As someone who was born and raised in Washington, D.C., seeing National Guard troops in the city is like a dagger aimed at my heart. Our Nation’s capital should not be a place where there are soldiers in the street, like countries ruled by dictators, such as Russia or China. D.C. should be a city open to all who want to experience its beauty.
The city erupted following King’s assassination brining tanks into D.C., but they were removed after a short time. Washington has also been a divided city, between rich and poor but with a strong black middle class as well. As in many cities, there is crime but not much different than some other cities, and less than many. In fact, the crime rate is 30% lower, thanks to the efforts of the mayor and city government.
Now enter a new regime, so obviously racist with “Black Lives Matter” taken off a street near the White House, and claiming the city must be “taken back.” Taken back to what? Racism, pure and simple – that’s what this is all about.
Prayer for the Day
From the ways of self-deception and self-indulgence, O God,
Turn us aside to come before you and search our hearts;
From our preoccupation with our own lives and fortunes,
Awaken us to lies and falsehoods of our political leadership.
Rouse us so we counter the infection of racism and xenophobia,
And empower us to create meaningful change in our Nation.
In the name of the One who is our source of strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
While this action today is unsettling and unprecedented, I can’t say that given some of the rhetoric of the past, that we’re totally surprised.
Muriel Bowser, D.C. Mayor
We don’t yet know the full impact this decision will have on D.C. and the Black and minority communities Trump has suggested he may target next. We do know this: militarized over-policing will inevitably lead to increased fear and mistrust among communities that have too often been treated as occupied populations, rather than as citizens who deserve to be served and protected.
Congressional Black Caucus statement
God has taken a place in the divine council;
In the midst of the gods, God holds judgment.
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?”
Psalm 82: 1-2