We must forge ahead with safety in mind

The carnage of coronavirus continues but so does the life of the United States of America. We must forge ahead so as to fulfill both the dreams of our founders and children. We must break the walls of resistance, as no wall can stop the disease of a virus or hatred, to the cause of civil rights, freedom and life itself, around the globe.

In order to restore the soulful and physical health of America, it is absolutely indispensable that we grieve the loss of the over 100,000 people dead from this viral enemy.

Our battle is not yet finished; however, this level of suffering calls for a premature start to our national grieving process. This mourning is as crucial as the essential workers who care for the sick, feed the poor, shelve the groceries in our stores, clean the streets and defend the nation against tyranny at home and abroad.

This period of national grief now includes the violent death of George Floyd in the continuation of a generations-long racist pattern of state oppression.

My fellow Americans, we must enter this period of national mourning so that we may begin an era of national healing which is the only path to the progress we all seek. This madness must end now.

We need justice for the 100,000 victims of coronavirus who happen to be majority African-American, but it is a disease that affects all Americans regardless of immutable characteristics.

We need justice for men such as George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Antwon Rose and so many beautiful souls vanquished by the crushing pressure of a knee to the neck or gunshots to the back.

We need balanced direction and true justice, from the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court, which goes to the heart of these matters. We are in a sad time but we can learn, grow and claim victory over the scourges and transgressions which hold us back from the better days that lie ahead for our glorious country.

Henry J.H. Wilson

Barrington