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scoutshonor56 · 4 years

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COP NATION

“Bad boys, bad boys, watcha gonna do…”

As I’ve watched our country being torn apart these last three weeks, I’ve been tempted to voice an opinion, but I thought I would let things simmer and roil a while before setting my thoughts to words – see how events evolved. What has become obvious is that what we have are two separate issues, albeit both intrinsically woven together, joined at the waist: Racism, and what America calls “law and order”; specifically, those who are tasked to uphold this social contract, the police. Those sworn to protect and serve.

Well, like America’s fixation with guns, I have also written about race many times – so many times that I’ve given up writing about either years ago; there is simply nothing more to be said, nor has anything significantly changed. So instead, I’m going to put out there some observations and insights about law enforcement here in America. I draw upon mainly two sources: Last Monday’s (June 8) John Oliver show, and a recent post in the social platform, Medium: Confessions of a Former Bastard Cop.

A quick addendum about the Medium piece: some may question it’s validity and alleged source, as is wise today – there is a huge, digital quagmire of untruths and bullshit floating around the mass communications world, where anyone is free to write anything and instantly put it out there. I myself am a stickler for checking sources and facts before voicing an opinion. That being said, I choose not to waste time digging and poking around on this one for the simple reason that it’s irrelevant; in my 64 years I’ve seen it all happen – a lot. From the war protests and race riots of the 60’s, to the beating and drowning of Joe Campos Torres by the Houston police my first year down here (‘77), to the fatal shooting of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas during a “no knock” botched drug raid January 18th of last year - yes, just like the one that lead to the death of EMT worker, Breonna Taylor, of Kentucky, who was shot eight times, in her home, just last March 13.

Also, a lot of the material touched on in this ex-cop confession is mirrored in the Oliver show. For instance, you might ask yourself, “Is there really such a thing as a ‘killologist’ who regularly trains our police force?”

Why yes little Sarah, there is indeed, and you can see him on the Oliver show!

I encourage you to read the post in Medium (it’s lengthy, but if anything, at least read the closing suggestions) and watch the Oliver show, and then ask yourself: Why does America far and away lead the civilized world in police use of firearms, death by firearms, and imprisonment of its citizens? What are we, as a society, doing wrong or differently?

How did a simple case of an Atlanta black man, Rayshard Brooks, inebriated and asleep at a Wendy’s drive thru, result in his shooting death just days ago? By the way officer Rolfe, bravo sir, bravo! Job well done – so how does it feel to take a human life, shooting him twice in the back for the offense of being drunk and resisting arrest? Hey, here’s a crazy thought, a wild reimagining: Considering America is now a tinderbox just waiting for a spark over policing methods, how do you think this would have played out if you and your partner, after finding Mr. Brooks too inebriated to drive, said “You know anyone you could call to take you home? You can park your car right over there, come pick it up in the morning…”

The days of dismissing these incidents as “a few bad apples” are long gone; thanks to today’s technology, everyday citizens (not to mention the ubiquitous security cameras that are everywhere) now have the power to record with a handheld phone; anywhere, anytime, and it has become increasingly obvious that no, the problem runs deeper - right to the core of police culture and training. A culture that recently got Tulsa Police Department Maj. Travis Yates in hot water when during a recent podcast he said that systemic racism “just doesn’t exist”, and further suggested research shows the police are shooting African Americans “24% less than we probably ought to be.”

Uhhhh - wow…

Maybe it’s time to look at this nationwide problem from a totally different perspective; maybe we continue to put Band-Aids and cosmetic patches on something that needs to be addressed before the bleeding even starts. The cause, and not the symptoms.

Yet, once again we assuredly will see some tepid policy changes, banning chokeholds, mandated race relations seminars, increased accountability and monitoring, policy reviews, blah, blah, blah – as we’ve seen it all before, for decades (Hey, remember Rodney King?), and in the end nothing changes. If these methods were effective, why are these incidents only increasing in frequency? I join the many who have seen enough; who feel America needs to erase the board and start this equation over, or this bloody ugliness will continue, and only get worse. For an expansion on this, read an excellent recent editorial written by Mariame Kaba, featured in the NY Times.

Unfortunately, the Dems have come up with a reasonable start, but decided to call the initiative “Defunding the Police”. Really? That’s the best you can do? Something that anyone could easily interpret as “let’s starve the cops financially!” Until what – they die on the vine?

No. But let’s take a look at what this financial restructuring really means, and start with the fact that the police force militia (which it has now become) is amply funded. This is because every politician, be they a Democrat or Republican, loves running on a “law and order” platform – it’s an easy grab line. Who doesn’t support law and order in our society? And if it means the police want something from a military garage sale, like a Humvee, an assault vehicle, military grade ordinance and all kinds of fun urban warfare toys? No problem!

Jeez, why does America accept this as necessary? Because our culture, out TV shows, our movies, are saturated with the fairytale myth of “they’re out there everywhere, the ‘bad guys’, and the only thing protecting the sheep from the wolves are the police!” We glorify and promote the idea of our security and protection depends on a steely-eyed squad who are not afraid to use a gun; from the days of the old west, to organized crime during prohibition, to Nixon in 1971 making drug abuse “public enemy #1”, declaring war on the scourge of violent drug dealers that overtook our streets and enslaved our children!

Which, I might add, has proven a laughable failure by any and all standards, and has cost the U.S. over a TRILLION dollars since 1971, while glutting our jails to overflowing with non-violent offenders and ruining countless families.

Watch a cop show (or movie) and see how long it takes before the guns come out to finalize justice, to provide closure and a happy ending. Justice ends with the scum bleeding out on the sidewalk. “COPS”!? Are you fucking kidding me? I didn’t even know it was still on the air – 31 years… Oh, we feel so safe and secure in our homes as we watch the shirtless rabble led off in handcuffs to the squad car!

Who watches a show filled with actual arrests for entertainment?

Meanwhile, let’s leave fantasy land and take a look at the real world: Did you know the vast majority of police action is what they call “reactive”? Meaning responding to noise complaints, issuing parking and traffic citations, dealing with the homeless, domestic disputes, and other noncriminal, societal issues. Most cops make one felony arrest a year – one. And here lies the nut of the problem: armed police being called out mostly to deal with issues such as these.

Things that should, and could, be handled by trained professionals in these fields, not some cop who got 1,000 hours of training at the academy, little of it having to do with these issues. And I say this in defense of the police, and this is what “defunding” really means. They shouldn’t have to deal with these problems, and most are ill equipped to do so – they’re cops! If all you have is a hammer (club and gun), and you were trained to be a carpenter, everything gets treated like a nail. This is ridiculous that our police are expected to wear so many hats and are so over extended. Free them up to deal with actual criminal issues. If one of the other scenarios turns violent or threatening, then call the police.

Why does America find this concept so alien – so non-applicable here in the USA? What, are our citizens somehow different than in the rest of the world?

Bottom line, these are problems that exist because of the anemic funding in areas such as education, housing, and our shameful, for profit healthcare system that leaves millions uninsured and one medical emergency away from bankruptcy. The positively obscene gap of income inequality that grows ever larger. The false promises of politicians. America is increasingly angry and frustrated with a government that is structured to favor the rich. So yes, let’s try diverting some of police funding and instead put it into social programs involved with education, housing, mental health, etc. These areas and the lack of funding are the seed, and then the root of most of society’s ills today – and yes, that often grow into crime and violence. Often these are people that we’ve let fall thru the cracks, who didn’t get the same chance, the same opportunities; and who need a little help.

Pay the police a better wage, attract and demand a more educated and diverse pool of applicants, and free them up to do what they are ideally supposed to do – PROTECT AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY. They shouldn’t be seen as our enemy, nor should we be theirs.

“You have to dominate, if you don’t dominate you’re wasting your time – you’re going to look like a bunch of jerks…You have to put them in jail for ten years and you’ll never see this stuff again.”

- Trump addressing governors during a video conference call, June 1

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theparaminds · 6 years

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The image an artist presents to their fans is essential towards their growth and success in any industry, needing originality and honesty to become something unique that can continue to develop and engage. Though, it’s tricky to shift that image in any such way without backlash and hatred, leading most to halt their evolution and future success. But embracing and sticking to a change can ultimately be the moment that completely shifts the situation, launching oneself into stardom, or into irrelevancy.

Internet personality, meme maker and musician Ka5sh has come to grips with this choice, asking himself if he should stick to the memes and jokes he rose with, or if he should go back to the taking being a musician full time, neglecting his former work. But Ka5sh has a different answer to all this: why not both? Ka5sh has completely separated himself from the crowd by continuing to be honest in his personality and sticking true to his roots while exploring his true passions. All without shifting his personality. For Ka5sh, change isn't what was needed to continue success, instead, it was being himself more so than ever before.

Paramind got the opportunity to ask Ka5sh about his new venture into music, artists, his experience at Camp Flog Gnaw and the end of the world.

Paramind: First off, as always, how’s your day going?

Ka5sh: Day is going pretty good. Didn’t do a lot, I re-watched Black Mirror and learned that almost all the episodes are connected together, which is wild.

What’s the main feeling you’d like your listeners to take away from your music?

I just want people to know that there’s other shit out there. I make music for the people that can't relate to the other stuff that cool people listen to.

How do you feel your music, brand and overall type of content will change as you grow as a person?

It’s constantly changing, I’m so afraid of being a one hit wonder loser nerd so I’m always shedding my skin so I don’t get stuck in a bad place. I eventually just wanna make super James Blake ass music.

Are there any musical artists you aspire to be like? Or, are you focused on being as unique and true to yourself as possible?

James Blake, Kanye and Donald Glover. But my music doesn’t sound like that. I suck at imitating people so I guess that’s why my music sounds like nobody else’s really...

You’ve spoken out against rap artists who glorify negative values, how would you like to see Hip Hop culture change and where do they come about from?

I think a lot of people are getting more woke about shit like violence against women and being creeps and weirdos maybe this year we will stop putting dudes like that on.

Recently you played at Camp Flog Gnaw alongside Venessa Michaels; How did it feel to be recognized solely for your musical efforts and to be sharing the weekend with dedicated fans and the other artists performing?

It’s sick. It’s what I’ve always wanted. I realized I had a lot of fans out there, which is siccck, I always feel like nobody knows who i am...

Do you have any new projects coming soon you can speak of or is all being kept a secret?

Yeah, my goal is to put out a mixtape ASAP and then drop a bigger project. I’m really trying to make myself double famous this year.

Are there any parts of Ka5sh as a person you feel get lost in the online humour?

My whole thing is super confusing, no one knows if I’m ever serious or joking which I like. I think everyone gets me for the most part.

What are the best and worst things social media has brought to society coming from someone who started their career off it?

We have a lot of learning to do. Like, how to behave collectively as people and what are socially acceptable things to do, shit like that because the internet is still pretty new. Idk it’s sick though. The internet is still the Wild Wild West and can make your life or ruin it and there’s way to know which will happen to you.

How would you like to be remembered 100 years from now? Note: If civilization still exists by then.

Hmmmmmm... Savior of the Universe.

Which current artists are exciting you the most for the future of music?

King Krule. Lil Pump. Lil Uzi. Future. James Blake.

To end on a fun note: what is the single greatest movie ever made and why?

Holes, but also Mean Girls. I have no solid reason but they are both fire movies.

Also, is there anyone or anything you’d like to shout out or promote?

I’m so bad at shouting people out. Shout out Chanel Westcoast and look out for my next meme art show and Valentines Day dance.

Paramind would like to thank Ka5sh for taking the time for this interview, his new ventures will for sure appease fans itching for more of his unique personality, all the while still staying true to his meme centric roots.

Follow Ka5sh:

Soundcloud

Twitter

Instagram

Follow Paramind:

Follow Paramind on Instagram and twitter

Interview and words by Guy Mizrahi

#Hiphop #music #rap #youth #culture #memes #sound

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scifimagpie · 5 years

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Political Oroboros: Why Marx Is Not Enough

First of all, I realise the title of this piece is inflammatory, so let me lay out some caveats.

I am absolutely not conservative. (One of the first things to know about leftist fighting and discussions online is that 'liberal' has two different meanings; the broad sense in which conservative commentators use it, and the more specific and technically correct sense that leftists sometimes use it - as well as the tertiary sense of, "anyone who isn't quite radical enough.')

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a liberal in the sense of condoning a capitalist system; I do find the most common ground with proponents of democratic socialism. However, some elements of communist ideology do seem solid, although I tend to like many of the ideas I've seen from anarcho-syndicalists more.

Confused by those terms? You're not alone, but some of the hippest trends among the youth of today are not just trap music and street wear - it's political and philosophical discourse. Different streams of communism and anarchism and debating the concepts of idealists through the ages is pretty great, but treating those ideas as a firm road map and, perhaps, the only acceptable solution or map, is not so excellent.

After several weeks of careful surveillance and investigation, I also came to some unsettling and unsavory conclusions.

Source

There's a weird and disconcerting mix of progressive and regressive ideas in this new wild west of a political movement; using "gay" and "retard" as insults in this year, and talking about second-wave feminist gender concepts (Penis = man! Vagina = woman! are not scientifically validated ideas anymore, even if they have held sway for a long time) as though they're based on reality is...a special kind of confusing, frankly. The person mentioned below isn't actually the "leader" of Antifa (antifacism is a general belief and approach, not an organization; the Black Bloc is something different) but the points they're making shouldn't actually have to be made. And yet, here we are. (To clarify: this person's opinion is, as far as I'm concerned, correct, because it's a summary of historical facts.)

We can try to tweak the perspective on things and change the way someone is seen, but facts have this tendency to assert themselves. And when those facts take the form of thousands of dead bodies, politely covering them up or scootching them out of the way is a bit harder. In the case of leaders such as Winston Churchill, it's been easier to laud their successes and forget the death toll because they were victorious, but it doesn't erase his contributions to the Bengal Famine and his decision to test gas weapons on Kurdish villagers.

Yet even when we debate the value and leadership of dictators, history tends to reassert itself.

“History isn’t like that. History unravels gently, like an old sweater. It has been patched and darned many times, reknitted to suit different people, shoved in a box under the sink of censorship to be cut up for the dusters of propaganda, yet it always—eventually—manages to spring back into its old familiar shape. History has a habit of changing the people who think they are changing it. History always has a few tricks up its frayed sleeve.” ― Terry Pratchett, Mort

Nobody is good enough

Of course, just because someone agrees with history (!) and is willing to unflinchingly consider mass murderers as guilty of their crimes doesn't mean they'll avoid participating in the cannibalistic discussions of leftist politics. A particularly difficult issue has been criticism of the Youtuber Contrapoints, who has both been lauded for her very real effects in de-radicalizing extremists, and criticized for fumbling her way through understanding non-binary genders (and struggling to deal with the flood of online criticism afterwards.) But merely liking a figure who is problematic (or worse, Trash, if they have failed one time too many) can be grounds for a friendship breaking up or the sort of extremely tense, stressful discussion that keeps one awake for hours afterwards.

As I said on Facebook one night, "Whiny comment of the night: it would be easier to unite the left if the radicals weren't so dead-set on everyone just converting to their beliefs as much as possible.And Seems like you can learn about Marxism, cultural history, feminism, and all of that...but it's impossible to unlearn American cultural hegemonic approaches and seeing violence as the default/best option." But to clarify, this isn't speculation without sourcing. I did a bit of an investigation into a few leftist pages, and it was really unnerving to see the number of pro-gun and "eat the rich" and "fetch the guillotines" sorts of remarks and posters. The thing is, we've all done that dance before, and it's going on in other countries at the moment. Riots and protests are excellent when they work, but sometimes, they don't - and we don't talk about what happens when they don't.

The risk of small government

At the risk of sounding like a cranky old lady, smaller governments are still governments. People who think some military junta of kids with guns can replace all the architecture and organizational levels of "the state" are welcome to try working in a city planning office as an admin assistant some time. Having done that myself, I would welcome anyone who wants to just replace and rewrite all those land laws, which by the way exist for reasons, to maybe take a civil engineering course or two.

And if you DON'T want to replace all that architecture, just get rid of the bad stuff - congrats, that's actually just reformism, which is still a far cry from "just accepting things the way they are."

As a fan and casual scholar of cults, I've had many opportunities to see examples of small, ideologically-driven communities turn rotten. Frankly, I wouldn't trust my own town to just secede and govern itself, even though I'm very pleased with our mayor's decisions. I know too much about white people and sociology and Christianity (as well as other religions and groups) to trust that small, self-governing, autonomous groups will be fine on their lonesome. We're kinda in a globalized society with many, many supply chains. If you don't like that, get working on a time machine.

Yet even if one were to travel back in time, we've always had international trade and whatnot, and isolationism has never worked especially well. Also it's how you get fascism in the first place, so...history says it's how you make the exact monster you're trying to fight. Worst of all, these defenses of fascists and murderers do nothing but divide us along sectarian points of conflict.

Sometimes I worry the Revolution will just be online and never actually get offline

— 🏴🛡Justin🛡🏴 (@sharkle82) July 19, 2019

What do we do?

Honestly, my approach lately has just been to ignore Leftbook and debate spaces and not engage. Trying to discuss theory and concepts has led to some arguments over the applications of violence that have, honestly, made me stop trusting and just lose certain friends altogether. One otherwise brave and locally committed person said, "violence is neither good nor bad. It's a tool." Although I agree that self-defense actions are not exactly violent, I just don't think we should glorify aggression, or be eager to shed blood. It tends to lead to bad results, and it's uncomfortably similar to the stance we're opposing. My take?

Personally, I don't trust anyone who thinks the problems will all be fixed if we just kill a few of the right people.

The people who sit around day-dreaming about 19th century revolutionaries aren't necessarily the ones helping to, say, actually fight the battles that need fighting here and now. It may seem ridiculous to say, "hey, watch out for this," and also, "but you can basically ignore it," but frankly, that approach has worked extremely well for me in real life.

The key is this. What do you want to accomplish, in practical terms? Forget about "praxis" and "theory"; what are the concrete, fundamental changes you want to see, and the results you want in society and your community? Every change comes incrementally. Evolution is unavoidable. However, we have an existing system that we can use - and dare I say it, that we can apply our strength to if we're determined enough.

How to change the world

Writing actual letters to politicians in my city, province, and country, engaging in the community fight for preservation of a local Safe Consumption Site, signing petitions for various environmental protection causes, and applying pressure to politicians, as well as keeping an eye on actual local white supremacists, fascists, and extremists has done more and had a greater impact than anything in my decade or so of arguing with people on the internet.

My only regret is that I didn't start using my skills in the real world much, much sooner. It turns out that all the people who insist that those in power won't listen to "us" are, unequivocally, wrong. And while I do have white and cis privilege to thank for some of my results, I would also argue that we on the left must not presume our own helplessness and confine ourselves to training arenas online. Get out there. Talk to politicians. Stay up to date on the news and follow multiple sources, rather than reading 150-year-old essays. And above all, embrace the power of both individual actions and solidarity.

I have more to say about this topic, but instead of creating another series, a few essays may be cropping up. Until then, however, I have real work to do, both in the political world and out of it. For one thing, books aren't going to finish themselves!

***

Michelle Browne is a sci fi/fantasy writer and editor. She lives in Lethbridge, AB with her partner-in-crime and Max the cat. Her days revolve around freelance editing, knitting, jewelry, and learning too much. She is currently working on other people’s manuscripts, the next books in her series, and drinking as much tea as humanly possible.

Find her all over the internet: * OG Blog * Mailing list * Magpie Editing * Amazon * Medium * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook * Tumblr * Paypal.me * Ko-fi

#politics #discourse #tactics #leftism #liberal #how to #debate #activism

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