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| CeaseFire booklet promotes staying quiet. |
In defense of skeptics (including myself at times). The 'positive loiterers' have been out doing this awhile. I don't want to discredit their actions as a 'one-time' shot.
The point being: If you see CeaseFire, ask them for a copy of the, "Know Your Right's Guide."
(I'm not sure they've got anymore, or they'll even bring it after reading this, but the last time I went on one of these after shooting walks this winter, pamphlets were handed out by CeaseFire.)
In the comic book style information guide, (14 pages) it contains information on what to do for the kids who come in contact with the police. It's put together by the Model for Change, System Reform for Juvenile Justice in Illinois.
At first I put the book in my bike bag. But when I got home and read it, I was a bit miffed at the content inside.
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| No snitching' rule is still being promoted to the community in CeaseFire events. |
This book seems to promote just that. The common theme is; not to talk.
This is not the product we need to hand out to young kids, with all the violence and killing going on.
This is not the message that should be going out to the community at this time. Don't listen to this CeaseFire propaganda. If you see something, say something.
Start snitching, people.
UPDATED: I did the legwork for those who want to see the product in question: PDF of the booklet
4 comments:
Here's the thing craig people have been killed for snitching this is not an urban myth. I have known people who relatives have been killed
Whats the opposite of "snitching"?
There needs to be another word worse than snitching for not telling the proper authorities what they need to know. How about aiding and abetting?
Something like that.
Once again, I think your perspective is skewed, Craig. "Snitching" and exercising one's rights under the U.S. Constitution are two entirely different things. The pamphlet is a great resource for young people to know how to behave if apprehended by the police. Every single item in that booklet is based on the Bill of Rights. Citizens SHOULD know what their rights are if they're ever arrested. imo, dissing CeaseFire for providing this information is inflammatory, disingenuous and just plain wrong. The organization's primary mission is to keep young people from killing one another. While CeaseFire works within the boundaries of the law and may cooperate with police, getting clients to "snitch" does not fall within their purview.
Snitching, on the other hand, is what people who have WITNESSED a crime are expected to do. The "Know Your Rights" pamphlet has nothing to do with reporting crime; it's about what to do if you are stopped or arrested by police. And, frankly, keeping quiet is one of the best things you can do if you are stopped or arrested by police--especially if you're black. I have personally witnessed young men in my neighborhood who have been stopped by police for "walking while black."
Therefore, I think it's important to make the distinction, Craig, between protecting your civil rights and stepping up as a witness to a crime. Big difference.
Well-said Phoebe. At least someone around here knows about constitutional rights- which are theoretically guaranteed to all US citizens.
Too much of what is written on this blog overlooks the many structural factors that contribute to violence and crime. If anything, ensuring that minority citizens--who have historically (and continually in today's society) been subject to the horrifying effects of shameful and improper execution of the laws-- are informed of their rights can foster a more resposible police force. A group which should be held accountable for its actions. With that in place, the necessary trust between a community and its elected officials and law enforcement officials can make all the difference.
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