This time yesterday, five Dallas cops were escorting a peaceful group of protesters down the street. There was no violence. There were photos and chants and maybe some prayers. People were showing they were angry and hoping that this action would bring attention to their cause. This time yesterday, people held some hope because such events being peaceful have become the exception, not the norm. This time yesterday five families went through their lives. They went to ball games, picked kids up from soccer practice, went to the grocery store. This time yesterday they did was was normal.This time yesterday five police officers were doing their job. They were helping control traffic, they were protecting protesters and businesses, they were chatting with protesters down the line. This time yesterday, five families hadn't been shattered by the mindless, vindictive act of a shooter. This time yesterday, fathers, grandfathers, husbands, brothers and sons were still alive.
But that was yesterday. Now it's today and we're left to pick up the pieces. Most of us are sick of the excuses from all sides and equally sick of politicians posturing for best effect. Does anyone really care about the people-and make no mistake cops are people too? Long after the floral memorials have faded and been hauled away the pain will remain. Wives will slowly give away the clothing. Children will find other teachers to learn how to ride a bike, or tie a tie. Fathers will gaze on the photos at holidays and hear the echo of "what if...." No healing can fill that hole no matter what people say. My son said today "We don't have a cop problem, we have a people problem." and no truer words were spoken. We've become a society of narcissists ruled by selfie sticks and social media. People are more concerned about their own narrow world than the world at large. Andy Warhol predicted "In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." He never said it would be a good thing. Perhaps it is time to start with the man in the mirror in order to clean up the world. And that doesn't mean some people, it means ALL. You cannot claim you are unbiased if you do not include all lives in your prayers.
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