I don’t know about you, but I believe our right to life is our most important civil right. In 2014 a black man, Eric Garner, was arrested for selling illegal cigarettes. The big man was choked by a New York City police officer and died while the incident was being filmed. Trump’s stooge who wears the label of Attorney General of the United States, William Barr, declared today that he would not prosecute the police officer who murdered Mr. Garner as a violation of his civil rights.

Barr was given the choice after New York civil rights agencies and the prosecution reached a stalemate.

In 2015 the City of New York settled with Garner’s family in the amount of 5.9 million dollars. The officer, Daniel Pantaleo, is facing charges which could punish him with loss of vacation pay to the loss of his job. No criminal action will be taken.

I shouldn’t have to ask this question, but after a long study into our justice system, “what would have happened if Mr. Garner was a white man?” Law enforcement and the courts continue to display prejudice across the nation.

When I watched the incident, five years ago, there was no doubt in my mind that excessive force was being used. Although Mr. Garner was a large man, he was surrounded by several police officers.

When did our country become so casual about the loss of life? The television media reports plane crashes, domestic terrorist attacks, the loss of life from natural events including tornadoes and hurricanes because these tragedies sell advertising. Each human life is precious. Mr. Garner’s death affected his family and friends and Barr’s decision will result in additional mistrust of authority for this black American family.

I began writing for a print, and later an online newspaper in 2013. The more I read the more I was convinced that there are two justice systems in America; one for rich and powerful white Americans, and one for working class Americans and minorities. I am more positive about this fact today than six years ago.

The entire system is in shambles. No one who does not live in a privileged, gated community trusts the police.

We need many changes in America. Sadly, we have a child living in the White House who has failed to address a single problem which faced America on his inauguration day in 2017. There is no question that Trump is the worst president in America’s 243-year history.

“The Truth Lives Here.” Please tell everyone about my blog.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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Image courtesy of DonkeyHotey

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