The Catholic Defender: Some Black Lives Matter, as All Lives Matter.

With the recent demonstrations taking place in the United States, there has been much legitimate peaceful demonstrations that unfortunately have been drowned out by the looters, the violence, the attack upon police, and destruction of private property.

The cause of these protests should be a reason that would bring us all together in agreement. All of us are appalled and horrified at what happened to George Floyd. It is not a matter of race or color that makes this such a tragedy, it is the racial hate that one Officer displayed in how he handled the situation. What he did is totally disgusting. No police officer can watch that video and proclaim this was good policing?

The other three officers are charged and rightfully so, people can excuse them as they were not the one who conducted the actual killing, but they did nothing to stop it. They are sadly a part of the event.

Drew Brees made a proclamation, "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country, When seeing the flag during the anthem, I envision my two grandfathers who fought for this country during World War II — one in the Army and one in the Marine Corps. Both risking their lives to protect our country and to try to make our country and this world a better place. So every time I stand with my hand over my heart looking at that flag and singing the national anthem, that's what I think about. And in many cases, it brings me to tears thinking about all that has been sacrificed."

This has nothing to do with the killing of George Floyd but it slaps into the face of those who are making a political stance against the American flag and the National Anthem. We watched two years ago as the NFL watched the season's games with stadiums at half full because of the protest against those disrespecting the Flag and Anthem. Yet, Drew Brees backtracked his statement because of the criticism he received from other teammates.

I think there are a number of things at play behind these protests, The flames are being stoked by a political agenda pushing for a Socialist agenda. That unfortunately has nothing much to do with George Floyd, it has to do with tearing down democracy. To bring in Socialism and bring on big government.

Last year there were 1004 shootings that the police were involved in throughout the United States. Of those shootings 802 dealt with a racial statistic. 371 were white and 236 were black. These were armed individuals who had shot at police and ultimately taken down by the police. According to the Washington Post, there were a total of 10 unarmed cases of black men who were fatally shot. Of those cases, there were a number of officers criminally charged.

I concede that one is awful, and those examples should not happen. But the liberal agenda is taking the opportunity to push an agenda. They want to de-fund and even do away with a policing all together. That would not be a good idea. But that is what is in the news today.

The number 1 reason immigrants seek entering the United States, it's not just for receiving subsidies or jobs. It is primarily because many are seeking to enter America because they are fleeing Socialism, they are fleeing the violence in their own countries where the police and Government can't protect them. Safety and opportunity together brings hope to those who can achieve goals in life.

I believe Black Lives Matter (also) as I believe all lives matter. I will occasionally ask someone what is the number one cause of death among Black people. Some will say heart disease, and that is a good guess, but that is small in comparison. In 2011 the CDC reported that 287,072 Black people died that year. That includes everything but one important cause. In 2011, there were over 360,000 Black babies killed by Abortion. I do not see Black Lives Matter in mass protesting Planned Parenthood.

The Abortion industry targets minorities beginning with Margaret Sanger who pushed contraception and Abortion with the purpose to diminish the Black population. Sanger believed Black people were an inferior race. Unfortunately, many mistakenly see her as a heroine by even minorities. 79% of Planned Parenthood's Abortion Mills are located within walking distance of minority communities and white women are five times less likely to have an abortion than Black women. Since 1973 with the Roe V Wade Supreme Court decision, there have been over 19,000,000 Black babies killed by Abortion.

Not only are Black Babies not recognized or protected by Black Lives Matter, but neither are those who are Black police officers and security guards who were killed by rioters defending the freedom of those protesters who became looters, setting fires, destruction of property, many businesses with Black owners who are now out of business.

David Dorn was a retired St. Louis police captain and municipal chief was shot to death by looters who was in front of a St. Louis Pawn shop. He died on the sidewalk trying to help save the business. Not much media attention is given this as it does not fit the narrative of the radical left. Also Dave Underwood was shot and killed during protests and looting in Oakland while guarding the Ronald V. Dellums Building. Do you think "Rev." Al Sharpton will come and speak for them at their funerals?

If Black Lives Matter to those representing their cause, it would seem that they would spend less time attacking the American Flag and Anthem at football games and spend more time protesting Planned Parenthood. The flag represents ALL Americans!