A FEW WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

It’s been so encouraging to see the strong show of support for Black Lives Matter in the Manhattan Beach area. Those of us who recognize that this is such a critical time, not only for BLM, but for the soul of our country, need to support each other and continue the struggle for equality and dignity.

The forces of fear, ignorance and bigotry will continue their attacks and distractions. The ugly race-baiting and goading provocations of a narcissistic con man will incite many more incidents of “Karen” and her clan.

But now, at this crucial time when police brutality is daily exposed through the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks, not to mention the tragic racist murder of Ahmaud Arbery and countless others, we recognize and understand, deep in our hearts that something is very wrong in America. Something that won’t go away by waving a flag or wearing a red hat or reciting a mantra I learned in third grade about ‘the greatest country in the world.’ There is a stain on our flag and it won’t go away and we, who feel it and know it have to remain strong and stand together.

The coming months will undoubtedly bring a sustained and concerted assault on our ideals; on our desire for a better America; on the people we represent. Our purpose now is to remain strong and united.

Recently I heard a group of senior citizens in Florida screaming USA! USA! - another mantra - used with such anger, almost as a weapon against some peaceful protestors. But let’s remember what the U in USA stands for: United.

That is the one thing this country is not; we are sadly divided, divided intentionally by a man not interested in his country but in himself. No one believes this country can sustain four more years of bitter division.

United. I offer these words of encouragement to all of my friends and fellow citizens who know in their hearts that this is the time when America needs heroes, small heroes; like you and me.

When I see a Black Lives Matter sign on a front lawn, a rainbow sign, a sign of unity, it gives me hope. Let’s stay strong. Together we can have that America, the America we can all be proud of; the America that would make my third grade teacher proud.

When I see a Black Lives Matter sign on a front lawn, a rainbow sign, a sign of unity, it gives me hope. Let’s stay strong. Together we can have that America, the America we can all be proud of; the America that would make my third grade teacher proud.