In my American Studies class we observed the American conquest of spaces. The Brooklyn Bridge was one of these attempts. It connected Long Island to Manhattan. It connected one of the larger islands to the mainland. It was the largest man-made structure at the time (1883). But, despite the years of construction, to allay fears, the Roeblings had Jumbo the circus elephant cross the bridge the night before Mrs. Roebling did in an open coach. It was as if to prove the largest man-made structure could withstand the largest creature on the Earth.
Today, the Brooklyn Bridge withstood the largest of the Diallo protests, which started at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, crossed the Bridge, and then ended in Federal Plaza in Manhattan.
People on the pedestrial walkway stopped to watch the spectable while drivers on the opposite roadway honked their horns and saluted in solidarity. Marchers chanted "Amadou. What did he do?" and counted to 41--the number of shots fired at Diallo.
It was very inspiring, and outside of the gay pride parades, the largest activist event I have ever attended. Many kinds of people turned out to prove that police brutality is more than just a "black issue." There were Jewish groups, unions, students, older folks, seasoned activists, and rank amateurs. I thought there was a conspicuous absence of the hispanic community, but it was a big march and there was a large contingent of latinos from a Bushwick-based group called "El Puente."
There were a lot of cops out too, and they looked none too pleased. Later on the news I heard that the Mayor ordered them not to react, even if provoked. HELLO. Isn't that how they should approach things to start with? Perhaps they wouldn't be in such hot water here in NYC all the time. Other communities are able to do good police work without brutalizing and killing people. Why can't we? Because we have a timocratic mayor, that's why.
The police were out in full force. Eight helicoptors were overhead. Also, two police boats were in the East River. I have crossed the Brooklyn Bridge many times, but I never walked on the actual roadway. Much less with several thousand other people.
Oh, and by the way, our company was sold today. It was announced this morning. It's been a big day. La la laaaaaa.
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