I Stand My Ground With My Words
Why was the life of a black youth
walking through his “white” neighborhood
snuffed out by an old man’s bullet?
Fear. Racism. Because Zim had a gun.
When did “standing your ground”
mean wielding not words,
but a weapon?
Bad laws. NRA lobby $$.
When will we decide to
engage in conversation and reject
vigilante injustice?
When we resume being human.
We’ve been in collective PTSD
since 9-11, and brown and black folks
have lost ground since then.
Don’t tell me it’s not racism.
Hearts have hardened by war
and lies and this horrid Congress,
divided and divorced from reality.
They have armed guards.
Try this on for size: If you cannot
stand your ground with words, you’re
not mature enough to own a pistol.
Your possessions are not worth a life.
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
‘Nuff said. For Poets United’s Poetry Pantry, Imaginary Garden With Real Toads’ Open Link Monday, and dverse Open Mic Night.
Sharp Little Pencil 
J Cosmo Newbery
Well said, Amy. Watching from afar, from a country largely free of gun crime, I can only shake my head in dismay.
Timoteo
The last sentence–that says it all right there.
tatiusdarksong
Point well made, it’s time for people to start listening.
sayan aich
well expressed…colors are driving swords into `the heart of the world
vandana
How true. When god loves all,why humans are entangled in colour of skin and racism.
brian miller
you bring out a lot of factors in this…a divorced congress leading the country…the face that stereotyping still exists…zimmerman is latino, correct? so, what are people doing? beyond becoming more divided…i think there are deep cultural issues that have to be answered…and i dont know that those in power will go that far…but only keep it on the surface…
lwk2431
“Why was the life of a black youth
walking through his “white” neighborhood
snuffed out by an old man’s bullet?”
Probably cause he was on drugs (proven in the autopsy, both marijuana and an illegal street drug called “lean” that least so paranoia and aggression). Probably because he attacked Zimmerman in a place Zimmerman had every right to be. Probably because at that point Zimmerman rightfully had a belief that Martin might kill him.
If young black kids don’t want to be killed they have a simple action plan. Don’t physically attack people. You might get killed if the person has a concealed handgun.
Don’t you feel better already know there is a simple way to prevent these tragedies in the future?
lwk
free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com
Sharp Little Pencil
Dear whatever your name is,
Wow, don’t hold back; tell me how you really feel.
Have you ever smoked pot? They found trace amounts in Trayvon’s system. I’ve seen many an alcoholic beat his wife but I’ve never found any stoner wanted more than Skittles (which is what he went to the store to get, I think). No mention in any tox reports of the “lean” drug you cite, so that probably came from Fox.
George Zimmerman schooled on “Stand Your Ground” and was itching to put his tuition to good use. He ignored every instruction from the police, who told him to stay in his car. HE attacked Tray, not the other way around. Trayvon had no gun, no weapon at all.
Tray may have had residual pot in his system (oh, the horrors of being mellow), but Zimmerman’s medical records noted he’d been prescribed Adderall (for ADD) and Temazepam (anziety and insomnia) prior to the shooting. Side effects for both medications, reported in a small portion of patients, include agitation and mood swings.
I rest my case. Thanks for trying, though. You should get your facts straight and from multiple, qualified journalistic sources before coming on my blog and spewing racist rhetoric about “what young BLACK males should do.” I’m guessing you’re as beige as a shortbread cookie. Amy
lwk2431
“No mention in any tox reports of the “lean” drug you cite, so that probably came from Fox.”
The autopsy report showed telltale liver damage which is the “signature” of using “lean.” The drink he bought and Skittles are two out of three ingredients of one formula for “lean.” He probably had the other ingredient already.
“Lean” is known to cause paranoia and aggression. I suspect that Trayvon had whatever caution and good sense he possessed diminished by the drugs he was using, leading him to ambush and attach Zimmerman.
“George Zimmerman schooled on “Stand Your Ground” and was itching to put his tuition to good use.”
You don’t know that. You just assume it is true because perhaps it fits your assumptions.
“Zimmerman” ignored every instruction from the police, who told him to stay in his car.”
A police dispatcher told Zimmerman “you don’t need to do that.” A dispatcher is not a sworn police officer any more than you are one. Zimmerman replied “ok” and we don’t know exactly what he did beyond that point – no evidence, only assumptions.
“HE attacked Tray, not the other way around.”
Again, you have no evidence for this, and the physical evidence points to exactly the opposition conclusion, e.g., the pictures of the wounds that Zimmerman suffered.
“Trayvon had no gun, no weapon at all.”
This is true. However he was into Mixed Martial Arts fighting and the evidence points towards him attacking Zimmerman (not knowing that Zimmerman was armed). Based on the evidence Zimmerman finally shot after being knocked down, his nose broke, and being beat on.
“I rest my case.”
You ought to rest it. You have no case. That is why the jury found Zimmerman not guilty.
“…spewing racist rhetoric …”
Black racism is the largest problem preventing reconciliation today. Many blacks worship the ground that Dr. Martin Luther King walked upon, but they have largely betrayed almost every principle he stood for in life – love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
lwk
free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com
thecheesewolf
clear, straight and on the money. Great write SLP.
Sherry Blue Sky
Yes, “when we resume being human”. Collective PTSD for certain. Racism definitely. Great write, kiddo.
Lisa A.Williams
Wonderful write! So many tragedies this past decade, hatred is so prevalent. when will “we resume being human”?
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
Well said. I am in complete accord.
Jim
Hi Amy ~~ Yes, this is terrible and you said it well, I agree with you.
One of the men in Houston, a minister said it good also:
“The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, said he was not in the jury box but wanted to present three facts: Zimmerman was told to stay in the car. When he got out of the car anyway, he was carrying a gun. He shot Martin in the chest.
“If he was genuinely interested in community civility he wouldn’t have been packing,” Caldwell said.”
He should have been found guilty even though the “stand our ground” law exists. It did not apply to him because he was told to stay in the car. He disobeyed a lawful order. Most times to disobey a 911 operator will get a person a slap of the wrist. But Zimmerman was able to kill because he disobeyed.
I would have loved to have been on that jury although the prosecution team was for the pits.
..
Sharp Little Pencil
Jim, right on. That pastor said it better than any officer I’ve heard so far. The trial was a travesty. They just couldn’t face going home to their Tea Party hubbies after putting Zimm in jail. In fact, I think I’ll start calling the Concealed Carry kids here in WIsconsin “Zimmers.”
I, too, wish I had been on the jury, but I guess you don’t qualify unless you’re a cracker in Florida, and that’s a damned shame. Thanks, Jim. Amy
lwk2431
“He should have been found guilty even though the “stand our ground” law exists. It did not apply to him because he was told to stay in the car. He disobeyed a lawful order. Most times to disobey a 911 operator will get a person a slap of the wrist. But Zimmerman was able to kill because he disobeyed.”
Except what you say is not true. Read the transcript. The police dispatcher is not a police officer and has not more police authority than you or I do. The dispatcher asked Zimmerman if he was out of his car and then told him “you don’t need to do that” which doesn’t sound like an order. What happened beyond that we don’t know from any real evidence (I don’t count speculation and theory).
Therefore Zimmerman did not obey any “lawful order” from anyone. I would presume if that were the case that would have been another charge against him.
Zimmerman was properly found not guilty. “Not guilty” actually doesn’t mean “innocent.” It just means not guilty _beyond_ a reasonable doubt.
lwk
free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com
Pamela
Hey, quit beating up on my friend, Amy. You obviously are just trying to provoke her. Go elsewhere, dude.
Sharp Little Pencil
I had the last word, and being suitably chastened, he went on to another blog, apparently. Cowardice is a key component to bullying, and isn’t that ironic? Gracias, amiga. Amelita
Susie Clevenger (@wingsobutterfly)
Powerful piece of truth!
Mary
Amy, thanks for sharing your poem with Poets United Poetry Pantry. Please respectfully accept my failure to comment on its topic, which I assume you want. I truly try to keep poetry separate and not to involve myself in controversy. Thank you for understanding.
Sharp Little Pencil
Mary, I never assume about comments, and no one is obliged to comment, you know that. I don’t quite understand your reticence, but that’s for me to ponder! Thanks, Amy
LaTonya
Amy, I stand wit you. Susan has a post for links. Here’s my own reaction:
http://blackandgraylifemusings.blogspot.com/2013/07/lobster-boil.html#comment-form
kaykuala
It is sad that stereo typing brings tragedy. While individuals work on their old feel. it is sinful that ordinary folks in judgement reflect like attitudes – from those on the streets and those learned jury members. A handful of folks like you Amelita still retain that sense of uprightness and dignity of good judgement. Great admiration for that!
Hank
Kay, Alberta, Canada
“If you cannot stand your ground with words, you’re not mature enough to own a pistol.”
This reminds me of someone I know, a relative, who was kidnapped by two men in India, and managed to talk himself out of it. He didn’t need a gun. I don’t recommend getting kidnapped anywhere, but I know things can be solved without firepower.
Some Canadians are starting to get gun-crazy, too, and I’ve actually heard them quoting “the right to bear arms” as if it were part of the Canadian constitution, which it definitely is not.
Breaks my heart that all the civil rights advances from years back are now starting to fall apart, Amy. So sad.
K
Sharp Little Pencil
Agreed. And here, not three years ago, Michael Moore was talking about how Canadians don’t lock their doors, let alone own guns for the most part.
Arms are an INDUSTRY, folks. Then it’s “why did I buy a gun if I’m not going to use it?” Forget logic, forget diplomacy. I lay a lot of the blame at the feet of Mr. GW Bush and his cowboy antics attacking a then-defenseless Iraq. Thanks, Kay, and sorry to hear about your country’s situation. The NRA have long tentacles, right? Amy
lwk2431
“Arms are an INDUSTRY, folks.”
So are drugs (legal drugs). You should read:
Guns And Drugs
http://free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/guns-and-drugs/
The personal firearms industry is perhaps 1/100th the size of the pharma industry. How many kids now on psychoactive drugs for ADHD, etc.? Now that is what PROFIT is all about.
lwk
free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com
lwk2431
‘“If you cannot stand your ground with words, you’re not mature enough to own a pistol.”’
As a person who carries a loaded handgun in public every day I can tell you that most people I know who carry are very aware of the responsibility. Facts bear that out. As a class of people those who get a legal permit to carry are sometimes arrested for firearms violations, but at a rate slightly (very slightly) less than sworn police officers being arrested for similar violations. As a group, people who carry concealed handguns are some of the most law abiding and responsible people in the U.S.
You may throw out counter-examples here or there, but in fact these are cases where the “exception prove the rule,” they are so rare in comparison to the hundreds of thousands (soon to be millions) of people who legally carry.
“I know things can be solved without firepower.”
Reasonable people always try to use words first, if possible. One motto of people that carry is that “I can no longer afford ANGER.” But sometimes nothing but deadly force will stop an aggressor. So if you are in that situation, even once in your life, then if you don’t have the means to defend yourself you will be a victim and a statistic.
Do you think words would have had any effect on Adam Lanza? Shame on those who made up the “Gun Free School Zone Act” and left that principal and teachers unarmed and unable to defend children.
lwk
free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com
Sharp Little Pencil
Exceptions can prove the rule. The fact that Zim was on a cocktail of drugs from his doctor is no excuse for that doctor not to probe him about his daily routine, presence of arms in the house, etc. My doctor routinely asks these questions when prescribing certain drugs, such as, “Don’t drive after taking this until you know how you handle it,” and has asked me (when I was prescribed an anti-anxiety pill), “Let me be frank. Have you ever been suicidal or had those thoughts? Are there guns in your home?”
Had Mr. Z’s doctor been thorough, there is NO WAY he would have condoned Mr. Zimmerman owning a handgun. He probably would have advised him to leave Neighborhood Watch because of a tendency to overreact.
Have YOU checked in with a mental health professional about your anxiety? I ask this out of concern, not with any sarcasm. Mental health issues are a huge part of my blog. Peace, Amy
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
Amy you have my sympathy for being the target of a blinkered bigot. Frankly he doesn’t merit a platform for his vitriol, and certainly has no right to use yours.
Sharp Little Pencil
I decided to keep his comments on the blog because there is such deep meaning in the exchange; but, I drew the line when he began attacking fellow bloggers. At that point, I had to turn on Comment Moderation, which I hate doing. Sad thing is, he thinks I’m the idiot for not recognizing the “importance” of being armed.
Thanks for supporting me, Viv. Truly appreciated. Amy
Susan
Poignant. I love using words to stand your ground. I hope I do it just as powerfully. Would you like to link your poem here? Shall I do it? http://susan60.blogspot.com/2013/07/guilty-not.html
David King
Truth an common sense in equal proportions.
Kerry O'Connor
I am sure the debate over this judgement will continue until another atrocity happens in another place and focus shifts. The picture at the top of the page really makes a heart-breaking statement. All issues aside, a child lost his life unfairly, and he wasn’t the first nor the last to do so. Sadly fear is the mindset of suburban life the world over, with so much invested in possessions and not enough in compassion.
lwk2431
“… a child lost his life unfairly, and he wasn’t the first nor the last to do so.”
Trayvon Martin was hardly a “child.” He was 17 years old, looking to buy a gun (from his phone messages), getting into drugs and bragging about his Mixed Martial Arts fighting and beating up people – he said, again from his phone, that he wanted to fight some guy again because the first time “he didn’t bleed enough.”
Hardly a child by any rational reckoning.
In the meantime how many black “children” who are really teenage gang bangers and drug dealers in Chicago murdered each other? But that is not big news because it was a black killing another black and the liberal media don’t really seem to care to much about that – based on their coverage compared to one “white hispanic” guy killing a young black man.
Blacks are about 12-13% of the U.S. population but – according to FBI stats – account for over 50% of the killers where the race of the killer is known (and blacks are also the most likely victim of homicides by blacks).
“…with so much invested in possessions and not enough in compassion.”
Read Thomas Sowell. Programs supposedly designed for “compassion” and to help blacks have since the 1960s and LBJ’s “War On Poverty” destroyed the black family. All the compassion in the world won’t help without some common sense.
That is a large part of the problem today. People with lots of compassion wanting the government to solve the problem and in the end making it worse. You would think that intelligent people could look back on the results of the last 50 years of trying to help and realize what a stupid mess they have made instead.
lwk
free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com
Sharp Little Pencil
Hey, folks, this is an open forum and I have said repeatedly that I do not censor comments, but lwk is putting the hate on too many people here, people whose opinion I truly admire and who I would hate to lose from my readership. Therefore, I am turning on Approval (reluctantly) and will have to delete further comment from a person who is the biggest Foxhead ever to visit my blog.
He feels that only blacks have lost the meaning of the words of Dr. King. What about Anglos? Especially (compensatory) pistol-toters?
If anyone is making a “stupid mess” in this country, it’s NRA freaks like the above mentioned blogger. His self-hatred is being force-fed onto my friends, and that I will not have.
I DO rest my case. With words. Peace, Amy
ihatepoetry
“Try this on for size: If you cannot
stand your ground with words, you’re
not mature enough to own a pistol.”
Amen sez Moskowitz the Unarmed Brown
Sharp Little Pencil
You’ve always got my back, brudda, and I have yours. Only angry people who run out of words have need for pistols. And there are so many of them! Still, I won’t erase lwk’s comments thusfar. People need to see what they are up against!!! Love you, Ameleh
Audrey Howitt
Amen Amy! When did we decide it was ok to kill and why?
Sharp Little Pencil
WE didn’t decide it. The arms industry did, and the NRA perpetuates it through lobbying and fearmongering, because it makes them a profit. Better to listen to a prophet: “LOVE.” But you already knew that, Audrey! Love, Amy
lovemorestudio
I don’t miss all the racist rhetoric back in the States– nor the gun culture, nor the media, nor the…I could go on. ~peace to everyone near and far, Jason
Sharp Little Pencil
Tell me about it. I stay and fight the good fight. Besides, my Spanish sucks and my French? They wouldn’t acknowledge me! The Puerto Ricans love me, but then I’d still be in America AND unable to vote for president!! Peace back atcha, brother, Amy
shanyns
Well said!
janehewey
a courageous and honest write, Amy. I appreciate your words.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Jane. I respect your writing, and this is a real compliment. Amy
climbing bean
“Try this on for size: If you cannot
stand your ground with words, you’re
not mature enough to own a pistol.”
Exactly this.
Sharp Little Pencil
I went right to your blog after reading your post. Thanks so much. Amy
cloudfactor5
Amen Amy to all you’ve said !! Murder is supposed to be against the law, except there are way too many exceptions !! For instance if you join the army the government teaches you how to kill because when you do it for them that makes it ok ??, I believe the pen is mightier than the sword, which is proved by lawyers every day who legally enjoy destroying peoples lives and rarely get a slap on the wrist !! I for one am always impressed with how you wield your Sharp Little Pencil,
Right On Sister !!! Remember, the one good thing about communism is the first thing they do is kill all the lawyers !!
Sharp Little Pencil
Ironically, that last line comes from Shakespeare! While I don’t condone killing (I’m an avowed pacifist – unless it’s a tarantula on my pillow), I had to laugh at your point!
It’s true – the govt. is sending back thousands and thousands of walking wounded who, now that they don’t have a target, are making targets of their spouses unless they get immediate help.
As for those who started the war, former Pres. Bush and former VP Cheney, I believe they should be tried for crimes against humanity. They not only didn’t get a slap on the wrist; they are still profiting from the war. It makes me sick. Thanks, Cloud! Amy
Laurie Kolp
This is so powerful, Amy! I am deeply saddened by the verdict. I had never thought of us being in collective PTSD since 9-11, either.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Laurie. And it’s that PTSD that causes the kind of fear which makes people like the cracker who’s haunting my blog “man up” by getting guns. It’s that Ted Nugent mentality, and it’s all about the fear. Thanks so much, and as you can see by others’ comments, we are grieving… all but one. Amy
leesis
Love your writing Amy, as usual. My heart goes out to every person in any country who goes out into their community and are fearful for their lives. Lwk sounds frightened. Your gun ownership stats make any potential argument with anyone very scary I think. Other countries have fears of being shot by fundamentaalists or of bombs falling on their heaad from a clever unarmed drone.
Climate change, political tensions, misguided beliefs…so many things are making folks scared. And that doesn’t always bring out the best in us…as individuals or countries. It’s sad.
Sharp Little Pencil
I think fear is behind almost all society’s ills… fear and greed. Solve those two and we’d have a just, kind, thriving world, no drones, no guns, lots of meditation… thanks Leesa, and praying for YaYa. Love, Amy
lwk2431
“Unfortunately, comment approval is back, thanks to a racist who is now haunting my blog.”
Don’t know if you will approve this post. Let’s see if you have the courage of your convictions.
Simple comment – your accusation of racism is way off the mark. We may disagree about what racism is, and what constitutes racism, but calling people names because you don’t like their views is juvenile.
It is largely such behavior – often on both sides of these debates – that makes rational discourse nearly impossible.
Regards,
lwk
free2beinamerica2.wordpress.com
Sharp Little Pencil
Racism is by definition an institutional term, meaning that the race in power sees the other races as inferior and treats them as such. Your comments to my fellow bloggers more than refute your racist posture. As to having the courage of my convictions, you obviously don’t know me – or the soil from which I spring. ‘Rational discourse’ with you would be like debating an armadillo. And my mama didn’t raise any armadillos.
You talk long and hard; you spew forth on your blog, safe in your anonymous cracker barrel. Me, I live in a world where rational discourse doesn’t include your types of judgment against “the other,” those whom Jesus loved most of all. Please don’t visit my blog anymore. That’s my final word to you, “lwk.”
At least I have the cajones to sign my real name on my blog and not hide behind a pseudonym, which serves to prove my point. You are a coward, so as one of my friends says, get lost and take your FAIL with you. Amy Barlow Liberatore
Gay
There is NO reason for tracking and killing a child. There is almost no reason for a person (other than law enforcement and I’m doubtful about them) to be carrying a gun in a suburban neighborhood. This all needs to END! Well written from the heart expressing what so many of us feel. It’s all out of hand.
Sharp Little Pencil
Agreed, Gay, and thanks. Amy
Sara V
Amy, I am so thankful for you. You always have that knack to say those words that I’m feeling, but can’t seem to voice. It’s a huge tragedy and gun laws are SO deeply in need of change. Until then, I’ll keep signing petitions, and sending love to you 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Sara, I’m humbled by your words. I used to get in a lot of trouble for having the right words at the right time, but now I’m more diplomatic. But I do have an extreme prejudice: Bigotry. So I let fly went needs be… Love, Amy
Pamela
Amelita, I commend you for writing what you believe, as I follow your thoughts and feelings exactly, amiga. The US has become nothing but a hotbed for crazy gun right’s advocates, and they are generally filled with such venom, it makes my stomach turn.
Saludos,
Pamelita
Sharp Little Pencil
Mine, too. What can I say? I stay and fight the good fight. It’s getting scary to exercise one’s First Amendment rights when the Second Amendment folks have itchy trigger fingers, too. Con cafe y pasteles chocolates!! Amelita
Akila
Bang on! shameful it is where we seem to be displaying dual character
georgefloreswrite
Sorry I didn’t see this one before, Amy. I didn’t follow the case, so I only know the bare facts about it. I do think, though, that the problem goes beyond race. We all have an image of ourselves that we adhere to and want others to recognize as being worthy of respect. Sometimes others won’t respect us as we feel they should and anger blooms. It would be more beneficial to change our self image to one of humbleness in order to bypass anger and prevent ourselves from harming another. I don’t know about anyone else, but one of my goals is to be able to honestly say that I didn’t kill anyone when I’m brought before God. I feel pity for victims, but I feel fear for the ones who kill. Sorry to get all preachy – that’s what happens when I’m dateless on Friday nights 🙂
Also – poets must write from the heart. Their art is to put emotion into written word. You keep on writing what you feel you need to Amy! No explanations are necessary for this reader.
Sharp Little Pencil
George, you gleaned exactly what I had hoped every reader would from this poem.
Remember the words of Gandhi, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” There are people who would want to be the “hero” at the next school shooting, so they’re packing a pistol without much training, sure they will emerge triumphant (and the CNN coverage would really make Mom proud).
If someone breaks into my house with a gun, I’ll close my eyes and tell them I will not be able to ID them in court and to take whatever they want or need; just please spare my life. And if they take my life too, I’d rather that than be caught in the cycle of deadly force as so many are now.
PS Dateless Fridays nights can be quite productive! Look at you, all soapboxy, I like it very much. Reminds me of.. me!!
Peace, love, and solidarity, Amy
georgefloreswrite
Me reminding someone of you is a big compliment, Amy! You made my night, sister!! 🙂
I get you – mere survival isn’t enough. It needs being able to live with yourself afterwards too. I’m really not sure how I would react with a home invasion, but I hope neither of us will be tested like that.
Sharp Little Pencil
Well, we plan and God chuckles, but at least we lock our doors at night. Beyond that, it’s all beyond our control, but yes, let’s say a little prayer!
Love to you, brother, Amy ;^)
georgefloreswrite
🙂 Oh yes! Amen!
Sharp Little Pencil
Another one for the Amen corner! Thanks, George! A
LaTonya
See today’ Blog Over Easy
http://blackandgraylifemusings.blogspot.com/2013/07/poets-we-stand-our-ground.html
mybeautfulthings
Oh, well said! Such a powerful piece of writing! The discussion above was interesting and scary. On this side of the pond we find ‘your’ gun laws incomprehensible. I find the anonymous writer abhorrent and I back you all the way.
As my Daddy used to say (and he was a writer and an historian) “No experience is ever wasted and we learn from them all”
I send you, a writer whom I admire and learn from, respect, love and peace. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much for encouraging me. Yes, I’ve heard from folks all over the world who cannot understand our gun laws. It’s all about the National RIfle Association, who put big lobbying dollars into corrupt elected officials’ pockets to keep guns in the homes, on the street, with maximum magazines (more kill power). Then they crow about teh Second Amendment “right to bear arms.”
I support those who wish to hunt, etc., but those same people fail to realize that the Founders were talking about muskets. Had Ben Franklin ever dreamed of the hand-held killing machines of today, he’d have lobbied (for free!) against the whole deal. I understand why they added the amendment (we had just ended the occupation of England), but it’s all gone haywire… Thanks again, and I hold the same respect and love for you! Amy
brenda w
Thank you, and amen. My own parents walked away in the middle of a conversation with my husband and I, when we suggested racism, and that Zimmerman should have listened to the police. They should read your poem. Some closed minds will never open.
Sharp Little Pencil
Brenda, the Powers That Be are propagating all these frictions – passing Stand Your Ground laws to foment racial and minority tensions, riling us up about gay marriage, etc. We are so polarized that we don’t pay attention to the huge issues, like how Wall Street is bankrupting America a nd how GWBush charged the Iraqi (useless false-pretense) war on a Chinese credit card.
I’m praying for the soul of America to wake up and embrace change, pacifism, and an end to racism. My family is split the same way, and yes, I walk away.
Even if they read my poem, I doubt they would change their minds, you know? Sucks, but it’s true. Still, thanks for thinking I’d make a difference. Love, Amy
brenda w
I think you make a difference every day, Amy. Thank you for letting your voice rise. You are likely right, that my parents would not change their minds. My mother, perhaps, but the older she gets, the more she sets herself behind Dad’s opinions.
Keep writing. Your voice is heard by many.
Brenda
Sharp Little Pencil
I think it’s rare to be in one generation and embrace the values of the generation that follows. Perfect example: Riley thinks it’s fine, as do all her friends, to accept and reply to text messages during a dinner. I abhor this behavior; she thinks I’m old-fashioned. I told her she was right, but I was sticking to my guns: Not at MY table!
My mom was way ahead of her time; social justice, anti-racism, the whole nine yards. She honestly was on board with my generation years before we knew what feminism was! Maybe that’s why I am who I am. And her mom, Blanche… who thought Ayn Rand was full of it!! Thanks, Bren. Amy
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