The last few weeks have, again, brought the problems of racism and violence to the forefront in America. The unjustified killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer is simply one of the most recent in a long history of incidents in which police improperly used deadly force against black Americans.
The killing of George Floyd justifiably sparked protests around the country and around the world. While there has been some criminal behavior in connection with some protests, there have been numerous instances of grossly excessive use of force and tear gas against peaceful protesters. Protests in support of Black Lives Matter have also been met with private citizens who falsely believe they have a right to intimidate and assault people expressing views with which they disagree. No one who engages in such conduct can legitimately claim to be a patriot. The Clermont County Democratic Party applauds those who have peacefully protested against racism and violence in Bethel, in Milford, and throughout Southwestern Ohio.
The Clermont County Democratic Party recognizes that racism is an ongoing and deeply ingrained problem in our nation, our state, and our county. We also recognize that some persons of note in our nation seek to divide Americans against each other for their personal benefit and, as a result, we are more divided today than at any time in the last 50 years. The Clermont County Democratic Party therefore re-commits itself to the following principles:
- Racism in any form is intolerable.
- Violence must be eradicated from our society, whether it be violence against someone because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or political views; violence for personal gain; or random violence.
- All Americans have a right to protest and express their views on public issues peacefully without fear of hostile action from the government or private citizens.
- Law enforcement has a necessary role in our society, not as warriors but to serve and protect all members of our society.
Clermont County Democrats views on BLM