OT Time to reflect

Battleborn

Folks, this is not a political post. One way or the other. These are my thoughts. 

Right now is the time to reflect on who we are. As individuals, communities and a country. What has happened over the last week is horrifying and it is all of our faults collectively. 

George Floyd was murdered by humans that wore a badge. That badge is supposed to represent service, protection and integrity. We failed George and many others before him. We have to be better and be accountable to those we are charged to serve.

Every single cop I know feels the same way. We are hurt, disgusted and embarrased that these issues still happen. It is incumbent on us to take ownership and remove any cancer among our ranks. Rebuild relationships and build trust. 

Last night one of my brothers was shot in the head apprehending a person that was agitating and escalating a protest that for many proceeding hours was peaceful and self policing. Shortly afterward, a few miles away, a person with multiple firearms and wearing body armor approached officers and reached for a gun. Those officers were put in a situation were they had to take a life. 

I don't know what the overall solution is. I do know that we, everyone, has to be better. I will continue to do what I do, for as long as I can, because I want to be part of the solution. I challenge myself to be a better husband, father, public servant, neighbor and friend. I challenge everyone to do the same. 

Here is a picture of some chicken, because this is a BBQ forum.

frazzdaddy

@Battleborn, you are a hero and an example for all in my book. Please keep your head up and try to be safe. God bless what you do for all of us.

SciAggie

Thanks for posting this. We all need to reflect. Stay safe and bless you. 

JohnInCarolina

Take care of yourself out there man.  I appreciate what you do and the thoughtfulness of your comments on this subject in general.  

The Cen-Tex Smoker

Thank you for posting this. Please continue to take care of yourself out there. Appreciate your thoughts and appreciate you speaking up.

StillH2OEgger

I certainly don't envy the job you do every day. Thanks for all that you do. And, anyone who flags your post should be removed from this forum by the Buffalo.

GATraveller

First thought when I saw the news this morning went to you @Battleborn
Be safe brother! Praying for you. 

lousubcap

Thank you for weighing in from someone who lives it every day.  Your perspective is invaluable as this continues.
Stay safe and thank you for what you do and confront every day.  

YukonRon

America is a very fragile vessel right now, and it is being cared for by the heroes on the front line, our first responders. 

Having to fight through the political BS from those in the bunkers, the fear, the ignorance, and making it safer and kinder for everyone, is a responsibility few are wired tight enough to handle.

Thank you for being one of the good guys. We need more like you leading the way and making changes for a stronger America.

I think of your battles everyday. I am always glad to see your posts.

Stay safe. Stay well.

Chicken looked great.

Wolfpack

Thanks to you and your family for the sacrifices you make. Your comments get to the heart of the matter- we all need to strive to personally be better. I think everyone can find hope and a way forward in the message. 

gonepostal

Thank you for what you do @Battleborn. Be safe brother.

the_crease

This is a thought provoking post.  I accept your challenge.  Thank you 

alaskanassasin

Chicken looks good... and thank you 

Foghorn

THANK YOU  for starting this thread.  THANK YOU your commitment to the safety and betterment of others each and every day.

As I mentioned on a different thread, the key to understanding the situation we are in is to understand that we haven't made significant progress since Martin Luther King was assassinated.  By many metrics we have gone backwards over the past 40 years.  His words explain why.  

“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

The first step for most of us white guys is to recognize our white privilege - which is illustrated pretty well in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K5fbQ1-zps

@the_crease, well done accepting the challenge.  I also accept.

If you are not one of the bad people, you need to stop being silent, speak up, and take action.  It's not just "a" solution.  It's the only solution.