The third clause of Article VI of the constitution states that “no one is above the law.” Yet, the inclusion of strategic legislative loopholes, leniencies, and inappropriate access to weapons eventually lead to bodily harm due to conflict of interest. If the law is not enforced equally and impartially then it is understood that the democratic structure as we know it ceases to exist. Speaking out about the injustice of oppressive systems is necessary to maintain a healthy and functioning democracy. Democracy means governments must ensure that every person can protest, show up at city hall, and vote without harm or interference. Local leaders should take care to give the appropriate space and support to ensure meaningful community input in decision making processes and avoid infringing on protestors’ basic constitutional rights of free speech and assembly. States and the federal government should make use of all possible means to ensure every person can easily exercise their right to vote.
“The issue facing Black Americans is that the republic is no longer intact.”
A quoted sentiment published by Sacramento activist and creator of the Black Bill of Rights, Jasper James. Click the link below to view the segment.
Policymakers make decisions that should optimize the health and rights of those who live in America. Evidence-based policies to prevent conditions that contribute to things like poor obstetric outcomes, maternal morbidity and maternal mortality in racial and ethnic minorities should be standard practices.
It is also essential that governments invest in generating ongoing national data and policy solutions to understand the impact on the health and human rights of the LGBTQ+ community, sex workers, and those who face reentry from prison.
Organizations such as Lexipol establishes dangerous standards for public policing while being a for profit entity with the mission to reduce legal liability on the behalf of the police. Campaign financing adds an extra layer of harm to Black community members by quid pro quo agendas and deals made without the knowledge or input of those who are most impacted.
Structural racism contributes to police shootings of Black people and with no national mandated program that allows for licensed healthcare professionals to answer 5150 calls (for individuals who present a danger to themselves or others due to signs of mental illness) people with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter. Over Policing results in violence that affects community mental health while police misconduct and use of force records are kept from public view allowing cops who have killed innocent black community members in one state to keep their jobs and kill again.
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