Eric Garner decision is personal

To the editor:

Though not surprised by the grand jury failures to indict Darren Wilson and Daniel Pantaleo in the murders of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, I’m crushed and angry. We are in an era of modern-day, state-sanctioned lynchings of unarmed people of color. Systematic change is needed in our justice system. War has been brought home — our police forces must be demilitarized, and fundamentally reformed. 

People of good will in all communities across our country must take what is happening personally and urgently, and make their voices heard. We must engage not just in peaceful protest, but in a peaceful, sustained, effective uprising. As a human being, as a white American, as a resident of the relatively privileged community of Riverdale, and as a climate justice activist, I demand change. I applaud the U.N. Committee Against Torture for urging the United States to fully investigate and prosecute police brutality toward people of color, and hope they go further in censuring this country and demanding change.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Scarlott