desperate plea

Hello all:

All of you know that I do not send mass emails.  I have chosen you, individually, to help me to help a dear friend of mine. 

The man seen here is John Blanco.  He lives here in San Francisco, is my age, and has been a victim of police brutality.  This weekend, SF had a peace rally downtown and several people were arrested - 7 are still imprisoned to this day.  John, after mistakenly crossing a police barricade, was beaten and imprisoned for 3 days and 2 nights.  Although empty-handed, he was charged with a felony for carrying an armed weapon.  He has been physically and emotionally injured, his future has been slanderously scarred, and his faith in justice has been destroyed.  John is a terribly kind, simple, and a extremely just human being.  I feel such great sadness for John.  I grieve for his loss of humanity and I grieve for his pain. 

I understand the place of our law enforcement and I understand the individual judgement that one police officer must make in critical moments.  But this was four (4) officers who tackled, forced, and beat John to the ground.  And then lied.  This is criminal. 

Again, I directly address you -- in fact, I beg you.  Whether you live in this city or not, I ask that you make the following scripted phone call.  Please call 415.553.1741, the District Attorney's Office of Terrence Hallinan, and say:

"I am a concerned citizen of San Francisco.  I demand that the 7 political prisoners arrested on Stockton & O'Farrell (and 8th & Market) on Feb. 16 be released and all charges against the activists dropped.  Thank you."

I also ask that you pass this message (and my sentiment) to a chosen few on your email list.  I assure you of the validity and integrity of this horrific and tragic issue.  You may view additional photos of the attack and you may read news stories of the protest at the following website:  http://www.indybay.org/  As of today, the article with linked photos was entitled, "Cops Lose Temper," and the text (with hyperlinks) reads, "The crowd was blocked from entering Union Square and one person was arrested in a confrontation in front of the Crate and Barrel.  

Thank you so much for your time.  I can be reached on my cell at 415.823.0666. 

Sincerely,

Marlon