Rubio on Black Lives Matter

Sen. Marco Rubio stands out from field with his response to police violence

In the history of the U.S., there has not been a more inflammatory topic of discussion than the issue of racial inequality and prejudice. Ever since the killing of Trayvon Martin two years ago, the issue of racism has dominated media headlines, specifically through the Black Lives Matter movement.

CANDIDATE — Marco Rubio acknowledged current racial issues in U.S. and our need to address them. Google Images

CANDIDATE — Marco Rubio acknowledged current racial issues in U.S. and our need to address them. Google Images

With the presidential primaries less than a year away, candidates’ views on the Black Lives Matter movement have been heavily scrutinized. Candidate responses were what we have come to expect from Washington. Several of the candidates have acknowledged the issue and proceeded to use it as a platform for their political agenda while others disregard it entirely.

One example of the former came from Republican candidate Carly Fiorina. In an interview with Fox News, Fiorina was asked whether black lives mattered or if all lives mattered. Fiorina responded, “Of course all lives matter. Secondly, black lives have been diminished under Democratic policies.”

However, amidst the finger-pointing and yelling across the aisle, one GOP candidate has come forward and took a surprising position on the issue. In an interview with Fox News, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio gave credibility to the Black Lives Movement stating, “There is a legitimate issue here.”

Rubio went on to discuss the distrust and anger between the African American community and the law enforcement of this country. He laid out the fact that many young African American males are more likely to interact with the criminal justice system than higher education.

Rubio acknowledged the apparent prejudices that stand against the African American community and firmly stated that it is an issue that we need to confront as a nation. He acknowledged that not all the problems surrounding this issue could be solved by government intervention but that it is something we need to face regardless.

Rubio’s response is refreshing, and his approach might be the best thing for the Black Lives Matter movement. With all the violence, propaganda and pandering on both sides of the debate, the message of the movement has been lost. Rubio’s response sifts through the ambiguity of rhetoric and plainly confronts the base issue.

This might be the best thing for his campaign as well. Up to this point, Rubio has done nothing to distinguish himself from the other candidates. This interview does that. Through this interview, Rubio showed that he is the only candidate that is not only willing, but also eager to confront the issue of racial inequality.

Not only does Rubio’s position separate him from the rest of the GOP pool, but it also makes him more relatable to the general public. Voters desire honesty and authenticity, something that candidates rarely provide.

Rubio provided both.

Rubio took a firm stance against racial prejudice but displayed authority by honestly assessing the issue and acknowledging that the government would not be able to solve all the problems connected to racial inequality.

This interview benefits Rubio as he has successfully distinguished himself from the other GOP candidates and has earned favor with the moderate and liberal voters.

EAGEN is an opinion writer.

One comment

  • I respected Rubio but not any longer. To say that Black lives matters is somehow a peaceful protest is ridiculous and to condone it is more ridiculous. This movement is far from peaceful. Riots and police murders on the uptick all because of this movement . How someone who calls himself a conservative can actually support this hate group is beyond me. They call for the shooting of police and spew hate. They leave a trail of destruction behind them.

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