51 years ago, a great man stood in Washington D.C. and boldly announced:
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Sadly, that dream has not been realized. If anything, we are more a polarized nation today than we were half a century ago. While obvious signs of racial hatred have faded, (i.e. white only drinking fountains, bathrooms and public cafes, etc.), the continual question of "race" and "racial motivation" not only continues, but has worked it way into every decision and event.
Garner's death was indeed tragic and unnecessary, but to continually dwell on the color of his skin and the skin color of ALL the police officers involved completely ignores the greater problem - crime and disrespect of those in authority.
Are there corrupt police officers? Yes there are. In the same way there are corrupt government officials, teachers, pastors, priests, janitors, factory workers, garbage collectors, shop keepers, farmers - the list extends to every form and type of employment. But that has nothing to do with the color of their skin but the content of their character and if they are indeed corrupt then their character is corrupt.
But let us remember as well the legion of individuals whose character is good and noble. The thousands upon thousands of individuals who do what is right, who live and work according to principles of honesty and integrity, men and women who daily labor for the greater good of society as a whole and perhaps, without realizing it, fulfill King's dream to look beyond race and simply see a fellow human being.
How then, can we solve the "race" problem in America?
Stop talking about it.
BTW - IBTL
