Growing up in the 60s and 70s, and through my parents’ activism, I was exposed to the actions of the various civil rights movements – understanding them to a point, but I was still quite young and didn’t fully understand the depth of the human crisis.
Finally as an adult, I thought I had a grasp on the realities of humanity. After last week’s not-guilty verdict of a Denver Police Officer, who “allegedly” stomped on the back of a 16-year-old suspect – which will force this young man to live the rest of his life in pain and agony – I realized I know nada.
Last spring in North Denver, Denver Police Officer Charles Porter, a 13-year veteran, saw Juan Vasquez drinking alcohol, the young man ran and the Officer chased him. It has been reported Vasquez was apprehended and was face down on the ground, then Officer Porter held on to a fence and repeatedly jumped on the young man’s back. Vasquez’s injuries were severe -- several crushed ribs, severe lacerations to his kidneys and liver.
The Officer was arrested on a felony charge of second degree assault. The family retained an attorney and they settled with the City of Denver for $885,000 last August. Despite the facts and the testimony of two DPD officers who testified against Mr. Porter , a jury found him not guilty last Thursday.
The actual verdict itself should not have been a surprise, and when discussing this issue, some trying to lighten the situation said, “it’s Denver, they don’t convict police officers – they promote them [after they commit a crime].” Others with a mores serious tone explained, “It’s just how it is.”
I can’t find any logic in this, and I know sometimes in life the
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