Thank you, Sheriff Atkins, for your decision to remove the “thin blue line” and “blue lives matter” images on public property. You listened and responded to concerns raised by our community.
And, thank you to the four county councilors for their letter in support of Sheriff Atkins’ action. It is only in listening to each other’s perspectives that we stand a chance to dismantle systemic racism.
Alarming in the council’s deliberations was the assertion from Clark County Council Chair Eileen Quiring that she does not believe systemic racism exists in Clark County and would not sign the letter. One need only look at the data of disparities based on the color of one’s skin — education, health, life expectancy, economic mobility, and housing choices.
Systemic racism is not a matter of personal prejudices, but rather it has been sewn into the fabric of our society. It is a legacy we must acknowledge in order to change.
