Dear Moreno Valley Residents,
Like most Americans, I was deeply disturbed by the video of George Floyd’s death. The reality of the inequities of our justice system could not have been more clearly displayed. The officer who knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck now faces a charge of murder, but as I write on Monday this week, none of the other officers involved have yet been charged, even though for nearly 10 minutes they stood by and watched as Mr. Floyd pleaded for his life.
The fact that the nation held its breath, hoping that charges would be filed in this case is an indication of the systemic racism that continues to plague our society. Criminal charges against someone we all saw kill a man should not be something we have to hope for but something we naturally expect, regardless of the race of killer or victim.
The release of pent-up frustration over both this incident and the systemic racism that allowed it is understandable, and most of the protests we've seen across the nation are a natural and appropriate result. But we must not let the important message of dissent be drowned out by violence against people or property.
Let’s follow the positive example set by protesters in Moreno Valley last Sunday with their peaceful march focused on demanding equal justice under the law for all.