![george-flloyd](https://garyacosta.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/george-flloyd.jpg)
George Floyd, an African American from Minneapolis was murdered last week in one of the most despicable displays of police brutality ever recorded. The event spurred protests in almost every major city in the country and a few unfortunate riots.
Below are a few of my opinions on the matter:
Racism is more prevalent in America than I thought possible.
Police officers are not all racists, but there is a culture of racism that infects the law enforcement community at almost every level nationwide, and it will not change until law enforcement managers are fired, pensions are lost and perpetrators are jailed.
People who were unmoved by Floyd’s murder but critical about the protesters aren’t just part of the problem, they are the problem.
Racism and economic disparity are the biggest threats to the American system.
Eliminating systemic racism in our society will require an all-hands-on-deck effort.
Prayers, warm thoughts, and social media posts are nice, but they won’t end racism or make a material difference.
Only voting and donating money to candidates and organizations who stand firmly against racism in all forms will get the job done.
Some of the organization’s that have a strong history of fighting racism are:
Regardless of political persuasion, most people think the rhetoric of politics has gotten out of control. If you believe that, as I do, there IS something you can do about it. You can ask yourself whether you are helping or hurting the situation. I like to say that there are two types of people in the world: people who add stress and people who relieve stress. I think similarly, some people are adding to the political spectacle in the country, and others are at least trying for something better.
Gary's Blog will return next week.
This past week, the National Association of Realtors invited me to participate in a meeting with the NAR leadership and Jonathan Kanter, the Assistant Attorney General of the United States.