PLOG 18: Police

My Personal Log (PLOG) continues during this time of pandemic and protests...

I keep hearing news of protestors calling to defund the police and to shut down police departments. I don't get it. We need someone to help keep the "law and order" in society. I do understand that there have been too many instances over time of corrupt police officers and police officers who abuse their authority, as well as police officers who outright murder people and get away with it. I get all that, but you don't cut down the orchard when you get some bad apples.

I believe it's possible to change the culture of our society and to improve training for police officers. I have hope that we can get justice for instances when police do wrongs. We have a system and I know it seems broken, but we can fix it. We shouldn't just throw out the whole system.

This situation reminds me of when I, someone who grew up very tech savvy always working on computers and software, finally reached my point as an adult and professional of not understanding the tech being used by the younger generation. I don't understand why they like the apps and the web layouts and such that they use. I don't know how to do everything with computers. And that makes me feel old now. I also grew up as a person who argued against racism and sexism all around me. I considered myself a well-read philosopher who went out of my way to help people. But today, I listen to the reforms people are asking for and I just don't get them. Am I too old? Am I out of touch?

I mean, it's not fair to punish the good law enforcement officers. The good cops shouldn't lose their jobs because people want to destroy the system. Besides, who will protect the public? Who will provide order and peace? Who will people call when things are stolen from them or when they need help? I just don't get it.

If the police are gone, won't that just necessitate the need for the military to intervene? Won't that bring martial law even faster and in a more harsh way? Sigh. I just don't get it.

And the protests are continuing. Some people are getting louder. Professional people who have worked hard to better communities are being looked down upon because they won't agree that we need to defund the police and/or abolish police departments. Seriously? Will this issue cause people to lose credibility in the eyes of the people? Presumed Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden did an interview today in which he refused to agree to defund the police and I bet his poll numbers will go down because of it.

Has society gone mad? I don't even know any more. All I can think is that the forces manipulating society and the economy, if their goal was to get people to no longer know what is right or wrong or real or fake, then they may have succeeded.

I got a phone call from my dad today asking if I want to go out to dinner. I miss him and would love to do that, but the coronavirus is still a serious threat. He doesn't take it seriously, but I do. Sigh. I worry for my father being out there, going about business as if there isn't a deadly virus that he could catch from anyone. He's not wearing a mask. He's not using gloves. Sigh.

Be safe out there (and I'll be safe in here)!

PLOG 17: Pandemic Continues

My Personal Log (PLOG) continues during this time of pandemic and protests...

Perhaps the protests and politics of our day have confused people, or maybe many people refused to buy into the pandemic to begin with, but more and more I see information about people going out about their lives as if everything is back to normal. Folks, we are not back to normal.

On Reddit, the pizza delivery drivers were questioning why they have so many deliveries to parties. Pizza orders with 5+ pizzas, some with even 14 pizzas, and some orders going to back yard pool parties. It seems all of those graduation and birthday parties that were postponed having been happening this weekend. And that's weird, because we're still in the pandemic.

People on the news and YouTube speak with the rhetoric of phases, incorrectly making it sound like the had the "Shutdown" phase and then the "Protest" phase and now we can move on.

Nothing has changed as far as the pandemic goes; the virus is still out there and if you get it you can have serious health problems or die. In Texas, the numbers are going up dramatically. Maybe the news needs to do a better job of covering the coronavirus again? With all of the focus on the protests, and the fact that thousands of people have been leaving their homes on a regular basis to protest, I guess it looks like it's safe. But it isn't.

Businesses and public places are allowed to open, but that's because we had the huge shutdown to prevent hospitals being overwhelmed. People either don't realize they are going out "at their own risk" of getting the deadly virus, or they just don't care. People may be stir crazy. They want to make money. They want to spend money. They are worried about the economy (and rightfully so).

Also on Reddit, someone pointed out an image from Fox News that highlighted the hypocrisy right now:

I guess that says it all. I'm sorry that I'm not out there protesting, but I'm following the ORIGINAL CDC guidelines and I'm staying home. I'm also out of shape and couldn't mark for hours anyway. I want justice and social change, but I don't want to die or have serious health issues from the coronavirus.

What crazy times we live in.

Be safe out there (and I'll be safe in here)!

PLOG 16: 2nd Stimulus?

My Personal Log (PLOG) continued during this time of pandemic and protests...

While I've been disappearing into some novels and computer games, more crazy events are unfolding in the world. Apparently as the protests became less violent, with less rioting and destruction, the police have been caught in more and more instances of using unnecessary force. The people in the streets and the news companies are capturing footage of police pushing and attacking people in ways that show they are being extra mean without just cause.

Meanwhile, the financial assistance people need still isn't here. I watch a lot of YouTube videos, in addition to the TV news, to help keep me up to date on financial info. It sounds like the US Senate just keeps pushing things back, continuing their "wait and see" games.

The YouTube channel "Meet Kevin" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrlFsxJSI1c) posts multiple updates each day with info about the possible upcoming 2nd stimulus or alternates, as well as info about real estate and investing. He often summarizes government reports and interviews from people in the financial sector. Today he was talking about the odds of getting a 2nd stimulus check (which are low, since the Republicans are focused on a payroll tax instead) and the misleading unemployment numbers.

I am definitely an advocate for more stimulus money to people. Let's try to eliminate poverty!

Be safe out there!

PLOG 15: Slaying the Dragon

My Personal Log (PLOG) continued during this time of pandemic and protests...

With the violent threats from society having died down around us, we decided to do something super fun. Today our Minecraft trio (myself, DiceCatt, and Sprincessa) defeated the end dragon!

I wear the pumpkin-head to make sure I don't accidentally anger the Endermen. It was awesome having all of us online, defeating this "boss" in the game. It also means we unlocked our access to the End Islands with more items. I'm sure Sprincessa is out there right now killing Shulkers and collecting End Rods.

I was able to make a chorus fruit (purpur) farm back in the Overworld.

There are so many projects to work on in our Minecraft world. Pre-dragon battle, I spent time making our train tracks and tunnels connecting the Nether Hub. I want to finish several projects in the spawn area (Central City) before focusing on my own stuff out at my own desert village.

It's fun relaxing with friends and not constantly worrying about the real world falling apart.

Be safe out there!

PLOG 14: Peace?

My Personal Log (PLOG) continues during this time of pandemic and protests...

Either the media has chosen to stop covering the violence and looting or it has significantly lessened in the last day or two. Granted, major cities have had over a week to figure out how to respond and gain control of their streets. It's possible the local authorities have figured out how to more peacefully interact with protestors and how to post enough law enforcement officers to discourage the looting.

Businesses have also had time to board up their windows, remove merchandise, put up signs, and hire private security. I'd like to think that our society has figured out how to adapt.

Most of the coverage I see on TV and online now is talking politics and healing. Celebrities and community leaders are coming forward with discussions about race, policing, economics, etc. It also helps that all 4 police officers from Minneapolis who were responsible for George Floyd's death have now been arrested and charged; the main officer's charge has been moved up to murder 2, instead of just murder 3 and manslaughter.

A sense of justice is coming back to America, but there's a lot that needs to be done. This social unrest is a result of more than just 1 instance of racially-motivated murder by the police. Racism and discrimination against the poor have been serious issues for a long time. Quite frankly, I think in addition to hearing more and more celebrities and community leaders speak up, we also need an economic solution.

The coronavirus is the perfect excuse to try a universal basic income (UBI), even if it's just for 6 months to a year. I don't identify with either major political party in the US, but I am glad the Democrats in the US House of Representatives have suggested a $2,000 a month stimulus payment for at least the duration of the emergency pandemic.

The main reason I support this plan is that it would bring everyone above the poverty line. A couple would have $4,000 a month and that's enough to pay for rent/mortgage, bills, and groceries.

Oh my. It sounds like I'm getting political. But it is time to speak up. Let's end poverty. And I have a theory that ending poverty is going to help lessen racist discrimination more than anyone could possibly imagine.

Be safe out there!

PLOG 13: Small Town

My Personal Log (PLOG) continues during this time of pandemic and protest, crisis and chaos...

While I was sitting around trying to stay safe and uninfected, I was hoping each day that the end of the violence and looting would come. Instead, the civil unrest has spread from the large urban areas to small towns and suburbs.

What will I do when they reach my home?

Last night I watched a livestream someone had posted to my hometown's Facebook page as people in the high school parking lot stood off against police in the median and across the street. There was a simple plan with just a 2-hour march to protest and come back and then go home. There was a curfew. But on the way back, someone was violent and the police responded with tear gas. Then the crowd finished marching to their start location and many of them refused to leave. I was so mixed with emotion.

I had a philosophical discussion with one of my best friends. Can you still call them "peaceful protesters" when they are sticking around unlawfully? They had a plan and then refused to leave. At that point, any intelligent person would know they are just provoking the police. The "peaceful protesters" seemed to want to start something with the police. So technically, they are "peaceful" but they are also breaking the curfew and often blocking the roads, which makes them "unlawful" protesters.

I don't want people to get hurt. I don't want the police to get hurt. I mean, the law enforcement authorities have been really patient. The roads need to remain clear for emergency vehicles; we need ambulances and fire trucks to be able to do their jobs, especially in the most violent areas.

I want justice. I want our society to evolve. I also want to get back to living without the stress of this crisis and chaos. I want to be able to enjoy my summer vacation with time spent reading, writing, cooking, and playing video games.

Be safe out there!

PLOG 12: Civil Disobedience

My Personal Log (PLOG) continues during this time of pandemic and protests...

In general, I consider myself a liberal person. And a patient person. But, with a week of this chaos, I've had enough. The protests and violence continued in major cities last night. I once again applaud Dallas PD for getting things under control and arresting the people who were out blocking roads and causing problems.

I feel like a lot of people suddenly forgot what civil disobedience is, including some of the anchors for CNN. Last night listening to Don Lemon on CNN upset me, and I have mad respect for that man. But why was he sounding surprised that the police were arresting what he called “peaceful” protesters?

Blocking the road is against the law.
Being out past curfew is against the law.
Saying “I’m doing it as part of a protest” doesn’t negate the fact that it’s against the law.

MLK understood that. He knew he was going to get arrested. He was willing to get arrested. That’s civil disobedience. When the police show up in Dallas and arrest the protestors blocking the road/bridge, it’s not shocking; it’s how the system works. Quite frankly, it’s a good thing. If anything, Don Lemon, you should be upset and shocked by the cities that are not arresting the protestors in the streets (because it’s against the law to block the roads without having a permit and planning the event ahead of time with local authorities).

Protestors should want to engage in civil disobedience and accept the consequences. Then they can go brag to everyone that they stood up for their cause and they were arrested for their cause. And then we can move on. That’s how MLK did it. That’s how it should work. Don’t act surprised when it happens like that.

We need justice, but not vigilantism. Civil disobedience includes justice. It does not include destroying property, setting fires in the streets, and looting local businesses.

If you want to legally protest, organize a group and fill out the proper paperwork to have a parade or use a free speech zone. Setup in a public place where you are not in the road. Have a sit-in at a park or city building. March on the sidewalks. Organize with local authorities.

But you have to decide: (1) Do you want a legal peaceful protest? (2) Do you want a peaceful illegal scene of civil disobedience, in which you accept that you will be arrested for breaking the law? (3) Or do you want all out illegal chaos and anarchy?

The first is ideal. The second is acceptable, but you must be willing to go along with the consequences. The third is unacceptable. Don’t act surprised when the authorities respond with appropriate force.

Side Note:
The protests have spread from the big cities into the surrounding suburban areas. I know the nearby Frisco protests yesterday were peaceful and the police helped the people march through the streets, but it's still scary to me because it's nearby and these things easily turn violent.

Be safe out there!

UPDATE:
Apparently the protests are the "new normal" we live in and they are starting earlier and earlier in the day.

I guess we shouldn't plan to drive anywhere anymore since the streets are covered in protestors. Sigh. What happens when I have to go back to work? What do I do if protestors are blocking the highway between my home and my work? What do I do if they are in the way on my drive home?

Be safe out there (and maybe, just maybe, never leave your home again)!

MORE UPDATES:
I got messages that my hometown is having a protest this evening. I hope people are peaceful. They are starting at the high school parking lot and that school's front is mostly windows. I'm worried, even though there's a nearby police station and fire station. Minneapolis has shown us that variable might not really matter.

Meanwhile, on CNN: Wolf Blitzer asked a civil rights activist and evangelical leader, a member of the black community, Reverend Michael Curry whether the protesters should be out after curfew. I was glad to hear the response that the protestors need to go home. That they should use lawful means for protesting during the day and then abide the curfew so that we can maintain order.

That makes me feel better.