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The trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd has been televised live. It was horrible to watch Chauvin kill George Floyd. And the aftermath of rioting and protests severely damaged the city and businesses that helped sustain it. I’m emerging to see what’s physically left and operating in my city. I live near Independence Hall and the Constitution center. I’ve been traumatized by seemingly endless helicopters overhead then and the presence of the Proud Boys, told to “stand by” by Donald Trump. My brothers believe cities are corrupt and the vote was stolen from Republicans. I’v had to conclude my brothers, devout Christians that they are, are racists. We are wary of each other, unable to agree on reality. I used to walk through the canyons of center city, dine out after aqua aerobics with girlfriends, trying out restaurants for breakfast or lunch. I liked the mix of people in the streets, looked forward to it in Reading Terminal and the Italian Markets and engaged in easy banter with strangers. Local news is full of murders and mayhem- armed robberies and car jacking just blocks away (5th and South). For 3 weeks I’ve been venturing forth to restaurants within a mile or so.@ 1x week. I no longer have a car. I wonder if I’ll regain the ability to be breezy again with those unfamiliar and different from me or remain feeling vulnerable.
April 7, 2021