Mason's Monolog

I’d like to take this week to talk about a more serious topic: the riots that have been going on across the country. I feel as though I’ve watched not only this state, but the entire country go into a state of absolute anarchy in a time span of less than seven days and, to be frank, it sickens me. I know it all stems from the fateful incident on May 25 where George Floyd was a victim of police brutality by a Minneapolis police officer named Derek Chauvin, who has a history of excessive use of force and brutality. He’s had several complaints filed against him prior to this latest incident, with only two resulting in a reprimand.

It begs the question: why wasn’t he fired after the second or even third violent/excessive use of force complaint? Why wasn’t he fired until after he took a man’s life?

If you have not followed the news and events of May 25, here is a short recap: George Floyd attempted to pay for his items at a business with an alleged counterfeit $20 bill. The shop owner refused it and Floyd left said shop without incident. The shop owner called the police, and two officers showed up. The officers cuffed Floyd and placed him in a cruiser. At some point two more officers arrive. Floyd was then removed from the squad car and ended up on the ground where Chauvin put his knee on Floyd’s neck. This continues for eight minutes and 46 seconds. An ambulance arrived to find Floyd unconscious and unresponsive. They took him to the hospital and he was pronounced dead. This incident sparked riots in Floyd’s name, first in Minneapolis, and now countrywide. The rioters want justice for Floyd.

Before I go any further, I want to remind you that this is strictly my opinion, and that this topic is potentially very controversial.

Here’s my take on the whole situation: Floyd’s death was wrongful, but the riots aren’t for justice. Rioters are more destructive and horrific than they are heroic. Apartment buildings, businesses, homes, and historical monuments have been destroyed by rioters. One story that sticks with me was when rioters set fire to a residential home. Rioters blocked all entries to the house. Thankfully, firefighters made it to the home along with police and the family made it out safely.

These rioters ruined the home and lives of an entire family, and could’ve killed them, due to what, justice? This isn’t justice for Floyd, this is pure anarchy. People don’t deserve to lose their families, their homes, their businesses, or their jobs. The rioters have drifted from peaceful protests about Floyd to criminal activity. The four officers involved have been arrested. The National Guard has been sent in.

Violence is not the answer. In fact, it only makes things worse, and that’s exactly what happened here. Police have been attacked. Some of the people in the rioters’ way have been beaten or killed. This needs to stop. We need to regain control of our state, of our nation. Yes, a man was killed by a bad cop, but that doesn’t warrant the destruction. Justice will hopefully be served to those involved.

There are good cops and bad cops in law enforcement just like in any other profession. The Todd County Sheriff’s Office in particular has an awesome group of officers. My interactions with them have been nothing but professional. I have the utmost respect for law enforcement officers. They have difficult jobs, to say the least, and I appreciate every aspect of their service.