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We Stand Against Injustice

June 3, 2020   66 Comments

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We Stand Against Injustice

I thought long and hard about what I might say or if any of you would want to hear from me on the human rights issue that continues to cause so much trauma in the USA.

I saw that WW posted a statement on their Instagram and if they can do it - so can I. I feel as if I can't continue to write Snack Girl without speaking up.

My plan for today was strawberry oatmeal muffins and I am going to share them on Sunday instead.

I am a food blogger with a platform - and I am a human with a voice. My blog is essentially about how to become and stay healthy. Racism is a health issue. The experiences of racism raise the risk of emotional and physical health problems, including depression, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.

There are moments in your life when you feel as everything comes into clear focus. That moment for me was when I became a mother. My daughter and son gave me a deep sense of purpose. My purpose was to keep them safe - and that goal became my one of my most important reasons for living.

If I think just for a moment about my neighbor - a mother of a black son - and her fear that she cannot keep him safe because of the systematic brutal behavior of some of our police - I lose my breath.

George Floyd was somebody’s baby and in his last moments he called for his mother. If he had been my baby, I would do everything in my power to ensure his death was not for nothing.

My tax dollars fund the police, the DA, the court system - and this injustice must stop. Racist cops need to be treated like the cancer that they are and be removed from duty. When they do something as grotesque as execute a black man in broad daylight - they should get prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

I will continue to protest, vote, and give money to the people and organizations that can bring about real change until my neighbor does not live in fear of her baby dying at the hand of a police officer. I don’t know when that is going to be. Honestly, it feels like this will never end because it has been going on for so long.

I wish that the love for each other - our humanity - could heal this awful trauma that we continue to perpetuate as a nation.

This is all I wanted to say. Thank you for reading Snack Girl (as always). If you choose to comment, please be respectful of others.

I am in business with Mediavine (my advertising partner) and we stand against injustice.

Sunday, I promise I will be back to muffins.

Much Love,

Lisa AKA Snack Girl

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66 Comments:

Thank you for this post. I am with you, with George Floyd's family, and with BLM.

Thank you for using your platform for this very important time in our lives. If I wasn't already a fan, this would have swung me fully into a follower of your food blog. Thank you.

Thank you for this post, we are in agreement with you and couldn't have said it any better!!

Thank you for standing up for what's right.

I have been struggling with what to say for fear of saying the wrong thing, but saying nothing is worse than saying something, even if that something may be "wrong" but comes from a place of love. What you said feels right and clearly comes from a place of love so thank you.

Thank you for your post. You said it beautifully.

Thank you for saying what we all are feeling.

Praying to see the end to racism in my lifetime

Just wondering what we the blacks did to other races to always treat us like trash.

Whites not only vandalized the African continent but are going ahead to brutalise us in every part of the world.

Thank you for your post - I feel the same way as a mother. We all have to stand together.

You wrote what was in my heart. Thank you for your powerful words.

Thank you! I've read you blog for years. I am a woman of color.

MLK Jr said. 'The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good.'

Thank you again for your voice.

Thank you for your sincere heartfelt comments - our family dealt with police brutality 60 years ago in Newburgh, New York - Due to some obscure laws protecting police officers, they never seem to get their justice for wrongdoing-it has manifested over those years to this rather common occurrence of escalated brutality/death-it's time to STOP their unconditional authority and full discretionary power and hold them responsible!

Thank you For using your platform. It is time we all speak up.

Thank You for posting this !! I’m with you and feel the same !!

Thank you for using your voice and platform to share what is in your heart... I'll stand by you.

Everyone is against injustice and we know there is not always justice. Is there justice for the small business owners who are losing their lives and businesses to criminals who are rioting and looting (these are not the protesters, but paid rioters who are being given pick axes and bricks. WAPO has kept data about police shootings since 2015. Last year there were 802 police shootings. 371 were white; 236 black and the vast majority were armed. Of the 10 unarmed African Americans shot, 5 of them had attacked police officers before they were shot. Last year was the safest year for unarmed African Americans, but last year 48 officers were killed.

I would have appreciated your comments for the injustice if you had also included condemnation for the criminals who are now attacking and killing innocents who are trying to defend their properties or acknowledging that policing is dangerous and if this continues, you will not have someone show up to protect you when you are in need because no one will want to be in law enforcement! Condemnation of one action without condemnation of the other actions is only promoting racial tensions!

Prejudice is a disease far worse than any pandemic. I stand with you.

Thank you so much for your heartfelt post. As the grandmother of two precious little black boys and soon a little biracial grandson, I appreciate your concern.

Thank you so much for your public statement! I’m glad to see another that is willing to see and describe the violation of the social contract that violence brought by those in the position of power results in, the injustice that lives across centuries of practice; change happens so slowly, and I think again we are at a touch point where people can not, should not, tolerate the status quo.

Love your neighbor as yourself and this injustice would end.

Thank you Susan Friedrich for pointing out facts that are not being shared. There are a few bad apples that need to be removed but the police (white, black & brown have families too). Where is the out cry for the black retired police officer that was killed trying to protect his friend's store from looters and seen on the internet, no one helping him. He had a family too. Where is the out cry for the policeman that was stabbed in NY last night. Do you know how many good policemen have been killed in this last week?

It is time for peace and it is time for everyone to go home and stop destroying our cities and each other. I am for peaceful protesting but taking rights away from one to give to another is not right either. I am for ALL Americans to have equal rights. What about you??

I stand with everyone that believes in love and not hate. We can get through anything together.

Thanks for this column.You said it better than I ever could. We must all VOTE, donate and work for causes we know are right.

I think all of us need to be held to a certain standard - no matter who you are, what ethnicity you are, what political stand you make, what career path you choose, what income level you have etc. If you murder someone, you need to pay the price and I don't care who you are. If you burn down a business, assault someone, steal from someone you need to own it and pay the price for your actions. It is especially heinous when a person in a position of power, uses that power to carry out a crime - the police are no exception. On the flip side, not everyone at a protest is violent. Not every police officer is bad. There will always be bad apples in every bushel. As a society, we need to differentiate the bad apples from all walks of life and hold them accountable without condemning everyone.

Thank you so much for your powerful words. We all need to listen with our hearts and do what we know is right for all of mankind. This world can become a better place if we all do our part. Thank you again, and God bless us all.

Thanks for stating so well what’s in my heart

All I can say is...Thank you for using your voice.

I want to add that I stand with peaceful protestors. The looters are wrong - and should be prosecuted.

"My tax dollars fund the police, the DA, the court system - and this injustice must stop. Racist cops need to be treated like the cancer that they are and be removed from duty. When they do something as grotesque as execute a black man in broad daylight - they should get prosecuted to the full extent of the law." I couldn't agree more. Thank you, Snack Girl. George Floyd is a human being. My heart goes out to his family and to the families of all to whom this happened/happened. Thank you for putting words to what I've been feeling for days now. Blessings!

Thank you so much for your comments. I understand that many of us are outraged over the opportunists who take advantage of a tumultuous situation to vandalize and steal, but we can’t let that overshadow the initial tragedy of systemic racism. It’s unacceptable. Goeoge Floyd’s young daughter said, “Daddy changed the world”. I pray she is right.

Lisa - thank you for this eloquent, straight-from-the-heart post. Yes, racism does affect mind, body and spirit. And as an advocate for health and wellbeing, as a mother and a conscientious citizen, and as a blogger with a sizable following, your words carry weight. I hope that all of us who read your words and agree with them will follow up with constructive action. Thank you for your leadership and for your friendship.

Jesse

Minneapolis

That this is first and foremost in people's attention is a hopeful sign. I pray that it stays there so that systemic changes are made. I am sick of the support for racism through blindness or hatred. I know I need to do work to overcome my white privilege and be anti racist. Thank you for not keeping silent.

Thank you. It's increasingly important to me to know who I follow!

I am so grateful you used your platform to make a statement reflecting what the vast majority of the U.S. and the rest of the world are feeling about the racist actions of our authority figures that have been going on for centuries. I am a woman of privilege and I acknowledge it and make sure my children acknowledge it whenever we talk about our successes in life. It's called the lottery of birth. No matter how hard we work and no matter how intelligent we are, what careers we have, etc., etc., we started with privileges that people of color do not start with. I am outraged with what has happened at the hands of our tax paid civil servants to people of color. This scourge starts at the top of our leadership and I feel will continue until, at the very least, our leadership looks like the people they represent, not old white men. I am a proud daughter of my late father Capt.Daniel A. Liston of Hamden, CT. Police and I know full well there are ''good and bad in all'' and that the job of being a cop is a dangerous one as well as a rewarding one for doing it with the respect that position garners. No one should fear the police ... the police are who we call when we are afraid. My heart goes out to all people of color who fear any authority figures esp the police.

We are all created equal. We are not born racist or anything else that is hateful to others. Thank you for your post.

Thank you for taking the time to share how you are feeling. I posted this message on my FACE BOOK account. Grandma Tucker.

Thank you so much for standing up against this evil. We should never stand by in silence to any injustice.

Appreciated you last night when enjoying 0 point taco filling. Appreciate and admire your conviction and courage this morning. Thank you.

Lisa, thank you for using your platform for this important message! I stand with you as a mother and a fellow human being.

Thank you for speaking out today. Amen.

Thank you for saying what we all are feeling.

The awful crime that was committed by this policeman was unforgivable and he should lose his job and be punished for any crimes he has committed and a voice should also be given to protestors to make sure laws are put in place to stop any prejudice or brutality that exists yet why are we allowing the political games the politicians are playing divide the white and black population to erase any positive relationships and advances we have made in many areas...more families now have intermarried and formed strong friendships and loving relationships moving toward peace and love...do not destroy the police force that protects us or allow politicians to divide us lets just make changes in a way that will eradicate injustice for any race but not the destruction of men who come out to protect you with you need them putting their life a limb at risk for your safety. We should be reforming peaceably to move forward not to destroy and leave ourselves open to more lack or protection and peace between all the races.

So glad you are sharing your feelings and to see all the support. Trusting this will be a big milestone for much needed change. Love always prevails!

Thank you for using your platform to speak out against injustice. What a wonderful, heartfelt post.

Please explain how corrupt, bias Minneapolis lawmakers years ago did not get involved with the abhorrent police conduct that ultimately led to the senseless, brutal death of Mr. George Floyd? The fact that FOR YEARS the police officer had 18 serious offenses in his personnel file is testimony to the fact that Minneapolis’s Police Union, the States Attorney at the time, Amy Klobuchar, the POLICE CAPTAIN/COMMISSIONER, the Mayor and Governor DID NOTHING TO STOP OR FIRE THIS OFFICER. There were outcries from the public that could have been heard by these lawmakers but they were ignored. Yes, all these police officers were culpable in Mr. Floyd’s cruel death but place the blame squarely where it belongs.

THE JOB OF OUR LAWMAKERS IS TO KEEP US ALL SAFE AND INSURE OUR SYSTEM IS UNBIASED. IF THE LAWS WERE NOT WORKING TO PROTECT US, THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGED, long ago. THESE LAWMAKERS COULD HAVE ADDRESSED AND CHANGED THE LAWS THAT ALLOWED THIS TO HAPPEN. THEY DIDN’T DO THEIR JOBS AND NOW MR. FLOYD IS DEAD. THEY ARE JUST AS COMPLICIT AS THE CRIMINAL POLICE OFFICERS WHO COMMITTED THE VILE ACT.

BUT I THINK THE LAWMAKERS MAYBE EVEN MORE SO!

AMEN!! I stand with you! It is time for change!

I would have appreciated your comments for the injustice if you had also included the hundreds of thousands of great police officers who continue to serve and protect in spite of the injustices they are faced with every day.

Everybody’s screaming “racism” over the Minnesota in-custody death, but what evidence points to this being racially motivated? Because the officer was white and suspect black? Seriously? How about the three other minority officer who were involved in the arrest? Are they racists as well, or are you lumping them all together because of their chosen profession?

I’ve yet to hear anyone say that the suspect’s criminal conduct was a contributing factor to the unfortunate chain of events that led to his death. Everybody is focused on the crime he was arrested for initially, but what about the newly discovered , under reported, fact that “George” (as he is now affectionately known) was under the influence of methamphetamine and fentanyl at the time of his death? Don’t you think that his ILLEGAL drug abuse contributed to his irrational behavior, health issues, and a factor in his untimely death, or should we just disregard this inconvenient fact because life was hard for him because of the color of his skin? What ever happened to personal accountability for ones actions?

I’m offended by how quickly the emotionally charged race card has been thrown in police work since 2008. We saw this happen in Ferguson, remember the “hands up don’t shoot” lie? We saw it again in the Baltimore case where all of those “racist cops” reportedly broke the suspect’s neck. Both of these cases were ultimately found to not have occurred the way it was portrayed to our country, and the officers were acquitted of criminal wrongdoing. Yet nobody talks about those facts.

If you think there is such rampant racism in law enforcement, I recommend you go to your local police station and go on some ride alongs. You’ll actually see how engaging the officers are with segments of the community you probably don’t know even existed in your community. You’ll also see that most violence committed against minorities are by other, wait for it...MINORITIES.

I’m not sorry for my anger right now because I have spent more than two-decades watching officers go out and put their lives on the line for complete strangers, NO MATTER THEIR RACE, in the communities they serve without reservation, and they are often wrongfully judged by the exception and not the norm.

Is every officer perfect? No, but show me a perfect teacher, priest, accountant, or a person involved in any other profession for that matter. Police work is not a scripted profession and most encounters are dictated by the person being contacted, not the officers. #backtheblue #bluelivesmatter

I so appreciate those who stand against injustice - you Rock!

Here's something for you to think about:

You hate me because I wear a badge. Let me tell you about the badge and the thousands of men and women it represents.

This badge ran towards certain death as the Towers collapsed on 9-11.

This badge ran into the line of fire to save the people in the Pulse Night Club.

This badge sheltered thousands as bullets rained down from the Mandalay Hotel in Las Vegas.

This badge protected a BLM rally that left five officers dead in Dallas.

This badge ran into the Sandy Hook School to stop a school shooter.

This badge killed the Oregon District mass shooter in seconds.

This badge has done CPR on your drowned child.

This badge has fist fought the wife beater who left his spouse in a coma.

This badge has run into burning buildings to save the occupants.

This badge has been shot for simply existing.

This badge has waded through flood waters to rescue the elderly trapped on the roof.

This badge has intentionally crashed into the wrong way driver to protect innocent motorists.

This badge has helped find the lost child so his mother would stop crying hysterically.

This badge has helped the injured dog off the road and rushed it to the vet.

This badge has escorted the elderly woman across the street because she couldn't see well and was afraid to cross.

This badge has bought food for hungry kids because they had been abandoned.

This badge has been soaked in blood and tears.

This badge has been covered by a mourning band to honor those who have sacrificed everything in service.

You may hate me because I wear it. But, I wear it with pride. Despite your hate and your anger, I will await the next call for help. And, I will come running without hesitation. Just like the thousands of men and women across this great nation.

This badge.

~Unknown

LaWanda, I chose not to bring racism into this discussion because my original post addressed only the Minneapolis failed lawmakers who could have prevented Mr. George Floyd’s senseless, brutal death if only they had done their jobs.

WHY DIDN’T THE MINNEAPOLIS POLICE UNION, THE POLICE CAPTAIN/COMMISSIONER, AMY KLOBUCHAR, THE STATES ATTORNEY, THE MAYOR OR THE GOVERNOR TAKE ON WHOEVER OR WHATEVER STOOD IN THE WAY OF REMOVING THIS ROGUE POLICE OFFICER FROM THEIR POLICE FORCE? THE MINNEAPOLIS LAWMAKERS WERE ELECTED TO PROTECT EACH AND EVERY CITIZEN OF THEIR STATE YET FOR YEARS THEY STOOD BY AND DID NOTHING.

Every business person knows if an employee is sited for poor job performance of any kind, the employee MUST immediately correct the job performance OR BE TERMINATED. By not doing their jobs and forcing the termination of this officer the lawmakers allowed this tragedy to happen. This officer should have been removed LONG AGO. These failed lawmakers placed an indelible stain on ALL the men and women in blue across the nation who go to work every day risking their lives because they are sworn to uphold the law and protect us ALL.

THESE FAILED LAWMAKERS HAD YEARS TO CREATE OR AMEND POLICIES THAT COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS SAD DEATH.

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY BELIEVE THEY MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT DONE THEIR JOBS AND THEY MUST BE TERMINATED.

Thank you for using your forum to say what needs to be said. Unbelievable we have not made more progress in life with loving and accepting each other.

So glad you’re concerned about George Floyd calling out for his mother. Are you equally concerned about the pregnant woman whose house he broke into to rob, and held his gun against her pregnant belly?

Lisa, I personally thank you for your comments. There are also many incidents of brutality toward white and Hispanic Americans. The murders of Arbery and Floyd have crushed my heart. My husband is Hispanic and has been stopped in the past for no apparent reason, however, when police see he is a military veteran card, they seem to back off, fortunately. I think these killings could happen to our loved ones, neighbors and friends at any time. The Tuttles, a couple who lived modestly, had at least 10 police buste the door down to their house first shooting the dog then the couple, all died. They were white. These people had no drugs for this drug raid and the wife, apparently from her computer, was a devoted Christian. The entire story is on the internet and YouTube and the news in late 2019 I believe. All of this breaks my heart.

Thank you so much for speaking from the heart. Loved it.

@LaWanda - no, not this girl. I can see how it seems that everyone is anti-police, but I am not. In fact, I have police in my family, and police have been there for me independent of that. It is precisely because of those who dirty the badge by inappropriate behavior that I am upset and disturbed. Believe me, I long for the days that police were respected. They used to walk the streets and if there were a gang of hoodlums on a given corner, the police would say, "When I come around the block, I don't want to see you here." And they would obey. They deserve respect and they have mine. Just saying.

Great meme going around. Look at Luke 15. Jesus had a flock of 100 sheep. One got lost and He went looking for it. Did he not love the 99 He left behind unguarded? Yes, but they weren’t in danger.

I totally agree with the person who said she couldn’t believe we have not made more progress in our lifetimes of loving and accepting each other.

@Dolores The title of this blog is Standing Against Injustice. I don't think I saw where anyone said they hate the police. Sorry if I'm wrong. I love police. Those who don't abuse their power and the rights of other citizens. Nobody deserves to be killed over an alleged fake $20 bill. Nobody. Arbery's murder was covered up initially (as I understand it) by the police and the DA's office. Corruption goes deep. I have never been with a white person who was pulled over by the police. When we've been pulled over, it has been a person of color driving but, as I witnessed, obeying the law. My husband, a Hispanic, has been pulled over over 5 times that I know of in the last 18 years and has only one speeding ticket in his entire life. Each time, he was allowed to go along his way. Neither one of us does drugs or alcohol so why were we stopped?. If your family is in the police force, do or did they try to cover up for buddies or other officers or themselves? How would you know? I believe that most police officers are good and follow ethical standards, but there are many who do not. You don't need to answer me back as I am through with this thread. I wish you and your family the best because it sounds as if they deserve it.

Thank you. I have two biracial nephews and 4 biracial great grand children and I wonder about the future for them. I also have read much on the Civil War and the Equal Rights movement. Racial prejudices are so ingrained in our culture that It is going to take a long time to overcome. I pray everyday for these children and future for all our children. So much work to do. This is one step.

Minneapolis City Counsel has publicly stated they are currently planning to ELIMINATE THEIR ENTIRE POLICE FORCE.

This is happening clear across the nation. Yes, reform is needed for some police............but how can we live in a nation without police protection? Think about this.

If the MAYOR of Chicago stated yesterday she is FIRING one of her officers for giving a citizen “the finger”, I must ask again.

WHY, years ago, DIDN’T MINNEAPOLIS’ Police Commissioner, Police Union, Mayor, Governor or State’s Attorney FIRE THE OFFICER WHO VIOLENTLY KILLED MR. FLYNN.

WHY IS IT THE CHICAGO MAYOR CAN FIRE A POLICE OFFICER BUT MINNEAPOLIS CAN’T? INSTEAD THEY WILL PASS THE BLAME AND ELIMINATE THEIR POLICE FORCE BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T DO THEIR JOB IN THE FIRST PLACE? Why aren’t these failed politicians being blamed? Why?

And thank goodness for George Washington Carver for peanuts!

Well said Susan Friedrich! There will always be a few bad cops.......but why do BLM when it is only police involved? Plenty of innocent people have lost their lives in recent days due to all this nonsense..... where is the justice for them??? What about Chicago??? Black people killing each other everyday...... wake up America......All Lives Matter!

Tyler Merritt, a friend of over 20 years, made an important, must-see video two years ago called BEFORE YOU CALL THE COPS. The video has made a resurgence in the public eye, most notably airing on the Jimmy Kimmel show in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder.

I truly believe the insight & compassion of others will be deepened by the gentle & transparent manner in which Tyler peaceably & poignantly addresses racism without ever using that word.

(I'm prevented from posting the video link, so please search for: Before You Call the Cops – The Tyler Merritt Project | NowThis)

This is the link (see my last comment):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKeITMzMn7w

Beautiful, beautiful video C! Yes, everyone should watch that. Btw, I am from a Spanish-speaking background. I have never owned a pocket knife, I have never, ever said "cuchi-cuchi," and I don't wear tight clothes and super pointy shoes. Just sayin'. We would do well to get to know each other. Peace and love.

Thank you Lisa. I appreciate your voice standing up to say enough is enough.

Hatred & violence is wrong. I have seen this from all races. Not understanding killing innocent people is acceptable. It is sad to see this type of behavior from all races.

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