Yesterday, at the back end of my post, I flashed this photograph:
Was that fake news? Yes, I’m back at WordPress, as always, but was it really in a flash? Actually, I’m back more than 24 hours after I originally flashed that sign yesterday in Day 2070: What’s your super power.
Here and now I’m flashing back to yesterday, when I listened to people whose views I respect, including
- Mia from MiAlisa Salon,
- former U.S. President Barack Obama, at the late Senator John McCain’s memorial service,
- my long-time friend Barbara,
- my boyfriend, Michael, and
- Rob* Tibbetts — the father of the late Mollie Tibbetts — who wrote:
The person who is accused of taking Mollie’s life is no more a reflection of the Hispanic community as white supremacists are of all white people. To suggest otherwise is a lie. Justice in my America is blind. This person will receive a fair trial, as it should be. If convicted, he will face the consequences society has set. Beyond that, he deserves no more attention.
To the Hispanic community, my family stands with you and offers its heartfelt apology. That you’ve been beset by the circumstances of Mollie’s death is wrong. We treasure the contribution you bring to the American tapestry in all its color and melody.
My stepdaughter, whom Mollie loved so dearly, is Latina. Her sons — Mollie’s cherished nephews and my grandchildren — are Latino. That means I am Hispanic. I am African. I am Asian. I am European. My blood runs from every corner of the Earth because I am American. As an American, I have one tenet: to respect every citizen of the world and actively engage in the ongoing pursuit to form a more perfect union.
Given that, to knowingly foment discord among races is a disgrace to our flag. It incites fear in innocent communities and lends legitimacy to the darkest, most hate-filled corners of the American soul. It is the opposite of leadership. It is the opposite of humanity. It is heartless. It is despicable. It is shameful.
When I connect to people whose views I respect, here’s what comes back in a flash:
Hope.
I’ll be back in a flash after I find the other photos I’ve taken most recently without a flash.
Across the street from where we live, birdwatchers and photographers are often back in a flash.
Back in a flash, after I search for some relevant music on YouTube….
In a flash, I found “Back In A Flash” from Disney’s House of Mouse.
I’ll be back in flash, after I publish this post, to find out what thoughts and feelings you’ve flashed in the flashy comments section, below.
Back in a flash with my latest flash of gratitude for all those who helped me create today’s post and — of course! — YOU.
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* When I published this, I erroneously wrote that Mollie Tibbetts’s father’s first name was John. When I realized my mistake, I was back in a flash to correct it to his right name: Rob Tibbetts. I apologize for the mistake.
Mollie’s dad is an amazing person.
It takes one amazing person to know another one, Dawn.
I hope that hate does not flow downhill, Ann.
I hope it’s an uphill climb for hate, Mark, or — even better- that hate disappears in a flash.
Lest we forget, let’s hope, for better days, before history comes back, in a flash
We’ll hope for better days together, Ivor.
Reading the words of John Tibbetts reminded me how unfortunate it is that people will sometimes seize on and exploit a tragedy quickly, sometimes without knowing all the facts, sometimes without regard for the facts, but his statement gives me hope that just as quickly we can step back and take time to be reasonable, compassionate, and sensible.
Thanks, Chris, for stepping forward with another reasonable, compassionate, and sensible comment.
a flash of your heart’s
compassionate justice 🙂
thank goodness
you’re back,
compassionate friend
Kudos to John Tibbetts, and to you for including it in this flashy yet serene and determined post.
Kudos to you, Elouise. I’m always so grateful when you’re back here at my blog.
So am I, Ann.
Thanks for sharing John Tibbetts’ thoughts, and your own.
Thank YOU.
Such humanity in John’s thoughts – thanks for shining your light on them
Thanks for shining your light here and elsewhere, Derrick.
I’m very, very touched by what you’ve shared, Ann. Thank you! John’s words take my breath away.
Thanks for sharing, Debra. I’m always so grateful when you come back here.