'I Can't Breathe!'

I can't breathe echoed throughout the U. S., on social media and neighbors on corners as people disagreed with the grand jury's decision not to indict an officer, Daniel, Pantaleo, 29, in the death of Eric Garner. The decision was made Wednesday as protesters gathered in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, along with other cities.

President Obama, in a speech, spoke about concerns African Americans have about the legal system. People should be treated the same under the law. One person is not "treated equally under the law, that is a problem," President Obama.

Pantaleo made a statement in which he shared his feelings about the death of Garner. He "felt very bad about the death of Mr. Garner." Pantaleo sent his sympathies to Garner's wife and Garner's mother, but they would not accept them, per news reports.

People expressed their disagreement peacefully as they gathered in the various cities. A few arrests were mentioned via news reports but no major incidents. Looting and burning down neighborhoods sprinkles in more frustration while a community gains few positive results. It leaves a community in disrepair and angrier.

I can't breathe are the few words uttered by Garner as he encountered police on that fateful day. The incident goes beyond what happened that day. It digs into the emotions of not just African Americans, but every person who have had an issue with the legal system. 

I can't breathe is an opportunity for all people with concerns to address issues, be heard where they spoke to deaf ears in the past or did not have a platform to voice concerns. It is not an open invitation to disrespect law enforcement or rules of law. 

Change is a process, and force in the form of terrorizing a community stirs in more anger. Researching the laws in a community to find out how the legal system works is an option toward effective change. Get involved in the system to help bring about change.

I can't breathe are words to remember when a police officer stops you. Simply, comply. It is not the time to argue or struggle. Police officers are doing a job. Unfortunately, mistakes will happen. Most police officers serve and protect well.