When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
The United States has entered a new civil war. Americans no longer live in one united nation. This is not a home anymore. Instead, we live in a country where there are divided sections based on identity. Americans are no longer looking outward, but are delving inward into the identities of one another, and are attacking based on these differences. Despite uniform, badge, religion, race, hair color, eye color, freckles, and ability, certain Americans use these differences as declarations of war.
Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, of Mesquite, Texas, a military veteran who'd served in Afghanistan launched an attack in Dallas, Texas. The ambush began with gunshots firing off and killing five law enforcement officers, sending crowds searching for cover. It came to an end when the Dallas police bomb squad sent a robot that killed the gunman after failed compromise and negotiations.
According to CNN, "Police searched his home Friday and found bomb-making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition and a personal journal of combat tactics. They are analyzing information in the journal, police said in a statement. Investigators determined Johnson was the lone shooter in this incident."
"Johnson told police negotiators that he was upset about recent police shootings, that he wanted to kill white people -- especially white officers -- and that he acted alone."
In light of this evil attack against law enforcement, Chloe Diaz, 7, decided that she could do something positive for police officers and their dedication to serving the community and saving lives.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And that's exactly what she did (video below).
http://www.kvue.com/features/07082016-first-respon...
Diaz sells lemonade to her friends, family, and neighbors, but on Friday, July 8th, she decided to pour free cups of lemonade and give out free hugs for fire responders and police officers.
"They save our country so that's why I did that," Diaz said to ABC News.
Six deputies showed up to enjoy a refreshing beverage. The deputies showed Diaz and her brothers the inside of one of the deputy's cruisers.
"It means the world to us. It shows us that everybody is here for us, and I appreciate it, and we're here for them," said Precinct 3 Deputy Constable Ray Helm.
Diaz is raising money for Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors, however, she wanted to show her support and help all police officers and first responders after Thursday's tragedy.
We are Americans. We can end the division that we have built up like brick walls between us. We can end the war against law enforcement and the battle of the races. Chloe Diaz may only be 7 years old, but she was capable of showing this nation that spreading kindness and showing support for our first responders is, well, easy. She proved that we can all 'just get along.'
This is not about gun control. This is not about politics. This is about using one's differences as an attack against another, despite uniform, badge, and race. Twitter hashtags and prayers are not enough anymore. Tragedies like the Dallas shooting, and recently the Orlando shooting, are beginning to occur more often - virtually, every day. It's time to take action.
Without law enforcement, we have no society. We have Lord of the Flies. They are the first ones you call when you are in danger. Naturally, there are good cops and bad cops, but we must seek the good in every situation. We are all Americans. We should not be separated by our races or other differences. It is as trivial as arguing over eye color and hair color. We can knock down these walls, however, it is a choice.
And this choice will inevitably determine the future of the state of our country. Please make this choice. In a world so full of hate, please be like Chloe Diaz and make lemonade.
