After watching images of violent protesters in Ferguson, the Bay Area and cities around the country, I am heartened by this beautiful image of a police officer and young protester hugging. It was captured by freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen and first published by the Oregonian yesterday. The tearful hug between 12-year-old Devonte Hart and Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum embodies our common humanity and hope. Peaceful civil disobedience has been a core principle for champions of progress in this nation, from the great Californian Cesar Chavez to my esteemed colleague Rep. John Lewis. The shooting of Michael Brown was a tragic loss for his family the community of Ferguson, but justice will not be won through violence, destruction, and hate. As his parents wrote in a moving statement, “We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction. Lets not just make noise, lets make a difference.” Lets heed those words! oregonlive/multimedia/index.ssf/2014/11/photo_police_officer_and_citiz.html
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 23:12:13 +0000
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