The Jury has Spoken
To the Editor,
Statement of the Everett Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Equal Employment Commission on the verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial
The jury has spoken in the murder trail of Derek Chauvin. He has been found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The three counts carry a combined possible sentence of 75 years. It is likely that Derek Chauvin will spend most if not all his remaining years behind bars.
This is some justice. It is justice in the form of accountability for one man for his heinous acts against another. It is not, however, accountability for a system of justice that has been out of balance throughout the entire history of our country. It is not accountability for a system of justice unfairly biased against people of color, against poor people, against those out of the mainstream of society who do not have the means required to ensure that they have the equal protection under the law that is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States to every citizen in this country. That is where the larger problem lies and what must continue to be addressed, when all the media frenzy has died down and people have moved on.
Complacency is not an option. Complacency will result in more George Floyds, more Daunte Wrights, more Ahmaud Arberys, and Breonna Taylors, and Travon Martins, and Sandra Blands, and Amadou Diallos, and Emmet Tills, and on and on and on. These injustices eat away at our humanity. When any of our citizens live in fear, it impacts all of us.
The fight for equal justice will go forward. Continue to speak out. Continue to demand accountability. It is our only hope for a truly just society for all.
Bishop Robert Brown, Chair
Members of the Everett Diversity, Inclusion,
Equity and Equal
Employment
Commission
Congratulations, Rep. McGonagle
To the Editor
I would like to congratulate State Rep. Joe McGonagle on his recent promotion in the Massachusetts Legislature. He is now Chairman of the Operations, Facilities and Security Committee, and Everett residents should be proud of his accomplishment.
All state legislators aspire a chairmanship position as they further their careers in the “House”, and Rep. McGonagle has reached this plateau. The next time you see Rep. McGonagle, address him as Mr. Chairman and watch the proud smile come across his face.
Along with Senate Assistant Majority Leader, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, whose accomplishments are too many to list, the City of Everett’s interests are well represented at the Massachusetts State House.
Stat Smith