Last month a black man died at the hands of New York City Police. In a world where police brutality, racial profiling, and excessive force is normalized, this event is sadly unremarkable. It is unique though, because, among all police-civilian interactions that ended badly, this one was caught on tape. Eyewitness videos show Eric Garner arguing with police, who grab him, bring him the ground, and choke him as he protests “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.” Even then, the story may not have crossed the threshold between everyday tragedy and uncommon outrage if it weren’t for the press conference held by leaders of two NY Police Unions earlier this week. The video of that event is rare chance to witness the candid hypocrisy of the law enforcement establishment. It is a masterful 30 minute act of deflection and delusion. Yet another atrocity caught on tape.
YAY!