Open Letter to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

Re: Police Brutality, Protests, and the Rule of Law

Dear Governor Kemp,

As board members of Metro Atlanta Republicans, we the undersigned, wish to convey our concern over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota and the resulting reaction throughout ournation. George Floyd’s death was murder and the individuals who committed the crime shouldbe in jail. We unequivocally support prosecuting the offenders to the full extent of the law.

Floyd’s murder and subsequent actions taken by the Minneapolis Police Department illustrate excessive use of force, cover ups, and corruption. Police officers are a part of the government and represent its laws as well as enforcement of them. Police brutality is the government attacking its own citizens. And that is antithetical to the ideals of a republican form of government as well as the values of Metro Atlanta Republicans. When citizens no longer trust the police, and the laws they represent, this poses a threat to the very fabric of our society.

Therefore, we advocate that certain reforms be taken at the federal and state level to ensure the travesty of justice displayed in Minnesota finds no safe harbor here in Georgia.

First, we support federal legislation which would end the current policy of Qualified Immunity upheld by the high courts. That doctrine protects cops even when courts determine that officers violate civil rights. Qualified Immunity denies citizens justice and should be ended.

Second, we support ending the federal program known as “Program 1033” which transfers excess military equipment to civilian law enforcement agencies. This program has militarized civilian police forces without transparency of spending and without accountability to local citizens. If municipalities in Georgia need military-grade equipment, local elected officials should decide to purchase that equipment, issue public Requests for Proposals, and fund the purchases with local taxes.

Third, we urge the passing of legislation in Georgia that would end the use of no-knock warrants. We acknowledge the tragic death of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky whose death at the age of 26 was caused by a no-knock warrant issued in that state. These warrants endanger citizens, homeowners, and law enforcement officers by allowing police to enter homes without announcing their presence either verbally or with a knock.

As for the protests, we recognize with great empathy the peaceful protests here in Georgia and around the world. Those protests are legitimate and warranted expressions of anger and shock at police brutality in the U.S. We stand resolute to defend the protesters’ natural and constitutional rights of assembly and free speech provided the exercise of those rights brings no harm to another citizen’s rights to life, liberty, and property.

However, among the peaceful protesters there are criminal elements at work to co-opt and take advantage of the disorder to achieve unlawful ends. Looting and burning of personal property including businesses in Georgia is unlawful, immoral, and counterproductive. Perpetrators of these crimes and those who may finance their actions should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and go to jail. We fully support the use of civilian police and the National Guard to protect the life, liberty, and property of Georgians from rioters and looters. We do not support the use of active U.S. military for this purpose.

We support these reforms because they affirm our belief that all people are created equal and that all citizens deserve equal protection under the law regardless of their race, religion, gender, origin, or other immutable characteristics. Liberty benefits everyone.

Metro Atlanta Republicans care about the future of our state, the culture of politics, and the direction of our party. We are cosmopolitan in our world view, conservative in our demeanor, and professional in our vocations whatever those may be. Our values include diversity, equality, civil liberty, fiscal responsibility, and personal empowerment. We seek to put these values into action by building a better Georgia for every citizen in every community.

We the board of Metro Atlanta Republicans constitute unanimous agreement with the statements conveyed herein.

Sincerely,
The Board of Metro Atlanta Republicans