Redwood Curtain CopWatch, based in the north coast of California, is part of a larger movement of self organized CopWatch groups throughout the US. Our local efforts seek to intervene in the drastic rise of the presence, militarization, and violence of the police, and build support networks based on self-determination, caring, and concrete needs.
"The Establishment" by Robin, 1998
The Establishment
Mr. D.A. Man,
You claim to speak “for the people,”
But you DO NOT speak for me!
For I am one of those who wants my good friend to be free!
How dare you claim to speak for me!
But we don’t have a choice.
We speak by our presence, though mute is our voice.
Cops with overhanging bellies dressed in uniform
To see society’s rules are kept; that we all stay in “the norm.”
You won’t let us speak out in court, to make our voices heard:
Our presence is silent witness, though our lips speak not a word.
Victims of The System, a system based on greed,
A system based on power and wealth can’t see another’s need.
A system based on punishment, a system with no heart!
Where injustice is called justice: Lives are torn apart!
We will stand strong together; see this through to the end.
Our friend who’s held unjustly will be set free again!
The System will grind on and on: A system based on lies,
A system based on hate and greed can’t possibly survive!
Injustice and corruption, with people’s lives at stake:
We the people have had just about all we can take!
There needs to be a lot of change, but what is the solution?
Will the changes happen peacefully, or will there be revolution?
Robin Johnson Holston
May 4, 1998
