I have not seen racial tensions in America this strong since I was in seventh grade and the state of Georgia was forced by the federal government to begin integration of schools. It was not a pretty sight to say the least and it gave me a good look at the hate and violence that comes from racism.
I have not seen racial tensions in America this strong since I was in seventh grade and the state of Georgia was forced by the federal government to begin integration of schools. It was not a pretty sight to say the least and it gave me a good look at the hate and violence that comes from racism.
Tuesday afternoon’s shooting of a black man in El Cajon by an El Cajon Police officer is another broken thread that holds our communities from pure chaos, and this is without the entire story being told. I have been sickened watching the many news stations covering this event, or lack of covering it properly. So called key witnesses on many stations were people that came in after the incident and heard it from a girl who talked to a girl that talked to a girl that witnessed the shooting. This poor reporting only fuels the fire that is covering our nation, and our media outlets are pouring gasoline on the flames.
Even when hearing a clip from the sister of the man shot, it only quoted her saying that she called the police, when they arrived asked them not to shoot him and that she did not call the police to watch them shoot her brother. Where were all the other details? What was he doing that made his own sister call the police? These are the multitude of questions that we all have regarding this incident and we cannot trend with the rest of America’s media in fueling the fire of distrust, hate and racism without all of the facts.
I am not defending anyone here at this point. I do not have the answers, and neither does anyone else on why this tragedy happened. We need to let the investigation continue. That being said, we also need to hold the El Cajon Police Department responsible for a quick response to answer all of these questions as quickly as possible. Transparency, regardless of the outcome is imperative to hold this community together. Anything else will tear it apart.
ECPD Police Chief Jeff Davis seems to be doing that with quick responses on parts of the matter and a still shot taken from a video voluntarily given to the police for investigation released. The picture appears to back up what the officers have said happened so far, but a photo never tells the whole story. We need as many answers as quickly as possible and if any responsibility is found, it needs to be dealt with properly and justly.
There is no doubt that this is a problem in America, and now it has hit our region. Other cases clearly indicate that there are police officers around the nation that are not mentally or emotionally capable of serving the people. They react rather than act and in many cases they have a personal bias that helps them in their quick decision making. But when you see the number of officers on our streets, the cases that we see outrageously covered, the numbers are minor compared to the many good officers that do serve the people in their community and their safety is the upmost importance in carrying out their duties.
That is what we need to do as a community. Act. And do not react. At least not until all the information comes out and it is clear whether or not an injustice was done.
Being raised around police officers and part of the military for 10 years, this I know. When in doubt of your own safety, your colleagues or the public safety, do not hesitate. And police officers, like the military are trained not to maim an individual when it appears to be a life threatening situation.
We know a few facts. The man was unarmed, but there is also a photo of him in gun shooting stance directly pointing at an officer. It is what we do not know yet that will complete the picture and we as a community can hold whomever accountable. Last night and this morning’s protest were angry, but not violent. As a community we cannot resort to violence. It will not solve a problem; it will only spread this festering disease. I am thankful that there were many protestors that held prayer vigils rather than angry protest. Let’s be careful as we move forward, and hold the people responsible accountable if need be. But law and justice have to follow the course.
