Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Where do I stand? With OWS.

To the NYPD - if the things you are doing are lawful and honorable, consistent with your duties as police officers, you have nothing to fear from sunlight and cameras.

Clearing out an encampment under cover of darkness and trying to muzzle the media indicates that you know what you are doing is not lawful and honorable - that you are trying to hide your shame under a cover of darkness and secrecy.

There are times and reasons when secrecy on the part of government officials and police officers are required - I wouldn't dream of saying that undercover officers should be outed, for instance. But when you are wearing the uniform and the badge, that is a symbol of who you are, and the role you have taken in the operation of society. If you are loathe to show your face in the performance of your duties, then you are DOING THEM WRONG. Your job is to serve and protect the people of the City of New York. That is an honorable profession, and one you should be willing to do proudly.

Take pride in what you do. If an encampment must be moved, you should do so in broad daylight. Show your faces, and do what you believe is right, and do it the right way.

If you are doing the right thing, you have nothing to fear from unarmed, peaceful protesters.

Sunlight is the greatest disinfectant - Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis

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