We don’t want white men to go to prison. We want black men to live.

Tru dat.

At least it was conclusive proof the justice system in this country still works. 22.5 years is lighter than I was expecting, but I'm not a judge for a reason.

I’m sort of with Biden on this. Given the more typical near-impossibility of holding police officers accountable, it’s not worth it to quibble over this sentence.

I didn’t look too closely at the sentencing here, other than to note the judge found several “aggravating factors”: That he abused his position of authority, did this with 3 other officers, ignored multiple pleas from Floyd himself and other bystanders, and did this in front of children.

Chauvin was convicted on all three counts. In light of all that, it does seem curious then that the sentence was only 22.5 years.

But what do I know, I’m not a criminal lawyer.

I'm neither judge nor jury, so it's just my opinion as well.

IMO, murders should face a minimum sentence of whatever the estimated remaining natural lifespan of the victim would have been unless the family allows the judge to impose a lighter sentence. However, that's a lot more poetically attractive than it is legally, and I think two decades is more than enough time for someone to do some serious self-reflection. If he comes out the other side a better man and is able to pick up a small job and retire peacefully someday, then who am I to judge...

So if they kill a 95 year old woman, they should just get a few months?

This is just a side note, but I seriously cannot emphasize enough how much I love Biden's aviators. His policy and personal character largely aren't my cuppa, but those shades transform his general look into something absolutely iconic. lol