Views in brief

October 4, 2011

In the wake of Troy's execution

RAGE. THE state is not on our side. This, I already knew, this I believed. This I now feel.

What an interesting night to attend my first International Socialist Organization meeting. I almost feel guilty knowing the amount of dedication and fight that has been put up by previous generations and countless members tirelessly working for the new revolution.

Ideals, dreams and lives that have been sacrificed for a cause that I am just now getting on board with; but a heartfelt "thank you" for the overwhelming amount of information available, the foundations to build from, and the people spreading the word that we need socialism now.

Comrades, right now is a sad time for the family of Troy Davis and a sad day for humanity. His words of inspiration and the dignity with which he met his death will place him among the icons of our time.

Use this injustice to fuel your efforts. I beg of you, remain hopeful for the future. The people will see. This will gather attention and discussion. This will fuel the passion and cause with which we fight for; this shines light on the severity of the situation in our country. People will know that this is intrinsically wrong. People will see. They will, for I am already one of them.
Whitney White, from the Internet

Beaten by Eugene police

MY SON was brutality attacked by a Eugene, Ore., police officer on March 13, 2010, and left with brain trauma after the officer bashed in the back of his head with his Mag Lite flashlight.

He was pushed into a police van, pepper sprayed and continually bashed in the frontal lobe of his head--his injuries required 20 stiches. On the fourth blow from the officer to his head, my son put up his hand over his head to stop the impact to his head. That blow broke his wrist. He thought he was going to die. In a final attempt to get the officer off of him, he punched the officer in the face one time. It worked.

My wife was in shock from what the officer was doing, screaming, "Stop, you're killing my son." She was arrested and held for four months for doing nothing but screaming, but finally had to plead out of court for medical reasons.

We have very alarming photos, statements and video. The officers lied and told untrue statements. We would like to sit down and show someone what we have.
Gary Jenkins, from the Internet

From Occupy Wall Street to Tacoma

IN RESPONSE to "Victory for Tacoma teachers": Three cheers for Tacoma Teachers from a teacher in New York City! I occupy Wall Street to fight corporations that want to privatize education. Take it to the streets so that we, the 99 percent, can save the world from corporate takeover.
John McG., Staten Island, N.Y.

No excuses for Obama

THANK YOU for this article ("'No, he won't' for Black America"). It is a breath of fresh air. I am so tired of hearing all the so-called "progressives" blather on about how Obama's really doing all he can, that his hands are tied, etc. The Troy Davis execution was the last straw.

I remember a great article in the New York Times Magazine talking about what Obama was like as a law professor: cold-blooded, technical and chilling. As a retired attorney, I know the type. Beware.
Constance Kosuda, from the Internet

Boycott Georgia for Troy

IN THE wake of Troy Davis' execution, a real democracy would put the so-called criminal justice system of Georgia on trial. Many prosecutors and "honorable" judges would be facing criminal charges ranging from accessory to murder to outright murder.

Unfortunately, we do not live in a truly democratic society. Immediately after Georgia murdered Troy Davis, it was too hard to think clearly, but it became clear that Georgia must be boycotted--especially after the executioners did not go on strike and performed their task.

My sentiments were found in the many posts I read in the New York Times comments section of an article on Troy Davis. The next morning, filmmaker Michael Moore urged Americans to boycott Georgia and said that he would make sure to not sell his new book in the state.

But a boycott will not succeed unless it is far-reaching. Musicians, authors, entertainers and organizations should make a call to boycott Georgia--for the same reasons Arizona was boycotted after the passage of SB 1070. We must not travel to Georgia and should urge retailers to stop buying peaches, pecans and other crops coming from Georgia. Coca-Cola is one major corporation located in Atlanta that should be boycotted. The maker of Kleenex paper products, Kimberly Clark, is another.

It will be up to masses of Americans to do what they can to start boycotting Georgia after the murder of Troy Davis.
Greg Morse, Providence, R.I,