The law enforcement veteran discusses the controversial booklet, which suggests how to “escalate” actions during protests.
As pro-Palestinian college protests continue to move forward across the country, one concerning document seems to push for more violent actions during said protests – something one would think the schools themselves would be against.
According to this report from Fox News, several protestors on the University of Pennsylvania campus were seen passing out guides that provided tips on how to “escalate” protests, including creating makeshift weapons (like trash cans into shields), how to break into buildings, and even administer first aid as needed.
“Let repression breed more resistance. We will not disavow any actions taken to escalate the struggle, including militant direct actions. Our notion of ‘safety’ in the imperial core is built on centuries of corpses, and this liberal framing of ‘safety-ism’ prevents us from escalating and winning, which is our duty to Palestine and us all. We keep us safe by escalating. Don’t hesitate to take more risk,” one guide titled FLOOD THE GATES: ESCALATE reads.
While not everyone obviously follows these instructions, the fact they exist indicate that some people have the wrong intentions in mind when it comes to getting their message across – and, as a result, may be intent on harming police and innocent people.
With us now to discuss this matter further is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Michael is President, Founder and CEO of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise in all things law and order make him a great guest for this interview. Welcome, Michael!
Q&A:
- What are your thoughts about documents and booklets such as these being passed out on college campuses?
- What are your thoughts on some people having violence and destruction in mind for these protests? Does it clearly send the wrong message?
- What if these people end up hurting innocent people or police? Who’s more liable – the school for not stopping the distribution of the documents, or those who perform the criminal acts?
- Where do you see these protests going in the months ahead? Will they get worse or will the situation improve?
- We recently saw President Biden finally address this situation after days of silence passed. Why do you think he was so hesitant to speak? Was he worried about losing voters? Or something else?
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.
- You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about my new initiative at RestoringJustice.US, where we discuss lawful issues surrounding citizens of the United States.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
