1/12
Portland still bears the scars of a summer of protest—initially kicked off by police brutality & racial injustice, then fueled by federal agents operating violently & without accountability. A movement to #DefundThePolice grew there night by night. #velshi
Portland still bears the scars of a summer of protest—initially kicked off by police brutality & racial injustice, then fueled by federal agents operating violently & without accountability. A movement to #DefundThePolice grew there night by night. #velshi
2/12
Since then, the discussion about the meaning of #DefundThePolice has flourished. Is it a demand to end police funding or a more nuanced call to re-allocate some of the billions spent on policing toward addressing mental health, domestic violence & substance abuse? #velshi
Since then, the discussion about the meaning of #DefundThePolice has flourished. Is it a demand to end police funding or a more nuanced call to re-allocate some of the billions spent on policing toward addressing mental health, domestic violence & substance abuse? #velshi
3/12
The debate was renewed this week when former President Obama derided #DefundThePolice as a “snappy slogan.” Obama got some pushback from progressives who believe it’s not merely a slogan but, rather, a mandate. A very specific mandate. #velshi
The debate was renewed this week when former President Obama derided #DefundThePolice as a “snappy slogan.” Obama got some pushback from progressives who believe it’s not merely a slogan but, rather, a mandate. A very specific mandate. #velshi
4/12
For some, the words #DefundThePolice actually mean just that—completely DEFUND THE POLICE. For others, it means taking large chunks of money away from police budgets in a fashion that is both punitive & prescriptive. #velshi
For some, the words #DefundThePolice actually mean just that—completely DEFUND THE POLICE. For others, it means taking large chunks of money away from police budgets in a fashion that is both punitive & prescriptive. #velshi
5/12
For others still, the conversation is about whether our shared resources—the money that pays for policing—could be better distributed to make people safer & ensure a more equitable application of justice. #velshi
For others still, the conversation is about whether our shared resources—the money that pays for policing—could be better distributed to make people safer & ensure a more equitable application of justice. #velshi
6/12
Different communities have different needs that, over time, we have bundled into policing. For many police, every problem is a nail & the only tool they have is a hammer. Or behind every problem is a possible criminal & the only tool they have is violence. #velshi
Different communities have different needs that, over time, we have bundled into policing. For many police, every problem is a nail & the only tool they have is a hammer. Or behind every problem is a possible criminal & the only tool they have is violence. #velshi
7/12
A June poll found only 27% of Americans supported the idea of defunding the police. Another poll post-election showed “Defund the Police” may have hurt Dems in down-ballot races, with 35% of respondents saying it made them “less likely to vote for Democrats.” #velshi
A June poll found only 27% of Americans supported the idea of defunding the police. Another poll post-election showed “Defund the Police” may have hurt Dems in down-ballot races, with 35% of respondents saying it made them “less likely to vote for Democrats.” #velshi
8/12
Putting aside the phrase #DefundThePolice, the idea that justice should be meted out equally & policing should be done equitably shouldn’t be even remotely controversial. As for how we achieve that, I don’t pretend to know the answer. #velshi
Putting aside the phrase #DefundThePolice, the idea that justice should be meted out equally & policing should be done equitably shouldn’t be even remotely controversial. As for how we achieve that, I don’t pretend to know the answer. #velshi
9/12
When I was out among the protestors in Minneapolis, Chicago & New York, I heard their anger. I understand that in Barack Obama’s world of reason, an informed debate makes sense. Obama didn’t berate Americans to choose between Black Lives & Blue Lives. #velshi
When I was out among the protestors in Minneapolis, Chicago & New York, I heard their anger. I understand that in Barack Obama’s world of reason, an informed debate makes sense. Obama didn’t berate Americans to choose between Black Lives & Blue Lives. #velshi
10/12
We’re now in a different world, in which the U.S. president seeks to foment discord between Blacks & whites, police & the communities they are sworn to protect, cities & suburbs. #velshi
We’re now in a different world, in which the U.S. president seeks to foment discord between Blacks & whites, police & the communities they are sworn to protect, cities & suburbs. #velshi
11/12
Obama was attempting what he always attempted as president. His was a nuanced life & presidency, not a binary one. But the violence we have seen this year & Trump’s inability to contend with it pushed people toward binary & seemingly uncompromising conclusions. #velshi
Obama was attempting what he always attempted as president. His was a nuanced life & presidency, not a binary one. But the violence we have seen this year & Trump’s inability to contend with it pushed people toward binary & seemingly uncompromising conclusions. #velshi
12/12
#DefundThePolice may not be the most artful term & it may actually be politically harmful. But it does represent an important sentiment held by many in this nation. It’s time for the next president to lead the conversation that the slogan demands. #velshi
#DefundThePolice may not be the most artful term & it may actually be politically harmful. But it does represent an important sentiment held by many in this nation. It’s time for the next president to lead the conversation that the slogan demands. #velshi
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