When a good cause tries to do too much

It’s my understanding the Black Lives Matter movement stems from profiling and police brutality against Black people by some officers and police forces. I don’t think anyone can deny this is happening in America. We can debate to what degree all day long. Who knows? I have not seen actual numbers to define “systemic racism.”

Unfortunately, the BLM movement slogan was hijacked. Peaceful protests were infiltrated with looters and the destruction of small businesses; all police became the bad guys with rocks thrown at them; gunfire irrupted and some protesters were shot.

The movement expanded. It became associated with: (1) Tearing down statues (to include Christopher Columbus, Ulysses Grant, Andrew Jackson, Frederick Douglas and George Washington); (2) Demands to change the names of sports teams and labels on food products; (3) Reparations; (4) Kneeling during the National Anthem despite how many veterans it offends; (5) Playing a Black National Anthem and our National Anthem at pro-football games. Will any of this bring about significant change against police brutality?

When a movement becomes too many things to too many people it loses its focus and impact. Martin Luther King understood this. He maintained a single focus. The result: Increasing supporters of his peaceful demonstrations and the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

I wonder if Black Lives Matter will experience a lasting momentum and eventually, major success? Focus is so important. Taking your eye off the prize will result in losing the prize.

Al E. Smith Brookfield