I write to express my gratitude to the protesters whose voices are standing for so many, present, past, and future - in response to the killing of George Floyd and the history of racism in this country.
And also to share messages from former U.S. leaders (highly respected Generals, and Presidents) speaking in grief and solidarity with the pain and calling for change - and in opposition to leadership in the current White House that devalues human dignity and civil rights.
My heart is moved and grateful for all the voices of all the people who have expressed - through demonstrations around the country, the vast majority of which have been peaceful. The ongoing demonstrations are powerful, as are the conversations happening in living rooms, and by phone and the internet, and in so many hearts, where there is grief, pain, reckoning, and the awakening to injustice that, for many of us who are not of color, had been separate from what may have deeply concerned us in their daily lives. I pray for the continuing demonstrations, and the continuing searching of our hearts and souls, and conversations with each other and a nation – so the we can begin to eradicate racism. I pray as well for the safety of all the demonstrators – that they in this time of Coronavirus remember that ways can be found for the messages that need expression, to be spoken, and heard while also being protective of the health of all by practicing social distancing and wearing masks- and helping and reminding one another to do so. For the benefit of rights and well-being all – those who demonstrate, and the families, friends, colleagues, loved ones, fellow citizens of all who demonstrate. I thank each and all who express and demonstrate for their voice and expression - on behalf of those as well who, for different reasons cannot join in marches and demonstrations, but would wish to.
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Here are powerful rebukes to the actions of President Trump, and expressions about the heart of suffering from which these protests about ongoing racism arise - from two highly regarded former generals: Former Defense Secretary and retired four star U.S. Marine Corps four-star General, James Mattis (former Defense secretary in Donald Trump’s administration), and from Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
6/3/2020 – full statement by General Mattis, sent to reporters
Retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star General, John Allen, former commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan
6/3/2020 – OpEd in Foreign Affairs
And here words and messages of the former presidents:
Former President Jimmy Carter
6/3/2020 – Carter Center
Former President George W. Bush
6/2/2020 – George W. Bush Presidential Library
Former President Barack Obama – 6/1/2020
Former President Bill Clinton
5/30/2020 – Clinton Foundation
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