HomeMy WebLinkAboutWe need change (2)
Christian, Kevin
From:Madison Green <madisonwgreen.00@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 1:33 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:We need change
Dear City Council,
My name is Madison Green and I am a resident of San Luis Obispo and a student at Cal Poly.
As you know, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and so many unnamed others have been
killed because of our country’s systemically racist criminal justice system.
In light of these events, we ask that in today’s review of the 2020-21 budget, you reallocate some of the funds currently
directed toward the police department to other programs and alternative forms of policing, such as community policing,
community development, or even a specific diversity, equity, and inclusion line item.
We believe this is a small request to begin to address the massive inequities and systems of oppression that have been
perpetuated by governmental inaction. Though this will not fix the problem, it will move our city in a positive direction
and demonstrate a tangible commitment to addressing systematic racism.
Given my experiences last night, I believe that this is especially important right now. Here is what I experienced:
After hearing an incredibly loud noise from inside my home in downtown SLO, I proceeded to grab my first aid kit and go
towards Santa Rosa. When I got to the intersection of Mill St. and Santa Rosa I was devestated and terrified to see such
militarized police forces chasing peaceful protestors. While I understand the need to keep our community safe by not
having protestors in the street at night when they may be less visible, the police did not stop their pursuit once
protestors were on the sidewalks. I, a 100 lbs female, was grabbed and forcibly shoved by a male officer more than two
times my size who was in full riot gear. More than 5 police officers proceeded to grab another peaceful protestor who
was behind me on the sidewalk. This protestor was not resisting, yet more than 5 police surrounded and held him while
his hands were zip tied. I was then screamed at and told to go home. When I said, “no, I am here to peacefully protest,
and make sure no one is hurt”, I was told I would be arrested. I then asked what for, and received no response. I stood
on the sidewalk as I watched numerous police run down the side streets to chase the rest of the protestors who had
moved farther down Santa Rosa. The protestors were all peaceful from what I could tell, we were only using our first
admentment rights—not violence. The police did not communicate with us in anyway other than force.
When people ask why peaceful protests are becoming violent there is no doubt in my mind that it is in part due to the
heavy militarization of police. Their demeanor and appearance triggered a strong fight or flight response within me, and
I am sure the case is the same for many others. The flight response within me was overcome by the need to stand up
against the injustices that are being carried out within this country at the hands of police. While I was able to calm
myself enough to quell my fight instinct as well, it is abundantly clear that continued pursuit by police could have
triggered an instinctual need to protect myself. I would argue that this analysis applies to numerous protesters in this
current environment. Therefore, I would also argue that the first step to preventing violent protests is to reduce the
threat—even if primarily perceived—that heavily militarized police officers pose to unarmed peaceful citizens. It should
not be the responsibility of civilians to quell natural responses to fear. It should be the responsibility of the police
officers and officials—whose defined role is “to protect and to serve”—to not inspire the fear that leads to instinctual
responses of flight or fight. This can be done through changing the policing system which starts with local government
actions. Please help us create the change that is needed.
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Thank you for all you do for the City of San Luis Obispo and for your consideration.
All the best,
Madison Green.
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