Yesterday morning on the national morning news, two events were top of the headlines. One of the events was a natural disaster, another a man-made disaster. Both events are difficult to understand. While we know certain things occur in nature, such as with the plates of the earth shifting resulting in earthquakes, what is difficult to understand, is why American citizens take it upon themselves to hurt others and to destroy property that belongs to others in the name of protesting what they see as injustice.

While I do understand we as Americans have the right to protest and question actions with which we do not agree. I cannot, however, find any wording in the constitution that states we have the right to take the law into our own hands. Nor do we have the right to let our emotions take over our actions and cause harm to others and their property.

Also, I can certainly understand the feelings of distrust and frustration over events that have occurred over the past several months, however, destroying property and lives is in no way at all going to help solve those problems.

I still believe most law enforcement officials are just trying to go about their jobs and perform them in the best way possible. However, just as in other occupations, there are those who take responsibility and power to a different level than what is intended. There are also laws in place that are intended to deal with those who use their power to hurt others as well.

I would assume most of those whose property is being destroyed are innocent bystanders who will be on the losing end of all that is happening in cities across our great nation. The businesses that provides income and jobs for hard working folks are no longer able to produce the income for either the owners nor those employed. How could the protests of destruction occurring possibly change the events leading up to their cause? Evil produces evil, peace and love can overcome the transgressions of all involved.

The words from an old Elvis Presley gospel song are as follows:

“There will be peace in the valley for me, some day

There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray

There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow

No trouble, trouble I see

There will be peace in the valley for me, for me”

Please join me in praying for peace for all involved. Only God can change the hearts of all men. Seek peace and love your neighbor, in the world we now live in, and one day we will have peace in the valley Jesus went to prepare for all of us.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.