Last week, I wrote about May being Mental Health Awareness Month.
Yesterday, I celebrated Pentecost Sunday as I learned “divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:1-12 NIV – The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost – Bible Gateway
All of us are called to hear in our own language the Holy Spirit.
Today, I see the fabric of our country tearing.
One of the reasons I see the fabric of our country tearing up is all the rioting and protesting at college campuses. I’ve been thinking about all the numbers of students who can vote in the upcoming elections and what’s in it for them that can’t vote.
If you have been watching the news, there’s a mirroring effect of over 130 college campuses across the United States protesting. Students are demanding that their universities sever financial ties with Israel or companies connected to the Israeli military’s war in Gaza.
Therefore, there is a rise in antisemitism on campus outside of the protests.
The Wrong Way to Fight Antisemitism on Campus – The Atlantic
Colleges continue to mirror other colleges by setting up encampments in and around prominent places, creating scenery that also attracted some pro-Israel counter protesters.
What we know about the protests erupting on college campuses across America | CNN
The number of students being arrested behind Pro-Palestinian protests is unreal, as if there is nothing to lose.
In an effort not to get too political, the wars outside of the United States seems to moving inside are minds with various pressures mounting daily.
When I look at the various law enforcement agencies around the United States responsible for containing the disturbances and tearing down the encampments, I can only imagine their mental health at the end of the day.
Maybe it’s time to relook at how the Constitution and public and private universities deal with protests at various colleges and their effects on others.
As one who has taken the oath both as a soldier and a DoD civilian to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; I am taken aback by the various protests around the United States.
Yes, I know that public universities are government entities bound by the Constitution, and students on public campuses have free speech rights protected by the First Amendment.
Nevertheless, public universities can set reasonable, narrowly tailored limits on how they protest. However, they cannot limit the views the students express.
Because students are brilliant and have done their research, I’m sure they know the rules of why their school can’t ban all protests specifically.
In contrast, public colleges (and private ones with robust free speech protections) may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on protests to ensure there is no disruption to the functioning of the college; these policies may not unreasonably restrict the right to protest peacefully.
I believe there is a lesson to be learned; however, it’s not totally crystal clear, it’s clear enough that the number of students protesting matters.
I agree with President Biden’s statement that “dissent is essential for democracy but must never lead to disorder.”
Biden: ‘Dissent essential to democracy but must not lead to disorder’ | Newsfeed | Al Jazeera
We have had so much disorder in the last two weeks with disruption and disorder, whereas the police have made multiple arrests.
College graduations have been interrupted or canceled in various places.
We must all face the consequences for our behavior, which Harvard University has done so with its disrupters.
If we are not careful, there could be a “Clear and Present Danger” lurking in the background awaiting to disrupt.
Schenck v. United States – Landmark Cases of the US Supreme Court
I’m sure that in the backs of many minds, mine included, many think that the safety of America is at risk.
Today’s thoughts are of great concern as the fabric of America is tearing. Some are taking bold steps, while others are allowing it to fester.
It’s up to those who run this country to figure it out as you and I watch from a distance.
To the families that have endured changing plans and not seeing their children graduate on the proposed dates established, my prayers are with you.
It’s time to mend the fabric before it tears any further.
Mahatma Gandhi, a revered figure in Indian history, believed in the power of simplicity and self-reliance. He often spoke about the Charkha, a simple spinning wheel.
“I believe that the yarn we spin us capable of mending the broken warp and woof of our life.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Excellent article. I wish others could read this article because it makes sense and they all need to take a step back.
Ralph,
Thank you so much for your support. You are more than welcome to share with others in your circle of influence. The challenge is each time we take a step backwards it comes with a cost.
CM
Excellent article that makes sense. My heart aches for our country. It is particularly painful to see college students protesting and supporting those hopeful for a world without America and Israel. Step back students, go to class. Israel knows how to end this war.
Ola,
Thank you for your blessings that it was an excellent article making sense. You are not alone with your heart aching for our country. I agree that it is particularly painful to see college students protesting, mainly because they are the future. There is plenty of both emotions and empathy, as we all know what needs to happen.
McKinley
Our fabric is tearing! The 1st amendment in the Bill of Rights states “the right of the people peaceably to assemble”, it does not protect those that riot or destroy property. When the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution they did not have burning the American Flag in mind.
Scott,
As both you and I are former Soldiers one thing I will not tolerate is the burning of the American Flag. You are correct about that for sure. You and I have seen too many people violate the 1st amendment in the Bill of Rights. Everyone seems to want to test the waters and the patience of the American people; mine included.
McKinley