I may get religion yet!!
Not really. I was not presented with evidence that would change my mind. But I have a new respect and motivation to honor participants. I do sometimes wish I could find comfort there! I am very sad about today and wish the protestors could find a different outlet for their anger. It's certainly understandable to me. 
But, on a more positive note, our demonstration last night was amazing.
I spent the first part of Tuesday evening at a church with people from all over the world and observers of many different religions.
There was a collection of clergy members and less formal leaders representing their religions. A variety of Christians (Universal Unitarian, 2 different Baptist churches, a Methodist member and a female episcopal priest) There were many Jewish people and a couple of Rabbis, There were many people from the Islamic center to represent, people from the Hindu temple, a Mennonite, Pagans.... There were also plenty of nonbelievers such as myself.
We marched and after we reached our destination, the invited speakers blew me away! When the black Baptist pastor spoke, his religious language and imagery made philosophical sense and seemed to touch people very deeply. It was soothing for people to feel like they could call out for a natural goodness in this world. The reminder of that belief inspired positive emotional reactions that seemed to be incredibly intense and motivating. I had not been a direct observer before. I felt very happy for them.
I have not typically been inclined to care about what believers have to say. But, now I wish I had text of all of the remarks.of the speakers. Especially this one, which I was able to summarize.
He talk about the grief of the trailblazers, who once had reason to believe that their actions were going to helo build a world of better opportunity for future generations.
And here they are burying their grandchildren.
Then, there are the first beneficiaries of expanded opportunities, and a greater chance of success. We have seen some of that materialize, (for example, our current president). But it is clearly not enough, because they are burying their children.
And he wrapped it up with a statement.
"Let us not grieve without hope."
Hope.
How do we find it when we wonder what possibilities parents can promote for their children when they must also consider their safety. As it now stands, they must pass on lessons about how reaching for a wallet to prove who you are is dangerous because of your skin color?
I think that all children deserve to feel proud of who they are.
We should all be ashamed that a condition exists where they naturally have doubts about it.
I think we all owe it to future generations to work to change that.
This is a movement not a moment, and we need all the help we can get!!!
