This morning I sent the following email:
Susan Gaertner
Ramsey County AttorneyDear Ms. Gaertner,
I’m writing to express my concern regarding the arrest of reporters and demonstrators at the Republican National Convention, and their brutal treatment by the police. While the Republicans celebrated the American tradition of freedom and democracy inside, outside the environment could be confused with China. Is this what we have become? Words can only be backed by actions. If its true that our system is designed to be fair and just, than justice and freedom is the only choice regarding whether or not you choose to prosecute members of the press, whose documentation clearly demonstrates that the police behaved inappropriately. In New Mexico, where I come from, we have a saying to correct someone’s inappropriate behavior, which is, “Look how you are.” There is no louder form of communication than actions. I encourage you to look closely at the situation and see whether or not your course of action will serve the interests of peace, justice and democracy.
Sincerely,
Antonio Lopez
If you are concerned about the arrest of journalists documenting police repression, and want to know more about what happened outside the Republican National Convention, please follow this link. The page has links for email addresses that you can send letters of protest to.
I sent the following to MSNBC:
Dear editor,
On Sept. 1 Democracy Now! radio host Amy Goodman and two producers were arrested. I’m writing because I’m shocked to discover that there is no coverage of the arrest of your journalist colleagues outside the National Republican Convention on your front page. If the police in Beijing arrested a journalist covering a demonstration outside the Olympics there surely would be an outcry. But in America? How can we possibly tolerate this creeping repression of our civil rights? I have no doubt that Ms. Palin makes for far more interesting and attractive news, but democracy requires scrutiny and vigilance. Right now I’m embarrassed for America and feeling heartbroken about the lack of concern for the basic civil liberties of our citizens who are guaranteed the right to speak freely without threat or intimidation. This “men in black” theater of police attacking nonviolent protesters and journalists is screaming for attention. Does anyone care anymore?
I’m sickened to death by the news these days.
Sorry, but this is beyond acceptable in a free society.
Sincerely,
Antonio Lopez
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