Over the years of having the privilege and pleasure of writing this column, I have limited voicing my thoughts and opinions about politics. Politics is not my expertise and I realize that it is a very volatile subject and many people have very personal and protective views on the subject.
After watching the hearings conducted by the congressional committee to investigate the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, I am compelled to speak out. Evidence has shown most of the protestors and anarchists were pro-Trump supporters and far right extremists. They destroyed buildings and property, as well as hurting and killing innocent people.
As an American, I am saddened to see how citizens of this great country could perform such violent acts and for the most part, literally get away with it. Much of what is happening today deals with racism, politics, and the status quo.
As a Black woman, I cannot help but think about and wonder how different things may have turned out if those that stormed the Capitol were Black and Brown people. Let us be very clear – the election was not stolen, yet various groups organized this insurrection by using social media to encourage people to come to Washington, D.C., to “Stop the Steal.”
The hearings have laid out a compelling case against the former president and have proven that Trump irresponsibly encouraged the Jan 6th rioters and recklessly endangered his own vice president as members of the pro-Trump mob marched on the Capitol calling for Mike Pence to be hung.
I recently watched the Netflix special, “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America,” by Jeffery Robinson, a graduate of Harvard University and a lawyer for over 40 years. In the beginning of the special, he asks the question if anyone in the audience has ever owned a slave? Not one hand went up.
He goes on to share that slavery may not be our fault, but that we must understand that it is part of America’s shared history. Part of the problem we have today is there are those that do not want to acknowledge and own up to what America has been, has done, and what it has stood for when it comes to race and politics. If we want to move forward it is important, we do not ignore our past.
Many of the issues we continue to face here in America stem from generational racism and ignorance. As I watched the special, Mr. Robinson shared bits and pieces of history that many of us never read about or were taught in school. A sad reality is some of the human rights legislations that were gained since the end of the Civil War are being fought to retain today.
The committee regarding January 6th have come together to investigate this situation with the hope of prosecuting those that are guilty and restoring justice. The problem is when someone such as Liz Cheney, who is a Republican, tries to shed light on the truth, she is torn down publicly by Donald Trump and called vicious and ugly names. He believes he is above the law and that he should not even be questioned.
When someone is willing to stand on the right side of justice, even if it means crossing political lines, is not always easy or convenient. It can also bring severe consequences. Unfortunately, the former president will probably never be prosecuted for his crimes and dereliction of duty, but that does not mean we should ever stop pursuing what is right and holding onto the hope of justice one day prevailing.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
