My Sunday morning, May 31, 2020, started with the following headline in the Buffalo News: “Downtown protest turns violent – State of Emergency Declared – Vandalism reported after peaceful start.”
I am having a difficult time sorting through and verbalizing my many and varied emotions and thoughts in response to both the brutal, thoughtless death of George Floyd, and the nights of turmoil rocking many of our nation’s cities following his murder at the hands (knee) of a white Minneapolis police officer and his three “law enforcement” accomplices. At this point, the best I can do is note my agreement with the sentiments expressed by Buffalo News commentator Rod Watson in his June 1, 2020 column, “Violence was wrong, but don’t feign ignorance.”
I drove to Niagara Square late Sunday afternoon. I noticed a couple of police cars parked near the side of City Hall, a family of 5 or 6 chatting under the McKinley monument, and a handful of peaceful protestors. What most struck me, however, was the assemblage of clouds that encircled Niagara Square. So that’s the experience I’d like to share with you:
With All Due Respect,
Art Giacalone
P.S. Here’s one photo reflecting activity from the night before.
With All Due Respect 
Thank you again, Art. Your blogs are always welcome and enlightening. Congratulations on dredging up some hope. It’s easy to see our direction becoming bleaker and bleaker. I guess I was young enough to mostly ignore the riots of the 60s, although I am a bit ashamed. My slightly younger peers were out there putting their lives in peril. My excuse is that I was a member of the siient generation. We were taught to behave, No excuse, and the guilt is catching up with me. It’s all heartbreaking, and I’m glad the clouds continue to inspire hope for you.
Janet Goodsell RTSB, School 89
Dear Art, Thank you your pictures. A beautiful sky in a troubled Buffalo and elsewhere. May we all be a little kinder to all people that cross our path.
I loved your Chautauqua pictures and story. My family went there every year and rented a cabin at Irwin Bay Cottages as my father and brother fished the lake for bass and musky. I have wonderful memories of the beautiful Chautauqua area. Thank you for your blog!
Mary Ann, Thank you for your positive words, and sharing your fond family memories. Art
Hi Art,
thanks for all your blog posts, I enjoy looking and reading them.
Kathy Ryan
Waterfront