Rioting in St Louis

[Irish Insanity]

Thugs just started another cop car on fire. Disgusting behavior from these animals.

Right in front of City Hall. They were launching objects thru the windows of the building as well.

 

[Irish Insanity]

The funny part was the idiot who threw the gas on the cruiser to light it actually hit the crowd in front of it as well. Lighting their fellow rioters.

 

[ulukinatme]

I don't think this is condescending. I am sure that this won't be week long riots and constant fires. The press and cops hope this happens, but it won't.

Welp, more rioting and fires tonight. You might be right though, there may not be anything left to burn in a few days so it may not last a week. They'll probably take a break for Thanksgiving too, if they can find a store with turkey that hasn't been looted.

 

[Booslum31]

I didn't realize that one of the stores that they trashed and looted was the very store
that the victim robbed and shoved the store owner...they just showed the store-owner surveying all of the damage. Sad

 

[FLDomer]

Ben Watson from the Saints posted this on his FB page and I found it to be very well said and powerful. Sorry if it's already been posted.

"At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:

I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.

I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.

I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope."

 

[Irish#1]

Ben Watson from the Saints posted this on his FB page and I found it to be very well said and powerful. Sorry if it's already been posted.

"At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:

I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.

I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.

I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope."

That's very well thought out and articulate. This man gets it. I don't think we'll see his kids end up on the wrong side.

 

[Irish#1]

I want this guy as my cities police chief

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T7MAO7McNKE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'd welcome him.

 

[BobD]

I hope the spirit of the season overcomes everyone.

 

[NDohio]

Ben Watson from the Saints posted this on his FB page and I found it to be very well said and powerful. Sorry if it's already been posted.

Thanks for posting that.

 

[kmoose]

If you are a black man in the US who feels marginalized and kept down, ask yourself which image you would rather portray to the world, in your quest to gain recognition and respect.

This:

I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.

I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.

I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope."

Or this:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BFsy9kKIEI8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The choice is yours.....

 

[Irish YJ]

Ben Watson from the Saints posted this on his FB page and I found it to be very well said and powerful. Sorry if it's already been posted.

"At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:

I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.

I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.

I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope."

Beautiful

 

[BGIF]

Ben Watson from the Saints posted this on his FB page and I found it to be very well said and powerful. Sorry if it's already been posted.

"At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:

I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.

I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.

I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope."

This is a message for all of us. I hope Grace, Naomi, Isaiah and Judah grow up in a world where they are judged by the content of their character. I had hoped a leader would emerge from this. This a start.

 

[Irish#1]

Ben Watson from the Saints posted this on his FB page and I found it to be very well said and powerful. Sorry if it's already been posted.

"At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:

I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.

I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.

I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope."

NJNP, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

 

[autry_denson]

If you are a black man in the US who feels marginalized and kept down, ask yourself which image you would rather portray to the world, in your quest to gain recognition and respect.

This:



Or this:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BFsy9kKIEI8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The choice is yours.....

really? the choice is yours? by that do you mean the choice of how to respond when the next kid is killed and left to lie dead in the street for 4 hours?

could it be that the choice is not held within the black population, but rather is a choice by the nation as a whole about how long we're going to tolerate and continue the systematic oppression of a single segment of the population classified by skin color?

or if you don't think there's systematic oppression, maybe we should make a more simple choice about how many black men are going to die brutal deaths at the hands of the police before we start to think that maybe the solution doesn't lie in the hands of black men? the nation is as safe as it has been in the past 50 years, so don't tell me that behavior of black men has to change. maybe the choice is not theirs?

 

[kmoose]

really? the choice is yours? by that do you mean the choice of how to respond when the next kid is killed and left to lie dead in the street for 4 hours?

could it be that the choice is not held within the black population, but rather is a choice by the nation as a whole about how long we're going to tolerate and continue the systematic oppression of a single segment of the population classified by skin color?

or if you don't think there's systematic oppression, maybe we should make a more simple choice about how many black men are going to die brutal deaths at the hands of the police before we start to think that maybe the solution doesn't lie in the hands of black men? the nation is as safe as it has been in the past 50 years, so don't tell me that behavior of black men has to change. maybe the choice is not theirs?

Maybe this is the exact problem? How you react is COMPLETELY up to you. As long as you continue to blame other people for your poor reactions, then you will be looked down upon. Why is that so hard for you to understand?

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

really? the choice is yours? by that do you mean the choice of how to respond when the next kid is killed and left to lie dead in the street for 4 hours?

could it be that the choice is not held within the black population, but rather is a choice by the nation as a whole about how long we're going to tolerate and continue the systematic oppression of a single segment of the population classified by skin color?

or if you don't think there's systematic oppression, maybe we should make a more simple choice about how many black men are going to die brutal deaths at the hands of the police before we start to think that maybe the solution doesn't lie in the hands of black men? the nation is as safe as it has been in the past 50 years, so don't tell me that behavior of black men has to change. maybe the choice is not theirs?

1) No matter who we are or what our background is, we have two choices: overcome obstacles and persevere, or cry "woe is me" your whole life and blame it on "the system."

2) Systematic oppression? What world do you live in? The 1930's are over.

3) 90% of African Americans murdered are killed by...African Americans. No one wants to see a situation like Michael Brown, ever. But I also believe people of every color and race can help themselves by doing 2 things: stop killing each other and stop having babies out of wedlock (especially if you cannot provide for them).

 

[autry_denson]

Maybe this is the exact problem? How you react is COMPLETELY up to you. As long as you continue to blame other people for your poor reactions, then you will be looked down upon. Why is that so hard for you to understand?

the reaction is to demand change. the rallies across the country, where 99% of protesters are entirely nonviolent, make that very clear. it is the right reaction.

if you think the choices here lie with black Americans exclusively, you're wrong. it's the rest of society that needs to decide how many black people will be killed b/f we'll push for change.

 

[Corry]

I really don't know how I feel about this whole thing. As a white 32 year old father of two, I'm trying to ask myself what would it take for me to take to the streets in protest. My wife and I were talking about it last night, and neither of us could come up with anything. I can't relate to being a black man, or even growing up in a big city. I've lived in the suburbs my entire life, and we rarely went to town. Being that I can't relate it's hard for me to cast judgement. I'm really trying to put myself in the protesters shoes, but I just can't see how anyone thinks they're helping the cause by burning buildings and cop cars.

 

[autry_denson]

1) No matter who we are or what our background is, we have two choices: overcome obstacles and persevere, or cry "woe is me" your whole life and blame it on "the system."

2) Systematic oppression? What world do you live in? The 1930's are over.

3) 90% of African Americans murdered are killed by...African Americans. No one wants to see a situation like Michael Brown, ever. But I also believe people of every color and race can help themselves by doing 2 things: stop killing each other and stop having babies out of wedlock (especially if you cannot provide for them).

1) it's not an obstacle when a kid gets killed. it's an injustice, and one that should not be tolerated.
2) do some reading
3) does it matter to your argument that the murder rate has been cut in half over the past 20 years? or that the rate of teen parenthood for blacks has dropped by more than half over the same time period?

everyone who's calling for blacks to look in the mirror and change their behavior, take a look at these figures. this has happened - there's been a sea change in exactly the type of behaviors you believe are the explanation for incidents like what happened in Ferguson. you need to come up w a different way to rationalize the killing of young people like Michael Brown, and a different reason to be disgusted w black people.

 

[BobD]

the reaction is to demand change. the rallies across the country, where 99% of protesters are entirely nonviolent, make that very clear. it is the right reaction.

if you think the choices here lie with black Americans exclusively, you're wrong. it's the rest of society that needs to decide how many black people will be killed b/f we'll push for change.

Blacks kill way more blacks than all of the other races combined. So what should we change first? Let's get to work.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

the reaction is to demand change. the rallies across the country, where 99% of protesters are entirely nonviolent, make that very clear. it is the right reaction.

if you think the choices here lie with black Americans exclusively, you're wrong. it's the rest of society that needs to decide how many black people will be killed b/f we'll push for change.

????????

 

[woolybug25]

I turned into a shopping center on my way home from work tonight and there were people everywhere. My first thought was "shit I turned right into a protest" but upon further observation it was just an amazingly long Thanksgiving line at the Honey Baked Ham store.

They are just trying to do their part to address the hardships of trimmings and stop the needless violence against pigs.

Wait... or are they eating them?

The world is a terrifying place, Bob.

 

[autry_denson]

Blacks kill way more blacks than all of the other races combined. So what should we change first? Let's get to work.

we've been working on it. we've been incredibly, shockingly successful. violence has dropped the most in the places that were most violent in the 1990s. Yes, there's still work to do and black activists and nonprofits have played leading roles in confronting violence within the black community. So people have been working hard on this, and they've had stunning success. It's time to come up w a different rationalization, this one doesn't work anymore.

 

[woolybug25]

I really don't know how I feel about this whole thing. As a white 32 year old father of two, I'm trying to ask myself what would it take for me to take to the streets in protest. My wife and I were talking about it last night, and neither of us could come up with anything. I can't relate to being a black man, or even growing up in a big city. I've lived in the suburbs my entire life, and we rarely went to town. Being that I can't relate it's hard for me to cast judgement. I'm really trying to put myself in the protesters shoes, but I just can't see how anyone thinks they're helping the cause by burning buildings and cop cars.

Let's be real. The majority of violent protesters aren't there for "change". They are there to loot, steal and commit crime. The peaceful protesters are made up by a majority of people looking for change and to stand for a cause.

Looters, they are just people doing bad things. They aren't robbing, setting cars on fire, and destroying property because they are angry. They are doing it because they are criminals.

 

[GoIrish41]

really? the choice is yours? by that do you mean the choice of how to respond when the next kid is killed and left to lie dead in the street for 4 hours?

could it be that the choice is not held within the black population, but rather is a choice by the nation as a whole about how long we're going to tolerate and continue the systematic oppression of a single segment of the population classified by skin color?

or if you don't think there's systematic oppression, maybe we should make a more simple choice about how many black men are going to die brutal deaths at the hands of the police before we start to think that maybe the solution doesn't lie in the hands of black men? the nation is as safe as it has been in the past 50 years, so don't tell me that behavior of black men has to change. maybe the choice is not theirs?

This is an outstanding post!

Everyone is so quick to say what young black men should do when dealing with police ... what are the police doing? They say that after decades of systematic oppression by society that African Americans should brush off a lifetime of being treated as second class citizens and just move forward ... what is society doing to level the field for them. It is always so easy to say what those others should do ... what are we all willing to do to make things right?

1) No matter who we are or what our background is, we have two choices: overcome obstacles and persevere, or cry "woe is me" your whole life and blame it on "the system."

2) Systematic oppression? What world do you live in? The 1930's are over.

3) 90% of African Americans murdered are killed by...African Americans. No one wants to see a situation like Michael Brown, ever. But I also believe people of every color and race can help themselves by doing 2 things: stop killing each other and stop having babies out of wedlock (especially if you cannot provide for them).

This is not!

It is tone deaf and represents a complete lack of empathy or insight. It suggests that you know nothing about how black people live or manage in our society ... and furthermore it illustrates that you don't really have any interest in actually understanding what they go through every day. You know what you know ... as a white middle class guy who has had access to a good education and it escapes you that that is a million miles from where the average young black male growing up in the inner city is. You have clearly not read the posts of any of the posters who tried to explain how different life is growing up black (Bluto's comes to mind from a page or so back). There is still systematic oppression in this country if you have your eyes open. Life is far more complex than you make it out to be. There are a myriad of choices, not just two, and for inner city blacks, few of the choices are easy or good.

Oh, and I don't have the numbers at my fingertips, but the number of white people killed by white people is almost the same as blacks killing blacks. When is the last time you heard anyone talking about white on white crime? One poster earlier today or maybe late last night referred to people in Ferguson as animals ... and nobody called him out on it. How do you think it feels for someone to use words like that to describe people of your race?

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

1) it's not an obstacle when a kid gets killed. it's an injustice, and one that should not be tolerated.
2) do some reading
3) does it matter to your argument that the murder rate has been cut in half over the past 20 years? or that the rate of teen parenthood for blacks has dropped by more than half over the same time period?

everyone who's calling for blacks to look in the mirror and change their behavior, take a look at these figures. this has happened - there's been a sea change in exactly the type of behaviors you believe are the explanation for incidents like what happened in Ferguson. you need to come up w a different way to rationalize the killing of young people like Michael Brown, and a different reason to be disgusted w black people.

1) You describe the situation as if a young kid was on his way to church and a white cop took him out just because. That's insane. NO ONE wanted the outcome of that situation. It's ugly for everyone and there is no winner.

2) The murder rate may have been cut in half, but that doesn't change the FACT that 90% of blacks are killed by blacks. To take the Brown case and call this systematic oppression is obsurd.

3) Nearly 80% of black children are born out of wedlock.

To say I am rationalizing this case or disgusted with black people is insulting and completely false, borderline racist of yourself and close so some of the things NJNP said to people here. Get a grip.

My point is no matter your race or color, you can't go through life blaming "the system." You can't accept that, because everyone in your eyes is a victim of something.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

This is an outstanding post!

Everyone is so quick to say what young black men should do when dealing with police ... what are the police doing? They say that after decades of systematic oppression by society that African Americans should brush off a lifetime of being treated as second class citizens and just move forward ... what is society doing to level the field for them. It is always so easy to say what those others should do ... what are we all willing to do to make things right?



This is not!

It is tone deaf and represents a complete lack of empathy or insight. It suggests that you know nothing about how black people live or manage in our society ... and furthermore it illustrates that you don't really have any interest in actually understanding what they go through every day. You know what you know ... as a white middle class guy who has had access to a good education and it escapes you that that is a million miles from where the average young black male growing up in the inner city is. You have clearly not read the posts of any of the posters who tried to explain how different life is growing up black (Bluto's comes to mind from a page or so back). There is still systematic oppression in this country if you have your eyes open. Life is far more complex than you make it out to be. There are a myriad of choices, not just two, and for inner city blacks, few of the choices are easy or good.

Oh, and I don't have the numbers at my fingertips, but the number of white people killed by white people is almost the same as blacks killing blacks. When is the last time you heard anyone talking about white on white crime? One poster earlier today or maybe late last night referred to people in Ferguson as animals ... and nobody called him out on it. How do you think it feels for someone to use words like that to describe people of your race?

I've expressed my sympathy in this thread numerous times. Much to your shock I'm sure, I have friends who are black, hispanic, etc. and they all have different experiences. I went to high school in a diverse city, went to college in a large city, lived in a large city, etc. I didn't spend my whole life in Greenwich, CT with mansions and country clubs.

My point is as an individual just control what you can control...stay in school, get an education, apply your skills, work your ass off, don't commit crime, don't have kids out of wedlock, be responsible, and chances are you'll live a decent life.

Or you can go through life crying "woe is me" and blame the system. The choice IS yours.

 

[autry_denson]

1) My point is no matter your race or color, you can't go through life blaming "the system." You can't accept that, because everyone in your eyes is a victim of something.

very few people go through life blaming the system. rather, they try to understand when individual incidents are part of a larger process that generates inequality. they consider the role played by behavior of specific groups, and they work to reform that behavior. That's gone on in the black population for the past several decades. you haven't paid attention. but that work has created enormous change.

but they also work to confront the system-level processes that generate inequality. that is also crucial. it's very easy to sit back and ask people to look at themselves, it's much less comfortable to consider what role the rest of us play in reforming society-wide institutions to reduce inequality. both are necessary.

 

[kmoose]

the reaction is to demand change. the rallies across the country, where 99% of protesters are entirely nonviolent, make that very clear. it is the right reaction.

if you think the choices here lie with black Americans exclusively, you're wrong. it's the rest of society that needs to decide how many black people will be killed b/f we'll push for change.

If you go back and read what I said; I didn't say it was a black man's choice, to effect change. What I said was that is a black man's choice, what character he wants to portray to the rest of the world. Like it or not, fair or not; the outside world's perception of any specific ethnic, socio-economic, or lifestyle group figures largely into their willingness to take up the cause. If you just scream racism all of the time, and find racism under every single rock, the rest of the world will tune you out and no change will ever happen.

 

[GoIrish41]

1) You describe the situation as if a young kid was on his way to church and a white cop took him out just because. That's insane. NO ONE wanted the outcome of that situation. It's ugly for everyone and there is no winner.

2) The murder rate may have been cut in half, but that doesn't change the FACT that 90% of blacks are killed by blacks. To take the Brown case and call this systematic oppression is obsurd.

3) Nearly 80% of black children are born out of wedlock.

To say I am rationalizing this case or disgusted with black people is insulting and completely false, borderline racist of yourself and close so some of the things NJNP said to people here. Get a grip.

My point is no matter your race or color, you can't go through life blaming "the system." You can't accept that, because everyone in your eyes is a victim of something.

White-on-white murder in America is out of control - Vox