Jan 08 2009
Bart Shooting Update
Photo of Oscar Grant above courtesy of the Johnson Family and www.sfgate.com
Yesterday, January 7, 2009 Oscar was laid to rest in Hayward while his murderer resigned.
People have asked me why I don’t use the cop’s name. My answer is that I have absolutely no respect for him as a human being and using his name would indicate that he is human. Sorry, murders to me are not human.
Protesters took to the streets yesterday afternoon and tried to shutdown BART at the Fruitvale station. For a few hours that station as well as Oakland 12th street station and Lake Merritt stations were closed for security purposes. Through the evening the protesters marched along the streets of Oakland disbursing into various neighborhoods to keep the police wondering where they were. While it began as a peaceful protest it soon escalated as do many of these protests.
There were many acts of vandalism where bottles were thrown through storefront windows. Rocks and bottles were thrown at the police which is why the police quickly went into a riot stance. Protesters set fire to cars, a garbage dumpster and tried overturning several police cruisers. An ABC7 News cameraman was hit in the back of the head when they tried to take his camera and I’m happy to report that he is okay, just minor cuts and bruises.
The protesters at one point all laid down in the street on their stomachs to try and reenact the shooting. The Mayor, Ron Dellums tried to “talk peace” which was a real mistake because he is the most non efficient Mayor Oakland has ever had. The rise in violence and crime since he has been in office is astounding. He garners no respect from anyone. So, his attempt was not only futile but fueled the fire.
The police made 14 arrests though no one was badly hurt during these protests.
The family of Oscar Grant has pleaded for peace and everyone involved has done the same.
What struck me here among so many things is that there were arrests made for vandalism etc… Yet the cop who murdered Oscar hasn’t even been interviewed by police. That is just unfathomable to me. By resigning he does not have to cooperate with the BART police officials. Had he not resigned he would have had to speak with them. Now, since he has an attorney he doesn’t have to cooperate with anyone. He is totally free to do and go as he wishes. There supposedly is an investigation going on into the murder however no one is talking. John Burris, the attorney for the family of Oscar Grant says that with all of the video evidence and there are many videos out there that it is very clear what happened. It was abuse of power - period.
I also have to comment that I have an enormous amount of respect for the family. To be able to plead for peace after what has happened takes so much courage and pure heart that I cannot even imagine what they are experiencing right now. I don’t know how I would handle the situation.
In any case this is the latest. I will keep bringing you important updates. And, I also ask no matter your Religion or faith, please keep Oscar’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
