Redtree Times

Amsterdam, Netherlands – BLM Protest June 2020

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Don’t you know
They’re talkin’ ’bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
And finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin’ bout a revolution
Yes, finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no
Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no
Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no

—Tracy Chapman, Talkin’ Bout a Revolution

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Though concerned about the potential health ramifications from the lack of social distancing, it was heartening to see the crowds that filled the streets of this country over the last two weeks, culminating in a massive turnout yesterday. Even more striking were the crowds who gathered in the streets and squares of cities around the world, both in support of the American protests and against the growth of white supremacy and police brutality that is taking place in their own countries. Scenes similar to the one at the top from Amsterdam took place in virtually every major city around the globe, from London to Seoul to Sydney to Mumbai, all calling for real and lasting change.

I don’t want to pontificate or lecture this morning but I do have to cite the 2006 FBI report about how the culture and organizations of white supremacy had heavily infiltrated law enforcement nationally. It stated that if this was not addressed, it would eventually present a danger to our national security. Well, it wasn’t taken care of then and now does seem to present a real danger. There are a ridiculously high number of examples of the brutality that is being protested just from the protests alone, when they must know that the eyes of the world are on them.

Maybe an unrelenting presence on the streets will finally bring about the change that is so needed.

Maybe that time is now, finally. Not somewhere down the road.

I do want to pose a question to the few of you who might read this who find themselves getting angry at the protests and the protesters. I am not talking about the looters. Looting and protesting are two separate entities, just like the difference between proper policing and police brutality– one is legal and one is criminal. I am just talking about their demands for change.

What about this makes you angry? Ask yourself why is this so.

Okay, for this week’s Sunday morning music I am going back to 1988  to hear Tracy Chapman sing her Talkin’ Bout a Revolution. I saw her perform this at an Amnesty International show at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia back in 1988. On a night that saw memorable performances from big names like Peter Gabriel, Sting (with Branford Marsalis) and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, it was Tracy Chapman’s simple performance with her guitar and potent voice and message in front of 75,000 people that made the biggest impression on me.

Give a listen. Have a good day and let’s keep moving towards something better.