History Calls

Will we Answer That Call?

Today’s Blog – A Change in Plans

The plan for today’s blog was to start a conversation on the economy, economics, and the interrelation with politics. That is always an important set of factors, and more so today than in many other times in our history.

But what surely looks like the murder of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and the shooting of two people by ICE in Portland demand our attention. Lots has been and will be written about all of this, but some things demand attention by us all, now.

ICE And The Border Patrol – We Know Where This Goes

 These two agencies have become the Brown Shirts of this administration, performing the same functions that Hitler’s paramilitary forces did in his climb to absolute power.

We have surely crossed the line into these becoming agents of unlawful conduct, misdirected violence, abuse of power, and consistently failure to apply common law enforcement standards. These most recent incidents are just the most recent on a long list of unacceptable policy and behavior.

Equally bad is the absolute readiness – eagerness – of this administration to cover any and all misdeeds, indeed, to celebrate them. The President, Vice President, Homeland Security Secretary, and White House Spokesperson, and Deputy Chief of Staff have all, before any investigation and in complete conflict with the videos we all saw, have tried to paint Renee Nicole Good as a domestic terrorist who was a direct threat to law enforcement. We should have a thorough, transparent investigation before anyone settles anything, but calling this woman a domestic terrorist is shameful, even for this bunch.

What is Wrong Here?

 The list of answers to that question is long indeed, but here are the most obvious:

• Both ICE and Border Patrol are way outside their lane of responsibility and capability. They are basically being used to intimidate and terrorize, only in Democratic communities, and to seize as many people as they can, standards be damned.
• Recruiting now for ICE and Border Patrol tells us a lot. The concentration of ads and recruiters are at gun shows, conservative political events, and in more extreme publications. They are looking for MAGA disciples first and foremost, not law enforcement recruits. I have little doubt that when the time comes to dissect what has happened, we will find a significant number of people hired who could not make the cut for local law enforcement anywhere.
• These agencies do not have minimum law enforcement standards for crowd control, tense or dangerous situations, or use of firearms and vehicles. How many law enforcement officials have already said publicly that the shooting that happened in Minnesota should never have happened, that nothing in the scenario that played out justified use of a deadly weapon.
• One would have to be an idiot to trust that this administration would do a honest investigation of incidents and murders like this. The fact that, so far, they are refusing to cooperate with local and state government in this investigation speaks volumes. The cover up is under way.
• The corruption and mission violence is so bad, so deep and wide, that these agencies are terminally infected. Things have gotten bad enough that they cannot simply be reformed or restored.

What Can We (You) Do?

Before you decide to anything personally on the ground, know that risks for violence and false arrest are not minimal. One can certainly make the case that it is past time for more of us to stand up but be clear headed about the risks involved.

Some steps to consider:

• Keep writing to officials far and wide. The Trump administration could care less, but members of Congress and others do pay attention, especially to large efforts. Keep the heat on, keep the issues visible, and ensure they know we hold them accountable for blank checking all this evil. Insist on local and state authorities governing, investigating and where appropriate, charging people with crimes.
• Show up for demonstrations. Again, the Trump folks really do not care, but others do, others who can either draw encouragement to push to the right things or those who can conclude they will eventually be held accountable due to popular demand.
• Take some training. There are any number of good organizations offering training on how best to deal with violence and misuse of power. Some things that have seen success in various places:

What Else? 

• If you are at a scene where ICE or Border Patrol operations are ongoing, use your phone to record all you can. Make the photos, videos, and audio recordings available to local authorities, support groups, and the media. Know that if you are close to the federal agents, they will try to stop you from recording, may even try to take your phone or arrest you for filming. If you see that happening to someone else, record it.
• Stay calm, nonviolent, and nonconfrontational. Don’t give anyone an excuse to say you are interfering with law enforcement.
• You can engage these agents verbally and forcefully but do so calmly and don’t give in to excessive personal rhetoric.
• Places like Charolotte had pretty impressive results with surrounding such agents with very large peaceful crowds that simply made it hard for ICE or Border Patrol operations to take place effectively.
• If you believe you see unreported operations underway or about to begin, spread the word quickly to local law enforcement (who may not have gotten any cooperation or notice up front), local media, and groups dedicated to resisting these operations.
• If ICE or Border Patrol are operating in your area, urge local businesses to not serve them in anyway whenever possible – no hotel rooms, no meals in restaurants or carry out – refuse any service or information whenever possible.

Longer Term Options

Some ideas to consider:

• Serious, sworn testimony hearings in Congress when the Republicans lose control of either house of Congress. Encourage Republican members to stand up and do the right thing by participating in such hearings as genuine congresspersons, not Trump emissaries.
• State and local governments and law enforcement cannot yield to federal insistence that locals have no authority to investigate or charge federal criminals. They can and they must do so, without fail and in spite of pressure to go away.
• Hopefully, a number of civil suits will come forward shortly, not just against agents but against high ranking officials who condoned, encouraged, and sought to obscure misbehavior. Accountability can come in many forms.
• Both ICE and Border Patrol are hopelessly ruined. Too much is too wrong too deeply. When we get an honest government, immediate accountability must begin, most if not all those hired during this period should be dismissed, and urgent plans implemented to form new agencies meeting immigration and border responsibilities. Carefully select some from the current members to bring forward good experience, useful continuity, and leadership, but that is likely to be a very, very small number.

Not that long ago, the murder of George Floyd shocked, angered, and motivated the country. A lot of good came out of that terrible murder. Perhaps what was done in Minnesota to an American citizen exercising her rights and responsibilities as a citizen could have the same effect. One hopes.

See You Next Week

We will make another attempt to get back to economics, but with this bunch misdirecting so much, who knows what we may feel compelled to discuss and analyze. Heck of a year so far, America

CHANGE IS COMING: We will have an important announcement to share with you about this blog in a few weeks. Watch this space! Some big changes are coming, and you will be involved

Bill Clontz

If you find this blog worthy of your time and curiosity, I invite you to do three things:

(1) Join the conversation. Your voice counts here. If you wish to share COMMENTS anonymously, make the last word in your comment “PRIVATE.” I will assure your privacy via anonymity.

(2) Share the word about this post with friends and colleagues. Share a link in your emails and social media posts (https://agentsofreason.com).

(3) You are welcome to share this post with anyone. It is easy to pass on via email, of course, but also on Facebook, Blue Sky, LinkedIn, or Reddit; simply click on the links for these services at the end of this article.

Let’s grow our circle.