Originally published on Facebook

I usually don’t feel they need to comment on every national issue, especially when I don’t believe that I can do anything to change it. For those of you who know me, you know that I believe this criminal justice system that treats agents of the state (police, politicians, bureaucrats) differently than the public is totally unacceptable and an anathema to the goal of a society based on individual rights and equality under the law. I felt the need to speak out here to reach those who might agree with me on other issues, but not necessarily this one, to give it thought and consider their role in securing liberty and justice for ALL. The conduct of the four Minneapolis police who either applied force to George Floyd, neglected to render aid, or prevented others from rendering aid to the man while he was suffocating and dying, is absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable. All four of those officers should be charged and sentenced for their role in Floyd’s murder. Same goes for the officers whose actions led to the death of numerous individuals over the decades: Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, and so many names we will never know. Although I speak from a position of immense privilege, growing up in a safe place, always supported by friends, family, and community, it is important for everyone to understand that this most recent instance of police brutality is not an isolated case. It is a symptom of a very sick system, one built on “qualified immunity” for police conduct, steady militarization of police departments across the country, both in equipment and tactics, and one that gives officers an excuse to treat fellow humans as animals, individual rights and due process be damned. This system needs substantial reform. Unlike some, I don’t believe this is an indictment of capitalism, or the American system of constitutional government. It is an indictment of runaway state power, near-constant judicial deference to police conduct, inertia guarded by the assumption that anyone who refuses to comply with unjust orders and asserts their rights is automatically guilty, and deserves whatever punishment comes their way. I know George Floyd was never afforded the process of the justice system, but we must remeber the timeless saying that an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. We must all be held accountable for our own actions. The four Minneapolis officers must be held accountable for their actions. Our backwards criminal justice system and the politicians, police chiefs, mayors and others who had/have the power to change it, yet allowed it to continue must be held accountable. No matter the level of hurt or anguish one feels, those feelings do not excuse violence in the pursuit of justice. I believe it is paramount for each of us to set a positive example for the future. It’s up to all of us to begin to set that example immediately, without qualification. I believe that we all have the potential to evolve to a higher level of consciousness that recognizes the inherent dignity and value of every human life, no matter the superficial qualities that have previously defined us. Each one, teach one. Each one, love one. Thanks for reading.
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