Including, but not limited to:
[T]he waves of protests across the country represent a genuine and legitimate
frustration over a decades-long failure to reform police practices and the
broader criminal justice system in the United States. The overwhelming majority
of participants have been peaceful, courageous, responsible, and inspiring.
They deserve our respect and support, not condemnation — something that police
in cities like Camden and Flint have commendably understood.
…
I’ve heard some suggest that the recurrent problem of racial bias in
our criminal justice system proves that only protests and direct action can
bring about change, and that voting and participation in electoral politics is
a waste of time. I couldn’t disagree more. The point of protest is to raise
public awareness, to put a spotlight on injustice, and to make the powers that
be uncomfortable; in fact, throughout American history, it’s often only been in
response to protests and civil disobedience that the political system has even
paid attention to marginalized communities. But eventually, aspirations have to be translated into
specific laws and institutional practices — and in a democracy, that only
happens when we elect government officials who are responsive to our demands.
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