This entry is full of links, so please view on your computer if they’re not showing up on your phone.
I have become obsessive. Ever since Officer Pantaleo was not indicted for using a banned choke-hold which lead to the death of 43-year-old Eric Garner, I have taken to the internet and watched, read, and posted countless articles, videos, and blogs about this case, other cases like it, and the larger issues at hand. I cannot stop thinking about it. I cannot stop talking about it.
The deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, along with the non-indictment of both police officers responsible, has sparked a fury throughout the country. People from all walks of life and all races – teachers and students, celebrities, activists, politicians, and even some policemen – have voiced that they believe this isn’t right. As John Stewart so eloquently said, the facts of the Michael Brown case may have been hazy and witness accounts were conflicting, however most people seem to agree that Eric Garner was in no way resisting, and in no way was Officer Pantaleo’s use of the choke-hold justified. And still, regardless of all of any other point to this argument, there remains the fact that Pantaleo still should have been indicted – we all watched the video (in horror) and it was clear as day. Even if he did feel threatened or thought the force was justified, why not at the very least let this go to court? Why are we letting police officers use lethal force without any investigation or repercussions? This has sparked a larger debate throughout the nation – is the system broke? And if so, how do we fix it?
A lot of people are resisting this issue and disagree with the protesters. They believe that policemen and women are within their right to use lethal force if they feel threatened, and should not have to defend themselves, especially when their sole job is to defend their community. Some agree that Eric Garner’s case may be unjust, but rioting and looting in the streets is unacceptable. Others believe this isn’t a race issue at all, and since Garner was arrested for selling loose cigarettes in the past, he made his own choices that led to his demise. After all, Michael Brown was clearly a thug, he was an unarmed 18-year-old but when he had a scuffle with armed Officer Darren Wilson (not on duty and not in uniform), he sealed his fate of being shot 4 times, including once in the head, while being 50 feet away from the policeman. You must always listen to a police officer and if you just complied, things like this wouldn’t happen. (I’m being sarcastic, by the way.)
Well, I’ve been talking about all of this for days, and quite frankly, I’m exhausted. My heart is heavy and I’m so incredibly sad and angry. So instead of going on and on here in this blog, I will just simply link to articles and videos that say it better than I can.
Before you go defend Officer Wilson and Officer Pantaleo and the fact that they were not indicted, please peruse the links below. And if you’re angry or confused about this issue, please do the same.
Everyone – educate yourself. Listen. Learn. I believe we are in the midst of a huge movement in this country – one that is way overdue. And while this situation is steeped in high emotions on both sides, I believe that intelligent discussion and facts can only serve us.
“I Don’t Want to Be Afraid of The Police” by Franchesca Ramsey. – Video
The Deaths of Black Men in America, MSNBC – Video
A Black Man is Killed Every 28 Hours in the U.S. by Police.
When the Media Treats White Suspects and Killers Better Than Black Victims. – HuffPost
In 179 fatalities involving on-duty NYPD cops in 15 years, only 3 cases led to indictments — and just 1 conviction – NY Daily News
12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed for playing with a toy gun in a park. Tamir Rice’s teen sister ‘tackled,’ handcuffed after his shooting, mom says – CNN
Unarmed Arizona man shot dead by Phoenix cop who mistook pill bottle for pistol. – NY Daily News
Officer Put on Modified Duty After Shooting, Killing Unarmed Man in Brooklyn Apartment Building Stairwell – NBC New York
Plain-clothes Philly cops shoot hoodie-wearing pizza man who thought he was being robbed – Raw Story
Black Teenager Taken Out Of School, Jailed For Month Without Probable Cause, Lawsuit Says – HuffPost
Cops shoot and kill man holding toy gun in Wal-Mart – MSNBC
Grand Jury Decides Not to Charge Officer Who Fatally Shot Unarmed Youth in Bronx – NY Times. Related aftermath: We Still Don’t Know What Happened To Ramarley Graham. – HuffPost
Knifeman shot dead by LAPD in front of scores of tourists ‘was street performer who dressed as Scream villain’ – UK Daily Mail
Ezell Ford: The mentally ill black man killed by the LAPD two days after Michael Brown’s death – Washington Post
But it’s not just Black men and boys who are targeted:
Cops Slam Unarmed Woman On The Pavement, Killing Her In Front of Family – Counter Current News.
Naked Brooklyn woman dragged from apartment by NYPD officers who say she beat 12-year-old daughter – NY Daily News
Pregnant woman apparently put in chokehold by NYPD cop during dispute over illegal grilling – NY Daily News
Did The NYPD Suffocate A Mentally Ill Woman To Death While Trying To Cuff Her? – Gothamist
And it’s not just Black adults, even little girls are guilty of being Black.
Manslaughter Charge Dropped For Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Sleeping 7-Year-Old – HuffPost
In fact, all little girls and boys of color are a threat.
SD Police Say Tasing 8-Year-Old Native Girl Was Justified, Family Sues.
Still not convinced? Here is an account from a former St. Louis police officer about racism and excessive force used by police.
The problem is not the individual police officers. I do not hate cops. We need the police. Many of them are upstanding and brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. But we need accountability. We need to face the systematic racism that is rampant in this country. We need change.
So what is it that we propose? Here are our demands:
Want to join in a protest? Find out where to peacefully march for justice near you. The Millions March is tomorrow. See you then. Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay active.
k.mo. productions 