The internet photos of a Taser gun look a little like a regular gun but it must certainly feel different than a gun, especially if you are a police officer. Another black man killed at what should have been a routine traffic stop and arrest on an outstanding warrant.
And in the grand metropolis of Windsor, Virginia, two officers stopped a Black Latino who was in his military uniform and pepper sprayed him before wrestling him to the ground. Why is violence seemingly the first response?
There is something terribly wrong when the first response of law enforcement is the use of violence, whether pepper spray, a Taser, or a gun. This approach only destroys respect for those who are sworn to uphold laws. Unfortunately, violence seems to be how we address issues in society.
Prayer for the Day
We come to you, Holy One, asking that you forgive our weaknesses,
For our road is difficult and we walk with dragging feet.
We fear that our response to a problem is anger and violence,
But we often do not know how else to respond.
Show us the path towards peace and make clear the way,
So we are able to be your peacemakers in the world today.
In the name of him who came to bring us a new kind of peace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Nonviolence is only for the brave men and women of the world because it requires courage – courage to love the beauty of life, beauty of humanity and the beauty of the world.
Amit Ray, writer and nonviolence organizer
The amount of violence against another human being we're willing to accept is a litmus test for our own freedom.
Diana Oestreich, in Waging Peace
Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies;
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen
Against me, and they are breathing out violence.
Psalm 27: 11-12