National WHAT Day?

“Stop police violence”. “This clip art is derived from clip art that was released into the public domain by the Open Clip Art Library.

Have you heard the news? Friday, October 21, is the 21st National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation Day.  There are protest activities scheduled all around the country—including Massachusetts   –and internationally.

Engagingpeace has expressed concern over the militarization of police, and featured several posts on police violence—with reference, for example, to Trayvon Martin , Tamir Rice, and Eric Garner  and the 68-year-old grandmother terrorized by a SWAT team that invaded the wrong house.

Not all police officers are violent; not all police officers are racist.  Moreover, many police officers serve in dangerous areas, face genuine threats, and endure grueling occupational stress. But the problems of police bullying, violence, and murder are real.  It is worth recognizing the value of attempts to address the problems.