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In 2013 when I first heard #blacklivesmatter 
I thought "f*** that all lives matter."
For years I looked at black men being killed during arrest as a known risk of the criminal life they chose.
I preached compliance when dealing with law enforcement as a solution. (Thread)
I thought "f*** that all lives matter."For years I looked at black men being killed during arrest as a known risk of the criminal life they chose.
I preached compliance when dealing with law enforcement as a solution. (Thread)
Over the last 9 months all of my views have changed completely. Not because I'm different. My morals, ethics, level of patriotism and desire for "law and order" remain the same.
The only thing that has changed is that I'm listening. I'm hearing other perspectives.
The only thing that has changed is that I'm listening. I'm hearing other perspectives.
On 5/25/2020 I heard #BLM again. My initial reaction was not different from before.
People said 'Black Lives Matter' I heard 'Joe your white life doesn't matter.'
So I asked people what they meant.
What I heard when I let my defenses down and actually listened was new.
People said 'Black Lives Matter' I heard 'Joe your white life doesn't matter.'
So I asked people what they meant.
What I heard when I let my defenses down and actually listened was new.
I learned that black lives matter isn't implying that my life doesn't. Of course 'all lives matter' but my white male life is treated with more value. I have less risk. When I interact with police I know I'm not dying in the exchange regardless of my actions.
I learned that black lives matter doesn't mean the lives of law enforcement don't. It means that those who swore an oath to protect must be held accountable to protect all lives. Those women and men chose the job, and swore an oath. They accepted the risks and responsibility.
More than anything I learned that if Black Lives don't matter, my life doesn't. If one class of citizen is treated differently under the law we're all devalued. If it's acceptable for police to murder a black human, it's acceptable for them to murder me. Neither is okay.
Police are tasked with preventing crime and ensuring suspects are apprehended and delivered to a court where guilt can be fairly judged under the laws of our land. They are not tasked with providing sentencing. They are responsible for every round that leaves their weapon.
Black Lives Matter isn't a race war. Equal treatment under the law is not some pie that diminishes as more pieces are available to black people. Killing less black suspects does not cause more crime or danger. I lose nothing as they gain the treatment I already benefit from.
Somewhere in the core of #BLM, and #defunedpolice is a change that is not a partisan issue.
That change is requiring accountability from law enforcement equal to the responsibility they're given. The people we entrust to enforce our laws must be held strictly accountable to it.
That change is requiring accountability from law enforcement equal to the responsibility they're given. The people we entrust to enforce our laws must be held strictly accountable to it.
