Cong. Mike Conaway: One Nation, Under God

Congressman Mike Conaway

". . .  we cannot let this tragedy divide us. Instead, we must choose to empathize with the hurt of others, embrace our differences, and work towards healing and unity."

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – The tragic and wrongful death of George Floyd has deeply disturbed our entire nation. I am glad to see quick action by local law officials and the Department of Justice to hold the police officers responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death accountable.

The egregious actions of the officers responsible for the death of Mr. Floyd do not represent all police, as the vast majority of law enforcement officers are upstanding heroes who put their own lives on the line every day to keep us, our families, and our communities safe. That being said, reforms are needed within our police departments to better ensure the safety of citizens and officers. For example, some police unions shield officers with known disciplinary problems from facing consequences. Ending this practice will be crucial to restoring accountability and trust between our citizens and those who protect us.

The First Amendment guarantees that every American has the right to peacefully protest, and I wholeheartedly support the peaceful gatherings we are witnessing across Texas and each of the 50 states. It is disgraceful that rioters and looters are taking advantage of this situation for their own gain. They absolutely must be stopped before more harm is done to people and small businesses.

There is no place for the unequal treatment of citizens in the United States of America, and we cannot let this tragedy divide us. Instead, we must choose to empathize with the hurt of others, embrace our differences, and work towards healing and unity. We must each commit to examining our individual hearts, condemning racism, and moving forward as one nation under God.