“I CAN’T BREATHE” (December 4, 2014)

Thus Eric Garner’s dying words as he was succumbing to a chokehold by officer Daniel Pantaleo on Staten Island in New York several months ago. The officer testified that he had heard his victim repeating these words as he was arrested and tried to disengage quickly. The officer was released yesterday by a Staten Island grand jury to end the criminal case against him after he testified that he had meant no harm. The decision sparked massive protests. Garner’s dying words echoed in fury and despair across New York City. Judging by the pictures of protests, they drew both blacks and whites. “We can’t breathe,” they chanted in unison. A great line to remember across the States. And the whole world.