I wasn't at this meeting yesterday, but have been active in attending previous events and lobbying on this issue. Yesterday's action by Alameda County supervisors represents a big win for civil liberties activists and opponents of militarized policing. Continued vigilance remains in order though – like redevelopment agencies, SWAT training that puts civilians in the role of the enemy may rear its ugly head again, or come back under a different form. I have mixed feelings about the decision to rename the exercise something different than "Urban Shield"; the name of the event isn't the problem. The other changes, however, especially emphasizing de-escalation, sound very good. Score one for Freedom!
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
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