From my perspective

Somebody help me out and explain, what, in today’s climate, is not racist? This isn’t intended as a rhetorical question. I’d really be curious to hear an honest, yet logical, answer to that question from one of our so-called “progressive liberals” (I believe these people’s logic is actually regressive but a topic for another column). The news is full of events and circumstances that are referred to as “racist” that I never would have remotely considered. Quite frankly, I don’t see how the people making these allegations make that leap. Let’s look at two situations that are current.

Two weeks ago, a female sprinter (only because it is pertinent to the conversation, the young lady I’m referring to is Black), who was considered a viable contender for an Olympic gold medal was suspended because she tested positive for marijuana. The rules against marijuana use by USA Track and Field are quite clear and there is no ambiguity on this issue. To her credit, this young lady admitted the violation and provided her explanation for her lapse in judgement. She never shrunk away from her actions that lead to the discipline and I admire her for that. However, many progressive liberals, Hollywood celebrities and sports figures (why does anyone listen to these people?) have made the claim that the decision by USA Track and Field is racist. The young lady who violated the rules never made such an allegation. How did these other people (who were not directly involved) come to that conclusion?

Another example: It’s been widely reported in the media that larger, Democrat controlled cities have done away with cash bail for people who have been arrested. The supposed rationale behind this policy? Apparently, according to the proponents, bail is somehow racist. Their argument is that the people “of color” who get arrested don’t have the resources to put up the money to get out of jail. Therefore, the system that won’t let them make bail is racist.

I look at this differently and don’t see race as a factor in any of the discussion. Why is skin color ever a factor? Regarding the first example. The young lady’s admission is admirable. She owned her mistake. Nothing that happened has to do with her ethnicity. She violated a rule she was aware of and was disciplined for it. Sad, yet it had to be done. I believe that the discipline actually points to the integrity of the system. An Olympic gold medal was at stake, yet they chose discipline. In my view that demonstrates integrity, not racism.

Regarding bail. Why and how do people come to the conclusion that this has anything to do with race? It seems to me that the only thing being asked, is that people (regardless of race) obey the rules! Here’s an idea, let’s not consider your ethnicity, your sex, your political affiliation, your religion or anything else when it comes to the law. This may sound pretty radical to the so-called progressive liberals but stretch your brain and consider this idea; don’t commit the crime and bail won’t be a factor that anyone is talking about! Seems pretty straightforward to me. In my view, making these issues a racist discussion is tantamount to saying that, because of their ethnicity, the people who commit these violations can’t help it. The way I see it, these people are using a bigoted philosophy to support their allegations that the system is racist. I reject that absurd logic! In my view, all of us are responsible for our own actions. Seems pretty simple to me.

I received the following in an email from a buddy of mine and it’s addressed to the “progressive liberals.” I wish I knew the identity of the writer because I’d like to shake his/her hand. However, I believe more and more people are starting to feel this way (I sure do) and it’s worth sharing.

I never cared if you were “gay” or whatever acronym you choose to call yourself until you started shoving it down my throat.

I never cared what color you were, until you started blaming me for your problems.

I never cared about your political affiliation, until you started to condemn me for mine.

I never cared where you were from in this great Republic until you began condemning people based on where they were born and the history that makes them who they are.

I have never cared if you were well off or poor because I’ve been both . . . until you started calling me names for working hard and bettering myself.

I’ve never cared if your beliefs are different from mine - until you said my beliefs are wrong.

I’ve never cared if you don’t like guns until you tried to take my guns away.

Now . . . I care. I’ve given all the tolerance I have to give. This is no longer my problem. It’s your problem. You can still fix it. It’s not too late. But it needs to be soon.

I’m a very patient person. But I’m out of patience. There are literally tens of millions of people just like me that are sick of all your anti-American crap!

I’ve always cared about life and all lives, but now you try to force the notion on me and my fellow citizens and patriots that certain lives matter more than others. You protest, riot, attack, burn and loot. Your so-called “movement” has become a radical, out of control bunch of thugs. Criminals and anarchists who are destroying our country.

We have had enough! America is the greatest country on Earth, and if you don’t like America then you can leave. We are done caring about your misguided “feelings.”

You don’t have the right to enjoy American freedoms if you are trying to take that right away from other Americans.

The above says it all from my perspective. I wish I was that eloquent!

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls.