I wrote about Antonio Buehler and the Peaceful Streets project on Firedoglake today:
Buehler’s story is like dozens we hear about all the time. As Buehler himself admits, his case would probably not have gotten so much attention if he was Black or Hispanic, and he would have much less credibility in the mainstream media if he were not a veteran. Most of us would not be so lucky in his position. Many in his shoes would be satisfied to use their good fortune to mount a successful defense, and perhaps raise a bit of awareness about police corruption. Few would take it this far.
It’s a pleasure to work with Buehler and his people on this project, which is one that unites so many different people under a shared belief in transparency and accountability in policing; whether we’re anarchist police abolitionists or everyday reformists, we all believe that policing in Austin needs improvement for the safety and well-being of the city’s people.
On Saturday, the Peaceful Streets project is holding is holding a free Police Accountability Summit at Austin’s Mexitas Restaurant (1104 N IH-35 at 12th Street). Breakfast will be served at 9am, and then the classes, teaching, and discussion runs from 10am to 4pm. At the end of the day, 100 digital video cameras will be given to activists to use to film the police.
If you want to attend, you can RSVP on the Facebook event or the Peaceful Streets homepage. If you can’t make it to the event in person, I’ll be streaming all day on my GonzoATX Ustream channel.
Hope to see you there! If you go, come chat with me on camera.
