Either the media has chosen to stop covering the violence and looting or it has significantly lessened in the last day or two. Granted, major cities have had over a week to figure out how to respond and gain control of their streets. It's possible the local authorities have figured out how to more peacefully interact with protestors and how to post enough law enforcement officers to discourage the looting.
Businesses have also had time to board up their windows, remove merchandise, put up signs, and hire private security. I'd like to think that our society has figured out how to adapt.
Most of the coverage I see on TV and online now is talking politics and healing. Celebrities and community leaders are coming forward with discussions about race, policing, economics, etc. It also helps that all 4 police officers from Minneapolis who were responsible for George Floyd's death have now been arrested and charged; the main officer's charge has been moved up to murder 2, instead of just murder 3 and manslaughter.
A sense of justice is coming back to America, but there's a lot that needs to be done. This social unrest is a result of more than just 1 instance of racially-motivated murder by the police. Racism and discrimination against the poor have been serious issues for a long time. Quite frankly, I think in addition to hearing more and more celebrities and community leaders speak up, we also need an economic solution.
The coronavirus is the perfect excuse to try a universal basic income (UBI), even if it's just for 6 months to a year. I don't identify with either major political party in the US, but I am glad the Democrats in the US House of Representatives have suggested a $2,000 a month stimulus payment for at least the duration of the emergency pandemic.
The main reason I support this plan is that it would bring everyone above the poverty line. A couple would have $4,000 a month and that's enough to pay for rent/mortgage, bills, and groceries.
Oh my. It sounds like I'm getting political. But it is time to speak up. Let's end poverty. And I have a theory that ending poverty is going to help lessen racist discrimination more than anyone could possibly imagine.
Be safe out there!
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