this week seems to be going ok, 8/12 sites still occupied apparently,
i'm intrigued about the xr "policy" on police. Activist types criticise them endlessly for this in most patronising terms, i wonder whether it's more deliberate - xr are disdainful of activism, though there are seasoned activists among them who know the ropes. But i haven't seen any activist type asking that question: what are the reasons why you are soft on cops?
felt this deserved a more of an answer:
i love xr for itÂ’s synthesis of so many great newish ideas. many from psychology.
- other forms of effective power apart from force and cohesion (french & raven)
- wilber, spectrum of consciousness, integral, going beyond poor me don’t you feel bad ‘green meanies’ etc. The ability to hold conflict... i.e. we are now in teal consciousness.
- Marshall Rosenberg: (and active listening in general) getting in touch with feelings, understanding the needs behind those feelings. Conflict resilience through alternative stratagem to meet those needs..
i.e. i empathise with my self and the police as individuals, they imo often have a need to provide safety for the group and find role and purpose in this. i get their pain caught in the system. i do not blame them individually. yes i feel ferocious rage at the same time.I also understand imo that groups of people have made decisions to destroy the potential of life in the future. Yes I very much blame the group and the idea space they hold who use these imo fatal strategies for life on this rare planet. This is such a struggle for me as i see how the police pick on minorities and the innocent and vulnerable in the last 3 days. many tears.
here is an example of a message this morning on broadcast:
“We remain non-violent and respectful where respect is shown to us. We avoid blaming and shaming those whose actions are also affected and fuelled by this toxic system - even police. These are part of our core Principles and Values that we ask Rebels to adhere to when they join our movement.
As a result, it’s the suggestion of Media and Messaging reps that neither “We love you” nor “Shame on you” are appropriate chants to direct towards police.
If you do want to address police, consider asking them whether they have children and are worried for them, or whether the government is doing enough in their eyes to protect us from a future of social instability and violent crime, e.g. when food shortages occur.”