Thoughts on a Tragic Weekend

     Like many folks, I am very disturbed by the violent and tragic events that took place in Charlottesville over the weekend, and in 45's totally inadequate response to them. His rhetoric has clearly emboldened the white supremacist domestic terrorists, and it may be too late now to "put the genie back in the bottle," However, basic humanity nonetheless calls for the president to issue a strong denouncement of what has occurred. Sadly, some of those on the left who oppose the terrorists are now engaging in their own acts of violence as a means of resistance. This calls for strong corrective leadership from clergy and other respected public figures. Lastly, though I am generally against the militarization of law enforcement, I think that only an overwhelming show of force--such as the presence of armed National Guard at any planned "alt-right", KKK, or neo-Nazi demonstrations--will be necessary to prevent this situation from escalating.

                                Below: Feeling optimistic at an earlier time!  Yours,  Emily