It was a heartwarming sight on Saturday when a cop in Flint, Michigan put down his baton and helmet and joined in with protesters in solidarity. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson peacefully engages protesters in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of rogue cops.Swanson addressed the crowd and had a real conversation with some folks there, saying, “This is the way it’s supposed to be… police working with the community. When we see injustice, we call it out on the police side and on the community side. All we had to do was talk to them and now we’re talking with them.”
He added, “The only reason we’re here is to make sure you have a voice,” which was met by a round of applause and cheering.
He then gave his opinion on the murder of George Floyd saying, “The cops in this community, we condemn what happened. That guy [Chauvin] is not one of us.”
And with that the Sheriff and some of his deputies joined the crowd assembled in a Target and began marching, without violence or vandalism, without brutality. It is proof that a community can come together and make a difference. They were united for over two hours when the march ended at Flint’s police station where they were met by a line of deputies decked out in riot gear expecting the worst. The protesters and cops talked it out and it all ended with fist bumps and hugs.I do believe that there is a thin line between protesting and rioting. This is a prime example that protesting is an effective way of getting your point across without destroying the lives of innocent people. There is always a way to make things right without resorting to violence.
