Now this is the America I love.
Between 500-600 Cedar Rapidians walked in unity last night to take back our neighborhoods from the corrupting influence of guns, drugs and crime.
The beauty of this last evening's event was the solidarity demonstrated between all residents. This wasn't a political event, no winners or losers. Everyone wins when we asemble a unified community.
I watched Republicans walking and talking with Democrat city and county officials and it was truly refreshing to watch the dynamics. Although it can be said there are still wide differences in policy, agreement was reached on the need for neighbors to reach out and offer more than just symbolic support.
The large crowd of nearly 600 walked passed the spot where Cedar Rapids Police Officer Tim Davis was severely beaten several weeks ago and I observed a few who knelt to pray for officer Davis who is now home and continues his remarkable recovery amidst a community of prayerful supporters.
Cedar Rapids Chief of Police Greg Graham was selected as the new chief recently because of his background and emphasis on the "community policing model," which calls for everyone to work together and reduce crime while increasing the all important relationships between neighbors in high crime neighborhoods and the local police presence.
Organizers provided a "BBQ" meal of hot dogs and bratwurst, although they quickly ran out of food when the crowd amassed and exceeded all expectations. It was a beautiful warm spring evening and while many walked through the neighborhoods, residents often came out to sit on their porches and watch the hundreds of fellow Cedar Rapidians stroll past their homes. Encouragement was exchanged between homeowners and walkers. This evokes the Norman Rockwell images I fondly recall of my home town from many years ago. Certainly a much simpler time...but it was nice to sense this "community united" and we hope this is only the beginning of better things to come in Cedar Rapids.
