A sheriff put down his baton to listen to protesters. They chanted 'walk with us,' so he did

[ghost]

A sheriff put down his baton to listen to protesters. They chanted 'walk with us,' so he did

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson high fives a woman who called his name Saturday.

 

(CNN)A Michigan sheriff joined protesters in Flint Township on Saturday, putting down his weapon and saying, "I want to make this a parade, not a protest."

 

Johnie Franklin of Flint takes a selfie with Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson as he marches with protesters against police brutality and in memory of George Floyd on Saturday in Flint Township, Michigan.

 

 

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson spoke with demonstrators who were met by police officers in riot gear, local affiliate WEYI reported.

 

"The only reason we're here is to make sure that you got a voice -- that's it," Swanson said in video clips shown on Twitter.

 

"These cops love you -- that cop over there hugs people," he said, pointing to an officer.

 

He was speaking to the crowd protesting police brutality and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

 

He smiled and high-fived people in the crowd, who responded by chanting, "walk with us!"

So, he did.

 

"Let's go, let's go," Swanson said as he and the cheering crowd proceeded. "Where do you want to walk? We'll walk all night."

 

Flint has drawn national attention for its water crisis, which began in 2014, when city and state officials switched the city's water supply to save money. It exposed residents to dangerously high levels of lead and resulted in more than a dozen lawsuits.

 

FLINT WATER CRISIS FACTS

 

But Saturday's event offered a welcome contrast to violent confrontations in cities across the country.

 

People took to social media to champion Swanson's actions.

 

"This is the correct response from police #WalkWithUs," Gwen Campbell tweeted.

 

This is the correct response from police #WalkWithUs https://t.co/TIJ6cAYJwD

— gwen campbell (@souptogo) May 31, 2020

 

JJ Milliken, another Swanson supporter, said via Twitter: "#WalkWithUs is how we change a system that murdered #GeorgeFloyd. It requires mindfulness of our actions and beliefs. Chris Swanson exemplifies the deputies and officers I know and respect. Community-first mentality and lead by example. This is a mindful action. This is change."

 

#WalkWithUs is how we change a system that murdered #GeorgeFloyd. It requires mindfulness of our actions and beliefs. Chris Swanson exemplifies the deputies and officers I know and respect. Community-first mentality and lead by example. This is a mindful action. This is change. https://t.co/RQ6vvGwFSX

— JJ (@JJMilliken) May 31, 2020

 

CNN is attempting to reach the Genesee County Sheriff's office for comment.

 

On Friday Swanson addressed George Floyd's death via a Facebook post.

 

"I join with the chorus of citizens and law enforcement officials alike, calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of each police officer involved in this appalling crime," he wrote. "The actions we witnessed on that video destroy countless efforts to bolster community policing efforts across our nation, and erode trust that is painstakingly built."

 

CNN

[ghost]

Unlike other cops this Officer did the right thing and won the community over. Now, that the community is heard and understood; the anarchist agitators can no longer hide within the peaceful protesters.

 

 

[cosy]

After watching the footprint of this very sad moment in our history in 2020, I couldn't resist to say, these police officers should also be charged for murder.

The arrogance I saw from one of them led me to start disrespecting the whole "circus" called  "a friend in need and helper".

How can such people serve in any given community?

This officer has showed us what it means to be a police man- he is no different from the crowd, except that "bloody" uniform he was forced to put on

[ghost]

11 minutes ago, cosy said:

After watching the footprint of this very sad moment in our history in 2020, I couldn't resist to say, these police officers should also be charged for murder.

The arrogance I saw from one of them led me to start disrespecting the whole "circus" called  "a friend in need and helper".

How can such people serve in any given community?

This officer has showed us what it means to be a police man- he is no different from the crowd, except that "bloody" uniform he was forced to put on

There are lots of good honest cops and then there's the idiot's in blue with a badge, going around acting tough.

[ghost]

Why some police officers stood with protesters

Camden police march with those honoring the recent death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

 

MSN.com

[dufus]

who trains the police ?

[Matrix]

8 minutes ago, dufus said:

who trains the police ?

[dufus]

I  t,s  D  ebest  F  ilm ...... 😉

[aum]

Just because it's 21st century, we forget all 20+ centuries before us and act surprised.  A lot have change externally since day "zero" but not the humans; we are the same as we were on day one (1) and remain so.  The past, present, and the future are the same. 

[ghost]

1 minute ago, aum said:

Just because it's 21st century, we forget all 20+ centuries before us and act surprised.  A lot have change externally since day "zero" but not the humans; we are the same as we were on day one (1) and remain so.  The past, present, and the future are the same. 

Most of us have tried to evolve to become better human beings and the rest just wants to hate and cause problems.

[dufus]

now is our Responsibility ..... either it gets a little better or a lot worse !

[ghost]

1 minute ago, dufus said:

now is our Responsibility ..... either it gets a little better or a lot worse !

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Its a little dim right now, but there is a light in the end.

[aum]

@ghostand @dufus: We are all the same striving for the same (i.e., I am no different than "the rest"; others may or may not believe what I say, it matters not, but this is how I see it.  Thanks.)

 

In jest:  The general news and chat and the jokes & funny stuff subgroups are no different than the software subgroups.  All of these make this forum as it is.  The thumb may be more functional than the pinky but both are equally important in making a wholesome hand.  And new and improved version of a software release may not be better in fact (e.g., CCleaner  😉). Also, donation of time is as important as donation of money. Time with the help of money makes a thing.  Time with no money or money with no time breaks a thing.

 

Cheers.