The Killing Fields of Home

“Southern man, better keep your head
Don't forget what your good book said
Southern change's gonna come at last
Now your crosses are burning fast” – Neil Young

On relatively rare occasion, although I wish it more frequent, “… and several butcher’s aprons” is turned over to a guest blogger for the opportunity to experience a point of view from a new and fresh voice and perspective. 

Since the blog's inception, I have maintained anonymity in the guise of nycityman so as to feel absolute freedom to share any and all thoughts and opinions without insecurity or timidity, or fear of retribution, or for that matter, the likelihood of friend and family embarrassment leading to needless self-censorship, and that policy will remain unchanged. The sole revelation to identity is that today’s contributor is an older brother, and so will be similarly designated by geography as newjerseyman .

Famously, the Confederate flag has been removed and furled from atop the South Carolina State House. And while those who maintain tearful and heartfelt nostalgia for an era when they could own, beat and kill other human beings will now have to express those longings in a more sotto voce fashion, the fact remains that the times are such that two weeks of unrelenting and ever-increasing vile and ugly racist rhetoric by Donald Trump has vaulted him to the number one position among GOP presidential wannabes.  Friends, intolerance and bigotry may very well be on the rise.

Killings in South Carolina

by newjerseyman

I don't know what words to use to describe the assassination of nine innocent people at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. To say it was horrific is a gross understatement. To say that it was sad just doesn't mean enough. How the families of those murdered innocents must feel can't be comprehended. Racism, again, has invaded the places where people should be and feel most safe.

If it has not been recognized or realized yet; we do not live in a "post racial" society. Racism is alive and, unfortunately, well. And if we all don't begin to do something about it, and certainly to at least admit it, then nothing significant will happen to lessen racism. I'm realistic enough to understand that it, sadly, cannot be completely ended.

All parents with young children should work hard to instill in them the proper thinking and feelings. Children should be taught that all people need to be not only treated as having equal worth but thought of in that way as well. And it's not enough for our leaders, particularly political, to condemn such acts as this but to acknowledge that racism does exist in the U.S. and needs to be addressed. In fact, I would suggest to you that any 2016 presidential candidate who does not recognize racism to be as endemic and insidious as it is in our nation should be taken off your list for consideration as our next president.

Please think of nine innocent people praying in their beloved church and how racist feelings built up over the short 21 years of the killer's life snuffed them out forever, removing them from their loved ones and causing so much grief and heartache.

Just think!

In closing, Neil Young and Southern Man.