Somebody Has to Keep the Peace

I watch Farid Zakaria's show, GPS, the Global Public Square, religiously. It is broadcast on Sunday morning where I live. His What in the World segment is my favorite part, and often motivates me to write.  After keeping my keyboard unused for too long, I simply can't let the recent events and protests about police killings go undiscussed for another moment. That said, flawed as it is today, I still believe in our justice system, and I am grateful for our police force - despite the fact that EVERYONE in my immediate family has felt abused or violated by a police officer in some manner in our lifetimes. Yup, every member of my family. 

I believe abuse of power is the real culprit. When people can get away with murder, they likely will. I don't think I need to cite examples here, we all know of several notorious people who have gotten away with murder because of their connections, wealth, power, or possibly fractions of all three.  But back to What in the World. On Farid's last show, here are some statistics worth reiterating:

1. According to an investigation reported in the Wall Street Journal, titled Hundreds of Police Killings Are Uncounted in Federal Stats, 558 police killings were missing from national records, and the writers stated they thought that it was impossible to get an accurate account due to the lack of reported police killings.

2. A study done from 2010 to 2012 found that young black men were 21 times more likely than white men to be shot dead by police, according to Pro Publica analysis.

3. The Bureau of Justice reported that black men are about 3 times more likely to be arrested for drugs. 

4. Finally, according to The Sentencing Project, racial minorities are more likely than white Americans to be arrested. After being arrested, they are more likely to be convicted. After they are convicted, they are more likely to face stiff sentences. The Sentencing Project does not state that the problem is racial in its deficiencies, however. They believe America has two systems of justice: one for the rich, and one for the poor.  Want to DO something about it?  Visit: www.sentencingproject.org

May there be peace and unity on earth.