Hope for Peace for America

By: Joe Mauricio

 

A guy named George Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, while he was handcuffed on the ground, crying that he could not breathe and pleading for help.

The Black Lives (BLM), an organization movement, took advantage of the scenario at hand and soon series of protests happened throughout the United States, even in some global places like Canada and UK. In the U.S., violence after violence in some major cities followed.

The violence does nothing to honor the memory of George Floyd, or address the issues of racism that has festered for too long in America. As months of violence has been progressing up to this deadline, we hope that things will settle and focus will be towards moving our country forward.

It is very obvious that the country is well-divided. The current administration would like to move forward, and the other side would like to continue on the disruptions and prolonged protests with violence.

The left continues to reinvent ways to slam President Trump to the extent of describing the July 4th Independence Day celebration as a threat to our nation’s safety. Since when has it become shameful or unpatriotic to show pride for our country? Remember, mayhem does not get political progress; mayhem begets more chaos than impeding the progress of any country.

So what does it have to do with our sense of patriotism by having celebration on the 4th that we historically look forward to? Many traditional parades were not held in many towns and cities, many beaches were either fully-opened or half-closed to the public with restricted rules on masks and distancing, our traditional picnic tables filled with burgers and hot dogs topped with mustard and ketchup, salads, chips galore, fresh fruits, together with our barbecued specialties were still there, but to many people it was not the same normal anymore.

At around 8 or 9PM, the most-awaited fireworks did not bring the same magical and euphoric effects anymore, not so much fun like before, whether it was the huge ones coming from the lake or the little ones coming from the neighboring suburbs. Everyone’s hearts and stomachs seemed empty and not feeling as joyous as before for the occasion.

Many American people’s hearts seemed empty. It was not the same sounds and smells of July 4th’s celebration of freedom anymore. The usual sounds and smells of hope were not completely gone though. A hope for our beloved country is still present, alive and kicking for all of us, hoping and praying that the current unrest and protests are just a minor inconvenience, and it will soon pass.

Long live America, and we look forward to more peaceful July 4th celebrations in the future!