RIP, George Floyd

PPro, along with so many other Americans of good will, is horrified by the unconscionable sustained excessive force used by Minneapolis police officers resulting in the asphyxiation death of African American George Floyd on May 25th. The long history of such police brutality in America, which disproportionately affects people of color, is rooted in the even longer history of racism in our country – the examples are countless. It is well past time that we all not only listen more carefully to the distressed voices that cry out for change but do something truly transformational about it. That means, at a minimum, removing military weapons from our police forces, ending racial profiling, greatly reducing incarcerations for non-violent offenders, and reprioritizing our government funding to facilitate greater access to the quality education, human services, and affordable healthcare which allow people to thrive. If the soul of our country is to be restored and such transformation is to be truly possible, America must remove from power in November racists and white supremacists led by an impeached President who embraces violence and divisive rhetoric while others call for unity. America’s promise of liberty and justice for all demands it. May we no longer have to hear the chilling words: “I can’t breathe”. RIP, George Floyd – and so many before you.

For more information, we refer you to these links:

Black Lives Matter
The NAACP Legal Defense Fund
and two organizations known for proposing policy solutions to racist and militarist policing:
Join Campaign Zero
8 Can’t Wait