The United States will celebrate the 244th anniversary of its independence this week. The celebration will fall in the midst of protests and debates surrounding the roles played by merchandising icons and statues, just to name a few of the things that have triggered opinions and demonstrations across the country.
As we watch these demonstrations, we are still dealing with the fallout from Coronavirus. Many people are deciding it is safe to congregate in large groups again. Numbers are going back up and reminding us all it is still better to be socially distant.
Some are coming together at beaches and want to have some fun after being shut in for months. Others are coming together to protest and demonstrate. We are still dealing with this threat to our public health. It is wise to wear a mask.
For those who will assemble and protest, it is your right to do so. It is protected by the First Amendment. Damaging property and looting is not. It is fine to publicly display and announce your opinion. I do hope that if you see someone looting, you will try to stop them or call the police. Destroying and stealing property does not further a cause. It hurts someone who is trying to work and provide for their family. You are doing nobody a favor by looting.
To those who want to see monuments and statues removed, there is a process in place for that. Petition your leaders. State your reasons why. Climbing and attempting to destroy an object fixed into the ground risks injury or even death to yourself or someone else. Acting like a hooligan does not help a cause. It risks injury.
I also hope those who watch the protests go on will allow those people to march and make their opinions known. This is their right. Protestors, please keep it peaceful and orderly. You do not help yourselves by destroying property or threatening to harm people. Let both sides have their say. Let everyone be heard. Happy Independence Day.
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