I thought it might be helpful to know what it is like currently to take a flight across the country.
Our trip of course under some duress, we drove the entire way to the San Francisco airport in smoke. Long term parking was closed off, so you had to leave the car in short term parking and get a second ticket for long term parking rates.
Checking. A bag was super easy, lines were small everywhere and I was told 90% reduction of travel during the pandemic. I do believe folks think there are travel restrictions, and from country to country that is true, but I think in the country there aren’t any.
As we went through security, it seemed very much like the past, with the exception of staying 6 feet apart. People were friendly, masks required unless you were sitting eating/drinking. I had assumed we would be able to get food, however most of the lovely restaurants in the airport were closed so we bought some to go stuff and made our way to the gate.
Going toward the gate all the displays were of African History and Culture, something you might imagine in black history month not necessarily in summer, it felt oddly strange, to not have diverse decorative displays.
So this begins my education on BLM away from our isolated mountain. We sat the whole eating then moved to our gate and boarded. People were free to wear BLM shirts, hats and masks. I saw no Make America Great Again (MAGA) hats, or anything that resembled unity and peace, so we kept our heads down and went on our two-plane trip.
Everyone is directed to open the Alaska Air app, menus, movies and all your flight needs are there, but when I opened the app I was directed to donate to BLM first.
When I arrived in Minneapolis, I noticed some people were not wearing the mandatory airport mask requirement. I asked my sister about that. She said folks were beating up people who were asked to put on their masks, so now you are reminded on the loudspeaker, but masks are not enforced here in this violent city. We arrived after 1 am, went down to breakfast in the hotel and saw many BLM caps and masks worn by other hotel guests. I think the feeling was to give them a wide berth, and know they are present.
The thing is as I know all you feel all life matters. The affiliation and association with looting, rioting, increased gun violence and crime make BLM a fear driven political structure with the backing of Antifa.
I am sharing this with you so that you know how it feels, what the mindset is and how it comes across.
I of course believe all lives are important, and love is the answer not violence and division. I pray for an end to the dark fear-based rule currently playing out on earth.
I also know I will not be in a dangerous place at the wrong time. That my steps and yours are guided and protected. I had gotten direction not to return to California yet, the frequencies are intense and would be a disruption to my life, work and peaceful family.
I am back to work, know I love you and prayer for you! See you in class this week!
