We can discuss difficult things with civility, can't we?

Police officers and families. I see you too.  What are you thinking right now?  That not every police officer fits the stereotype being held under public scrutinyand found wanting; That you have no part in the brutality that is brought to light; That you risk your lives every day; That you have been mistreated in inhumane ways; That you just want some acknowledgment for your contribution from time to time instead of being criticized by people you protect; That your lives matter too. Yes, you do.  I don't pretend to know what's on your mind. Please forgive my presumptuousness. So tell us. I hope you do so in a way that will be received by other people who are also hurting and misunderstood. 

What I see is a president sending police officers and National guards with tear gas to disperse protesters after which he walked to a church and had a picture taken of him holding a Bible.  Please explain to me what I fail to note. 

When being accused of being a racist, most people react defensively. "I'm absolutely not a racist. Who gives you the right to call me a racist! In fact, YOU are a racist." Not all negative labels carry the same degree of power. None of the following labels: micro-manager, perfectionist, hothead, leadfoot, elicit the kind of reaction that the term "racist" does. In fact, a couple of them may even be embraced in a humble-bragging manner by some people.  Why then, does "racist" carry so much weight?  The other traits do not have to do with morality. They describe regular human flaws. A racist, however, is not just someone with shortcomings or annoying tendencies. A racist is immoral. It belongs in the same category as a wife-beater, child-molester, human-trafficker.  In a moralistic society, immorality is viewed harshly.  Being labeled a racist is being personally attacked in the core of our being.  Criticize our driving or managing people and we don'...

We say black lives matter, not because other lives don't, but because black lives are not treated as though they matter.   Do you agree with that last statement? Or do you think that our society has progressed beyond judging people and interacting with them based on their skin color?