Systemic Racism is a term that’s being thrown around a lot lately — it means that the system itself is racist, and hopefully this isn’t true, for that would mean those running it are themselves racist. Most police or sheriff’s department leaders I’ve seen have been just, caring people, attempting to “filter down” good attitudes within the ranks. The problems seem to lie in the hearts of those at lower levels of supervision and some who’re in direct contact with the public. It also seems that most young recruits have a sincere desire to protect and serve.
Infringements on Human Rights should never be shoved under the rug, and when someone has legitimate complaints against them, that person should be fired, with reasons for termination made known to prospective future employers. What happened when “the straw that broke the camel’s back” had 18 complaints against him? He killed someone. That camel was overladen by tens of thousands of straws, and the one that murdered George Floyd made the world shout his name out loud. Black lives matter! Say their names!
The answer lies in oversight, for we’ll never be able to change people’s hearts without their consent. We can provide all the “sensitivity” training possible, but law enforcement officers (I was one for 25 years.) are not being shown how to care for people, how to talk to them and de-escalate tensions — the psychology of good policing. Officers are taught questionable self-defense tactics, and those who’re armed are taught to shoot to kill, not to maim, which often seems like the better option. They’re given stun guns, but many flagrantly abuse those weapons, and disciplinary action should be taken against anyone not using a body camera with a microphone.
Abolishing police departments is like “throwing the baby out with the bath water,” for any good system must be rebuilt from within. Screening with the use of psychological testing is an effective tool, for many deceivers have the right words, but they will be revealed by their actions. Transparency, accountability — these are the keys to good policing. We are each responsible to G-D for the welfare and general care of other people, and until we can open our hearts to the plights of others, with a sincere desire to help, we won’t find equity in peaceful resolutions.
Benjamin Franklin said that until people who are unaffected become as outraged as those who are affected, Justice cannot be served. Change will never happen until those of us who are considered the “privileged whites” get off our negligent butts and make our voices heard, also at the ballot box. I’m proud of the response I’ve seen worldwide from all walks of life in these last weeks, and I listen to negative disinformation with a grain of salt. Most of the people I see in these protests are following the examples of Dr. King and Mahatma (Great Soul) Gandhi, protesting peacefully even though the anger of injustice weighs heavily on our hearts.
As we learn to live in Christ Consciousness, the personal characteristics of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) shine through. Everyone we encounter is a beloved brother or sister, and any service we can perform to help others will make this world a better place for future generations — all in the Power of One. John Lennon said it best — All you need is LOVE!