I couldn't finish watching this video. The police in this country are out of control. The militarization of our police forces and the ability for the police to avoid prosecution has made them believe they can treat people any way they want, especially people of color. Why in God's name did they pull their weapons let alone pepper spray this man. We want to decrease violence in this country we have to start at the top. Demilitarize our police forces and hold these officers accountable. What I saw on this video, done by these police officers, is unnecessary, beyond disrespectful of our rights and shameful.
Thanks for this well-written post. It's so enfuriating to see. There was a similar case (pretty much the same as George Floyd) in Switzerland a few years back, but I don't think it made international news. Not that much police violence here, but definitely racial profiling - no doubt about that. I think policing needs a major overhaul and not just in the US.
They did an really interesting piece on police raids on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on March 1. Scary thought that they can just barge into your house guns drawn without a reason because you happen to live in the wrong neighborhood.
Racism still is a terrible problem for people of color here in the US. Seems it pervades all aspects of life. As children we were taught police are our friend. Nothing was ever mentioned that it was different if you were black. Until every member of the police force is held accountable for their actions, nothing will change. One hopes with the blue wall of silence being broken in the Chauvin trial it will change.
So sad, losing faith in the ones who are out there to protect you.
I was once stopped at night on an empty local road, and I asked the officer 'what did I do wrong'? I got an answer; The officer told me I had drifted over the white line on the right side of the road and wanted to make sure I was not drunk. I told the officer that I do not drink at all, never. 'WE HAD A CONVERSATION' . . . he said in case I needed any help, to call, and gave me his police business card and drove on.
This is a very complex problem. And yes, drive to a well lit area to begin with or if you can to a local Police Station to stop (Do not speed up). Keep this in mind, there are also imposter policemen to deal with. Here is a video on How to Spot a Police Imposter on Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psYZByKNfAc there are more in the sidebar.
I feel powerless when I see these things. This should only have happened once and immediate reform should be the result. Instead, it happens again and again in slight different variations. Either the officers don’t know they are probably being filmed, or they don’t care. When I was a kid, we waved “hi” to police officers in their cars and they waved back. Black kids “duck” when they see a police car. I’ve seen this. My heart breaks. I am embarrassed to be an American.
I couldn't finish watching this video. The police in this country are out of control. The militarization of our police forces and the ability for the police to avoid prosecution has made them believe they can treat people any way they want, especially people of color. Why in God's name did they pull their weapons let alone pepper spray this man. We want to decrease violence in this country we have to start at the top. Demilitarize our police forces and hold these officers accountable. What I saw on this video, done by these police officers, is unnecessary, beyond disrespectful of our rights and shameful.
Thanks for this well-written post. It's so enfuriating to see. There was a similar case (pretty much the same as George Floyd) in Switzerland a few years back, but I don't think it made international news. Not that much police violence here, but definitely racial profiling - no doubt about that. I think policing needs a major overhaul and not just in the US.
They did an really interesting piece on police raids on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on March 1. Scary thought that they can just barge into your house guns drawn without a reason because you happen to live in the wrong neighborhood.
Racism still is a terrible problem for people of color here in the US. Seems it pervades all aspects of life. As children we were taught police are our friend. Nothing was ever mentioned that it was different if you were black. Until every member of the police force is held accountable for their actions, nothing will change. One hopes with the blue wall of silence being broken in the Chauvin trial it will change.
Thank you Alexander.
So sad, losing faith in the ones who are out there to protect you.
I was once stopped at night on an empty local road, and I asked the officer 'what did I do wrong'? I got an answer; The officer told me I had drifted over the white line on the right side of the road and wanted to make sure I was not drunk. I told the officer that I do not drink at all, never. 'WE HAD A CONVERSATION' . . . he said in case I needed any help, to call, and gave me his police business card and drove on.
This is a very complex problem. And yes, drive to a well lit area to begin with or if you can to a local Police Station to stop (Do not speed up). Keep this in mind, there are also imposter policemen to deal with. Here is a video on How to Spot a Police Imposter on Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psYZByKNfAc there are more in the sidebar.
I will have some coffee now . . .
I feel powerless when I see these things. This should only have happened once and immediate reform should be the result. Instead, it happens again and again in slight different variations. Either the officers don’t know they are probably being filmed, or they don’t care. When I was a kid, we waved “hi” to police officers in their cars and they waved back. Black kids “duck” when they see a police car. I’ve seen this. My heart breaks. I am embarrassed to be an American.
Thanks for your newsletter and posting a video of another devastating filmed scene ! So NOT understanding brutal police officers, here to protect !