I know for a fact that this week all that will consume news channels and social media, including this social platform, is that of the recent tragedies that have occurred throughout the United States. Dallas, which will remain close to my heart, as well as that of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. I believe that all of these events were all unmotivated and irrational attacks against innocent human beings, all of which could have been avoided. We have all heard the saying of an eye for an eye, but is that saying even truly justified? Is it truly fair to take something away from others just because it was taken away from us? Especially is what was taken away was not 100% fairly justifiable.

I would first like to say that using violence against violence is never the answer because it will only lead to an unending war between who it is that will make the last move. In the end, there will be countless of valuable human lives lost, and all for what? A ploy for revenge? Yes, I fully agree with Obama when he says that Black Lives Matter, and how police shootings are becoming "an American issue," because they are. But on the other hand, there is that optimistic side of me who would like to say that all lives matter, not because I refuse to see the inhumane actions taking place against our African American communities, but rather because I would hope to someday see everyone treated in equal, fair, and justifiable manners. Sadly, until that day comes the phrase "all lives matter" will only be seen as a counter strike to the phrase "black lives matter" as many people do use it to remain ignorant of the tragedy and terror attacking American lives on a daily basis.

Second, why must police brutality exist? Just because you are given the right to overlook and protect the lives of American citizens, does not give you the right to play God and decide who lives or dies just because of the color of a person's skin. Only God can truly decide who lives and who dies, and the power invested in police forces by the government does not give an officer the power to decide who they go after. It is in these times of sadness that makes my heart hurt the most, because armed forces are supposed to be here the protect us from danger, and not be the danger that we must fear. I know for a fact that not all police officers are the same, but it is because of unfortunate and unfounded events such Philando Castile and Alton Sterling that give the entire police forces a reputation of senseless killers of minorities.

Once again, I would like to state that fighting violence with violence is not the answer, because in the end neither parties will win. I truly, deeply feel for the families of those afflicted, for it sincerely pains me that there must be so much violence and horrors in a world that is meant to be safe for all. No words could possibly describe the sorrow felt in my heart at seeing the world come down to such drastic times, for I feel for every single soul that has been stricken throughout these inconsolable times. All I can do is hope and pray to God that he will find a way to reverse the ideas of racism and violence that have been implanted within the minds of his children, and that he can help console those who are inconsolable, for no one deserves to suffer through so much pain. One day, I hope to reach the point where we can say all lives matter because we are truly equal in every single way, but until then, my heart goes out to the police officers killed in Dallas, to Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, and all of their friends and family, and to all those lives in the African American community that have been taken in the past. I pray that your lives will help make a difference in changing the hearts of those who refuse to see what is wrong with what has happened, and that you may rest forever in peace in the grace of God.