Hear the ACLU dissent forum in its entirety

Last Thursday’s ACLU-sponsored forum on dissent touched on many topics important to the community. While Xpressarticle on the forum captures several of the most pressing issues, readers can listen to the forum in its entirety, courtesy of 103.5 WPVM.

Topics of (sometimes contentious) discussion at the forum included the use of Tasers, the tactics and attitudes of law enforcement, the possible establishment of a citizen’s police-review board, the legal rights surrounding protest, the role of dissent in society and many more.

— David Forbes, staff writer

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

4 thoughts on “Hear the ACLU dissent forum in its entirety

  1. John Buckley

    The sheriff and police chief posed well for the cameras, but apparently there is a disconnect between what they said and the actions of their deputies and officers. At least there is dialogue, and everyone can see the face of the enemy.

  2. Rob Close

    Enemy?

    Remember, it is part of their job to defend their men. I was just disappointed to hear at the forum that they were more concerned about the department’s morale than the citizen’s morale when it came to creating an oversight board.

    Independent oversight of our police departments files and activities should be welcomed, mostly because it will bring trust to both sides of our community, strengthening it overall IF such a board is created and carried without malice.

    So please treat our police with dignity, even if you believe that they don’t reciprocate that. And if you do have a problem, ask them for a complaint form, I hear it’s a hoot.

  3. John Buckley

    Enemy is the word. Are we to imagine that we’re all just one, big happy family. My friends wouldn’t wrestle me to the ground, shock me with a taser, or worse. Make no mistake — the police will use their power at any given opportunity regardless of consequence to their target. I never treat their presence as other than a threat.

  4. Eli Redshirt

    If ‘john buckley’ sees the police as a threat, then maybe he should pal around after dark on the back streets where he can be a victim. Or, better yet, have a need to call the Police and NOT call them and let the criminal act unfold before his very (narrow) eyes. Learn your side first. You are a fool to believe that the Police is a threat over crime in your backyard.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.