Fact Check: True(?)

 To be racist means, at least in part, that you value some people less than others based on the color of their skin or their nation or continent of origin. That part is fairly straightforward. 

But what if you don't value anyone at all? What if you see those around you not as people, but as either followers to be exploited or enemies to be attacked, regardless of skin color either way? 

That would make you a miserable individual, sure. But I don't think we could really call you a racist. 

By this definition, I suppose the President's claim to be "the least racist person in this room" might actually be true. 

You can't be a racist if you despise everyone equally.

It Is Time

 

It is time.

 

All that came before;

All that I had wanted, had hoped for, had feared,

Is no more;

All now distilled into what is.

 

I look to the path.

It is not the path that I had expected, or desired.

I can't see where it leads.

But it is the path that lies before me,

And I choose to walk the path

And not to turn away.

 

I raise my voice to the Guardian of Journeys.

"Guide my steps," I plead.

"Clear the way before me.

Grant me shade from the burning Sun and shelter from the driving rain.

Grant me peace amid the tempest."

 

The affirmation rings within me.

My plea is heard.

My steps are counted.

My path is known, even if not to me.

 

No more speculation.

It is time.

I have made my preparations.

I have done what I can do.

There is no more past,

Only future.

 

The path lies before me.

I look to that future:

Eyes forward,

Nerves steeled,

Boots laced.

 

One deep breath.

One small step.

The journey is begun.

 

I do not know how many steps I will walk along this path.

 

But I know that wherever this path will lead, I will not walk alone.

 

Michael Scott Martin

August 12th, 2020