2 facets of crime, race

Many people like to say “All Lives Matter” whenever they hear the “Black Lives Matter” mantra. The reason why many black people get upset at this is because they do believe that all lives matter. It’s just that they don’t believe their lives have been valued by police or the justice system. So when people say “All Lives Matter,” it is felt that the purpose for the BLM movement is diminished. (Of course killing cops tends to diminish it as well.)

On the other hand, statistics show that crime committed by black people is way out of proportion to their overall population. This requires police action that is ironically trying to protect innocent black lives. This is a serious issue that seems to be dismissed or ignored in the nation’s conversation regarding race relations and law enforcement.

If we are to make any progress in this conversation, we have to be honest about both facets: 1) Black crime is out of control resulting in massive incarceration. 2) Prejudice within the law enforcement system does exist. Both need to be addressed honestly. Do we have leaders who can do this?

Bob Isitt

Spokane