Readers Write (Dec. 5): Eric Garner case, Holidazzle, invasive species

Another African-American male, another example of the blatant disregard that the white-dominated justice system has toward the black community ("Grand jury declines to indict N.Y. officer in chokehold death, Dec. 4). As a white man, I am horrified that less than two weeks after the grand jury failed to recommend an indictment against the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, another grand jury did not indict a white cop in the death of another African-American, Eric Garner. Michael Brown, unarmed, shot dead; Eric Garner, unarmed, choked to death.

In both instances, the white cop will face no charges in the killing of an African-American man. These are the latest examples of a justice system that is stacked against people of color, especially black males, who have been scapegoated and vilified, even as an African-American occupies the White House.

We are nowhere near the postracial ideal that some naively spoke of when Barack Obama was first elected president. Instead, we have a justice system that routinely preys on young black males, and constantly tells them that they are both dangerous and expendable. The white power structure of which the police are perhaps the most visible component will continue to perpetuate these myths until they are met with contrasting voices of reason, fairness and justice.

We need to begin now, before further lives are lost and before more families grieve for their lost sons or brothers.

Following the grand jury decisions not to indict police officers in New York City and Ferguson, Mo., there has been talk in the media of a miscarriage of justice. It should be pointed out that, per the Fifth Amendment, "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury." The members of these grand juries were ordinary citizens chosen from the general populace of their respective cities. They heard evidence against these police officers presented by prosecutors. And based on that information, they were unable to issue an indictment. We are a nation of laws and indictments, and justice is carried out based on those laws, and not by media reports.

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Another black man killed at the hands of police. This time in New York. This time with clear video and the autopsy evidence. This was a homicide. What is unclear is how a grand jury could possibly reach a conclusion not to indict. As a grandparent of two black children, I am extremely concerned. Over the years, repeated episodes of police overreaction and brutality visited upon black people have been well-documented. Overprotective laws, stonewalling police unions, weak and unrepresentative city governments, and repeated failures of the criminal justice system should move all of us to protest and demand corrective action. This cannot continue.

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I haven't seen much discussion about this, but the fact is that chokeholds were forbidden for NYPD officers. This was not a dangerous suspect, and he was not suspected of a serious crime. Those facts alone should have merited at least a manslaughter charge against a police officer who had caused a death.

I want to believe that after the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner and lack of indictments, awareness will rise and love will move us to action. My tears and prayers are for the families of these men and others who suffer this kind of senseless loss, but they are also for others like me: white Americans. May we open our minds and hearts to the truth and reality of what is happening to black men through our police and justice system.

It is time for white Americans to wake up and step up to change our racist system. We cannot leave our black brothers and sisters, Native people and other people of color to stand alone. Advocate in your community for police body cameras, citizen review boards, racial justice training for police officers and unbiased laws. Support the many good police officers and help get rid of the bad ones. Read and discuss books and articles to gain a deeper understanding of race, racism and whiteness. Take ownership for your part in creating this unjust system and for creating a world that is safe for all people. This is our country and we have a responsibility to wake up, pay attention and take action!

When I first heard that the Holidazzle parade would be replaced by a holiday market, I thought, "What a great idea!" What we got is nothing like what it should be:

1) It should be free. The parade was free and nearly every market in Europe and the United States is free, including those in Chicago and New York. If the goal is to draw people downtown, it is a mistake to expect people to pay for parking and then an entry fee before paying for food, beverages or gifts. Where does the entry fee go? I believe Peavey Plaza is public property.

2) It should be open-ended (not a closed loop) to allow pedestrians the opportunity to pass through.

3) It should not be difficult for disabled people to access.

4) It should be spread along the mall to disperse the congestion.

If we want a successful replacement for the parade, I would suggest looking at the hundreds of holiday villages and markets that draw people to them year after year.

Timothy Palmquist, Minneapolis

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After going to the Holidazzle market last Friday night, the four of us agreed that the market was something that should have been done long ago in Minneapolis. It builds community and a celebration of our coldest season not just for a half-hour per day, but all day long for the whole month of December. It's a chance for all ages to get together with the carousel, mulled wine and holiday shopping. We will return!

I had to chuckle and then almost cry when I read the article regarding treating mussels in Christmas Lake with potash and Zequanox ("Potash is OK'd to fight mussels," Dec. 3). If it is safe for the lake, why is everyone in the picture wearing face masks and rubber gloves?