Dallas shooting aftermath

Dallas aftermath

In this time of visceral reactions, we should all try to calm down and remember that, despite our differences, we are all humans and we are more alike than different.

We are at a turning point, and we must decide which path to take.

As a country, we can either allow the extremists (on all sides) to divide us and cause further conflict, or we can pull together as Americans and refuse to listen to hysterical voices.

I hope there’s an uprising of moderate, normal people who find their voices and begin telling the extremists to shut up.

We are a diverse country. We need to learn to accept and love one another and stop looking for our differences. We should look for things we have in common, for there are many of them.

Sadly, we have become a nation of “political correctness” and “rights.”

Five police officers are no longer with us today because of protesters’ “rights.”

It’s really quite simple: No protests in our streets, no need for police. Are the protesters willing to accept responsibility for their part in this tragedy?

When will those seeking change ever learn that change comes through the ballot box not by killing our “best of the best.”

Instead of protesting in our streets, just line up at the ballot box.

I know that change through the ballot box works. I was a part of ballot box changes in Bedford for many years.

All minorities, but especially the black folk among us, are more vulnerable to the negative factors in our society.

Frustrations with this condition are close to the surface and have become worse since the onset of the Great Recession in 2007. One way or another, the economic fallout has taken its toll on everyone.

Every human being is someone’s daughter or son, sister or brother, mother or father. Each person deserves the same respect, dignity and consideration in all human affairs and relationships. This is what is meant by “all men are created equal,” the founding principle of our society.

The meaning of this principle is that, even though the black experience, and that of other minorities, is different and too often wrong, we must never give up working to erase that difference.

Real change begins with leadership. Our nation will not realize the great promise of its founding principle until it is realized in full.

After the terrible attack in Dallas, let’s remember President George H.W. Bush’s plea for a “kinder and gentler” America.

In the middle of a very negative political campaign, let’s have less barking and more tail-wagging, fewer jeers and more cheers in our own Star-Telegram.

While working for peace, remember the sage’s advice: “Those without sin, cast the first stone.”

This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Dallas shooting aftermath."