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.
