America has lost faith in the mechanisms for change
Promises of change by politicians ring hollow to many of us
The death of George Floyd was the match, but the kindling had been piling up for a long time. The tragedy is not a police officer slowly murdering an unarmed black man in plain sight and in front of witnesses, the tragedy is that we live in a country that enables that behavior. The racism and police abuse that killed George Floyd was built upon a myriad of acts of unchecked subtle racism and unquestioned police power. There are only so many times politicians can promise change and fail to deliver before that rage boils over.
Riot is desperation. It’s a last resort. It what happens when following lawful, prescribed methods for justice appear pointless.
Politicians stand behind podiums and declare that the way to reform is through them and new laws. Police commissioners announce body cameras and review boards. People at home say they support protest but not like this.
It all sounds like bullshit.
All those previous reforms that politicians and police officials promised, changed little. As for supporting other forms of protest, half the country was outraged that an athlete might dare to silently take a knee on the sideline.
I’m not advocating arson or looting or violence, but I am saying that if that is your focus then you’re missing the point.
The problem isn’t broken windows, its stolen lives.
