The Reader: Don’t give up hope for justice over US racism

Here we are again. Another black man in the USA killed for daring to do what most people take for granted. George Floyd went to the grocery store to buy cigarettes, but never came back. The pain felt this time is more visceral, more widespread and louder in part because bigotry and hate has, shamefully, been encouraged by the President, Donald Trump.

We like to imagine that this is a uniquely American problem. It’s not. Injustice has sparked riots in the past in Britain and many other countries too. George Floyd’s death is a terrible, powerful reminder of the need to stand up to racism and inequality here and across the world. In the darkness, we must not give up hope that there can be light. Protest, solidarity and community-organising can turn injustices into catalysts for change. Martin Luther King taught us this.
David Lammy

Editor's reply

Dear David

I agree with every word you’ve said. That’s not enough. “Silence is violence” has been the cry at the protests — each cry, as you say, an expression of fathomless pain. It’s time for everyone who claims to hold diversity and democracy dear to do more than just talk; to act, ask, offer, apologise, engage. One message of solidarity on social media at the moment reads: “I can never understand, but I can stand.” Yet while our action must be seen, if we think understanding is beyond our means we have truly lost sight of hope for something better.
Sam Fishwick, Features Writer

MPs put at risk

From this week MPs will no longer be able to debate or vote online. Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg says Parliament “must sit physically”. This is unnecessary and reckless and will mean MPs putting themselves and their staff at risk. Some may be carers, or may themselves be shielding. They and their constituents will be disenfranchised. This decision needs to be reconsidered.
Chris Key