What If Darren Wilson Is Indicted???

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There has been a lot of talk about what happens when there is no indictment.  Speaking hypothetically, if the grand jury comes back to indict Darren Wilson, this changes nothing.  The conditions that set up the possibility for the murder of Michael Brown to be killed still exist.  The Delmar divide, the historic split between the city and the county, failing schools, the need for independent civilian oversight, the militarized response to protestors, a lack of real democratic participation and opportunities point to the need to address structural racism and deeply ingrained violence in our society.  While attention should be focused on this case, Michael Brown, Ferguson and the response from police and officials, has become the symbol of the injustice of the intransigence of a power structure holding on the power and control.  Since the death of Michael Brown, there has been a lot of important and necessary responses to this and other shootings from activists, organizers, community organizations and youth leaders who have made their voices heard. 

An indictment would also mean a prolonged trial, albeit with added scrutiny, but a chance for all kinds of dramas to play out.  This moment is an opportunity for citizen self-determination, the addressing of inequality and the people bringing systems of control and power back in check.  Communities of color often fail to control their own neighborhoods because of historic covenants and obstacles that prevent self-determination. Alice Goffman speaks of how the war on drugs was a ploy manufactured for police to exert control.

    

The historical divorce between the city and county, combined with restrictive real estate covenants, denial of mortgages the G.I. Bill to black veterans and were part of a set of policies that essentially created permanent underclass.   

Our response to indictment or non-indictment has to be the same, pushing for our society to be more inclusive and concerned with human dignity and its primary obstacle- - violence.  Human dignity is what persons of every race, gender and sexual orientation have; It is a self-adjudicating claim that proclaims our humanity and equality.  Human dignity requires us to treat people with respect that carries over to every aspect of life, including  the allocation of education dollars and or distributions of resources to communities of color.  All of our rights are based on human dignity.  Since governments often ignore marginalized communities – it is important that the people work together to create spaces where dignity is respected and human needs are addressed.  That might include developing community gardens, alternative banking and collective initiatives that empower youth and move people to provide for their own needs.  But our lives must be respected. So in case there is an indictment, there still needs to be protesting in the streets and there must be a process where people’s voices are listened to, documented and shared so the world knows and has an opportunity to respond.  The truth telling project is a part of the effort of SpeakTruth: Ferguson and Beyond that is gathering voices, sharing them, and asking victims of police violence to descend on St. Louis/Ferguson in Early 2015 (details will be released soon-sign up on site to be a part of it).  Survivors of police violence will have their experiences, as well as what they believe are the root causes, documented using a Human Right/Truth and Reconciliation framework. This is needed to officially document what is systemic, national epidemic that under- educates, criminalizes, imprisons and legitimizes violence against Black and Latino youth.  We can’t let this opportunity to make change pass us by.  While it is about Mike Brown, its also about the justice, which we might work for through conversation followed by community inspired action.  Share your voice as soon as the response to the indictment is released.

by David Ragland

Fire & Kill First: Pitch BLACK killing...

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Last night Akai Gurley was killed in the Louis H. Pink Houses of East New York by officer Peter Liang.  The victim entered the pitch-black stairwell late last night and was almost immediately shot and killed. This brings up a number of issues. Although it is being called a tragic mistake; this tragic mistake is characteristic of an increasingly militarized police.  Jess Singal points out how the militarization of police leads to increased violence.  Other experts have pointed out how the actual weapons problematically drive police behavior.

To make matters worse, the perception of police communities populated by Black and Latino, are that danger is around the corner- 'so be prepared to shoot'.  I fear that police are being trained to be more afraid of people of color, which has a direct relationship with how they are treated.  This sloppy policing is the result of the fear mongering by the media and politicians.   This is simply unacceptable.  This larger issue is of course this violent country, which is addicted to weapons and lacking the imagination to solve conflict in any other way.  Violence is one of the tools of oppression.  If the US does not want to be seen as an oppressor- violence and guns have to be given up. We are way past due... Have we not learned anything from Aurora, Sandy hook, Florida-just the other day, Ferguson, Beavercreak and New York??? This list goes on  When are the people going to be tired of this? I'm Fed up. Demilitarize now... 

 From NYTIMES- http://nyti.ms/1r4yBs3 

Mr. Gurley “was a total innocent,” Mr. Bratton said. He was not engaged in any activity other than trying to walk down the stairs, Mr. Bratton said.

 

Officer Liang, who was on the job less than 18 months, and his partner were patrolling the Louis H. Pink Houses in East New York when they encountered Mr. Gurley inside a nearly pitch-black stairwell shortly before midnight, Mr. Bratton said.

An officer outside the Louis H. Pink Houses in East New York, Brooklyn, on Friday. Credit Robert Stolarik for The New York Times

Officer Liang drew his flashlight and his gun as he entered the stairwell on the eighth floor.

At the same time, Mr. Gurley and his girlfriend had just entered the stairwell on the seventh floor.

“One officer discharged one round from his service weapon, striking the male in the chest,” according to a statement from the police.

Mr. Gurley was taken to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

by David Ragland

High School Restorative Justice Team Response to the Slaying of Mike Brown by Erin Dunlevy

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On October 9th, 2014, at 2:01 pm, an announcement over the loudspeakers interrupted classes with series of news clip sound-bites, each describing a different shooting of an unarmed black man. After the string of clips, a student voice read; "At exactly this minute, two months ago, Michael Brown was shot in the street and left to rot in the hot sun for over four hours".

The student continued by asking how long young people of color would have to live being watched, in fear of a tomorrow that is not promised. Hundreds of students poured out of classrooms, those whose doorways were not blocked by outraged teachers. 

The students stood silent for 3 minutes with their hands up, in solidarity with the Hands Up movement in Ferguson, MO.  Students then peacefully wrote remembrances on a impromptu poster hung by members of the schools Restorative Justice team.  Few adults participated, and most stood around and watched.  Some were moved.  Others were angry.  A few cried.  The protest, it was discovered, was unauthorized by school administration and entirely organized and executed by the student RJ team. 

The Restorative Justice team at our school, the Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction, is a group of students who are trained in restorative practices, violence interruption and activism.  Students facilitate problem solving and community building circles, represent the student body in professional developments and workshops and organize events related to issues of systemic oppression.  However, the walk-out was a troubling example of how true activism is received in the NYC public school system.  As the Restorative Justice Coordinator at the school, I received a number of angry emails with all administrators CCd, accusing me of master-minding the event and undermining teacher authority.  It was shocking to me that some adults had so little faith that our students could pull something like this off. I spoke with my principal, and we had an immediate, voluntary staff circle.  I was surprised by the feelings of resentment that emerged from this (literal) momentary loss of power and control.   The circle was powerful, and relationships were mended.  As an RJ school our staff is committed to the arduous work of maintaining a harmonious community, even when it is difficult.  But as students got wind of teacher outrage and peers who were physically blocked from exiting their rooms during the walk-out, there was a brewing anger among the RJ team.  It seemed that all of the qualities we hope to nurture in our students; collaboration, team-work, empathy, discipline, were ignored as students saw staff lamenting over the lack of adult involvement in granting permission for such an event.  It was as if, for all these years, we had been teaching our students the fundamentals of painting; line, form, color, composition, and during the night they painted a breathtaking mural. Yet all we could ask as their teachers was; "Where am I in this painting?"

As the team coordinator and Dean of Students at SDC, it is truly hard to describe the pride I felt watching our students execute this incredible act of solidarity.  Our school lost Kimani Gray to NYPD bullets three years ago, and the wound is still fresh.  And while I didn't agree with the sentiments of many of my colleagues on the day of the walk out, after 13 years of working with young people I do understand how scary it is to let go, because, as my student stated so beautifully in her announcement, tomorrow is not promised for so many.  

SDC stands united with the people of Ferguson, MO as we await news of the decision of indictment.  

In solidarity, 

Erin Dunlevy 

Losing Balance Again? And Falling onto Syria…by David J. Ragland

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From October 2013... 

This semester, like others, I’m teaching a course about the social and historical context of American Education. One of the first readings was a selection from Aristotle’s “Politics.” In Politics, as in other places, Aristotle describes the importance of virtue and reason guiding the passions, leading us to balance in every part of our life. These values and this approach to education informed society about what is necessary for the good life, not only as a guide for how to educate youth, but for individuals and Athens. Aristotle is important for thinking about, and education in the context of, a democratic society. This kind of education, as Hannah Arendt describes in her essay “Crisis in Education,” is withering away in our society. The same virtues (and problems) of that society informed the fledgling American state at its inception. Aristotle’s golden mean may yet have some lessons for us today. Especially as this society, not even finished with the wars of this last decade, prepares―despite the many voices proclaiming no to war―to embark on yet another war. As always, some consider that potential war reasonable, even moral. So, over the past few weeks I have ruminated over this passage:

“They laud the constitution of Sparta and they admire the aim of the Spartan legislator in directing the whole of his legislation to the goal of conquest and war...”

Aristotle refutes the notion that Spartan society should be admired, on the grounds that they lost their empire and they lacked happiness because of this sole pursuit of war. Some may take my use of Aristotle, in some ways and at some times, to advocate war, as he viewed war as sometimes necessary for peace―a Just War perspective. But I depart from this view because I find another of his arguments, about means-end, most compelling. Means constitute ends. Do they not? Throughout history each war was touted as necessary for ending war, since the goal was peace. Yet, each war has planted the seeds of resentment and revenge, laying the foundation for future wars.

There are more lessons to be gleaned; there is importance in the notions of balance in life and democratic education, as seen through the example of Sparta.

First, lacking balance, Spartans focused all their efforts on war, including educating the youth to be warriors. I find the same connections in our society, where the potential and actuality seeps into every aspect of our lives. Our schools are militarized with security guards, embedded police, metal detectors, even proposals by some to arm teachers, school shootings and even the acceptance of the murders of our most innocent. Why have we not made significant steps toward reducing the availability of guns?

Second, the focus on war led to the downfall of Sparta. With each war the U.S. loses credibility and acts of war elicit shameful behavior of some of our citizen-soldiers.

Third, this focus on war reaches down into every aspect of our society. Our society is addicted to guns, the concrete manifestation of violence. The lack of economic prosperity, resulting most recently from Iraq and Afghanistan are, in essence, the diversion of resources away from schools, infrastructure development and social expenditures in ways from which we will not easily recover.

Fourth, what lessons do war and violence teach our children? In light of these examples, how do we expect them to solve conflict? We are on the way to losing our balance before we have regained our footing.

My response to this belief in the necessity of war, and indeed violence itself, is to look to history’s lessons. Wars have led to more wars. They have detrimental effects on civilian populations and on all combatants. Ask the veterans. Of those who returned, we count a myriad of post-traumatic stress, other mental illness, self-harm, domestic violence and many other effects on the lives of their families and friends. Our memory cannot be so short, can it? War is not the way to peace. There are countless lessons where nonviolence, dialogue and diplomacy have averted major crises, prevented war and injustice, and gained civil and human rights for oppressed citizens. The recent congressional authorization for limited force in Syria is shameful, for it should remind us of the words MLK spoke: 

“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy, instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

There are other ways to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria and in other places where there is violent conflict. We must let our virtue and reason guide our passions so we can find balance. As Nathan Solomon said, “War becomes perpetual when it becomes a rationale for peace.” Means do affect the ends, making us unbalanced, easy to fall, like Sparta. 

―end―

by David Ragland

Elizabeth Warren, Contradictions, Politics as Usual and the Power of Nonviolence and Human Development.

While I love and support the work (student loan and banking reform) of Elizabeth Warren, US Senator from Massachusetts, I'm I have concern about her motivations for opposing the US military strikes in Syria (I do support her NO vote).  From the Daily Kos - Fri Sep 19, 2014- Warren states

“I do not want America to be dragged into another ground war in the Middle East, and it is time for those nations in the region that are most immediately affected by the rise of ISIS to step up and play a leading role in this fight....I am not convinced that the current proposal to train and equip Syrian forces adequately advances our interests. After detailed briefings, I remain concerned that our weapons, our funding, and our support may end up in the hands of people who threaten the United States — and even if we could guarantee that our support goes to the right people, I remain unconvinced that training and equipping these forces will be effective in pushing back ISIS."

According to the Daily Kos article - this vote seems to place Warren in opposition toHillary Clinton, who she might potentially face in a democratic presidential primary.   Warren stated this past June, according to Boston Globe article, that she would not run for president.

Of course this is politics as usual, but her no vote, as others in congress voted, is in contradiction to her support of funding "to give Israel another $225 million during the Gaza onslaught". Given this contradiction- even if Warren were to overcome a democratic primary against Clinton and Republicans, what kind of president would she be?

While I don't have firm solutions to the ongoing civil war in Syria beyond,  funding the UN to establish protected refugee camps in surrounding countries, ramping up sanctions as well as the proposals for negotiations by David Cortright,  as well as isolating ISIS and destabilizing this group through a series of negotiation and aid to those suffering from the Syrian and ISIS regimes - - I do know that violence begets more violence.

We don't know that the flow of weapons won't be used against the US and civilians and as a matter of recent history we know that there will be more blowback.

The US must lead by example and Warren and other members of congress must be consistent by denying all violence - even if used by US allies- including Israel.  This means standing up to the powerful Israeli lobby in the US and choosing to work for peace.

The US, by many around the world, is seen as enabling and outright supporting the most violent regimes.  The rise of ISIS and many other fundamentalist- albeit violent and extremist in their tactics, they are responding with an alternative to US funded structurally violent policies and military aid.  Locals under the jurisdiction of ISIS are suffering from the heavy handed brutality, which is arguably a result of ISIS anger with US policies, and the covert flow of weapons to "moderate rebels" prior to ISIS's emergence.

I do condemn the violence of ISIS too- but if the US wants to be seen as fair and if we have any hope of worsening conditions for our brothers and sisters in that region of the world we must demand that  our leaders move swiftly to withdraw funding for Israel's apartheid regime, stop funding to dictatorial regimes around the world, press for peace between Israel and Palestine, to stop occupation of its own communities in urban areas (Ferguson and communities around the US),  and use those savings to reinvigorate the US infrastructure - providing real economic opportunities to the most impoverished places in US while  providing massive humanitarian aid and structural (educational and green infrastructure)  development monies for people in the global south to flourish in ways consistent with their own dignity.

The world is in flux during this epochal moment in history and their are choices to be made.  If our government does not make the changes - we must withdraw all support.  A government without consent of its people will fall.

This is the essence of nonviolent power... it is us who empower our politicians to make choices from Ferguson to Syria and Palestine. We should step off the ledge and let them fall- or we will all tumble...

I like Warren, but we should encourage her to be consistent- I believe she's one of the best hopes for some reform this nation has- but she needs to see violence - even if used by US ally Israel as most people who suffer from it does- a violation of our dignity and the possibility of a good life.  Our children are watching and learning from these choices- what lesson do we want them to learn?



 

to give Israel another $225 million during the Gaza onslaught. - See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2014/08/elizabeth-palestinian-civilians#sthash.HtK03Lbq.dpuf

to give Israel another $225 million during the Gaza onslaught. - See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2014/08/elizabeth-palestinian-civilians#sthash.HtK03Lbq.dpuf

to give Israel another $225 million during the Gaza onslaught. - See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2014/08/elizabeth-palestinian-civilians#sthash.HtK03Lbq.dpuf

The militarized technology guiding the behavior- not good policing using technology well...

Title continued: Or is it that police value their own lives above those they've sworn to protect... ? And should'nt police be held to a higher standard with the amount of power they wield and the force they can inflict?

Multiple news outlets are reporting on the restart of the trial for Detroit Police officer who killed 7 year old Aiyana Stanley-Jones.  Many things are problematic about this case and the broader set of circumstances. The use of riot gear/military equipment does not seem to be appropriate in all of the instances police are using them.  This link http://www.cato.org/raidmap - is the Cato institute's map of botched raids.   NPR & DemocracyNow also report the increasing 'mistakes' or 'misfires' with this new shock and awe style policing.  But what it reflects is how police across the country are receiving military grade equipment and many routine policing activities look like swat level operations.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/19/aiyana-stanley-jones-detroit-police-trial-shooting

Trial restarts for Detroit policeman who shot seven-year-old girl during raid

Detroit Police Officer Joseph Weekley, 38, right, and his attorney, Steve Fishman, listen to the opening statement of the prosecutor on day one of his retrial in Detroit. Photograph: Regina H. Boone/AP

A member of an elite Detroit police team failed to follow his training when he stormed a house looking for a murder suspect with his finger on the trigger and shot a seven-year-old girl who was asleep on the couch, a prosecutor said Thursday at the start of an involuntary manslaughter trial.
All sides acknowledge that Aiyana Stanley-Jones’ death was not intentional. But prosecutors say Officer Joseph Weekley’s actions in 2010 were a crime because he handled his submachine gun in a reckless manner.
It is Weekley’s second trial, coming 15 months after another jury failed to reach a verdict.
“There’s a lot of noise in this case – the media, finger-pointing – but it comes down to one simple thing: was the defendant grossly negligent when he pulled the trigger on his gun?” prosecutor Rob Moran told jurors.
“You have to use ordinary care in the exercise of your duties,” Moran said. “He didn’t follow ordinary care. … If he didn’t pull the trigger, Aiyana would be alive.”


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While Ferguson is in the news and it should be, this is an ongoing and troubling pattern of abuse of this weaponized technology by police.  Here are some links:
1. http://www.sott.net/article/276655-Militarization-of-American-police-Skyrocketing-SWAT-team-raids-causing-needless-deaths-of-innocent-suspects

2. http://www.mintpressnews.com/us-police-murdered-5000-innocent-civilians-since-911/172029/

3. http://www.democracynow.org/2014/8/15/cops_or_soldiers_pentagon_dhs_helped

4. http://www.democracynow.org/2011/12/27/the_war_at_home_militarized_local

5. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/24/325236889/report-points-to-dangerous-militarization-of-u-s-law-enforcement

6. http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/08/how-militarizing-police-can-increase-violence.html

Cartoon: The banality of barbarism by Matt Bors from the Daily Kos

The fact that the US condemns violence elsewhere but then uses violence to solve its problem is so very problematic.  What is the US govt. teaching American youth...? That its ok to use violence?  While the human condition is complex and contradictory, there must be some realization somewhere of American hypocrisy and exceptionalism.  All violence essentially violates human dignity.