Chapter 8:

All American Girl vs Injustice

Chapter 8:

 

Today, we go to a story circa 1994, in Van Nuys, California.

 

As you know by now, my ex-husband is a musician.  He would be out at night, usually at the studio recording or creating, and oftentimes didn’t return home until the wee hours of the morning.  During the work week, we would see each other in passing—I was headed to work and he was coming home.

 

In this story, he was coming home “early” (for him) at around 11:00 pm. He had called me from the studio to say he was on his way and should be there in about 20 minutes.  (No cell phones yet.) He was driving my car and was about 6 blocks from home when he got pulled over. The police officers made him exit the vehicle and sit on the curb, one with his hand on his gun watching R, the other searching the car. BTW—gave R no reason for pulling him over or for searching the car. R knew the car was clear of any contraband because it’s mine and I would kill him if he had anything in my car.  He didn’t argue with the police because he knew it would do no good.

 

When they were done, the cop told R that he had to stay there (car pulled over on a somewhat busy street) until 6:00 am, when his shift changed. R questioned him, because he didn’t understand what he meant.  The cop told him he was to remain in the car, parked on the street until 6:00 am.  He could not drive home (6 blocks) or leave the car and walk home until 6:00 am. The cop said he would be cruising by to double check and if he saw that the car was moved or left empty, he would come to the house and lock R up and/or impound MY car.

 

R waited until 6:05 am to come home and told me what happened.  I was pissed!  He was too, but I was livid.  He didn’t dare fall asleep while sitting there, in case someone tried to jack him or the cops then try to arrest him for something else.  I had a sleepless night because he wasn’t home when he said he would be—in those days he was good about letting me know if he was going to be late.  I didn’t know if he was dead or in jail or what.  My biggest fear in our 25 years together was that he would be killed or jailed and I wouldn’t be able to find out.  (I still have that fear for my son, but I have better resources now.)

 

Keep in mind, at no point during this exchange, did either officer give a reason for (1) pulling him over, (2) searching the car, or (3) forcing him to remain in the car, on the street for 7 hours. We have to do better.  No one should live with the fear of being killed or jailed for the color of their skin and their loved ones shouldn’t have to worry that this will happen either. #timeforachange

 

#vote  #blacklivesmatter  #JesusSaves #nojusticenopeace #wecandobetter #askthequestions #learntheanswers #stopthemadness #wedontwanttodieyet #educatethemasses #Icantbelievewearestilldoingthis #Education #Compassion #Justice #reallocatenotdefund #timeforachange