Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today after a long week of working. I’ve finished editing my story and it’s off to the beta reader. I’ve already started plotting out a new story and I’m excited about this one, too. Hopefully, I can do it justice. 😊
photo provided by https://www.everypixel.com/image-10518701651842115375
But enough about that, today I’d like to talk about what’s going on in the world. These are strange times indeed, with a pandemic and rioting because it’s forcing businesses and non-profit organizations to close, tensions are high, and that’s not even the worst of it. A black man was killed this week by police officers. They didn’t even try to hide the fact they were doing it even when there were witnesses video taping the whole thing. This sickens me. The cop who did this was fired then arrested, but it’s not enough. It will never bring George Floyd back to life.
https://www.everypixel.com/image-10518701651842115375
Most of us live in a bubble. We focus on our jobs and raising our kids and stuff like this rarely touches us. It happens in some other city and some other state, so we don’t feel threatened by it, but this kind of blatant disregard for human life can’t be ignored. How did Derek Chauvin even become a police officer? According to a source, he had twelve complaints of police brutality. Why was he still on the force?
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There was plenty of evidence that this man had a problem. Why does it take something like a murder before action is taken? Why wasn’t he put on leave and forced to go to a psychiatrist to keep his job?
The only answer I can come up with is that his superiors and colleagues didn’t think it would ever lead to this, but shouldn’t we be preventing things like this from happening? Especially when he had a history of police brutality?
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I think we should not only hold the officer himself accountable but also the institution that allowed this to happen in the first place. I’m glad he was fired and I’m glad he was arrested. I hope he goes to prison for a long time, but it shouldn’t end there. I think there needs to be some accountability for his superiors for allowing him to continue working when he had so many accusations of police brutality against him. These are warning signs that something bigger could happen, and in this situation, it did.
How do you feel about the situation? Leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!
I’m afraid I’m pretty cynical and assume that police brutality–and worse–happens much more than we hear about. That said I have some good friends who are police officers and are a couple of the most peaceful guys you’d ever meet. It does seem that the institution needs to take a hard look at training and hiring and promoting. As far as the issue of race, you can give people all the sensitivity training in the world but until people truly know the “other” who doesn’t look the same, talk the same, practice the same religion, etc.–as neighbors, family members, and friends–it’s just words and oftentimes worse, empty promises. Thanks for your thoughtful post. A lot to digest there!
Thanks for stopping by, Rebecca and sharing your thoughts. You bring a valid point to the table. Not all cops are bad. That’s why I think the institution needs to take some responsibility here, and when a cop exhibits poor behavior, he should be punished and the good cops promoted. But I do know that politics and corruption exists at all levels. I wish I had some answers. 😦
It is unfortunate. Racists exists everywhere but when it comes with power, it is difficult situation for the oppressed. This is an unfortunate event.
Yes, it is and there is so much rioting going on because of it. We even had rioting in a city ot far away from where I live. That’s hitting a little close to home.
Oh! That’s bad. I guess these are tough times. Stay safe, Lisa.
Thanks, Arv! You, too!
Sure 🙂
sorry didn’t notice the typo before I hit send. Rioting in a city ‘not’ too far from where I live.
Yes, the police institution, Derek Chauvin, and the three other police officers who were present during this brutal murder should be all held accountable. The whole system seems to need an overhaul. I hope those who are rioting for the right reasons get their voices heard, and the justice they are seeking. Cheers for sharing your thoughts, Lisa. Stay well and safe!
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon. I’m with you, the whole system needs an overhaul. You stay safe and well, my friend!
It’s not exclusive to the States, unfortunately–there are protests in Toronto right now regarding a woman who died during an incident involving police. No one is quite sure what happened but it’s a terrible case, as all of these are.
Sorry to hear this. They are all terrible cases and it just goes to show police brutality is everywhere. Thanks for stopping by. It’s good to see you here. 🙂
I was just about to mention that case, mydangblog. I hope the truth comes out about it soon. There have been so many different explanations for her death.
And, Lisa, I completely agree that the officer who murdered that poor man needs to be held accountable and that the entire system needs to be overhauled.
Thanks for stopping by Lydia. I’ll stop over to your blog and read your post. I’m hoping the system does get overhauled with all the protesting going on. I was so proud when Flint police officers marched with the protesters and when Miami officers asked proetesters for forgiveness. Even the cops know what happened is wrong.
Nice
Thank you!