Letter to the Editor / IT’S ABOUT TIME

By Roger C. Kostmayer

The US is at the cusp of correcting its biggest anti-American, anti-democratic, anti-humane and self-destructive flaw.  We got to this point in time because 400 years ago American colonists captured and kidnapped African men, women and children, brought them to our shores in chains, and sold them as slaves.

In spite of noble sentiments, the US Constitution, pronouncements of “All men are created equal” and “Equal justice for all”, the lynchings, murders and racist brutalities of black people continued even as the laws improved.  Just two years ago, only 40% of Americans understood and supported the cries for justice and safety that became known as Black Lives Matter.  Today, 74% of Americans (including a majority of both Democrats and Republicans) openly support the protests and demands for change that followed the murder of Michael Floyd  (see the Washington Post-Schar School poll).  There will be change.

The catalyst amounted to only 8 minutes and 46 seconds – but it seemed an eternity to those who watched the video of 4 policemen slowly killing an unarmed black man over a $20 bill by kneeling on his neck.

If you are white and doubt that racism is real and a serious injustice, think about recent news events.  Blacks have been murdered by police or others for:  Driving while black; Selling cigarettes while black; walking while black; jogging while black; being a 14 year old child with a water pistol while black;  Being at home doing nothing while black; and, allegedly passing a bad $20 bill while black.  White mother’s sons aren’t killed by police for these things.

It is time to end the long and shameful history of brutality and racism, and replace it with justice and dignity for Americans who helped build this nation and who have dark skin.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]