George Floyd protests: Obama shares advice on how to make demonstrations 'a turning point'
Barack Obama has once again weighed in on the
George Floyd protests, suggesting the demonstrations could translate to “peaceful, sustained, and effective action” to address structural racism.
In a
new Medium post, the former president applauded the peaceful protesters who had marched to draw attention to Floyd’s killing, but he condemned those who had engaged in violent behavior.
“The overwhelming majority of participants have been peaceful, courageous, responsible, and inspiring. They deserve our respect and support, not condemnation,” Obama said.
“On the other hand, the small minority of folks who’ve resorted to violence in various forms, whether out of genuine anger or mere opportunism, are putting innocent people at risk.”
Obama emphasized that the protests had to translate into policy that would help to prevent more deaths like Floyd’s.
“I’ve heard some suggest that the recurrent problem of racial bias in our criminal justice system proves that only protests and direct action can bring about change, and that voting and participation in electoral politics is a waste of time,” Obama said. “I couldn’t disagree more.”
He continued, “[E]ventually,
aspirations have to be translated into specific laws and institutional practices — and in a democracy, that only happens when we elect government officials who are responsive to our demands.”
Obama concluded by saying these protests could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the country. “If, going forward, we can channel our justifiable anger into peaceful, sustained, and effective action, then this moment can be a real turning point in our nation’s long journey to live up to our highest ideals,” he wrote.
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