Crossing Bridges


How do you honor John Lewis?  We have been honoring him for over a week since he took his last breathe on Earth.  It hasn't seemed like enough.  I would have imagined this journey to his final resting place would be exhausting for his family and friends, but, it doesn't look like it has been.  If anything, they seemed to want his journey to go on and on and seemed emboldened to continue his work.  

At the beginning of this week, I thought it was a no-brainer to rename Edmund Pettus bridge to the John Lewis bridge.  Even the descendants of Pettus wanted that to happen.  This evening, I don't think it is a good idea.  No matter what the name on the bridge, it will always be known as John Lewis bridge.  And, Bloody Sunday on this bridge was in 1965.  1965 not 1756 or some date not in this century.  Only a generation ago.  Police in Alabama viciously beat unarmed marchers who were only trying to register to vote.  This happened only one generation ago.  That means it is not far enough in our history that it can't happen again.  I really think the bridge needs to keep its current to remind us all that John Lewis's work needs to continue.  

Today, at the formal service, President Obama gave a speech inciting us all to fight to complete the work of John Lewis.  It was a moving speech, one of his best.  President Bush also gave a great tribute to Lewis.  He didn't say that they didn't have differences, but he focused on the ties that bind.  It was also a powerful tribute.  President Clinton also gave a powerful speech.  President Carter was unable to be there in person but he sent a very personal message.  

I was hoping that today would be the day when Trump would stay off twitter and let the nation have this day to grieve.  At the precise moment when the casket was being lowered into the ground, Trump tweeted about his wall growing by a few miles today.  Deep sigh.  

I like history.  I like trivia.  Let me share some with you.  

Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford.  They went on to be best friends for decades after until Ford's death.  Remarkable.  Do you remember when Trump was preparing to take office from Obama?  The two met privately for an hour for tea to discuss transition and then hold a press conference. An hour.  Do you know that the Clintons spent a few days as guests in the White House to discuss transitions and to shadow George H.W and Barbara?  Do you know that the four of them dined together without cameras to talk and prepare the Clintons?  This, after Bill made George H.W. a one-term President.  Do you know that George W called Clinton (not often) to update him on certain things and to seek counsel.  Do you know that Obama called (not often) to update him on certain things and to seek counsel?  If there any part of you that believes that Trump would call Obama?  

John Lewis's legacy is about more than race.  It is about basic human decency.  It is about treating all people with respect.  Speaker Pelosi said it best day.  John Lewis had the ability to convince every member of Congress that they were his best friend.  Amazing man.  

We likely never will face the prospect of leaving our blood on bridges that we cross.  But, we still will have challenges as we continue to cross bridges.  Let's honor John Lewis and cross those bridges anyway.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One of my saddest days in Winnipeg

Image
I felt compelled to attend an information meeting of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.  Compelled because it will be, not in my neighbourhood, but in my City Ward.  Compelled after reading Bruce's story and his family's wish to make this recovery centre his legacy.  Compelled because of the opposition to this centre.  I wanted my voice to be a positive one. Since the land has already been rezoned, the BORC is going to happen and the meeting was to update the community on progress and get input on a few minor details.   I didn't realize that it would be one of the saddest days I have experienced in Winnipeg.   When I arrived, I experienced the "white people". They were people dressed in white who were there to oppose the Centre.  In order to get in to the community centre, I had to pass two "white people" who were at the door with placards in opposition.  It was intimidating.  They didn't deter anyone from entering but th...
Read more

There's Something from Jenny - Part 2

Image
I am trying to evolve as a blogger.  One of my friends told me that I needed to start adding my pictures to my blog so that people would know who they are communicating with.  So, good, bad, or ugly, I am adding my picture as much as I can.  It makes me feel vulnerable.  Not as vulnerable as I would feel if I was running for Mayor of a major Canadian city. I can't imagine how vulnerable I would feel, having every move and every word analyzed and taken out of context.  Perspective always defines your reality.  For example, I could tell you that I witnessed a murder by the Superstore last week.  That might bring up some powerful images in your mind.  Then, there would be those who know that a group of crows is called a murder.  That gives my previous statement have a whole different image in your mind.  So, when I spent an hour with Jenny Motkaluk that was my biggest impression.  She doesn't mind being vulnerable.  She just w...
Read more

Seriously? Opposition to BORC opening at old Vimy Arena Site

Image
I decided to go for a walk today.  It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  My quest was to understand the home owner's opposition to having the closed arena site being converted to a much needed addiction treatment facility.  I took some pictures on my phone and want to explain what I found out.  The first picture was taken while I was standing on the immense green space at the back of the old Vimy Arena.  You can see in the background what is the closest residential development.  It is a town house complex.  In order for someone who was participating in treatment at BORC to interact with someone living in the complex, they would have to walk and then cross a creek, and then get through the trees.  I would think the residents living in that complex would be more worried about the drainage pipe that leads on the creek.  I would be concerned about a wandering child being trapped in there.  The second pic...
Read more