Dr Martin L. King Jr.: Where are we at with the dream today?

2015-01-17T09:23:48-05:00

In regards to the beautiful American melting pot and the recent events in Ferguson, New York etc, is cultural tolerance regressing or progressing in our country?

If yes, why? If no, why?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-01-17T10:07:53-05:00

Honestly and sadly, I believe it is regressing.

"Surely it is possible to be a Republican, Democrat, Tea Party Member, Green Party, Libertarian, Christian Party Member or affiliate with any party one chooses, and not hate our brothers and sisters who choose another path. Church denominations and political divisions make too many enemies when we need to be united in this one human race that dominates this planet. As one who has been elected to office as a Georgia State Representative (D), served as a presidential appointee (R) and who have often voted as an Independent, I can truly say that we would all be better off without the political squabbles that tend to divide us." - Alveda King

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-01-17T10:17:23-05:00

http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-tuskegee-veterans-20150115-story.html

Would this article even been printed during the 60s/70s? Nope! I remember MLK being murdered and JFK and RFK as well. There has been big advancements with more necessary but it is a good start, so we are progressing.

In death, two Tuskegee Airmen, lifelong friends, share final journey

Clarence Huntley Jr. and Joseph Shambrey were old friends, children of Los Angeles who made history when they joined the Tuskegee Airmen. Like many who enlisted in the military during World War II, they signed up out of a fervent desire to serve their country. As black men, they did so even as they faced discrimination and segregation back home.

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Jan 17 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-01-17T11:30:27-05:00

Regressing hardcore. In fact, his message doesn't seem to be being carried forward at all but the current generation of civil activists. The current administration has only exasperated the regression in my opinion. It is truly sad, and a horribly wasted opportunity for America.

Response by Cpl Shawn Hueter made Jan 17 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-01-17T11:39:50-05:00

We are regressing. I was stationed at Quantico and was talking to one of the doctors in charge of the Marine Corps University. He said that the current state of the country is almost identical to the 1850s. Were there is tension around every corner.

Response by PVT Dominique Stewart made Jan 17 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-01-17T15:15:06-05:00

Its progressing. People are finally realizing the true meaning of tolerance and equality. The tenants of racism and intolerance are slowly but surely dying off. I wouldn't be surprised if racism dies off completely in the next hundred years or so.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 17 at 2015 3:18 PM

2015-01-17T15:18:06-05:00

We still have a long ways to go, but I truly believe it is better than when it was during his time period. I remember growing up and being made fun since I was Asian. From what I see, it is much less now. It still occurs but not as frequently as it did. Granted this is just from my personal experience and others may see it differently.

I do believe over time things will get better, I am optimistic in that sense. But we all will need to work towards it, we can't just assume it will happen.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-01-17T16:49:58-05:00

I think this has turned into a very dividing situation. So many groups want to be joined as equals but they don't want to be with any other group. It makes it counter productive. My dad came to the US from Portugal and spoke not one lick of English. He did pretty well and did everything he could to better himself. He didn't blame the US for any difficulties he was facing by not being an American. I think so many are looking for fight. I do think there are situations that merit a deeper look. I do question why there was so much racial tension in Ferguson? I see stuff in news like the Florida Chief of police that was using mug shots for target practice and wonder what he could be thinking. But I think it has got worse in the past few years. There is really so much hatred among so many. Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jan 19 at 2015 3:04 AM

2015-01-19T03:04:38-05:00

I don't think this is what King was talking about when he said I have a dream.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 4:23 AM

2015-01-19T04:23:03-05:00

Oohoh we're halfway there.

Oohoh Livin' on a prayer.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 6:08 AM

2015-01-19T06:08:43-05:00

I agree with others who have posted here: I think we've moved in the direction of the dream, but the dream has not been realized entirely, not by a long shot.

I have a question in my own mind about the term "cultural tolerance" and exactly what it's supposed to mean. I don't think there will ever be tolerance for rioting, burning, etc. by any culture. At least I hope that's true. And we should not tolerate a culture of racism anywhere in our society. I don't particularly like the term "cultural tolerance" because I think it can be used to excuse inexcusable behavior.

I believe we're all Americans, no matter what race, culture, etc. That should bind us together. As others have said here on RallyPoint, we won the gene pool lottery when we were born (or became) Americans. The sooner we all take pride in being American, take responsibility for our actions, contribute to our society, and become a part of the solution, the better.

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Jan 19 at 2015 7:04 AM

2015-01-19T07:04:31-05:00

Problem is more who's opinions expressed? American or Foreign? Remember that we the Jersey Shore Generator are infamous on social media ( I.e., Twitter, Facebook, tumbler, love LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) Then add our putting it to the test with riots, protests, #ICAN'TBREATHOFFICER , you name it we set ourselves up for failure and "We The People.." Get upset over everything but leave it to others, then complain nothing gets accomplished ,ask a foreigner how were doing on that question! You'll get a straighter answer and less junk!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-01-19T07:59:28-05:00

Sadly I do not think we are any where near the dream the Dr. King envisioned. Ok so all of our races have the same equalities and rights and that was a big part of his dream. But look at all of the hate and while not open segregation, the way that people still separate from each other. At work, no matter how often it is talked about, there are still racial jokes thrown around daily. Everyone laughs about them, but the underlying tension can still be felt at times. It is not just whites and blacks either anymore, we are a HUGE melting pot as SPC Beyssac stated. So now we have all kinds of racial differences and they are unfortunately pointed out daily. Everyone puts on a face of equality and brotherly love regardless of skin color or gender, but it is just as fake as the makeup a hooker wears. I think with the many years that have passed since Dr. King's speech, he would be disappointed to see the state we are still in here in America.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Jan 19 at 2015 8:22 AM

2015-01-19T08:22:07-05:00

I think in some areas he would be proud. But I think he would be mostly disappointed and if he could speak now he would probably say "I gave my life for this?"

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 19 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-01-19T08:32:03-05:00

Its going to be a long dream in respects to equality and justice for all. America in my opinion, has come a long way, but we got a long way to go!

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Jan 19 at 2015 8:38 AM

2015-01-19T08:38:56-05:00

Unfortunately, in my opinion, race relations in this country have regressed to a point in which I believe even Dr. King would find appalling. Due to agitators ...on both sides... things have gotten much worse than they were even 10 years ago. Having grown up in a military family, and then spending my adult life in the service or working in the gov't, I have had the opportunity of working with some marvelous folks...of every color, and am proud to call many of them my friend. To many things that happen, get only one side of the media, when if they would only tell the WHOLE story, there might not be some of the issues we have been dealing with of late. What ever sells I guess...

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Jan 19 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-01-19T09:44:05-05:00

I think we have made progress but I don't believe certain behaviors and practices ever went away. They were just placed in the "closet" because they became socially unacceptable. However, due to certain events and "changes" in the country that closet was opened up and those behaviors and practices have now become acceptable again. The only difference is they have changed into different verbiage to justify their existence. When any discriminatory practices are pointed out or recognized now all you have to say is the latest ego defense mechanism phrase (e.g. race baiting, Conservative idiot, Liberal idiot, Political correctness...blah blah blah) to ignore the injustice or issue. The sad part is there are a lot of good people who have been tricked to take place in this new form of old practices.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jan 19 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-01-19T10:24:59-05:00

I think he would be aghast at what the grievance industry has accomplished insofar as setting race relations backward.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Jan 19 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-01-19T11:00:30-05:00

We've crested the hill and are on the backside sliding toward segregation as the vitriol is spewed from those who would destroy what has been gained. It is a slippery slope.

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Jan 19 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-01-19T13:16:40-05:00

Our Nation's Creed and Solidarity are years beyond what we endured in the 50-70's. But one lesson our Country must learn is that We still need to grow and broaden our minds on Equality. We all have room to grow and learn. Learning is one thing we never stop doing until the day we Die. Tolerance is blind to truth. Brutal Honesty just may have to stick its ugly head into reality for some people these days.

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Jan 19 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-01-19T13:17:00-05:00

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Jan 19 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-01-19T13:17:32-05:00

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 19 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-01-19T13:37:23-05:00

We are a long ways off, IMO. Part of that has to do with the fact that we are still human, and we still have prejudices to deal with. Part of it has to do with the fact that we as a nation seem to believe that we can legislate racism out of existence. We are putting more power into the hands of our government and that takes that power away from us. But that's another story.

We will move toward racial harmony when we change our own personal views on people of other races. I know I am not there yet, because I still have prejudicial thoughts that shame me to this very day. It's a day by day process for all of us.

Response by Sgt Erle Mutz made Jan 19 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-01-19T13:37:29-05:00

A "little" closer - but still got a long way to go!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 19 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-01-19T13:38:51-05:00

I don't feel very qualified to judge this. The military does strike me as pretty meritocratic and moderately 'colorblind.' Content of character not color of skin and all.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Jan 19 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-01-19T13:55:39-05:00

His beautiful dream has been hijacked and used for personal gain and to keep people from reaching their true potential.

The media, certain high-level African-American figures, and of course other people and groups of people, have hindered his visions and dreams.

It's sad.

It is pathetic.

I believe our Nation is worse off these days and needs a MAJOR overhaul.

Response by SSgt Kevin Chavez made Jan 19 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-01-19T14:07:12-05:00

I believe all lives matter. I believe we have regressed and I also believe that politics has something to do with. I believe in self responsibility and self actualization regardless of what your skin color is, I still believe that a persons content of their character will always be more important then a persons skin color. Semper Fidelis

Response by PO1 William Bargar made Jan 19 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-01-19T14:42:35-05:00

I will make a statement and it is NOT involving race, gender, or color. "I will just say that too many people want things their way (on all sides)......There is little or no compromise". If WE ALL could just LEARN to respect and get along with one another the whole WORLD would be a better place! Just like the motto that BONDS US ALL ON RALLY POINT......."Honor, Courage, Commitment & sacrifice".......... "Respect" goes a long way.........

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-01-19T17:58:48-05:00

Well with direct regard to the unrest in Ferguson and the clash against police brutality I believe we've lost respect and focus on both ends. There's a way to deal with things and although the actions of many of the people involved can be criticized heavily, I can see the standpoints within each party. Life should be valued and respected.

In my opinion, race, religion and social class have been up and down in regards to cultural progression and regression. I say this from personal experience and witnessing certain things. I've seen ignorance in its finest form through social media platforms. The racism and hate exists, and it is so heavy that I am disgusted with those fools whom call themselves Americans. The religious battles and the widespread violence that multiple religious groups cause is appalling. And for the infamous social class, the rich continue to get richer and the poor just die.

On the good side there's been plenty of progress and the condition that we as citizens are in now regarding cultural issues is nothing like it was decades ago. Progress is progress no matter how miniscule. In order to continue on the good path, I think we need stronger foundations at home, less babies having babies, more education, which leads to needing more money.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-01-19T18:15:14-05:00

In many ways we are progressing and in many ways we are regressing.

On the progress, we see more interracial friendships, relationships, and marriages. Color is becoming more blind. We see minorities in the highest of offices today, certainly a dream in MLK's day.

On the regress, we see many communities hold on race as an excuse to behave badly (i.e. Furgeson protestor's justification of looting of some thug that tried to take down an officer bit a bullet), Trayvon Martin ("If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon"), Chicago, etc. etc. Not to mention the Jesse Jacksons, Al Sharptons, Maxime Waters, Eric Holders, etc. of the country that continue to label and divide us and feed off each other's stereotypes to achieve their own political agendas.

In other ways we are written in law to be divided. Affirmative action may have had its role in the past, but now it's an excuse to have a quota instead of hiring upon merit. Same goes for colleges. Why should we list race on a college/work application? Justice is blind, so should be everything else.

MLK had a dream that we would one day not judge people by the character of their skin but by the content of their character. Unfortunately, political correctness has tainted judging someone's character on the fear of becoming labeled a racist, sexist, etc.

Maybe one day we'll all get to a point where the dream is truly reached. I honestly doubt it will ever really happen, but striving for that dream and working with one another, old, young, rich, poor, black, white, brown, yellow, or purple, is just as important.

Response by SMSgt Ottis West made Jan 19 at 2015 6:38 PM

2015-01-19T18:38:04-05:00

We are absolutely regressing there is not money in unity. If they can keep us fighting against each other weather that be through religion, race of class warfare they can keep us from uniting under the umbrella of equality for all. And no I do not mean that everything should be the same for everyone. However, I do believe that you can have whatever dream you are willing to work for. I don't believe Dr. King advocated for the lifting up of one group at the expense of another. I do believe he spoke of equality for all and the ability for all to pursue whatever dream their talents could take them to. Dr. King you are truly missed a huge void exist in the American community.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-01-19T20:55:59-05:00

In the matter of socio-cultural tolerance, it looks like we are in a place of stagnation in America. Selfish ambitions have taken over pressing thru with the dream. The promotion of the "I, me and myself" is more the focus than that mutual help and unity. The DREAM called us to die to ourselves so that God's love can prosper in our country.
"The harvest is plenty, but few are the laborers"
What are you ready to sacrifice for the DREAM to come to pass in your spheres of influence?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 19 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-01-19T21:08:58-05:00

Ferguson and New York aside, I was never as proud to be grateful of being an American as the day when I returned from my first tour in Iraq. No country is perfect and we have a long way to go, but God Bless America. Pray for our leaders every day. Practice random acts of kindness. Help those who are in desperate need help. Do what is right because it is right, even if you know it will go unrewarded and unrecognized. Love over hate. Forgive those who have done you wrong and lead by example. Service to others over lining your pockets. Treat everyone like you deserve to be treated. Don't let the media tell you how to feel. Understand that people who think of themselves instead of others have an agenda. Don't feel like you have to take one side. Think for yourself and remember to think of others. Don't let the actions of others justify your actions of retaliation and contempt for them.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jan 19 at 2015 9:13 PM

2015-01-19T21:13:31-05:00

Oh boy, we have MILES to go.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 19 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-01-19T21:24:15-05:00

I think the answer to this question would be dependent on who you ask. I am not naive enough to think that we will ever be free of hate and racism. There will be people (all races of people), who dislike others because of their race, age, sex, sexual orientation, etc. I still believe that the majority of the population is progressing, but the media only talks about what will sell advertisement space in their papers or on their websites. They make money and earn 'fame' by being controversial. We need to rise above the media and start to DEMAND that they become journalists again and report news, all news, without built in bias.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jan 19 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-01-19T23:13:08-05:00

On the civilian side...It would depend on your demographics, life style in work, social and play.

In the city, I see progress yet I see "same ol, same ol" in other words...nothing changes.

In the civilian world, change comes very slow if not at all.

In the country, where there are less people, the social and cultural base is a predominate closed system.

While in the military, I saw lots of changes from the 70s through the 80s and up to the mid 90s.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-01-19T23:21:14-05:00

As a white Southern female, I am not qualified to offer too much, personally. I can answer only in what I have witnessed.
And the marginalization of blacks has varied: socially, demographically, and economically.
I think we have a ways to go.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jan 21 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-01-21T13:28:56-05:00

I think we are stuck in the two steps forward and one step back, so basically we are stuck in neutral.

We have a hard time progressing because of attitudes of "I can't get ahead because (fill in the blank)", "No one wants to give me a chance because I'm (fill in the blank)", or any other number of excuses. All people need to stop with excuses and work towards bettering themselves.

Activists want to scream at the top of their lungs about police brutality, about no opportunities, about communities where the poor stay poor. They want change but they won't make any changes themselves to get ahead.

You hear constantly about a lack of minorities in law enforcement and fire departments. The question has to be asked is why is that? Are the minorities even applying for those jobs? You cannot be in law enforcement or in the fire department if you don't apply.

I hate seeing people, especially celebrities, sports figures or other public figures, wearing the "I can't breathe" or "Hands up don't shoot" t-shirts. While the point is to get a message across, to me its a lost point because those people for the most part don't have a clue as to how bad or how hard it is living in the lower classes, or if they did they have lost touch. But the biggest issue is that they don't do anything to make those communities better, they say they support change but what do they do except sit back, grumble and collect their huge paychecks.

Equality is never really going to happen because not everyone is equally wealthy, equally healthy or equally intelligent. There are millions of opportunities available for anyone if they are willing to go for it.

The ways of Dr. King were the correct way, because look at what happened, a group of black men, women and children peacefully marched, they were verbally and physically assaulted but they did nothing in retaliation, and that infuriated the authority and they dealt with it out of anger which solved nothing because they did not get the response out of the protestors, and that is why things changed, because Dr. King showed that peacefully presenting your agenda gets more results than violence ever will.

Todays loud mouthed antagonists from every corner, be it Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jessie Jackson, The KK wannabes, Skinheads and other agitators only further the divide because they only think about their "people" they have no concern about other people or other causes and that's why they will never make any positive change.

We all have opportunity, its how we take the ball and run or drop the ball and sit back to play the blame game. Its all up to each and every one of us, I saw it in the Navy for 24 years people excelled and people failed because of their own actions or inactions.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Mar 4 at 2015 10:38 PM

2015-03-04T22:38:16-05:00

Response by CPL Larry Jeffcoat made Mar 5 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-03-05T13:48:36-05:00

I wish that all of us could follow his dream but we are too busy trying to hate each other instead of realizing we are American first no matter race or creed. Once people realize this the better we will be stop the divide. When I was in there was no distinction between races we were all one color Green that's how I still view everyone today

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Jun 15 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-06-15T10:24:17-04:00

When we try to inform the public as to what is happening in other parts of the world; when we educate our young on how to survive racial profiling we could be perpetuating stereotypes. We still have a lot to learn.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 15 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-06-15T10:38:06-04:00

I think there is a still a strong majority who are living his dream now, where as they don't judge others by their skin color but by their character. With that said, I think he would not be happy today with where we are at as a whole country, nor where the black community is or with how politically correct everything has become. I have studied Dr. King and I find his work and his message inspiring, powerful and above all possible. Unfortunately, his message has been scued to shit by people like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and any racist group out there (black panther, kkk, white nationalists, etc.). You add that with a nation wide since of entitlement by most Americans and it is only a matter of time before the voices of those who live the dream are silcened by those wanting to live a nightmare.

Response by SPC Ken Sawyer made Jun 16 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-06-16T00:29:29-04:00

His dream was never to burn down his neighborhood thats for sure. Ferguson the cop did nothing wrong but racist turned it into a race deal for the profit in it. The one thing that all of these deaths had in common i criminal died each time. Try obeying the law people live longer. I was unjustly arrested once i didn't fight the cop in face i was polite to the pos. And when court came up i won thats how you handle it not fight them.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Dec 22 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-12-22T14:24:05-05:00

That's a very good question. The Dream has been lost.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 22 at 2015 5:37 PM

2015-12-22T17:37:40-05:00

MLK had a dream.....the new question should be what is OUR dream? I fully support and agree with what he said years ago, but if we continue to "only" speak of a dream (that is still relevant) but isn't acknowledging the issues of today, we're going to miss some important points. What is OUR dream for today? I've played as a child with other kids of ALL skin tones. As an adult I drank from the same fountain a white man did, I was in an unsegregated military, and fought alongside men and women who did NOT have the same skin color as me, didn't like my music, and in some rare cases, didn't like me due to my skin. But we still came together to complete the mission, and while doing it, race, sex, skin color, nothing mattered. So with many hills run over and conquered through MLK's dream, when are we going to climb that mountain and lay that flag of peace and harmony on top, and descend with the knowledge to make ALL on equal footing regardless of the usual stereotypes? What is OUR dream today?

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Dec 22 at 2015 6:55 PM

2015-12-22T18:55:04-05:00

SPC Joe Beyssac, progressing. Sisily Tyson told an interviewer on the Ophra channel that she was shocked when told by a black junior high student never heard of Dr. Martin Luthur King Jr. Now, I can look at that conversation negatively. Negative because the school system is obviously not teaching about civil rights this is on the assumption the student does his or her part in trying to learn what is taught. I do not know this aspect. Positive, students today take for granted that they do not live under the separate but equal policy sactioned by our constitution called segregation because we are not Legislated to live physically segregated anymore. Regardless of any police brutality this is in fact progress. Changing our constitution is not easy kind of like changing our DNA makeup.

I have a serious problem following the black life matter movement because we need to unite and not divide ourselves peacefully. The black life movement does not impress me as a peaceful movement. I think about the civil rights era with Dr. King and Malcom X. How do we think that encouraging violent language will get us good treatment? When someone starts talking bad about us because of the bad things we do. Are we really going to put our pride aside and say yea I did something bad and I am sorry. Just to be continually badgered over and over again about what we did bad. I really do believe confortation that is violent or disruptive like I seen at a presidental speech by the black life matters not only crossed the line of respect your fellow man. It told our fellow man commit violence to me or my people and we will respond in kind and not in love. Dr. King was about love, bringing people together not building a justification to physically get violent with police.

One the issue of police violence against black men. I wonder how many black police officers would allow other black citizens to give them a lot of back talk when they get stopped. Why do we think police are perfect machines without any emotions, don't come to work with problems on their minds. We have to respect police officers initally on our first contacts.

I spent 50 months in Iraq and would not allow any civilian walk around me with a weapon without me watching his every move. Not because I do not like their nationality but not wanting to get shot. Police do a dangerous job. People in this country do not respect the law and will think nothing of shooting a police officer. My dad raised me in the NAACP and he was a president in our city for a good length of time. He told me and my brothers not to commit any crimes and come home because he will turn us in himself. His point was nothing excuses us breaking the law. Nothing.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Jan 13 at 2017 1:35 AM

2017-01-13T01:35:07-05:00

Obama at his Farewell Address mentions "walking in someone else's shoes". For a couple of years I've thought that is difficult when walking in your own shoes is hard enough; and more so when you can't take your own shoes off.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 3:57 AM

2017-01-13T03:57:30-05:00

Sadly, I believe that Jesse Jackson's urging of the people of the United States to use the term "African-American" continued a sense of separation of Americans. I am constantly hearing, in the media, "We need to have a conversation about race relations." Who's gonna start. Race relations toward the more inflammatory rhetoric allows them to create news or perpetuate the divide. They're not gonna start this conversation. Al Sharpton would have nothing else to discuss if WE took a stand against racism. The KKK would be held to hiding in the backwoods of their homes or eradicated from public office if WE started to talk. The more recent police shootings of black men, police being ambushed in execution of their duties, and the state of cities like Chicago, I believe, walks on the grace of this great Leader as well as disrespects his memory. I would love to have a discussion if they ever want to talk. However, as of recent, when you don't agree with someone you're labeled a racist, bigot, sexist, snowflake...etc. What are WE to do?