My Voice Against Racial Injustice

Ausgezeichnetes Statement und Bild!!!

It is good that you have this opinion.
We have an old saying that says: "The fish starts to stink from the head..."

I agree Udo. It starts with individuals like us. You, me and each and every person must be outraged against injustice and social inequality that deprive so many of their inalienable human rights especially those of life and the pursuit of happiness and economic/health safety and stability.

Thank you William, that's what I call "Responsible Leadership of the Land of the Free"
This is how the goal is safely achieved: "Make America great again":

Read at: 01.06.2020, 11:11 Uhr | t-online.de, dpa, AFP, rtr

Washington protests: Trump flees into bunker
US President Donald Trump is said to have briefly retreated to the White House bunker used in terrorist attacks in the past because of the rampant protests in Washington over the weekend. Earlier, protesters had gathered near the White House.

www.t-online.de/nachrichten/ausland/usa/id_87971184/us-proteste-eskalieren-ausgangssperre-und-nationalgarde-jetzt-auch-in-washington.html

Greetings UdoSm

I have to admit, it was very cowardly on his part. And when he went the Mar-a-Lago for the weekend, was he really fleeing?

To add an update:

President Trump hid in the bunker on Saturday 30 May 2020 and Monday 1 June 2020. He now has the nerve to claim he spent very little time down there and just to inspect it! If this was the case on Saturday, then why did he need to "inspect" it again on Monday night? Even the Secret Service says he was down there for his safety. I wouldn't be surprised if that was his idea that the Secret Service went along with! Think back to 9/11 when George W. Bush was urged to take shelter in a bunker, he refused! Then when Vice President Cheney recommended he not return to Washington, D.C. from his day trip to Georgia just prior to the 9/11 attacks, he said "no way!" and returned. Certainly profiles in cowardice and courage!

There are terribly many people who condemn everything that is "different"
without knowing or understanding it.
This hatred is a terrible grimace that many people hide with a smiling face.
These people have no respect and no decency.
They only know the way that spreads fear and anxiety.

When I observe (at least what is shown to us in Europe)
what happens on the streets and how politics reacts to some extent,
then it is an oppressive feeling that resembles powerlessness.
Of course people should go out into the streets,
but as soon as the sun goes down they behave like wild animals.
That is no solution either. But how should one react differently if politics fails?

Well said Katja. Despite the views of those who condemn differences, differences and diversity are what make humanity so rich. Otherwise we'd live in a monotonous and boring world. As for your statement at night, while these acts are sad, they are expected since politics have failed and this is tragically the only way some can be heard when disgusting acts against humanity keep happening.

Maybe real discomfort is what all walks of society need until oppression ends and all can also live in freedom without being profiled, harassed, brutalized, and murdered. Individuality and differences should never make one a target.

Very well said William.

!

Alas!!!!a thousand times ALAS!!!!
But without police, it was worse isn't it? l think that will continue for the problem is heigher in the people who are at the top!
Power of money, social differences, poverty, emotional misery and fear of others, lack of empathy and love, egoism, not to say egotism of the modern world, privileges, and, above all, blatantly unequal justice.
"impartial justice that is blind to color and equal for all, and human rights."
l fear that rest a wishful thinking as we say in France! Never, in everytime and everywhere, under so many different governments and periods, we never saw that impartial independant justice for what we want, all and everybody!!!!! always, this justice is in the richpeople's hands....

Helena,
It would be worse without police but what we need is a well-trained and disciplined police force that respects diversity. We also need reasonable laws that offer perspective since not every offense should have to involve arrest. And yes, re: politics -- democrats and republicans alike have failed the people when it comes to fairness, equality and respect for human rights and this dream of a better society and world still remains seemingly out of reach and impossible.

Western democracy is absolutely rotten ....

normal , c'est une dictature du fric, dirigée par les plus riches

Western democracy is a great concept if followed properly. Personal biases, prejudice and hypocrisy that lead to injustice, discrimination and brutality are the problem.

Unfortunately it is since the tiniest of the minority exploit the vast majority. Capitalism needs a conscience since there's no way one should make billions while their employees struggle and need two or three jobs to eke out a living, are forced to work in unsafe conditions as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then... often lack proper health insurance.

I agree!

It's true, without contest!!!! Thanks William...

une image forte

YES!

J'avais vu la scène dans son temps , c'etait abominable. L'homme suppliait a terre qu'il ne pouvait plus respirer,il le répétait inlassablement,mais en vain..A croire que la justice fonctionne a deux vitesses quand il s'agit d'Afroamericain noir...C'est dommage pour un grand pays démocratique comme les USA. je suis très solidaire avec ces manifestations et que les coupables soient punis,mais par contre je ne suis pas d'accord avec ces saccages et ces incendies...Pour des manifestations propres et généralisées...

I don't agree with the looting and arson either. Nonetheless they are to be expected consequences of such heinous acts. What happened to George Floyd was murder pure and simple. All four of the killers must be brought to justice... not just one. Real reforms, including the rooting out of racists and thugs who wear a badge to brutalize and oppress others must also be implemented otherwise these crimes will keep happening as they are. I pity the decent police officers who are viewed with suspicion and contempt with damaged reputations when they joined the force for the right reasons -- to serve and protect, putting their safety and lives at risk every day.

c'est tellement horrible de voir ces images de violence , j'en ai tellement marre de voir ça tout les jours ! c'est bien triste mon ami ! le racisme existera tout toujours malheureusement ! au gouvernement d'y mettre fin !
belle journée William et portez vous bien

I'm so sick and tired of it too, @ngelique. Yet until individuals learn to embrace diversity and end their suspicion and hate of what is different, governments can only do so much. It starts with each one of us.

Very meaningful image, William ! Freedom equality fraternity !!! Unfortunately these words are so often scoffed all around the world.
Extremely sad ! Unfortunately humankid has not made real progresses over the centuries and we still live in a jungle ...

Well said Marie-claire. We live in a jungle and thus these primitive and barbaric acts keep happening. Humankind can be so pitiful and pathetic.

Me solidarizo contra el racismo !

Thank you by the way, Udo, Katja, Jaap, Thorsten (T.S-B), Helena, homaris, neira-Dan, Annemarie, Malik, @ngelique, Lee & Luv, Marie-claire, and Rafael! Stay well!

Very well said William, I stand with you.......

So horrific to see on the news William. Very sad that this is happening. It's a great pity you have the present President! There have been peaceful protests outside the American Embassy in London.

It is heartening Rosalyn to see Europeans stand with us during these trying moments so Americans can form a more perfect republic where the human rights of ALL are respected and the lives of ALL are valued.

I hope that will be possible in time William, but it won't happen with the present President.

yes !!!
more: we all humans are one only race !

Yes, there is one race -- the human race!

!

I agree !!!

voir encore de tels actes en 2020 ........ bon post william .

Well said, William.

Everything starts with individuals!!!!!

Great shot and strong words...

Thank you June, Mariano, Rosalyn, Nora, Berny, Proxar, Rosea, Dominique, Andy, Fusun, and Helena! Stay well!

Interesting post, William.

A very effective photo and post, William.

OUI William c'est une honte...
je suis de ton avis à 100% belle photo symbolique
bonne nouvelle semaine
amitiés/roland

Thank you Ron, John, and Roland! Stay well!

Superbe message !!

it's sad and terrible that discrimination, racism, brutal police behavior happens so often - and so often there is no justice for the victims,,,,,!

Superb image that highlights you words perfectly William

I fully agree with your sentiments, William, as also well reflected in your image. Meanwhile CV-19 continues running: strange days indeed! Stay safe.

A very compelling image.

Well written William. I am in complete agreement. Thank you for saying what so many of us feel but can't express adequately.

Hopefully November will see this President out of office and then perhaps this country can start the healing process.

I am still too moved, but I would at least like to agree with you, because yes, it is possible with proper training, discipline and respect (...) - no matter what opponents say.

Thank you Boro, Gabi, Roger, Tiabunna, Esther, Clickity Click, and
* ઇઉ *! Stay well!

Photos avec un message, une alerte , une émotion, un symbole, une réflexion, une drôlerie
www.ipernity.com/group/2401946

"La plume et l'encrier***
www.ipernity.com/group/2256158

Ich bin fassungslos darüber, was in Deinem Land geschieht.

History has a way of repeating itself. Worst since 1968 but unless there are real reforms, it will tragically repeat itself again sometime in the future. :( Thank you Bernhard! Stay well!

Non à tous les racismes !!!

Offensichtlich bist Du kein Rep, William.
Sie haben überall die Macht bis zu den obersten Gesetzeshütern.
Danke sehr für Deine klaren Worte.
Viel Glück für Amerika, viel Glück für einen anderen Geist.
Freundliche Grüße und bleib gesund.
Erich

Thank you Didier 85 and Erich. Today there was progress -- the key suspect had his charges upgraded to 2nd degree murder and the other three involved were also criminally charged. Had these protests not taken place nor been sustained, in spite the of the anarchists that at times hijacked the true message of demanding justice for George Floyd, an end to racism and police reforms, I doubt the other three would have been charged. Still, I hope there's no let up until real reforms are put into place since having gotten this far there cannot be any going back. This time must be different than all the other times. Also the pressure must be kept up to ensure the murderers receive justice instead of disproportionately light sentences.

William, danke sehr für Deine Informationen.
Besorgt verfolgen wir die deutschen Medien, Presse und Fernsehen. (Nicht wie die Fox News) Wir hoffen sehr, dass es nicht Böse endet. Durch die aufgepeitschten Massen des rechten Flügels. Nicht wie bei Martin Luther King.
Viel Glück und alles Gute nach Amerika.

◉✴ Digital Dreams ✴
www.ipernity.com/group/1493642

Admired in:
www.ipernity.com/group/tolerance

We want justice and peace... but without political and religious tolerance we are not close to get it.
And unfortunately racism doesn't just work one way nor against just one race.

... "human dignity is inviolable"...

when will it be implemented ?

Il faut espérer qu'un jour tous les peuples, toutes les races' toutes nous devenions égaux ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Josianne, as I see it, we are all equal, since the beginning of mankind and the natural adaptation of people to different climates and living conditions. Many of us just still do not understand it yet...

There is only one race: the human............

Thank you Erich, Ron, Xata, Erika, Fraulein, Josiane, * ઇઉ * , and Soeradjoen! Stay well!

The diversity of the crowds demanding justice, police reform, and end to racism are encouraging since this monumental task requires the efforts of all good people. It's also reassuring to see how military leaders, ex-Generals and the Defense Secretary reject President Trump's anti-democratic impulse to turn the military on the American people. Of concern though are the concrete barricades and fencing that have now been extended to 17th street, greatly enlarging the perimeter around the White House. One can only wonder, is Trump planning to cancel elections on some pretext and thus proactively putting the physical infrastructure in place to thwart harsh protests that would undoubtedly materialize? Is as one four star general asked, "The American experiment in danger?" Is the very existence of the American republic in danger?

And yes, human dignity is inviolable and we need religious, political and cultural tolerance. Everyone must have the right to their personal beliefs and individuality and we must not only tolerate but embrace such diversity. No single set of political or religious beliefs nor personal ideology and way of life is the one, infallible approach that all ought adhere to!

Also the claim by the police officers' attorney that George Floyd died of a heart attack caused by Coronavirus is ridiculous. Coronavirus did not kill him. The four police officers did.

Last, it's disturbing to hear how some business owners are decrying the fact no bans have been placed on peoples' right to protest with government leaders (President Trump not included) and the CDC instead calling for social distancing when possible and the use of face masks and coverings. As they seem so adamant that the protests be prohibited in the same way shut downs are enforced, I can't help but ask, "Are some of these business owners closet racists?" If not, they are insensitive to say the least! The protests take real courage in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore there are times when people are called to take great risks in the name of freedom, social justice and human rights; allowing people to exercise their inherent right to protest is the correct approach. Ideals such as freedom, social justice and human rights are so much greater than one wanting to make a few dollars at risk of spreading a virus that has already proven so deadly. They'll get their chance when conditions are safe. With continued improvement in places like NY, the re-openings are becoming more inclusive and widespread, so instead of complaining as NYC even dares contemplate about phase II re-openings in early July, a little patience is in order. It's almost over barring no setbacks. Of course with lessons learned, it is only reasonable to expect a new normal in the post-COVID-19 era that may include greater social distancing in public places, protective barriers, added sidewalk space and crowd density reductions.

An impressive photo from a divided country. Good that the desire for peace is everywhere! I agree with your statement!

you made a great statement. Black lives matter!

# NEW #
www.ipernity.com/group/278937

I share your opinions. American police have really been bias against blacks and other ethnic groups. Their behaviour borders on cruelty and indeed unlawful treatment of these ethnic groups. What they did in the recent case of George Floyd was pure and simple MURDER. Unfortunately their behaviour has harmed and murdered so many others in history. Well said William Regards Tess.

A tragic and sad legacy that must stop!

Thank you Rainer, Trudy, Ron, Tess and Betty! Stay well!

The term "Police" generally refers to the activity of ensuring the safety of persons and property and maintaining public order by enforcing the law. [fr.wikipedia]
As soon as this precept is violated, democracy is threatened and the door is opened to violent reactions from the population.
I fully agree with your speech, William, and support the wishes to put republican rules back at the centre of political action, throughout the world.
This American flag, soiled by those who are supposed to guarantee the respect for the ethics it represents, bitterly illustrates the deleterious climate following the pandemic in the United States.

Well said William. It baffles me that we as human beings have evolved so rapidly in fields such as technology yet seem to have learned little in other respects, and resort to thuggery. violence and discrimination so easily.

Have a good weekend

YES!

Superb image, William

Thank you Eric, Ecobird, and J. Garcia. Yes, the USA is in a bad place but there is hope. NY is demonstrating the battle against COVID-19 can be won. The rage in the protests that resulted in destruction (some just such as the burning of the Minneapolis 3rd precinct) and looting (inexcusable but expected) has given way to hope and optimism such that in the vast majority protests there is peace and even a mood of celebration since it appears this time may be different as people of all races have been drawn together against injustice and hate. It also helps police and national guard presence has been pulled back. Nevertheless to ensure things don't go back to the way they were, the protests must be sustained.

The only front where there is growing darkness and pessimism is the White House. The fortification continues and the perimeter has been expanded in complete contradiction to the norms of democratic states. Also, according to an eyewitness last night, "At least 6 busloads of soldiers were dropped off near the @WhiteHouse. No one would tell me anything (unit numbers, orders) except that they are coming in and not going out." Also according to Yahoo News, there are about 1300 soldiers based on the south side of the White House, some well-trained snipers. This is creepy for anyone who lives in a democracy!

Thanks for another visit.

Have a good day.

What more can I say in front of all the enormity and monstrosities ... committed every day everywhere. Some days I wonder where I am, if I'm really in the right place, William ...

Congratulations on Explore.

Thank you Ron and Christiane! I'm sure all decent people sometimes wonder the same thing, Christiane. Stay well!

Eric Desjours a tout dit dans son commentaire. Commentaire que je partage.

Asi de simple es: sin justicia no es posible la paz. Lo entenderá quién tiene que entenderlo? Lo dudo, porque han elegido al más tonto.

Deeply and wholly sharing your strong message implicit in this iconic image and your remarks!!!

+1

Thank you for your well thought out and important message. I do not have your eloquence, but agree with the basic essence of what you are saying.

I'm excited that at least some actual change is starting to take place - it is long overdue. More, much more needs to happen.

And your art has always been creative, we use our imagination to really appreciate and enjoy it - imagination is essential to empathy. Thank you for that as well.

I agree, it's exciting that this time it looks like real change may take place even if our President's first instinct was to hide in his bunker, create a 1.7 sq. mile exclusion zone around the White House and remains in complete denial, spouting incendiary and insensitive remarks. It's reassuring people of all races are protesting and standing together since realistically this is the only way pols will know this time is different and the status quo must go. It was also peaceful and uplifting to take part in one such protest on 10 June and see so many people of diverse backgrounds get along and respect each other as equals. Still the pressure must be kept up so the pols don't think they can simply wait us out until we move on and forget and because words and the best intentions are hollow without action!

I HAVE LIVED IN AMERICA FOR 14 YEARS NOW. THERE ISNT ONE DAY I HAVE NOT BEEN AFRAID., THAT IS SUCH A SAD REFLECTION OF HERE.

This is so sad Pam. No one should have to live in fear. Goes to show what a long way America has to go to learn tolerance. :( Stay strong and keep the courage!

Thank you Jean-Luc, Marije, Beatrice, Eric, Raingirl, and Pam! Stay well!

I agree !

;-)

Thank you Cecile! Stay well!