A Shot in History: The Poisoned System($15.00Value)

Description

There are many articles written surrounding Eric Garner’s tragic murder, police brutality and unfair police practices. Some were penned by journalists with integrity and others without sensitivity. A Shot In History: The Poisoned System is a new book written by Ramsey Orta, the young man who shot the video of Garner’s death that was seen around the world. On July 17, 2014, Ramsey was not just an accidental onlooker, but a good friend with the misfortune of watching his comrade’s untimely fate. Eric and Ramsey shared a warm brew at the top of each morning before heading to work. They were self-appointed activists with big philanthropic hearts who always put their money where their mouths were. Both shared their dreams and desired a better future for their communities and created an atmosphere that fostered the possibility. Orta and Garner are products of a system designed centuries ago purposed to keep people of color at a constant disadvantage. It is deeply rooted in slavery, targets and takes advantage of shortsightedness, stokes fear and indulges hopelessness. At an early age both were fed on this system’s breastmilk. Their bones were riddled with pain, neglect, rejection and an all-roads lead to nowhere mindset. The streets were their habitat, and there they found ways to survive. A band of likeminded young men embraced Orta and though their reputation is found questionable, solace and acceptance were found there. A Shot in History delves into pieces of Ramsey’s life leading up to and following Eric Garner’s death. It begins with the revelation that Orta, as a baby was given a death sentence twice and was sure to die. His parents split up two months after he was born, and both lived denigrating lives. His memory between birth and five years old is non-existent. Thereafter he yielded to the unlawful activities tossed at young men who aren’t given healthy boundaries and structure by attentive and caring parents. The streets were given permission to raise him, and they did their job well. Eric, a kindred spirit met Orta on this turf and they found camaraderie that influenced both of their lives forever. Orta describes Eric as a gentle giant who didn’t speak often but when he did, wisdom flowed, and Ramsey was smart enough to catch it. The day Ramsey lost his friend was the day his life changed forever, and the memory still haunts him. He believes the crooked part of the system killed Eric and continues to pressure him with lies and attempts to destroy his character. Ramsey had a front row seat watching counselors and parole officers in cahoots, strike back door deals to keep people ensnared in the system. Firsthand he witnessed one hand shaking the other in secret agreements, listened to whispered side conversations and saw substance abuse amidst pens, paperwork and staplers. He is tired of the double-standard and is on a mission to expose unfair practices that espouse rehabilitation yet do the opposite. Ramsey ends A Shot In History: The Poisoned System book by sharing a mission he believes would make Eric proud were he still alive. He admits to his checkered past, but something deep inside moves him to believe he is worth a second chance. Ramsey Orta is very smart, full of courage and ideas that will undoubtedly educate and positively influence readers from all ethnicities and backgrounds.