The current protests in the USA.

[Rath Darkblade]

For about a week now, I've held my tongue about this issue for one good reason: on the one hand, what happened to George Floyd was obviously horrible. On the other hand, just as there are undoubtedly racist and violent police officers, I'd like to believe that there are also many kind ones who do not deserve abuse. Generally speaking, the police do a tough and difficult but necessary job, and deserve our thanks and support. I certainly won't go into politics here.

Having said that, I must denounce in the strongest possible terms the actions of individual police officers: whether they be the ones who murdered Mr. Floyd in Minnesota, or the ones who tased and arrested college students in Atlanta, or any of the ones who displayed unprovoked violence against peaceful protesters anywhere in the United States. The scenes I've seen on the news in the past few days have been very disturbing.

Conversely, I'd also like to denounce the violent actions of any protesters who had turned to any unprovoked violence, whether it be looting, arson, assault, or murder. I understand the protesters' anger, and sympathise with it; but violence is not the answer.

It was heartening to see the police and protesters coming together and marching together in solidarity. Some have called it "disgusting", but I found it encouraging that some police officers made the effort to understand the protesters, and not simply arrest them or fire at them.

Likewise, I found it deeply touching to see protesters giving the police a hug (as happened in Louisville, Kentucky.) Violence and abuse will not solve the problem. Perhaps more understanding can be the first step toward healing.

I'm pretty sure we all agree on this point, but it needs to be said: anyone whose violent actions causes or caused suffering to at least one other person deserves to have the book thrown at them. Being a police officer does not excuse unwarranted or unprovoked violence. Giving the police "sensitivity training" will not solve this issue. If a cop needs special training to know that strangling someone to death is not acceptable, then he is too messed up to be on the police force. In the words of the late George Carlin: "They ought to have two new requirements for being on the police - intelligence and decency! You never can tell, it might just work. It certainly hasn't been tried yet."

Lastly, for what they are worth, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Floyd family. It is unbearable for me to think of what they're going through right now.

I hope this situation can be resolved without more blood being shed on either side. Thank you for reading. Please, everyone, stay safe.