June 1, 2020 — Demonstrators in Denver Saturday remembered George Floyd by lying face down with their hands behind their backs for 9 minutes while repeating “I can’t breathe.” They were re-enacting the time Floyd lay in the street with Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck.
Unfortunately, as in other cities, interlopers, provocateurs, looters, and troublemakers come out and usurp peaceful demonstrations. Sunday, for example, six who were arrested came carrying these:
In Denver, as elsewhere, we must find a way to make the distinction — if and when there is one — between peaceful demonstrators and lawless malcontents. We can agree with and support peaceful, law-abiding citizens. We cannot and will not condone violence and destruction — or in the case of now former Minneapolis police officer Chauvin — murder.
Well said.
It was like that here, too.
The honest protestors, a diverse group, honoring a life lost and raising an issue that must be addressed..and after they started dispersing, the predators and thieves – you don’t bring crowbars and hammers to a normal peaceful protest.
While some rampaged tried to block streets and start chaos, on the other side of town, volunteers were handing out food boxes.
Time for everyone to choose who they want to stand next to.
He who lies down with dogs gets up with fleas…..
And the next morning, dozens of volunteers show up in the same area to try to clean up all the graffiti, board up broken windows, and sweep up all kinds of trash. At least we know which side they are on.
Some started here at 2:30 am…once streets were safe. In NYC too.
So sad some prefer to be destructive rather than constructive. Hard to make progress this way
Gee, and I thought our 10 am starts were early.`
Floyd was from here. And will be buried here. An honor escort to be provided by police.
Hopefully the Tues big memorial walk will be peaceful and respectful. It’s time.
I heard about that. I have my fingers crossed that somehow decency and respect will finally take hold.
So far so good. Mostly peaceful. We even had black cowboys/trail ride group and the black motorcycle club show up…I know, only in TX.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/george-floyd/george-floyd-updates-on-march-protest-on-june-2-houston-texas/285-55284292-3321-4bc0-b8b5-9bec89c426ed
NOLA, too (but then our cities are so close and similar) Saw Denver’s Police Chief looked like he was using a soft touch, too.
Hopefully everyone can move on to the actual work now – not just show up for the party and selfies. Fingers crossed.
I saw a picture that included the trail riders. Reminded me of the cowboy on horseback waiting patiently at a red light near my apartment when I first moved here.
So glad to hear all remained peaceful.
Did you see Aztec guy/girl in their outfits? (they always show up for everything cultural) or the ones with the “SE Asians for George” signs? It was more of a family and city gathering than a march.
Maybe because he lived here, played HS football here and was active in the HIpHop production/videos/music scene made him more widely known as a person.
Tues is the viewing then funeral. If everyone can hold it together until after that peacefully, progress will be made.
Got a smile at your cowboy memory.
I just saw one quick clip that included several people on horses, then broad overhead shots. The size of the crowd was amazing. I read somewhere that it was 60,000!