October 27, 2016

Dear Presidential Candidate,

             “As I often say, we have come a long way from the days of slavery, but in 2014, discrimination and inequality still saturate our society in modern ways. Though racism may be less blatant now in many cases, its existence is undeniable” (Brainy Quotes). This line was said two years ago by Al Sharpton, an American civil rights activist and Baptist minister. He is discussing the frequent outbreaks of racism in the previous years related to law enforcement. Racism needs to be addressed because if we continue to sit back and let these events happen, the African American community and law enforcement’s relationship will be disastrous. This topic is very important to me as a female of color. In the future I shouldn’t have to worry about being pulled over and never being seen alive again.

            Again and again, we have seen a pattern of young lives being reduced to a simple hashtag of #blacklivesmatter. Did you know that police shootings have resulted in the death of 174 African Americans? Or that there are more African Americans and Latinos in jail than any other race? Some people may disagree that since there has been a significant decrease in crime, that these tactics are working. However, if the public fears the people who are responsible for keeping us safe, how can our society remain peaceful?

           First, I propose that police officers should be required to wear body cameras at all times, to ease the public’s mind. I would get this law passed in the House of Representatives by getting 10,000 signatures on my petition. The signatures would be easy to acquire, especially in the African American community. Then, I would get ⅔ of Senate to agree with my law. This would motivate the President to say yes to my law, and if he declined, I would go back to the House of Senate and Representatives to have him overruled.

          As a result, slowly but surely, the public and law enforcement would see eye to eye. I am very determined to get this law passed, as it is important to me and my fellow people of color. A law that states police officers are required to have body cameras will reassure the public that they are being treated right at all times. I will get this law passed by first getting signatures on my petition, getting ⅔ of the Senates to approve, and finally convincing the President for his stamp of approval. As the next President I doubt you want the public thinking you don’t care about such a sensitive and crucial topic in the world right now.

Sincerely,

Caleighsta