Another community fell today. Few saw it coming. Built by members of various walks of life, that community failed to withstand the weight of justice for all.
Like so many communities across the nation, it’s foundations were built by capitalizing the efforts of a working class while maximizing the comfort of an upper class. Never have we witnessed it vice versa. Those in power and have the authority to direct and delegate do so to their own benefit. Therefore, can we be surprised when a city upon a hill can not see the coming of its own demise?
Time after time, race riots burn cities to the ground because it’s leaders ignored the practices of law enforcement and the policies of officials. These cities promoted a society that is unlikely to exercise its democracy to demand change. The status quo was alright until it wasn’t alright enough to subdue the masses.
One more dead civilian added to the too-many alleged “law-breakers” who were deprived of their 5th and 14th Amendment rights should not be ignored. Nor should this be placated! Bended knees, rallies, and riots were not enough of a warning for the “righteous” to get it right.
It’s not surprising when children build elaborate structures with their blocks only to see them crumble to the floor again. Whether those blocks are made of wood or plastic, the structural integrity is measured against natural forces of nature. Even in a controlled environment, the unforeseen may occur. But too often we overlook the effort of the other designers and laborers when we build these elaborate structures. Everyone who has a vested interest in the structure (and who should have had a hand in the planning) is entitled to ownership. With ownership comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes the opportunity to tear it down and start over. It’s not a tantrum to tear it down and start over. It’s a requirement to raze it before you raise it again.
The humans who live within these structures can not be controlled. The unrest that results occurs in direct correlation with an unplanned, yet often unforeseen, need to nourish all of mankind. The most vulnerable populations are not the elderly and the infantile; because they at least gain empathy from the power structure. The most vulnerable populations are the groups of people whose preservation or advancement were never considered (beyond making the powerful less vulnerable).
We will continue to see institutions burned to the grown repeatedly until we plan better. The roofs will burn so that we can raise the ceiling when we rebuild. We can do better.
Aztec Promises 