Rodney King - where are you now?

I was living in Southern California when the LA Riots occurred in 1992. Actually, I was on a business trip in Denver the night they began, causing my wife some concern as she was in an unfamiliar state (we had recently moved there), and 7 months pregnant at the time. It was a surreal time, seeing the repeated beatings of Rodney King on the television, as well as the rage that exploded when the accused LA police officers were acquitted. To this day I can not believe Reginald Denny survived the impact of the concrete block being slammed into his head.

Rodney King was at the center of this event. A year prior, he resisted arrest and was beaten by LA police who were trying to control him. To my untrained eyes, it certainly seemed as though excess force was applied. In fact, I remember watching the grainy video, almost gasping as another billy-club struck him...on the arms, on his back, on his head.

For years after that, Rodney King was mocked as a variety of entertainers replayed his plea to citizens of Southern California. As the riots raged, King said to television cameras, "People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?"

I was thinking about him recently as I watch and listen to the hate that exists in American politics. Democrats hate Republicans, Conservatives hate Liberals, voters hate incumbents, and the media hates anyone who criticizes them. You can not turn on the radio or television without hearing vitriolic words from so-called leaders. And I'm sure you share my sentiment of being truly sick of hearing it.

So, to steal from Rodney King, "People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?"

Can't we just grow up?

Can't we raise the level of discourse in this country?

If we've been wronged, can't we turn the other cheek?

Do we really have to yell louder than the other person?

Can't we be forgiving when someone falls?

Can't we be the first to say good job...to our opponents?

Can't a leader say...I was wrong...and I'm sorry?

Can't we treat others as we'd want them to treat us, not necessarily how they have treated us?

Is winning really the only thing?

Can we all get along?

Sadly, Rodney King has struggled since his days in the limelight. While being awarded millions in a civil action, he's pretty much broke today. He has always struggled with alcohol, and the pressure of being an icon from that terrible time in our country's history have been a burden - a burden he probably didn't want to bear.

I pray for Rodney King. I'm sorry this country has so much hate. I wish we could all get along...