Yes, what’s on my mind is my sense that many are weary of information about the virus and racism and white privilege and Donald Trump and protests. It was true in the 60s as well, but they were different times, when the country was actively at war and there were no social media to bombard us with information as today. There was no pandemic raging amongst us then. And there was no president quite like the one we have now. So I fear that a complacency is descending upon us like a dense fog, obstructing our view and deadening our resolve. We pull the covers over our heads and go back to sleep, hoping that when we finally wake it will all be OK, the world returned to a morning field of daffodils that will bloom forever.
My wife is reading a book about slavery and what life was like for them. I asked her what they ate, whether they had the opportunity to relieve themselves, whether they got breaks during work hours, etc. What she told me was very hard to hear, making me sad to think human beings could treat other human beings that way. I’ve been listening to the podcast 1619 lately and have learned that such treatment, in more subtle forms, is still happening today.
Anyway, these are some of the things on my mind on this 4th of July. Be well, and be thankful for any good fortune that comes your way.