Hello everyone,

I am so happy to be back (during some very unhappy times) after what has felt like an eternity without a laptop. A lot is going on in the world right now so I want to start with saying:

R.I.P George Floyd and BLACK LIVES MATTER.

The riots going on all across America and around the world are scary, but are 100% necessary for our voices to be heard. George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis last week by a Derek Chauvin, a white police officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes. Floyd was accused of trying to pay with a fake $20 at a convenience store and was subsequently arrested. Earlier today, Chauvin was charged with second degree murder (up from third degree) and the other 3 officers present are awaiting charges.

The first question that came to mind when I saw the video was “How is this still happening?” After all the protests and marches over the years, why is the American justice system still refusing to hold white police officers accountable for brutality against Black men and women? As relieved as I am that the officers involved were arrested and charged, I have my doubts about them being sentenced accordingly. There was so much evidence against George Zimmerman after he shot Travyon Martin in 2012, and he got off scott free. Only two of the four officers responsible for beating Rodney King in 1991 were sentenced to 2.5 years in prison during a re-trial following the L.A. riots. The other two officers were acquitted again.

So basically, I have zero faith in the U.S. justice system. I wouldn’t be surprised if Derek Chauvin gets a minimal sentence, and the others get acquitted. President Trump seems to be more concerned about photo-ops with the Bible than re-assuring his country that justice will be served. The American people are not being comforted by their leadership, they are being threatened. Think about that. Donald Trump would rather turn the military on his citizens than immediately arrest 3 police officers. I sincerely hope America will vote him out in November.

Also, a quick message to all the Conservatives complaining about the looting: Target can get their TVs back, but George Floyd’s friends and family can’t get him back. So please, focus on solving the real problem that is police brutality and racial injustice.