It seems like the whole world is watching the protests in Ferguson, Missouri. We are transfixed on the live-feed and the Twitter feed with the #Ferguson hashtag. But did you know there is ANOTHER protest going on in Ferguson? There is a group of citizens who are protesting in support of police officer Darren Wilson, the shooter of unarmed teen Michael Brown.
The Guardian’s Jon Swaine is tweeting his coverage of this “protest.” These protesters aren’t in Ferguson, but are in downtown St. Louis 12 miles away. The protesters consist of approximately 125 people — all?white people except for this lone black man, Martin Baker.
There are perhaps 125 people at this pro-Darren Wilson protest. 124 white people and Martin Baker, aged 44 pic.twitter.com/6DaAHPlQtT
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 17, 2014
Baker is a consultant and former Republican (of course) congressional primary candidate. He says:
?People are too quick to play the race card,? said Baker, 44, on widespread claims by black residents Ferguson residents that they are subjected to institutional racism by the city’s almost unanimously white authorities. ?Lawlessness knows no colour.? (Source)
Oh and they’re selling t-shirts for $7. The shirts bear the slogan “Officer Darren Wilson — I stand by you.” They’re sold out at the moment.
T-shirts on sale with police-style badge saying "Officer Darren Wilson – I stand by you". $7, just sold out pic.twitter.com/nhXhn4Nvmd
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 17, 2014
In addition to the t-shirt sales, another group is reportedly raising money for Wilson online, according to The Guardian. Hunt for Justice provides assistance to “officers and their families in times of need, whatever the circumstances.”
Protest is outside headquarters NBC affiliate @ksdknews, which broadcast footage of Darren Wilson's home pic.twitter.com/HPdTct0TQb
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 17, 2014
A silent protest in support of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, who shot Mike Brown, starting in St. Louis pic.twitter.com/Qp30uyOQPV
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 17, 2014
Protester Jennifer Hall has an explanation as to why Michael Brown was shot. From The Guardian:
?An officer doesn’t have xray vision. He can’t tell if you have weapon or not until searched. So you act in a suspicious manner, we know what the consequences are.?
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Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
