A Statement of Outrage

I hate injustice
I hate racism
I hate ignorance
I hate hate

As a black man, I am keenly aware of the ill-effects of all of the above. I will not sit here and type any words of excuse for the four black men that murdered a white Brooklyn raised Marine and his African American wife. There should be a hate crime charge added to whatever other charges they receive. I will not sit here and type that they were products of their environment and they were only trying to survive. I will not sit here and type that they were young and could not possibly understand the consequences of their actions. I will not give any sympathy. If we are serious about unity in this country, if we are serious about protecting each other and lending credence to the idea that we are a united people, then we must ALL condemn acts of brutality and racism. This was an interracial couple living the American dream, fighting for this country, and functioning as productive citizens of this country.

They did not deserve to die.

Yes, everyone in this country should be outraged at this story. However, as Black men, we should be especially so. These young men are sons to four black men. These young men could have come from our community, went to school with our daughters, ate at our dinner tables. I won’t sit here and blame all Black men for the actions of these young men but as a show of force and condemnation we, as Black men, should do everything we can to let the parents of this couple know that we do not, in any way shape or form, support, sanction or accept this kind of behavior from ourselves or each other.

If what is alleged is true, this was NOT just a simple robbery gone badly. This was hate, revenge, racism and murder. What makes this story even more sickening to my stomach is the fact that these young men were all Marines–all led by the man they murdered. Jesus, anyone who knows anything knows how tight Marines are. I know the Marines aren’t saints (unless they’re saving your ass) but they have a code of honor that is revered around the world. They join the corps as complete strangers but through shared suffering and experience many remain brothers for life. How in the hell could they slay one of their own!

The original title of this post was ROT IN HELL! but until I get a guilty verdict I will stick to this…

I don’t know this couple. I don’t know their parents. I don’t know anyone who knows them. I do know they are Americans. I know they wanted a small piece of this country to call their own. I know they fought for me, my safety, and the safety of my family. I know they wanted better. I know they should still be here. I know if it were me and my wife, they would be outraged. You would have to have a hole in your soul not to be

Brooklyn Marine Sgt. Jan Pawel Pietrzak and his wife, Quiana

BLOGGER’S NOTE: AFTER PUBLISHING THIS I DISCOVERED THERE WAS A CONFESSION BY THE FOUR MEN IN THIS CASE: ROT IN HELL BASTARDS!