Dear Oakland Police Department - "A Tale of 2 Heros"

[FreakinDJ]

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Dear Oakland Police Department

I read your open letter to the "Occupy Oakland" protest exclaiming you too were members of the 99%

While I am positive members of your department have suffered from budgetary cut backs, foreclosure of their homes, loss of retirement savings, and are now witnessing the greatly diminished future of their children, just as the remaining 99% of this country are. I wish to call your attention to the above photo.

We all witnessed this photo a 1000 times as the events of Tienanmen Square unfolded for all the world to see, but I don't think it was ever explained correctly. There with his arms down by his side with no threat or possibility of violence against the crew of the massive tank stood 1 man. 1 man completely at his wits end trying to cope in an impossible situation of oppression and corruption that was negatively effecting life. Diminishing the quality of life for him and his children. Nullifying his hard fought efforts to survive and provide for his family - to fulfill his role as a man, husband, father, and provider for his family.

Many claimed he was a Hero

But no one ever grasped the role of the Second Hero in that picture. The Tank Commander was a True Hero. He Stopped, he refused to run over the innocent victim of an oppressive corrupt government. He weighted very carefully the ramifications present and stood on principal. He refused to run the man over or order his gunners to lay waste to that frail human being.

Now many will claim the Tank Commander was the Hero with more to lose or even the "Bigger Hero" of that picture. He had more to lose, his command, his rank and privilege, and even the acceptance of his peers. It certainly took more courage to make the decision he did on that fateful day. But none the less his courage was recognized at the time and his fortitude to stand by his principals admired by the whole world.

We won't forget