There is a lot of talk coming from those in power--- from Obama on down--- about how to reform the police departments in this country but their response evades the fact that none of those in power are insisting on what justice requires.
In response to the steady stream of racist police killings across this country which have resulted in massive demonstrations--- especially in Ferguson, Missouri--- we here talk about how these police need to be better trained, receive diversity training, providing police with personal cameras, de-militarizing police departments, etc.
But, why no demand from those in power to prosecute these black-booted criminals in blue uniforms committing these racist, cold-blooded murders?
Once again we see those in power evading what justice requires--- criminal prosecution.
There is no doubt real reforms require community control over police departments with the police living in the neighborhoods they patrol.
The police departments never should have been armed to the hilt with weapons of war.
Police should be properly trained--- not after they put on police uniforms and a badge, but before.
Cameras on cops would be good, too.
But, all these needed reforms do not replace the need for prosecution of these criminal police.
Darren Wilson should have to stand trial for the murder of Michael Brown and if convicted Wilson should be placed on Missouri's death row in cells beside others convicted of murder.
These politicians who have funded the militarization of the police departments and put in positions of power those appointed public officials responsible for hiring and training police have made sure police were hired who do not respect human rights let alone the Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights.
Now these politicians act as if their own hands are clean when their hands are as dirty as the racist cops pulling the triggers.
We see these same cops busting up Occupy Wall Street, harassing and hounding those who demand peace instead of war. These same cops bust up protests against poverty wages and these same cops don't hesitate to beat heads using their billy clubs when workers walk peaceful picket lines.
We need to understand that ending this racist police violence in this country is an integral part of the struggles for peace, social and economic justice because when there is no justice there can be no peace.
Justice requires not just reforms of police departments but the full and complete prosecution of these murdering, violent--- and extremely racist--- criminal cops.
Prosecuting these criminal cops is the best education and training the other cops can receive.