Protests in Seattle mean more than you think
You know, I have to vent for a quick second. I have had several people with great intentions ask about proposed solutions to the current problems right here in Seattle and what we’re seeing come to the surface after the countless tragedies at the hands of law enforcement. My biggest gripe with that? It assumes that these officers and officials are acting from a state of good intent.
The truth of the matter is we see countless reports (backed up with verifiable video — some people tried and processed correctly; some just politely slapped on the hand or tacitly congratulated) otherwise. These aren’t the result of accidental tempers or getting caught up in the moment.
We see intentional aggression and abuse — such as this officer instructing his crew, “Don’t kill them, but hit them hard.” Right! Who are we getting ready to apply this to? Oh wait! People with…uhhh…loud voices, perhaps a megaphone, and maybe a thrown bottle of water?
Or the Seattle police officer accused of macing a little girl during the peaceful protests.
Sadly, we also see antagonists and groups aiming to put the lives of peaceful protesters in jeopardy by instigating the police, looting, causing violence toward themselves and each other, and risking countless innocent lives so they can capitalize and appear as if they are part of the protest so the simple-minded can sit at home and say, “See? I told you!”
My participation and support of these protests is NOT to sit idly by and reward the authorities by trying to do their jobs for them. Nor is it to give them the appearance and thankful respect of a job well done.
My current mission is not to quietly sip my coffee in hopes that we might have a select handful of people sit around a catered lunch and slide deck waxing poetic about the future.
We need fundamental decency and respect as people for each other and due process — and the foundation for EVERYONE on the ground. It is not optional training or empathy. It should be part of the very fabric of each person opting to serve in this capacity and balance high tensions with a reasonable and just process on the ground and in the courts.
Why am I participating? I am participating because on a FUNDAMENTAL LEVEL they are clearly in the wrong. How can we have the audacity and ignorance even to suggest solutions when WE HAVE A CLEAR AND IMMEDIATE NEED to hold them accountable for a baseline of basic human decency. This is not merely a change or a proposed solution for how they should look at things. It is a FUNDAMENTAL STANCE they should not only honor but fully embrace and hold themselves and everyone around them accountable — top to bottom. There is NO ROOM to let that fade away as THE MAIN PRINCIPLE OF EVERY ACTION OR INACTION.
We absolutely need to discuss and explore solutions — 100%. Before those ideas can be pursued, though, we need the necessary foundation to do what it purports to do without bias. Without terrorism. Without assault on the very people they allegedly protect and serve. Without unfair and unjust use and abuse of power and weapons.
It breaks my heart that we have many people in this country who opt to let this roll off as another period of civil unrest. It breaks my heart that we have people saddened by the constant reminders of the atrocities that we are implicitly supporting by not standing up for voices that cannot be heard OR are no longer able to be heard.
We accept notifications on our devices for emails. Work chats. Coupons. And yet, when those same notifications bring sadness and perhaps frustration because we cannot see immediately how to best suit the situation and help, we do our best to give folks a choice to tune in and tune out as they desire. With that, we allow our privileges and biases to get in the way. Several weeks or even several months of intense sadness and uncertainty is a small price to pay for those who have lost parents. Children. Friends. Family. People that no longer have the opportunity to let their voices be heard and remembered because their freedom or — in many cases — lives have been taken away…all in the false name of justice and bias. These families and people get to live the reality of having empty seats where loved ones once were. In the kitchen. In the living room. In the yard. Running errands. For the rest of their lives, they are also punished because of irrational actions by those they are supposed to trust.
We get bent out of shape because we’re subject to a small crumb off this table. A crumb off the table where little ones are going to grow up in a world where THEY HAVE WITNESSED authority unjustly take away the lives and freedoms of loved ones. Our sadness over the past few days or months does not even register on the meter when compared to this.
Try explaining that we’re really working hard at creating solutions when a little kid is twirling spaghetti on a fork — splashing sauce over the counter and heartbroken that their parent has been taken from them. Forever. For the many years they hopefully have ahead of them.
Sorry? There was a mistake? Really? Thank you. That makes everything so much better now and puts it into all into perspective. Please. Continue living your life. We’re doing our best.
THIS is where I have a huge issue. Our society is rooted in the idea of building the future together. Are we? Or are we wanting to be complacent and just let things slide and work themselves out — believing that we are in a place where the world HAS the solid foundation of human decency and respect and is merely awaiting the right solutions and catered lunches?
It is also why I am unapologetic for my strong language and strong personality. It all starts one person at a time. One small act of kindness and progress — while simultaneously NOT allowing the status quo to dominate the scene and hope that someday they may get back to fundamentals of being decent humans and respecting people above all else.
This is the change I want to see and be a part of.
