A response to Louisiana, Minnesota and Dallas

Like most Americans, I am deeply disturbed by the events that have taken place over the past week in this country. These events have once again brought attention to the on going race relations issues we have in this country. Firstly, I condemn the killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the 5 innocent police officers in Dallas (Brent Thompson, Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, and Lorne Ahrens). All of these acts of violence are a stain on this country and on the American people. There is no question there is hostility between police forces and the African American community. African Americans are far more likely to be stopped by police, frisked by police, arrested by police and face unlawful police brutality. This is fact. That being said, the answer to injustice is not violence. Violence only causes more violence and will never resolve the major issues at hand. In fact, violence will only create a more hostile environment. I can not even begin to understand the fear and frustration the black community faces on a daily basis and the let down they feel from the majority of politicians and our government. I know so many feel ignored and some may feel like giving up. It isn't time to throw the towel in. It is time to demand and get action. I want to overhaul the way this country deals with law enforcement and investigations into them. I want to set up an independent agency in order to investigate and report of police brutality. I want to ensure a national guideline of procedures and work to make sure racial sensitivity training is to be taught at all police academies. I also want to work with my local police force in holding events and forums so that officers have a chance to meet with the community and create a positive imagine for our officers. Police need to be our friends, our neighbors and our heros. What happened in Dallas is a tragedy. Those officers were proudly serving their community and protecting protesters when their lives were cut short. We need to work to end violence on both sides of the spectrum. I want to ensure a transformation in this country. One where every American feels safe.

​-Dustin