Unspeakable Violence in America and the Lack of Moral Compasses

Recently in my town of Minneapolis-St. Paul, a black man was shot dead in his car by a police officer with his girlfriend present and their child in the back seat. He did not have a criminal record and was pulled over for having a broken tail light on his car.

As the internal investigation into the officer’s background continues, we do not know why he believed the use of his revolver was necessary action or whether he was a racist. We do not know whether this officer had his moral compass on or not, and what values were guiding his actions.

Last week in Dallas five police officers were killed in an ambush by an angry civilian man who had no known criminal record or ties to terror organizations. Was he mentally incapacitated, insane, or simply void of a moral compass that might stop an incomprehensible and horrific crime?

Last week in Baton Rouge, LA three police officers were killed and three others injured by a former Marine who was Black American. He was upset about the killing of a Black American in Baton Rouge on July 5 by police officers, ranted about recent shootings in other cities, and who knows if his moral compass ever contained any values?

There is a huge difference between peaceful civil disobedience and taking matters into one’s own hands to commit atrocities against other humans.

Having lived in large cities my entire life, these neighborhoods were a diverse blend of different races, nationalities, and backgrounds. My father and mother taught me the importance of respect, consideration, and courtesy to everyone. Neighbors mattered and so did our streets.

The only tools I can deploy is faith in God and the active use of my moral compass. Both represent the best vaccine I know that can erase hatred toward other humans.

We can no longer turn a blind eye to poverty and violence; hoping it will magically improve and go away.

Let’s talk with one another and do a better job of listening.

Let’s be certain that our schools emphasize values, tolerance, and understanding of every human.

Let’s do a better job in our churches and seek out more volunteers that can help in our communities where resources are small but spirits high.

Let’s educate and teach ethics in our workplaces that build active moral compasses.

As parents and grandparents, let us never give up on our kids or their friends. Our time is now. We must act with purpose, morality, and authority.

My friends please remember this: respect, consideration, and courtesy matter a lot. Treat others fairly, decently, and equally.

Consult your moral compasses every chance you get and monitor your progress.

You know the battle cry: do your best each day. No one can ask more or less from any of us.

All the best/blessings, Mark