Melissa’s response to recent events - Warning this thread contains political subject matter

Robert Anthony, As you asked some questions in your post, I thought I should respond. But before I do, I want to emphasize that we keep the focus on Melissa's message and the need for change, and less on what has happened and who is at fault.

Yes, authorities were unprepared for something that blew up very quickly, and there undoubtedly will be an assessment coming. But any determination of fault is premature. Also, Minneapolis was only the first; many other cities have had similar problems even with advanced warning of a day or two. So I think it likely, as you suggest, that some organized groups may move around the country seeking to create chaos.

Regarding Attorney General Ellison and Mr. Soros, I am not going to get into web conspiracies. The web is filled with trash and I want nothing to do with it.

I think we all know that convicting police of crimes has historically been very difficult. This act, horrific as it was, would be very hard to charge at a higher level, due to lack of premeditation. So under the circumstances the charges filed not only seem appropriate but may also have the greatest chance for a successful prosecution. Overcharging could well result in an acquittal. Also, Minnesota does not have capital punishment, so that is not an option.

"It's also time to reform training officers..." I absolutely agree. I think there is a culture in many PDs that needs to be completely overhauled, and it starts with training.

There is much to be done by the authorities, but as Melissa says we all have a role to play to see those changes are made correctly, and that starts by changing our own behaviors. If we all do that, the rest will follow.

You're 100% correct @superbill lets focus on what Melissa said, changing our own behavior because things need to change and they won't unless we all take responsibility for our own actions. I agree that the charges are correctly calculated by the prosecution, hard to go higher without any evidence of premeditation. I would like to see the other three former officers charged as accessories but I understand how that may be a hard sell right now. When/If Derek Chauvin is found guilty of murder then Tau Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng are IMO accessories anyone of them could've and should've stopped George Floyd's death.

Robert Anthony, As you asked some questions in your post, I thought I should respond. But before I do, I want to emphasize that we keep the focus on Melissa's message and the need for change, and less on what has happened and who is at fault.

Yes, authorities were unprepared for something that blew up very quickly, and there undoubtedly will be an assessment coming. But any determination of fault is premature. Also, Minneapolis was only the first; many other cities have had similar problems even with advanced warning of a day or two. So I think it likely, as you suggest, that some organized groups may move around the country seeking to create chaos.

Regarding Attorney General Ellison and Mr. Soros, I am not going to get into web conspiracies. The web is filled with trash and I want nothing to do with it.

I think we all know that convicting police of crimes has historically been very difficult. This act, horrific as it was, would be very hard to charge at a higher level, due to lack of premeditation. So under the circumstances the charges filed not only seem appropriate but may also have the greatest chance for a successful prosecution. Overcharging could well result in an acquittal. Also, Minnesota does not have capital punishment, so that is not an option.

"It's also time to reform training officers..." I absolutely agree. I think there is a culture in many PDs that needs to be completely overhauled, and it starts with training.

There is much to be done by the authorities, but as Melissa says we all have a role to play to see those changes are made correctly, and that starts by changing our own behaviors. If we all do that, the rest will follow.

As a life long resident of Minneapolis, I am utterly disgusted by these four police officers. One coldly suffocated an unarmed man who was merely a suspect of a non-violent offense, was handcuffed, and who offered no resistance. That officer has been charged with murder and manslaughter. Meanwhile the other three stood by as George Floyd pleaded for his life and finally died, and they did nothing to help him or stop his torture. They are still free, but I hope they too face charges. It is simply horrible. Where was their humanity?

The actions of these four have triggered demonstrations, rage, and violence in my city and the whole country. The demonstrations and rage I can understand. The violence is inexcusable and has largely been the work of a small group of opportunists who are only out to commit mayhem. I am happy to say it appears to have been quelled tonight, at least in Minneapolis. I hope the same is true in other cities. But unless we all work together to end racism and bigotry, this will happen again. We all have to do so much better. Melissa's message is a great starting point. I am so proud of her!

Bill I would just like to know where leadership was...namely the governor, Minneapolis Mayor and even Attorney General Keith Ellison?

As for these opportunists, they belong to the radical group Antifa, which has just been declared domestic terrorists. By the way there is a picture of Ellison with some kind of Antifa booklet that's surfaced on the web. What they do is mix in with the otherwise peaceful protesters and then wait for a moment to strike, sort of akin to what the communists did during the Red Scare in the 1950's in the US.

And also, these provocateurs are financed by leftist billionaire George Soros, who makes even Lex Luthor look like a piker.

As for those four rogue cops, one of them was arrested, but charged only with manslaughter and 3rd degree murder...not enough...that cop should face murder if not capital murder. The other three should be declared accessories before and after the fact.

It's also time to reform training officers, including reinforcing allegiance to their oath to the US Constitution and not training from their time in the armed services, as some to most police officers spent time in them.

In it, among the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) is number 8...which deals with punishment.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

.

This is a beautiful statement from our Supergirl.

As a life long resident of Minneapolis, I am utterly disgusted by these four police officers. One coldly suffocated an unarmed man who was merely a suspect of a non-violent offense, was handcuffed, and who offered no resistance. That officer has been charged with murder and manslaughter. Meanwhile the other three stood by as George Floyd pleaded for his life and finally died, and they did nothing to help him or stop his torture. They are still free, but I hope they too face charges. It is simply horrible. Where was their humanity?

The actions of these four have triggered demonstrations, rage, and violence in my city and the whole country. The demonstrations and rage I can understand. The violence is inexcusable and has largely been the work of a small group of opportunists who are only out to commit mayhem. I am happy to say it appears to have been quelled tonight, at least in Minneapolis. I hope the same is true in other cities. But unless we all work together to end racism and bigotry, this will happen again. We all have to do so much better. Melissa's message is a great starting point. I am so proud of her!