05/15/2012
It has been a few years since I last covered police shootings of unarmed victims mainly because of health issues, work obligations and my own personal frustrations with covering the topic. Today I posted a story of an unarmed African American fatally killed by a police officer in Jacksonville, Florida. The reason for the shooting given by authorities was because the victim was 'fidgeting.' As lame as that excuse sounds for killing a human being and one that did not even have a weapon this is the nature of the current state of police repression we live under today.
What makes it so effortless for a police officer to discharge a gun and shoot someone that is unarmed?
In most cases it is because the only reason a officer has to give for his decision to shoot is, "I felt my life was threaten." Its that simply. Even if the officer has not even seen a weapon he can use that excuse and in nearly 99% of the cases of unarmed victims the police are exonerated. Your life is completely in the hands of an officer and his personal perceptions determine whether you live or die.
I have been trying do my own part in making people aware that this issue is at crisis proportions in this country. I don't believe that most people realize the extent of the problem only because these incidents do not get major national coverage, the exception being the occassional shootings like the Trayvon Martin case.
I believe with all conviction there is a silent war being waged against people of color. Why should you be concerned with this war? Mainly because at any given moment you may find yourself, family, relative or friend victimized by this senseless violence. In other words a innocent casualty.
What can you do?
First, accept the reality that this violence is real and that it jepordizes and threatens your personal freedom as a citizen in this country. Secondly, dedicate some time to the internet in discovering how pervassive the problem is around the country. Finally.....do your own personal contribution to the problem whether it is writing a letter or calling your political representative, talking the topic up with friends through social networking or joining or participating in a local rally or protest against this issue.
Please invite people you know to visit www.truthatlarge.blogspot.com for some of the lastest articles on police brutality and fatal shootings of unarmed victims.
I'm just trying to help people realize the problem of police shootings of unarmed victims is a serious issue and unfortunately it may get worst in this country with the myraid of economic and social problems confronting the nation.
We all have a part to play. Our lives may depend on how we act.