Some of us writing today are long time activists for social justice. We have struggled side by side with many of you to end war and oppressive violence. This is why we are so concerned about the choice of St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington as keynote speaker for this meeting. We recognize that as guests you did not chose the speaker, and we do not wish to judge you. We want only to encourage you to think about the Republican National Convention, the role the police will play and where you stand. You will be pushed to “take sides” and we want you to make an informed decision.As protectors of state power, even the best intentioned police will be on the wrong side of the barricades at the Republican National Convention. Ask yourself why. Are the police “upholding the law” by arresting “lawbreakers”, or are they defending those guilty of mass murder and crimes against humanity and nature from being called to account by the people? Why aren’t the police meeting with the people right now to figure out how we will defend our cities from this invasion of dangerous criminals in suits?
The criminal behavior and complicity of RNC attendees will be off the police radar. Instead they will focus on “good” protesters and “bad” protesters. Even if we share all the same goals, the police put wedges between us by focusing entirely on the tactics we utilize to advance our common goals. If we accept the premise that there is such a thing as a “bad” protester, we have already lost. The myth of the so-called “bad” protester will serve as the justification for all the violence perpetrated by the police during the RNC. And make no mistake; the police will be perpetrating violence during the RNC. Believing in “bad” protesters normalizes police violence. It allows people to believe that protesters get the treatment they deserve, and this belief allows the police to use violence even more indiscriminately. Believing in “bad” protesters creates an environment in which police violence does not have to be justified. Police violence - like all state sponsored violence, including war - is presumed to be legitimate. It is disturbing that “nonviolent” activists are so ready to accept police violence.
Holding such beliefs about the “legitimate” use of violence by agents of state power is a mark of privilege. Those on the receiving end of U.S. violence around the world recognize the indiscriminate nature of that violence. As it is around the world, so it is here. But the “war at home” affects different communities differently. The wealthy and white can pretend there is no war if they choose to. That’s privilege.
Ask the poor and people of color about the police. Ask how they feel about police violence. Of course you would have to leave the talk to ask them, because you won’t find them in the audience with you. Ask yourself why. Ask yourself if inviting a police chief to speak at a major peace event reveals something about why people from poor communities and communities of color are not more involved in the anti-war movement – even though these communities are deeply impacted by war. Ask yourself who you are lining up against when you line up behind the police. Is it possible you are alienating those you would seek as allies? The barricades are up. Whose side are you on?
Karen Redleaf, former MAP delegate and current member of the RNC Welcoming Committee, on behalf of Communities United Against Police Brutality, the RNC Welcoming Committee and concerned residents of the Twin Cities. (comments appreciated at: http://wmom.typepad.com)
