Tensions have once again reached its breaking points as two
police involved shootings were reported less than 24 hours apart from each
other. Celebrities all over have taken to social media to voice their disgust
in the lack of respect for Black live. While the world continues to chatter,
the voice that many are probably waiting for is the voice of President Barack
Obama.
Well the wait is over, President Obama took to Facebook a
few minutes ago to share his feelings on the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Continue to read below;
All Americans should be deeply troubled by the fatal
shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philando Castile in
Falcon Heights, Minnesota. We've seen such tragedies far too many times, and
our hearts go out to the families and communities who've suffered such a
painful loss.
Although I am constrained in commenting on the particular
facts of these cases, I am encouraged that the U.S. Department of Justice has
opened a civil rights investigation in Baton Rouge, and I have full confidence
in their professionalism and their ability to conduct a thoughtful, thorough,
and fair inquiry.
But regardless of the outcome of such investigations, what's
clear is that these fatal shootings are not isolated incidents. They are
symptomatic of the broader challenges within our criminal justice system, the
racial disparities that appear across the system year after year, and the
resulting lack of trust that exists between law enforcement and too many of the
communities they serve.
To admit we've got a serious problem in no way contradicts
our respect and appreciation for the vast majority of police officers who put
their lives on the line to protect us every single day. It is to say that, as a
nation, we can and must do better to institute the best practices that reduce
the appearance or reality of racial bias in law enforcement.
That's why, two years ago, I set up a Task Force on 21st
Century Policing that convened police officers, community leaders, and
activists. Together, they came up with detailed recommendations on how to
improve community policing. So even as officials continue to look into this
week's tragic shootings, we also need communities to address the underlying fissures
that lead to these incidents, and to implement those ideas that can make a
difference. That's how we'll keep our communities safe. And that's how we can
start restoring confidence that all people in this great nation are equal
before the law.
In the meantime, all Americans should recognize
the anger, frustration, and grief that so many Americans are feeling --
feelings that are being expressed in peaceful protests and vigils. Michelle and
I share those feelings. Rather than fall into a predictable pattern of division
and political posturing, let's reflect on what we can do better. Let's come
together as a nation, and keep faith with one another, in order to ensure a
future where all of our children know that their lives matter.
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