George Floyd
Perhaps you’ve heard that name. Sure, you have. And you know the significance of the name. George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer while he was resisting arrest by lying on his stomach, on the ground, his hands cuffed behind his back, and three cops holding him down. One of the cops was kneeling on the back of his neck. For as long as nine minutes.
George Floyd died.
I ‘m a white guy. Middle-aged as much as it pains me to say it. I do not know what it is like to deal with police as a black man in America. I have dealt with cops. I’ve gotten a couple tickets. I’ve been stopped late at night because the circumstances were suspicious. I work as a janitor and I often leave buildings very late and that has gotten the attention of the police from time to time.
I retold my compare and contrast story of my being pulled over by cops and the story of an African American professor being detained by police. Neither of us were involved in the crime we were being detained for, but my reaction to the police attention when it was over was much different than the professor’s when his encounter ended.
I also talked about the horrific image of George Floyd losing his life. I discussed the importance of seeing such images. I believe it is important to witness these horrible moments. I argued as much on Facebook.
The meme that so concisely explains why quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee and lost his job with the San Francisco 49ers was what I shared on Facebook, and that sparked the conversation on the appropriateness of sharing an image of a dying man. It’s all right there in that meme. It’s brilliant.
I am sharing the meme here. However, I have cropped it to remove that terrible image of a suffering George Floyd. Well, call me a hypocrite.
Riots
Minneapolis and St. Paul saw an explosion of riots and looting in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. A lot of destruction happened, mainly in Minneapolis. Dozens of businesses were burned or looted. A post office was destroyed, as well as the 3rd precinct police headquarters.
The destruction area got within three blocks of Nostalgia Zone, the comic book store I work for. The day after the first night of riots, the owner boarded the store.
The store has survived. So far.
And Then There’s Dad
My dad is 85. He’s not as spry as he was even just a couple years ago. He still gets around, but he’s slowing down. Well, the other day he had gone to the supermarket to pick up a few things. It was closed in anticipation of a second night of rioting, so he went home.
He got home and complained to Mom about a pain in his side and a feeling of nausea. However, the ailments passed quickly. Mom told me about it, but said Dad was fine at the moment.
Later that evening, I received a call from my panicked mother. “Your father is sick! Please come over!”
Mom hadn’t called emergency, but I was thinking pain in side and nausea. Is he having a heart attack? I had my wife call 9-1-1 as I rushed over.
I’ll leave the rest of the story for you to listen to, but I will say that Dad is fine. So far.
All this and a continuing pandemic. 2020 has really sucked.
And Now I’m Actually Using A Comb!
Not since I was in high school have I carried a comb. In the age of COVID, haircuts have been DIY or just let go and grow. My wife could cut my hair, but I’ve decided to wait it out, so I now need a comb. The Great Clips where I get my hair cut has a sign in the window saying it will reopen June 1st. So there is light at the end of the COVID hair tunnel.
I Got Hate Mail!
After ten years of Dimland Radio, I finally got my first hate mail. It came through Z Talk Radio’s email. A fellow didn’t like my opinions, so he quit us.
Made it, Ma! Top of the world!
Cool Thing: Baseball On YouTube
There are full baseball games on YouTube. Many of them I have no idea how they come out, so it’s like baseball is being played now. It isn’t. I miss it, but YouTube is helping.
And I just watched Justin Verlander pitch a no-hitter for the Detroit Tigers. I didn’t know that was what was in store when I started watching. It was awesome!
Be patient. Wash your hands. Stay home. Stay safe.
Dimland Radio opening theme song: Ram by The Yoleus
First ad break bumpers: Everyone A Puzzle Lover by 10,000 Maniacs and Eliminator Jr. by Sonic Youth
Second ad break bumpers: neXt Position Please by Cheap Trick and One Day by The Church
Closing song: Angler’s Treble Hook by $5 Fiddle
That’s it! See you next Saturday night for Dimland Radio 11 Central, midnight Eastern on www.ztalkradio.com you can also download my show from the z talk show archives page. You can email your questions and comments to drdim@dimland.com
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