This is one of the most powerful posts I think I’ve ever written. As I type, I cannot help but feel sad, scared, frustrated, confused, and angry. I love America and being an American even with what is going on in our country.

Before I speak fully, please know I’m truly speaking from the heart with no hidden agenda and ill intentions.

We are so divided as a country. The race relations here in America is horrible and I don’t believe it will get any better. It’s hard saying that because I live my life as an optimist and always try to look at the good in people. It’s challenging at times.

We have people killing all of us in the name of Christianity, Allah, and religion as a whole. I didn’t grow up religious, however, I found Christ in my adult life around the age of 20. I’m 43 today. God is love. I pray I’m not sounding ignorant and if I am, I’m sure people will call me out. I’m fine with that. Though people can be mean on social media especially with all that is going on, I try to respect people’s right to feeling. I don’t mind opinions. I don’t like uninformed ones.

With all of the mass shooting over the years, our goal at OBVIOUS is to always focus on the victims first and not the aggressors. We put too much focus on the perpetrator(s) and not the countless victims who have been affected. We will not call the names of the accused ever in none of these tragedies. Enough media sources are doing so at a rate solely on ratings, the false perception that is dividing us, dehumanization and tricky headlines.

Do not let the perpetrators allow you to believe their personal hidden agendas and killing in the name of Christianity, Allah, Black Lives Matter Movement, etc. We saw a lot of this being perpetuated in the Sandy Hook, Orlando, San Bernardino, Dallas cop massacres, countless other mass shootings, and tragedies. None of us, no matter your race, should fear school, the movies, church, and so on.

It’s the responsibility of the people (us) to end all of this and put our differences aside. I know a lot of you have made up your minds already. If you can try to stop, breathe and reflect for a moment. I know this is a lot to ask of you especially if your angry. We need to elect the appropriate officials in local, state, senate, and presidential office. Our decisions in November 2016 elections will affect our children, the next generation, for years to come. Do your research on every candidate and vote for the person(s) you believe that will represent all of us. Is it hard right?

About guns in America. I grew up with guns in my family and believe people should have the right to bear arms legally. I don’t believe everyone deserves the right to bear arms and some type of legislation and guidelines should be in place to screen everyone to ensure they’ve earned the right to bear arms.

Justice equality is needed. No matter the race, equal justice should apply to all of us. The classism in American is sickening. If you do the crime, you should do the time no matter the race, religion, or background.

I will continue to use our platform to inform our readers. You will not like everything we post. You’re not supposed to. Question everything! Hug your ally. Listen to them. Love them.

To all of the families hurting from these horrible tragedies, I pray for you.

Jerris Madison, Editor in Chief