George Bush Calls Floyd's Death Momentum US Reflects

JAKARTA - For the first time, former President of the United States (US) George W. Bush gave an open reaction to the mass movement related to the murder of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police. Bush said this was the momentum for the US to reflect on its tragic failures.

According to CNN, Wednesday, June 3, Bush, who is from the Republican Party, said that he and former first lady Laura Bush were deeply saddened by the cruel passing of George Floyd and troubled by the injustice and fear that are now also choking the US.

"However, we are now resisting the urge to speak up because this is not the time for us to give lectures. It is time for us to listen. It is time for the US to see our tragic failures and as we often do, we will also see some of our strengths to help make up for it, "Bush said.

The remarks come after protests in the US have become increasingly widespread, some of which have turned violent. The US community across the country continues to demand justice for Floyd, a black man who died when a white police officer pressed Floyd's neck with his knee.

Protesters who have taken to the streets in recent days have also been subject to violence from the police. They also said they wanted to see the four police officers involved in Floyd's death prosecuted for his actions.

"America's biggest challenge is to unite people from different backgrounds into a nation of justice and opportunity. The doctrine and practice of racial superiority, which almost divides our country, still threatens us," Bush said.

"The answer to America's problems is found by living up to American ideals - with the fundamental truth that all human beings are created equal and are gifted by God with certain rights," he added.

However, in the statement, Bush did not mention President Donald Trump by name. Trump himself has taken a strong approach to the situation and fueled racial tensions with his controversial statements about the protests.

"Many doubt the fairness of our country, with good reason. Black people see repeated violations of their rights without an urgent and adequate response from American institutions," Bush said.

The former president also criticized the looting and vandalism that has taken place in several cities in recent days. Bush emphasized that plunder is not a form of freedom and destruction is not a form of progress.

Not only Bush, former US president Barack Obama also released a statement about Floyd's death last week. Obama said that all Americans should work together to create a 'new normal', where a legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment is no longer in the institutions or hearts of US society.

"It (the killing of blacks) is not 'normal.' If we want our children to grow up in a country that lives with its highest ideals, we can and must do better, "Obama said in a statement.