Chauvin is Guilty, but the Fight Isn't Over

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Derek Chauvin was convicted on three counts: second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

This accountability is without a doubt long overdue and deserved. But the work is nowhere near done.

This bought some peace for the Twin Cities and afforded immense relief to the people living here.

As for me, it has brought a mixture of relief and grief. I am glad to see the jury make the right decision, but it must be remembered that George Floyd had his rights, dignity, humanity, and, ultimately, his life stolen on a street corner in Minneapolis: 38th and Chicago.

Nothing can undo that type of damage, especially for the Floyd family.

Chauvin is no longer a threat to the people of Minneapolis, but the Minneapolis Police Department culture and system that allowed him to brutalize people for two decades as a Minneapolis police officer is very much still in place. Moreover, this is a problem across the entire country.

American law enforcement is dangerously compromised by white supremacists and far-right extremists. This is a far bigger problem than even defund-the-police advocates understand.

A society needs a functioning law enforcement apparatus to have a legal system that actually works. If it is this badly compromised, its ability to enforce contracts, hold offenders accountable, and keep people safe is as well, even if the lawyers are not aligned with them.

To have a functioning economy, maintain societal security, hold people accountable, and have a way to resolve disputes safely, a good and fair legal system is essential.

What You Can Do to Make the Legal System Work for Everyone

In the immediate term, contact your senator to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It has already passed the House—twice, I might add.

Click here for how to contact your senator.

But a lot can be done at the state and local levels.

At the state level, demand that qualified immunity as a legal doctrine be abolished.

Colorado has already done this.

Click here to find out how to contact your state legislators.

State legislators actually love to hear from constituents. If you can, schedule a meeting with them. Make sure to come prepared with facts and figures—personal stories as well.

At the local level, work to elect sheriffs and county attorneys who are laboring to make the criminal justice system work for everyone.

I will explain these offices later.

But for now, I need a break. 

This mess is not yet over. In eight weeks, Chauvin will be sentenced, and in late August, his three accomplices will go on trial. I predict their legal strategy will be "We were just following orders"

Stay safe, everyone.