On the recordJune 1, 2020
Mr. President, I rise today at a time of great sorrow, anger, and fear for our Nation. We face the confluence of a health crisis, an economic depression, and a killing that laid bare the racial injustice that still taints our country. The horrific death of George Floyd in Minnesota was reprehensible. It was beyond a tragedy. It was a crime. As Americans, we all need to frankly acknowledge and work to resolve our longstanding, ongoing struggles with racial inequality. The President should help to heal the racial divisions in this country. It is at times like this that a President needs to speak to the Nation to pledge to right wrongs and to calm inflamed passions. The right to gather in protest of injustice is enshrined in our Constitution. The desire for reconciliation is in our national character. We must join together to ensure that the legacy of George Floyd is of progress, not deepening division and hatred. Let me be clear. The vast majority of our law enforcement officers are brave men and women devoted to protecting our families, our belongings, and our communities. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude as they willingly risk their lives for ours when danger strikes. In Maine, we are fortunate to have so many terrific professional law enforcement officers devoted to their duty and devoted to doing what is right. It is, however, imperative that we examine and act on the racial disparities in law enforcement where they occur.…
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