Pamela Means is the president of the National Bar Association and a partner at Thompson Coburn, St. Louis’s largest law firm. In that capacity, she’s issued a call to action after the non-indictment of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. The NBA intends to wage a “war on police brutality” by, among other tactics, demanding a DOJ indictment of Wilson, enacting new state laws mandating independent investigations and “diversity training,” a national economic boycott and – here’s the real kicker – staying off of social media. Distinguished barrister and TTAG reader Dirk Diggler is on Means’ distribution list and forwarded her email blast. . .
From: Pamela Meanes <pmeanes@thompsoncoburn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 3:16 PM
To: XXXXXXX
Reply To: pmeanes@thompsoncoburn.com
Subject: *** NEWS RELEASE *** The National Bar Association Issues Next Steps In The “War on Police Brutality”
National Bar Association
November 26, 2014
communications@nationalbar.org
The National Bar Association Issues Next Steps In The “War on Police Brutality”
In Wake of the Michael Brown Verdict, Yesterday’s 12:30 a.m. Call to Action Conference Call Brought Members and Community Advocates Together to Begin Our Journey To Justice
WASHINGTON, DC — In the aftermath of the verdict by the St. Louis County Grand Jury, the National Bar Association is still questioning how Darren Wilson, a Police Officer in Ferguson, Missouri, was not indicted and tried for the shooting death of 18 year old Michael Brown. Accordingly, this Association is deeply concerned whether under the current legal standard a victim of excessive and/or deadly force by the hands of a police officer in America can receive fair and equal justice.
During yesterday morning’s national, “War On Police Brutality” conference call held at 12:30 a.m., “REAL SOLUTIONS TO AMERICAN’S EPIDEMIC”, were provided by the National Bar Association President, Pamela J. Meanes along with members of the National Bar Association; Pastor Gregg L. Greer, Founder of Freedom First International and Committee Member of The Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Dr. Cornel West, Activist and author; Pastor Chantel Renee Wright, Founder of Songs of Solomon and Bernard Butler, Founder, Urban Diary TV.
THE PLAN: JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL BROWN
1. Demand the United States Department of Justice Indict Darren Wilson
How to Implement: Submit your demand by contacting the US Department of Justice
By Mail
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
By Phone
Main Switchboard: (202) 514-2000
Comment Line: (202) 353-1555
By Email
Submit demands to: webmaster@usdoj.gov
2. The National Bar Association filed an action seeking to revoke Wilson’s license to be a police officer.
How to Implement: Click here to sign our petition.
IMMEDIATE JUSTICE
1. SOCIAL MEDIA BLACKOUT
We are asking everyone not to use Twitter or Facebook as follows:
Tuesday, November 25 – Tuesday, December 2, 2014
From 8:09 pm until 12:39 am for a week. (The month and date of Michael Brown’s death and four hours his body laid in the street)
During this time, be sure and post the above image. Click here to download.
2. NATIONAL ECONOMIC BOYCOTT WITH LOCAL IMPACT
As the National Bar Association studies the impact of an economic boycott on police brutality, we wanted to make all aware of several individuals/organizations who have called for an economic boycott:
Pastor Gregg L. Greer, Founder of Freedom First International and Committee Member of The Southern Christian Leadership Conference
To join the National Boycott, contact: greggreer72@gmail.com
Dr. Cornel West, Activist and author, Pastor Chantel Renee Wright, Founder of Songs of Solomon and Bernard Butler, Founder, Urban Diary TV.
To join the Targeted Cities* With Local Impact, contact: bbulter@urbandiary.org
Five cities that are being targeted include*:
Atlanta
Lottery, Macy’s, Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond
Chicago
Lottery, Macy’s Best Buy, Target
Houston
Lottery, Galleria Mall (Designate Mall as of limits for shopping
Los Angles
Lottery,(To be determined in consultation)
New York
Lottery, (Macy’s Target)
LEGISLATIVE CHANGE
1.Demanding the Implementation of New State and Local Laws
How to Implement: Require your councilperson and state legislators to implement the following laws:
LOCAL LAW: Mandating Independent Investigations: Visit your City Hall to locate the following:
Contact information for all council members.
The expiration date of council members terms.
Scheduled council meetings and citizens should attend and demand that the above laws are implemented IMMEDIATELY.
Local attorneys (at least two) are asked to attend each council meeting.
Demand higher standards for individuals to Become Police Officers (local & state)
STATE LAW: Mandating Independent Investigations: Check your State Legislature website for the following:
State Senate and Congressional representative’s contact information.
The expiration date of the legislative member’s term.
Legislature sessions.
Write letters, attend congressional sessions and demand that the above laws are implemented IMMEDIATELY.
STATE AND LOCAL LAW: Mandating Diversity Training
Require a standard training program for police officers in every state.
Participate in the National Police Brutality Day On The Hill:
Friday, November 28, 2014 and Friday, December 5, 2014
Show up on the steps of your state legislative and/or your local municipal building and demand that the above laws are implemented IMMEDIATELY.
More information: nbacrimlawsection@gmail.com
2. DEMAND CONGRESSIONAL ACTION BEFORE DEMOCRATS LEAVE SENATE
Congress Pass laws related to:
Body Video Cameras
Use of Force
Elevation of Force
Permanent Suspension
Felony Police Brutality
End the “School to Prison Pipeline
Contact Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and demand that he allow Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) IMMEDIATELY hold hearings on Police Brutality.
Contact Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and demand the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee IMMEDIATELY hold hearings on Police Brutality
The Honorable Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
House Judiciary Committee
2138 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Personal Office: (202) 225-5431
Committee Office: (202) 225-3951
Online: goodlatte.house.gov
The Honorable John Conyers (D-MI)
House Judiciary Committee
2142 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Personal Office: (202) 225-5126
Committee Office: (202) 225-6906
Online: conyers.house.gov
The Honorable Patrick Leahy
Chairman (D-VT)
Senate Judiciary Committee
244 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-4502
Personal Office: (202) 224-4242
Committee Office: (202) 224-7703
Online: www.leahy.senate.gov
NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION LEGAL RESOURCES TEAM
The citizens of Ferguson and this nation are in need of legal representation to those individuals who were arrested for exercising their constitutional rights. If you are a member of the Mound City Bar (MCBA) or Jackson County Bar Association (JCBA), please contact Kendra Howard, President of MCBA at president@moundcitybar.com. All others should contact Attorney Aramis Donell Ayala, Chair of the National Bar Association Pro Bono Committee at aramis.donell@gmail.com.
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