On June 2nd, 2020, on the eve of a major protest against the curfew in Oakland, this statement was written to help organizations unite around a common understanding at a moment when the government and much of the media are looking to divide us from within. There are real conversations to be had about strategy and tactics, and the hope is this statement will help to begin that process in a way that moves away from blaming and criminalizing to acting with discipline, integrity and understanding. As we look to a future of powerful movement building in the interest of justice, let us also hold ourselves accountable to each other in new ways. Thank you for taking the time to read this statement, and please consider endorsing.
Read and Endorse the Solidarity Statement here
Courage to Resist is hosting this statement on behalf of the organizations listed
The murder of George Floyd has sparked a nationwide movement, and our cry for justice is echoing internationally. Powerful protests are erupting worldwide. And the global police state is pushing back.
The main method the government uses to suppress major protests is overwhelming force and aggression, including flash bangs, chemicals, projectiles, and tanks.
The other method is to divide us from within.
During every period of upsurge and resistance – from Rodney King, to Oscar Grant, to Occupy, to Standing Rock – the government has exploited differences between us to divide and suppress the growth of our movement …
“Courage To Resist accomplishes one part of this program of resistance by speaking for and defending the brave souls in the military who do not wish to be part of the perfidy of this administration. It behooves us to do all we can to support Courage To Resist with money and with spine.”
I wouldn’t defund the police – I’d terminate them. The problem in America today is the militarization of police, in terms of both weapons and tactics.
I would replace the professional local police with a citizens’ police force, picked either like a draft or jury pool. If selected for the citizens’ police force, you would serve a short period of time, say 60 days, and you could not be fired for doing your civic duty. You would get 1 day of training in criminal law, which is the simplest part of law, and 1 day of training in firearms, which would include pulling the trigger, loading the gun, and knowing where the safety is. Maintenance would be performed on your gun by professionals. You don’t need to be a sharpshooter. I would only replace the local police since they’re the ones that we have the most contact with.