Nearly all Canadians are looking south to the United States and the challenges they face with protests and escalating violence over the death of George Floyd.

People in Canada and around the world are adding their voices to the outcry, for the problem is global.

Truth has erupted in the States, and it is terrifying and should have been expected. Like a volcano, it has been threatening to explode for centuries.

A police officer held his knee on Floyd’s neck as the victim lay on the pavement begging for air, calling for his mother, and finally falling silent before dying.

Floyd was a black man. The police officer, who is a white man, is being charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

It appears that none of the officer’s three colleagues attempted to stop him, and while the public who were watching pleaded for the police officer to stop, they were not heeded.

The police officer had weapons at his disposal, making him a formidable adversary to oppose.

The now ex-police officer will have his time in court and his story will be heard. Floyd did not receive that privilege.

His death has hit a very painful point and triggered a long simmering anger against racism.

Racism also exists in Canada, as we all know.

Black people in Canada, Indigenous people and new Canadians very often experience racism. It is shameful and people suffer by it.

The pandemic is applying pressure around the world. We are all experiencing challenges and isolation, and this and other stresses are emphasizing the problems many experienced before the pandemic was announced in March.

One by one, our faults are being exposed. Increased pressure makes cracks worse.

Racism has been part of history from the time mankind first walked upright and before. Tolerance for its ignorance, barbarism and injustice is hopefully coming to an end.