The hijacking of an American tragedy

Have you ever started out to do something in a principled manner, only to have it go all wrong? Only to accomplish the opposite of what was intended?

Well, Black Lives Matter and all those who want to avenge the murder of George Floyd peacefully just did. Despite their best intentions, that is what happened this past weekend.

The alleged murder of Mr. Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer was — and is — a bona fide cause for marching in the streets. Clearly, change is needed.

But enter the Law of Unintended Consequences. Little did the organizers of the marches, as well as the initial participants, realize that there were three other sources of intense interest in what they were doing. And these other influences took over the marches and converted them into events of thuggery, looting and criminality. These insidious forces are:

1. The anti-fascists (antifa), radicals on the far left who favor anarchy instead of our corporatocracy;

2. The QAnon and Boogaloo Bois, radicals on the far right who favor a civil war for white nationalists, and

3. The looters, who care more about merchandise for themselves than justice for George Floyd.

These influences desire to destabilize our democratic society or are simply greedy and willing to break the law.

To make matters worse, President Donald Trump and his sycophants feed off the rioting and violence. Trump insinuates via Twitter that all the marchers are radical leftists, thugs and criminals and that looting should be met with shooting from National Guard or federal troops.

Trump hopes to convince voters that he is a “law-and-order” president who will somehow protect them from what he calls BLM leftist “thugs.” Evidence of the success of Trump’s law-and-order strategy can be seen in reports that gun sales have skyrocketed.

An American tragedy, followed by the best of intentions, has produced another American tragedy. When will we learn?

Ed Bryant, Evanston

Two knees to pray

Colin Kaepernick took a knee, peacefully. Derek Chauvin used a knee, unconscionably. Time to get down on both knees and pray for serious reform and lasting harmony.

Bill McLean, Palatine

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