You're right in the big picture but not the timeline. Garfield is killed in 1881 while Reconstruction ended in 1877. That early death was the result of white supremacist violence in the South (and malaise in the North) that led to the contested election of 1876.
These are all heartbreaking stories. Michael Brown's case is especially close to my heart as it occurred just a few miles from where I live in St. Louis. We do need to be reminded now and then about those who have been injured and killed, then left behind in the annals of time. You are right. We have always been this way.
This is what I’ve been trying to get across to these “Christian” conservatives I know—it started out with people of color, but beware, it won’t end there.
All these tactics will come for you and yours too.
My poetic response to Trayvon's murder.
Neighborhood Watch
It was raining like hell
When they cuffed me
I told the cops
It was simple
An eye for an eye
Leaves the whole world blind
Just like Lady Justice
Except that I have a smile
Not a smirk
On my face
See, Trayvon carried skittles
But I packed heat
When I followed George
From his house
Until he idled
At the drive through
It’s hard to leave a Krispy Kreme
Once you’ve seen the Hot light
And it’s even harder
After I’ve dropped my whole clip
Into your chest
I told the cops
It was simple
Lady Justice is blind
But I can see clearly
The rain is gone
© Gayle Force Press 2017
If you’d like to hear this poem performed, please check out our podcast.
http://whodeannypod.libsyn.com/may-poetry-pod
https://whodeannypod.org/2019/11/09/neighborhood-watch/
The South won. Reconstruction was terminated early (which wouldn't have happened had Garfield not been assassinated).
You're right in the big picture but not the timeline. Garfield is killed in 1881 while Reconstruction ended in 1877. That early death was the result of white supremacist violence in the South (and malaise in the North) that led to the contested election of 1876.
this post has gotten little traction, which disgusts me
These are all heartbreaking stories. Michael Brown's case is especially close to my heart as it occurred just a few miles from where I live in St. Louis. We do need to be reminded now and then about those who have been injured and killed, then left behind in the annals of time. You are right. We have always been this way.
Amen. Every word of this.
I can’t help but feel the extra-judicial execution immediately after the general strike was a response from a bunch of cowards — do not resist.
This is what I’ve been trying to get across to these “Christian” conservatives I know—it started out with people of color, but beware, it won’t end there.
All these tactics will come for you and yours too.
I never wanted to acknowledge this but I finally realize it’s the truth. We’ve always been this way. We are violent and primitive.
🙌❤️🔥
Yes, we have NEVER BEN any better