Editorial:

Be quick to listen and slow to speak

Posted 6/9/20

The past two weeks changed America. But we have yet to see if our nation will emerge better or worse going forward.

This is a crossroads moment for our country, one that history will certainly …

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Editorial:

Be quick to listen and slow to speak

Posted

The past two weeks changed America. But we have yet to see if our nation will emerge better or worse going forward.

This is a crossroads moment for our country, one that history will certainly remember.

It’s a time to pause and listen, instead of being so quick to argue. As Sen. John Barrasso said last week, “Our nation needs to listen to the voices of African Americans about police brutality. Every American citizen deserves justice under the law.”

While we cannot change what happened in Minneapolis or elsewhere, we can be part of making a difference here, in our community.

We can work to ensure this is a place where people are never treated differently because of the color of their skin. We can acknowledge systemic racism exists and must be addressed. We can stand with the black community and listen; even if we cannot fully understand the pain, fear and depth of these issues, we can seek to learn.

And we can look for ways to love our neighbor, even when we don’t share their views on a particular issue.

The reality is that true change must start in our hearts, in our homes and in our communities.

When a local protest against racism was announced in our county last week, the reactions on social media were swift. Comments poured in on Facebook, including some that were hateful, racist and violent. Perhaps it’s not surprising, given what social media has become. Yet we still hope for better; it’s upsetting and disheartening to see vile comments from some local residents. We believe Powell, Cody and our surrounding communities are better than that.

Thankfully, the actual rally in Cody on Sunday remained peaceful as hundreds gathered to protest racism and excessive use of force by some in law enforcement. As tensions run high across the nation, we’ll always support citizens’ right to peacefully protest, but we don’t condone the violence and looting that have plagued other protests. The right to assemble peacefully and the freedom of speech are bedrock principles of this country while theft and assault are crimes. We also disagree with the calls by some to take the radical step of defunding and dismantling the police.

We’re proud of how local law enforcement officials have responded and spoken out against police brutality. Cody Police Chief Chuck Baker, Powell Police Chief Roy Eckerdt and Park County Sheriff Scott Steward issued a joint statement last week that they are “appalled by the indefensible use of force and lack of intervention by other officers on the scene that led to George Floyd’s death.”

“We need to embrace the concerns and criticism that are being given voice during these protests and continually evaluate our policies, procedures and our overall policing philosophies to enhance an organizational culture that ensures fairness, respect, dignity, security and justice for all,” Baker, Eckerdt and Steward wrote.

We can stand against racial injustice and police brutality — and with the majority of officers who do their jobs with integrity. Just as some police officers have kneeled with protesters or walked with them in solidarity, there are opportunities for unity and dialogue.

As fellow Americans peacefully gather and raise their voices, let’s be quick to listen. We’re better if we move forward together.

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