For all his faults, President Trump does have some bright moments.
For example, today he signed an executive order that outlines the White House plans for police reform in our country. The order includes the groundwork for a national police database for misconduct as well as new guidelines for use of force and de-escalation. The legislation also gives social workers a larger role in responding to specific issues.
The action is almost a 180 for the Republican administration. Remember when he called Colin Kaepernick a sonofabitch? Remember when he told cops not to be "too nice," to people under arrest in 2017? Remember literally days ago when he urged governors to send in the national guard to squash the protests?
Of course, Democrats including media outlets like Vox.com have pointed out that this bill falls short of what many activists are calling for:
"Trump’s executive order is less bold than the transformative changes many activists have called for as the antiracism protests following Floyd’s death continue." - Cameron Peters of Vox.
Personally, for right now I think this is fantastic. It's not enough but it's a step in the right direction and President Trump also has encouraged Congress to come up with their own legislation on the matter. Of course, that's easier said than done and kind of seems like an empty show of goodwill considering congress, much like a game of twister with my constipated cousin, is a shit show
I'd also like to note that this by no means solves what's going on nationally. While he did encourage legislation to be passed in Congress, he has been notorious for flip-flopping his views and may reject a proposal if he doesn't like it. We've also seen in the past the president make promises and then either break them or not keep up with them.
Really, you have to take whatever you can get especially right now. By all means, this is a win for those that have gone out and marched for George Floyd and the countless other unjust deaths by the police. It also lays the groundwork for more in-depth reform.
Another thing worth mentioning: by signing this executive order, President Trump has legitimized these protests happening across the country. He can't go back to fully siding with the police and he can't go back to his own fanbase and try to brush these people off like he's been doing for so long. No matter how much he may want to latter down the line.
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