Did I miss a Charlotte NC thread or have we gotten numb?

[TechWife]

I thought we'd have talked about this by now, but I can't find a thread. Did you guys realize there have been  riots in Charlotte NC for the past two nights? A man was shot by a police officer. The police aren't planning on releasing any body or dash cam video anytime soon. One group (the police) state the man had a gun and refused to drop it when ordered. Others who were there (identified as "neighbors") say the man was unarmed, holding a book and has a disabling brain injury. The police chief says they found a gun next to the body and no book. The police have indicated that the officer who shot him did not have a body cam and that the other videos  do not "definitively show Scott pointing a gun at anyone." The police chief has asked for help, so the governor declared a state of emergency and the NC National Guard has deployed to Charlotte. The Justice Dept. is sending in trained peacekeepers. The county DA has asked the SBI to investigate the shooting, which is standard procedure. 

 

Are these tragedies becoming so commonplace that we no longer have anything to say about them? Alternatively, are we just speechless? 

 

 

[happi duck]

:(

[hjffkj]

I'm not numb to it but I am done discussing these incidents. The discussions are always the same, same people defending police no matter what, same people pissed at the police no matter what, and same people not speculating until more info comes out. I don't just mean on this forum, I mean in general, it is the same people having the same conversation over and over again.

[KarenNC]

Currently holding my breath that nothing happens until my daughter gets home from her DE classes close to where the original incident occurred (which happened about the time my husband was picking her up there on Tuesday). I'm glad my husband is working from home this week already due to the gas shortage. 

 

As to who's right about what happened in the original incident, we'll have to wait for more details from the investigation. Like TechWife, I'm worried about the people being injured by those who are turning peaceful protests into riots, and the damage being done. 

 

Edited September 22, 2016 by KarenNC

[JumpyTheFrog]

I saw the video where the rioters decided to head to Walmart. A few of them near the camera were calmly walking along singing about "Wally World" as if they were headed to buy snacks, rather than break in and loot a store. I have to say I almost find it more disturbing to see people calmly deciding to go loot than doing it because they were swept away in a fit of rage.

 

Last night they tried to rush the lobby of the Omni Hotel downtown. Tuesday night they shut down a highway with fires and were looting multiple trucks. I also read they were throwing rocks off an overpass bridge at the cars driving underneath.

[JumpyTheFrog]

The article I read about it at The Atlantic kept referring to "protesters" and "demonstrations." In the comments, people said they've seen the same thing in much of the media. They were calling out journalists to be honest and call them riots when they get violent and people start looting. One guy got shot by another riot last night. (I don't know details yets.)

[JumpyTheFrog]

Some rioters tried to throw a photographer into a burning trash can. Others managed to drag him away to safety.

[Serenade]

I've been checking for a thread, too.
 

Personally, I am waiting with bated breath.  
 
I'm not numb, or used to it, but I am pensive, just waiting to see what's next.  It is getting all too frequent.  At the moment, I'm not focused on the question of were the police right or not, but more on the danger to public safety.  I can't help but think how I would feel if I was driving along I-85 that night when the rioters shut it down, and then began looting semi's.  I've not heard anything about them looting other vehicles, but it's just one step off.  It seems to me that it used to be true that if you didn't seek trouble, it mostly stayed away from you.  I'm not sure that's true anymore.

I'm not sure what I would have done if I was driving along I-85 and rioters shut it down. I'd probably pass out from fright. Or, more likely, I'd probably have to pee and couldn't hold it.  :p 

Road blocks from protesters are one reason I don't like to visit my sister in Durham. Once we were coming home from her house, and ran into protesters between the jail and the DPAC. I try to go the other way home, now.

The police chief announced that the video of the shooting will be shown to the family. I wonder if that will change anything.

One thing that is very wrong, is that people loot businesses and feel justified in doing so. I would like to see every looter punished to the full extent of the law, but I'm sure that won't happen. Seems like people excuse looters, anyhow.

These riots will not be doing the Charlotte business community any favors.

[Serenade]

Some rioters tried to throw a photographer into a burning trash can. Others managed to drag him away to safety.

 

 

That's scary.  I had heard that a news reporter was knocked down, but I didn't hear about the burning trash can.  

[TechWife]

Currently holding my breath that nothing happens until my daughter gets home from her DE classes close to where the original incident occurred (which happened about the time my husband was picking her up there on Tuesday). I'm glad my husband is working from home this week already due to the gas shortage. 

 

:grouphug:

[JumpyTheFrog]

These riots will not be doing the Charlotte business community any favors.

I have relatives in NC. Their newspaper is always carrying on about the loss of business from the so-called Bathroom Bill (canceled concerts, sporting events, etc). I have to think that rioting will damage the Charlotte economy far more and faster than these other events being moved to other states. I wonder if their newspaper will complain about the rioters the same way?

[3 ladybugs]

Can someone explain to me how whatever the police did, translates into rioting innocent businesses? I can't follow that train of thought. I like to see all sides of the issues but this one I am having trouble with. 

[HomeAgain]

I am not numb to the incidents....I just think it's really starting to go the same way each time.  Black guy shot by cops.  No one waits for the full story before they start to protest.  Protests turn into riots.  Trial by media for all involved.  Rinse and repeat.

 

Not true.  The Terence Crutcher shooting in Tulsa didn't lead to riots.  It has led to peaceful protests. There's a HUGE difference, though.  The police chief released the video and has appeared to be open and forthcoming with information, while willing to listen to the people. Anger and disbelief are marinating in sadness.   In NC there is still a lack of trust, and that is turning anger to fury. 

[DawnM]

I am only going to discuss it in terms of how it is affecting us.

 

We live in Charlotte.  Dh works in the Uptown area.  I work just West of the city.

 

DH's work was shut down today.  He got the memo AFTER he arrived.  In his building, which is about 50 stories high, there were about 20 people max.  At 12:30 they told them all to GET OUT and GO HOME because of a threat they had heard.  

 

I was surprised the schools were open today.    

 

I worked in LAUSD during the riots in LA.  Schools were closed for a week.  The first day we had to leave by 10am and be escorted out by a police convoy.  It was pretty scary.  All the buildings within several blocks of the school, were on fire.

 

 

[Guest]

I'm not numb to it but I am done discussing these incidents. The discussions are always the same, same people defending police no matter what, same people pissed at the police no matter what, and same people not speculating until more info comes out. I don't just mean on this forum, I mean in general, it is the same people having the same conversation over and over again.

Exactly. I'm burned out on hive discussion on this. It's always the same accusations and procession, and it helps nothing.

[marbel]

I'm not numb to it but I am done discussing these incidents. The discussions are always the same, same people defending police no matter what, same people pissed at the police no matter what, and same people not speculating until more info comes out. I don't just mean on this forum, I mean in general, it is the same people having the same conversation over and over again.

 

 

Exactly. I'm burned out on hive discussion on this. It's always the same accusations and procession, and it helps nothing.

 

Same. I've been reading about it; I'm not numb but we just say the same things over and over again till the arguments start.   

[goldberry]

I'm not numb to it but I am done discussing these incidents. The discussions are always the same, same people defending police no matter what, same people pissed at the police no matter what, and same people not speculating until more info comes out. I don't just mean on this forum, I mean in general, it is the same people having the same conversation over and over again.

 

I had the same thoughts.  It's sad that we already know exactly how things will play out.

 

The one thing I thought was different was the refusal to release the tapes.  Is that not a violation of freedom of information, since the incident took place in public?  From what I have heard, the courts have ruled previously that police do not have a right to privacy during public performance of their job.

[SKL]

I agree with the above, and also that anything one says on this forum can and will be used against us.  We can be quite mean to each other on here when bad things happen out there.  Nobody gets the benefit of the doubt on the internet.

[TechWife]

I had the same thoughts.  It's sad that we already know exactly how things will play out.

 

The one thing I thought was different was the refusal to release the tapes.  Is that not a violation of freedom of information, since the incident took place in public?  From what I have heard, the courts have ruled previously that police do not have a right to privacy during public performance of their job.

 

Ha! (sarcastic smiley here)! 

 

Most cities in NC consider them to be part of the personnel record of the person wearing the camera. Therefore, they are confidential. Different cities and counties handled the release of the video in different ways. In an effort to "ensure that everyone gets the same access,"  beginning Oct. 1 it will actually be impossible to get a copy of them without a court order. This is supposed to promote "uniformity, clarity and transparency." 

 

Yeah, right. 

 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/12/politics/north-carolina-police-recording-law/

[HomeAgain]

Ha! (sarcastic smiley here)! 

 

Most cities in NC consider them to be part of the personnel record of the person wearing the camera. Therefore, they are confidential. Different cities and counties handled the release of the video in different ways. In an effort to "ensure that everyone gets the same access,"  beginning Oct. 1 it will actually be impossible to get a copy of them without a court order. This is supposed to promote "uniformity, clarity and transparency." 

 

Yeah, right. 

 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/12/politics/north-carolina-police-recording-law/

 

So the broken system will decide whether anyone should see if it was even justifiable?

 

 

I see yearly ratings of officers in NC getting much better without them having to worry about their cameras.

[mamiof5]

Many prayers for the NC folks. No, I'm not numb, just shocked and saddened about everything that's going on. Other 3 places were dealing with tragedies this weekend too, the bombs, the stabbings. It just breaks my heart, and honestly I'm kind of purposely staying away from the news for a while.

[goldberry]

 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/12/politics/north-carolina-police-recording-law/

 

The Indiana law seems a little more reasonable:

 

Similar legislation took effect in Indiana on July 1, but only after undergoing revisions to alleviate concerns that it gave law enforcement too much authority to withhold footage.

HB 1019 opens viewing of law enforcement recordings to those depicted in a recording or the owner of property shown in a recording. It also requires police to let the public view or copy a video if it depicts evidence pertaining to allegations of excessive force or civil rights violations.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

I had the same thoughts.  It's sad that we already know exactly how things will play out.

 

The one thing I thought was different was the refusal to release the tapes.  Is that not a violation of freedom of information, since the incident took place in public?  From what I have heard, the courts have ruled previously that police do not have a right to privacy during public performance of their job.

 

The bolded is generally true, but does vary from state to state to some degree, and only applies to videos taken by others.  NC passed a law that goes into effect on 10/01 that restricts the release of bodycam and dashcam videos.

The FOIA cannot be invoked here as the videos would fall under exemption 7.

[Pawz4me]

I have relatives in NC. Their newspaper is always carrying on about the loss of business from the so-called Bathroom Bill (canceled concerts, sporting events, etc). I have to think that rioting will damage the Charlotte economy far more and faster than these other events being moved to other states. I wonder if their newspaper will complain about the rioters the same way?

 

I think it's very likely you don't understand the sports culture here. At all.

 

(And forgive me in advance. I don't mean for that to come across as snarky, but my brain is fried and I'm flailing around at how to word that better. I know it's kinda bad.)

[KarenNC]

Daughter is home, but the community college is closing all campuses at 5pm.

 

It doesn't help that we dealt with a somewhat similar issue in the same area just over three years ago, but the violence was not this extensive. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2015/10/jonathan_ferrell_shooting_how_charlotte_avoided_ferguson_s_fate.html

 

A local writer, Tommy Tomlinson, did a nice piece https://tommytomlinson.wordpress.com/2016/09/22/a-long-night-in-charlotte/ 

 

We had race riots here back in the early 70s (in a town just outside Charlotte) over a white store owner shooting a black customer. The National Guard was called in and I sat, as a 9 year old, watching out my front window as they patrolled our street in a Jeep mounted with a machine gun, enforcing the curfew to try to prevent a recurrence of the rioting and fires taking place about three blocks from our house. I had hoped we had moved past that.

Edited September 22, 2016 by KarenNC

[purpleowl]

Can someone explain to me how whatever the police did, translates into rioting innocent businesses? I can't follow that train of thought. I like to see all sides of the issues but this one I am having trouble with. 

 

I don't follow it, either. Not that I would be "go looters go" if the businesses were the ones who'd committed some atrocity, but the riots...I just don't understand.

 

 

I am only going to discuss it in terms of how it is affecting us.

 

We live in Charlotte.  Dh works in the Uptown area.  I work just West of the city.

 

DH's work was shut down today.  He got the memo AFTER he arrived.  In his building, which is about 50 stories high, there were about 20 people max.  At 12:30 they told them all to GET OUT and GO HOME because of a threat they had heard.  

 

I was surprised the schools were open today.    

 

I worked in LAUSD during the riots in LA.  Schools were closed for a week.  The first day we had to leave by 10am and be escorted out by a police convoy.  It was pretty scary.  All the buildings within several blocks of the school, were on fire.

 

:(

 

My 22yo sister has lived in Charlotte for just a few months. It sounds like there are (or may be?) protests within half a mile of her apartment, and at her workplace they were warned not to go out for lunch, etc. I'm worried for her.

 

ETA: KarenNC, glad your DD made it home safely. *hugs*

Edited September 22, 2016 by purpleowl

[goldberry]

The bolded is generally true, but does vary from state to state to some degree, and only applies to videos taken by others.  NC passed a law that goes into effect on 10/01 that restricts the release of bodycam and dashcam videos.

The FOIA cannot be invoked here as the videos would fall under exemption 7.

 

At a time when lack of trust is a huge problem, withholding the videos is only going to increase the perception that someone is hiding something, whether it is true or not.

[goldberry]

The police officer in Tulsa is being charged with 1st degree manslaughter.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

At a time when lack of trust is a huge problem, withholding the videos is only going to increase the perception that someone is hiding something, whether it is true or not.

 

There is some merit to not releasing material immediately during an investigation, particularly if it is not clear or part of the event is obscured.

[Farrar]

From the amazing Rev. Barber:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/editorial-charlotte-drowning-systematic-injustice-n652541

 

 

 

Some say we must condemn the unrest in Charlotte. As a pastor and as an organizer, I do not condone violence. I suspect that much of it has been instigated by provocateurs with their own agenda. But to condemn the uprising in Charlotte would be to condemn a man for thrashing when someone is trying to drown him.

 

I don't know what happened in the original police shooting (to be clear, no one seems to). I am sure that's the real issue, not the violence that followed. Eyes on the real problem.

Edited September 22, 2016 by Farrar

[goldberry]

There is some merit to not releasing material immediately during an investigation, particularly if it is not clear or part of the event is obscured.

 

 

 

 

So I guess the point is...yes, withholding may increase the perception that someone is hiding something.  But, there may be very legit reasons to withhold it and that just because someone thinks that the withholding of video is to hide something....that isn't necessarily always the reality. 

 

I'm sure there are legitimate reasons.  I don't think that will change the perception though.  Trust is completely broken at this point.  How it can be repaired I don't know, but withholding more information probably won't help.

[sheryl]

Tech Wife and others,

 

I looked on the forum for a thread and didn't see one until yours popped up.  I was going to start one but declined b/c of what a pp said - it seems to follow a similar pattern. 

 

We live in Charlotte and have for decades.  DD was born here.  I suggested she and I watch the local news to compare it against the nation-wide media frenzy, for two reasons.  To compare/contrast content and Charlotte Police Chief Putney Kerr referred to the protestors as having the right to exercise their First Amendment so I turned this in to an American Gov't. exercise.

 

It's quite sad.  A protestor is now in critical care having been shot by another protestor.  

 

There was a curfew T and W but apparently none tonight, Thursday. 

 

I don't get people though.  So many people are attention-seekers and want to be on tv. It was disgusting to see the rioters using their cell phones to "capture all of the moments".  They also looted several stores.   SAD!  

 

There were 2 "peaceful" demonstrations that occurred yesterday, Wed. as mentioned by the mayor.  We have a state of emergency b/c the police chief does not want to take any chances.

 

However, a neighbor texted and said she is working a later shift at B/N b/c of a planned riot in SouthPark.  This is a very upscale area and there could be serious repercussions.  DH works in SouthPark and we told him what is "planned" at 7 pm TONIGHT THURSDAY.  He needs to come home NOW!  We are 5 miles (10 minutes) away.  I'm there all.of.the.time.  Not tonight.  Hopefully this will fizzle.  Rioting is not the answer. 

 

The mayor was right when she said we just don't do things like this in Charlotte.  We are a good city.  Not perfect, but really good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[purpleowl]

However, a neighbor texted and said she is working a later shift at B/N b/c of a planned riot in SouthPark. This is a very upscale area and there could be serious repercussions. DH works in SouthPark and we told him what is "planned" at 7 pm TONIGHT THURSDAY. He needs to come home NOW! We are 5 miles (10 minutes) away. I'm there all.of.the.time. Not tonight. Hopefully this will fizzle. Rioting is not the answer.

That's my sister's area of town.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

I'm sure there are legitimate reasons.  I don't think that will change the perception though.  Trust is completely broken at this point.  How it can be repaired I don't know, but withholding more information probably won't help.

 

It is a fine line as an unclear video can inflame just as much.  I would hate to be the one who has to make the decision on what to release.  With that said, the family is being allowed to view the video.

[Pam in CT]

The bolded.

 

And let's remember that peaceful protest (footballer sits, anyone ?) get the same amount of censure as looting, thereby proving that the only way for black men to win is to lie still under the white foot. And to thank the owner of that foot for the opportunity to do so. 

 

Yes, Colin Kaepernick is relevant.  Just as it's possible to hold love of country, and also the desire to hold that country accountable for promises not yet fulfilled; it is also possible to condemn riots, and also recognize that riots are the language of the unheard.  

 

Both.

[goldberry]

 

 

The mayor was right when she said we just don't do things like this in Charlotte.  We are a good city.  Not perfect, but really good!

 

:grouphug:

[Pam in CT]

Riots are inappropriate language.  Athletes taking a knee is appropriate language.  I may disagree with Kaepernick's reasons for protests, but I absolutely support his right to do so.  A statement I have heard before, and my own DH and FIL, both Army vets, say is " I may disagree with your reasons for your actions, but I will defend your right to take that action to the death."  (that is absolutely a paraphrase, but the idea is the same.  It's simply the idea of I don't have to agree with your statement to absolutely believe you have the right to say it.)

 

I agree with you on all counts.

[goldberry]

I too am baffled by the people who decry the riots but at the same time consider Kaepernick a traitor to America.  It's hard to see how that leaves any other option but just "get over it".  

[ChocolateReignRemix]

I suppose that the point is that not everyone who decries the riots ARE the same people who consider Kaepernick as a traitor to America.  I think the media tries to portray it that way, I think the media benefits from the idea that there's only a one or other response.  But there's not.  I think there are a LOT of people who don't consider Kaepernic as a traitor to America who still decry riots. 

 

 

The problem is....the loudest shouter gets the attention.  This has always been true.  But.....it's important to recognize that the loudest shouter ISN'T the same shouter every time.  It may seem like it sometimes...but it isn't. 

 

Oh there certainly are many who denounce the riots and either support or defend CK.

 

However, the point goldberry makes about those that decry the riots and denounce CK really wanting blacks to just be quiet holds.

[sheryl]

DH just got home! :)    Our neighbor has to work until 11 pm in SouthPark.  Hopefully there won't be any demonstration.

Edited September 22, 2016 by sheryl

[TranquilMind]

Can someone explain to me how whatever the police did, translates into rioting innocent businesses? I can't follow that train of thought. I like to see all sides of the issues but this one I am having trouble with. 

 

I cannot grasp this logic either. 

 

[MercyA]

More on keeping our eyes on the real problem, from Brandon Marshall, another football player who has chosen to kneel during the anthem:

 

"One thing I have an issue with is people are really, extremely [ticked] off and mad about us kneeling and protesting peacefully. How come they don't have that same type of anger toward the situations that are going on? I think everybody needs to check themselves. It just lets me know that we have a long way to go as people. I don't want to go as far as to say people care more about the flag than their fellow man, but it seems like it."

 

He's lost two local sponsorships so far. He's not out rioting, but obviously some people would prefer that he just shut up and play football.  :(

[TranquilMind]

The bolded.

 

And let's remember that peaceful protest (footballer sits, anyone ?) get the same amount of censure as looting, thereby proving that the only way for black men to win is to lie still under the white foot. And to thank the owner of that foot for the opportunity to do so. 

I disagree.  The peaceful protest does not in any way receive the same amount of backlash as those looting, shutting down roads, setting fires, hurting people, or damaging property. 

 

There isn't any comparison.  If someone wants to sit down during the National Anthem, he's a jerk IMO, but he isn't hurting anyone or damaging their property or affecting their livelihood.  He isn't preventing them from getting home or to the hospital or to work on the road, by blocking it.   Let him do what he wants, and let others say what they want about it. There is no issue.  Free speech. 

 

No comparison at all between the two. 

Edited September 22, 2016 by TranquilMind

[KarenNC]

Tech Wife and others,

 

I looked on the forum for a thread and didn't see one until yours popped up.  I was going to start one but declined b/c of what a pp said - it seems to follow a similar pattern. 

 

We live in Charlotte and have for decades.  DD was born here.  I suggested she and I watch the local news to compare it against the nation-wide media frenzy, for two reasons.  To compare/contrast content and Charlotte Police Chief Putney Kerr referred to the protestors as having the right to exercise their First Amendment so I turned this in to an American Gov't. exercise.

 

It's quite sad.  A protestor is now in critical care having been shot by another protestor.  

 

There was a curfew T and W but apparently none tonight, Thursday. 

 

I don't get people though.  So many people are attention-seekers and want to be on tv. It was disgusting to see the rioters using their cell phones to "capture all of the moments".  They also looted several stores.   SAD!  

 

There were 2 "peaceful" demonstrations that occurred yesterday, Wed. as mentioned by the mayor.  We have a state of emergency b/c the police chief does not want to take any chances.

 

However, a neighbor texted and said she is working a later shift at B/N b/c of a planned riot in SouthPark.  This is a very upscale area and there could be serious repercussions.  DH works in SouthPark and we told him what is "planned" at 7 pm TONIGHT THURSDAY.  He needs to come home NOW!  We are 5 miles (10 minutes) away.  I'm there all.of.the.time.  Not tonight.  Hopefully this will fizzle.  Rioting is not the answer. 

 

The mayor was right when she said we just don't do things like this in Charlotte.  We are a good city.  Not perfect, but really good!

 

I'm not aware of any curfew on Tuesday or Wednesday. They were considering one for tonight, but as of yet have not set one up.

 

There *were* peaceful protests, no quotes needed. My minister was there and part of one, even was tear-gassed along with many other peaceful protesters. She's back there tonight. That some agitators decided to riot does not negate that nor does that mean that everyone present was a "rioter."

 

Is there a riot planned for this evening, or a protest? They are different things. So far, all I have heard or seen are rumors that there might be a protest at Southpark, but nothing concrete, and the police say that they are merely rumors. Yes, a few businesses have decided to close early on the strength of those rumors. Hopefully nothing violent occurs anywhere this evening.

Edited September 22, 2016 by KarenNC

[mamiof5]

Praying for a peaceful evening for those in the area. Glad your loved ones are home safe.

[MercyA]

Can someone explain to me how whatever the police did, translates into rioting innocent businesses? I can't follow that train of thought. I like to see all sides of the issues but this one I am having trouble with. 

 

I doubt there has ever been a logical riot.

 

If our brothers, fathers, sons, and neighbors were the ones being shot while simply walking home, or holding a toy, or experiencing car trouble, I think we'd be pretty angry at this point. 

 

Yes, looting and destroying property are wrong. But so are the murders of innocent people, and I'm willing to bet some loudly condemn the first while having nothing to say about the second.

[KarenNC]

Riots are inappropriate language.  Athletes taking a knee is appropriate language.  I may disagree with Kaepernick's reasons for protests, but I absolutely support his right to do so.  A statement I have heard before, and my own DH and FIL, both Army vets, say is " I may disagree with your reasons for your actions, but I will defend your right to take that action to the death."  (that is absolutely a paraphrase, but the idea is the same.  It's simply the idea of I don't have to agree with your statement to absolutely believe you have the right to say it.)

 

Agreed. Unfortunately there are a lot of voices, including some very prominent ones, advocating the inappropriate language of violence currently toward anyone who disagrees with them, in this situation and many, many others.

[Farrar]

Can someone explain to me how whatever the police did, translates into rioting innocent businesses? I can't follow that train of thought. I like to see all sides of the issues but this one I am having trouble with. 

 

The piece I posted by Rev. Barber addresses this.

 

But generally speaking, if you feel that no matter what you do, you cannot and will not be treated fairly, that the system is permanently, irrevocably stacked against you, that police could shoot you or your loved ones at any time for nearly any reason and that there would be little you could do to stop it, then rioting and taking and violence make a certain logical sense.

 

I'm not saying it's right. It's not. But fix the root problem!

[Farrar]

I too am baffled by the people who decry the riots but at the same time consider Kaepernick a traitor to America.  It's hard to see how that leaves any other option but just "get over it".  

 

In fact, I have seen suggestions from politicians today that if we'd just stop talking about racism, that would help. Sigh.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

Fix the root problem? Can't happen if people can't agree what the root problem is. And people can't agree on the root problem. Some people thing the deaths of Michael Brown, Philadro Castillio, and Treyvon Martin are all symbols of the same root problem and some see them as all three completely different situations. And riots...burning the contents of a tractor trailer in NC, looting a store in Furgeson, smashing cop cars, shooting cops in Dallas, beating truck drivers in LA, NONE of those actions will help to define the "root problem ". For anyone.

 

If people could step back a little bit and really look at the root of the problem and listen to the experiences of others, then the circumstances of those individual cases would not matter as much.

 

Did you ever wonder why the citizens of Ferguson reacted with so much anger at the Michael Brown shooting?  Why they weren't in the mood to "wait for all the facts"?  Go look at the DOJ report for Ferguson.  Read about how that community was being treated by those hired to "protect and serve" them.  When you feel like your community has been beaten down, it doesn't take much of a catalyst to make the situation blow up. 

 

The same applies in Charlotte.  There was a recent police shooting in the past couple of years where an unarmed black motorist was shot by a cop for...well for being a black motorist.  The officer was taken to trial, but the result was a hung jury, and the prosecutor declined to take it to trial again.  Thrown in a history of alleged abuse by local police departments and a state that is trying to limit voting rights, and once again we can see the issue is bigger than what happened in this case.

 

Sometimes people are just fed up.

 

Edited September 22, 2016 by ChocolateReignRemix