Congressman Pappas Says, “It Is Essential for Folks to Be Reminded That This Is Not a Normal President. We Have Been Hearing from Former Presidents Soothing Words for the American People, Assuring Them That We Can Come Together… Donald Trump Does Not Offer Those Assurances and As General Mattis Said, Donald Trump Seeks to Divide Us on a Regular Basis.”
In an interview with WKXL’s Chris Ryan, the Representative from New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, Chris Pappas, discusses the turmoil which has gripped our country in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death while in police custody in Minneapolis. Congressman Pappas believes that a constructive dialogue is needed to bring about reform. In an effort to listen, learn, and understand, the Congressman has reached out to the local leaders of the Black Lives Matter and other organizations who have been organizing protests. He applauds steps which have been taken for law enforcement to receive de-escalation training and to learn about dealing with diverse communities.
Congressman Pappas feels that the violence and looting which has also happened during the protests has distracted attention from the valid intentions of the demonstrations. He believes that law enforcement should be given all the resources to keep our communities safe.
The final portion of the interview was about recent comments made by former Secretary of Defense General James Mattis which were critical of President Trump’s handling of the protests. Congressman Pappas agrees with the former member of the Trump administration denouncing the use of force to disperse protestors in Lafayette Park for Monday’s Presidential photo op in front of St. John’s Church. The Congressman believes that President Trump’s use of the police to break up a peaceful protest for a campaign video was beneath the office of President.
