Many are all for police.
They are an essential entity in our society.
But we must be honest with the acknowledgment and assessment of the problems.
Side with truth and integrity to solve them.
It’s been about 30 years since the Nation witnessed the beating of Rodney King.
One of the first public recordings of police brutality.
Not much has changed, on the contrary,
It’s been more deadly, escalating to kill.
African Americans and minorities to bear the brunt of it.
The reaction of some has been to excuse and
absolve law enforcement of their deeds.
While viewing the victims as bad seeds.
A mind-set that the police didn’t have a choice.
And focus on what the victim did, didn’t do, could have, should have done.
That has been the recurring clip by those who claim
they are for police and their leadership.
Some are saying they need more training.
What would that have done for Daunte Wright?
Would he still be alive?
He was killed by a 26 year police veteran
Who was leading her colleagues in a training mission.
If that could result in a young man being dead.
It sure looks bleak for what could be next.
As a society, we have a lot of soul searching to do.
We deny, dismiss and ignore the many clues.
And haven’t gone for different.
There is disagreement and lack of acceptance
regarding the inequalities in the justice system.
If that element is not acknowledged, how can it be addressed?
When the reasons for the protests are obscured.
The lines between policing and criminalizing are blurred.
And the movement to promote the cause for equality and justice is
smeared.
There will be no shifting of gears.
There’s been a failure and lack of will for implementing interventions
that are more humane.
As if it’s believed that the status quo should be maintained.
So many deaths to people of color while in the hands of police.
It’s like a disease.
For which some don’t care for a cure.
The police hasn’t seen fit even to take a pause.
They continue to say and behave as if there is nothing wrong.
If those in the lead and the police don’t change their mind-set
That non-whites are worth less.
That they are second class citizens.
Then the disease will spread.
There is no accountability, culpability or guilt for the deaths.
Even when they claim it’s an accident –
No statements or movements toward compassionate.
It’s often more doubling down against.
There was a nation-wide outcry after George Floyd died.
Even from some who subscribe as Republican, white and to the Right.
Some apologized to their non-white acquaintances and friends.
Even wanting somehow to make amends.
Wondering what they can do.
Some thought that this time there will be a break through.
That could lead to improvement and advancement.
There was increased support for the BLM movement.
Until many proceeded to taint their name.
Making outrageous claims that they support violence,
Are anti-police, anti-law and order and anti-law enforcement.
With time, as the emotions subsided and people listened to the lies.
What was gut wrenching, unacceptable, so hard to bear.
Later seemed more palatable, and the urgency for change was shelved.
At least for certain parts of the population.
They are again settling in with the tainted narration.
Black Lives Matter wasn’t formed to defund the police.
It was established to bring light to systemic inequalities.
Republicans, white and the Right hijack the message.
Painting the movement as aggressive.
And some are of the perception –
That a white man with a gun and rounds of ammunition
Is less threatening than People of Color protesting for inclusion.
For many non-whites, calling the police in their time of need
makes them nervous.
Understandably, for them it’s now downright dangerous.
Police for them are not there to protect and serve.
But to control, constrain, contain and incarcerate.
That’s for what the community of color pays.
In minority communities, when they employ police
They don’t get their money’s worth or what they should.
More like suspiciousness, stop and frisk, aggressive tactics.
Whereas white and privileged taxpayers get a bang for their bucks.
Protection and service as they partner with law enforcement.
Kyle Rittenhouse a 17 year old who killed two and injured a third.
Free on bond and referred by right wing media as a little boy.
As if he carrying and using an AR-15 was him playing with a toy.
Hannity called Adam Toledo who was shot by police a 13 year old man.
Debase and degrade however they can.
DeSantis in Florida was quick, writing a bill to
“protect […] businesses and property against any type of mob activity”.
Different shades of skin.
Different forms of understanding and justice following.
If many still refuse to admit to differences in perception, coverage and
response when it comes to policing white, black and brown.
How will our society move beyond?
People, including police, will continue to miscalculate and make
assumptions that will end in more deaths.
As they respond with threats.
And the solution is to protect property and punish those who protest.
But fail to address the transgressions that fuel the unrest.
If in our society there are inequalities in the justice system.
Why do we expect different when it comes to policing?
Imagine what the situation would be
If it were whites being killed by black police.
Would there be a debate over the need for reform?
Anguished cries time and time again of – please, no more?
Will the Nation be so flippant about these deaths?
And be so “caring” for law enforcement?
Would there be a need for a movement to highlight the cause
and to get their voices heard?
Would they have to convince others that their lives have worth?
If that will not be the way for white Americans.
Why is it okay for our black and brown fellowmen?