A loud white noise GOOD MORNING!!! to you all! Yup, the white noise at the office seems really loud this morning. Maybe because I’m the only one here. Or, maybe it’s just DAMN LOUD!
What Would You Do Wednesday Ed-vise today. Cause it’s WEDNESDAY! And I do love WEDNESDAYS!
I been reading up on the reports and videos of Tyre Nichols. He’s the man from Memphis that was killed by the police.
Video counters what the officers said that he was driving suspiciously. He wasn’t. They had no reason to pull him over.
First time he was pulled over by an undercover car. The officers exited the car in hoodies. In street clothes. Some would say they “rolled up on em.”
The hairs on Tyre’s neck stood up and told him to GO GO GO!!! So he did. He drove away.
I will say this for him and for everyone…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!
They are not random thoughts or random sensations. Your instincts are designed for one purpose: TO KEEP YOU ALIVE! They are a primitive development that has stayed with us throughout evolution. Through time since time was kept. Just like when a deer gets spooked or a fly, flies away before getting squashed, your instincts are telling you the same thing: RUN!
We have numbed our “Gift of Fear.” We have numbed it by ignoring our surroundings and becoming hypnotized by social media and other distracting devices.
“The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker is a book about that very topic. About remembering our “Gift of Fear” and paying attention to it.
Tyre paid attention to it. He had no warrants for his arrest, was not involved in any criminal conduct. When he was approached by two men in hoodies, he realized he had a problem and rightfully ran for his life.
He was later stopped by a marked car. Drug out and beaten. He died three days later. 7 officers participated and not one single officer had the thought that, maybe this needed to stop. 3 paramedics showed up and didn’t bother either.
What Would You Do if an unmarked police car was attempting to pull you over?
First, get on your phone and call 911. Ask the dispatcher if you are being pulled over. Give them your name and location. Make and model of car along with license plate number. The dispatcher SHOULD be able to tell you if you are, in fact, being pulled over.
This next part is a bit controversial and is entirely based on my opinion.
The controversy involves should you stop immediately. For me, I say drive at a normal speed to the nearest VERY PUBLIC place. Shopping centers, grocery stores, and gas stations make for GREAT SPOTS especially if they are open 24/7. If you are close to a police station or a fire station – pull in there!
DO NOT HANG UP WITH 911!
Tell the dispatcher what you are doing: “I am driving to a public and well lit area at a normal speed. Please let the officers know.”
When you get to that public spot, CONTINUE TO STAY ON THE LINE WITH 911. Dispatch records EVERYTHING. The conversation with the officers and should things get out of hand, the rest of the story.
For the police force, I have said it before, I will say it again, YOU HAVE GOT TO LEARN TO SPEAK UP!
If you are watching your fellow officers beat a person down who is already down and in cuffs, you MUST SAY STOP! If you stand by and watch, you are JUST AS GUILTY! SPEAK UP! Same with emergency response…man…SPEAK UP! Wrong is wrong so point it out! Just because your fellow officers are doing the wrong doesn’t make it right.
No person should have to wonder if an interaction with a police officer will be their last one.
If we are pulled over, we should all be able to call home and say “I’ll be a bit late for dinner.” We should never have to say “I love you mom” as if it will never be said again.
I’m just saying
That’s it for today. Be the person a stranger will do CPR on. Check in on each other and remember drills don’t have friends because they are always…BORING!!! HAHAHAHAHHAHA…ok, I can do better.
Peace
Ed-vise 