#I am a benevolent mayor but I have limits

[regallibellbright]

Two different villagers in as many days have asked me to catch stringfish for them.

Stringfish, in case you're not familiar with the nuances of Animal Crossing economics, sell for fifteen thousand bells, and as such are some of the most expensive creatures in the game. They are also, accordingly, some of the rarest, though at least they're also a uniquely large shadow for river fish at this time of year.

Sorry, Groucho, but I'm not doing that twice and displacing your furniture. I have to draw the line somewhere.

[johnrossbowie]

LEAVING TWITTER

I wrote this earlier in the fall, before the election, after dissolving my Twitter account. I wasn’t sure where to put it (“try up your ass!” – someone, I’m sure) and then I remembered I have a tumblr I never use. Anyway, here tis.

How do you shame someone who thinks Trumps’ half-baked policies and quarter-baked messaging put him in the pantheon of great Presidents? How do you shame someone so lacking in introspection that they will call Obama arrogant while praising Trump’s decisiveness and yet at the same time vehemently deny that they’re racist? How do you shame someone for whom that racism is endearing and maybe long overdue?

You don’t. It’s silly to think otherwise.

Twitter is an addiction of mine, and true to form, my dependence on it grew more serious after I quit drinking in 2010. At first it was a chance to mouth off, make jokes both stupid and erudite and occasionally stick my foot in my mouth (I owe New Yorker writer Tad Friend an apology. He knows why, or (God willing) he’s forgotten. Either way. Sorry.) I blew off steam, steam that was accumulating without booze to dampen the flames. Not always constructive venting, but I also met new friends, and connected with people whose work I’ve admired for literal decades and ended up seeing plays with Lin-Manuel Miranda and hanging backstage with Jane Wiedlin after a Go-Go’s show and exchanging sober thoughts with Mike Doughty. When my mom passed in 2018, a lot of people reached out to tell me they were thinking of me. This was nice. For a while, Twitter was a huge help when I needed it.

I used to hate going to parties and really hated dancing and mingling, but a couple of drinks would fix that. Point is, for a while, booze was a huge help, too.

But my engagement with Twitter changed, and I started calling people my ‘friends’ even though I’d never once met them or even heard their voices. These weren’t even penpals, these were people whose jokes or stances I enjoyed, so with Arthurian benevolence I clicked on a little heart icon, liked their tweet, and assumed therefore that we had signed some sort of blood oath.

We had not. I got glib, and cheap, and a little lazy. And then to make matters much worse, Trump came along and extended his reach with the medium.

There was a while there where I thought I could be a sort of voice for the voiceless, and I thought I was doing that. I tried very hard to only contribute things that I felt were not being said – It wasn’t accomplishing anything to notice “Haha Trump looks like he’s bullshitting his way through an oral report” – such things were self-evident. I tried to point out very specific inconsistencies in his policies, like the Muslim ban meant to curb terrorism that still favored the country that brought forth 13 of the 9/11 hijackers. Like his full-throated cries against media bias performed while he suckled at Roger Ailes’ wrinkly teat.  Like his fondness for evangelical votes that coincided with a scriptural knowledge that lagged far behind mine, even though I’m a lapsed Episcopalian, and there is no one less religiously observant than a lapsed Episcopalian. But that eventually gave way to unleashing ad hominem attacks against his higher profile supporters, who I felt weren’t being questioned enough, who I felt were in turn being fawned over by theirdim supporters. If you’re one of these guys, and you think I’m talking about you, you’re probably right, but don’t mistake this for an apology. You suck, and you support someone who sucks, and your idolatry is hurting our country and its standing in the world. Fuck you entirely, but that’s not the point. The point is that me screaming into the toilet of Twitter helps no one – it doesn’t help a family stuck at the border because they’re trying to secure a better life for their kids. It doesn’t help a poor teenager who can’t get an abortion because the party of ‘small government’ has squeezed their tiny jurisdiction into her uterus. It doesn’t help the coal miner who’s staking all his hopes on a dying industry and a President’s empty promises to resurrect it. I was born in New York City, and I currently live in Los Angeles. Those are the only two places I’ve ever lived, if you don’t count the 4 years I spent in Ithaca[1]. So, yes, I live in a liberal bubble, and while I’ve driven across the country a couple of times and did a few weeks in a touring band and am as crushed as any heartlander about the demise of Waffle House, you have me dead to rights if you call me a coastal elitist. And with that in mind, I offer few surprises. A guy who grew up in the theater district and was vehemently opposed to same-sex marriage or felt you should own an AR-15? THAT would be newsworthy. I am not newsworthy. I can preach to the choir, I can confirm people’s biases, but I will likely not sway anyone who is eager to dismiss a Native New Yorker who lives in Hollywood. I grew up in the New York of the 1970s, and that part of my identity did shape my politics. My mom’s boss was gay and the Son of Sam posed a realistic threat. As such, gays are job creators[2] and guns are used for homicide much more often than they are used for self-defense[3]. I have found this to be generally true over the years, and there’s even data to back it up.

“But Mr. Bowie,” you might say, though I insist you call me John - “those studies are conducted by elitist institutions and those institutions suck!” And again, I am not going to reason with people who will dismiss anything that doesn’t fit their limited world view as elitist or, God Help Us, fake news. But the studies above are peer-reviewed, convincing, and there are more where those came from.

“But John,” you might say, and I am soothed that we’re one a first name basis - “Can’t you just stay on Twitter for the jokes?” Ugh. A) apparently not and B) the jokes are few and far between, and I am 100% part of that problem.

I have stuff to offer, but Twitter is not the place from which to offer it.

After years of academically understanding that Twitter is not the real world, Super Tuesday 2020 made the abstract pretty fucking concrete. If you had looked at my feed on the Monday beforehand – my feed which is admittedly curated towards the left, but not monolithic (Hi, Rich Lowry!) – you’d have felt that a solid Bernie surge was imminent, but also that your candidate was going surprise her more vocal critics. When the Biden sweep swept, when Bernie was diminished and when Warren was defeated, I realized that Twitter is not only not the real world, it’s almost some sort of Phillip K. Dickian alternate timeline, untethered to anything we’re actually experiencing in our day to day life. This is both good news and bad news – one, we’re not heading towards a utopia of single payer health care and the eradication of American medical debt any time soon, but two, we’re also not being increasingly governed by diaper-clad jungen like Charlie Kirk. Clouds and their linings. Leaving Twitter may look like ceding ground to the assclowns but get this – the ground. Is not. There.

It’s just air.

There are tangible things I can do with my time - volunteer with a local organization called Food On Foot, who provide food and job training for people experiencing homelessness here in my adopted Los Angeles. I can give money to candidates and causes I support, and I can occasionally even drop by social media to boost a project or an issue and then vanish, like a sort of Caucasian Zorro who doesn’t read his mentions. I can also model good behavior for my kids (ages 10 and 13) who don’t need to see their father glued to his phone, arguing about Trumps incompetence with Constitutional scholars who have a misspelled Bible verse in their bio (three s’ in Ecclesiastes, folks).

So farewell Twitter. I’ll miss a lot of you. Perhaps not as badly as I miss Simon Maloy and Roger Ebert and Harris Wittels and others whose deaths created an unfillable void on the platform. But I won’t miss the yelling, and the lionization of poor grammar, and anonymous trolls telling my Jewish friends that they were gonna leave the country “via chimney.” I will not miss people who think Trump is a stable genius calling me a “fucktard.” I will not miss transphobia or cancelling but I will miss hashtag games, particularly my stellar work during #mypunkmusical (Probably should have quit after that surge, I was on fire that night, real blaze of glory stuff I mean, Christ, Sunday in the Park with the Germs? Husker Du I Hear A Waltz? Fiddler on the Roof (keeping an eye out for the cops)? These are Pulitzer contenders.). Twitter makes me feel lousy, even when I’m right, and I’m often right. There’s just no point in barking bumperstickers at each other, and there are people who are speaking truth to power and doing a cleaner job of it – Aaron Rupar, Steven Pasquale, Louise Mensch, Imani Gandy and Ijeoma Oluo to name five solid mostly politically based accounts (Yes, Pasquale is a Broadway tenor. He’s also a tenacious lefty with good points and research and a dreamy voice. You think you’re straight and then you hear him sing anything from Bridges of Madison County and you want him to spoon you.). You’re probably already following those mentioned, but on the off chance you’re not, get to it. You’ll thank me, but you won’t be able to unless you actually have my email.

_______

[1] And Jesus, that’s worse – Ithaca is such a lefty enclave that they had an actual socialist mayor FOR WHOM I VOTED while I was there. And not socialist the way some people think all Democrats are socialist – I mean Ben Nichols actually ran on the socialist ticket and was re-elected twice for a total of six years.

[2] The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, “America’s LGBT Economy” Jan 20th, 2017

[3] The Violence Policy Institute, Firearm Justifiable Homicides and Non-Fatal Self Defense Gun Use, July 2019.

[dndfuckhouse]

Session 19 - your majesty, i present to you the vengaboys

> 🎵  Pianissimo Epilogue / Silent Hill 2 OST

Returning to our tale, the group have all found respite in Vorde’s temporary abode in Shorewater, resting up and recovering from the night's events. Soon morning comes, though with the curtains shut as they are, it's a bit hard to tell that it's now daylight outside as they all slowly come too.

Peering about the group dont spot Vorde about, supposing he’s still in his room. Feeling a hankering for breakfast, Keva and Psalm wander over to the small dining table in the room and the fruit still piled upon it, chowing down. Psalm continues looking at the tome they stole yesterday as he does, continuing to copy runes and scan for any more information as he does.

Keva: keva is cuttin up an apple into slices with a small knife, giving some to amos and setting some aside and occasionally eating a slice Psalm: i'm just cooling at this breakfast table

Rokka begins his morning stretches, Finn sees this and decides to join him as well, Han watches and secretly does her own stretches, trying to not seem as if she wants to join in.

Plum: WHY Han: issues ! Plum: LMFAO Rokka: did our near death experience not bring us closer

In the meantime Plum and Cimmorro prepare their spells for the day, either via quick study or short prayer. Seemingly done with her stretches, Han comes over and joins the two at the dining table to eat (she hoards some of the food after everyone's had some). As the group go about their activities Orin eventually ambles out of him and Finn’s room somewhat drowsy, he takes a seat at the table next to psalm and takes a bite of an apple.

Psalm: good morning orin Rokka: i am crushing an apple in my mouth whole Orin: "mornin'" he looks like hes about to continue but rokka eating an apple whole makes him go : 0 though he quickly sneaks one of Keva’s slices after. Keva: an apple a day keeps the Chip: cult away Psalm: CLEARLY IT DONT

Han heads over to the window to the balcony briefly and opens the curtain ever so slightly to peer outside, looking down she sees the fenced garden of the building, a few birds flitting about in the branches of trees. Craning her head to try and look at the street she doesn't see anybody around. Out of the corner of his eye Finn sees Han move the curtain slightly and quickly becomes on edge before realising all is fine.

Finn: 

Han: LKSAD;LKHFLKHAWEFDS Finn: grimaces @ han opening the curtain and moves slightly. Chip: like a cat Finn: yes! Chip: fur raised Finn: KHJSHEJEHLJ

After a time the group hear some shuffling from the door Vorde disappeared behind last night, it slowly creaks open revealing his form. He walks out and looks about the group of them idling about and rubs his eyes turning and walking to the dining table to also grab an AppleTM, he doesn't sit down though

Han: i am 100% imagining this strained awkward silence Psalm: is he gonna crush it in his bare hands, BAROK VON VORDE... Finn:😳 Han: chip what did we watch dgs FOR Chip: NO

Finn: "morning uncle" finn stares kinda wondering why hes not sitting down but thats not gonna ruin his day Vorde: "morning finnian, i hope waking during daylight hours isnt too much for you" his eyes look sleepy as he speaks Orin: orin swallows his apple and speaks up "take a seat boss!" Vorde: he shakes his head in response "need to stand for a while for the blood to return to my legs" Finn: finn cant help but smile at that and responds "mm not exactly pleasant but i can manage. did you stay up?"

As the two chat Keva takes the moment to go take a quick morning bath, bringing Amos into the bathroom with her to give him a clean as well. Orin watches her take the rat into the bathroom with a face of confusion.

Vorde: "good to know" he pauses "hmm yes, I’ve been working through the night on how to present our case to the royalty, im going to be needing you all to speak as well once were before the court, merely on the things that prove you weren't responsible for the assassinations. We've the evidence to back up our claims so im not too worried. Of course if the royalty calls upon you you're each to respond in kind as well.” Finn: source: trust me Han: han hmms

Vorde seems to stretch slightly after finishing his apple and finally takes a seat at the dining table with the others, crossing his legs as he sits. 

Vorde: “My plan is thus; gain entry to the palace and an audience with the royalty, once there reveal the truth that the Red Letterhead’s machinations are the true cause for all this strife and go from there, i intend to warn them that Theyord’s apparent plans are about to be put into motion soon as well” he glances back over at his room “i will be presenting and handing over the items we have procured this far, including the tome" he glances at you psalm "hopefully it will be proof positive enough, should the archmage be around she won't find ive anything to hide on the matter”

He takes a quick sigh and rubs one of his eyes “I'm not sure what the royals will decide after that, I imagine they will put further efforts in place regarding the protection of the city and its walls, they should in anycase. If we are free to walk after we can investigate madam Shelly Carter’s lead after, perhaps we may request aid for the task as well, though I'm sure they will be hard pressed to spare much after such a threat to the city has been revealed. They’ll want all hands on deck”

Finn: finn nods and just thinks "man my uncle is so smart and cool. what a solid plan." Cimmorro: 🤨 Plum:

Han: a lot seems to be hinging on the royals kind nature Vorde: true, they arent benevolent but i dont think they're idiots either. It would be hard to ignore the items we've gathered. As well as the presence of a time limit Han: .... not that we have a better plan, but were i in that position, i just throw us in jail, less loose ends Psalm: Here's to hoping they don't just jump to conclusions hm? ^_^ Han: "what might we think to do then" said at the group kinda Plum: dunno, never busted outta jail before

The group decide that if worse comes to worse they’d prefer to try and figure out a plan to jailbreak themselves rather than resist the guardsmen and die trying. They also bring up the fact that they still currently think the mayor and Vinny are still compromised or under Theyord’s influence, and to keep it in mind. Keva leaves the bath around soon after and rejoins the group discussion.

Vorde: he continues, blinking slowly “hmm yes i forgot to specify, we are going ahead with the prisoners plan. However it won't be good for me to parade you all through the street even if you are ‘restrained’, it would be best if we could appear right before the guardsmen at the palace so the closest place for them to lock you up if they decide too is within the palace itself. I should state if they do haul you away, I advise you not to resist, with the city on guard as it is it will be nigh impossible for you to escape anywhere. If I do my job right you will be out within half an hour I suspect and brought to the court if you are carted off, that is what I plan anyway.” he pauses "ill do my best to stick with you however" Han: HAN BREATHES A LONG BREATHE X2 Psalm: “Appreciated. Always good to have friends in higher places for this kind of thing, rather than muscle your way out of it “ @ han Han: neither of those things seem to go well for me Psalm: he just shrugs

Vorde: he unclasps his hands and continues speaking "speaking of, are any of carrying any rope on your person" Han: shibari time huh Cimmorro: bondage ti Keva: keva asks "what for" Vorde: aforementioned restraints

Cimmorro: "yall don't have rope in this house??" 🤨 Vorde: 🤨 vorde like no bro Cimmorro: damn ok sorry Chip: [cimm leaves the room] Cimmorro: KGJFLSDKJGKLSFG

Rokka hands Vorde a few lengths of rope from his pack to tie the group up with in their fake prisoners ploy, satisfied Vorde then tucks it away for later. He then brings up another concern he seems to have on his mind.

Vorde: he turns to you Finn with his brows furrowed “I am not sure...if I ought to bring you along Finnian. It is best we act swiftly which does mean leaving during daylight. You could stay here, though perhaps i ought to leave Orin with you. Best if you weren't alone after what happened a week back.” Finn: finn also furrows his brows and ponders his uncles words for a moment. "is it only because of the daylight uncle?" Vorde: he thinks for a moment "i suppose so"

Finn asks Orin to then go check and see how harsh the sunlight out today seems, he obliges, getting up to carefully sneak his way past the curtain as the group continue discussing the matter.

Han: han glances btwn vorde n finn quizzically "what happened a week ago" Finn: i exchange looks with vorde as to telepathically ask whos gonna answer her. Vorde: he looks at you finn and sighs before turning back to you han, tapping the table with one finger "when we first arrived in Shorewater and began poking around we were sent an uninvited visitor" Han: who Vorde: an assassin Han: han rolls her eyes "yes i got that but. any identifying features" Vorde: i found a letterheads token on him, though he was dressed as a guardsman. No ring so i assume he killed someone and stole their clothes to find passage to our room. Nothing else stood out about him. Han: han hmms thoughtfully Chip: geralt hmmm Han: yea, the energy im channelling today

Han: he didnt return and they didnt send anyone else to finish the job. cocky Vorde: [a nod] Psalm: or maybe with their ceremony on the horizon they decided they needed everyone focused on the same goal? Han: which is, in a word, cocky Psalm: sure if you want to put it that way

Han: "wait what did you do with the body" @ vorde Vorde: dumped in the sewers Han: han goes HHHRMMNH fwustwated

Orin returns and informs Finn and the gang that it appears to be cloudy out today, they should be good if Finn covers up with heavy cloaks. Finn thanks him and tells his uncle it should be alright for him to come with them, though he wouldn't mind staying back if that is what he preferred.

Vorde: vorde like hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm 

Psalm: “wouldn't it be safer to stick with a group in that case?” with his nephew there maybe he'll try harder to make things not go badly for us! 🙂 Plum: i also think it'd be kinda bad to be here alone, not like they didn't see us all runnin around Vorde: "i suppose it is better to stick together in this case" he looks at you finn "try not to horse around too much in the daylight" vorde worried parent mode engaged Finn: finn gives a big smile "got it!". >finn feels cared for friendship meter goes up Vorde: hmm, it would be more convincing in any case if i wasnt the only one bringing a group of fugitives to the palace. Finnian and Orin could make also have hold of the restraints.

Finn now assured that he is coming along, heads off into his room to quickly bulk up for the outside journey. Donning three three cloaks, the heaviest on top, thick black gloves and boots, a big sunhat and a scarf to protect his neck, he waddles back out into the main room where the party is situated.

Keva: keva's mouth seems to wiggle as she tries not to laugh Vorde: as you wander out and present yourself, vorde walks up to you and inspects your ensemble, after a moment he adjusts your scarf so it covers you mouth more and hmm's satisfied Orin: orin shouts a "looking good!" from across the room and snorts at keva Keva: keva shoots orin a look back like "what" and her smile breaks thru a little more before she fixes her face Plum: plum gives you a thumbs up Finn: "thanks uncle!!" finn beams @ vorde and looks at plum and orin and also shoots them a grateful smile

Vorde stretches again slightly, seemingly finally more awake then before, he informs the party to ready themselves to set off. They’ll get as close as they can to the palace before putting on the restrained charade, informing them they need to only disguise themselves well enough for a 5 minute walk through some alleys. Heading back into his room he begins preparing the evidence within his satchel and making himself presentable, the party following suit in trying to look conspicuous.

Keva: keva ties up her wet hair and pulls her hood and face mask up Han: han braids her hair and throws up cape too Psalm: (uses disguise kit) for good measure i just pull my hood up too Cimmorro: i'll just take off all the flashy jewellery and keep the hood up if that suffices Rokka: DISGUISE RING...

Rokka uses the disguise ring stolen from the letterheads to once again turn himself into a different human form, Chris Rokksworth, pop sensation. Plum asks the group if they oughta down the red potion they found earlier to change their hair colour.

Plum: can i just drink that weird potion and call it a day Han: angery ronand mcdoland Keva: 

Psalm: i don't see why not, i'm hard pressed to think of a better time to use it Han: han shrugs in a ye sure way Plum: [looking very excited] "ok yeah sure" i chug that shit

you pop open the red bulbous vial and drink the airy liquid. slowly youre hair turns red, additionally your tongue does as well. 

Rokka: cool hair plum Finn: i give a thumbs up back at plum for earlier.

Vorde walks out of the room once more, he almost seems surprised seeing Rokka as a person but doesn't comment, he also doesn't say anything about plums hair. Satisfied with the disguises he heads for the balcony window, informing them its better if theyre not all seen exiting the front. He slides open the curtains and clicks open the doors, peering out for witnesses before he motions for the group to all follow him as he hops down. Orin adjusts his cloak and follows quickly after.

Rokka: vorde am i hot, am i hot to u vorde

> 🎵  Aequilibrium. Medieval Tune. Hurdy-Gurdy With Organ / Andrey Vinogradov

The group quickly follow after the two sliding down the side of the building, though psalm seems to hitch his hooves on some stonework, nearly chipping them oww....his pedicure. The rest make it down quick enough and follow as Vorde begins leading the way through the shadowed alleys, as stealthily as they can to avoid detection from the increased patrols. Vorde keeping the lead and lookout helps the group manage to get by without sticking out too much.

Finally they all slowly come to a stop at an alley corner, as they come close they steal a glance at the palace, it looks as regal in the daylight as it did on the night the group all first stood before it, its peaks reaching high into the sky. The large light blue and white extravagant building dwarfs their forms, though it no longer has the inviting warm glow and festive aura as it did before. Guards stand alert and in a large number around the streets and on top of the walls, the main gates firmly shut with two royal guardsmen stationed in front of it at the top of the stairs leading up to it. Vorde quickly calls the group to attention.

Vorde: “follow my lead and don't put up too much of a fight, be sure to make sour enough faces to be convincing however, at least until you’re called before the court” he pulls the rope out of his satchel Keva: keva's face sours upon seeing the ropes come out no problem Han: hans been sour this whole time no worries bruv, i also keep a look out, like hans basically constantly alert and trying take in every little thing Psalm: psalm just stoic face as per usual, elevator music Rokka: im a celebrity im good at this, jk rokka is nervous af Plum: i always look kinda sour anyways Cimmorro: 😳 cimm like this Chip: cimm a freak like dat Psalm: LOOOL Cimmorro: oh no you caught mee, what ever shall i do, arrest this Plum: shut up shut up Han: cimm 😳 damn u pulling out ropes on the first date?

Vorde moves to hand some of the rope to Orin and they get to tying the six of the groups hands up, not too tightly but convincingly enough. He hands the rope holding Keva and Psalm off to Orin, and Han and Rokka to Finn, holding Plum and Cimmorro’s in his own. 

Vorde: "right then, plays about to begin, stay calm and follow my lead" he gives orin and finn both a nod Han: han nudges rokka to get his attention Rokka: tilts head at han ? Han: han points to vorde and makes a stupid face while pretending to talk seriously Rokka: rokka tries to stifle his laughs Finn: finn peeks out from under his scarf and squints Han: han stops immediately if she sees finn looking Rokka: rokka making snorting sounds from failing to not laugh Finn: I WAS GONNA WRITE THAT FINN HAS A SOMEWHAT APOLOGETIC LOOK BUT THEN YOU SENT THAT POKI Han: han is the picture of innocence Finn: finns rolls his eyes and turns his attention elsewhere

Psalm: well this works out pretty nicely doesn't it, since i've been kind of curious about you. Orin: he just raises a brow Keva: keva looks at psalm Psalm: he just smiles Ghester: [plays laughtrack.mp3 in ur head] Psalm: well i'm not the most learned person out there, but i was a bit curious how you came to start working for vorde is all Keva: you ask a lot of questions for someone who doesn't answer them Psalm: i think you're misunderstanding, i'm not asking anything. if i had an answer there'd be nothing to be curious about. Keva: keva makes a face like you're just saying words at her psalm Psalm: psalm just sighs Orin: “i dont mind telling you, its nothing special. Maybe after we get through court though" he looks back at you keva "no need to be so cagey about it really" Psalm: i highly doubt that it's nothing special. and i don't think there's been a time where she hasn't been cagey around me i think. Keva: oh don't go thinking you're special Psalm: oh i'm not? now i'm even more hurt  

Cimmorro: "so how are we feelin today" cimm attempts to nudge plum gently but ends up hitting their head with his elbow accidentally,  oh shit sorry your wig Plum: [GROANS REALLY LOUDLY] Cimmorro: well at least we're able to play the sour part of this play eh, all according to keikaku [editors note: keikaku means plan] Plum: always, not hard with this group Cimmorro: agreed. hey at least we're having the thrill of our lives eh? who knew we'd have a one way trip to life sentence. free! Plum: i honestly.... Cannot tell if you're joking Cimmorro: 

Plum: [plum laughs] Vorde: while looking for a chance to head out of the alley he listens to the two of you like : | Cimmorro: vorde not being paid enough by the hour to baby sit cimm

Rokka: dont make me laugh im trying to be nervous Han: "whats there to be nervous about, really" han has a weak smile lmao Rokka: life sentence Han: "just gotta break out then" nudges rokka again Rokka: "ur right. ur so smart han" rokka visibly relaxes as he talks to han more aha Han: han laughs quietly "wish i had someone nice like you for a sibling instead of shitheads" Rokka: no stopping that now Han: after han finally Gets it, shes trying not to look like [crying emoji] then looks away kinda shy? "...they arent. complete shitheads......... i think you would get along nicely with'em" Finn: finn eavesdropping @ han, inch resting Rokka: I'd love to meet them one day if we make it out of this Han: "we will. i have to knock the life out of one of them" han smiles Rokka: how many siblings do you have Han: han loses her smile a touch and hesitates a sec b4 answering "...two now." Rokka: now..? Vorde: out of the corner of your eye you all see vorde come to attention and speak "its as empty as it'll be, nows the time to get as far as we can. were on" he shoots you all a glance. Rokka: rokka shoots a quick concerned glance at han before facing forward again

Vorde pulls the two behind him ahead on the ropes and marches proudly into the street, walking at a speedy pace followed by Orin and Finn, the group gets as far up the stairway to the main gates as possible before the entourage is spotted by the various nearby royal guardsman.

Immediately they hear a few shouts ahead of them as the two royal guards by the door call out to Vorde to halt, looking the group also notice the guards on the walls train arrows on their forms. Behind, nearby guards quickly run up to flank the group, surrounding them.

Keva: keva tenses up as the guards approach Han: han too, also making note of fucking everything, how many people, exits, all that shit Rokka: rokka also does the tense Plum: plum stands a little closer to cimm and vorde Psalm: psalm is also just scoping the place out for good measure

Vorde: he clears his throat before speaking loudly and plainly “I, Vorde Barvotte of Antessa, have found and bring to you now, the assassins and wanted fugitives responsible for the carnage during the Elfonsent Ball but not a few nights ago” he continues a little less loudly with his brow furrowed “I bring grave news regarding their actions and future plans of attack on the city, i demand to be brought before the nobility and kings at once to relay this pertinent information immediately” the two royal guardsman in front of him pause for a moment and eyeball the group behind him bound in ropes.

Han appears to get the stink eye specifically from one of the guardsmen before the guard on the right, presumably the guard captain speaks up.

Guard Captain: “there are only 5 assassins left alive to my knowledge 'good' sire, and wasn't one of em' a lupin?” she turns her head to the other guard as if to ask for confirmation, he nods his head. Vorde: he clasps his hands together before responding “it appears you were not thorough enough in your investigation of the body then guard captain, it is of dire importance this error is rectified wouldn't you agree? as for the second question" he looks over at finn and gestures for him to bring chris rokksworth pop sensation forward Han: pop sensation chris rokksworth cant be bad! hes a star! Rokka: silly! hes just getting into his new movie role!

Finn brings Rokka forward as prompted by Vorde, reaching for Rokka’s bound hands Vorde pulls off the ring shifting his form immediately back to his lupin one.

Vorde: "These assassins are crafty wouldn't you say, hiding their faces to avoid detection." he gives you a quick look rokka that to you seems like hes saying gj bro Rokka: rokka just makes a surprised face :OOOOOOO

Satisfied, Vorde turns curtly and pushes Rokka back to where he was standing before, turning back to the guard captain. She squints at him and then quickly turns and raises her arm, ordering the nearby guardsman to examine the tied up members of the party for any weapons.

Han: han probably has all her weapons on her.... she grits her teeth over this lol, han glaring dagger into whoever has her stuff lmao Rokka: [nooo dont confiscate my swords] Keva: keva scowls as a guard approaches her and pats her down Han: eat shit copper

Orin tries to give Keva and Psalm placating looks throughout the process while not being obvious. The six members of the party have all their physical weapons removed from their persons. The guardsman on the right clears her throat seemingly satisfied with her appraisal and shouts at the guards on the walls to lift the gates, as she does Vorde gives the group a barely noticeable nod and continues speaking.

Vorde: “I must be bring them all before the nobility themselves as soon as possible, their testimony will be important for what i am to tell the royalty, i cannot explain their actions without them and the imminent threat to the city without them”  Guard Captain: she responds with a curt “you want to bring assassins before the kings for a second time?” Vorde: they are bound and weaponless, they couldn't hurt more than a fly as they stand now, beaten and docile. I'm sure you’ve a great manner of ways to check before they are brought anywhere near the nobility but i stress, i must speak to them with all of the fugitives present. It is of the greatest importance

The group watch the main gates slowly rise as Vorde speaks, hearing the grunting of guards nearby as they work it open. They’re all ushered ahead by the guardsmen behind them to walk through the gates. Stepping over the threshold they feel a wash of something pass over them as they enter the perimeter of the palace before moving along. 

Ghester: In the back of your head Psalm you hear Ghester make almost what sounds like a grunt of pain before hearing him whisper “....nasty enchantments in place now i see” Psalm: psalm's just looks at orin like eh could be worse, oh wait

Psalm: psalm just tries to mask cough asking ghester "are you alright?" in infernal Ghester: you hear a strained hmm as he speaks "nothing that will kill me but it shall be a persistent pain for a while i suppose, im being forcefully restrained is how i would put it. dont worry, i'll do my best to keep a watchful eye" Psalm: quietly "hmm, i wasn't that concerned about them taking my stuff but knowing that i guess i should be. although i can't really say i'm surprised they'd have you covered too." Ghester: he gives a dreary sigh Psalm: what do you want me to kiss it better? tough it out man! you're like a million years old aren't you? Ghester: he doesn't respond Psalm: * slightly concerned *

Keva: keva's gone from staring warily at the guards to staring at psalm talking to himself Han: 🤨 Psalm: psalm like why y'all staring at me Han: cant a man talk to himself every once in a while Psalm: thats what im saying

As the group walk through they all hear the guard captain Vorde is speaking to respond with a “we’ll see” before she pulls another guard over and motions for them to run ahead of the group with a message.

They quickly take off, the guard captain then turns and motions for Vorde and the entourage to follow close behind. The group are all ushered through a grand main garden, blooming flowers of yellow and blue and large plants bracket the main pathway. They feel plenty of eyes on then as they’re lead through the grounds.

> 🎵  Dark Medieval Blues. Hurdy-Gurdy, Organ & Drum / Andrey Vinogradov

The group is pushed towards the main palace entrance doors and a grand entrance foyer, flanked by royal guardsmen as they enter. There are a number more than there were during the Ball they notice as they’re are ushered down a tall corridor to the right, the royal guardsman marching along with them the whole way.

Eventually in one of the corridors they are brought to a stop. Soon after the messenger that was sent ahead earlier rushes back, as he heaves out of breath the guard captain mutters an impatient “and…?” he stands puffing before sidling up to whisper in her ear, she makes a sour face afterwards.

Guard Captain: “You’re to be examined before i bring you before the court” she points at a nearby door “inside” 

The group are once again hauled through by the guards. They find themselves led through a door to what appears to be an old and ornate looking library, though somewhat messy looking, before being ordered to sit upon a set of chairs lined up near a long wooden table.

The ceiling here is high and there are various potted plants strewn about the tall cases of old tomes, ladders with wheels on the bottom are affixed to the large wooden bookshelves. Orin seems to be looking about the large room with curiosity as if he cant help himself.

Psalm: psalm is same he's basically like "oh shit! books!!" Han: han keeps glaring at the guard who took all her shit n gritting her teeth Finn: finn also letting his eyes wander a little around the room Keva: keva also looks around and takes it all in warily

After a few minutes of waiting you all see the door open again as a woman wearing a large hat with aqua toned skin steps through, fins sprouting from her face.

Han: han briefly looks at her, then does a double take.  Rokka: anxiety sky rockets

Han: han wolf whistles smh she’s a chad dont be stupid Psalm: PLEASE NO Han: NO NO AS;LKHFDLKHWADS;LKF IM KIDDING IM KIDDING Cimmorro: KVLDJSKGJSDKLG\ Han: u can keep me in these cuffs baby girl (winks) Psalm: psalm throws up Plum: [retches] Han: this is why han only gets laid when she pays Psalm: OH MY LORD WHAT A THING TO SAY LMFAO Chip: she fucks but at what cost (25 gold) Han: 25 GOLD, DAMN

The woman appears as if she's a triton, the race typically live underwater they suppose shorewater is located on the sea, not strange for the people to make their way into the politics of the country on the oceans doorstep.

Carrying papers with her they note that she appears to be formally dressed, though they aren't quite sure of her station. She moves towards the table with a nod and places the notes and items she seems to be carrying down with a quick huff and turning to the guardsman

Mardella: “I’m here to examine the accused, i shall cast a general spell then probe further if i need too” as she speaks she brushes an errant hair behind one of her fins. Han: raise ur hand if u dont wanna get zone of truth-ed Plum: I DO I DO I WANNA GET ZONE OF TRUTHED MAKE THIS NIGHTMARE END I'M INNOCENT Han: AKLDSF;LKHRAWLKHHESGDLKAW;LKJ4F all my charm spell nightmares coming to life

Mardella: turning to the three not seated she continues “I am guessing you are Vorde Barotte then?” Vorde: he gives a small bow in response “yes that is correct” Mardella: she hmms and continues “I am curious as to how you apprehended them all when the guardsman had such difficulty, but you seem to express a great desire to speak before the kings themselves so i will leave the needling for the moment” she turns back to the rest of you seated in the chairs “right then this shall take me some time”

She moves to sit at the long table and picks up the papers she was holding. Just then the group also notice she also has a quill and a pot of ink near her. She quickly gets to work drawing notes of some sort before standing.

She walks back to the 6 of them and speaks casting a spell, she seems to grip something at her neck glowing a white light for a moment before relenting. She casts the Zone of Truth of spell, affecting all of them except for Psalm and Cimmorro. Should they speak now they can only respond truthfully.

Psalm: i almost wished cimm failed that just to force him to speak properly Plum: cimm says peenus weenus fr and this woman is like, i am in the presence of a complicated mind... a puzzle box Cimmorro: JKGSDGJSG now everyone's in MY world Chip: lets start with your childhood cimmorro Cimmorro: AM I AT THERAPY? Han: YES

Mardella: she clasps her hands in front of herself and speaks "i shall ask you a series of questions, i expect you to cooperate with this process" she pauses and continues "are any you of currently under the effects of a spell, intended to deceive?" Keva: no Plum: nah Psalm: as far as i am aware, no Han: no Rokka: nope Cimmorro: nope

Han: laughs over the differences n similarities in our responses Psalm: that’s rp babey! Plum: tag urself

Mardella: she hmms and continues "are any of you still carrying weapons or contraband on your person" Han: han grits her teeth "i fucking wish" Keva: no Psalm: no Cimmorro: nope Rokka: nope :( Plum: no Cimmorro: plum sitting there thinking "is this illegal? fuck if i know" (re their pink medical potion) for 30 seconds before answering

Mardella: she continues "do you harbour ill intent towards the royalty of this country" Plum: no Keva: no Han: no Rokka: never Psalm: no Cimmorro: not yet i dont :d Plum: LFAMOGOGOO Han:;KHAS;LKDF;AWEFD Cimmorro: DONT TEST ME Chip: cimmorro cringe compilation Psalm: @ cim

Cimmorro: LKBF;DBCVB,SB.,S Han: we are all testing her patience,  cimm and han 🤝 at their wits fucking end Cimmorro: they find truce. Once

Mardella: she gives you a look cimm and continues "how long ago did you arrive and shorewater, and for what purpose" Keva: 2 weeks. i’m looking for someone Plum: a few weeks ago, came here to talk to vorde Rokka: nearly a month, im just exploring Psalm: a little under two weeks. and i'm just here for a change of scenery Cimmorro: came around 2 weeks back or so. just passing by really, pilgrimaging Han: almost 5 seasons. my friend left me here to find myself

Mardella: she humms "and a final one, were you all here on the night of the Elfonsent Ball?" Han: yes Keva: yes Cimmorro: yup Psalm: yes Plum: ya Rokka: yup

Mardella: satisfied she nods and unclasps her hands "thank you for complying" 

The woman walks back to the end of the table where she placed her papers and begins to draw with the ink and quill, what look like runes of a sort, whispering under her breath, they figure shes slowly casting another spell.

They sit in silence under the watch of the guardsman, about ten minutes pass before she seems to finish, a quick glow bursts from her hands and she stands once again, coming to scrutinise them all. She then slowly examines them all one by one from a distance, making her way down the line before stopping after a time, seemingly satisfied.

Mardella: “I’ve not detected anything suspicious in the way of magic for now” she stands and dusts her dress slightly “i shall go and inform the kings, lead them to the court hall once you are ready” she turns and gives Vorde a slight bow before standing and leaving the room. 

Han: oh that was a detect magic not identify, i was like how is psalm not pinging -  warlock pact Cimmorro: psalm big dong pinging under the radar of mommy Psalm: yeah everything about that is horrible jez Chip: psalm back on pornhub Psalm: everything about what you just said is terrible, GOD, THIS IS LIKE THE THIRD TIME Plum: jez, jez i will beat you one day Cimmorro: Nicj9jjoflkeneje

The guard captain satisfied, motions for the guards to haul the group out of the room and back through the palace, the other three following close behind. Once more they are led through the tall corridors of the palace into a more minimalistically decorated area, though it seems everywhere in this place is covered in plush long carpets. Eventually they are all brought before a large set of double doors, taller than themselves, and brought to a stop. 

The guard captain stands at attention before them all, bringing Vorde, Finn and Orin in front of the group, before turning and lightly knocking on the door. A moment passes and soon after what they assume to be a secretary of sorts sticks his head out and whispers in her ear before leaning back inside and closing the door.

Plum: [fidgeting] Rokka: [fidgeting] Han: han is stoic tense n grimacing the usual Keva: keva's like, lightly scuffing the plush carpet with a shoe as she looks around Psalm: psalm sneezes Chip: ghester doesn't say bless you

Guard Captain: she turns back to you all and speaks “You have been granted an audience with the kings, the princess, the archmage and the high arcane adviser. You will speak when spoken too and keep your hands to yourself, if i notice but a hair out of place, you're out the door. As for the rest of you-” she cranes her head “try anything again and we’ll gut you where you stand, am i clear?” Plum: i heard one of the kings is really hot, IM JK Han: KKHDA;SLKHFALKHEFDS Cimmorro: JDJFKROEDLDM so ure saying hes not? 🤔

> 🎵  The Great Cross-Examination ~ Allegro 2015 / The Great Ace Attorney OST

The guard captain turns and pushes open the doors walking ahead. Vorde, Orin and Finn follow after her as the rest of the group are pushed along behind by the royal guardsman. They all enter what looks like a large chamber, a small set of stairs leading down into a large circle with an ornate design in its centre, tall pillars along either end. At the centre hanging over the centre of the large circle is a lit chandelier, clean in its design.

Across and up another set of stairs appears to be 5 seats, two more ornately decorated than the others, each sat upon by a person flanked by stone statues. The two kings Jermiah and Peruvus Argotts, sit in the two at the centre, flanked by princess Forrin Argott. Next to them sits a gnome in ornate garb, and the woman from earlier, Mardella. 

The chamber has a set of royal guardsmen lined up on either end of the wall at attention, the group is slowly led down to the centre of the room as the guard captain in front of them speaks, head bowed low.

Psalm: A GNOME? :pogchamp: WE'VE BEEN KONGED Plum: GNOME COOL Cimmorro: DAMN TGIF THANK GNOME ITS FRIDAY Han: 

Rokka: SDFCGVHBJKL Cimmorro: THANKS POKI

Guard Captain: your majesty's, i bring Vorde Barvotte of Antessa and his associates, as well as the 6 fugitives wanted for the events that occurred during the Efonsent Ball” she then steps back and aside, allowing Vorde, Finn and Orin to stand facing the court instead. “He claims to have pertinent information regarding their plans and a future plan of attack upon the city, he desired to relay this directly to the court.” The eyes of the five soon land on Vorde as he folds his arms behind his back.

Jeremiah: the king consort speaks up first “Well no need to keep us in suspense sire, speak freely. Mind we are a bit on edge at the moment so if possible it would be well for us to keep this audience brief” Turen: you hear the gnome woman speak up soon after him with a sigh “better for us to be taking no audiences at this time with the work to be done right now” Forrin: The princess responds soon after “we can't turn down any information at this time Turen, even if it ends up being a farce. Though I doubt the good sir would jeopardise himself so readily in such a precarious time, correct?” she tilts her head slightly with a glance at Vorde. Vorde: He responds with a small bow and a brief “of course your highness” Jermiah: he once again waves his hand as if prompting Vorde to begin speaking once more. Cimmorro: speak now thot Plum: plum is just listening to them say words and not absorbing any of it,  just thinking i am looking at the faces of the rulers of this country right now, i wonder what my parents would think Finn: finn looking at these people like man theyre richer than us Cimmorro: we start dancing behind him, interactive presentation Han: we start doing fortnite dances Psalm: psalm is also like hmm wonder what my parents would think, how did i end up here

Vorde: standing straight again he begins “I bring important news of dire events but more notably i must stress an important detail first. The 6 fugitives behind me stand accused of heinous crimes towards the court and the sanctity of this city and country, but I've proof they were merely innocent bystanders who were used. Their faces stolen to be equipped as masks in crimes against this country” He straightens his back slightly before continuing “On my person i have a pieces of evidence that point towards the true culprits behind the attack on your persons your majesty’s, a cult known by the moniker ‘The Red Letterheads’ who deal in disgusting acts for a purpose i do not fully understand myself yet” 

 As Vorde speaks the group see the 5 sitting in front of him watch with rapt attention, he details the evidence they’ve all found and presents his satchel, leaving it upon the ground for examination as he speaks. The guard captain takes the satchel and walks it to the gnome Turen and Mardella who begin to examine its contents. 

> 🎵  Joint Reasoning (Type A) / The Great Ace Attorney OST

Throughout his monologue he turns to each member of the party to provide testimony or speak upon the things they have seen and encountered over the past few days to prove their innocence, and the letterheads being the true culprits before leaving the closing argument to Finn.

Han: uses her outlander feat to provide testimony explaining the groups movements precisely retracing their steps and describing the letterheads place

Psalm: persuades them that the night started with the group being either hired as vinny's bodyguards or brought along as his +1's and the reason why they chose them for doppelgangers was because they were apparently easy targets

Plum: talks about the fact that they only came to shorewater to talk to vorde and then was going to fuck off back to talornia or wherever - they say "fuck off back to" and then are like ah oops

Keva: say she was talking with silversoul and was in his vicinity during the attack, so she saw him stabbed and wasn't around vinny who her doppelganger was seen stabbing bc she was across the ballroom -  [ psalm jumps in on keva's point to say that he had seen the letterhead member that stabbed vinny before she disguised herself as keva and that they later apprehended her and got information out of her ]

Rokka: mentions that he was speaking to vorde with han and plum at the ball,  BRO IM JUST A JOCK

Cimmorro: speaks precisely about the methods of necromancy the group saw, including the undead zombies and the blood clones.

Finn: for the closing statement he emphasises keva’s testimony re:gintama and cimmorro’s regarding the blood clones. Tying that in with the evidence the group  have and making it clear that the real perpetrators have pressing motives that need to be investigated with utmost urgency

> 🎵  The Old Bailey ~ Closing Argument / The Great Ace Attorney OST

Finn eventually closes out the argument, nervously taking a breath as he finishes speaking. In front of them the group watch as the court thinks of the things the party has relayed, most of them with their brows furrowed. 

Psalm: i hope this turns into a "glad we brought him!" situation Cimmorro: PLZ 🥺

Peruvus: finally he speaks up “So this is true then? I had suspicions this was part of a greater plot but it appears to have become all the truer with every word you’ve spoken.”  Jeremiah: “The inconsistencies within your testimony make sense if the culprits were in fact doppelgangers, a cult hmm” looking at you Finn he continues "you said his name was Theyord?” Han: han zones out for a sec and then goes "i believe he also went by ansam?" Finn: finn pulls down his scarf slightly. "Indeed. But my uncle has a better account of this, if you do not mind him relaying it in my place." and just. eyeballs vorde. motioning for him to take over. Cimmorro: this is finn the whole time but crying

Vorde: Yes, your majesty, i think in a previous life he may have gone by the name Ansam, i'm unsure of its relevance at the moment Jeremiah: at that he seems to think for a moment before frowning and putting a hand to his face to think, not speaking after. Turen: next to him the archmage speaks up “This tome is certifiably filled with black magic, the kind you often dont see used on the material plane by living creatures because of how complicated the runes are. If this cult's patron is Mephisto then that is most certainly where they got these litany of spells, he just gives them out to anyone who asks now? This devil gives me a headache…” she turns towards the three standing members of royalty before continuing “i can confirm the contents of this tome are indeed teemed toward necromancy and mind control, it may explain a few things. The enchantments on these items feel like the scratchings of the desperate” she looks over at you cimmorro "seems he knows what hes talking about" Cimmorro: cimm just looks back at them like <:3c

Keva and Han attempt to study the king consort’s reaction to the name Ansam but dont get much aside from the fact that he recognises it, theyre unsure how affected he is right now by its mention. Han does note that the 5 seem to be seriously considering the groups argument, seems Finn’s closing argument was quite strong. 

Psalm also thinks now and considers if he’s heard the name Ansam before, he thinks that perhaps faintly he may have heard it somewhere back home, thinking that it sounds like it could be the name of tiefling. Though he doesnt get much else. Soon after Cimmorro is praised Mardella once again speaks up 

Mardella: “i do not think they're lying about the stolen faces, we had the suspicion already. Once we removed the ring upon the corpse in the palace it changed its face completely, it's of the same make as the one I hold now” she twirls the disguise ring around in the light. “Your majesty’s, your highness, i too can confirm the authenticity of these items as Turen just did” Forrin: at this she responds, lifting her arm slightly, beckoning towards the guard captain “as a gesture of trust, i’d like you to remove their bindings as they stand before us captain” 

Quickly bowing, the guard captain walks over to the group of six, Orin, Finn and Vorde drop the ropes as she quickly cuts each member free one by one, their hands allowed to roam as they please. Other royal guards step forward to take the ropes and remove them from the hall as the king begins to speak once more.

Peruvus: “I'm going to choose to believe the events you’ve just relayed to us to be truth, in which case I apologise for the rough treatment you’ve no doubt undergone in place of our true culprits. It must not have been easy gathering all of this information.” He turns to you Finnian, and continues “earlier your group said there was an immediate dire threat facing us, can you explain? Or was this also part of the farce to gain an audience with us” he clasps his hands over his knees as he speaks, leaning forward slightly “we’ve upped the city’s defences somewhat since the assassination attempts and the return of our archmage, but there have been unusual happenings i've noticed over the past day. I’d like to know what you can tell me and if you’ve any further leads”  Psalm: If I may, what are these 'unusual happenings' you're referring to? Peruvus: he shits his attention over towards you psalm and responds "The mayor caused a great hullabaloo at the government ward gates, it appears as if he started a fist fight with all the nearby guardsmen out of the blue. None were eager to bring him down as he was already still injured from the Ball’s events" he rubs the bridge of his nose as if beleaguered "Similarly a cleric from the church of Heiron was seen pounding on the gates in the church district soon after his recovery within his own church's walls, he resisted any attempts from the guardsman to calm him and had to be restrained..." Keva: keva frowns @ news abt panaver Han: han tsks kind of to herself

Psalm: I see. Well going off what we know so far the cult has the ability to both disguise themselves, but their leader can temporarily possess the followers as well. The cleric is one of the wounded from the night of the ball, so that at least explains his breakdown. Keva: "silversoul" keva says, quieter than she usually speaks Psalm: sorry what was that Keva: keva huffs and says louder "his name was panaver silversoul. he was the one i was talking to." Han: we think who was stabbed, is who can be controlled by theyord Finn: "It was not a farce. Our investigation has proven that the Letterheads have been preparing to perform a ritual. Perhaps some sort of summoning. The language they used suggested serious danger. Tightened defenses or not, Shorewater is vulnerable." Finn sighs and closes his eyes for a second. "it might be of interest for you to know that they possess portals that lead to various different places in Shorewater, possibly outside of it." Psalm: With that being said, we don't really have the specifics of the 'dire' event the letterheads have planned. But for the most part they seem intent on 'punishing' Shorewater. Oh, and they plan to carry out this punishment within the next few days. Plum: i'd give us less than two days. Psalm: If even so much. We did however, infiltrate their base, so assuming they haven't left we know the whereabouts and have an idea of what it's like inside

Cimmorro:  is finn still wearing all of his layers during the entirety of this Finn: yes Cimmorro: perfect,  he's just waddling around while explaining things

Forrin: ...a large scale attack… we’ll need Turen to scour that tome for any sort of spell that might indicate to what exactly they’re attempting, perhaps that Accord wizard might assist us. We must further up the guard presence along the walls and call a lockdown perhaps.. Jeremiah: perhaps we ought evacuate the city entirely, though I wonder if we’d have enough time, if we were caught while people are outside their homes en masse it could worsen the situation entirely… Mardella: i think a lockdown would be a better course of action, if we set about activating the city wide enchantments quickly the people would be safer inside their homes than out Jeremiah: he nods in response “hmm this is true, we’ll need to expend all our effort into organising the guard as quickly as possible more than we already have, we ought to bulk up the church and government ward gates specifically as well. Its good to know we've a location to crack down on then as well. We ought to arrange a group of guardsman and mages to flush them out post hate as well..

> 🎵  Joint Reasoning: The Great Deduction (Type B) / The Great Ace Attorney OST

Forrin calls over the guard captain and the secretary seated at the desk close by and begins relaying orders for them to begin sending out along with Peruvus. Jeremiah however continues to address the group as they do.

Jeremiah: Travellers and esteemed Barvottes. I King Consort Jeremiah, am now asking formally for your aid in this time of crisis, we are stretched thin and with not knowing what to expect the city needs as much help and eyes as we can give her. You will be compensated greatly for helping the city of Shorewater, and the country of Dorrin itself in its coming time of crisis. As well as for the hardships you have already endured, is there a name I might refer to you all as going forward?” Vorde: he turns his head at you all expectantly afterwards as well.

Cimmorro: wow even on dnd we quarantine Chip: social distancing to save from cults Psalm: damn jeremiah if you're asking like that... 👉👈 Cimmorro: jeremiah stan club Plum: sir can i get your autograph

The group then scramble to decide on a name, quickly forming a group huddle amongst themselves.

Cimmorro: cimm does a poor attempt to huddle us all up and goes "lets just go with peenus weenus" Plum: whispering heatedly "shut up cimm shut up" Psalm: sure why not, i'm sure whatever dignity we have left doesn't matter anymore right? Han: tries not to choke

Finn: finn coughs uncomfortably at cimm's suggestion. "we could simply refer to ourselves as a strike force." Han: do we even have anything that makes us one Psalm: vinny's strike force... to honour him since he's dead. /s Cimmorro: the brokebacks Plum: SHUTGUUPPGPF

Cimmorro: while everyone is debating i just walk up to the king and goes like we're the vengaboys -  "your majesty i present to you the vengaboys" Jeremiah: he looks towards you cimmorro and tilts his head "vengaboys? i see, well then Vengaboys-" and he turns to the rest of you all "i would like to ask again for finality's sake, do you have any more possible leads at the moment?" Cimmorro: i turn back to everyone and gives a thumbs up Psalm: psalm gives a thumbs up back Vorde: [internally] tf does venga mean Psalm: TF DOES VENGA MEAN Chip: vengeance boys... Cimmorro: ^ Keva: boys for vengeance Finn: 

Psalm responds afterwards, informing the king consort that the only one they have would be the hideout as they’ve never met Theyord in person, Han emphasising only when hes possessed someone. He also brings up the notes in the back of the book, noting Shelly’s name and that she may be in possible danger.

Keva: i step a little closer to psalm and say "tell them about those people we ran into down there" Psalm: psalm just folds his arms and does what keva asks Keva: YYYEEAAAAHHH

Han: when theres a pause han also asks "what about the assassin that you caught? who are they?" Jeremiah: he looks over at you "they weren't caught per say, the guards struck them right in the ballroom before they could strike at us, dead in seconds." he thinks "we examined the body of course but as far as we could tell they weren't a Shorewater native, i dont think they were from Dorrin originally either. The most we could glean was they had a brand upon their back in the shape of a symbol once we removed the disguise”

Forrin then returns her attention to the conversation at hand, seemingly her and her brother Peruvus have finished issuing orders for the moment, having been paying attention to the ongoing conversation.

Peruvus: “We shall work on the assignment of the guardsmen across the city and deciphering all we can from the tome you’ve given us, as well as bolster the city's magic defences, and declare a lockdown. Once you return from investigating Shelly Carter’s abode I would ask you to assist us directly in these tasks. At the most i can spare some guardsmen to assist you in this endeavour, it would be best i think to send one of the captains in charge of the arcana district to help your investigation. I will send word for you to meet them at the district gates, it would be best for us to move as quickly as possible”  Turen: in response to this archmage stands “if i am no longer needed your majesty i shall consort with Mardella and the witch from the accord, my workload has suddenly increased tenfold” she rolls her shoulders as if gearing up for a fist fight.

Jeremiah nods and waves her and Mardella off, the two stand and leave the room via one of the large doors, finally him and the other two royals stand 

Jeremiah: “The royal guardsman shall escort you off the palace grounds and send word across the city that you aren't to be approached in your travel, should you require any food or rest before you head off you may use one of the rooms in the palace. The guardsmen will direct you.” Peruvus: “return as soon as you are able, we’ve not a moment to waste” Psalm: I don't speak for everyone here, but as it's still early in the day I don't think we'll be here for long before heading onto our next task Peruvus: looks towards you psalm and nods "of course, whatever suits you for the moment" He looks back towards Vorde addressing him directly "thank you again for your aid in this time from your family, sire Barvotte, it shall not be forgotten. As well as for you, Vengaboys, may we meet to discuss what comes next soon with higher hopes" 

The royal guard captain stands and rises as the royals give the group a small courteous bow which Vorde returns doubly so. The party and co. are ushered back out of the doors of the grand courthall their names now clear, their next task pressing on their minds....

--

Notes

🦇Finn succeeded the debate skill challenge very epic

🍺 Plum drank the「  Red Potion ✨ 」who knows how long they’ll have red hair for...

-「  4 Poison Daggers ✨ 」-「 a Branding Rod ✨ 」-「 a Red Tome ✨ and -「 2 Letterhead Tokens ✨ 」 were handed over to the Court as evidence

- ITS NOON - 33 HOURS UNTIL - 📜🩸 The Reckoning 🩸📜 - (supposedly)

[sonofhistory]

James Monroe Timeline of Slavery:

James Monroe depended on, used and benefited from the institution of slavery profitably. He was the owner of around seventy slaves in his entire life (not all held at once) [x] and like his friend James Madison, Monroe never freed a single slave. Hypocritically, Monroe believed strongly in the abolition and called for the freedom of slaves [x].

1774: Spence Monroe, James Monroe’s father, dies when he is sixteen. Spence left one slave directly, a boy named Ralph [x].

1786: Monroe marries Elizabeth Kortright whose father, a New York merchant, Lawrence Kortright who owned at least four slaves [x]. 

1794: Elizabeth journeyed to New York City to see her dying father. From there, she wrote to her husband about her own inheritance and her brother’s, which she deemed unfair and included “several slaves.”

1796: When James Monroe was in Paris he heard that one of his slaves in Virginia was very ill.  "We lament much the ill health of Tinah...  Indeed she is valuable as a sensible and honest servant, as well as most capable, and whose loss could never be repaired.  We are particularly gratified that she is well taken care of and wants for nothing."

1799: October 15, 1799, as some slave traders tried to transport a group of slaves from Southampton to Georgia, the slaves revolted and killed the traders. According to an article on the subject, a nearby slave patrol responded and killed ten slaves on the spot. The patrol took five slaves alive. They were tried in an oyer and terminer court without the benefit of a jury, four were convicted. The fifth pleaded benefit of clergy and was flogged and branded. Governor James Monroe postponed the slaves' executions to check their identities; he granted a pardon to one, and allowed two to hang. The fourth died in jail from exposure to the cold. The author of the article stated Monroe "help[ed] secure a modicum of civil protection for slaves sentenced to death for capital crimes." Monroe restored the requirement of civil protection for slaves sentenced to death for capital crimes [x] [x].

1800: During his term as governor, in Richmond on the afternoon of Saturday, August 30th, Monroe received information that an insurrection by slaves in the surrounding area would strike the city that night. He communicated with the mayors of Richmond and Petersburg and called out militia to protect the capitol building and public stores of arms and ammunition. Heavy rainfall that made roads and bridges impassable forestalled the beginning of the revolt that night, but Monroe soon received information to convince him that the plan for rebellion was still in place, truthfully, one of the plans was to kidnap him. The legislature was not in session, but with the concurrence of the council on Tuesday, September 2nd the governor alerted all Virginia militia regiments and strengthened the guard on key locations in and around the capital city. He also communicated with local civil officials. The evening of September 2nd the first group of suspects was brought to Richmond from the vicinity of the Henrico County plantation of Thomas H. Prosser, whose slave Gabriel had been named as the primary leader of the intended revolt. 

Under Virginia law of more than a century’s standing, the trial of a slave accused of committing a capital offense was to take place without a jury before a court of oyer and terminer assembled for the purpose. According to a 1786 statute, which was a modified version of a bill in the great revision of the state’s law code that Thomas Jefferson and others had drafted some years earlier, a slave could only be condemned to death by unanimous decision of the court of oyer and terminer, and the state would compensate the owner for the value of the executed slave. The first executions for participation in the conspiracy occurred on Friday, September 12th. During when he was to decide as governor for punishment he wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson stating himself as being torn between what the legislature wanted–execution–and what he wanted–mercy. In the end, twenty-six slaves including Gabriel were hanged. Monroe tried to get pardons for those condemned for execution but the council only agreed to some of the requests from Monroe for pardons or temporary reprieves. 

1802: The government considered sending insurgent slaves to Sierra Leone. Governor Monroe discovered that under the law of Sierra Leone the slaves would be free as soon as they arrived.  "Still I am persuaded that such was not the intention of the Legislature, as it would put culprits in a better condition than the deserving part of those people...  The ancestors of the present negroes were brought from Africa and sold here as slaves, they and their descendents for ever. If we send back any of the race subject to a temporary servitude with liberty to their descendants will not the policy be mild and benevolent?"

1804: “Slaves are kept under by fear—with them the term is synonimous with respect—Be generous, set them free, & they will insult you.” [x]

1807: “The twenty-fourth article engages that the parties shall communicate to each other the laws which their respective legislatures may enact for the abolition or limitation of the African slave trade, and that they will also use their best endeavors to procure the co-operation of other powers for the complete abolition of that trade. “ [x] “We ought to add that by one of the articles in the treaty a complete co-operation is stipulated for the abolition of the Slave Trade.” [x] James Monroe was negotiating a new treaty with Great Britain. 

1808: “I have in Albermarle 2500. acres of as good land as any in the county & about 30. slaves, with furniture stock &ca. I shod. suppose that my property there was worth three times the amount of the sum desired.” [x]

1810: Albemarle County, Virginia census showed forty-nine enslaved people living at Highland in 1810. At Monroe’s home of Highland, the enslaved included field workers, blacksmiths, carpenters, masons and “house servants” which including valets, a maids, a cook and assistants [x]. The same year, Monroe had offered to sell his Oak Hill estate, nearly two thousand acres in Loudoun County, located ten miles from Leesburg and thirty-five from Alexandria, along with its livestock and all its twenty-five slaves [x].

1814: “The procln. of Cochrane, inciting4 our slaves to rise, & join them, you have probably seen.” [x]

1816: Monroe was part of the American Colonization Society formed in 1816. They found common ground with some abolitionists in supporting colonization. They helped send several thousand freed slaves to the new colony of Liberia in Africa from 1820 to 1840. Monroe wanted to prevent free blacks from encouraging slaves in the South to rebel. The organization also bought land for the freedmen in what is today Liberia. The capital of Liberia was named Monrovia after him as president [x]. 

1817: According to William Seale, he took several slaves with him to Washington D.C. to serve at the White House from 1817 to 1825 [x]. 

1819: The Missouri Territory applied for statehood as a slave state, but that application failed largely due to opposition from the New England states. An amended bill was put forth which proposed gradually eliminating slavery in Missouri, but that just led to two years of bitter debate in Congress. The Missouri Compromise bill resolved the issue, pairing Missouri as a slave state with Maine, a free state, and barring slavery north of latitude 36/30' N forever.

1820: "I do not think that any foreigner can sustain a claim against an African brought directly from Africa as a slave, in our Courts, but that when brought within our jurisdiction he must be free."

1821: "[The international slave trade] is an abominable practice, against which nations are now combining, and it may be presumed that the combination will soon become universal.  If it does the traffic must cease, if it does not it will still be carried on, unless the nations favorable to the suppression unite to crush it, under flags whose powers tolerate it, which would in effect be to make war on those powers." 

1822: Liberia was established as a place where freed American slaves, as well as Africans captured on foreign slave ships, could be resettled. The country named its capital, Monrovia, after Monroe because of his endorsement of the American Colonization Society. [x]

1823: “you have, I presume, seen, by the gazettes, that a motion has been made in the British house of commons, to liberate the slaves in the W. Indies, & been treated with respect by Mr Canning, The effect, should the measure be adopted, on those in the southern states, may be anticipated.” [x]

1824: James Monroe signed a treaty with Great Britain that would have declared the African slave trade a form of piracy, thereby making it easier to fight the slave. He made a plea to the Senate, but they did not ratify the agreement. “Should this convention be adopted, there is every reason to believe that it will be the commencement of a system destined to accomplish the entire abolition of the slave trade… [Other nations  will  follow the United States and Britain]  The crime will then be universally proscribed as piracy, and the traffic be suppressed forever.” Also: “I forward also a copy of the documents, relating to the negotiations, with the British government, for the suppression of the slave trade.” [x]

1826: Two slaves named George and Phebe risked it and fled [x]. The duo ran away from Highland in July 1826 [x], and Monroe placed an advertisement in the local newspaper (below) for July 15th [x], offering a ten dollar reward for their return. It’s unknown of they reached freedom. Highland slaves endured not harsh conditions but instability caused by frequent transfers between Monroe’s two properties due to work needs [x].

1827: “The sale of my slaves, &ca, in Albemarle, it is expected will take place in Novr. so that it will be very pa[in]ful to me, to attend there, at the next meeting You shall however hear from me on the subject.” [x]

1828: Because of United State government not paying Monroe for his positions, he fell into enormous dept. Monroe began selling the farmland at his Highland any many of Monroe’s enslaved men, women, and children were dispersed south. Those sold went to a cotton plantation called Casa Bianca in Jefferson County, Florida. To the buyer, Colonel Joseph White Monroe told him to keep the families together and not to separate them [x]. “I have sold my slaves in that county, to Col: White of Florida, who will take them in families, to that territory. He gives me for them, (with the exception of a few sold there) five thousand dolrs.” [x]

1829: Monroe described slavery as “one of the evils still remaining incident to our Colonial system”. As president of Virginia's constitutional convention in the fall, Monroe reiterated his belief that slavery was a blight which, even as a British colony, Virginia had attempted to eradicate. "What was the origin of our slave population? The evil commenced when we were in our Colonial state, but acts were passed by our Colonial Legislature, prohibiting the importation, of more slaves, into the Colony. These were rejected by the Crown." To the dismay of states' rights advocates, he accepted the federal government's financial assistance to emancipate and transport freed slaves to other countries. At the convention, Monroe proposed that Virginia emancipate and deport its enslaved with "the aid of the Union."

[ara-la]

Civilian Police Oversight: Watchdog or Lapdog?

“Watchdog or Lapdog?” (1991 Revisited)

Thanks to OLAASM for resurrecting this 1991 article of mine that appeared in the Minority Trendsletter (publication that eventually became “ColorLines”) from the Center for Third World Organizing. Also here on his blog: https://olaasm.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/watchdog-or-lapdog-1991-revisited/. 

The article as originally published was only a portion of a much longer work, now lost, that reviewed decades of history of so-called “civilian complaint review boards,” including the one enacted by executive order by NY Mayor John Lindsay in the 1960s, which was overturned in a referendum campaign lead by the NY Patrolmen’s Benevolent Associations (PBA) -- the cop union -- with the support of the John Birch Society and the American Nazi Party of George Lincoln Rockwell. It also examined the role of the police within the multi-level, dispersed federal-state-local system of law enforcement in the US.

In reposting this shorter version, I am struck by how many of the key activists cited in the piece have passed away, including Michael Zinzun of CAPA in Los Angeles, Roberto Martinez of the AFSC Border Project in San Diego, and Mary Powers of Citizens Alert and NCOPA in Chicago. I have added links to their obituaries. Rest in peace and power -- carry it on in their names, and in the names of all those needlessly and wantonly killed in racist police murders since this piece was first written more than 25 years ago. #SayTheirNames! --MN

Heads bashed in for traffic violations. Teeth knocked out and bones broken for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Throats crushed in vicious chokeholds, bodies stomped, cattle prods and electric “stun guns” used on prostrate victims – a bullet in the back for failing to stop on command. Torture, murder and mayhem.

Nazi thugs? Salvadoran death squads? Nothing so exotic. Just your local police keeping the peace.

There is probably no more deeply felt issue in communities of color across the country than the question of police brutality. “When I saw those cops beating on Rodney King,” said one African-American activist, “I felt like they were hitting me. Every black man knows what it is to be afraid of the police.”

Hundreds of police accountability organizations have been mobilized to demand decent treatment for their communities; by some estimates, these organizations are more common in communities of color than groupings on any other single issue.

And it is an issue that moves people to levels of anger seldom seen in the United States. Almost invariably, the rebellions that exploded in American cities in the 1960s were sparked by what the community felt was inappropriate police use of deadly force. Last year, the Latino community in Washington, D.C. blew up after a cop shot a teenager, burning stores and police cars for several days.

It is a problem that refuses to die – and one that may be getting worse as some communities of color become ever more segregated and depressed, while the police are given more and more power. “The police act like an army of occupation around here,” a teenager from Richmond, California recently told a newspaper reporter, articulating a commonly-heard complaint in low-income communities.

Demanding Accountability

Complaining is one thing: finding a solution or at least a way of holding the police department accountable to the community is something else entirely. The principal method that has been tried so far is the creation of various committees whose job it is to keep an eye on the police. Nearly every major city has one; they are generally called “citizen review boards” or “police review commissions.” Whatever the name, however, the boards have one thing in common – they are almost always ineffective.

In Berkeley, California, for example, in 1987 a new city manager reviewed the operations of the board under his predecessor and issued a memo reporting that the board’s reports and investigations had never once been used to overturn or modify a decision about misconduct made by the police.

Most of the boards that have been established are severely circumscribed. Almost uniformly, the boards are essentially advisory boards, rarely capable of exercising even limited disciplinary powers. Cities which have supervisory police commissions restrict them to policy-making, not day-to-day oversight. If citizens (called “civilians” by the police) are found somewhere in the process of determining officer culpability for abuse or other violations of policy, they are subordinate to the power of the mayor, or, more often, to the police chief’s authority over his or her own department. Complaint review boards are usually prevented from bringing criminal charges.

Avoiding The Law

The Philadelphia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which originated the first such board, eventually issued a report viewing review boards more as a hindrance and diversion than a solution, because they avoid the central, political question of police abuse:

“Review boards only work where the police department itself is already intent on dealing with a few rogue officers… Review boards allow the executive and legislative branches to evade their responsibility for dealing with (police abuse as) a political problem… A review board can have no real power without a change in fundamental law. Where police abuse is highly institutionalized, the board’s recommendations will be ignored, creating more cynicism” 

in the communities affected by the abuse.

According to organizers, there are a number of reasons why police review boards fail to exercise significant control over police behavior:

1. They seldom have the power to bring charges against officers, impose discipline or even subpoena officers for questioning

2. Strong opposition on the part of the police weakens the powers they are given

3. They can be compromised by police involvement, to the point where they are more friendly to cops than to victims of police abuse

4. They are often not independent, and come under the political control of the mayor or police chief

5. Review boards often exclude community activists and exhibit the same racism and disregard for communities of color exhibited by the police department

6. There are many different law enforcement agencies; a board charged with overseeing one agency seldom has any power over others

In part, the weakness of review boards reflects the inability of organized communities to present a clear list of demands and follow-through on them to make sure they are met. In Los Angeles and a few other cities, however, the vulnerability of the police in the wake of highly-publicized incidents and the maturity of the movement for police accountability have led to some expectations that a real review commission can be established. Organizers hope that the new commission will finally be able to institutionalize the long-standing demand in communities of color for an end to police abuse.

Although most boards are more ornamental than substantive, police departments – and particularly patrol officer’s “unions,” have fought tooth-and-nail against their implementation. The demands of community advocates for real power and independence for the commission are often reduced or diluted in response to police demands.

President of LA’s Police Commission having breakfast with the police “union’s” President…

Even as elementary a consideration as having non-police personnel on the board has been breached. “Civilian” may mean only non-sworn or non-uniformed “civilian” employees of the Police Department, or former police officers. Independent investigative staff and subpoena power to compel testimony from officers and witnesses are often lacking. The absence of these powers means that the board is totally dependent on police internal investigations to determine the facts. Some observers feel that witnesses are much less likely to come forward without the protective cover of being forced to testify by a board subpoena because they fear retribution by the police. They also consider the ability to compel sworn testimony by officers vital in order to overcome the “code of silence” that prevents cops from providing evidence against fellow officers.

The recent case of Minneapolis, Minnesota is typical of the way in which recalcitrant police can shape the board more to their liking. A civilian review board was established after a campaign fueled by outrage over several brutal and deadly acts of police racism. But the board as constituted eventually abandoned the effort to obtain the subpoena power it had been potentially authorized to exercise. The necessity to obtain police “cooperation” meant that a significant number of appointments when to police sympathizers. Police officers gained leverage against the board by threatening to resign from their voluntary assignments to the city’s SWAT unit. This pattern of police stonewalling, particularly by police unions, is quite common and debilitating to boards. In Cleveland, police union lawsuits tied up the board, preventing it from beginning operations for almost four years. In San Diego, the threat of a lawsuit by sheriff’s deputies made the board tread very slowly, taking over a year to adopt regulations.

Consulting the Cops

The Minneapolis board began to rely heavily on the attorney for the city patrolmen’s union, with a conservative majority on the board consulting him before adopting resolutions, according to a critical article about the board in City Pages magazine, by Jennifer Vogel, a University of Minnesota student whose piece won the I.F. Stone Award for Student Journalism from the Nation magazine.

The board also adopted a very high standard of proof to sustain complaints, requiring not merely a preponderance of evidence, but clear and convincing proof of the validity of the complaint. Officers admitted privately that they felt they would get better treatment from the Board than they would receive from the Internal Affairs division of their own police department. In fact, less money and staff were allocated to investigating citizen complaints under the Board than had been by Internal Affairs.

In the protracted process of setting up the committee and adopting rules of procedure, the Minneapolis review board lost the support of most of the activists who had campaigned for its adoption. Clyde Bellecourt, a long-time Native American activist, told City Pages that under the circumstances he would “advise people to avoid (the Board) and see a lawyer” to file a civil suit in case of police abuse.

Clyde Bellecourt as an urban American Indian Movement patrol leader in Minnesota

Ron Bear of the American Indian Movement (AIM) believes there has been some improvement in relations between the Native American community and the Minneapolis police compared to several years ago, but he doesn’t attribute this to the review board. “When we got real concerned about police brutality and other attacks on our people, we went out and organized the AIM Patrol on the streets. For awhile, the police were suspicious of us and hostile, but eventually they saw we were operating inside the law to improve things and they have become more cooperative,” he says.

Review boards can also exhibit the same disregard for people of color found in police ranks. When Shirley Cain, a Native American member of the review board, proposed sensitivity training for members of the board and its staff, she was ignored. A Native American woman, Marnie Stately, applied for the position of head of the board’s staff, the only woman and the only person of color to do so. She was asked different questions than were the white male applicants. After she was rejected for the position, the city’s Civil Rights Commission found that she had grounds for a charge of bias in the hiring process.

These problems are hardly unique to Minneapolis. In San Francisco, the former head of the Office of Citizen Complaints staff, Frank Schober, was quoted as urging his investigators to be skeptical of complaints, because “it’s in the nature of Black people to lie.” In San Francisco, the O.C.C. also sustains a smaller percentage of complaints than did the Internal Affairs Division before civilian involvement was established. Wes Pomeroy, former President of the International Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, a professional organization of people involved in police commissions and review boards, claims that “civilian boards are generally easier on the police than their own organizations.”

He feels that members of the boards get too chummy with the police they are supposed to oversee. They become sympathizers even if they didn’t feel that way to start with. “The board has to be careful it doesn’t start advocating the police and forget the other guys.”

Then-President of LA Police Commission encourages holiday shopping at the LAPD online store…

Minneapolis also illustrates another problem with the review board approach, rooted in the federal nature of the U.S. government. Although the city police department now has a board, and Minneapolis police worked cooperatively with Native American demonstrators protesting racist team names at the World Series and the Super Bowl this year, Annie Young, who works with the AIM Patrol, notes that there are 47 other jurisdictions in the county besides the Minneapolis P.D. Just recently, University of Minnesota police allegedly brutalized several people at a conference on the campus, she reports. Few if any of the other police forces have any provision for civilian review, although activists in St.Paul are beginning a campaign for civilian review, attempting to apply lessons from their twin city.

Too Many Police Forces

The multiplicity of jurisdictions contributes to the intractability of the problem of police brutality. Situations will vary from city to city, or even within jurisdictions within the same city. A great deal depends on the configuration of political forces. For example, in San Diego, California, the Review Board for the San Diego Police Department is considered by community activists to be virtually powerless and ineffective. The S.D.P.D. has often been implicated in killings and other brutality, and has a bloody history of operations along the U.S.-Mexico border. The city council and police chief have been hostile to calls for community control.

But, according to Roberto Martinez, Executive Director of the Border Project of the American Friends Service Committee, the recently established Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board for the San Diego Sheriff’s Department is more extensive, enjoys authentic community participation and has received backing from County supervisors and cooperation from the new Sheriff.

In another example, in Long Beach, California, a multi-racial coalition called the Steering Committee for Proposition One was able to rush a citizen review board proposal onto last November’s ballot. Unfortunately, in the interests of haste, the final proposal was the result of a compromise with the City Council and the City Manager. It was passed, but it is advisory in nature and its recommendations are kept secret even from the complainant. Its staff and investigators are appointed by the City Manager and “piggy-back” their investigations onto ones conducted by Internal Affairs.

The City Council is now considering a plan to scrap the entire L.B.P.D. and turn policing of California’s fifth largest city over to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. According to long-time gay activist Rick Rosen, the City Manager had signed a contract turning over 20% of the policing to the Sheriff’s Department before the Board had even gone into effect. He doesn’t feel this was a deliberate attempt to circumvent the board, but that has been the result, as the County Sheriff, Sherman Block, is adamantly opposed to civilian review of his agency, claiming he is an elected civilian leader of the department.

Sherman Block, center, long-time LASD Sheriff.

The sheriff’s department did agree to an informal process whereby a subcommittee of the Long Beach board can consult with the department regarding its internal investigations of complaints against deputies in the city. But if the city attempts to turn policing in its entirety over to sheriffs, Rosen vows that the Steering Committee for Proposition One “will take every legal means to ensure that the language of the City Charter ensuring civilian oversight takes precedence.” He admits, however, that currently California case law supports the Long Beach city attorney’s ruling that the charter provision would not apply to a contract with Sheriff’s Department.

The bottom line is that a majority of civilian complaint review boards have little real power. They uphold a small minority (under 10%) of citizen complaints (compared to a 90% conviction rate in the criminal courts of civilians charged by police.) As the boards are institutionalized, they tend to become co-opted by police departments, in the common fate of many regulatory bodies that become agents of the industries they supervise. At best, they are little more than cosmetic.

 Civic authorities in New York, Los Angeles and other large cities are willing to pay out millions of dollars each year to victims of police abuse in civil suits, rather than fundamentally reform the way policing is supervised or carried out. Even where review boards have been adopted, they do not allow community representatives to exercise real power in disciplining abusive police officers or transforming the racially-charged “us against them” mentality of their police departments.

Movement Weakness

Why is this so? Police officials and police officers have a strong vested interest in minimizing the powers and influence of the review boards. On the other hand, the pattern of community struggles over civilian review of police reflects critical weaknesses of popular movements around the issue. Police brutality is most often taken up on a case-by-case basis, in one community or another, often focused on a particular incident or family, around the demand of “justice for the victim.” It has been difficult to generalize the struggle to other communities in the same city, let alone to national political action.

For example in Los Angeles, the African-American community has been dealing with the L.A.P.D., while Latino/Mexicano concern has been focused primarily on the Sheriff’s Department. This is a typical example of how the patchwork quilt of law enforcement bodies in the U.S. has been an effective obstacle to communication, cross-support and solidarity between communities and to maintaining effective momentum against police abuse. Cities where multi-ethnic coalitions have been put together, including Black, Latino, Asian/Pacific, Native American and gay and lesbian groups that deal with police brutality have had more success. But even then such struggles seem to go about reinventing the wheel in case after case, city after city. The closest thing to a national organization or voice on the question of police abuse is the ACLU, which tends towards legalism in dealing with the issue and to procedural rather than a political focus.

Grabbing the Opportunity

On the other hand, in some cities the combination of a political opportunity and an effective police accountability movement with sophisticated strategies has pushed the civilian review model about as far as it has gone in the U.S. These opportunities usually arise as the result of some scandal, where incontrovertible evidence of police abuse is revealed to the public at large and the resulting outrage leads to demands for action.

For example, Rosen points out that in Long Beach, the Steering Committee for Proposition One failed in several previous efforts to get a civilian review board on the ballot. However, they were able to ride the crest of a wave of popular anger after a sting operation by Don Jackson, a Black former police officer who brought an NBC-TV crew to the city and was videotaped while his head was smashed through a plate-glass window by two white Long Beach cops.

Similarly, a series of financial and other scandals left the San Diego Sheriff’s Department politically vulnerable in 1990. The county grand jury was harshly critical of sheriff’s department operations in the jails and abuse of prisoners. Voters approved a charter amendment creating the Board in November 1990, and the concept was embraced by County supervisors who appoint its members, as well as by the incoming Sheriff, who defeated an opponent endorsed by the departing Sheriff.

Yet even with these relatively favorable conditions, the Board was forced into a go-slow strategy by intense opposition from sheriff’s deputies and conservative groups. Roberto Martinez was initially critical of the slow pace with which the Sheriff’s board was put together. Referring to the delay of over a year in getting the board up and running after it was approved by voters, Martinez said he was “a little frustrated. This does nothing to encourage complaints to be filed, to encourage people to come forward.” But he now feels that as a result of constant community organizing and pressure, the effort has successfully placed people on the board who are responsive to community concerns.

Rodney King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Coui65pO2E

The videotaped beating of Rodney King is another example. It served to focus national attention on the issue of police racism and abuse, and in Los Angeles local organizations are busy building a model for organizing around the issue in a sustained way. An extensive, comprehensive Civilian Review Board proposal is now at the stage of signature-gathering to qualify for ballot status as an initiative. The sponsoring Coalition for Justice and a Civilian Police Review Board has drafted a sweeping proposal after studying measures adopted with frustrating results in other cities.

Compared to existing boards, in fact, calling it a civilian review board proposal is probably a misnomer. The proposal includes elected membership of the board (one representative in each City Council district) selected by popular vote rather than appointment. It calls for an independent staff, hired by the board itself, substantial budget and subpoena powers, the ability to directly discipline officers and to settle minor cases brought against the city by victims of police brutality for financial damages. The most novel aspect of the proposal is the creation of the associated office of a special prosecutor to deal with criminal charges against police in more serious cases. All of this would be established by City Charter amendment if it gets on the ballot and is passed, thereby bypassing all the pitfalls of negotiation with the police and the existing political establishment.

According to Michael Zinzun, co-chair of the sponsoring committee, a former local leader of the Black Panther Party and a longtime police abuse activist, the proposal and the campaign grows out of an effort to overcome the weaknesses they have seen in existing boards in other cities, and previous failures to mobilize effectively in Los Angeles. “We learned important lessons,” he says, “from a failed attempt to enact a similar measure almost a decade ago after police atrocities like the killing of sister Eulia Love by the L.A.P.D. over an unpaid utility bill.”

Developing National Fronts

National efforts are developing around the entire issue of police abuse and lack of accountability. According to Mary Powers of Citizens Alert in Chicago, a group which participates in a local coalition against police torture and brutality, a national consultative meeting was held in that city in May of last year, following the wave of national attention generated by the videotaped beating of Rodney King. The conferees decided to convene a broader national conference, which was held last November, to establish a permanent national network. The conference drew participants from groups around the country and established the National Coalition on Police Accountability.

A six-person steering committee was selected, with representatives from victims of police harassment, civilian oversight agencies, organizations of color, church groups and activist groups dealing with police issues.

NCOPA called for a national week of actions for police accountability on the anniversary of the King beating during the first week of March and programs were scheduled in California, Washington, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Maryland.

The network has been functioning as a national clearinghouse on the issue, providing background to national news media on police abuse stories. The Minnesota Coalition for Police Accountability has agreed to produce a national newsletter. A second conference is planned for later this year [1991], probably in Minneapolis.

[allanpaulvin]

I’M AT PEACE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD AND ME Finally, my loyal fans I've returned to my keyboard with the hope that I can enlighten you and yours to the reality of the world around us, in my sarcastically humorous vein.  I hope that I or my classical rants didn't sway you from the good life?  I was out, enjoying my new life as Sir Galahad, or maybe the next Lone Ranger.  Since I just trimmed my scraggly beard, I could audition for a role on the next episode of "Pure Genius."  Maybe I could be a candidate for the Mayor of the City of New York, oh I forgot, I'm no longer a resident of the city of my birth.  Day in, and day out I try to be me, which sometimes is difficult, because I'm not sure, after all, these years, exactly who I am.   Now, without further ado, it's time you've been waiting for, this evening's edition of  "Al's Diatribes."  Today's subject is:  "I'M  AT PEACE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD AND ME." I find myself at peace with myself and the rest of the world, because: -  I am calm, cool and collected, at times -  I sing my own tune even when my throats not clear -  I salute the "Red, White and Blue." -  I stand for the singing of the Star Spangled Banner -  I am whom I am, and have never been embarrassed by it -  I haven't done anything wrong, probably in the last hour -  I tread lightly through the unknown, with my lights on and in  observance of the speed limit -  I look, learn and observe the world around me -  I am benevolent, to some, but not all -  I fear no evil, at least most of the time -  I consider myself ready to be loved -  I recently connected with a first cousin, who I haven't seen for more than forty-five years, I have to thank Facebook for that -  as you know, I march to the beat of my own drummer -  I'm thankful for both my friends and enemies.  Enemies, beware -  I still think about the good old days, but do live in the present -  I'm thankful for a dad who taught to be a loyal fan of both the New York Mets, and Giants -  I'm committed to my Wide Screen TV -  I'll hold the hand of those who need to have their hands held -  I'm beholding to no one -  my online editor sucks -  as you already know, I'm brave, clean and reverent -  I believe, that someday, I'll find my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow -  I hope and pray that someday, I'll make a guest appearance on "Blue Bloods," or NCIS - in case you didn't already know, I've selected a title for my first classic non-fiction book, it's: "THE RAMBLINGS OF A BROKEN HEART." -  God watches over me, on occasion Peace, sometimes, is difficult to achieve.  We all need to work hard, think positively, and smile, at least fifteen minutes/day.  Here once again, I provide you with the words that have stabilized, both my brain and heart, "every minute of every day, I get better and better."