A powerful movement has started worldwide, triggered by the disgust we felt watching the revolting actions of MPD's Derek Chauvin and the equally disturbing approval of his accomplices as George Floyd was slowly murdered.  The fact that all guilty parties have yet to be arrested is a telling reminder that our justice system is far from perfect, and yet another compelling reason to make sure that our demands for action are heard.  Even as this petition is written, powerful images of courage, kindness, and openness to dialogue continue to emerge as both protesters and police join the fight for equality.

However, a significant number of lowlifes have chosen this pivotal moment in history to engage in looting and destruction of property, both within this movement and outside of it.  While it's true that large chains will recover (though the job opportunities they bring to affected areas may not), we've witnessed small businesses sustain heavy damages, and their recovery is questionable at best, thoroughly impossible at worst, and indescribably painful throughout the entire process.  These businesses often, down to the smallest detail, embody the dreams of their owners made realized through a lifetime's worth of hard work and determination, something that looters will never comprehend nor be capable of themselves.  The unique charm of these businesses, as well as the relationships they knit within their communities, make their losses that much more painful.

Those of you who are reading this, no matter what walk of life you travel, no matter where you're from, no matter what creed that binds you, no matter what race or color that defines you, whether left, right, or center, I ask that you join me in demanding that our government imposes harsher penalties for looting, penalties of a nature daunting enough that they'll make people think twice before shattering those windows, lighting those fires, and grabbing merchandise.  Penalties should reflect the extent of the damage suffered, both in time and in fines.  Those who indulge in these acts do not distinguish between black nor white, and I hope that, similarly, support for this petition is blind to such distinctions as well.  We also demand that greater efforts are taken to bring looters to justice and safeguard businesses in areas experiencing unrest, particularly for the small businesses that are most vulnerable.  Demonstrations and protests will add to our momentum; looting will not.