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Suzanne Buckley's avatar

Today I add John Richards to my prayer list in gratitude for his leadership and courage. May the Spirit of Justice continue to protect and support his work and the efforts of all who are showing us the way.

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CarolAinDC's avatar

One important lesson is that we are not powerless. Trump is a malignant bully who relies on his ability to intimidate. But John Richards and his colleagues show that standing up, calling out and organizing citizens can effect change without violence. There are others like John and his fellow activists. We need to hold them up and support them - they give others hope, or at least temporary reprieve from despair.

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Janice Berkley's avatar

Great quote: fire fighting and fire prevention.

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Susie Richardson's avatar

It's only because I have begun to search out Black history for myself over the past 12 years that my grasp of the injustice of Ahmaud Arbery's case has matured into greater accuracy. I recently learned that my public school version of history, Civil War, race, etc. drew upon Ulrich Bonnell Phillips' influence over our text books. When you've been steeped in that mind set, it's hard to not be deaf to the blood of God's children, crying out from the ground.

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Julia Baker's avatar

I know I've been naive, but the thought that having a Black police chief stirs up enough opposition that he leaves office is beyond belief and gives me greater cause for worry for the US. A few people, yeah, okay, there will always be haters. But this....it's scary and is backed up by the number of people supporting He Who Will Not Be Named. God, we want mercy, not justice, please.

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Tom Lane's avatar

Thank you for helping us - again - to know the history and remain anchored on it. Mr Richards offers us a good example of how to work locally and stay in it for the long haul. Fire fighting and fire prevention are so helpful.

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Gregg MacDougall's avatar

Thank you for this sobering post. It is heartbreaking that such lawlessness prevails from the citizens who trumpet law & order. May the God of Peace bring healing to the entire Arbery family. And justice to the complicit.

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Lauren O'Connell's avatar

I love that frame of firefighting and fire prevention. Thank you Mr. Richards!

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Peg Bowman's avatar

Could John Richards - metaphorically speaking - bottle this and share it? Would love to see similar organizations popping up in small towns and communities across the country. Would love to start one here in our small town!

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