12, June 2020 George Floyd
I watched with horror the slow torture and murder of George
Floyd. I was full of rage and disbelief to witness a man who took an oath to
uphold the law act in such a barbaric nonchalant manner in full view of the
general public and his comrades who seemed paralyzed or unwilling to intervene.
The grotesque scene was captured on video for the entire world to witness how
black lives are terrorized by police on a routine basis. Outraged Americans and
activists around the world poured onto the streets demanding radical change.
Some e called for defunding the police, diverting money to community based
organizations.
But “de funding police” is a catchy freeze which could be
used by President Trump as a wedge issue to his considerable advantage.
Democrats MUST not fall into this trap.
Demilitarizing and radical reform of the police would be a far better
rallying cry. Public prosecutors must accept some blame for encouraging police
TO PROSECUTE petty crimes to bolster their conviction portfolio. Police unions
are also a major problem defending racist cops and diluting aggressive
legislation by making large donations to self-serving politicians.
Back in my old country, British police only carried
truncheons and often used humor and kindness to deescalate conflicts. Clearly,
a radical retraining of law enforcement is paramount including weeding out
racist police.
Law enforcement MUST undergo a rigorous vetting process and
there should be a ZERO A TOLERANCE POLICY FOR OFFCERS WHO FAIL TO MEET THE
HIGHEST STANDARD OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
A TRUTH & RECONCILATION’ COMISSION SHOULD BE CONVENED
AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS MANY OF THE LEGITIMATE GRIEVANCES OF AFRICAN
AMERICANS MODELLED ON SOUTH AFRICA OR RWANDA’S COMMISIONS. THIS WOULD GO A LONG
WAY TO ASSUAGE THE SENTIMNATES OF BLACK AMERICANS. Finally, REPARATIONS IN THE
FORM OF A MASSIVE INFUSION OF CAPITAL SHOULD BE POURED INTO UNDERSERVED
COMMUNITIES IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO LIFT OUR BLACK BROTHERS AND SISTERS
OUT OF POVERTY AND LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD. THEY HAVE WAIED 401 YEARS, LET THEM
WAIT NO LONGER.
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