Dear Editor,
The arrest of Mayor de Blasio’s daughter is a sad commentary on the mayor, our leadership of our young, and the reaction to the tragic death of Mr. Floyd.
Mr. Floyd’s death made him a martyr for civil rights. But it is not an invitation to loot and burn. We are a democratic society. Criminal acts are dealt with in a justice and legal system that has protected our society for nearly 250 years. Peaceful protest is a right, a method to be utilized by all to allow their voice to be heard. No one, and I mean no one, has the right to destroy the community because of a perceived wrong. We have elected officials and law enforcement who are missing in action. Yes, MIA.
These hooligans and thieves do not represent the American answer to an improper action. Who did these people harm? They destroyed the businesses, homes, and livelihoods of Americans, many of them minorities who had invested their life savings and sweat equity to build a life in America. Businesses that employed their families and neighbors. What right do these thugs have to destroy the dreams of American citizens? Our MIA politicians should be stepping to the forefront and exhibiting leadership of their city and state. Where is the leadership of the black community to call for a halt to this mayhem? Just like Jews marched with Martin Luther King 60 years ago, it is time for American leadership, all American leadership — elected, religious, left and right, Republican and Democrat of every race and creed — to march hand in hand with black leaders in the streets of Minneapolis, and now every city, saying, “Stop.” We will not tolerate the actions of an errant police officer and we will not tolerate the actions of thugs trying to destroy our community.
This is an opportunity to lead a rainbow coalition of leaders telling the people we will not tolerate people turning an illegal act into a pogrom of destruction. This is what Mayor de Blasio should be doing with his daughter. Taking her by the hand and teaching her the proper steps. Not defying and disrespecting the police. A rainbow coalition of help for the thousands who are now out of work and lost their livelihood due to the sinister acts of this violent mob.
Elected officials are not put in place to allow people to work off their steam. They must enforce law and order. Open dialogue and restore safety. Demand that the people respect the legal system that has guided our country and not stoop to such levels of depravity running wild without humanity.
Let justice ring throughout the land. Let unity and brotherhood prevail.
Eliezer Cohen