Since the video depicting George Floyd’s death was released on May 25, unrest and uncertainty have gripped the nation. What began as protests demanding justice for Floyd quickly deteriorated into riots and calls for radical changes to American society. “I would have been protesting with them,” said a New York City resident and small business owner who requested to remain anonymous. “The problem is amongst the good protesters there are radicals,” he continued.
The sentiment expressed by this NY resident is echoed by Americans across the country who detest racism and injustice but are reluctant to associate with Black Lives Matter, an organization whose leaders are self proclaimed marxists that want to abolish the police. The abuse police officers have been forced to accept as a result of political elites’ complicity in the violence would have been unimaginable to most just two months ago.
“Please, show me where it says protests are supposed to be polite and peaceful,” asked Chris Cuomo on CNN. Against the backdrop of cities burning and business owners being beat nearly to death in the streets, Nikki Haley tweeted, “It’s important to understand that the death of George Floyd was personal and painful for many. In order to heal, it needs to be personal and painful for everyone.” Former President Obama lauded the protests and thanked the young people “for helping to bring about this moment.” After left wing radicals illegally took over six blocks in Seattle and established the “Capital Hill Autonomous Zone”, Mayor Jenny Durkan laughed and suggested the city would experience a “summer of love.” Since then, there have been shootings, rape, robbery, and other violent crimes that police and medical personal have been unable to respond to.
The anarchy Americans have witnessed has left them wondering when this chaos will end and how far it will go. Elected politicians have excused and enabled the criminals to destroy innocent lives of all colors and creeds. Left wing district attorneys across the nation are prosecuting the police instead of the hoodlums perpetrating crime. It is time for federal, state, and local leaders to quell the violence. If the government fails to protect its citizens, it reneges on the social contract often articulated by Locke and other great thinkers of the Enlightenment Era.
