We all know the details, so I'll spare you the long version. For those of you who do not know, James Chasse was beaten to death for running from the Police after they approached him for seeing him appear to being urinating in the street. He was mentally ill, had no drugs in his system, and was unarmed. They beat him so severely that he suffered 16 broken ribs and a punctured lung. The grand jury has decided that this is acceptable behavior, and it is not. I do not care if the mayor and the Police chief make changes. I demand not just change for the future, but justice for now. Not just justice for those with homes, but justice for all. Democracy means rule by the people- we are the people. We are not ruled by the men with guns and batons. We must demand that they be held to the same laws that they enforce. I believed in the inherent good in the Police- that they are there to protect and serve US, the people. Despite being run over by a horse and pepper-sprayed on Oct. 5th, I still believed this. And I believed that if there was a bad officer, the judicial system would punish him. Now I see that I was wrong. I do not advocate for the abolishment of police or of the government; I advocate for change and I advocate for justice. This must be not the turning point for our system but the breaking point. We are the people- we must stand together and demand change, demand justice, and demand that these officers, no matter how remorseful, no matter how sorry, no matter how fundementally good they are, are punished for their crimes.
I hope that you will stand with me when the times comes- not in violence that would bring us down to their level, but in peaceful protest and civil disobediance that will bring about change. Not pointless marches led by the killers but in direct, well planned, civil action that will not only galvanize the people of Portland into action to hold their police forc accountable, but will force the city to make the changes itself. There are no details, but I am working to have something organized soon. I ask that if you are interested in organization or in participation, to please contact me at the email address provided below. I would also like to hear from Mr. Chasse's family, if you are reading this, please contact me.
People of Portland: The time is now- govern yourselves- make your democracy what you want it to be.
-Phil
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