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Here’s what to read from the left and the right | Column
Here’s some interesting commentary from the opposite poles of the political spectrum.
 
Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd, wipes tears from his eyes as he speaks during a news conference after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin is convicted in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Tuesday.
Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd, wipes tears from his eyes as he speaks during a news conference after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin is convicted in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Tuesday. [ JOHN MINCHILLO | AP ]
Published April 25, 2021|Updated April 25, 2021

We live in a partisan age, and our news habits can reinforce our own perspectives. Consider this an effort to broaden our collective outlook with essays beyond the range of our typical selections.

FROM THE LEFT

From “What Looks Like Justice Is Just Accountability on an Ordinary Day,” by Monique Judge in the Roott.

The context, from the author: Derek Chauvin didn’t walk, so it’s justice, right? Baby, what looks like justice is just accountability on an ordinary day.

The excerpt: If there were such a thing as justice, Ma’Khia Bryant and George Floyd would still be alive. What we got in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Derek Chauvin wasn’t justice. What we got was accountability. It may feel like justice, but it’s not. It is just one lonely brick on the unpaved road to justice.

From “Police Reforms Don’t Work When Cops Ignore Them,” by Laura Thompson in Mother Jones.

The context, from the author: George Floyd’s murder led to new rules for law enforcement — at least on paper.

The excerpt: “There’s this pattern of piecemeal reform,” says Samuel Walker, a police accountability expert and emeritus professor at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. He says we shouldn’t dismiss the importance of small steps, like chokehold bans, “but what’s needed is a more systematic approach to the various kinds of abuses that officers can engage in while on regular duty.” These piecemeal reforms, often the pet projects of progressive police chiefs, have a long, cyclical history. First, there’s a high-profile scandal—typically corruption or police brutality. That’s followed by public outcry and promises to implement the latest policing innovations. The reforms are often well received and effective, but only for a time.

From “‘Generous’ Billionaires Are Part of the Problem,” by Luke Savage in Jacobin.

The context, from the author: Modern-day elite philanthropy serves the same purpose as it did in the days of the robber barons: reinforcing the power of the rich.

The excerpt: Elite philanthropy, far from being merely an inadequate solution to social problems, ultimately works to entrench and perpetuate them — offering a tiny handful of elites a useful vehicle for the purchase of virtue, and the soft power that comes with it, at the expense of the many. Maybe it’s time we tried democracy instead.

FROM THE RIGHT

From “Chauvin Verdict Proves the Cynics Wrong,” by Jim Geraghty in National Review.

The context, from the author: How about that? The police officer got held accountable by a jury after a fair trial. And Minneapolis, and other cities across the country, did not erupt in rioting, looting, or other violence. There were a lot of people who contended, Monday and Tuesday, that “they’re going to riot either way.”

The excerpt: When a police officer takes action in the line of duty that violates the law or the civil rights of a defendant, the police officer is judged by a jury of his fellow citizens who don’t wear badges. In fact, if you’re a cop, a former cop, or a family member of a cop, there’s a good chance you’ll be among the first dismissed as a potential juror. In other words, we’re all qualified to judge the actions of a police officer — or at minimum, if you qualify for jury duty, our society considers you sufficiently qualified to judge whether the actions of a police officer violated the law.

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From “Chauvin Verdict Settles Little,” by Rod Dreher in the American Conservative.

The context, from the author: Left-wing reaction to the (Derek) Chauvin trial has been bizarre, to say the least. Best I can surmise is that they’re so surprised by the verdict, they’re not sure how to react to it. “Should we still riot?” seems to be the question of the moment.

The excerpt: All of this Critical Race Theory stuff went nuclear after the (George) Floyd killing. Unless all of his convictions are overturned, Chauvin is going to jail for what he did that day. But the left-wing race hatred and the racialized destruction of institutions is going to be with us for a long time. ... So, while I am grateful for what looks like closure in the Chauvin case, the leftists in this country who have taken over the institutions, and who have the media’s hot air in their sails, are going to continue pushing a narrative that is going to make people of all races fearful of and loathsome to each other. Guaranteed.

From “COVID-19′s Silver Linings,” by Mona Charen in the Bulwark.

The context, from the author: As the return of normal life dawns, let’s consider what changes to keep.

The excerpt: Some families are dysfunctional nightmares that do lasting damage to their members. But most aren’t. Most are sources of solace and strength, and if the pandemic is opening new possibilities for balancing home and work, and if it’s a reminder of the importance of nurturing our most intimate relationships, we will have found a glittering silver lining.