Suprise Me, Oakland

Oakland is facing what could be the most significant instance of civil unrest in its history as the Bay Area awaits the verdict of the Mehserle trial. In the last week as closing arguments were being prepared, the city was assaulted with malicious graffiti in one of nicer areas of the city. Phrases like "BART hates black people" and "Mehserle is found guilty or else". These inflammatory statements, along with irresponsible statements from local protestor groups, have set the city on edge. Even now, police are setting up Emergency Operations Centers around the Bay Area, extra cops are being shipped in, and EMS is anticipating having to respond to riot conditions. And no one seems to be doing anything to prevent it, at least not publicly.

What really bothers me is the media's irresponsible, headline lusting, apathetic response to the threat of civil unrest. I haven't seen even one news broadcast put a city official, a community leader, a pastor, or ANYONE in front of the camera to ask Oakland to stand down and make a plea to the community for peaceful celebrations or protests. Instead, the media shows threatening graffiti, police gearing up, angry "protestors" complaining they were kicked out of court for expressing their opinions (when really they were in contempt of court and disrupting the trial). The media has no interest in helping to curb what could be a very distructive riot in the city Oakland that is certain to result in property damage and possible physical harm not only to the citizens of Oakland, but to our law enforcement and EMS entities as well. All of this at a time when Oakland is facing a budget crisis that could propel the layoffs of at least 80 officers.

Since I haven't seen the media stand up and take the high road, I'm going to make my own plea.

To the residents of Oakland: I understand that the city has seen more than its fair share of rough times. I understand that Oakland is a rough place to grow up in, to raise a family in, and to simply just survive without being sucked down into the anger and bitterness that so many spew forth, especially in those areas that are in near poverty. I understand that the crime ridden areas of Oakland have not always had the most positive interactions with law enforcement, and this has caused distrust in the community.

Whatever your grievances are with law enforcement or the injustices (both real and perceived) that you've faced, violence is never the answer. If you feel that the verdict did not end your favor, you have every right to protest that. And I will always support your right to protest what you think is an injustice. When that protest, however, turns to violence, destroying the businesses of people who have nothing to do with the situation and who are members of your own community, assaulting officers or civilians, or putting EMS responders in danger when they are only there to provide medical assistance, I can't abide that. I encourage everyone to do their part to keep emotions in check and protest with your voice raised high, not your weapons. And if the verdict comes back in your favor, don't celebrate by trashing the city you're a part of.

Regardless of your personal feelings, the families of Oakland don't deserve to live in fear, and the people who are sworn to protect you and offer you medical assistance shouldn't have to be put in the position of having to stand against you. Law enforcement is not there is keep you down. They are there to ensure your safety, and the actions of one person shouldn't be the basis for unruly and unnecessary civil unrest.

Please, Oakland. Shock me. Don't take the path that everyone expects you to take. Protest, if you must, celebrate if you will, but do so peacefully and with dignity.