Last Wednesday MSNBC Host Geoff Bennett teared up as he read the last words of Elijah McClain as he was being murdered by three Aurora, Colorado police officers and two paramedics. This tragic event occurred in 2019 as a young black man walked home from a convenience store. The police had responded to a 911 reporting the presence of a “suspicious person” in the area. Although no crime was committed, the police immediately attacked McClain, who was unarmed. His desperate pleas were recorded on the police tapes:
“I can’t breathe. I have my ID right here. My name is Elijah McClain. That’s my house. I was just going home. I’m an introvert. I’m just different. That’s all. I’m so sorry. I have no gun. I don’t do that stuff. I don’t do any fighting. Why are you attacking me?”
McClain was tackled to the ground, put in a carotid hold and injected with Ketamine. He suffered a heart attack on the way to the hospital, and after being declared brain dead, died a few days later. As McClain’s identity became known, it became clear that a huge mistake had been made. The “suspicious person” was a neighbor who earned his living as a massage therapist, gave his extra time to the local animal shelter and played the violin for the general enjoyment of others.
“If Elijah Mcclain isn’t safe, who is?” asked MSNBC Host, Geoff Bennett, of his two guests, former Criminal Prosecutor, Paul Butler, and Civil Rights Attorney, David Henderson. “This kid was 5’6″ and weighed 140 pounds and they gave him enough sedative that you would give to someone who weighed 220 pounds,” Bennett added “Based on everything we know about it, there’s no reason for Elijah McClain to be stopped in the first place.” Elijah McClain was stopped because he was black and his life was endangered because distrust.
Why does this sad incident feel like a deja’ vu? It takes us back to another time. Trayvon Martin was fatally shot walking home after buying a pack of Skittles at a convenience store. George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch coordinator, claimed self-defense even though he initiated the attack and Martin was unarmed. At his trial Zimmerman was charged with second degree murder and the jury found not him guilty to the absolute dismay of much of the nation.
Protests were held in 100 U.S. cities and President Barack Obama found it necessary to address the Trayvon Martin ruling. Being the first black U.S. President he decided to face the issue of race with the nation head on. The emotionality of his remarks caused him to choke up. “When Trayvon Martin was first shot, I said that this could have been my son,” President Obama explained. “If I had a son he would look like Trayvon and I think they [his parents] are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves.”
It is the hopelessness of racism that caused these black figures to weep in public. Racism is a murderous set of ideas, emotions and actions. At least a grand jury has filed 32 criminal charges against the five involved in McClain’s death. McClain’s mother, Sheneen has called for justice since the beginning. “I wish they had been better humans, but they showed just how evil they were when they took out their own insecurities on my son.” “Elijah lost his life,” she added. “… he didn’t grow up being a gang member, robbing banks. He didn’t grow up being a problem to anybody. He was living his life in the most peaceful way he possibly could.”
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  #12 SUN PIS 2/25/1996 Elijah McClain |  #11 SUN AQU 2/5/1995 Trayvon Martin |
Elijah McClain was born on a Sunday in the zodiac sign of Pisces. The ruler of his INNER SELF is the Sun and Jupiter governs his OUTER SELF. Individuals born in the #12 SUN PIS Dayology Signature are naturally self-confident, yet humble or sensitive in some particular manner. Often their interests reflect a higher code of conduct, spiritual experiences or ability to heal.
Trayvon Martin was born on a Sunday in the zodiac sign of Aquarius. The ruler of his INNER SELF is the Sun and either Saturn or Uranus governs his OUTER SELF. Those born in the #11 SUN AQU Dayology Signature have an independent streak even if it is not exhibited. They inherently understand that each being has self worth and the right to self protection.
In this comparison it is not the zodiac signs that complicate the issue of racism. Although the OUTER energies of Aquarius and Pisces offer highly unique experiences, they do not push people to break the law when it is being applied fairly. The “resistance” of these two young black males was a reaction to bad treatment. Both McClain and Martin were aware of the abuse of power they were experiencing and reacted because their human rights were being disrespected.
No matter how these two situations are viewed there is no reason why either of these two young men should be dead. Their lives were ended because their behaviors were judged as suspicious. What ever happened to asking a few questions and listening to the answers? These racist attitudes and knee-jerk behaviors must be recognized as truly dangerous to us all.
