Sorry to start the thread off with such a down note, but I'm getting really concerned about our freedom. Cops are using bomb robots and sound cannons against citizens of the USA. I saw a photo of a black man holding up a mirror that reflected the police line in front of him. On the mirror was written "If you want to know who comes to riot look who is dressed in riot gear." This is way, way out of hand and I don't know how to stop it.
I hear you, Susan. As it has ever been, I think the only protest that will change the future is non-violent protest. Let the police show up in riot gear. Let the protestors show up unarmed and bearing flowers. The photos that linger and make change are the sort that show a flower child putting flowers into the gun barrels of police officers, and this week the woman standing so tall and calm in front of police. Have you seen it? Here it is: http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/11/us/baton-rouge-protester-photograph/index.html
In the older picture, note that the police are military police, and they are not wearing armor. In the newer one, it appears the police/Storm Troopers/Cyborgs fear the young woman. From what I have read of typical US police training, they seem to be conditioned to be/act as paranoid psychotics. Paranoid psychosis is a classical symptom of methamphetamine abuse. Would we arm and armor speed freaks and guarantee them immunity from prosecution? I think not. There was a young man (white, as it happens) murdered by a cop here the other day; and it isn't the first time. Of course the Chief of Police does everything he can to excuse such actions. The Sheriff (a woman, as it happens) has for a long time handed out concealed weapon permits like Halowe'en candy. Maybe ten years ago a SWAT team in a nearby town broke into a house, terrorized the family, and shot the grandfather dead in his bed. That city disbanded the SWAT team.
The other day I mentioned Sarah Graves' Home Repair Is Homicide series. Inadvertently misspoke concerning it. The setting is Eastport, Maine, not Freeport.
Madness and violence has gripped the world. Saw an item on the BBC that in Indian controlled Kashmir a policeman drowned to death when a crowd pushed his police car into a river.Another headline said some thirty people were killed in rioting in Kashmir. And that's just one place. What has happened to the world?
Just back from Libertycon. Very enjoyable con where I was on good panels, and the trip home was nice. The trip there not so much -- a 12-hours bus ride turned into 24 hours.
Sorry to start the thread off with such a down note, but I'm getting really concerned about our freedom. Cops are using bomb robots and sound cannons against citizens of the USA. I saw a photo of a black man holding up a mirror that reflected the police line in front of him. On the mirror was written "If you want to know who comes to riot look who is dressed in riot gear." This is way, way out of hand and I don't know how to stop it.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Susan. As it has ever been, I think the only protest that will change the future is non-violent protest. Let the police show up in riot gear. Let the protestors show up unarmed and bearing flowers. The photos that linger and make change are the sort that show a flower child putting flowers into the gun barrels of police officers, and this week the woman standing so tall and calm in front of police. Have you seen it? Here it is:
Deletehttp://www.cnn.com/2016/07/11/us/baton-rouge-protester-photograph/index.html
In the older picture, note that the police are military police, and they are not wearing armor. In the newer one, it appears the police/Storm Troopers/Cyborgs fear the young woman. From what I have read of typical US police training, they seem to be conditioned to be/act as paranoid psychotics. Paranoid psychosis is a classical symptom of methamphetamine abuse. Would we arm and armor speed freaks and guarantee them immunity from prosecution? I think not. There was a young man (white, as it happens) murdered by a cop here the other day; and it isn't the first time. Of course the Chief of Police does everything he can to excuse such actions. The Sheriff (a woman, as it happens) has for a long time handed out concealed weapon permits like Halowe'en candy. Maybe ten years ago a SWAT team in a nearby town broke into a house, terrorized the family, and shot the grandfather dead in his bed. That city disbanded the SWAT team.
DeleteAlan
I think the beautiful windowbox is first today.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteIt is a peaceful window box.
The other day I mentioned Sarah Graves' Home Repair Is Homicide series. Inadvertently misspoke concerning it. The setting is Eastport, Maine, not Freeport.
ReplyDeleteMadness and violence has gripped the world. Saw an item on the BBC that in Indian controlled Kashmir a policeman drowned to death when a crowd pushed his police car into a river.Another headline said some thirty people were killed in rioting in Kashmir. And that's just one place. What has happened to the world?
ReplyDeleteJust back from Libertycon. Very enjoyable con where I was on good panels, and the trip home was nice. The trip there not so much -- a 12-hours bus ride turned into 24 hours.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear it got better, Bill, and seems to have been worth the bother. Welcome back.
DeleteAlan, egads! Was it ever explained why the SWAT team did that? Mistaken identity?
ReplyDelete