Thread by @AGHamilton29

Talking about complex topics on Twitter is always questionable, but I will try anyways:

We give up some liberties to the state so the state will protect us and our rights. That comes with responsibility. We cannot accept the state abusing that power to unjustly take lives.

It has become clear, especially over last few years, that abuse is happening far too often. Police officers have tough jobs, but they also get extra power and thus have a responsibility not to abuse it.

Most do not and it's unfair to judge whole groups bu the actions of some.

With that said, we need structural changes to ensure that those who do abuse it are held accountable and such abuse is disincentivized. Solutions such as body cameras, better training, and real accountability when the abuse becomes clear is desperately needed.

This is serious. Victims of police abuse exist across races. Data suggest unjust police killings are mostly the result of frequency of interaction with police, but there is clear evidence minorities are subjected to more such interactions increasing risks for those communities.

That's something we need to consider and be sensitive about. We should also look for reforms to try to fix such disparities. I should also add in my usual disclaimer here about how public-sector unions are awful and protect the bad apples, which thus exacerbates the problem.

With all that said, what is required are real reforms within the system. Violence/destruction that hurts innocent people or even targets cops who try to do the job the right way doesn't solve any of the problems mentioned above. It's indefensible and adds no value.

Those who care about these causes have a responsibility to condemn and discourage such destruction. It's in the interest of this cause to do so.

Furthermore, if the state wishes to keep being entrusted with power, they must also protect innocent people caught up in the violence.

Anyways, that's my 2 cents.

I pray for justice for George Floyd, safety and security for people in that city, and accountability for those engaging in violence and destruction.