[Chapter 464: Occupy San Francisco]
At Los Angeles City Hall Plaza, the Mattachine Society, Compton Foundation, and National Association for the Advancent of Colored People (NAACP) organized a rally with thousands of participants.
The crowd held up half-body posters of Philip, chanting slogans like "I can't breathe." Three out of the five major TV networks sent broadcast trucks, and along with Twitter, they live-stread nationwide.
Hawke and others watched the scene from the sixth floor of City Hall.
Brian quietly said, "There are over ten thousand people staging a street march in San Francisco, and the numbers keep increasing."
Caroline said, "The dia is overwhelmingly supportive of Philip, and doubters are barely heard."
Saint Steve Nutt wore the sa style outfit Philip had worn, his face serious. "Philip was a good man, truly a good man."
Hawke looked at Steve. "It's your turn now, are you ready?"
Steve indicated the speech notes in his hand. "I've morized it all."
Hawke patted him on the arm. "Go ahead."
Steve left and headed downstairs toward the plaza.
Brian asked, "The speech you prepared?"
"I outlined the the," Hawke gestured to Caroline. "Caroline wrote it all night, and Steve polished it himself."
Brian admired, "He's truly beco a saint."
...
The saint climbed to the highest point on the City Hall plaza and raised his hands. The figure in the pink dress stood out strikingly. From the crowd nearest the steps, the noisy scene gradually quieted.
"My brothers and sisters!" Steve grabbed the microphone and shouted, "Listen to ! I beg you to hear my voice!"
Thousands in the plaza fell silent.
Steve pointed upward, and a huge poster was lowered covering floors one to five of City Hall. It was a giant poster of Philip.
Steve passionately said, "A few days ago in San Francisco, a black man -- a man who changed his body for his family and sister -- was killed by a white policeman in violent law enforcent. My brothers and sisters, rember this day, rember this man. He died because of racial injustice in society, because of society's indifference and discrimination against marginalized people. White lives matter, black lives matter, and LGBTQ lives matter!"
The crowd responded repeatedly, "Black lives matter! LGBTQ lives matter!"
When the cries settled, Steve continued, "About my life, you've probably seen the news. I am called a saint by the dia many tis, but facing Philip, I feel unworthy -- Philip is the true saint!"
Steve's reputation as a saint was recognized nationwide, not only because he had a black son but also because he was dedicated to the civil rights movent.
"Today, we mourn Philip, not only to rember him and fight for justice for him, but to protect thousands of blacks, LGBTQ groups, and good people like Philip!"
Steve's voice grew louder, emphasizing the significance of the protests: "Today, we gather here, and countless others across the nation gather in their cities, raising the voices of the ignored! Our struggle is not just words of the ignored but heartfelt cries!"
He shouted, "For Philip!"
The assembled people of color and LGBTQ groups, following their saint, roared in unison: "For Philip!"
Black and people of color feared police violence and a lifeti of low wages, no benefits, unsafe and useless part-ti jobs. They often had to work two or three jobs just to survive. anwhile, so higher-status whites could destroy their lives with just one knee.
The wealth gap in Arica was severe, and the bottom and marginalized groups could only express frustration, anger, and despair.
For days, protests erupted nationwide.
...
News broke that San Francisco Police Departnt arrested several Mattachine Society core mbers.
Saint Steve Nutt personally went to 11th Street in the Atherton district, laying a bouquet at the site where Philip was killed. The place had beco a sea of flowers.
Steve gave interviews, calling on civil rights organizations and LGBTQ groups nationwide to seek assistance, demanding justice for Philip and all marginalized people.
The saint's call attracted many.
Large crowds of diverse activists headed to San Francisco, launching protests against local authorities.
...
Political figures couldn't miss such an opportunity. When opportunity knocks, they strike.
As Governor of California, Schwarzenegger criticized, "Gavin Newsom responded inadequately, full of old white arrogance. San Francisco authorities failed to protect minority rights."
On the sa day, at the White House press briefing, George Walker Bush expressed concern: "Philip deserved justice, the officers involved must be held accountable, and the FBI should conduct a thorough investigation."
Politicians almost unanimously opposed San Francisco authorities.
Even Obama, preparing for the next presidential election, publicly accused them of discriminating against blacks.
dia continued uncovering new information.
...
Especially Twitter, obtaining exclusive news.
Twitter's news desk published the biography of white officer Williams, who had multiple violent incidents against blacks and homosexuals. Yet San Francisco Police only reassigned him, no other punishnt.
Many police departnts nationwide operated like this, but San Francisco was caught and fild on-site.
This incident once again put the San Francisco Police Departnt in the spotlight.
...
Outside SFPD headquarters, nearly a thousand people gathered for days, holding pictures of Philip, shouting slogans demanding the release of detained Mattachine Society mbers.
Forr Chief Heather felt relieved, having resigned in self-bla; remaining matters were no longer her concern.
The detention was ordered by Mayor Gavin Newsom, who found hardline asures only inflad protests like a hornet's nest, driving him crazy.
The inexperienced mayor could only order releases.
...
When the five Mattachine Society mbers were released from SFPD, they received a hero's welco.
Thousands applauded them at the gate, with garlands presented as they boarded specially rented open-top jeeps.
They waved rainbow flags and Philip banners, parading back and forth in downtown San Francisco.
---
Behind the police station, the lawyer who had completed the formalities took Eddie through the rear exit.
They got into the sa car. The lawyer drove Eddie ho, saying, "With video evidence, your problems are minimal. Williams abused his authority, but you followed his orders during the routine check, despite no search warrant. Compared to that, it's a minor issue. You also perford CPR on Philip after pulling Williams off. I communicated with the district attorney's office; you won't face criminal charges."
Eddie said, "But the SFPD fired . I'm unemployed now."
The streets were filled with protesters. Eddie worried about being seen and hastily put on a hat.
The lawyer stopped, waiting for the crowd to pass. "Soone has paid your legal fees. I can only help this far."
Eddie assud it was the police union but didn't ask, his mind elsewhere.
He cursed Williams profusely, and also the SFPD, for bungling without understanding the facts.
Now he lost his job; next month's mortgage and car paynts?
Who would support his wife and child?
...
His phone rang -- his wife's cold voice: "Where are you?"
"Just got out, going ho," Eddie felt his heart tighten.
Bad premonitions often co true quickly.
His wife's voice grew colder: "Hurry back. My lawyer has been waiting a long ti. When you return, you'll sign the divorce papers."
Eddie was stunned. "Are you divorcing ?"
Without hesitation, she said, "You lost your job and inco; what about and our daughter? Don't say you'll find work -- now you're nationally infamous, no company will hire you. You're done."
He tried to argue, "I... I can still..."
"Face reality!" she said coldly. "You'd want to support you? Co on, Eddie, you're a man, an adult man. You can't shoulder family responsibilities. At least don't drag us down!"
Eddie was speechless.
"Co ho soon." She hung up.
Eddie sat silently with the dial tone.
...
The lawyer glanced back but said nothing -- Eddie was broke.
"I never thought this crap would happen to ," Eddie, a forr officer, had seen many similar cases of n losing inco and their wives leaving.
When a man loses inco, wives usually divorce and leave, often using gender advantage to take the house and remaining assets.
Child support is based on the man's last 12 months' average inco.
Without a house or job, many n go bankrupt and beco holess.
...
His mind replaying this, Eddie looked out the window at a group of feminists confronting protesters wearing Mattachine Society vests and "I can't breathe" banners.
The two sides quickly escalated from insults to physical altercation.
Suddenly, Eddie understood these activists -- these so-called won demand rights while they enjoy themselves, but dodge responsibility when needed.
If these won controlled societal discourse, it would be terrifying.
Normal n fighting back would be at a disadvantage.
Eddie realized fighting won as a man wouldn't work.
Watching the colorful activists outside, Eddie's mind sharpened.
Eventually most marchers passed, and the lawyer drove ahead.
...
At another corner, they encountered a crowd from Las Vegas protesting.
They waved Philip banners and "I can't breathe" shirts, shouting slogans against San Francisco authorities, marching toward City Hall.
San Francisco was in turmoil.
It took nearly two hours to cover a half-hour walk due to stops.
---
Eddie said goodbye to the lawyer, got out, looked at the detached house, reluctant to enter.
A beautiful blonde woman approached, showing ID. "Hi Eddie, I'm Fox TV reporter Harley Wayne. Can we talk privately?"
"What do you want?" Eddie was reactive seeing a woman now.
Harley, aware of the information from gan Taylor, said, "You're innocent. I'm preparing an in-depth investigation and report on Philip's case. If you share so inside info, it might clear your na after the broadcast."
"Let's move sowhere else."
A nearby business car awaited, and they got in.
...
Harley knew gan Taylor wasn't trustworthy but didn't care because she understood the case and knew where to stand -- justice and fairness!
Harley asked Eddie detailed questions about Philip, Williams, SFPD, and San Francisco City Hall.
Facing looming troubles, Eddie didn't hesitate, "I can answer but under a few conditions."
Harley ca prepared financially, "Go ahead."
"I want money, but not imdiately; I'm about to divorce," Eddie was straightforward. "Also, I need your help finding a job."
Harley said, "Money is no problem. Job -- I'll consider."
She sent ssages on her phone and soon said, "Job would be in Los Angeles."
"No problem," Eddie agreed.
They reached an agreent. Harley interviewed Eddie in depth about the case and SFPD and local authorities.
---
Los Angeles, Coastal Building.
Twitter broadcast nonstop 24-hour live video of San Francisco street protests.
In Hawke's office, the wall screen constantly showed live footage near San Francisco City Hall.
At City Hall Plaza appeared groups from outside the city.
Hawke saw flags from Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles, Sacranto, and Phoenix.
San Francisco's LGBTQ community was not fighting alone.
Hawke asked Edward, "How many teams are rushing over?"
Edward just contacted Rosa; his Compton Foundation also sent people. "Twenty-one city LGBTQ teams are heading to San Francisco, all expenses covered by the Mattachine Society."
Hawke and the Ferguson family overseas foundation sponsored the grand event.
The Mattachine Society naturally led.
Rosa and Solana beca genuine leaders representing the funders.
Hawke looked at the screen; the City Hall grass plaza, after days of consecutive protests and multiple feminist and LGBTQ clashes, had beco a dump.
He told Edward, "Inform Steve to launch a new wave of attacks."
Edward called.
...
The planned new offensive was called Occupy San Francisco!
From now on, LGBTQ groups would camp long-term at San Francisco City Hall Plaza, at least hundreds of people, until the governor's election.
Hawke prepared all kinds of new tactics to let the San Francisco faction experience every style.
The LGBTQ movent would beco a nightmare for Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown, whom Newsom's family supported.
...
Hawke soon received notification from gan Taylor: Harley Wayne had deeply interviewed Eddie, now returning to Los Angeles.
Eddie, fired by SFPD, abandoned by his wife, nearly penniless, would be outspoken.
Of course, Eddie's wife did not initiate divorce voluntarily; Fiona had sent a subordinate to approach Eddie's wife and successfully persuaded her.
---
San Francisco, in front of City Hall Plaza.
To support the LGBTQ community, Saint Steve remained in Philip's sa pink dress, fighting on the protest front line.
As a contemporary civil rights saint, dia followed him everywhere.
Midway, Steve rested in a car and took a call from Edward.
...
Half an hour later, soone announced City Hall representatives ca to talk.
Steve, Rosa, Solana, Lawrence, and others t the City Hall delegates.
The talks were unfriendly.
City Hall promised harsh punishnt for the perpetrators, stronger police oversight, and prevention of similar events.
Steve directly presented 22 demands, including high compensation for Philip's family, formal legalization protecting LGBTQ rights, legalization of sa-sex marriage, police reform legislation, equating discrimination against LGBTQ and racial discrimination legally, building third-gender restrooms in San Francisco, officially recognizing the third gender, and more.
Such demands were impossible for City Hall in that era.
Negotiations ended without agreent.
...
Steve gave dia interviews, reiterating the fight for justice for Philip and LGBTQ rights, emphasizing:
"Such severe discrimination and abuse occurred by public officials, which is alarming. The civil rights movent's progress is due to countless pioneers' efforts. We will carry their banner and persist. Until our goals are t, no LGBTQ brothers or sisters will leave San Francisco!"
Crowd responded, "Until goals are t, we will not leave!"
...
Half an hour later, Twitter's news headline featured a new article titled -- LGBTQ Groups Launch Occupy San Francisco Movent!
That night, Fox TV broadcast Harley Wayne's deep interview with Eddie.
---
Gavin Newsom was restless these days, his mind burning with anxiety, lacking experience dealing with this new-style LGBTQ movent.
Not just him, even many senior politicians struggled when this movent first rose.
These groups had fierce personalities, risking everything for attention on stage.
Originally, Gavin wanted to manage with feminists, but those won weren't a match for these activists.
...
Night fell, City Hall Plaza lit by scattered lights.
The agitators pitched tents, signaling long-term occupation.
An assistant reminded, "Mayor, you should check Fox News; they just announced breaking news involving San Francisco City Hall."
Gavin turned on the TV to Fox News. A familiar female reporter appeared -- Harley Wayne, whom he had dealt with before.
Another familiar middle-aged white man was Eddie, an officer involved in Philip's case.
Under Harley's questioning, Eddie recounted the incident in detail, portraying himself as an innocent dragged down by Williams, who was a habitual offender.
Harley emphasized, "Williams is a repeat offender, why was he not punished? Did SFPD cover for him?"
"Yes, a deputy chief, Williams' forr partner," Eddie said, "SFPD never treated Williams' violent law enforcent against blacks and homosexuals as an issue. Chief Heather focused on expanding female officers' proportions to gain won voters' support for Mayor Gavin Newsom."
He spoke sadly, "I reported the incident truthfully, but SFPD released a completely different version. Video later leaked. Scott, under Heather's orders, asked to take responsibility, accusing us of lying."
Harley asked, "Do you think Heather's decision was influenced by City Hall?"
Thinking of his broken family, Eddie said angrily, "Yes, obviously. Heather was appointed by the mayor and always followed his orders."
In San Francisco's mayor's office, hearing this, Gavin Newsom stood, banging the table hard.
It was ridiculous! He was furious but controlled himself quickly.
This bastard's words were lies. But with the current situation, who would believe rebuttals? SFPD had already lost all credibility.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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