Loss creates an opportunity to change

To the editor:

Two columnists could not have had more differing perspectives on the murderous terrorist acts in Charleston than Kathleen Parker and Mary Sanchez in last week's Gazette.

Parker says, 'I can't help thinking that some manners are in order. People need time to recover from shock and to heal. Southerners, especially, like to take time with their mourning.”

Sanchez says, 'A lot of people in America want to bow their heads, say a quick prayer and move on. Let's not mention hate. Avoid acknowledging how black people are so often labeled a problem for America, rather than being equal citizens of America.”

Parker is wrong. Sanchez is right. With enormous tragic loss comes the opportunity for change. It is through crisis that we come to reflect on our losses and values and make changes in direct response.

South Carolinians are making the choice to take down that flag, precisely and only, because of the crisis of loss they experienced. If they, and the rest of us in America take the time to grieve first as Parker suggests, nothing would change. I believe the families of the slain can take some measure of solace in the fact that real change is being made. So now the question is, when can we change inequities in schools, sentencing rules and voter oppression? Will it take more murderous crises?

Marcia Swift

Cedar Rapids