I am so saddened by what is happening to our country. I am so afraid of the maniac in the White House who is capable of doing anything to guarantee his re-election. OMG that photo op at the Episcopal Church while Americans are being tear gassed on the other side of the park. And the Bible? Really folks: What was he trying to say? And to whom? It just adds to my fears about his loyal followers and what could come next.

I watch the videos of George Floyd’s murder. What were the other officers standing around thinking? Why didn’t they stop it? I am feeling paralyzed as to what to do. I know where I should be – out on the street, offering my body as a vote in the national campaign for racial justice and reform. I am feeling old and vulnerable. I am impressed by how young the protestors are and like the grandfather that I am, I am happy to see that many of them are wearing masks. At least on TV, there are many ethnicities and races represented in the marches and protest and that gives me hope and faith.

Because this is not a black fight. This is not just the concern of communities of color. This is all of our struggle if we are going to transmit an America worthy of its name and promise to the next generation. This is on all of us no matter what shade of brown, beige, black, tan, white we are.

But I know I really can’t feel their anger. I can emotionally empathize, and I can intellectually understand but my gut doesn’t have the fear and the suspicion built into it because of the color of my skin. I don’t have the eyes on me suspicious of the way I walk or the sweatshirt I wear or the physicality of my body or the crime of being black by driving or black in the wrong neighborhood or black in the park. I am so keenly aware of my white privilege.

If this is on me then the question is what can I do to live my words and my values. Not everyone can do everything. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschels’ famous words: “Some are guilty, all are responsible” are kind of my personal contemporary commandment. I guess I am saying – don’t just sit and watch all this unfold on TV making judgements and weighing who is right and who is wrong. Don’t just focus on the small minority who are looting and turning to violence. Those who are protesting peacefully are fulfilling America’s promise. And especially because we are not on the street, it is time to find an action that will support a just and free tomorrow for all the colors of the rainbow.

Want to read more? Rabbi Judith Schindler wrote a great piece on what you and I can do. It is my next go to:  https://www.judyschindler.com/if-you-are-white-and-asking-what-can-i-do/

It is on us.