NYC: Streets on Fire

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

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OK: Onto tonight’s post!

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I was sitting on my best friend’s fire escape last night around 8pm. It’s one of the things that we like to do: enjoy some conversation and cocktails while watching the sunset over Manhattan. A scene that, sitting with my bestie-since-birth, feels like a scene out of a movie — an early 2000s rom-com starring Kate Hudson or Katherine Heigl.

But last night, that movie scene was different.

You see, my friend’s apartment overlooks one of the main Avenues in Greenwich Village, and last evening — around 8pm — thousands and thousands of protestors marched down that Avenue. They were shouting, “I can’t breathe.” They were chanting “George Floyd.” There were chanting “NYPD Suck My ****.” ((Footage available on my Instagram stories))

They were angry. And rightfully so.

My friend and I watched in silence for close to ten minutes as they marched on. Floods of people – young, old, black, white, people carrying signs, people wearing masks.

Photo: Google

At one point, my friend and I started clapping – much like the notorious “7pm Cheer” for the health workers. It was as though we knew that we were witnessing something historic. Something important. Something that mattered.

But there was a small part of me that was uneasy.

Because I knew that sadly, this peaceful demonstration now, would most probably turn violent, once the sun went down. And it did.

Photo: FDNY

I don’t need to spell out for you the degree of violence exploding across the country right now. Cities up in flames. Looting, rioting, burning cop cars and police precints and garbage cans.

New York City is particularly combustive right now.

Living just a block or two away from Union Square — the epicenter of the violent demonstrations — I spent the night tossing and turning to the constant drone of helicopters overhead, to sirens wailing throughout the night, to the sound of unrest — clanging, shouting. I watched on the news of live pictures of my neighborhood, up in flames. My grocery store, my subway station. My walking route — now breaking news on every cable news network across the country.

Photo: Google

Soho is completely ransacked. Chanel and other luxury stores with busted store fronts, and empty shelves. And my neighborhood is bracing itself for tonight. I was walking through the Meatpacking District today, and 90% of the store fronts were constructing ply-wood protective coverings for their storefronts. The Apple store was completely shuttered. And rumors have been circulating about whether or not the National Guard will be called in.

This is what my father warned me about.

I always thought he was exaggerating to spook me into coming home — but here we are, and it’s happening.

There is a difference between peaceful protest: — demonstrating for justice, speaking out against racism — and the criminal activity we’ve witnessed in the past several days from rioters torching businesses, looting storefronts, partaking in violence, defacing property. I mean, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC — covered in graffiti.

Photo: NY Post

There is a difference between the two. The former is a justified response to the horrific and gut wrenching murder of George Floyd. It is a warranted expression of anger. A cry for justice. For reform. For change. And is part of our First Amendment rights.

The latter, is taking advantage of George Floyd’s death, and capitalizing on a tinderbox situation to steal, break the law, vandalize and destroy the livelihoods of so many through the destruction of property and businesses, and frankly cities at large. And that criminal activity has no place in our society.

I spent a lot of time this weekend researching and reading up on how to be an ally during this time of intense hurt and anger.

And after sifting through resource after resource calling for extreme resistance, I found myself truly resonating with the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

His movement was one of non-violence, and I pray that in the coming days, or weeks, or however long this lasts, that the movement follows MLK’s initiative, rather than the looting and burning of cities we have seen.

“Nonviolence is not sterile passivity, but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation.” – MLK‬. ‘‪Nonviolence acts. Nonviolence resists. Nonviolence challenges and speaks truth to power. Nonviolence is love-centered, justice-pursuing, strategic noncooperation with evil.‬’ – The King Center.

What a powerful truth. These protests began as demonstrations for justice for George Floyd. For standing against evil. And the greatest antidote for those such things — and the most simple solution in all of this — is love.

Love for neighbor. Love for those facing oppression, hardship, persecution.

Love. And the greatest example we’ve ever seen of love, is Jesus: Love Incarnate.

“We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.” MLK

Soul force.

There it is.

I pray for all those demonstrating for justice for George Floyd. I pray that their actions be peaceful, nonviolent, and be a response born from an overflow of love for their fellow man. Love for their brothers and sisters who are hurting right now. Who have been hurting for generations. Who are tired of hurting.

May we all rise with soul force to demand change, so we all can live free from fear and oppression.

And in the spirit of nonviolent action for change, I want to share a few resources that I found really helpful and articulate.

First, Benjamin Watson. He’s a former NFL player who has written a book called: Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. I just ordered it today, and look forward to learning from such an inspiring man. He is able to articulate difficult realities in an inviting way that foster honest conversation, while not shying away from hard truths. (This article was also really powerful.)

Next, The King Center – is a nonprofit organization that offers insightful resources about MLK and his movement for nonviolence. Plus, they have a really great Instagram.

This was a really powerful interview with Bishop TD Jakes that opened my eyes to an unfamiliar reality – in a calm, articulate and passionate way.

Finally, though this video is full of profane language, it candidly captured the raw emotion and plight caused by the looting in NYC, and the toll the destruction is taking on inhabitants.

And for more resources, check out my own Instagram, where I’m reposting enlightening articles and posts.

What are some resources you’ve found helpful? Please leave them in the comments section!

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197 thoughts on “NYC: Streets on Fire”

  1. You have encapsulated what needs to happen. I’m glad you’re safe. I’m sorry about your beautiful city. I’ve been listening to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir for months as well as Eric Metaxas bunker radio show. In an ironical sense New Yorkers have been my source of comfort. I read your posts and it seems you’ve managed to eke out a little oasis of peace and goodwill in your apartment.
    Praying for you, for us all. Keep the good words coming. I’m so glad you have a best friend nearby!

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    1. Hi Amy, thank you for your prayers and kind words. Gosh – I am truly touched by that. Yes – even in darkness we must always seek out the light – His light 💛 and yes! I’m so grateful to have her just down the block! Stay well!! Hugs and love xox

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    2. We all, 12 families, received totally illicit 7-day eviction notices. A friend just drove up, collected us and brought us into his home, where we have a larger bedroom en suite, plus kitchen and a lovely living room. Very private and bordering a nature reserve with small antelope, jackals, owls and other birds. Tranquil, rural, yet brand new and with sophistication. The Lord did something huge here.

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      2. oh my gosh, i am so sorry to hear that, but i’m glad you have such a great friend. The Lord really did! praying for you all!! Hugs and love xox

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      3. Being a freelance missionary has its moments. Surely, regular folks need theme parks for adventure, we just have to be. It can get interesting sometimes. Bighug

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      5. Been doing it since 1985, we had been kidnapped a few times, lived among criminals, can and should write a book. It had taken a huge sacrifice and I am suddenly not keen to experience any more discomfort. Imagine doing it without anyone’s support for so many years, we paid our way the hard way.

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    1. Thank you Emily. Yes – I am definitely staying holed up and safe. You’re so right – we must end hate with love and a willingness to listen and learn. Stay well. Hugs and love xox

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      1. there’s not much room for me to get myself in trouble down here in NZ! One remaining case of Covid, fairly peaceful protests yesterday, work + kids – I’m too busy.

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  6. Out of curiosity, did you see the news about the three teens in the UK who “reenacted” the murder of Mr. Floyd as a joke and posted the image online in the last day or two? They were subsequently arrested, but it’s mind blowing to me that there are still people out there who think this phenomenon of extra-judicial murder is just “funny.”

    Sad part is, according to the version I read, those teens can’t understand what they did wrong here . . .

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    1. Hi Doc, no i didn’t! But wow that is just awful. absolutely horrible. wow. thank you for sharing that. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox

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    2. Oh my goodness! I’m from the u.k., but must have missed this. That makes me so terribly ashamed that those from my country would behave in such a despicable manner. I don’t understand it either. I’m so sorry.

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  7. I am old enough to remember when Reverend Martin Luther King led marches – though I was a small girl at the time. I remember the sit-ins, the marches against the war in Vietnam, the civil rights movement and although there were times these marches turned violent it didn’t seem to happen on this scale.

    I am so very sorry for all the hurt and pain people are going through, even after all these years. And I am sorry to see the destruction of towns and cities.

    I am praying for the U.S.A. and for positive and peaceful change

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    1. He was such a hero. We owe so much to that brave man. I so agree – and will join you in that important prayer! thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  8. You are so right Caralyn. Protesting is justified and the right thing to do to stand for what is right. But turning it into violence steals from the message the protesting is trying to convey and gives leverage for others to point blame and rob them of the argument and statement they are trying to make.
    Stay safe 💙

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    1. you’re so right – it dilutes and steals from the the message and what’s truly important, and that’s justice for Mr. Floyd. thank you for sharing your heart on this. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Hi Lesley, thank you for sharing your heart – I am right there with you. it makes me so so sad. you too – stay safe and well! Hugs and love xox

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  10. Thanks for sharing! Yes, there is a huge difference between civil disobedience and criminal activity. 🙂 This morning, my pastor’s daily devotional reminded us that only true reconciliation is found in Christ.

    “For he [Christ ] himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:14-18

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    1. Thank you for sharing that powerful verse. Reconcile both to God through the cross. There it is as plain as day! Stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox

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  11. We have only had small protests here in Chattanooga. Last night things got a little tense, but the police squelched it. As I watch what is going on in NYC and in large cities across the country, I am so heartbroken. A friend who is a chef and owns a restaurant in Detroit, today went to his restaurant to see the damage. It was much worse than he thought it would be. The bar he had shipped in from Ireland and other things within the restaurant were ruined. His lifelong dream has been crushed. He said the most hurtful thing were the racist words towards him (Cracker, etc) spray painted on the walls. He said he has hired the neighborhood kids that no one else would and given donations to their sports teams, and this is what he receives in return. I think he has given up on Detroit and may leave the state to begin again. I pray for your safety and all others who are having to deal with all of this. I am hopeful we aren’t seeing the beginnings of another civil war. I am praying God will help us to get this under control. Stay safe and love to all.

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    1. Thanks for sharing that Monteelou. I am right there with ya – so incredibly heart breaking. Oh gosh I’m so sorry to hear that about your friends restaurant. Ugh just makes me sick. It’s not right. I’m praying with you. Stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  12. Have seen what’s going on in NYC and I think the latest I heard on one of the UK news channels was Donald Trump had locked himself in the Whitehouse. God is looking down on you he will keep you safe. As the hymn by Danny Crosby says ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus’.😃

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    1. Thank you Kenneth. Yeah it is wild what it going on. The sun just went down so the city is just holding its breath to see what night brings. Stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  14. I have two daughters who are US citizens so naturally I fear for the directions the country is heading. What is needed is some person who can step in to bring healing and credibly address the issues that have set up such a mass protest including both whites and blacks. There are a number of issues that have been festering and people are desperate for messages of hope. Fortunately the brother of George Floyd has made a public statement that violence only detracts from the message being communicated by peaceful marchers. There are sinister elements from both the right and the left who are behind the violence. Both need be be bought to account.

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    1. Thank you Ian, yes I am fearful too. But I have hope that goodness will rise from the ashes of our burned cities. Yes-that’s message of nonviolence is so Needed. Stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  15. Your post resonates with me, I have been seeing a lot of the same with peaceful protests turning into violent riots once the sunsets and the curfew going into effect here in Portland, Oregon. Friday night, the first night saw looting as well, and our main downtown core area where the mall is, was utterly ransacked, and it now looks like a war zone with boarded up windows, broken glass, graffiti, and so much more. It’s sad when peaceful protests turn violent and destructive.

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  16. It is always a pity when a protest is hijacked by hooligans who want to rain death and destruction on society and not be held responsible. Most times, the perpetrators are only in the group to maintain anonymity as they commit their crimes. Meanwhile the message of the protestors is lost. Strange world for sure.

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  17. Hi Caralyn! How sad that this protest has turned into criminal behavior. These, that do such evil activities are just finding an excuse to go crazy and do their evil deeds-they don’t really care much for the African American man that was killed by police officer . What gets me angry is how the secular media and certain state leaders support the evil activists more than the first responders-and that I mean policemen. The same way that not all African Americans are involved in crime, not all policemen are black men killers. People, white or black who kill, loot, or destroy are all evil. But the liberal media likes to present another scenario which in my opinion is inflammatory and supports the disrespect of our police forces and leaders. I believe there is a liberal agenda focused on the destruction of this country, and it’s aim is to totally take away its Christian roots. I feel that the majority of this country is not racist at all, but that’s not what the media likes to portray. African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians celebrities are some of the most loved and admired people in this country. As well as all Americans who work in high profile jobs/ careers and ministries and are making a difference in this world, don’t waste time in anti-racial discussions and arguments-they just serve and inspire others. Those
    of corrupt characters and evil behaviors should not be tolerated whether they’re black, white, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American. The only thing that the liberal media focuses on is on bad deeds done by certain individuals not the beautiful and loving multiracial friendships, marriages , business partnerships, and the multiracial collaboration that is going on in this country. Bottom line is… we don’t have a racist society; we have a Godless one. And that’s the truth! I feel Jesus wound approve of these thoughts. ❤️

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    1. Thank you for sharing your heart on this. It makes me just so sad. I agree – those behaviors should not be tolerated at all. And you’re right – our society needs Jesus big time. Society has push God out of the picture and you can really tell. Stay well! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you Ab, I appreciate your kind words. The sun just went down and our city is bracing itself. I’m safe inside. You too stay safe! Hi

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  19. Thank you for the post. The protests have started in my town but it hasn’t gotten violent yet. It’s good to hear from someone in the middle and a post that’s worded well. I hope you stay safe.

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    1. Thank you friend. I will be praying for your community. It is such a sad turn of events. Stay well. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you Lisa, yes I will join you in those important prayers. Our country desperately needs it. Stay safe!! Hugs and love xox

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  22. Thanks for the snapshot Caralyn. Much of the same here in midwest OH. I too thought of Dr. MLK during this time and recognized the differences in demonstrations. Empathy overwhelms me so much so that I yearn for all sides to come together to bring positive change.

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    1. Thank you Al, yeah the differences in demonstrations is astounding. Amen – I’m praying for that positive change too! Stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  23. A man was shot and killed two blocks from my house in Atlanta last night, but law and order have been restored tonight, thank God.

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    1. Oh Jack, that is just so sad. I’m so sorry to hear that. Glad things are looking better tonight. Hugs and love xox

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  25. This violence and destruction does nothing to help the cause, it only stalls it. However, I saw a bright light today. We had a good after the mayhem story today, here in San Diego. One area that suffered greatly leveling two banks and destroying small businesses on Saturday. That night strangers showed up with boards to block access to their business. The next day, Sunday, people came to clean up, repair and help these poor folks get their businesses back together. And, they came back today. Businesses, in some case, whose owners had spent their life savings to start. It was inspiring to see people of all colors working side by side. It was a beautiful scene.

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    1. Thanks Jolie – oh wow what a beautiful and hopeful story!! I appreciate your sharing that. Very inspiring. Hugs and love xox

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  26. “May we all rise with soul force to demand change, so we all can live free from fear and oppression.” Beautiful, perfect truth!!

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    1. Yes! Thanks friend – I have hope that we will get through this difficult time and heal forward. Stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  27. Just been listening to T. D. Jakes talk about intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma is a particular interest of mine. In the lecture I looked at by Dr Judith Landau, she demonstrates how Holocaust survivors have been affected. It seems to take three or four generations for alcoholism levels to normalise. I watched a beautiful You Tube video, where another doctor/psychologist. I wrote about hr but cannot remember her name tells a very moving story about birds on her verandah, who were building a nest. There was a terrible incident in the neighborhood. The birds nest was somehow destroyed. They rebuilt the nest but it was no good and the eggs fell out. This happened repeatedly. The doctor gave the birds a stern talking to and took their nest apart herself.She had told them to build their nest properly or she would take it apart again. It had worked. She has photos.The birds were traumatised and needed help.

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    1. Isn’t he a powerful speaker? I was so loved by his words. I’ll have to look up Dr Landau’s lecture. Thanks for stopping by and sharing that. Hugs and love xox

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  29. Praying for all Americans.
    God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

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    1. Thank you friend. I will join you in that important prayer. America’s hurting right now. Amen to that. Hugs and love xox

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    1. That is the absolute truth. It is not protesting. It’s criminal. Amen. Thanks for stopping by! Stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  31. Caralyn, I’ve been worried about you. Tonight my heart aches for you as I’m sure your father’s does. The line between being safe and not is very fine.

    In high school I was out driving with my best friend on a Friday night. We saw a huge crowd in a parking lot in the Westgate shopping area. Instead of checking it out, we got the hell out of there. We both attended the same racially-charged high school and knew that crowds are good for nothing. The next morning’s news was about a shooting there shortly after we had driven by.

    Watching the crowd from a distance? Out in the open on a fire escape? Do you know how far a bullet can travel and how fast? One stray shot from that crowd could really…ruin your evening.

    I’d been mugged multiple times, saved a girl from being raped, saved another from a mugging all in high school. One of my classmates played in the NFL…and was stabbed to death by his girlfriend. I’ve been in some pretty dicey places, so I know first hand how quickly things can go bad.

    Keep praying and keeping the faith. Sorry to go into dad mode, but if anything would happen to you, it would tear me apart. PLEASE be safe. See a peaceful protest? Stay away and out of line of sight. All said with nothing but love.

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    1. Hi Jeff, thank you so much – you’re right. It’s a fine line indeed. Oh my gosh how scary! I’m glad you got out of there. Yeah – that’s very true about the fire escape. Point taken. I will not be out there again. And gosh – what life changing experiences. You’re right – the phrase “in the blink of an eye” is a phrase for a reason. Yes – there is power — and comfort — in prayer. I’m clinging to that big time tonight. Thank you for your care and concern, it truly means a lot. And yes – I am staying far far far away. Praying for you too! Stay safe! Hugs and love xox

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  33. Thank you for the links. I spent most of Friday evening and Saturday morning chatting with my nieces, one of whom decided (thankfully) not to go into Detroit that night. (A man was shot in a drive-by.)

    But there were peaceful protests, too. I don’t know if you heard about it, but the sheriff and his deputies joined in the Flint, Michigan, march. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/05/31/lets-walk-flint-sheriff-joins-protesters-show-solidarity/5299264002/

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    1. Oh my gosh that’s so scary. I’m glad you and your nieces are okay! I had not heard! Thanks for sharing that article! Hugs and love xox

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  34. I’m glad you’re safe. As soon as I heard about what was happening in NYC I thought about you. There are so many people who don’t feel safe, every single day.

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  37. The Target nearby where I work (a town near Chicago) was ransacked by looters. But Chicago is also a mess which is why I’m glad I live in the suburbs. I was working on my older car when this was happening. Didnt hear about it until this morning.

    I never understood why people have to act foolish, destroying their city, the place where they regularly would shop at. This is not ok. In fact this is more so the reason these acts of violence continue on. This isnt constructive at all.

    Personally, I think the best way to get justice for George Floyd is to talk to your state rep, talk to the police chief in your area and discuss preventing such inhumane practices by the police. Most officers I’ve talked to are pretty cool and really that’s the kind of people we want to serve and protect.

    I’m not really sure what protesting really does anymore other than spinning wheels getting nowhere. At some point people had protested the constant violence and shootings in the bad parts of Chicago but that hasn’t solved much of anything. That one I dont have an answer to fix other than its a problem in the community that needs a ton of work.

    Rioting and looting however, the destruction of property that’s just making matters worse and it hurts more people than it helps. It doesn’t even make any sense! Well hope your safe up on your balcony. I’m just glad I live in the suburbs and in a residential neighborhood. One more reason to get that cabin up in the mountains somewhere so I can avoid the crazies!

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    2. Oh my gosh that’s so sad, I’m sorry to hear that. Yeah everything that’s happening is so tragic. It’s not okay. They’re destroying people’s jobs. Their livelihoods. Not to mention the spread of covid. Makes me sick. Stay well. Thanks for sharing your heart! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Yeah, the covid situation doesn’t help this either. Its crazy because that Target is still closed, even the factory I work at didn’t have anyone come in Sunday night. Didn’t know why until it was mentioned that Target was hit by looters.

        Doesn’t make sense. Its just crazy that many people from different areas would consider doing any of this…

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      2. You’re so right – covid makes this so much worse. It makes me so sad. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Hi

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  39. Yes, soul forces are banning g together all over our country. This is a needed change. We all are one. The power of that one coming together to form a wave, an ocean of change. Sending you so much love and safety. Take care of yourself my dear❤

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    1. A needed change indeed. Thank you for your care and concern. It means the world. Please stay safe! Hugs and love xox

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  40. Nobody has the right to take a life.

    Nobody has the right or reason to burn, break, destroy, loot, assault, intimidate or kill yet more.

    Neither is a fruit of God’s Spirit of self-control, nor of His love. Anger may be justified but anarchy never is.

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    1. Thank you Pete. I so feel you. Anger is justified but anarchy never is. That so powerfully sums it up. Hugs and love xox

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  41. My thoughts are with you all. I watched with horror of what has happened from the other side of the world-it is truly heartbreaking. I even had tears streaming watching James Corden’s Show tonight: Its Time for Change in the US (() and his coloured guest broke down. I’ve never felt more heart-broken. Love, hugs and Blessings, Leina in NZ.

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    1. Thank you Leina, so much for your compassion. It really is so heartbreaking. I’ll have to watch the James Corden show – I appreciate you stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  42. I think the peaceful protestors have to come off the streets, something could be done online. Because sadly the violent people are using them as their frontline.

    Everyone comes off the streets will expose the small group of people that are going to stop the true message being heard.

    The world is in such a bad state at the moment. We need leaders and there doesn’t seem to be any. Stay safe and maybe getting out of NewYork for a couple of weeks could be a very good idea. 🙂

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    1. That’s a really interesting thought re: online. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It makes me very sad to see the state of things. Hugs and love xox

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      2. It really is so sad – and yes – scary. Thank you for your kindness. Hugs and love xox

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  43. Your words capture well what is going on; stealing and destroying property is not what MLK had in mind when he led protests. We need someone to rise above this and take on such a leadership role; my vote would be for Cory Booker…

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    1. Thank you so much Jim – you’re right – this was not what he would have wanted to see. Makes me so sad. Hugs and love xox

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  45. Prayers lifted for your protection. Love must drive out hate. Praying for our eyes to be opened to the pain of our brothers and sisters. Hugs.

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    1. Thank you Leah for your prayers. I will join you in prayer for the pain of our brothers and sisters. Amen. Hugs and love xox

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  46. I didn’t have time to read your post in its entirety, I am sure you were as eloquent and thoughtful as usual, I just want to make sure that you are aware that what start out as peaceful protests are being driven off the rails by white supremacist infiltrators trying to start a civil war in this country, trying to get decent people like you and me to see the African American community as violent and dangerous. I have to go to a meeting, maybe you mentioned it somewhere in your post, I’ll try to come back later and see. Good on you for spreading love and light. Stay well.

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    1. Thank you friend – yes – that is the whole point of my post: that the peaceful protestors and the violence instigators that are looting are different groups. It is so sad, and it is another injustice to Mr. Floyd. Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you so much for your prayers and kind words – they truly mean a lot. praying for you as well! and for our hurting nation!!! Hugs and love xox

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  50. Actually attending a protest is a misdemeanor based on probable cause. That, all may become violent at some point. I looked at your areas data there’s only 85 crimes reported which seems kind of low. Considering you know, all the “everything’s on fire” photos. Also compared that to the same time last year as well as previous riots. It’s actually, less violent. I was kind of surprised myself.

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    1. yeah, especially in nyc, it is a tinderbox situation right now, so even the peaceful protests offer a huge danger factor. one false move can lead to teargar, fights, etc. Well – maybe the research is saying one thing, but I can tell you as a witness that things are scary, things are burning, and it is a lawless existence right now. Just last night, there was a huge explosion at the gas station on my block. Stores being broken into, trashcans burning, storefronts on my street defaced with graffiti. I was personally harassed by a man with a camera in my face making me kneel down to him on camera, otherwise he would have shouted that I was a racist. This is what I have experienced. They’re not reporting the crimes because our problematic mayor has told police to “go easy” and basically stand down. But it’s happening. I get alerts on my crime app about every five minutes of another instance of violence – a knife fight, a burning trash can, police backup being requested, stores being looted — and I live in a low-crime area.

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      1. I’ve been reading. Gas stations don’t explode. I’m sorry someone harassed you. Lawlessness I disagree. The buildings and property are where the cops are more than enforcement of violations. The theatre district has always had more crime. I used to sleep on park benches in Central Park and felt safer. It does make sense though, there is a larger income inequality in Manhattan in general. Much like LA. They are both hot spots when social divides such as race and opportunity erupt like this. Appreciate the ability to just stand around and drink wine above it all. That ability will probably never exist for most of those angered by current events.

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      2. I pray that there is an end to the violence. I pray that justice be reached for George and for the end of oppression and racism in this country. And I pray for the healing of this nation, coming together in love as brothers and sisters part of one human race

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      3. Is that why, you couldn’t understand Colin Kaepernick’s protest of police brutality three years ago? My people have been through a lot what’s this new shift in your thinking?

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      4. I’ll pray you’ll have another glass of wine and reconsider about Kaepernick. I pray for people not grand ideas. There is no measure to what was taken to create America. 99% of my people, are gone. Think of your 30 closest family members. 29.5 of them disappear. Even Manhattan was taken from us. I should have so much hate in my heart. I do not, have another drink. On me. I’ll be in the fray.

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