R.I.P. - Elizabeth Fineron (Colo. Springs Demonstrator)

[QC]

It was a startling image - an old woman being dragged to the curb of Tejon Street by two cops, an ugly road-rash welt on her leg.

For some, the removal of the peace demonstrator from the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Colorado Springs inspired cries of police brutality, while others wanted to know why that short, silverhaired lady seemed so stubborn and angry.

That woman, Elizabeth Fineron, 66, died Wednesday. Her death brought an end to decades of service to the homeless, church, schoolchildren, peace and community health.

She apparently died in her sleep from complications of diabetes and heart disease, said Stephen Handen, a longtime friend who served the homeless with her as part of Bijou Community.

http://www.gazette.com/articles/activist_35601___article.html/community_talk.html

May she rest in peace and rise in glory!

[KG]

1. how can one look at that pic, and read about the aquittal of the NY cops

and a tasering incident dam near everyday, and not conclude that one lives is a brutally repressive police state?

[niyad]

4. that pic doesn't even begin to show the damage. elizabeth was dragged with such force

that her pants were pulled off, leading to a huge contusion on her hip. her shoulder was dislocated as well. she was an amazing, loving, absolutely fearless, dedicated peace activist, and those of us who had the privilege of knowing and serving with her will miss her terribly.

(the officers involved in this did not even receive reprimands, including the one who has a history of civilian complaints of police brutality against him. one of their other victims that day was a 73-year old man they put in a choke hold. bill durland happens to be the head of the local ACLU chapter here)

I was stunned when I heard the news about the NY shooting this morning. I kept thinking about the rodney king verdict)

[KG]

5. the police in this country routinely and institutionally get away with meyhem and murder.

[QC]

8. The police state is no longer a frightening possibility, a what if.

It's here.

[Bozita]

2. Sincere condolences to her friends and family.

Sounds like she would have made a great DUer.

[niyad]

3. Requiescat in pacem, dear sister warrior. you are sorely missed.

[sonias]

6. Rest in peace, Elizabeth Fineron

We're keeping up the fight Elizabeth. Bless you!


Sonia

[formercia]

7. Too many good people dying lately

My condolences to her family and friends.

[crimsonblue]

9. Look at the officer on the right....

He is deriving pleasure out of this... The words of N.W.A. never seemed so appropriate. I hope karma does exist, and I can't wait to see its payback when it comes.