of
love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let
freedom ring.
When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the
21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy
burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence,
aggression and war. So, I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters,
and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.”
