Because of capitalism, racism and ableism, the darkest and poorest peoples in the United States are relegated to live precarious lives where they do what they can to survive, sometimes including breaking the law. Rather than eliminating the unjust conditions, cities and the federal government send in police to manage the inequality.So says Derecka Purnell, a Guardian US columnist. And clearly, someone who believes there should be no consequences, ever.
Despite the increasing convictions, the police nationwide still kill about three people a day. Just a few years ago, Minnesota convicted a cop for a murder while on duty for the first time. Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor was sentenced to about 12 years. Why didn’t all of these convictions save the thousands of people who were killed after them? Why didn’t Chauvin get the message?
Why didn't they?
Why didn't any of them think 'Ooh, maybe resisting arrest or trying to kill the cops isn't such a good idea...'?
As the nation awaited the jury verdict’s reading against Chauvin, a white cop in Columbus, Ohio killed Ma’Khia Bryant, a 15-year-old Black girl. According to Bryant’s family, the teen reportedly called the police for help because older kids were trying to assault her. Police arrived during the altercation and shot Bryant four times.
And we can all see why. It was to save the life of the girl she was about to stab.
If we want to live, then we must continue to join, support and create social movements and protests to end policing.
So that teenage girls are free to stab others without consequence?
Organizations like Critical Resistance, the Movement for Black Lives, Dream Defenders and various “defund the police” campaigns across the country are articulating ways to make change. We have to decide whether we have the will and imagination to join them.
It's not 'will and imagination' you're lacking. It's basic morals and common sense.
Comment from Knuckledragging My Life Away, a US blog.
ReplyDelete"StretchApril 30, 2021 at 7:41 PM
My maternal grandfather was from Minneapolis. My mother use to spend summers out there. About 20 years ago my wife and I were visiting my Great-Uncle John in Bloomington (adjacent to Minneapolis). Asked for directions to the house where grandfather was born. "Oh, that's the Somali neighborhood. They don't let Whites in there." Fuck you, Bill Clinton."
I'm not sure why Bill Clinton is specifically to blame for this state of affairs but the reference to Somalia in the post title made me think of it.
What a great idea, lets abolish all police, arm ourselves to the teeth and take care of everything ourselves. Who needs civilization or the rule of law. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the OP. How much of a total imbecile do you have to be to think that life in general would be improved by abolishing the police? I'm not exactly a fan of the police force as they are at present but only a total idiot would think that we would be better off without them. There are a lot of bad guys out there and the police deal with them on your behalf. Do you really think that you would stand a chance if you had to deal with them yourself?
ReplyDeleteLast I checked it had been established that Mah Kia did not call 911; the first call was made to report her.
ReplyDelete“Why didn’t Chauvin get the message?”
What, the message to use his psychic powers in order to prevent a 6’6” 200+ lbs. convicted criminal from swallowing his stash before resisting arrest?
Since Noor straight up murdered a woman with zero provocation, I don’t see the connection.
My last post reads a bit like a reply to the previous one which wasn't there when I posted it. That was unintentional.
ReplyDeleteIf you wish to experience the charms of Somalia you only have to travel to Luton:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/675123/Violent-clashes-erupt-Luton-Carnival
Stonyground, your view is very similar to mine. I despise what Britain's police have become and believe that they've lost their way and are no longer the 'citizens in uniform' that Peel envisaged. However, all civilised societies need effective, honest and accountable police forces, the alternative is a Somalia-style free for all where the man with the biggest gun or the biggest following of thugs is the societal enforcers.
ReplyDeleteThe Leftist idiots who want to abolish the police do not seem to be able to perceive what would be the result of abolishing the police. The result would be that the bad guys would call the shots and nobody would be safe, least of all the leftists who are calling for this policy.
"I'm not sure why Bill Clinton is specifically to blame for this state of affairs..."
ReplyDeleteWasn't it under his watch that the Somali invasion started?
"Since Noor straight up murdered a woman with zero provocation, I don’t see the connection."
No-one does!
"If you wish to experience the charms of Somalia you only have to travel to Luton"
Oh, I think they'll travel to where I am before long!
"The Leftist idiots who want to abolish the police do not seem to be able to perceive what would be the result of abolishing the police. "
Oh, I think they do. They just think it'll benefit them.