In the wake of recent, devastating events and the social fallout, the Coronavirus doesn’t seem to be taking up as much space in the collective unconscious. Perhaps this is because, after fighting an unseen enemy for months, Americans now have a tangible personification of evil in Derek Chauvin. Like the rest of the world, Bourke Accounting employees are talking about little else.

It was during one of these conversations that Bill asked me if I had heard about the protests that have been taking place worldwide. I allowed that I saw a headline or two, but hadn’t really looked into it. When I did look into it, I was surprised.

Since the Revolutionary War, America has sort of been like the tough, cocky, reckless (sometimes mad dog dumb) younger sibling to the rest of the world; as far as countries go, we’re the baby. And as far as our attitude goes, “My Way” might as well be acknowledged as our theme song.

It’s wonderful that people, thousands of miles away, are empathetic and strong enough to lend their voices to protest despicable and lethal racist practices. While our current troubles are clearly a dark mark on America’s reputation, it is astounding that the gravity of our plight has reached so far. For example, a few days ago in Berlin, Germany, protesters demonstrated outside of the U.S. Embassy (NPR.com). Also, in London, England, in Trafalgar Square, demonstrators took a knee for nine minutes (NPR.com). Even Iran hosted protesters for a candlelight vigil, complete with “Black Lives Matter posters and illustrations of Floyd posted” (NPR.com).

So far, the international protests have been extremely peaceful. Maybe it’s because protesting another country’s problems is one thing and destroying your own city is quite another. Maybe they’re just better behaved than us. From what I’ve read, the only incident that even hinted at potential violence was in Australia; apparently a demonstration was cancelled because people on social media “threatened to create havoc and protest against the event” (TheGuardian.com). Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison also warned protestors against “importing things happening in other countries” (TheGuardian.com) to their own. After watching some US protests, it’s hard to blame him.

Besides showing solidarity against prejudice in general, many international activists point out that there are race relation difficulties within their own countries. For example, Australian protesters mention that, since 1991, there have been “more than 400 Indigenous deaths in [police] custody” (TheGuardian.com). These deaths have yet to be explained. Additionally, in England, riots erupted after police shot and killed Mark Duggan, a man “under suspicion of planning an attack” (BBC.com). During the riots, it was discovered that the police were “four times more likely to use force against black people than white people” (BBC.com).

Sadly, bigotry is not just an American pastime. With the world watching, we can prove that the US does not condone discrimination. We can also demonstrate that change can happen without violence and destruction. We must not allow ourselves to be drawn into a bloody civil war because some guy, squatting in the White House, has nothing better to do than antagonize a wounded nation. Let’s show the world that, while we may be cocky, we’re not as dumb as we look.

Bourke Accounting understands the importance of solidarity – not just regarding their clients, but concerning the world, as well. Your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers know that teamwork makes the dream work (laugh at me all you want, but you know I’m right). With Bourke Accounting, as with life in general, cooperation makes us better than we are alone. When we stand up for each other, we stand up for a greater, more peaceful world.

Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!

Written by Sue H.

When the looting starts, the shooting starts – Walter Headley, Miami Police Chief, 1967
When the looting starts, the shooting starts – Person Living in the White House, 2020

The sun wasn’t up yet when I let my dogs out this morning. One of my dogs, racing out of the door, accidentally stepped on a lightening bug. It wasn’t quite dead and a glow pulsed weakly from its body. Just an average lightening bug, heading home after a hard night of surviving. And then, with no fanfare, a tiny death. From out of nowhere, an unseen and uncaring force drove it into oblivion.

I am starting to suspect that the entirety of humanity shares commonalities with that bug, as 2020 crushes us beneath a casual heel. That is, unless we choose not to be crushed.

It’s difficult to rail against COVID-19. No matter your opinion on governmental response, at the end of the day, an illness from the natural world doesn’t have an agenda. Hence, it’s lunacy for us to hold a grudge. This is especially true when we are now surrounded by new – and more deliberately created – tragedies.

With the murders of Breonna Taylor on March 13 and George Floyd on May 25, our society has seemingly and suddenly decided to run in reverse. These deaths were easily preventable and suggest that America is not as enlightened as we have wanted to believe. These murders were the result of carelessness, malice and a splintered system – again, easily preventable things.

And the people are angry. The populace has gathered to say: No. No, you cannot slaughter us in our beds. No, you cannot kill us on city sidewalks and go free. Someone must answer to this and guarantee that advancements will be made.

And someone did answer. Someone answered using the exact words of a backward person of authority from a horrifying page in America’s history. That someone, fanning the flames of unrest, has suggested that “people arrested at the protests should serve 10-year prison sentences” (MSN.com). That same person threatened the already hurt and angry people with “vicious dogs and ominous weapons” (NYTimes.com).

Out of frustration and fear, some of the protesters lost their heads. What must be remembered is that burning buildings and shattering glass will not return our lost ones. What’s more, that hatred and energy is being directed the wrong way. The small business owners, their life savings and blood invested, are not to blame, but the repercussions will be theirs to shoulder indefinitely.

It is time for us to talk. It is time for us to tear our fingers from the teargas canisters and Molotov cocktails and soberly and rationally converse. And yes, it is time for our government to punish the guilty at the heart of this. We need justice, calm guidance and a guarantee that our leaders will protect us from wanton and appearingly sanctioned violence. When we rebuild our cities, we must also rebuild America so that the dream we wanted becomes the reality.

We are just like you at Bourke Accounting; we, too, are watching the nightly news in horror and dismay. And just like you, we at Bourke Accounting are shaking our heads, asking, “What happened?” If you watched your life’s work disappear in flames, Bourke Accounting can help you to reclaim your passion. At the end of it, we must remember that we’re all connected, we all matter and now is the time to extend our hands to heal and to help.

Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon and stay safe.

Written by Sue H.