On social unrest in May 2020

Current year has been ominous for the world so far.  Threat of the Corona virus has not subsided, and United States is burning in racial agony. Mishandled arrest and subsequent agonizing death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota proved to be the last straw and has led to protests. As most protest, these ones started peacefully, where most people wanted to send a message that American public is sick of the Police violence. Black communities, and minorities are convinced that they are being targeted by police officers in United States and many White people will attest to that as well. Everyone from politicians to media house, from community leaders to religious leaders, from protestors to policeman and all others with vested interest as Americans will agree upon prevalence of police targeting of people of color. In the Midst of all this, curfews have been imposed upon many American cities and communities to maintain law and order. Biggest reason is not the protest. Peaceful assembly and protesting are a right granted by the constitution and many people exercise this right amicably. The unfortunate reality of these protest are the opportunists, nihilists, vandals and anarchists lurking and acting in the shadows of every protest who are under the wrong impression that robbing and looting communities will do anyone any good. The frenzied media has been telecasting many events in real time that are taking place. People on their television sets are watching the deteriorating condition in the cities. For few days, people have gathered to protest and demand change and so they should. Simultaneously. perfidious, devious, disgraceful bands of youths and criminals have been targeting, vandalizing and looting the businesses in many neighborhoods across America. Police station in Minneapolis and many police cruisers across the country have been burned. Bystanders have been hurt; properties have been damaged. It is hopeless and disheartening to watch criminal breaking into stores and taking  articles of clothing, shoes, watches, expensive leather products,  jewelry,  products of all manners from supermarkets and pharmacies and any business they can get their hands on, while some sacrificing individuals are engaged in fight of a lifetime and police are doing the best they can maintaining restraint. Most people residing in United states understand the empathize with the plight of those who experience brutality dispersed by few police officers, but many people also have experienced times when police and other law enforcement agencies have been more than helpful. Agree or not, Societies need law enforcement because of people’s mistrust of each other, economic realities and even difference in opinions and ways of life. Indeed, some police officers are corrupt and overzealous when dispensing authority but that does not mean that entire police force and law enforcement agencies are pursuing any vendetta against a certain segment of the society.  What happened to George Floyd was ghastly, cruel and it definitely did not need to end with his unfortunate demise. Anger that incident has caused is just. Protests it has warranted is understood by people of all races all around the world.  Administration involved has moved very quickly to apprehend perpetrating officers and seems to be bending to the will of those who demand justice. On the other hand, all manners of unabated rioting are not the solution to the issue at hand. Senseless beating of people from different racial backgrounds and orientations is mind-numbing and will only inflame the problem. Amidst all this reason is another casualty. Some people yearn for systemic change, many politicians will promise change, but no one has mentioned that this issue is a much wider problem than the part, which is being addressed, and any meaningful change can occur only and when people change. Policies and rules are only guidelines or some words on paper. Laws cannot be enacted until the people are willing to follow them. Forceful enactment can only go so far and education in the current form has not and will not solve any problems. 

The societies and the people who live in them are dynamic and constantly evolving and so are their relations.  The relationship between those who govern with whom they govern is not a perfect one and individuals with the authority of maintaining the fragile peace that societies dwell on, play a quintessential role in political stability and peace in maritime societies. I have observed that there are three parts to this problem. The government, the governed and self-proclaimed independent media. The backdrop of Floyd incident is all these entities, their complex interactions defined by consistent role of history and race relations in United States of America.

First and foremost is the government. Irrespective of the political orientation, we must acknowledge that a stable government is indispensable to success of any people in any given society. There are many examples of people led by their short-sighted leaders engaged in political intrigues who live miserable lives or perish. Smaller countries are more likely to go through upheavals both internal and external. United States, on the other hand has been spared such social obstructions because of successful successive governments. With many imperfections of its own, the country has lived in peace at least internally for a long period. The war has not touched American shores since pearl harbor. Yes, America has engaged in conflicts all across the world to maintain strategic, economic and political edge but domestic environment has mostly been exempt from violence on a large scale and social disturbance except for civil right movement, protest against wars, 9/11, occupy movement, Covid -19 and the ongoing protest against police brutality. With the 3rd largest population in the world and the diversity it possesses, it is not short of a miracle that government has been able to maintain law and order. Far sightedness of the system and its adaptability through amendments are the primary reasons that America as a society can withstand social ruptures and discords. Even with the bigoted nature of some in the current administration, the United States of America has been accepting of at least legal migrants and diversity they bring to the system. African American issue is a deeper one. Most people in the black community are the descendants of those who were brought to USA as slaves. Slavery is an emotional and personal issue and I can only relate to the shameful practice as an Indian who were colonized first by Islamic aggressors and then British imperialists later. But I like most my contemporaries, luckily have not endured slavery myself because of the prevailing system of governance at least in western democracies and my country of origin. I am not denying the history, nor am I supporting the people who practiced slavery, but I am aware that descendants of those who engaged in atrocities against my ancestors cannot and should not be held responsible individually. The world in the past was different. It was rife with lack of general understanding, political myopia, lack of communication, absence of racial sensitivities, scarcity of resources and people banded together and fought against other groups and massacred populations that were different from their own. Much hasn’t changed because we still go to wars, but now the reason is mostly economic and sometimes political and religious. The idea of a government over a monarchy has taken root and United States of America is reaping the benefits. One of the major benefits has been the blossoming of thought and understanding of all peoples within this country and its influence all over the world. It is the power of American government and its acceptance of people from all walks of life that has kept America the most dominant player in the world politics. It was American whites who organized underground rail roads and stood against the institution of slavery and abolished it. It was many white Americans who assisted in ending segregation. All Americans stood against the Vietnam war irrespective of the color of their skin and origin of their people and government had to abandon its mission prematurely.  It was the American government that understood the importance of immigration and opened avenues and doors for people of all world to join this journey, contribute to the country and make a better life for themselves in the process. This continued process of initial intermixing socially and recently racially has been ongoing since the advent of United States as a nation. United States of America did not exist in the minds of natives. Unfortunately, they were massacred, and their lands taken, but then again, that is how the world had worked from the beginning. Many people hailing from European countries were looking for a new opportunity and they ended up and established what we call United States of America. I would like to remind my readers, that only in United States, the government has established reservations and provided for the natives to some extent. Indians in India and many others whose lands and populations were exploited for years have not been given any reparations or such treatment. The last century, especially after the 2nd world war, technological advancements, worldwide exploration and understanding of each other’s’ communities has led to a phase where all of us can relate to each other irrespective of our race, place of origin, religion, customs or orientation. The system of the governance and law maintaining governments have been pivotal to this accomplishment. Looking at the diversity of the Floyd protests, one can substantiate that we as a society have come far. We are standing with each other to make a better society where governments and those who represent them can be held accountable. This progress has been made possible by the democratic nature of our government. The so-called system created the basis for continuation of scientific inventions and innovations that have improved our lives by leaps and bounds. Our life span has increased, and this surplus society has given us unalienable rights that we are exercising even during this period of current unrest. 

Second part of this equation are those who are governed and that would be us. First of all, we need to understand that government is not a separate entity and it is treated as such only for the legal convenience and security needs. Government and people are all parts of what we call the system. It is made up of individuals who represent us, reside among us and take up jobs that have been determined according to the policy formulated by elected representatives leading the government. What affects us affects people in the government as well because they are part and parcel of the same society that we live in. They are governed by the same laws and have similar rights as individuals except for the politicians and their privileges which is something society needs to work on. I have observed that there is disconnect between average people and people who form government. This misunderstanding stems from lack of information and breeds discontent, dissatisfaction and at times outright anger. Those who are governed are quick to exacerbate their individual problems and demand instant mending and change. Thy are also prone to falling for demagoguery that many politicians employ. Mistrust of elected representatives and government bureaucracy is deeply rooted in populace. If there are problems in our communities, population needs to understand that they are a part of the problem because they form the system as well. It seems that people have created a perfect world in their minds, and they want to bend the will of the government to suit their specific needs. Ongoing minority politics is an example of that. Minorities all over the world have determined that majorities are against them which is not true at all in most cases. Yes, there are people who see everything from the lens of race and religion both in majority and minority communities, but those numbers are dwindling, and remaining open-minded people are on both sides. A government chosen by all is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The government has to speak for the majority because majority represents the largest part of all, otherwise it will not survive. Only in the democratic nations including ours, have the governments spoken and stood for minorities and granted them equal rights. Diverse population in large cities and systemic acceptance of minorities is everywhere for all to watch. Affirmative action is a prime example where minorities have been allocated resources and opportunities to improve their lot. In the middle of all these ongoing dynamics, law are order agencies are required to maintain peace. As populace , many of us are excited about calling law enforcement agencies names, distrusting the very government that represents us,  vandalizing the government apparatus that provides for us in terms of peace and tranquility, tarnishing the businesses that cater to us and are owned by those who live among us . It seems that we all take pride not only in exercising our rights but in abusing them also. What about the duties? As governed people in United States of America ,we are given political stability, free basic education, numerous avenues to earn scholarships for higher education, uncountable advantageous programs for all student, minorities or otherwise, one of the best support system for the athletically superior individuals, availability of capital at large, the expansive number of fields of enquiries and subsequent research grants and jobs available, the freedom to express ourselves, the leeway given in pragmatic and liberal states and values preserved in conservative and traditional states, freedom of movement, higher purchasing power of our currency, benefits of American hard and soft power, benefits of Americanization in the world markets, respect given to us by rest of the world because of who we are and what we have accomplished as the undisputed leaders of the world in trade, science and education. The privileges that Americans of all races enjoy are some of the most extensive anywhere in the world. I have lived in United States for years and have never faced any institutionalized discrimination from anyone. I am not even a citizen and I have gone to DMVs, attended schools, interacted with the police, courts systems in two different states, federal apparatus, financial institutions, hospitals as a visitor and as patient. Never have I been subjected to any police harassment, investigation by any law enforcement agencies or any institutionalized discrimination. One ordinary strategy that I have employed is politeness and patience. Even as a non-citizen, the system in America has treated me well and I have come to practice the virtues of patience and co-opearation with the authorities. I have understood that law enforcement agencies constantly come in contact with not so appealing side of society and have to deal with outlaws and rule breakers, criminals and felons on everyday basis. Constitution has decreed that a certain procedure must be followed when enforcing law, but no amount of document writing can foresee and prepare the law enforcing authorities for contingencies arising out of ever-changing human behavior and interactions. It is very easy for us commoners to point fingers but haven’t many of us broken the rules every now and then. Haven’t most of us taken advantage of the freedoms granted. We all know that there are people who are always trying to outwit law enforcement agencies for their personal benefits or personal convictions they may hold dear for whatever reason. Do we need law enforcement that will act only after the crime has been committed? The nature of law enforcement dictates that an officer may use his or her  best personal judgement in case suspicion arises. Preemptive work carried out by law enforcement saves lives. I guarantee that most of us will not be comfortable if those who abuse freedoms are given free rein in any matters. It boils down to what does freedom mean. Freedom it appears after several days of looting for many young folks is that they can do what they want and can take what they desire just by brute force, but they have not thought it through. The majority of the society have sympathized with the plight of George Floyd and many unfortunate individuals like him and has called for change. Change never comes from rioting or unruly protests. Right to assembly and peaceful protests are only a beginning, but in George Floyd’s case many opportunities and support have been lost by the irresponsible and criminal behavior of those involved in vandalizing and thieving. All that matters to vandals may be clothes and sneakers, but they better realize the life they dream of and the celebrities they get their inspiration from, and the very products they are working overtime while looting to acquire are the products of a peaceful and stable society. They are enjoying the leeway given to them by law enforcement government and society at large for now, but if society altered its opinion and hardworking and law-abiding people in conjunction with the government decided to take matters into their own hands, looters will become sitting ducks. Only in a peaceful and stable society private business owners are standing quiet and witnessing this absurdity because they still have faith in the system.  Walking the streets of America, I have observed and learnt that this country has the most accepting people of anywhere in the world and it will not be beneficial for anyone and especially minorities to ruin the mutually beneficial race relations. Minorities that feel disenfranchised also need to quit complaining and work harder to break the vicious cycle of poverty and ignorance by assimilating themselves into the system. Anyone under the impression that glass ceiling exists must remember efforts on both sides of glass ceiling are required and the process is going to be painstakingly slow. Societies are gigantic organisms that move lethargically and need constant support from all corners of the society and be ever vigilant towards a few who benefit from the current divisive status quo. In addition to that, on the name of expression, this country has forgotten the old-fashioned tradition of agreeing to disagree. It is very easy for all to blame politicians, but what we contribute as citizens matters the most. Paying taxes, following enacted laws,  respect for people of all origins , social responsibility, respecting other citizens and their way of thinking and living, informed and active voting, following the basic tenets of human rights, supporting and defending the constitution and giving back to the community are some of the duties we all must abide by. We as citizens also need to ensure that our neighbors, our classmates and our co-workers also follow the law. Every time a citizen works the system, he is jeopardizing his own future and that of all Americans.  I am not expecting that all citizens would do this, but the more the better. All the freedoms that we enjoy are based on continuity of peace within our society. Law enforcement agencies can do their part only, but we will  succeed only if we come together as a society and that requires participation by all. The snitch phenomena employed by gang culture and embellished by music and movie industry is not going to favor anyone. Those who do not obey laws must be punished severely and as informed citizenry we better start playing our part. As minorities, our only and most favorable option is the unison with the best system in the world so that we can continue to enjoy all the benefits. The actions of few cannot be used to hold entire segments of society or racial groups accountable. Few bad apples are ruining it for the protestors as has few policemen ruined it for the law enforcement agencies and it should be clearly understood by all parties involved.

 Third part of the equation is the media which includes news reporting, audio and visual applications in storytelling and social media. These channels of communication play the utmost role of bridging the gap between the government and the governed. It can be observed that in recent years media’s narrative has been polarizing, divisive and destructive. Anyone who understands rhetoric, mass communication and linguistics can confirm that choice of words, tonality of voice and related visuals can determine the actions taken by the masses both in short and long terms. In fact, American media constantly expects a seasoned rhetoric from the leaders and the media themselves have miserably failed to abide by the same expectations. This duplicity and hypocrisy on the part of American media is a paramount reason for the distrust of the government that is rampant in many communities. It is unfortunate that the content produced by amateurs in their living room or a tweet by a random unimportant individual can become the trend within minutes and there is no reason or rhyme to that. People follow blindly and are usually misled on plethora of subjects. Overload of information overwhelms everyone and rumors and lies usually leave lasting impressions before truth comes out if ever. Gullibility and lack of critical thinking is milked by those who just want to make a few tawdry dollars at the expense of others in many many cases. Many people express the immediate thought that comes to their mind with utter disregard and insensitivity for others. Instigators and hate breeders with their narrow understanding of the pertaining issue can be easily seen going on a joyride in internet forums and social media outlets. In addition, Hollywood and music companies are never far in instigating hatred and discontent. Their subtle insinuations of racism, supremacy of a certain race, twisting of historical facts and conspiracy theories without any valid foundation very often lead the audience in a fix. The division on display in current unrest is not a sudden outcome, but years of work performed by intentional and unintentional insensitivity preached by music, television and movie Industry. Constant one-sided storytelling of only a few dark facts of history and the manipulation of thoughts have led minorities in America convinced that they are being targeted whereas there is no validity or truth in that. Moreover, the traditional privatized media has taken sides as well. There are liberal media outlets and there are conservative ones. All rely on sensationalism, illusions and double dealing on the name of their virtues of left and right. Those who cannot make up their minds or prefer to be left alone identify as centrist or they do not care.  Everyday highlights of division among races, identity politics, inequality in society and government favoring certain class of people over others is exhibited with pomp and show. The quality of domestic news produced by American news outlets is pathetic at its best. Their international divisions do a better job of reporting, but domestic media outlets are not better than lobbying groups in this country because no political objectivity is displayed, and sides are chosen. There are topics that are considered taboo or too controversial to be aired which means that individuals and special interest groups that control media companies dictate and decide what is best for the society before it even becomes part of a social discourse.  People are brainwashed on daily basis by low quality and pointless coverage and programming with mind numbing reruns. Weather and traffic coverage, a practice needed in the yesteryears takes up a large chunk of viewing time along with the mostly inaccurate advertising using fine prints and legal loopholes. Consumerism is blamed, but the media is the greatest enabler of all things wrong with the society resulting from consumerism. Where is the independent journalism in America and objectivity that came along with it?  The plight of Americans is that of a fresh college graduate. With new shiny academic degrees and thousands of dollars’ worth of debt many graduates enter the job market only to realize that the education they received is nothing more than fancy terminology and they will be required to learn skills anew. Similarly, media brainwashes all of us with dreams of equality, justice, political opportunity and later we all face the harsh realities of life. The virtues enshrined and the rights exalted in the constitution are given verbally and are a work in progress in practice. Political operators are good orators and demagogues and majority of them can only say things, but meaningful change requires participation of entire societies. Keeping that in mind, time and money spent on media swindling can and should be utilized on using objectivity and context in news reporting to highlight real problems and not just for cherry picking and lobbying. In my opinion, the current social unrest is in part aided by the failure of the media in American landscape. The hate that American people and minorities are displaying is in part a result of division accomplished by airing substandard programming and vile rhetoric over the years by compromised media.

So, these are the current political ethos of American society. The governments are run with less accountability compared to what forefathers had intended. The commoners are not only whites and blacks in America. The governed are made up of majority whites of European descent coming from various countries, a large Hispanic population of Mexican, central and south American origin, a sizable black population mainly descendants of the slaves brought into America hundreds of years ago and the newly arriving African migrants from all African countries, a substantial American population with Asian heritage, South east Asians,  and Middle Eastern people merged into white population statistically. In addition, America has people representing LGBTQQIP2SAA spectrum that come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. United States of America is a secular country and all citizens are free to pursue their choice of religion, yet Christianity is dominant and if conservative consensus is to be believed, America is a Christian country with traditional values. The representatives and followers of all major religions, sects and cults can be found in America. In addition to that, all communities except Northern European Whites consider themselves to be minorities and in separate numbers they are, but together they form roughly 1/3rd of the population. Blacks had been brought against their will, but now they have made this country their home over the centuries and are actively involved in all spheres of life and are viewed as Americans by all. Other immigrants have been in United States from hundreds of years to the currently arriving ones. Whites themselves have been arriving since the inception of the founding colonies. They, themselves represent several distinct language and cultural groups and now are lumped together by those who seek to divide the country. It is amusing that minorities are divided among many ethnic and racial groups and all the descendants of Europeans have been lumped together as whites only irrespective of difference in their languages, cultures and traditions. Then there are the undocumented people from all over the world usually referred to as illegal aliens. American political wrangling and failed external policies have rendered this segment that performs the backbreaking work in this age of technology labeled as an outwardly phenomena.  This country is a living organism where people from all over the world practice their way of life while interacting with all manners of different beliefs, value systems and ethnicities. Economic lure the political might of the United States brought all of us together, but we all need to understand that this country is not a ship that can be deserted anytime we see fit. This is home and, in all likelihood, most of us are going to stay here. All this diversity is great but using it for our advantage when suits us and blaming each other when our needs are not met is a deplorable attribute. I have seen Americans divided as Republicans, Democrats or independents, as white, black, or other people of color, as representatives of different sexual orientations fighting for their rights, as religious or atheists, as progressives or conservatives, as war mongers or war protestors, as citizens or immigrants, but how pleasant it would be to see all American people coming together as one nation.  All these demographic realities can be trumped by American nationalism that I see absent from the political discourse. It is absolutely wonderful to have all different opinions but we all must remember that freedoms that we enjoy are only possible with strength in unity we derive as a nation. With distinct identities and separate destiny, none of us will advance much further. Conflict is inevitable as we all are merging into one super nation that is a mini world in itself and it would take years of conscious and hard work by all involved. This arduous journey started when the country was founded. Many strides have been taken and numerous remain to be taken, yet this current unrest should be a reminder to all of us that George Floyd was not a black man only, he was an American. He was a man, who had lived in America, had grown to mistrust law enforcement because of the same misunderstandings that the police officer may have faced. Together they both represented two sides of a consistently evolving system where things are bound to go wrong. Race is not the only factor though this is how it has been displayed by irresponsible media. Why do we have to protest the death of black men only? Why don’t be protest deaths of any American as a result of police violence. We all live together in America and derive all the benefits that come from it, then why fight separate fights? When a protestor breaks into a business and loots it, then why is it a Black, White, Hispanic or Asian, only because we have carved the country into these niches? Wherever we find ourselves on this issue, law abiding, socially distancing, peacefully protesting, hard or hardly working, robbing, looting, policing, administrating, on-lookers watching or actively participating, we are all Americans. 

The path this country is treading is more challenging than ever. We must realize that this is not just an issue of police violence. It is a much wider issue and we all need to actively engage under stern but pragmatic leadership that this country does not have right now. We need to come together as Americans irrespective of our race, ethnic origins, orientations and pursuits in life and political ideologies. We cannot allow anyone to divide us on the name of diversity even if the voices come from within our micro communities. I may be of any origin, I am free to practice my personal beliefs , I can exercise my right to pursue my life in any manner I see fit as long as I do not breach the social contract of respecting others, and I do and will abide by law as drafted in the constitution of United States of America while exercising my rights. This is the message that must be reverberating in our minds while we do what is required for change. We must acknowledge that change will come from within. We as citizens of this great nation will have to be an active part of legislative procedures and that does mean not only going to vote, but also holding our elected representatives accountable when they fail to deliver what they promise. Even before the process begins, at the rallies, we must question the feasibility of plan of action that politicians promise in socio-economic terms. Removal of electoral college, remarking of political constituencies, removal of revolving door policies, transparency in campaign funding, transparency in lobbying, culling of corruption through new legislature that guarantees severe repercussions and penalities against perpetrators, equality of opportunity by abolition of biased laws, establishing accountability, fast track judiciary, recompensing of those convicted wrongfully are required and can be attained by active participation of all. 

It is imperative that populace must abide by laws and proactively assist government in enacting laws when necessary in order for society to succeed and prosper for all. We all must remember that before racism exists in practice, it resides in our minds. I would like to reiterate that governments are reflection of societies. Therefore, we need to tackle the racism rampant on the streets and boulevards and in our own practices first. In fact, the recent actions of some police officers are their individual actions and not that of all law enforcement agencies. The notion of one’s superiority over others should not be practiced in academia, theocracy or grass root movements.  Most religious and political theories of one’s superiority over others is a primary reason that many of us have come to see disagreement as inferiority. United States Government could very well be the one of the first few attempts in history of mankind, where people and leaders of society have ventured out of the norm and have created a country where at least in theory discrimination is not practiced. If some individuals within the governments feel otherwise, they cannot be preemptively restricted, but only can be tackled after they have made their intentions clear either verbally or through their actions. It is not single race specific issue. There is racism and there is reverse racism. Anyone who contemplates that only white folks are racist is a complete moron because we all understand the notion of dominating others is a universal phenomenon and traverses through racial and political boundaries.  Of course, Police officers involved in the Floyd’s death must be dealt with and they are being prosecuted but systemic change takes years and years and participation by all. Many agent provocateurs who live comfortably and push the society to the edges of chaos while abusing the rights of expressing themselves need reprimand. Legislature needs to be more available and accessible to the commoners. In fact, United States government has provided ample legal machinations to correct the course whenever an individual is found guilty of racism within its ranks, but there can be no legislation that can remove racism from the minds of the people without their own efforts. This is not a structural problem. it is an error in human behavior and is acquired through unscientific learning and personal biases. Expecting that it will go away with protesting against government is fool’s errand. We need to invest in our education system after we have defined what education is. In my opinion, most Americans are only literate and not educated. Attending educational institutions is beneficial, but self-active learning is a never-ending process. The government needs to ensure that pseudo-scientific literature gets weeded out at least in formal education. The country and citizens need to realize that laws are not set in stones, as the society changes, the law demands constant upkeep and alterations and the process needs to be revisited time and again and not only after civil unrests or social upheavals. As communities that make up majority and minority, we need to understand that the nation comes first, and the survival of communities depend on the survival of the nation itself. So, we can initiate by referring to us as American at all times and by remembering, especially if engaging in outlawed activities, no matter how tiny they may seem, we are hurting a system that is us. We also need to accept others in this democratic system. Conservatives cannot view liberals as enemies, because they are not enemies and vice versa. If we strive to attain the revered role as a world leader, we need to correct our course, because the problems that we face are the problems that world is facing or will face. Due to military and economic position attained, we happen to enjoy the first mover advantage where we can ensure that change becomes universal. America is the largest congregation of some of the brightest minds anywhere in the world and has been that way at least since the 1940’s. This unique position is our strength and can determine the course of action the whole world will take.

We need to understand that a rioter is only an opportunistic profiteer who will abuse our patience and acceptance. May it be a friend, relative or a foe, we need to stand up against agents of chaos whenever the need arises. We cannot see ourselves only through myopic lenses of race, sexual identity, income, age, religion, education, political choices and cultural or ethnic predispositions. We have to realize that we as a country are a vast organism that requires constant social understanding and maintenance just like any other manmade system. Reforms in legislature at state and federal levels, timely review and upgrades in criminal justice system, improvements in policy and procedural steps employed by law enforcement agencies and use of less lethal force within domestic environment, increased community participation and feedback in all domestic political matters, increased funding in social arenas , a wider tax base, efficient enforcement of laws already on the books,  bi partisan handling of social issues at all levels, increased social discourse, independent media with accountability for misinformation, socially responsible programming by television and movie production houses , uniformity in basic education  and preparing informed and active citizenry are some of the measures that we as a society need to pursue. We all have vested interest in creating a just and equitable society. No amount of protests, technology or leadership will bring any change, until we all as citizens of this great nation are willing to devote time and make sacrifices needed in this endeavor. As we have come to deduce that life itself is a work in progress, we must remember that our nation is not going to be different until unless we actively work for it and continue working after achieving initial goals. Beginning of change is not change and we have no way of knowing the direction the events will take after the process has begun until unless we vigorously and consistently define it, shape it, work and improve upon it. Protests for justice is only the beginning and we must remember that justice for one George Floyd is not justice for all and we have a responsibility to ensure justice for all in the system as we and the system are one.

Los Angeles 

June 2nd, 2020