I’ll admit, I had a VERY hard time viewing the livestream Occupy crackdowns in Oakland and Atlanta last night. Writing this post today is even a challenge!
Just surreal watching Oakland Occupy protestors and law enforcement battle each other with bottles, rocks, rubber bullets and tear gas!
Though by comparison, Occupy Atlanta arrests were considerably more peaceful, it was still difficult watching officers in riot gear on stand-by and Mountain Patrol [on horseback] monitoring Downtown Atlanta’s streets. Seeing Civil Rights leader Joe Beasely, OA’s Tim Franzen and 51 other supporters handcuffed and escorted by APD to begin their “processing” left me sad.
Being 100% honest – I’m disappointed in both sides of the Occupy Atlanta argument.
Do I support the principles behind the protest and stand in solidarity with supporters? YES! But we MUST be focused on making progress – not just media points!
Meeting fire with fire, tit for tat, will not help us restore the lives of so many suffering Georgians. I’m ashamed by what I’ve seen and heard over the past few days.
How can we as a country/people/community lead if we’re unwilling to set the example first?!
We are better than this. We can represent a principle, yet mobilize our efforts in ways that will affect positive community changes. You can lead, yet be willing to hear and support the constituency that voted you into office. We can all respect one another. We can all dialogue with diplomacy.
My belief in our ability for social change is unwavering.
But keeping it real, after seeing where we’ve come from and where we are today, I’m left wondering – when will WE actually get there?
#PeaceIsTheWay
Luckie
