Will the Circle Be Broken?
In the year since George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, much has been made of police reform, defunding the police, better police/community relations, and other related issues.
We have and will be discussing these issues for the foreseeable future. But as is often the case, Mr. Floyd’s murder is the direct result of an issue larger than reform and community relations.
The issue is racism. On that front, while there is always room and reason for optimism, humanity is no closer to alleviating this evil than it was a year ago.
When people still disagree about a problem’s existence, it goes without saying that the problem is far from being solved.
People, even minorities themselves, argue that racism and bigotry is over or almost over, except that there are those of us who inconveniently broach the subject. Supposedly, we do this to make money or gain notoriety.
George Floyd died not because he was trying to make money or become famous. He died because he was a Black man who was unnecessary killed by White police officers who did not regard him as a fellow human.
There are so many things that I would rather write about than racism. I would much rather write about my faith, sports, and any number of other subjects.
But my life and the lives of millions are at risk. When we can be killed walking into our home, while eating ice cream at home, and while we are sleeping at home, we will never know peace or security.
If I can’t feel safe at home, I certainly won’t find safety in the mean streets. And that summarizes the lives of people of color.
Where will we be safe?
Why can’t we live without worrying about dying at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve?
We don’t know the answers to these and a lot of other questions.
Until we do, there will be more George Floyds and more Breonna Taylors,.
The names will change, but the results will remain the same.