Anathema For Peaceful Protests

dreamer20

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Discuss examples of this bizarre occurrence and other peaceful protests. Example #1

MLK's daughter shared a powerful message about how people react to these two photos
Article Excerpt:

When Colin Kaepernick started kneeling during the national anthem at the beginning of NFL games, many Americans railed against him. They called him un-American. They called him disrespectful. They failed to see his peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality as the act of a patriot yearning to improve his country, choosing to focus on their own discomfort with his actions instead.

This Monday, a Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck and back of a black man, George Floyd, who had just been taken into police custody. CBS News As the officer held him to the ground, video taken by bystanders shows Floyd repeatedly crying out that he couldn't breathe.
My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts ..." he can be heard saying in the video. "(I need) water or something. Please. Please. I can't breathe, officer. I cannot breathe. I cannot breathe."

Floyd stopped moving. The bystanders continually asked the officer why he kept kneeling on the man's neck and chest. At one point, he knelt with his hands in his pockets while Floyd lay beneath his legs. It's incredibly disturbing to watch, considering that Floyd was pronounced dead at the hospital the same evening.

People are understandably outraged and want the four officers involved prosecuted for the killing of George Floyd. But this is not a lone case. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. posted a striking photo combo of the officer kneeling on Floyd on one side and Kaepernick kneeling on the sidelines, writing on Twitter:

"If you're unbothered or mildly bothered by the 1st knee, but outraged by the 2nd, then, in my father's words, you're 'more devoted to order than to justice.' And more passionate about an anthem that supposedly symbolizes freedom than you are about a Black man's freedom to live."
 

dreamer20

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May 29, 2020:
Black CNN reporter arrested on air at protests over George Floyd killing
Article Excerpt:

Police in Minnesota arrested a black CNN reporter , Omar Jimenez, reporting live on television early on Friday morning while covering the Minneapolis protests over the death of George Floyd, and led him and three crew members away in handcuffs, in what has been criticized as a racist incident.

Omar Jimenez had just shown a protester being arrested when about half a dozen white police officers from the
Minnesota state patrol surrounded him, without giving a reason...
In contrast, another of CNN’s correspondents, Josh Campbell, who is white, was reporting about a block away from Jimenez. He said police were “polite” when they approached him to ask him which outlet he was with, and they told him: “OK, you’re good.”

Speaking on CNN, attorney Bakari Sellers said he had been scared for Jimenez. “We have a white reporter on the ground, and we have a brown reporter on the ground. They are a block apart. The brown reporter is arrested, and the white reporter is telling us what is happening.”

Jimenez and the crew were later released.

CNN reported that Minnesota’s governor, Tim Waltz, had apologized to CNN’s president, Jeff Zucker, for the incident. Waltz said Jimenez “clearly had the right to be there” and he was deeply sorry, CNN reported.



 

dreamer20

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May 29, 2020:
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin charged with murder in the death of George Floyd

Article Excerpt:

Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who pinned down George Floyd, has been taken into custody and charged with murder and manslaughter, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced on Friday. The three other officers in the case are still being investigated, Freeman said, adding that the initial charges are intended to focus on the “most dangerous perpetrator.”
All the officers were previously fired after Floyd’s death.

Floyd’s death set off protests and riots in Minneapolis throughout the week, with some protesters burning down buildings and looting stores. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz activated the National Guard on Thursday in anticipation of further unrest.

While Floyd’s death was the immediate catalyst for the protests and riots, underlying them are deeper resentments about huge racial disparities in policing and the use of force in the US.
According to the Guardian’s “The Counted” project, as of 2016 black people were more than twice as likely to be killed by police than white people, at a respective rate of 6.66 per 1 million people versus 2.9 per 1 million people... It’s also rare for officers to be held accountable for police killings...
It’s this combination — of the excessive use of force against black Americans and the lack of accountability for police officers — that has led protesters to take up the mantle of “Black Lives Matter” since police killings in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore in 2014 and 2015, respectively, led to protests similar to those seen in Minneapolis this week.

The unresolved question now is whether this time will be different — and whether Chauvin, as the police officer charged with murder in Floyd’s death, will be held accountable.
 

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Saw an amazing interview with Missouri Representative Emanuel Cleaver this morning. He was pleading for calm in Minneapolis. He also detailed how he had seen in past protests that outsiders, interlopers, anarchists are often the ones causing much of the violence by inciting the crowds, destroying property, and looting. He noted that many of those arrested in Minneapolis are from out of the community, and have been arrested at protests in others states, professional anarchists, if you will.

The Minneapolis police chief Arradondo said they are checking the protesters’ backgrounds, and what groups they belong to, criminals organizations and the such. They are overshadowing the tragedy of George Floyd’s death. The protests and violence are becoming the story, and is detracting from the tragic death of this innocent man. This is becoming the story, and this should not be the case.
 

keenobserver

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Saw an amazing interview with Missouri Representative Emanuel Cleaver this morning. He was pleading for calm in Minneapolis. He also detailed how he had seen in past protests that outsiders, interlopers, anarchists are often the ones causing much of the violence by inciting the crowds, destroying property, and looting. He noted that many of those arrested in Minneapolis are from out of the community, and have been arrested at protests in others states, professional anarchists, if you will.

The Minneapolis police chief Arradondo said they are checking the protesters’ backgrounds, and what groups they belong to, criminals organizations and the such. They are overshadowing the tragedy of George Floyd’s death. The protests and violence are becoming the story, and is detracting from the tragic death of this innocent man. This is becoming the story, and this should not be the case.

It would be nice if the same diligence were applied to police actions that trigger deaths that are used as excuses for the riots. Chief Arradondo would have a shit load less checking to do if he enforced standards for his cops. While Rep. Cleaver's remarks are fine as far as it goes, the underlying problem will not be addressed. I don't justify the riots. I saw how riots destroyed Baltimore and Washington after Dr. King was murdered, but there is a greater problem that needs to be addressed. All the boo hooing about 'professional' rioters, the demonizing of the BLM movement in general serve to divert from the problems. Obviously calm needs to be restored, but too often 'restoring calm' means 'get back in your place, stay in your lane.' In the end the frightened white voter says, 'well no wonder cops have to do what they do' - which Trump clearly sees. And acts to incite.
 

Industrialsize

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Saw an amazing interview with Missouri Representative Emanuel Cleaver this morning. He was pleading for calm in Minneapolis. He also detailed how he had seen in past protests that outsiders, interlopers, anarchists are often the ones causing much of the violence by inciting the crowds, destroying property, and looting. He noted that many of those arrested in Minneapolis are from out of the community, and have been arrested at protests in others states, professional anarchists, if you will.

The Minneapolis police chief Arradondo said they are checking the protesters’ backgrounds, and what groups they belong to, criminals organizations and the such. They are overshadowing the tragedy of George Floyd’s death. The protests and violence are becoming the story, and is detracting from the tragic death of this innocent man. This is becoming the story, and this should not be the case.
Remarkable info coming out of this presser: Gov. Tim Walls, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and now MN attorney general Keith Ellison ALL alleging outside forces, domestic and possibly foreign, have post-Tuesday infiltrated the state, and are in organized fashion setting fire to historic businesses in communities of color, and causing mayhem. Ellison cited the widely circulating video of a white man in a gas mask holding an umbrella who was caught by protestors on video breaking windows. And the governor says he has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, and fully mobilized the MN National Guard for the first time in 164 years. This is a continuing story and presumably we will begin hearing it echoed in other cities. Mayor Carter said EVERY person arrested last night during the protests was from out of state. The governor said it is at least 80 percent, and that they will begin releasing the names. Dept of Safety Commissioner John Harrington says they are contract-tracing arrestees:
He adds that white nationalist groups are posting messages promoting going to Minneapolis to “get our loot on” and cause mayhem. He says they will investigate those using the outrage over the murder of George Floyd as a “cover” for illegal activity.
Gov. Walls acknowledged the legitimate “rage and anger” over the police-involved killing but “last night was a mockery of pretending it’s about George Floyd’s death or about disparities.”

Joy Reid on Twitter
 

Jjz1109

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I would venture they are more of the anarchist mindset. The protesters are reminiscent of Occupy Wall Street. Their taunting and in your face aggressiveness toward the police brought back memories of that period. They encamped in Zuccotti Park with their iPhones and mac laptops purchased by mommy and daddy, and are a well connected, well organized, racially diverse group with nothing but time on their hands. They live for this stuff. They just want to create havoc, as they are doing here, without a clear cut agenda. In the end, they are bastardizing and minimizing the tragic death of George Floyd to benefit their greater goal. I don’t see the white supremacists being as organized, especially given all the cities in which we see the protests taking place. But I suppose anything is possible.
 

Klingsor

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If protestors engage in or incite violence or other illegal activity, it's legitimate to consider their backgrounds and motives.

That said, I don't see the mere fact of being from out of state as significant in itself. People have the right to protest, and to travel to do so.
 

IntactMale

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The idea that the protests and unrest detract from Floyd's death makes no sense and is just the typical, dishonest talking point of those who defend the status quo.

Without the protests and unrest Floyd's murder would have been swept under the carpet and no one would be discussing it now. That is why you didn't hear about Ahmaud Arbery when he was murdered in February, or in March or April. The whole reason there are protests and unrest is because the story doesn't spread and nothing changes unless there are protests and unrest. There is literally no other option to make change for the people who are subject to the violence of the police and are ignored by society and government. Nothing could detract from the death of Floyd more than ignoring it and letting the story disappear.

The murder of Floyd is obviously a tragedy, but it may also be the catalyst of change via the resulting unrest. His murder has initiated a movement that aims to end the circumstances that resulted in his murder, which may prevent additional murders committed by the police in the future. There is no greater value that could come from his murder than a movement that results in the end of those circumstances.

The only way to honor Floyd is to take whatever actions are necessary to effect change that end the conditions that resulted in his murder.

To defend the status quo when it results in the unjust murder of citizens by the people who are meant to protect all of us is what detracts from the death of George Floyd and everyone else who has been a victim of police violence. If you don't think that protests and unrest are justified, then you are defending the status quo and condoning the murder(s).
 

Industrialsize

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deleted15807

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This is where the rage originates. What you see is murder what you get is "not guilty" in court.

Police officers don’t face justice more often for a variety of reasons — from powerful police unions to the blue wall of silence to cowardly prosecutors to reluctant juries. But it is the Supreme Court that has enabled a culture of violence and abuse by eviscerating a vital civil rights law to provide police officers what, in practice, is nearly limitless immunity from prosecution for actions taken while on the job. The badge has become a get-out-of-jail-free card in far too many instances.

 

dreamer20

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The idea that the protests and unrest detract from Floyd's death makes no sense and is just the typical, dishonest talking point of those who defend the status quo.
Without the protests and unrest Floyd's murder would have been swept under the carpet and no one would be discussing it now...
+1
^^By their barbaric actions the police have, again, sown the wind and reaped the whirlwind.
Thank you for the very informative BlackLivesMatter thread sargon20. Its OP BLM video is still relevant today:
Black lives matter : in their own words(really)

Context for Black Lives Matter
 

steel33

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Well the area where this occured is now a wasteland. Where the virus failed the looters have succeeded in finishing off what little prosperity that was occuring. Grocery stores, banks, small businesses, libraries, health care and pharmacies destroyed as is the standard of living for the residents.
Flyod's death was horrible but watching the hordes of kids looting unchecked ruining what little was there because they could was almost as bad.
 
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dreamer20

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On one hand we have people protesting the excessive use of force against black Americans and the lack of accountability for police officers. On the other hand persons disgusted by their efforts and labelling the protesters "domestic terrorists", "anti-police", "black panthers"and "anti-american". Fortunately, in the 21st century, the unlawful and outrageous acts of out of control police officers have been caught on video and audio tape - vindicating the former group's complaints and exposing the latter group as condoning racism, police misconduct, cover-ups and injustice.

It is sad that the criminal justice system would rather have police officers go unpunished and let injustice prevail: as follows:


Deaf man paid $175,000 in taxpayer funds to settle claims Oklahoma troopers used excessive force during traffic stop




Police Respond To Black Man's Life Alert, Break into his house and Shoot Him:
Black in White Plains: The police killing of Kenneth Chamberlain


A Westchester County grand jury has decided not to indict Officer Anthony Carelli for shooting Kenneth Chamberlain on Nov. 19, 2011. To add insult to injury, the racial slur a police officer flung at Chamberlain was explained as simply being made in order to distract him.

No trial for White Plains cop who shot Marine - NY Daily News
Article Excerpt:

Chamberlain's son, Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., called the failure to indict Carelli a blatant cover up of the murderous tactics used by the White Plains police. Quote Chamberlain "I have to question what evidence was presented to the grand jury, he said. It is hard to put trust in a system that I feel has failed me already."

Shooting of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. - Wikipedia

Civil suit
On July 2, 2012, a federal civil suit for $21 million was filed by the victim's son, Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., against the City of White Plains and the White Plains Police Department.[34] In November 2012, the Chamberlain family amended their lawsuit to require the city to modify police procedures with the mentally ill.

The case went to trial on November 7, 2016.[35] The jury found neither the police nor the city liable.[36][37]

White Plains Police Department
Lawyer Mayo Bartlett points out that the White Plains police system wrote their reports to cover up racism and wrongdoing by the officers. Their transcript of the incident omitted Hart's use of the word "nigger," as well as the information that the original call had been for a medical emergency.[11] Public Safety Commissioner David Chong said in a May 3, 2012 statement that the Police Department would conduct an internal review of the incident and fully cooperate with an independent study to be done by a panel of experts to review the department's policies and procedures and recommend any improvements.[43]
 

gr8gatsby

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Well the area where this occured is now a wasteland. Where the virus failed the looters have succeeded in finishing off what little prosperity that was occuring. Grocery stores, banks, small businesses, libraries, health care and pharmacies destroyed as is the standard of living for the residents.
Flyod's death was horrible but watching the hordes of kids looting unchecked ruining what little was there because they could was almost as bad.
The looting is terrible, the murder ... intentionally snuffing out the life of a man, was far worse.
 
D

deleted15807

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Flyod's death was horrible but watching the hordes of kids looting unchecked ruining what little was there because they could was almost as bad.

Loss of property = loss of life. Did I get that formula right? Many more black lives were lost at the hands of the police that did not lead to looting. And I'm guessing you didn't need to post anything about those lives lost? I could be wrong. I'm willing to be wrong.