Pacific to Atlantic-Day 5

7/7/16  We spent the majority of the day driving through Nebraska and looking at green fields. We passed through a tiny bit of Iowa then into Missouri. As we drove further south the corn seemed to be taller but the scenery was still all green with almost no diversity except, perhaps, not so flat. Driving into Kansas City was exciting because it was a huge change of scenery…almost like a mirage on the horizon.We’re quite impressed with the city. There are performing arts centers and sports arenas all over.  A lot people were walking down side streets decorated with lights creating a festive atmosphere. 

While we were dining at a sidewalk cafe, we heard music nearby and were told it’s part of the “Hot Thursday Nights” series of free country music concerts so we walked over and watched the Chris Jason show. “I know what they say, money can’t buy everything, well, maybe so, but it could buy me a boat.” He was all about family and faith and played well to the packed crowd in the outdoor venue. It seems the Kansas City is full of all types of life–culture, business, sports, and creativity. It could be fun to stay for a couple more days but we’ll be long gone by this time tomorrow.

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I need to sleep but I can’t. My heart is so sad that our beautiful country is plagued with racism, violence and hatred. Earlier today we heard the tragic news of the police officer shooting and killing the cafeteria worker as he was buckled in his seat belt, reaching for his identification. Daniel is rightfully appalled. He can’t fathom how something so horrible could happen, yet again, and he says so simply, “People come in different colors.” He suggests the problem lies in old prejudices that will die off with my generation. I thought the same when I was his age but somehow, racial prejudice is still here.

The late news of sniper shootings in Dallas with 4 police officers dead only makes things worse. I have no answers. America needs justice for all but we also need peace, love, and understanding. Our social problems are great. We must do better.