Postings from Sanford: The Trial of Trayvon's Killer, The People's Demand for Justice

What Does It Mean to Call for "Calm" in the Face of Injustice?

by Li Onesto | June 6, 2013 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us

 

Together with the open threats of repression by the authorities, a group of local Black pastors have been working with the U.S. Department of Justice since the murder of Trayvon Martin. They say their mission is to "try to keep everyone calm."

These pastors have already made it clear that they will be out there playing the role of trying to put the lid on any protests or rebellions that may occur. And what really strikes me here is that they are saying this—first of all knowing that there wouldn't even be a trial if people had not taken to the streets, in anger—and not even knowing what the outcome of this trial is going to be. In other words they are saying, in effect, that even if there is a verdict that is extremely UNJUST that they will still tell the people that they should just chill out and basically do nothing, except perhaps work within the very same system that is carrying out these horrendous crimes against the people and then justifying all this!

For example Pastor Sharon Patterson, one of those who has been invited to sit in the courtroom, said, "We, as religious leaders, can have a calming presence. We can soothe tensions... it's important that people listen to the facts from someone who is there and tell them that the wheels of justice are turning and to stay calm."

It was of such shameful, immoral acquiescence and collaboration with injustice and repression that the legendary Reggae musician Peter Tosh sang:

Everyone is crying out for peace, yes
None is crying out for justice

I don't want no peace
I need equal rights and justice

Send us your comments.

If you like this article, subscribe, donate to and sustain Revolution newspaper.