YOU! HAVE THE POWER | Dr. Ellen Brown

What’s really at stake in the 2020 elections

BY DR. ELLEN BROWN

A clear understanding of the true stakes of our vote is essential knowledge that every American should have when entering their polling place. Here are five perspectives on what’s really on the ballot this fall.

Michael Blow | Henderson Deputy Chief of Police; Prince Georges County Police Department (retired)

“The ability to collaborate and problem solve.”

The George Floyd incident was tragic. People are hurting, no doubt. But we can use this tragedy to learn, collaborate and work through the issues. Unfortunately, many are wrestling with conflicts such as a loss of confidence in law enforcement and government, empathy for the plights of others, and even difficulty understanding charges of police mistreatment. Even though statistics prove that most crime is highest within a like group due to access, media attention unevenly projects Black on Black crime. It’s easy to believe what is not true when you don’t take the opportunity to share experiences. Change and problem solving are linked to talking more and acting less.

Shireen Mitchell | Social strategist and diversity analyst, founder of Stop Online Violence Against Women (SOVAW)

“Everything! Our lives, voting rights, freedom of speech, liberty, and justice.”

The GOP is losing ground and to address it, tactics being used include gerrymandering, imprisonment, voter suppression, the use of foreign interference and white supremist infiltration. In 2020, the North Carolina state Court of Appeals agreed that the Republican legislature repeatedly targeted African Americans with surgical precision to keep them from making their voices heard. If we don’t change the leadership and hold the line against fake news this will happen again.

U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus

“Deciding whether we believe in justice for all and that Black lives matter.”

We must vote in this election — and get our friends and family to do the same. Our lives depend on it. Enough is enough. When people question whether their votes truly matter, I ask them: Why else would John Lewis have risked lives and marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday? President Obama said, “elections have consequences.” For four years, we have witnessed President Trump call white supremacists “very fine people,” roll back protections on civil rights, and seek to divide this nation rather than unite us. This election is simply too important to sit on the sidelines.

Joe Tillman | Chief of Police, North Las Vegas (retired)

“Safety. Community. Trust. Freedom.”

As a result of the leadership, many believe they can say anything to anybody without consequences. Even in law enforcement. Yes, in our field it is often a split decision, not easy; but too many are making questionable decisions.

Violence will increase. Law enforcement and their families can be hurt. Children can be targeted. People will feel empowered to violate the rights of others and get away with enforcing privilege. The safety of communities is at stake. What do people see in “him” that I don’t? This is the most powerful person focused only on what others can do for him. Say one thing and do another. How can you trust him? America is evolving, but where else would you want to live? For true freedom, people need to hear and see the truth.

Belinda Harris | Attorney, Public Defender

“The power of the people.”

The power of the people should always be more than the people who are in power. However, she goes on to say that our community seems not to address the real issues, one of which is a system that limits access to wealth. When power is enforced by those with wealth, one of the results is over-policing. People of color are the most impacted by the criminal justice system and as a result need representation in our communities. At stake are key elected positions throughout our government that include leaders who can relate to and represent this underrepresented population.

Dr. Ellen Brown, an Affiliate Faculty member at Regis University, Denver, CO. writes on political topics that encourage interest, discussion, and action. Have a comment, question, or idea? Contact Dr. Brown at ebrown.nci@gmail.com