Sandra Bland unwittingly became another statistic in the bubbling cauldron of racism coupled with a policeman's over-reach of power. Some ask "How could this happen in America". Others like CNN's Don Lemon find fault with how Ms. Bland did not conduct herself during the stop while other journalist from Time Magazine offers a primer on "our rights as citizens" to allay the fears of the general public, although the pieces are largely directed towards black Americans. But the truth is, every American, regardless of race, can experience an encounter with law enforcement personnel, with the same results that ended the life of Ms. Bland.
So, what should parents tell their children about unwanted interactions with law enforcement? Oh, most black families, especially those who have achieved a middle class and above life style have "the talk" with their off-springs at some point. But are those "talks" effective? Do those words convey and deliver a blanket of security in today's urban hunting grounds?
The real question is, do those "talks" address what has become far too familiar in our lives today, that is, this day in crazy town? I would state as a black mother and grandmother unequivocally "No"! There's not a day that my grown children go out into the world that I am without fear about their personal safety.
Sandra's fates demonstrates that we as parents, much less our children, are ill-equipped to deal with, what appears to be, a growing number of loose cannons that carry badges and guns that populate law enforcement agencies across the United States.
The current, so-called investigation into Ms. Bland's previous life before being stopped for a purported minor traffic offense, permeates the media. But why has not one media outlet investigated the young, obviously agitated young officer that broke all protocol to stop, insult, threaten and then physically abuse a citizen because of a supposed traffic infraction? What was his mental predisposition to dealing with young black women prior to the day he felt the necessity to suddenly change the direction of his cruiser? One video, perhaps from the cruiser's dash cam, clearly shows the officer 'flipping a bitch in the middle of the road' (a u-turn in proper parlance) to pursue Bland? Was he remiss in acquiring his required monthly traffic stops or was he disturbed by seeing a young black woman cruising in his district?
The bottom line for people of color and really for each of us regardless of hue: there are no rules for the police in this country regardless of what Don Lemon states or even journalists with ties to practicing attorneys.
The reality:If you are pulled over by the familiar flashing, nausea inducing lights and then stop, the only thing that anyone can do is to hope and pray that the individual behind that badge and gun is a human being and one that will respect you and your constitutional rights. Otherwise, there simply are no rules of engagement for private citizens to follow that can save your life. Isn't it clear by now that it's open season on unarmed people of color in just the past 18 months?
Think about it - the majority of policemen "protect, close ranks" to cover-up, lie (it's not illegal for a police officer to lie to a suspect although if we lie to them, then we can be charged and prosecuted for a 'crime') criminal actions of one of their own . District attorneys protect law enforcement because they do not wish to lose valuable information and testimony from police officers about current suspects or upcoming court cases. Judges must be re-elected and therefore typically fully support the police and the DAs. And finally, the US Supreme Court has clearly validated any and all actions of the police, District Attorneys and lower court judges, against citizens. In fact, according to Justice Scalia, "innocence is not a reason to obstruct and/or stop an execution".
So, remember to kiss and hold those you care for close and in those quiet moments try to impart the wisdom of our age - terrorists walk the streets of America day and night shielded by badges and kept safe by guns, tasers, et al, and nobody seems to care about this growing menace among us.