I had another message, written and ready for inclusion in this week’s paper, celebrating the remarkable unity Americans have shown during this COVID-19 pandemic.
It will have to wait, as the death of George Floyd has reopened lingering racial tension that threatens to tear us apart.
I have always been, and will continue to be, a proud supporter of our police. They are hometown heroes who risk their lives to keep us safe. The overwhelming majority are not only good cops, but good citizens. But when cops cross the line, they must be immediately held accountable. Floyd’s brutal treatment by Officer Derek Chauvin was appalling enough. It was magnified by Minneapolis officials’ delay in arresting him, giving the impression of a cover-up.
While this tragedy has ripped us apart, it gives us the opportunity to heal wounds that have festered for centuries. White Americans must immediately raise our voices, demand swift justice, applaud and join in the peaceful protests. While we condemn the looting and rioting, our judgment must be tempered by the knowledge that we didn’t grow up black, and that there is some validity to white privilege.
Black Americans must immediately raise their voices and while demanding equal treatment under the law, condemn the looting and rioting. Black leaders like former President Barack Obama and Rev. Al Sharpton need to emphasize that looting and rioting demeans the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Medgar Evers.
We have come along way from slavery to the election of a black president, but racism and bigotry still exist in America. Together we can close the divide.
LEIGH BOSSE
Hillsborough