I don’t think so.

Are there racists in Rapid City?  Yes.  But they are not all one race or one color.  And THEY are in the minority.  Racism does not know boundaries when it comes to color, race, creed or ethnic origin.

I don’t intend to minimize racism or events that cause racial division.  It is important, though, to look not only at problems, but also solutions.

Here are a few of the facts that follow the alleged racially motivated incident at the Rapid City Civic Center during a hockey game:

• Over 170 interviews were conducted and more than 550 hours were committed to the investigation.

• State’s Attorney Mark Vargo said it well with his statement. “Even matters that offend me and rightfully offend us as a community must endure the same rigorous evaluation, applying the facts against the law as handed down by the legislature to determine the appropriate level of criminal charges.”

• O’Connell’s attorney Patrick Duffy says his client (charged with disorderly conduct) did not do what he is accused of

•  Police Chief Karl Jegeris said, “For safety reasons and out of concerns (at the American Horse School) for the school environment, the decision was made to depart from the gymnasium.”

Two disturbing elements of this situation demonstrate similar problems.  First, students were whisked out of a hockey game in fear.  Second, Officials reaching out to concerned people at the American Horse School left the meeting in fear.

One pastor is now suggesting that the definition of hate crimes needs to be expanded to include “emotional” damage.

Some are saying they may file a civil rights lawsuit.

STOP, already!

Racism is a breeding ground for mistrust, hatred… and, yes, fear.  Racism is not white, red, black, brown or yellow.  It knows no boundaries.

Racism can not exist in an environment of love.  Therein lies the solution.

Let the legal process run it’s course, but let LOVE prevail.

Jesus gave us the formula to ELIMINATE racism:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

     “It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

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