mekka okereke Jan 27, 2023
Citizens! *Puts on steel toed boots* I urge you to remain calm at this moment! *loads rubber bullets into launcher* violence is not the answer! *Hangs night stick from belt* We grieve with your community! *Pulls reflective visor down on helmet* Peace is what this moment calls for *climbs into tank* The great MLK Jr said and I quote: I love police, and they are our friends! *diesel engine roars* So obey, comply, and remember we are in this together! *Tear gas launcher slowly points towards crowd*
Show threadmekka okereke Jan 27, 2023

Are we ready to talk about how police dressing in riot gear and acting, well, like cops, makes crowds more likely to riot? No? OK then. Proceed.

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2020/06/01/why-so-many-police-are-handling-the-protests-wrong

Why So Many Police Are Handling the Protests Wrong

Disproportionate use of force can turn a peaceful protest violent, research shows.

The Marshall Project
Show threadTheJenJan 28, 2023

@mekkaokereke

Sorry to keep commenting, but I have direct experience with this. It was exactly this way in Portland during the George Floyd protests.

It was not us who were rioting. Standing still in a line with arms linked chanting slogans is not rioting.

It was them. Every time.

Show threadWndlBJan 28, 2023
@JenWojcik Guess who got the party started in Minneapolis at the Autozone across from the Third Precinct? #UmbrellaMan
Show threadZeke
@wndlb @JenWojcik pretty sure that dude's identity is still unsubstantiated
Jan 28, 2023 at 5:21amWeb