Langreck: Peace and justice

To say 2020 has not turned out like anyone expected would be a huge understatement and not reflective of what has happened so far this year already.

Dealing with a worldwide pandemic that has claimed the lives of countless individuals and forced dozens of restrictions and regulations on face-to-face gatherings and large group events has been unreal.

As much of America begins slowly opening restaurants, stores, gyms and playgrounds back up with extra safety measures in place, America has been dealing with another type of crisis.

I’m sure by now most people know that George Floyd was killed by a police officer who used excessive force when he stuck his knees on Floyd’s neck and left it there for more than eight minutes, even after Floyd communicated he couldn’t breathe.

His tragic death sparked outcries all across the country as people started pouring into streets and standing outside courthouses and government buildings to hold peaceful protests demanding change and calling attention to race inequality in the country.

As a writer, I know the power of the press and the importance of freedom of speech, which is why I understand why people felt the need to protest.

However, what I don’t understand or condone in the least is people who think defacing national monuments, including ones that are dedicated to the brave men and women of this country who sacrificed their lives fighting in wars for our country’s freedom, will bring them the peace and change they want.

On top of that, the rioting, looting and senseless shootings of police officers and other protesters in the crowds the past week is completely revolting and not going to change anything, but cause more anger.

I live in a smaller town in my county that is equally made up of people who live in urban and rural areas, but when the protests started some individuals went to picket in front of the courthouse.

Although it never reached levels of violence and destruction, there were threats in the town and a few other nearby towns, which caused businesses to shut down for a few days and curfew to be enforced.

I am not going to lie, some of the threats caused me to be nervous and worried for the sake of my children and the dozens of children that live downtown in my town.

As people continue to protest and demand change, I just ask that they remember there are innocent people whose lives are being turned upside down from the destruction of their businesses and young children who have nothing to do with this that could potentially be in harm’s way.