tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635242301425708161.post3288194307322356104..comments2023-10-17T07:12:14.478-07:00Comments on ISSUES ON THE FRONT LINE - LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL.: THE ON GOING PROTESTS AND LACK OF A LASTING SOLUTION ARE THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES - SO WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT?ON THE FRONTLINE - LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085073446909637955noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635242301425708161.post-19015046516178857882014-08-19T09:27:10.055-07:002014-08-19T09:27:10.055-07:00AMERIKKKA.
Martin's dream is still a nightmare...AMERIKKKA.<br />Martin's dream is still a nightmare for far to many of us, particularly 'minorities' and the 'disadvantaged'. We have many, many miles yet to travel before we can rest easy - together. Human history is replete with examples of slavery and bondage. The disunited state of america was built on a foundation of slavery, subjugation and genocide, imposed by a small group of privileged white merchants and landowners.<br />From 'sundown towns' to segregated ghettos little has changed in the ensuing years. In 1966, following the murder of 16 year old Matthew Johnson by Oakland police, National Guard troops and tanks were deployed to silence the voices of protest. In 2014, following the murder of 18 year Michael Brown by Ferguson police, National Guard troops were deployed to silence the voices of protest. Deja vu all over again. How far have we really come baby. Looting, arson and other criminal activities are counter productive and unacceptable. However in the face of intractable, ignorant and unresponsive subjugation and repression, 'rioting' can be the last refuge of the dispossessed. In my younger 'wild 'n crazy' days I did engage in 'peaceful provocation' of police powers during Trade Union actions in London; Anti-Vietnam demonstrations in Seattle and Washington, etc. However that was before the Police State became omnipresent and we still had a naive belief in 'democracy' and civil rights and liberties; besides I'm to old now to run away and avoid arrest, so my only option is to stand up, speak up, stand still and be counted.<br />In Ferguson the overwhelming military might and power of the state is on display for the whole world to see, as is it's lack of compunction to exercise these powers to suppress and silence voices of dissent raised in protest against centuries of injustice. Unless, and untill, the institutional racism and classism of american society is rooted out there can be no justice and no peace. Let freedom ring. It's about godamned time.<br />Just my 2c.<br />Patrick Monk.RN. Noe Valley.SF.Ca.<br /><br />Patrick Monk.RN.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10791177975092608517noreply@blogger.com