Peace Rooted In Justice

Many doubt the justice of our country, and with good reason.  Black people see the repeated violation of their rights without an urgent and adequate response from American institutions.  We know that lasting justice will only come by peaceful means.  Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress.  But we also know that lasting peace in our communities requires truly equal justice.  The rule of law ultimately depends on the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system.  And achieving justice for all is the duty of all.

This will require a consistent, courageous, and creative effort.  We serve our neighbors best when we try to understand their experience.  We love our neighbors as ourselves when we treat them as equals, in both protection and compassion.  There is a better way -- the way of empathy, and shared commitment, and bold action, and a peace rooted in justice.  I am confident that together, Americans will choose the better way.

-- Statement by President George W. Bush, 2 June 2020