The events of the last few days come just ten days before the Republican Convention begins. Two more black men have been murdered by law enforcement. When I was a young man, these criminal actions were often hidden by false sworn statements, but with virtually everyone in possession of a camera on their phones today, the truth can no longer be hidden. I blame the Republican Party for two reasons.
First of all, Republican politicians believe that there is no need for judicial reform in the United States. They deny the facts that blacks are treated differently than whites by the authorities; both law enforcement and in the courts.
Secondly, the Republican propaganda machine, FOX Noise, persists in its claims that this proven fact is ‘nonsense.’
There exists two Americas in our judicial system; one for the wealthy and one for average Americans. When the fact that many black men and women are living near or at the poverty level is added to the equation, the truth is that they are far more likely to be the victims of violence by those who are employed to protect and serve their communities.
There is no excuse for violence or murder; all human life is sacred. Ignoring facts creates increased anger which results in hatred; that hatred often leads to violence.
Sadly, five law enforcement officers have been murdered after what was a peaceful protest in Dallas. There is no defending the perpetrator for his cowardly deeds. However, we must realize that emotions weaken humans and force rash actions. With the numbers of blacks losing their lives at the hands of law enforcement continuing to grow, and without justice from the legal system, anger has grown to a ferocity not previously experienced in our cities.
Our law enforcement agencies must be retrained if they are to be effective in the 21st century. Classroom legal instruction, and the ability to effectively use a weapon are not sufficient in a world which has drastically been altered through decades of change.
No man or woman should be awarded a badge without a complete psychological evaluation. Classroom instruction must include human relations classes and the ability to address most situations in a non-violent manner.
As compassionate human beings, we cannot accept the seven deaths of fellow Americans in the last three days. Two black men, and five Dallas policemen will not be coming home to their families. They will not experience the joys which life brings. These senseless killings are as dire to the future of America as a terrorist attack. The media is more focused on the latter, and virtually ignore the dangers to the black community from law enforcement, and the resulting anger towards authority.
The prejudice towards blacks extends beyond actions by law enforcement. They are punished more severely in the courts than their white brothers and sisters. If you doubt this, look at the statistics of those incarcerated in our prisons.
Racism is not leaving America without changes which are the result of education and cultural awareness. Every American who falls into poverty experiences fear, anger, and despair. The root of this problem exists in income inequality. Americans who feel that their family is secure are unlikely to become angry and violent.
Without sufficient training of law enforcement, giving them the awareness of the plight of low-income and impoverished Americans, nothing will change. Life has become more difficult for millions of Americans who have lost good-paying jobs and fear for the future of their families.
America needs many changes, and our politicians must stop ignoring the facts and cease their support of special interests.
Vote wisely this November; vote for those who discuss the issues and whose goal is to serve the people, not themselves.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 