Well, well, looks like the shoe’s on the other foot now in Baltimore. I couldn’t help being slightly amused (and therefore ashamed of myself) by the protests from the Baltimore Police Department after charges were filed against six officers in the death of Freddie Gray. “Rush to judgment.” “Unfair.” “Politics.” “Did nothing wrong.” “Entitled to due process.” How many … Continue reading Justice for Freddie?
Following Monday night’s rioting, burning, and looting in Baltimore, Toya Graham recognized her son in the crowd and went after him. I applaud her and wonder where all the other mothers were. Where are the parents when gangs of kids decide that such outrageous, mindless, destructive behavior is a good way to express their anger? “That’s my … Continue reading No-nonsense parenting in Baltimore
I’m a University of Oklahoma graduate, Class of ’65. I’ve always been proud of the school and felt I got a good education there. Today, however, I am deeply concerned that a small group of thoughtless, possibly drunk students have brought so much negative national attention to the school. It would be hard for anyone watching the … Continue reading OU alum upset by overreaction to SAE racism
Initially I was sympathetic to the thousands of individuals who took to the streets across the country to protest the deaths of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and Michael Brown and the obvious shortcomings of our law enforcement and justice systems. But it’s time they found other, more constructive ways to express themselves. Do the protesters not … Continue reading Some overdue thoughts about protest marchers
Above, in this globally viral photo, Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum hugs 12-year-old Devonte Hart during a Ferguson demonstration in Portland, Ore., on Nov. 25, 2014. Hart was standing in the crowd, tears in his eyes, holding a sign saying “Free Hugs.” Barnum noticed the young man and started a conversation with him about the … Continue reading The hug shared round the world
