On any given day, thousands of people rush to their appointments in federal buildings, simply going about their daily lives. But for one individual, this everyday routine turned into a daunting experience when he found himself detained by the military during the 40-day occupation of Los Angeles. This individual, whose identity remains unknown, was not a protester or an activist. He was just a regular citizen, trying to keep a scheduled appointment. Yet, despite not being a part of the movement, he became a symbol of the excessive and unwarranted actions of the military.
The militarization of Los Angeles, which began on June 1, 2020, in response to protests against police brutality, was supposed to maintain law and order. However, it only seemed to incite fear and chaos among the citizens. Tanks, military vehicles, and heavily armed soldiers lined the streets, creating an atmosphere of tension and unease.
But amidst this show of force, the only action taken by the military was detaining one individual. This begs the question, was this massive and intimidating presence really necessary? Did it achieve anything?
The answer, as evident from the outcome, is a resounding no. The occupation, which lasted for 40 days, did not make any significant impact on the protests or the movement against police brutality. In fact, it only served to escalate tensions and divide the community.
The detainment of the unidentified individual, who was later released without any charges, is a clear example of the excessive and unjustified actions taken by the military. He was simply caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, and his detainment only added to the already heightened fear and mistrust among the citizens.
But this incident also sheds light on a larger issue – the disproportionate use of force against marginalized communities. It is not just about one individual being detained. It is emblematic of the systematic targeting and discrimination faced by people of color in America. While the military was busy detaining one man, countless protesters of color were being tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, and subjected to violence.
This occupation also highlights the misuse of power by the government. The use of the military to suppress peaceful protests is a violation of the First Amendment rights of citizens. Instead of addressing the root cause of the protests, the government chose to suppress them through force and intimidation.
Moreover, the occupation also had a profound impact on the city’s economy. The heavy military presence and the resulting fear among the citizens led to a decline in tourism and business. This only adds to the long-term repercussions of such actions, which have already cost the city millions of dollars.
In comparison to other cities like New York and Washington D.C., where protests were also taking place, Los Angeles stood out for its excessive militarization. The question arises, why was Los Angeles chosen for this aggressive response? Is it because of its diverse and predominantly minority population? Or is it because it is a city that has historically stood up against injustice and discrimination?
Despite the negative impact and backlash, the Los Angeles occupation did not accomplish anything concrete. It did not bring an end to the protests or the movement against police brutality. In fact, it only highlighted the government’s disregard for the citizens’ rights and served as a wake-up call for the need to address systemic racism and police brutality.
As the only outcome of the occupation, the detainment of one innocent individual is a disappointing and concerning revelation. It raises important questions about the role and necessity of the military in responding to civil unrest. It also brings to light the need for reform and accountability within the government and law enforcement agencies.
In conclusion, the 40-day occupation of Los Angeles by the military was an unnecessary and ineffective show of force. It only served to deepen the divide between the government and its citizens and highlighted the need for meaningful change. As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable and demand justice for all. Let this be a reminder that every individual, regardless of their race, gender, or identity, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and their rights must be protected.
