From: <clickable-link@free-assembly.org> To: NERFList Subject: On Ocala Tragedy Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2021 04:50:18 -0600
The loss of Larry Dugger is hitting folks hard. This is just the latest in a series of incidents that have plagued the Florida regional gatherings in recent years, but more ominous than before: The deep old nightmare of vigilantes showing up to shoot rainbows finally came true… as Trump is let off the hook for spawning mob violence, there is reason to fear more of this.
Folks rightfully want justice, and to see decisive fast action by the police — but please understand the nature of such investigations: If they're saying nothing and revealing no moves, that's how it's done right. At this stage the priority is to collect clean evidence without tipping off their leads… this has to be done quietly and low-profile, for the protection of witnesses. In turn, gatherers who were there must find ways to cooperate discreetly and safely… it's a 'shantisena' thing.
Obviously this is complicated by the long-troubled relationship of the Ocala gatherings with regional law enforcement. I know the old stories, fought the roadblocks in '97-'00, still have an injunction on the Lake & Marion Co. sheriffs… then after Sacharow & Sutton stole the Ocala Defense Fund and started signing permits, I've sadly watched things go downhill, rights & spirit.
With this bad event and in these times, folks have to turn the page — re-learn the lessons of truth-telling in mutual support, help the good cops do their job. Be the grownups, evolve your outrage from loud to proud, turn it to enduring resolve and quietly Walk the Talk: That's how you get Justice.
If we can assist anyone in bearing witness safely, let's do so.
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