Protecting Our Constitutional Rights
Last week, a horrendous act occurred when police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, used what I believe was illegal and unconstitutional violence that resulted in the death of George Floyd. These officers were entrusted with the safety and well-being of the citizens they swore an oath to protect and serve, and I believe these officers violated that oath and abused their position.
This injustice and betrayal of public trust is being felt all over our great nation. As Americans deal with the aftermath of this senseless death, many have assembled peaceful protests to demand justice and change.
These individuals and groups are exercising their First Amendment right to peacefully assemble, and it is up to each one of us to protect and support that right. Our United States Constitution demands it.
While supporting our God-given rights, I believe our nation and our people must also condemn the senseless acts of violence against law enforcement, businesses, neighbors, friends and families. In my opinion, there are those who are using the death of George Floyd as a reason to steal and destroy property. Their acts of violence do nothing more than hurt the cause of those who peacefully seek to create change.
As Americans, we must stand together in our pursuit to better our nation, and turn away from those who seek to pit us against each other. The violence must stop. The right to peacefully assemble must continue.
It is up to each one of us to stand up for our First Amendment rights. If we don’t, our Constitution is nothing more than a piece of paper and our nation is nothing more than land.
Thank you for reading this week’s legislative column. For more information on the Missouri Senate, please visit my office webpage at senate.mo.gov/burlison.