Our nation should strive for laws that ensure we have equal protections and that those who engage in criminal behavior are held to account for their actions. We are not talking about simple life mistakes and learning opportunities but those behaviors that are designed to cause serious harm to others. There is some subjectivity in our laws and we should start to think about how we can hold "bad actors" accountable and preserve the integrity of our legal system.
There are a lot of people out there protesting for various reasons. Protests range all over the map in terms of the cause. Some want more opportunities, some want equality, some feel they are politically cheated, and others just want to be destructive. They each contain a message.
Our political leadership (not party specific) are struggling with serious questions as it relates to what is means to be "an American" and what rights do we have under our Constitution. While these group protest (for whatever their particular cause is) at the end of the day they are trying to shape the definition of what an American is and what America should look like in the future.
In some ways, police have been unfairly put in the crosshairs of the political dialogue and staunch stubbornness that defies the more logical members of society. Other times they deserve the criticisms for failing to uphold the rule of law or allowing some groups a free pass.
Laws have become politicized and depending on which party one belongs often determines how our legal system acts; or doesn't. The message is not lost on the average American who is watching the self-oriented battles displayed on television (depending on which politicized channel they turn on).
What I can say is that universal justice is one of the only ways I can think of to restore trust in the system. Universal justice indicates that all humans are worthwhile and justice should not be subject to a persons race, religion, political position, party affiliation, etc...
Trust of different people with different perspectives can only be had when the rules apply universally to all members of society. This means that the rules should not ignore the crimes of some while over focus on the crimes of others.
I'm working on climbing Mount Everest to raise awareness of Universal Justice and the need to ensure laws are applied fairly and universally across our national perspective. I may never make it up there, and maybe only to Base Camp 1, but I would like very much to do something constructive.
We do not have a perfect society but we have one in which we are striving to be something greater, more universal, and focused on the long-term needs of its citizens. It isn't those who commit crimes and receive a wink and nod pass but it is those who push for higher standards that are engaged in the struggle to restore America as a leading international player.
In some ways I have faith we can do better but the reality of the situation is it doesn't rely on good judgement alone but the political factions that have allowed such ineptitude persist. I wonder if our government officials and policy makers are looking at the next generation and their responsibility to stand up for our most basic American principles in order to set the table for their children and grand children's success.
As an idealist I have hope while as a realist I understand we simply can't muster the moral ability to "do the right thing". We are lost in our own self-interest. Time will tell if we strive or we resign.
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