For everything there is a first, yes? This is my first diary post. I am shy as there are so many excellent writers here and elsewhere who express all of my opinions and world view far better than I feel I can. Today, however, after watching Rachel Maddow's segment on the coroner's report for the fatal shooting of Victor White, I wrote a guide that I decided to share with the wider world than my few dear and close Facebook friends. Well, here goes...
How to Not Get Shot by Police:
A Guide for Unarmed Americans with Brown Skin
1. Don't ask to be shot
2. Don't shoplift
3. Don't smoke pot.
4. Don't walk towards an officer.
5. Don't walk away from an officer.
6. Don't linger in the toy gun aisle.
7. Don't talk on your cell phone near police.
8. Don't hold your hands in the air as the police are shooting at you.
9. Don't be handcuffed, with your hands behind your back, in the back of a police cruiser. Really. Don't. It's not safe.
10. If an officer tells you to do something, do it. No questions. Just do it.
11. Say "Sir," "Officer," or "Master" at least every third word. Only if spoken to first, of course.
12. Stay out of sight.
How to Not Get Shot by Police:
A Guide for Armed Americans with Light Skin
1. Openly express your 2nd Amendment rights by shopping, dining, and going to the movies with an ak-47 slung over your shoulder and organizing a militia to stop federal agents from collecting a legitimate debt while snipers on a bridge have the agents in their crosshairs.
See? It's a free country as long as you follow the rules.