The Protests Need a New Direction; Here's What it Should be

   The moment is getting away from us, as protesters. We thought that with having so many people behind us, finally police violence against black people would be brought to a screeching halt.
   Then, the whole movement got hijacked.
   The signs saying, Black Lives Matter, were still there, but they became fewer and fewer. In their place: More and more signs saying, Defund the Police. Those instigating this message show at the protests, and distribute these signs among the protesters. Those who didn't bring signs are only welcome that someone is giving them to them. I mean, every good protester needs a sign, don't they? Who is going to turn one down?
   Naturally enough, since that is the message down at the protests, the media rightfully jumps on it, and soon the whole nation is discussing defunding the police.
   One or two things are vitally needed:
   One, a different solution. So, we have to have an alternative solution. If defunding the police is the only one on the table, all the discussion goes there. But, if there is another solution getting wide play at the protests, then it can also be tossed around in the media.
   Two (and this dovetails into the first thing needed, so maybe you say there is just one), More people with this alternative view are needed down at the protests. We need someone there who will carry the message. The representation of those there needs to be more predominantly of those who do not favor the message of defunding the police.
   And, what should the message be, instead of defunding the police? Let's put four prongs in it:
   One, Police review boards that are independent of the police agency. If the board concludes a police member should be dismissed from the staff, the police chief or police association should not have authority to overrule that.
   Two, Fire them. Fire any police officer who has in his background any racism or inclination to be unduly violent. Interview them all. To begin with, if they cannot say black lives matter, fire them. There is nothing wrong with the sentiment that black lives matter. If they can't say it, at least a strain of racism probably exists. Then, interview their co-workers, their family, and others, and see if any evidence of racism or overly authoritarian attitudes exist.
   Three, Place new policies in place on when to use force and when to use lethal force. The current policies are too liberal. Change them. Then, train, train, train.
   Four, Free the police. Give them back their moral compasses. With all the rules you set in place, tell them more than any rule, what is important is to do what is right. Each situation might be a little different. Rather than following a rule to a T, let them look at the situation and be able to say, No, despite what the book says, killing this guy isn't right. The rules might say I can, but I can see it isn't necessary.

(Blog slightly altered 6/11/20)