Thank you so much for this excellent, clearly written piece. There’s so much to take in and think about.
For now, I’m focusing on the words and deeds of Stella Carlson. First, I am moved and grateful that she would not leave Alex to die alone, despite the clear danger of the situation. Thank you, Stella.
Second, she said she’s not one to run when she’s afraid—and that we all have to be brave. She told us clearly that we will all have opportunities to decide how we will respond, and she’s calling on us to be brave. I wonder, and would love to know from other readers—are you mentally rehearsing how you will respond when you’re called upon to be brave?
I am mentally running through scenarios that might require my moral and physical courage. Stella Carlson is an example, and the clarity of her voice calls to me.
I am so devastated about Alex Pretti’s death, and about the circumstances of that needless tragedy. I am grateful for Stella Carlson’s’ witness. It is so clear that bearing witness, not running, has become a vital galvanizing force for people of conscience. We never know when or how we will be needed, but I think we have to be prepared to serve our neighbors in this desperate time.
Thank you for your writing, and thank you Stella and brave neighbors of Minneapolis. I am humbled and hope to learn from your love of our communities and country, and your plainly visible courage.
It is good to use our phones to document what is happening. Is it enough to stop the invasion? Can it be that it will only make a louder echo in our echo chamber? Is it not clear that enough people in this country are ok with what is happening? Is it not clear that the big money interests are not only ok with it but actively supporting it, funding the far right wing. What does playing by the book really mean in the face of this invasion, one that probably will be replicated in other cities of blue states. The law moves so slowly, and every trick in the book is used to keep it slow. Is the administration moving slowly, too?
We need to take off the cloves; we need our own Tea Party. A general strike. No purchases, no use of the internet, everyone stays home, no travel, no shipping. A complete shutdown! 3 days. Corporations that support the GOP should be identified and boycotted.
Our vote is important, but how we spend our money, in this capitalist system, is what determines the shape of our society. We have to unite by doing nothing, absolutely nothing, except for looking out for those who need help. I think 3 days is not too much to ask to fight for our democracy.
There’s no Supreme Court ruling outlining a First Amendment right to record as free speech. Yet. When that case comes forward, and the ruling issued, may it be in favor of the governed, the citizenry.
I would recommend a lanyard. We bought them for international travel, both to avoid pickpocketing and to make sure we didn’t lose track of our phones. In a protest/observer situation, having your phone attached to a belt loop or your wrist can prevent the phone from going far, and make it easy for you to recover without bending over (which could be interpreted as a threatening gesture).
At a time when many people are saying we should attend protests without cell phones or smart watches, this makes the case for doing just the opposite. Wanting to eliminate any trace of ourselves is the understandable result of fear, but getting trained and being willing to take out our phone and videotape what is going on in moments like this is one of the few barriers standing between us and an everlasting police state.
A great and insightful article. Sometimes I think though if there is more then one person recording the incident if someone should try to talk some sense into the police, ICE agents or Border Patrol. It wouldn’t work or be possible in all cases. But just a “ hey man, look whet you’re doing! That’s not right and you know it! But without another witness recording would be the priority. I just think if one officer involved can be brought back to the reality of what is happening then maybe a life can be saved. This of course would not generally work for the horrible violence in war.
Thank you so much for this excellent, clearly written piece. There’s so much to take in and think about.
For now, I’m focusing on the words and deeds of Stella Carlson. First, I am moved and grateful that she would not leave Alex to die alone, despite the clear danger of the situation. Thank you, Stella.
Second, she said she’s not one to run when she’s afraid—and that we all have to be brave. She told us clearly that we will all have opportunities to decide how we will respond, and she’s calling on us to be brave. I wonder, and would love to know from other readers—are you mentally rehearsing how you will respond when you’re called upon to be brave?
I am mentally running through scenarios that might require my moral and physical courage. Stella Carlson is an example, and the clarity of her voice calls to me.
I am so devastated about Alex Pretti’s death, and about the circumstances of that needless tragedy. I am grateful for Stella Carlson’s’ witness. It is so clear that bearing witness, not running, has become a vital galvanizing force for people of conscience. We never know when or how we will be needed, but I think we have to be prepared to serve our neighbors in this desperate time.
Thank you for your writing, and thank you Stella and brave neighbors of Minneapolis. I am humbled and hope to learn from your love of our communities and country, and your plainly visible courage.
Well said, Elise, and may those who choose to film wrongdoing be given the protection they deserve .
What a weird, disorienting world we live in where such an article is not just relevant but helpful, and even inspiring.
It is good to use our phones to document what is happening. Is it enough to stop the invasion? Can it be that it will only make a louder echo in our echo chamber? Is it not clear that enough people in this country are ok with what is happening? Is it not clear that the big money interests are not only ok with it but actively supporting it, funding the far right wing. What does playing by the book really mean in the face of this invasion, one that probably will be replicated in other cities of blue states. The law moves so slowly, and every trick in the book is used to keep it slow. Is the administration moving slowly, too?
We need to take off the cloves; we need our own Tea Party. A general strike. No purchases, no use of the internet, everyone stays home, no travel, no shipping. A complete shutdown! 3 days. Corporations that support the GOP should be identified and boycotted.
Our vote is important, but how we spend our money, in this capitalist system, is what determines the shape of our society. We have to unite by doing nothing, absolutely nothing, except for looking out for those who need help. I think 3 days is not too much to ask to fight for our democracy.
Only this will change the story.
There’s no Supreme Court ruling outlining a First Amendment right to record as free speech. Yet. When that case comes forward, and the ruling issued, may it be in favor of the governed, the citizenry.
So disturbing that the government is pouring money into surveilling us (Flock cameras, etc) but trying to ban us from recording them
I’ve seen several videos now where ICE or CBP literally takes someone’s phone or knocks it to the ground.
I would recommend a lanyard. We bought them for international travel, both to avoid pickpocketing and to make sure we didn’t lose track of our phones. In a protest/observer situation, having your phone attached to a belt loop or your wrist can prevent the phone from going far, and make it easy for you to recover without bending over (which could be interpreted as a threatening gesture).
Great idea!
At a time when many people are saying we should attend protests without cell phones or smart watches, this makes the case for doing just the opposite. Wanting to eliminate any trace of ourselves is the understandable result of fear, but getting trained and being willing to take out our phone and videotape what is going on in moments like this is one of the few barriers standing between us and an everlasting police state.
A great and insightful article. Sometimes I think though if there is more then one person recording the incident if someone should try to talk some sense into the police, ICE agents or Border Patrol. It wouldn’t work or be possible in all cases. But just a “ hey man, look whet you’re doing! That’s not right and you know it! But without another witness recording would be the priority. I just think if one officer involved can be brought back to the reality of what is happening then maybe a life can be saved. This of course would not generally work for the horrible violence in war.