One more commentary about that violent display by those misguided morons who claimed they marched for America may be overkill. However, didn’t we know, we staunch and true Americans, that we had it coming?

The clock has been ticking for white Americans since when Barack Obama became president. He didn’t bring about the days of white people becoming a minority. It just happened — over so many years of turning our backs on what democracy and freedom really stand for.

Demographics speak for themselves (however skewed they may be, depending on whose demographics one chooses to embrace). Right-wing media have done more harm to this country than we can fathom.

“Terrifying Muslims, job-stealing Latinos, degenerate gays, thieving blacks.” Never in history do we have so many choices of “who to hate most.” We as God-fearing Americans should unlock our heavily gated, well-manicured Ivory Towers and finally admit the fault is ours.

For once in our sheltered lives, let’s take an honest look around at what our country is becoming. Are we so naïve as to revel in and blindly tolerate a President who has the support of only 34 percent of the American people? Do we think it’s OK as long as these unforgivable atrocities like Charlottesville don’t happen to us? Are we so sadly secure in our own self-righteous beliefs that prosperity and freedom are only for those with selective blinders and preconceived prejudices?

After all, what would we do if, one day, Charlottesville and Columbus had a lot more in common than the present beauty, peace and solitude of two once lovely, charming Southern towns?

Speaking up

As a member of Indivisible Columbus, Ga. (indivisiblecolumbusga.com), I was part of the group outside the Trade Center Monday afternoon asking Senator Perdue to hold an overdue town hall meeting. We heard comments from inside asserting that we needed to get jobs, and suggesting that we were paid non-locals.

Our peaceful demonstration was a simple request for representation of all of Perdue's constituents, and that he vote with conscience and not just party lines.

The group included small business owners, four retired public school teachers, a nurse anesthetist, a church music director, a law office assistant, a school guidance counselor, a retired soldier, a store owner, college students, a graphic designer, an independent IT consultant and a bookkeeper.

Most of these members have lived and worked in this city for 20-plus years. We care deeply about our government and choose to be active participants.

Visual evidence

Three women testified that amid routine traffic stops, ex-deputy Thomas Carl Pierson engaged in inappropriate behavior, which compelled prosecutors to file a dozen charges, including tampering with evidence, stalking, and aggravated sodomy.

Pierson stained and savaged his vow to protect and serve. A video camera protects officers when citizens lodge false complaints against them, but it’s unsparing when the officer acts like a brute with a badge. On July 15, 2017, Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor shot and killed Justine Damond, who called 9-1-1 and reported a possible sexual assault. Noor and his partner didn’t activate their body cameras.

Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arredondo overhauled the body camera policy. All officers must activate their body cams when they respond to a call, any initiated call, and any traffic stop. In addition, officers who don’t activate their cameras as required face suspension or dismissal.

Harris County should adopt the same policy. A 2015 Chicago Police Department audit found intentional destruction and officer error led to audio absence in 80% of video footage.

Why did Pierson turn off his camera, which protects lawful officers?

Seeing the light

Because of poor planning for the eclipse, I hurriedly visited four major stores in Columbus, desperately seeking special glasses to see this once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomenon. “Lord,” I said, “surely there is at least one pair of glasses in this city that I can secure. You know I plan to look …”

Because I needed to help a friend, I hurried home, and while getting my equipment together in my garage I looked at a stack of junky things belonging to my deceased grandfather. To my amazement, there was a large pair of black sades lying on the top. Excitedly I examined them closely and saw “Solar Shield 61.” That was simply all I needed to see. Praise God!

Immediately I went to help my friend. Between 2 and 2:45 p.m. daylight began to get dimmer. Without hesitation I retrieved those solar shades and through the tree leaves I was able to glance for only a few seconds at the center black gall spot surrounded by the keenest diamond-like brightness I have ever seen. Glorious!

We humans are earthly and when broken down to our elements we are not worth much more than $5. Unlike the moon, we dress up and talk with enticing words, but like the moon we are cold and empty. The moon is at its most glorious at night because it receives its light from the sun. We, the earthly, are now covered with gross darkness waiting for the bright and glorious light of the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus Christ.