Awkward exit
Posted on August 24th, 2008 in community
Paul’s wife Leslie speaks out about the “stripper in church” at Friday night’s Food Not Bombs Farewell to St. Mary’s. I knew about the burlesque show ahead of time and had already planned to leave before it started, but I didn’t make it past the opening act.
The first two songs were anti-cop and anti-sheriff. And somebody walked by me in a “Stop Police Brutality” t-shirt during the performance. I was busy thinking about family and friends who are cops, and I suddenly felt very out of place. So I left, even earlier than planned.
Sometimes it’s complicated and awkward to have a diverse friend group. But it’s never boring.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Don, good points. Maybe I should get a t-shirt that says, “Stop Resisting” or “Stop Rebelling Against Authority.”
Your last point did remind me that there are times when someone resists and it’s the cop who loses. I worry about officer safety downtown — another reason for Council to get serious about crowd control and enforcement. Safe and fun are not mutually exclusive.
August 26th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I often wonder about “Stop Police Brutality”, it seems to always start with the victim resisting arrest. It is extremely rare to hear about a law enforcement officer to out-of-the-blue hit somebody. Yet when you see all these videos about Police Brutality, the victim is generally fighting back.
I know law enforcement officers as well, they are well trained and equipped to defend themselves and the public. Anybody who resists needs to understand, they are going to lose every time.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Hey, I know Paul and Leslie too! Small world, isn’t it?
August 25th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Thanks, Roch.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Nothing wrong with wanting to stop police brutality. Nothing wrong with burlesque if it appeals to you, but the political fringes, in both directions, make it unnecessarily hard on themselves sometimes.
Good for you for keeping your circle of friends wide. I don’t blame you for leaving though.