I want to note that the name “Simón” is a symbol of freedom. Venezuela’s official name in English is Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In Spanish República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Bolivarian to honor Simón Bolivar aka El Libertador, or the Liberator. Several countries view him as the hero who led them to freedom from Spain.
“The tyrannical rule sees citizens as enemy combatants and strives to squash … .”
It is frightening that this now describes our government AND a monetized philosophy in what were the most popular trainings for law enforcement in the US. The warrior ethos, the emphasis on willingness to kill as a requirement. David Grossman who was never in law enforcement touted his military credentials. His ‘institute’ was named Killology.
Perhaps we’ve forgotten that as it became public knowledge in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing there was big outcry over PD trainings. Minneapolis banned the training & the FOP sued. Similar and other battles over training around the country.
The institute has changed its name and focus but not before other trainers, many state and local PDs, incorporated the philosophy into their training and behavior — with white nationalist cultural components.
DHS has revived this warrior ethos in law enforcement with heavy emphasis on white nationalism.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being comes to mind, for films depicting protest. It’s been many years since I saw the film but in my memory the uprising swept its protagonists out of the personal into a collective awareness. That, to me, is the challenge today. Faced with a threat, people cope by denial, insisting that their worlds are unchanged and that the threat isn’t real. Fascists count on that, to give them time to consolidate and install military power domestically. Uprisings after the military dictatorship is firmly in place are inevitably more deadly than earlier protest.
It’s telling that the Episcopalian bishop counselled his ministers to prepare to be martyred. Some people do understand the stakes. Too few, unfortunately.
Thank you Steven, I just found the perfect movie today on this rainy day in the NW. I've always believed that knowledge is power. I also believe that action will follow by, We the People!
🥲 The attacks on clergy are a stark reminder of why a bishop would find such a warning necessary.
I saw this interview with local pastor Rev. Callahan on MS NOW. His detention was for 30 minutes but in that time it confirmed the purpose (intimidation) of the raids & the racism. (This is the 2 minutes clip from KARE11)
As much as films like this, and novels and columns and protests, are needed, they will mean nothing without action. A corrupted executive, legislative and judicial branch is what we face, and we need the rising voice of so many to be backed by political action. Or that 'new birth of freedom' that Lincoln spoke of will become just mere words.
I want to note that the name “Simón” is a symbol of freedom. Venezuela’s official name in English is Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In Spanish República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Bolivarian to honor Simón Bolivar aka El Libertador, or the Liberator. Several countries view him as the hero who led them to freedom from Spain.
“The tyrannical rule sees citizens as enemy combatants and strives to squash … .”
It is frightening that this now describes our government AND a monetized philosophy in what were the most popular trainings for law enforcement in the US. The warrior ethos, the emphasis on willingness to kill as a requirement. David Grossman who was never in law enforcement touted his military credentials. His ‘institute’ was named Killology.
Perhaps we’ve forgotten that as it became public knowledge in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing there was big outcry over PD trainings. Minneapolis banned the training & the FOP sued. Similar and other battles over training around the country.
The institute has changed its name and focus but not before other trainers, many state and local PDs, incorporated the philosophy into their training and behavior — with white nationalist cultural components.
DHS has revived this warrior ethos in law enforcement with heavy emphasis on white nationalism.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being comes to mind, for films depicting protest. It’s been many years since I saw the film but in my memory the uprising swept its protagonists out of the personal into a collective awareness. That, to me, is the challenge today. Faced with a threat, people cope by denial, insisting that their worlds are unchanged and that the threat isn’t real. Fascists count on that, to give them time to consolidate and install military power domestically. Uprisings after the military dictatorship is firmly in place are inevitably more deadly than earlier protest.
It’s telling that the Episcopalian bishop counselled his ministers to prepare to be martyred. Some people do understand the stakes. Too few, unfortunately.
Excellent example, Dionne. When the tanks roll into Prague in the film, it’s heartbreaking. We know what it means to their world.
Thank you Steven, I just found the perfect movie today on this rainy day in the NW. I've always believed that knowledge is power. I also believe that action will follow by, We the People!
🥲 The attacks on clergy are a stark reminder of why a bishop would find such a warning necessary.
I saw this interview with local pastor Rev. Callahan on MS NOW. His detention was for 30 minutes but in that time it confirmed the purpose (intimidation) of the raids & the racism. (This is the 2 minutes clip from KARE11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyncB-hBhMo
As much as films like this, and novels and columns and protests, are needed, they will mean nothing without action. A corrupted executive, legislative and judicial branch is what we face, and we need the rising voice of so many to be backed by political action. Or that 'new birth of freedom' that Lincoln spoke of will become just mere words.
Thanks you Celia: Well noted.