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To whom are you directing your anger in this post? Is it to me specifically? Or a community of people? I was talking about a solution. Ways we can get better by what's going on in the world right now.
I don't disagree with that. At all.
What I disagree with is when assumptions are made that because of the color of my skin or who I worship or how I wear my pants. Assumptions that black and poor means criminal? That low hanging pants means criminal, that how I talk means criminal. We live in a biased world, and if you don't see that it is because you haven't experienced it. As you said, BEHAVIOR is what people are not getting. That's the problem, people aren't being judged on their behaviour, they are being judged on HOW THEY LOOK. That is what has to stop.
My anger is not at someone but is more for the many young black children affected by this. They are being raised to feel that cops hate them and want them dead. They are being raised to fear the people that they need to be able to trust and go to for help when needed. They are being shown by LH that when we are don't like what is going on that the best way to deal with it is by destroying the property and livelihood of innocent people.
LH had a moment when he knew he was in the spotlight. He has had many weeks to consider what is going on and how to deal with the verdict (no matter which way it went). He had a chance to show himself as a leader and to exhibit positive ways of dealing with the disappointing verdict. Instead he ordered "Burn this B**** down".
Consider some men who have been wronged and their reactions to it, and how we feel about them today. Look at Nelson Mandela, MLK and Jesus to name a few. All suffered at the hands of enemies. I don't remember them advocating violence, looting and chaos. We remember them for their dignity, grace under pressure and their perseverance. They did not strike at others in the midst of their struggle, especially at completely innocent people. They behaved in ways that can be admired, that even their enemies cannot disparage. They didn't seek destruction and violence. They taught us ways to effectively make changes in this world and to make it a better place.
They didn't want to change people's hearts and minds (or the laws) with violence, threats and force. They didn't seek to destroy their perceived enemies but to change their enemies thru non violence, thru perseverance and by advocating for the good in men, not calling to men to show their worst by hurting others.
So , yes i am disgusted by LH. His attitude does a HUGE disservice to the young protesters who are looking for guidance and leadership and a way to show their disapproval of what happened. Impressionable young minds listening to a man who advocates and calls for acts that can hurt or kill others - others who have done NO wrong!!! By calling for the burning of the city, he called for young people to commit criminal acts and potentially jeopardize their futures and their lives.
LH had a chance to rise above the occasion and to help others rise above and find appropriate ways to cope with their disappointment and anger. Not only did he NOT rise above the occasion, he couldn't even be bothered to pull up his own pants.
I guess in the end it is a fitting image. Here is a man who could have pulled the community together, pulled them out of the cycle of senseless destruction and violence. Instead he showed that he didn't even have enough initiative and sense to pull up his own pants.
I am a former inner city teacher. I am well versed on the challenges that young black children face and had to lead 30 little people a day and show them effective ways to cope and to effect change and to make their world a better place. I had to deal with racial issues and poverty and prejudice and all of that. I loved those little people very much and it saddens me to think that people like LH speak and act as they do. LH did a huge disservice to those young people. He ought to face charges or at the very least apologize and make amends. But I ain't holding my breath on that , ya know.
So that is why I am angry. I am angry for the innocent kids caught up in this and being taught all the wrong things about it. They are being taught lies and violence. Very sad indeed.
Assumption, here is where the problem lies. Many people have misperceptions about other peoples belief systems. The majority of our assumptions/perceptions of what other people are thinking are based on our own lack of self worth/self esteem. When we let our own perceptions of what others think rule us - whether they are valid or not - we become our own worst enemy.
The person who thinks no one likes me because I am overweight, or the guy who thinks no one likes me because I have long hair and ride a motorcycle, or no one likes me because (insert any number of reasons..... is a self defense mechanism which allows an individual to point the finger elsewhere rather than dealing with their own irrational thinking/negative self talk. We all have it to different degrees, but when we use it as a shield to make a blanket statement that no one likes me because of my race, religion, ethnicity, we self isolate and close ourselves off from the many many good people out there who DO care. Who ARE compassionate and choose to treat all people with equal respect.
The majority of people are good, honest people, who could care less about someone's skin color.
Self responsibility ranks higher than worrying about what others think. It is the individuals choice as how they are going to let other peoples thoughts affect them,or not.
Back on topic.........
Seriously, how much investigation does it take? Any LEO with local jurisdiction can walk in the magistrate's office with the tape vs the timing of the two GJ releases and file an affidavit swearing that LH had prior knowledge of the results and with premeditation and intent, incited a riot.
In addition, he clearly broke the Federal Code for inciting a riot by using Federally controlled airways to incite others to riot elsewhere.
Maybe they feel at this point in time the community would be better served if they just let it go. Maybe they know exactly who (individual or group) is responsible for the burning and rioting and priority is to go after them?
As a LEO, I am sure you know every crime committed doesn't result in an investigation or indictment. Especially when it is probably a pretty good chance that if that does happen it is just going to lead to more chit. Or maybe it is coming anyday, who knows.
Ok, I don't want to get this thread closed, so I am not going to participate in a circular argument. Yes, the system needs to change. But violence and destroying innocent people isn't going to do it. Vote to change the law if one doesn't like the law, don't burn down a city because one doesn't like a decision.
Maybe they feel at this point in time the community would be better served if they just let it go. Maybe they know exactly who (individual or group) is responsible for the burning and rioting and priority is to go after them?
As a LEO, I am sure you know every crime committed doesn't result in an investigation or indictment. Especially when it is probably a pretty good chance that if that does happen it is just going to lead to more chit. Or maybe it is coming anyday, who knows.
Yeah, let a crime go so we don't have more crime - that's a sure way to stop criminals.
Back on topic.........
Seriously, how much investigation does it take? Any LEO with local jurisdiction can walk in the magistrate's office with the tape vs the timing of the two GJ releases and file an affidavit swearing that LH had prior knowledge of the results and with premeditation and intent, incited a riot.
In addition, he clearly broke the Federal Code for inciting a riot by using Federally controlled airways to incite others to riot elsewhere.
I actually posted the link to the Federal Law Louie violated. I just gave up after a couple of days.
I can agree with that no problem. But I will point out that the protests that have been happening as of late have been relatively violence free.
What happened in Ferguson was something different and was likely just the tipping point of a problem that was likely going on in that town for a long time.
The protests in Berkeley have been getting pretty out of control. Lots of property damage, small fires. But it really concerns me that there was an attack on 2 NYC cops on the bridge a couple of nights ago. One had his nose broken when he tried to arrest someone. The person arrested had a backpack full of hammers. And he was a college professor? YIKES [ Juts saw this on CNN]
IMO, the authorities may be waiting to see what is going to happen with the assault accusation before deciding whether or not charge him with inciting a riot. Have we heard any more on whether or not he and the mother will be charged for assault and/or theft over the t-shirt sale debacle?