I stand alongside and support the protesters who are fighting for an end to systemic racism

Black Lives Matter

Today, I feel it is important for me to speak up to share my thoughts on the murder of George Floyd and the systemic racism that black Americans face. First – let’s be clear, George Floyd’s murder was a hate crime, committed by a police officer who massively abused his power.

Former Police officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd by crushing his neck with his knee for almost nine minutes. Six minutes in he learned that George Floyd no longer had a pulse, but he continued to crush his neck. This is murder, period, and a third degree murder charge is far too light of a sentence. Additionally, the officers who were with Derek and did nothing to stop him, also need to be charged, immediately.

People are protesting now to both honor George Floyd and demand that we end systemic racism in America and racial profiling that happens all too often across our country by the police. While a small percentage of protesters are rioting and looting, I encourage everyone to look at the data – the vast majority of people across the country are peacefully protesting.

We live in a free country and people have the right to peacefully protest. It would be horrible to tell people they cannot peacefully protest if at any point a protest somewhere turns violent or looting starts. People are angry, they have the right to be angry, and they are demanding change that needs to happen.

Sadly, we have a President who has publicly threatened to shoot protesters and this morning encouraged his supporters to come out and face off with protesters in Washington DC. Trump is a bigot, and if you haven’t taken the time to understand how deep his despicable comments and actions go, I highly suggest you read this article – An Oral History of Trump’s Bigotry.

More than anything now, we need a President who can bring us together rather than divide us, who can help our elected officials rather than insult them, and who can make a stand to truly make American a great place for everyone, regardless of the color of their skin.

If you, like me, want to see an end to systemic racism in America, know that I stand with you. Black lives matter, America is better than this, it is time for a change. I am a proud supporter of Black Lives Matter and the George Floyd Memorial Fund and encourage you to donate to either or both of them.

Morgan Linton

Morgan Linton