Reflections on Chauvin verdict

Black people's faith in the American justice system has always been so little that they were pleasantly surprised when, on April 20, 2021, a jury made up of diverse races issued a swift and decisive verdict that Derek Chauvin was guilty of murdering George Floyd.

Their jubilation is understandable, for it has been the rule rather than the exception that white policemen murdered unarmed Black men and women with impunity. They always protected the "rotten apples" amidst them. Not anymore.

As usual, the right-wing, "pro-force" media deplored the "unjust" threat of widespread rioting instead of approving the just verdict. "Debacle" such as this could motivate the police to reassert their power by becoming even more forceful while dealing with Black people. They ignore the fact that if Black people don't get justice by legal and peaceful means, they experience helpless rage. Rioting is the expression of that helpless rage. All revolutions begin with rioting.

Hopefully, the days when policemen could get away with coldblooded murder of Blacks are over. This "murder as usual" might change from now onwards for several reasons: 1. Nowadays most policemen are required to wear body cameras. 2. Most Black people have smartphones to record the murderous events. 3. Cities will have to shell out millions in settlement to the injured Black people and the families of the dead. 4. Jury of diverse races.

It is time for goodhearted and wise Americans to join hands and strive to end the inhumane systemic racism pervading all American institutions.

K.P.S. KAMATH, Cape Girardeau