Fair treatment is a right, not a privilege

I am a white man. I live in the United States, so I have privilege. I am less statistically likely to be killed by a police officer than my black counterparts. Not getting killed by cops should not be a perk or a privilege. It should be the right of every law-abiding citizen.

Do we shoot middle-age white men just because they are statistically more likely to be serial killers? I think not.

The image of George Floyd having his neck pinned to asphalt begging for his life is a scene from Hitler’s Germany, not 21st century America.

My brother-in-law was a police officer and was killed in the line of duty. I remember his funeral and the hundreds of officers who attended. Yes, we in this house understand the pressures and sacrifices of police officers. But there is no understanding of the murder of innocent black men. I know countless black men who are afraid of being stopped by the police, and being killed, simply for being black.

I spoke to a friend today who is a white mother who adopted a black child. As he is a young man now, I hear the fear in her voice that her son, a gifted student and fantastic actor and singer, will be killed. This must end, by legislation and by purging police departments of these monsters. No more excuses or endless discussions. Wiley Lowe

Flagler Beach, Fla. WANT TO COMMENT? Have Your Say at letters@usatoday.com, @usatodayopinion on Twitter and facebook.com/usatodayopinion. Comments are edited for length and clarity. Content submitted to USA TODAY may appear in print, digital or other forms. For letters, include name, address and phone number. Letters may be mailed to 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA, 22108.