Don't shoot! American lives matter

Anger, fear and hate are the dominant emotions of the discourse that's taking over the country

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Published: Sat 24 Sep 2016, 7:47 PM

Last updated: Sat 24 Sep 2016, 8:53 PM

Blasts in New York City linked to terrorism, the shooting of an 'unarmed' Black man by police in Charlotte, four dead in a shooting in a Burlington mall. Three violent incidents in one week. America is in turmoil. It's an unsettling experience for a majority of citizens in the middle of a vicious election campaign for the White House. The contenders, particularly Republican Donald Trump, are latching on to any issue in this season of discontent that could bag him more votes and supporters. The New York blast was linked to an American-Afghan, a Muslim. Fits in well with Trump's narrative at the start of the campaign when he wanted to regulate entry of Muslims and Mexicans into the country. He stoked terror phobia and started a fire that's spreading to other communities. The real estate tycoon has toned down his rhetoric since but no one's believing him in the last stretch of the race.
Meanwhile, Blacks are at the receiving end of police brutalities and random shootings. The Black Lives Matter movement is taking the issue to the streets. Curfew, clashes and arrests are daily events. Anger, fear and hate are the dominant emotions of the discourse that's taking over the country. Friday night's shooting turns the focus back on Americans' right to keep firearms for their safety. But a 'Hispanic suspect wearing grey' is on the run, according to the police. Handy ammunition for Trump and his divisive campaign. They could be back in his line of fire if he decides to further exploit the rifts in society. Who knows, he could even revive the debate about the wall with Mexico to keep people out. Blacks, Muslims and Hispanics find themselves on the sidelines; they are distraught and hurt. Many feel marginalised, left out in this wave of violence. This great country of immigrants is turning the gun on itself. Will it come to its senses before it's too late?


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