our very own wall

The east precinct of the Seattle Police Department erected new barriers a month and a half ago. The concrete and metal construction blocks a full lane for about half a block on Pine, west of 12th, and on 12th, south of Pine, which makes walking and cycling in the area a huge pain in the rear end.

It's ugly, too. It reminds me, every time I pass by, that law enforcement is putting a HUGE barrier--and yes I'm shouting but it's big!--a huge barrier between themselves and the community they committed to serve and protect. I don't understand it. As a citizen, taxpayer and resident of the neighborhood, this  kind of deliberate escalation offends me. 

I don't dispute that the precinct has been a flashpoint in the months of protests since George Floyd's murder. Nor that it has been the target of a few firecrackers, hurled water bottles and the like. But, think about what kind of force is on the other side of this. Tear gas. Pepper spray. Grenades. Men with guns.

I don't have all the answers but this kind of power and violence imbalance is not promising for those currently at the helm. 

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The concrete is also a frequent target of taggers. As fast as people graffiti the offensive cement cubes, someone (SPD? the city i.e. taxpayers?) comes out and paints over it. It's a constant agitation. At this rate, the grey paint will be six inches thick by Christmas.