The closing arguments concluded today in the case of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer, who is on trial for the death of George Floyd. This event, which made global headlines last year was the cause for worldwide protests and riots. As the case is now in the hands of the jury, cities across the country are preparing for more riots and civil unrest.
The Kapital News full-heartedly supports the right of the people to protest peacefully. The Kapital News would even come to the defense of people and organizations to peacefully protest, despite disagreeing with their ideas, message, or principles. Why? Because we have rights as free citizens and these rights need to be defended and protected. It is not about simply agreeing with those who share common ground, but also defending the rights of those with whom you may disagree. Liberty is very much about tolerance and tolerance does not mean endorsement.
However, peacefully protesting and rioting are two completely different acts. The latter of which cannot be tolerated. The destruction to property and the physical harm caused to persons is against the law and needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Otherwise, we risk succumbing to mob rule. We witnessed a countless number of businesses, coast to coast, last year being damaged, burned, and looted. And for what purpose? Does this end our two-tiered justice system? Does this bring George Floyd or anybody else back to their families? No and no! There are many problems that exist within our society and a two-tiered justice system is definitely one of them. There is a legitimate foundation where we can begin to have a civil and constructive dialogue on how to improve our justice system. Yet so long as it becomes about race, media narratives, money raising, and political grandstanding, then not a damn thing is going to be done to solve the problems.
Enter Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California, who is calling for confrontations with the the authorities if Derek Chauvin is acquitted or found guilty of manslaughter. The manslaughter charge will not suffice to the Congresswoman or to the people she is getting wound up. In the very least, it needs to be a conviction on one of the murder charges against Mr. Chauvin. This is the same woman who decried what President Trump did and was calling for his impeachment almost as soon as he was sworn into office. However, it is apparently okay for her to say such things? The hypocrisy is nauseating, but it is also par for the course. As long as the actions and rhetoric fit the narrative spun by the media, then presumably all is well. But if you are a conservative, then you better watch out.
Lastly, for now, one of the main messages that has been transmitted since this incident occurred, was the media and many others declaring Mr. Chauvin guilty, well before his trial. This is dangerous to our society and body politic. There is no question that what took place was a tragic occurrence. However, we have a system that states any individual is innocent until proven guilty. And that the burden of proof is on the State, not the defense. Furthermore, in a criminal case, the State must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high bar, and rightly so. Our Founders understood the importance of due process. They understood the power of the State. And they understood the importance and value of life and liberty. Imprisoning someone takes away their rights, and so the State better be quite certain that they are prosecuting the right person, because it is a bigger crime to convict an innocent person than it is to let a guilty one go free. It is this discussion that is missing in the mainstream media. It is not about the totality of the evidence, due process, and our Constitution. Rather, it is about the media hype, the politics, and the money. And in this noise and drama we lose ourselves as a country. May God be with the jury as they render their verdict and may their decision be based off of the evidence of the case, and not rooted in fear as to what the mob may or may not do. May justice be served and may there be peace. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #GeorgeFloyd #NoJusticeNoPeace #ChauvinTrial #Protests #Riots #USA #Liberty #USConstitution #Justice #Peace #Truth