This is a very thoughtful and powerful commentary. I think a lot of people are trying to get caught up in an "either/or" interpretation of the altercation. For me, it's highlighting a lot of complexities in our society that I realize I don't understand.

It was initially my thought that I shouldn't comment on the moment. But I also feel a real need to be a part of this conversation. I learn by writing about things. If I'm wrong, I hope people tell me.

In the last few years there has been such an uptick in racial violence that I've run through many scenarios in my mind. I live in a conservative part of the country where, if I slap somebody, the cops are likely to side with the victim, as are the judges.

Once again the hypocrisies of the USA have been laid bare. If a white man slaps somebody in defense of his wife, he'd be praised the next day, no question about it.

The conversations about this altercation are revealing a lot about the tensions in the United States. I guess all we can do is listen, or at least, listening is a start.