Deja Vu ... "We" have been through this before.

This is not going to be an in depth history lesson, but rather a short reminder that our country has been through this unrest before only it's also not what you are likely thinking it is about.

The problem is viewed as racism. Specifically white racism directed towards blacks. The truth of the matter is there are racists of every color, every creed, every nationality. It is a plague for which the only cure is one we do not embrace - love. 

Something else we do know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, is violent protests will not solve racism. 

You doubt me?

Take a long look at the plight of Native Americans.  

Want to talk about a race war?  How did that work out for Native Americans?

I have been on reservations. They are, for the most part, the original ghettos of this country.  Rural ghettos, but slums nonetheless. And Native Americans were not even recognized as citizens of these United States of America until 1924.  Imagine the rage if we had athletic teams using the nicknames of "the Niggas" or "the Spades" as we have teams with the nicknames of "the Indians" and "the Redskins".  Yeah ... 

So, when black Americans stake singular claim to being victims of racism I in turn think how naive that sentiment actually is and how unfortunate it is they are still fighting battles previously lost with tactics that have proven to be inadequate for initiating the change they seek. 

We know the way to change - Trust, Respect, Service to one another, Love.  

Building positive productive relationships with one another.

Anger, violence, hate have little short term benefit, impede progress and have long-term negative impacts on the cause, the message, the change we want to see.  

Will we ever learn violence is not the correct answer?