America Divided? by State Representative Doug Cox, M.D.
by State Representative Doug Cox, M.D.I try to be as color blind as possible. I truly believe that all human beings are created equal. I certainly understand that black Americans, like many minorities, have had an uphill struggle over the course of history. I believe our country is making progress toward equality, but there are deep sociological issues in the black community that need to be addressed. The violent protests in Ferguson, MO., are an example.
In America, we have the right to freedom of speech and the right to gather together in peaceful protest. But there is no right to violent protesting, rioting and looting of communities when we feel we have been wronged.
If we want to narrow the equality gap we must have some faith in the American justice system. The system is not perfect – it is far from it. But when the system has been exercised under due diligence, we have to accept that the outcome is just. That means that when a grand jury has interviewed multiple witnesses, studied three autopsy reports, and came to the conclusion that there is no viable reason for criminal charges against a police officer, we have to accept the verdict and move on. All of us are free to work within the system to make it better, but trying to destroy it will not gain equality or garner respect.
We need to work hard to decrease the large number of fatherless homes in the black community. Study after study has shown that this is major contributor to social issues.
For America to be great, we must be strong, and to be strong, we must unite – regardless of race. We have to earn each other’s respect, and perhaps more importantly, we then have to behave in a manner to keep that respect.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your state representative. I can be reached at 405-557-7415 or dougcox@okhouse.gov
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