Whether innocent or guilty, what this man did--to society at large--is much less dangerous.... Credit: www.abcactionnews.com

When a boy is shot, that is a tragedy.  When an eager media, politicians, and activists play tug-of-war with his soul, that is shameful.  In fact, perhaps sinful.  What we see happening in Florida and being duplicated throughout the country is precisely what a towering figure only 50 years ago implored that we not do.  Do not bring skin color into the daily goings-on of life, and most especially the question of justice; but rather, focus on a man’s character.  Let the facts be laid before a watching world.   And see that justice be served however those facts demand–be damned our own prejudices.

It is a sad misfortune that we labor in the times of one-headline stories, shysters who seek to gain their moment in the public eye, politicians who seek to “not let a crisis go to waste,” and genuine anarchists who have no regard for the authority of law.  But, alas, my fellow citizens, for those are the circumstances which we have been dealt.  Perhaps as a test.  Americans, in all our wisdom, can no longer afford to allow our petty differences to be widened into canyons by those whose careers are made of instigating trouble; of furthering resentment and hatred.

There are many “activists” and groups in Florida currently embarking on disturbing attempts to use the memory of a young man–whether innocent or guilty no one knows–to stain the character of another man–again, whether innocent or guilty, no one knows.  But these activists and the media who rush for their counsel proclaim that they know.  And the more they report and rescind, the more they prove that they do not know.

....than what these people do. Credit: www.tundratabloids.com

May this be a building block to a true color-blind society, when a people rose to the occasion and demanded that the troublemakers and race-dividers relinquish themselves to the shadows and the past.  They will not do so gracefully, for they have no grace, pride, or principle.  They have only a dish upon which to serve the offerings of stirring resentment and defiance of all acceptable rules of dialogue and humanity.  And all responsible Americans should forcefully and vociferously reject it.

Perhaps our children can one day live in that society we seem intent on denying ourselves; one that would be so easy to accomplish if only we hold our elected officials, media, and the troublemakers accountable; hold them in contempt for all to see for their partisan and selfish actions.  Turn them into an example, as they try desperately to turn an as-of-now innocent man into an example.  Turn the light toward them and shine it brightly.  You will find a high dose more to expose than the questionable shooting in a Florida suburb.