The Untimely Death and Aftermath of George Floyd

 How long does it take to kill a man? What method of murder is the most efficient? What is the price of a human life? The answer to these questions are wide and varied, almost unlimited. In the particular horrific case of George Floyd we have certain answers. 

The untimely death of Africa-American George Floyd came about four weeks ago on May 25th. He was sentenced, tried and executed by four White police officers. Three to physically commit the act and as with every daylight crime, one assigned to be lookout. This being done to prevent any by-standers from intervening. The motto; “To protect and to serve” took on a unique and unintended meaning that day. The officers protected their Minneapolis community from a handcuffed, physically restrained helpless man as they served their unanimous decision to terminate him. All following little deliberation and committed without passion, effort or struggle. They did exhibit a sense of coolness, emotional distance and callousness. Their hands in their pockets in a manner of normalcy and familiarity with the inflicting of death. Due to being captured on video this tragedy shortly became national and international news. The results of which are still growing and resonating. The world collectively heard a plea for mercy; one that we had heard before but somehow expected to not hear again: “I can’t breathe.” 

The time passage in the case of George Floyd’s death was approximately eight minutes. Eight minutes for the breath to leave his lungs, his heart’s beating to stop, his brain functions to cease and for the accused police officers to feel comfortable that this man was beyond any chance of recovery. 

 The method of murder was death by the collective weight of approximately seven hundred pounds placed stratigally on Floyd’s back and neck; again, as he lay helpless. The knee of one officer (Derek Chauvin) conveniently slid between the head and shoulders on Floyd’s vulnerable and weak human neck. This as Chauvin strategically increased pressure from time to time while ignoring Floyd’s begging to him and his other assailants; “please…I can’t breathe…” 

The price was a mere twenty, presumed counterfeit dollars. From the point of view of his murderers the equivalent of nothing; a valueless existence.

In the following days and weeks; the aftermath of Floyd’s death, the United States have seen many drastic and well documented events in response. Protests both peaceful and violent, marches from coast to coast and a new and deeper, inclusive meaning of “Black Lives Matter” has emerged. Spain, Syria, Australia and the UK are among the vast world nations to march and exhibit symbols of solidarity with Americans in this crisis. 

 There has been positive dialogue, genuine anguish along with public and police reaching out and coming together in unity. We have seen and heard both good and bad words and actions from law enforcement and politicians. Mural tributes to Floyd’s sacrificial death have sprung up; again nationally and internationally. NASCAR has removed the symbol of oppression and slavery; “The Battle Flag of the Confederacy” (“The Stars & Bars”) from all of their racing events. This as many iconic and offensive statues of racist historical figures are toppled and removed. There are even calls to defund and abolish the dated form of American policing.  

There are many signs of hope amid the chaos. We can learn from all that is happening in this current time of unease with COVID-19 also not showing many signs of deflating or going away. There is no doubt that these are unusual, uncharted stressful times. Yet times given the opportunity that can see political and spiritual lasting agents of change.

To date across the country and abroad the protests continue, the marches and the rallies continue. An abundance of good will offerings continue along with the deaths of innocent Black Men and Women; American Citizens, at the will and discretion of the Nation’s Police continuing as well.