Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person." In 1948, The United States, along with 47 other countries voted to publish this declaration as a baseline for what a template of equal human rights should look like. It is an impossible argument to say that all Americans have the right to life, liberty, and security of person. I dare someone to even attempt to argue that George Floyd possessed a single one of these human rights as he was murdered in cold blood by those assigned to serve and protect.

We live in a society where racism runs rampant, both outwardly and systematically. Those that subscribe to this lifestyle of hate, trade their ability to connect with humanity for a disconnected, false sense of superiority. They feel no need to change the status quo because they are the ones directly benefitting from an oppressive system that values the approval of the White privileged elites, over basic human rights of specifically Black as well as many other non-White people. Many aspects of American life have been designed to systematically benefit the White political/economic elites that have historically held power, while simultaneously being structured to oppress non-white communities. From sketchily divided voting districts to actual active legislature, there are an immense amount of unavoidable obstacles that non-White communities face on the daily. This creates a life devoid of the very qualities laid out as basic human rights.

Due to the widespread nature of this problem, there are many necessary actions, but to start moving forwards requires making essential systematic changes to prevent overt abuses of power. One thing that needs to be done to make progress towards equality is to pass legislation that forces the accountability of the racist offenders of basic human rights. Derek Chauvin was way too calm about being filmed murdering George Floyd because he was used to getting away with it.

Another issue is the lack of proper screening and weak requirements for police training. No disrespect to barbers, but to serve as an example, it should definitely be a harder task to get certified to carry a gun and badge than to cut hair, which scarily enough, is not the case in many US states. I can't imagine a valid counterpoint to wanting a legitimate vetting process for those selected to serve and protect our communities.

It simply isn't enough to take down this specific racist in this specific incident. The Trump administration is sending the message that America needs to "get over it" because they arrested Derek Chauvin. It's time to show them that we aren't over "it," and that we never have been. We need to ensure protections are in place that fights against this hateful, toxic ideology from ever being instilled into another American, and protects and comforts our fellow human beings who have already been forced to endure a lifetime of prejudice and fear.

This country can do better. This country needs to do better.