Mitch Perry
Some conservatives scoffed when they learned a portion of the Democratic National Convention would be devoted to the mothers of some black youths notoriously killed at the hands of law enforcement in recent years. What about the slain police officers?, Bill O’Reilly opined.
The “social justice” segment, as it was called, began with a speech by former Attorney General Eric Holder, who said there should be “no tension” between making sure the police and black youth are protected.
“As the brother of a retired police officer, I am profoundly aware that an attack on a police officer anywhere is an attack on our entire society,” Holder said. “So it is not enough for us to praise law enforcement AFTER cops are killed. We must protect them, value them — and equip them with the right tools, tactics, and training — while they are still alive. We must also come to realize that keeping our officers safe is not inconsistent with ensuring that those in law enforcement treat the people they are sworn to serve with dignity, respect, and fairness. We must commit ourselves to both goals.”
That was followed by Pittsburgh Chief of Police Cameron McLay, who acknowledged there was crisis with communities of color, and the police and criminal justice system. “We can support and respect our police officers, while at the same time pushing for these important criminal justice reforms,” he maintained.
After an introduction by actor Tony Goldwyn, out came the “Mothers of the Movement” — Sybrina Fulton, Geneva Reed-Veal, Lucy McBath, Gwen Carr, Cleopatra Pendelton, Maria Hamilton, Lezley McSpadden, and Wanda Johnson. And it was heartbreaking to hear them speak of their dead children.
First up was Reed-Veal, the mother of Sandra Bland. It was just a year ago yesterday that Bland killed herself in a Texas jail after being improperly cited for a traffic violation. “It’s a loss that diminishes all of us. What a blessing tonight to be standing here so that Sandy can still speak through her mama,” she said.
Lucy McBath, the mother of Jordan Davis, said she still wakes up every day thinking about how to be a parent to her son after his death. She made it clear the majority of cops “are good people doing a good job,” and she proudly stated, “Hillary Clinton isn’t afraid to say black lives matter!”
Last up was Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin.
“I am unwilling to participate in this movement,” Fulton began. “I am here today for my son, Trayvon Martin, who is in heaven.”
All the women are supporting Hillary Clinton for president. They said they believe Clinton can get gun control legislation passed, which may be a tad too optimistic.
