[RP TownTalk] TownTalk Digest, Vol 97, Issue 18

[Alison Spain]

Hi Mary -

I think your question re: upcoming community events in the wake of Ferguson
is timely, and your idea of using the current momentum there as an impetus
to build community is important.  I don't think your concern is an
indictment of Riverdale PD, either.  I've witnessed R.P.D. doing a lot of
community building at events like Riverdale Park Day and the Easter Egg
Hunt.  That said, I've and shared enough conversation with Black & Latino
friends to know that they are teaching their sons a whole different set of
rules with regards to police encounters. With all due respect to other
posters, I do not think the appalling number of black youths and adults
being killed in police encounters are justified or an aberration.  So it's
good to talk about, and it's good to talk about with our authorities to
PREVENT such an incident in our community, and so that our youths don't
feel like their very state of being is suspect or criminalized.

Perhaps a good place to start is with town council and the RPD.  What kind
of diversity and community building mechanisms currently exist within our
municipal organizations?

I'm willing to participate, y hablo español más o menos si puedo ayudar en
cualquier manera.

Best,
Alison
Tuckerman St.

*Alison Spain*
ALS Studio + Design
web: www.alisonspain.com
cell:  410.935.1815



> Hi Everyone,
>
> I'm new to town talk, though I've lived in RP for three years now!
> I'm wondering if there are any community events, meetings, etc planned
> in the aftermath of the shooting death of Mike Brown in Ferguson, MO,
> or if people would be interested in organizing one.  I would like to
> see our town have a discussion about police and resident relations,
> how to build a stronger community across possible racial divides, and
> how to be respectful of one another.  Some of these may sound vague,
> and I'm not exactly sure how to go about organizing something like
> this, but this is too important of an issue affecting our whole
> country to let the opportunity of community discussion and action pass
> us by.
>
> I would greatly appreciate people's thoughts, and I hope to have some
> constructive conversations about this.
>
> In community,
>
> Mary, on Somerset Rd.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
> Mary
>
> I think the best thing you could do is to wait for the facts to be revealed
> regarding the incident in Ferguson.  Thus far, all I've heard is what
> Wilson
> did to Brown.  I haven't heard much about much about what Brown did to
> Wilson.  It's not the 50s anymore although the media would like you to
> believe so.  I attended the PG County citizens police academy (thanks Chief
> Morris) and it was enlightening.  The protocols associated with any police
> shooting are comprehensive and thorough.  I am certain this incident will
> be
> thoroughly investigated and I'm confident that truth will come out
> (eventually).
>
> I think Darrel Wilson is a lot like any one of us.  I don't know what
> happened, but I'll bet he did the best he could under the circumstances.
> I'm sure the Ferguson police department is mourning the loss of Michael
> Brown and tragic circumstances that resulted in that loss.
>
> Bruce
>
> -
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