You want to riot? I’ll give you something to riot about!

OPINION

BY ROBERT WALLACE MEYER

Must we torch and loot a couple of great American cities each time a black person is killed by police, or even by another citizen in self- defense? Over that same Memorial Day weekend, folks shot over thirty, killing ten, in Chicago as reported. No outrage there, so just what exactly is to be gained by destroying yet another city before the wheels of justice have even begun to turn?

Worse yet, the latest corona virus statistics indicate that over one-hundred thousand Americans have died in the past several months from that dread disease. Is it safe to say that most, if not all, who died in this way suffered a more lengthy and painful death than the man killed by police? Perhaps not, but that would be a pretty safe bet for the most part. It is reported that one’s lungs fill with fluid and the result is similar to drowning for several days.

Which fate would you pick? Well, neither, willingly. But the one would seem to be much, much worse if we have to think about it. And think about it, we should, though nothing we can do or not do will ever bring Mr. Floyd back among us. No burning buildings, looted stores, or angry chanting will do one single thing to bring him back. We may only hope and pray that whatever we do will help prevent future occurrences of this nature.

The four officers responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death should pay a price. That price should reflect a sober, measured evaluation of our laws rather than a rabid, destructive lust for vengeance. That is the way of our great country and I would not have it otherwise.

What, then must we do with the whole country of China? The actions of their leaders in not permitting travel within their own country showed that they knew and realized the deadly effects of their virus. The fact that they allowed outgoing flights to Europe, (esp. Italy) America, and other destinations showed a callous disregard for human life that cries out for a response.

Over 100,000 lives lost so far. Over sixteen times the losses at Pearl Harbor and 9-11 combined! And the beat goes on, as we shall certainly lose far more than that. Moreover, our skies now have fewer airplanes, our roads fewer cars, our businesses fewer customers—while our government incurs more liabilities and debt. What can we as observant Americans hope to do in response?

We may elect to purchase nothing made in China. NO—thing! Try for “Made in America”. Failing that, find another country to favor with our business. Failing that, consider doing without. We may thusly, peacefully, reflect our concerns by voting with our dollars. What are the odds this will be done? How about 100,000 to 1?

Past that, we need to reconsider those whom we elect to public office. We should favor candidates who favor America—at all levels of government. You get the idea. Good luck!