Neil Macdonald: In Fairfax, Va., a different, no-less-scary police shooting
Source: CBC News
By Neil Macdonald
White privilege didn't protect John Geer. ... But Geer, pierced 18 months ago by a police bullet as he stood inside the screen door of his own home, his hands raised, begging not to be shot, simply disappeared into the emotional mixing bowl of American news and political priorities.
That should not have happened. The killing of John Geer is probably the clearest and most compelling example of what amounts to police impunity in recent American history.
... But prosecutors and police commanders and county officials buried the case. Fairfax County's top prosecutor declared a conflict of interest and referred the shooting to federal authorities. The police department stonewalled reporters. Federal investigators did investigate, and have reported to the U.S. attorney in Virginia, who has done nothing.
... The killing of John Geer should frighten everyone. It is the best example yet that while police often target minorities disproportionately, their basic and overriding demand is total and unquestioning submission to their authority.
Resist, however peacefully and even in your own home, and heaven help you, no matter what your skin colour.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/in-fairfax-va-a-different-no-less-scary-police-shooting-1.2960995
= new reply since forum marked as read
