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This is not the time to tune out. Yes, I know most of us are feeling overwhelmed by everything right now. The virus is continuing to take lives on a daily basis. Many people have lost their job. People are having a hard time paying their rent or putting food on the table. And most of us are getting tired and a little crazy staying home.
I am not suggesting that we watch cable news 24/7, but I am suggesting that we pay close attention to what is going on in this world and especially in this country. This is a time when we need resilience more than ever. And we need to be practicing the skills and the attitudes of resilience and applying them daily. This is a time to connect with other people and to communicate. Maybe you do this by getting involved in the protests. It is our right to do this as American citizens.
We also need to be communicating with those who represent us in Washington. I would encourage you to send letters, emails and make phone calls to the White House and to your congressional representatives. Let them know how you feel about what is going on. They need to hear from you. They need to realize that you understand that racism is alive and well in this country and that it should finally be dealt with effectively by our society.
Do not let fear stop you from doing this. This is not the 1960s. Policies of domination and suppression have gotten us into this mess and will only make things worse. Speak out. Remember that the majority of protests have been nonviolent. There have been very few "riots." Maintaining order is important, but law and order can be used as a way to suppress dissent and to maintain the status quo. It is hopefully becoming more clear to everyone that there are many wrongs in this country that need to be righted. Most of the law enforcement people I speak to are appalled by what happened in Minneapolis. No law enforcement agencies or organizations have spoken out in favor of the way in which George Floyd was treated.
The right to protest and speak out is guaranteed in our Constitution. It is the First Amendment. And by far, it is considerably more important than the Second Amendment. Make use of it. Speak up. Talk with your friends and family. Connect with your congressional representatives and let the President know how you feel about what is going on. Do not be silent.
