An Intervention for America - a photo on Flickriver

Dear America,

We’ve known each other for a long time now and I feel like I’ve seen you in your best and worst moments. We’ve always been close and so I really feel it when you’re hurting. I felt that it would be the right time to tell you…it’s time you break up this abusive relationship you have with Police. I know what you are going to say…but this time Police said they would reform and try harder…that they would make some changes. But, Police keep abusing you and making you feel like your worst self. Police do not keep you from danger…Police only heighten it. Police have not been honest with you either, and you’ve given Police joint custody over your children at public schools. What kind of message does it send when you allow your children to be around Police who can’t control basic impulses and use violence to murder others? This is the opposite of what you should be teaching your kids, America, and this needs to stop.

When I have tried to talk to you about this before as your dear friend, America, you’ve always tried to emphasize the positives about the strength of Police and that much more handsome side. But, that’s a lie too…a fake out. Police haven’t really been keeping in good shape either and haven't aged well, I’ve got to say. You look pretty ugly as a couple with such a loser bringing you down. Not to mention the fact that Police keep taking your money and never giving you anything back for it or contributing positively to your relationship. Police profit off of you and so you’ll be mistreated until you do the rejecting. Of course, I know you so well I can guess what you’re going to say next. Police promised you they would change again, didn’t they? Police swore and committed to taking more remedial sensitivity trainings and that this was just a “slip up.” But, remember, we’ve been friends for enough time for me to know objectively that isn’t going to happen because I’ve seen Police lie and cheat and it’s time you dump this loser. You’ve given Police so many chances to get it right and turn it around and meanwhile Police are wearing you out and terrifying you and then you come back to me shaking and bleeding. Loving you like I do, I’m willing to hold you while you cry but I still have to tell you how it is because I care so much about you and can’t bear seeing you in so much pain. As long as you continue on this path, you will not truly be free because Police won’t allow it. So, you need to stand up and break it up. For good this time.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking being that we’re close and all….you’re worried this is going to be an impossible break up because you and Police have had a really long relationship and you’re right…a shared history makes this break up so much more difficult. It’s also hard to escape the fact that there are so many images out there of you and Police and, I hate to tell you but, many of those images aren’t all that positive and in the ones where you two look happy together, it’s just a staged media illusion. It isn’t real. I would definitely venture to say as soon as the camera is turned, Police start that old hateful pattern of behavior right back up again because Police just aren’t all that into you, America, and not truly willing to commit to making you better. Because, the reality of it is that it was never truly great and the more you’ve found out over the years about Police, I think the more you’ve also realized that this relationship cannot continue like it is. You’re wounded America and you’re scarred too. Though sometimes it’s painful to look at a relationship honestly, you are damaged and battered right now, America, and this is only going to continue if you don’t end this.

I know you and Police have some shared friends, too and I have to tell you, those friends are not helping support you or making you any happier. Like, Prisons, for instance. You really can’t trust Prisons. Prisons are doing a lot of things behind your back that you don’t want to even want to begin to know about. And, ICE. Did you know ICE is actually putting your children in cages? Your children, America! It’s time for you to be a better parent and choose your children over these harmful relationships. Oh, I know what you’re trying to do now…you’re trying to get out of it by saying they are your neighbor Mexico’s children. Well, I think if you are really a good parent, you care about all children. And, this lack of empathy for others really doesn’t suit you. It makes me terrified that there might not be any way to change the damage already done.

But you know what, America, there are plenty of others that you might find a better relationship with that will actually support you and your children. America, you deserve someone who respects you! And you are filled to the brim with talent and wisdom and kindness and beauty so I highly doubt you’ll be single for very long. Look for the social workers, the art teachers, the librarians, the nurses and doctors. Look for the musicians, the farmers, the counselors, the environmentalists, the healers and the givers. Because, right now you’re going to need to be in more relationships with them so that you can heal and get to a better place. Otherwise, no one is going to want to be near you America, and you’re going to end up completely devastated beyond hope. I don’t want to see that happen to you so you really need to treat Police like a bandaid and rip it right off. Say no to legalized violence, to zero accountability, to continued abuse and neglect. You really deserve better and someone who appreciates you for you and sees your potential. I’ve been still seeing that glimmer of light in you and that possibility of redemption there for awhile, so I just had to have this intervention.

Love,

Kirstie

******

Here’s an article about the Black Lives Matter movement and about a call to action for defunding the police. Even I recently learned that ten years ago, MN police murdered a different Black human named David C. Smith. Part of that family’s settlement was that the police be required to attend additional training to prevent police from ignoring positional asphyxia and then they murdered George Floyd the exact same way. When I found this out, I was so enraged I felt like it had become glaringly obvious that this needs to stop.

I don’t want anyone to tell you it’s a radical idea to care about human lives. These cops are protecting and serving no one but themselves and, as we chant in the streets, “Silent cops are guilty, too!” Never forget what’s happening indeed or what’s already happened. This country needs to start going in a different direction today! We have waited far too long!

www.theringer.com/2020/6/29/21304911/summer-of-protest-am...

The above photo was taken during one the Black Lives Matters rallies in Chicago recently and if you notice the cop in the far left hand side is weaponized even farther by the alignment of the street art guns. One of the other chants called out on these protests is “Why are you in riot gear? I don’t see a (no) riot here!” I’ll never forget the night when I was at a different Black Lives Matter rally without my camera and a brave human with only a housecoat or on went up to a cop and said, “You’re in riot gear? For what?! I don’t even have shoes on."

We’re better than this, America.

**All photos and words are copyrighted**

Taken on: June 6, 2020

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Why are you in riot gear? I don't see no riot here

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Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/9.0, 1/1000 sec, 70mm, ISO 1250 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens:	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Aperture:	f/9.0
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1000)
Focal Length:	70mm
ISO:	1250
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop 21.1 (Macintosh)
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