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Film the Cops

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Film The Cops

By Dr. David Caruth

Several months ago, I wrote an article titled “Real Black Men Step Up.” I had grown weary waiting for President Obama to do something, anything, to slow the pace of Black men being murdered in cities all across America. I was frustrated that police were getting away with using deadly force, even when victims posed no threat, and vigilante killer George Zimmerman walked away after killing unarmed Travon Martin. The killings didn’t stop.

In my “Men of Courage” article, I addressed the need for African American men to learn, not only from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also from Malcolm X. In the end, both men laid down their lives so that Americans of all walks of life could live together peacefully, and Blacks could live with dignity. The killings didn’t stop.

In light of the increasing incidences of police brutality against African American males, it is apparent to me that our government may be unable to help us. Therefore, I am left with no alternative but to call for a national campaign of direct action. I call on all Americans to use the power of their cell phone cameras, to film every police encounter with African American males, anywhere in the country.

It doesn’t matter if police are making traffic stops, responding to domestic disputes, or merely enjoying a cup of coffee at Duncan Donuts, if they interact with African American males, stop what you are doing and film them. This level of public engagement may appear excessive at first; however, it is warranted because video after video on social media revealed a pattern of violence against African American males that often contradicted official statements of self reported police actions.

Interestingly enough, the race of the police doesn’t matter. We have seen a white police officer cowardly shoot a black man in the back while he ran, and a black officer witness the crime, and bear false witness against the victim. Not only did both officers break the law, but Exodus 20:16 teaches us that they also broke biblical law.

In most cites in America, we, the people, submit to being filmed, dozens of times each day. The law enforcement community uses our captured images, facial recognition software, and GPS tracking built into our cell phones to identify us, and track our every movement. It is time that we return the favor. We out-number the police, and it is time that we use our collective power to expose police brutality whenever and wherever we see it.

The father of Rap, Gil Scott-Heron, once wrote, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” Well, times have changed. Not only with the revolution be televised, it will be posted on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. He was right about two things, the theme song of the revolution will not be written by Jim Web, or Francis Scott Key, nor sung by Glen Campbell, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash or Engelbert Humperdinck. We prefer Glory, written by rapper Common, John Legend, and Che Smith, and sung by Common and John Legend. I think we can all agree; justice for all is not specific enough.

As you may have heard, the state of Illinois recently crafted legislation that may significantly increase police power to record our private conversations without a warrant. This new legislation, if signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, would effectively eliminate prior approval by a judge whose job it is to protect our right to privacy. This is a significant increase in police power, because judicial power is an independent branch of government, and serves as a check on police power.

Times indeed have changed. We can no longer count on Reverend Jessie Jackson’s Rainbow Push or Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network to come to our rescue. Nor can we count on liberals, the Gay community, or Hollywood stars. What we can count on is, ordinary people of all races, clergy from all denominations, young people, and the poor to stand with us.

Together, we can hold police accountable for murdering African American males. I invite people in every state in the union to join the American Renaissance Movement, Inc. (ARMI). The ARMI is an organization started by conservative African American men, and our aim is to influence party politics in the U.S. for many years to come. If you are dissatisfied with party politics in your area, join us, so we can help you send elected leaders home if their views do not reflect the will of the people who they were elected to represent. Black lives matter.

About the Author

David Caruth

Dr. David Caruth is the founder and President of God’s Perfect Timing Ministries, (GPTM). GPTM is a 501 C 3, non-profit organization that helps the poor and homeless reclaim the dignity of their lives. Dr. Caruth overcame poverty after being struck by lightning at football practice as a senior in high school. He went on to author two books: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty with Education and Faith; and 6 Keys of Spiritual Transformation. Dr. Caruth’s books are available at: www.davidcaruth.com or from online booksellers.

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1 Comment

  1. Please make sure to turn your phone “sideways” (landscape view) when capturing evidence on video. It fits the aspect ratio of television, which is where your video will be displayed. It is important to pass that message along.

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