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!
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