lydy | Plague Diary, In Which My City Is On Fucking Fire

I live in Minneapolis. The most recent murder by a cop happened 10 blocks from my house. The Target and Cub that have been set on fire were the places I most often bought Target-like objects and groceries. I've watched a fair bit of the live-streaming from Unicorn Riot. This didn't have to happen. This is what happens when cops are left unchecked.

I sent email to my city council person and my mayor, as follows:

I am terrified and heart-sick. At every point, the police have escalated. I stand firmly with the protestors, and against the police. Further militarizing the situation is going to make things more violent, not less.

I ask you to work to having the officers who killed Floyd arrested. I ask you to stop the deployment of additional force, such as the National Guard. I ask you to force the police to stand down, to call the Chief of Police to account for the actions of the officers. I ask for an investigation to determine how this escalation happened.

I ask you to stand up for the people who are enraged and despairing, and not for the men who terrorize and abuse my neighbors.

I thank you for your time. I apologize for my lack of eloquence or coherence.

I am tired and angry and frightened. And it may be, again, a long, hot summer. This has happened before. It should not have happened again, and yet, here we are.