Sharpton condemns knockout attacks

[B2G]

Glad he's speaking out...


"This kind of behavior is deplorable and must be condemned by all us,” he said at his weekly National Action Network meeting in Harlem. "We would not be silent if it was the other way around. We cannot be silent or in any way reluctant to confront it when it is coming from our own community.”

On Monday, Sharpton and other leaders plan to discuss a "next move.”

"Kids are randomly knocking out people [from] another race — some specifically going at Jewish people,” he said. "This kind of insane thuggery — there is nothing cute about that. There is no game play about knocking somebody out, and it is not a game. It is an assault and is bias, and it is wrong.”


http://nypost.com/2013/11/23/al-sharpton-condemns-knockout-attacks/

[geek tragedy]

1. AR15.com?

The stormfront-types who post there never met a black kid they didn't want to shoot.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

2. You visit a site called a r15.com?

Pathetic link.

[B2G]

4. I just googled the quote

and clicked on that link, didn't see what site it was.

Honestly, thought it was a news channel based on the link. Will remove and find a better source. Sorry!

[Pretzel_Warrior]

7. Great! I am sure there are far more reputable sources

And I would hate for a gun humping site to have a bunch of DU traffic.

[B2G]

13. Well the best I could do is the NYP

Local FOX channels had a lot of links. You're welcome to try to find a more acceptable source...not sure why more outlets aren't reporting this.

[warrant46]

61. This news is not wanted here apparently

[B2G]

63. Apparently not, but I have no idea why

I thought people would be hopeful it's being addressed.

[warrant46]

71. I guess its because of the source

which apparently has something to do with a gun

[Tigress DEM]

6. BUT the content is valid.

I guess the thing is if even people who believe in 2nd amendment to the hilt, don't want to see anyone being randomly targeted for their race, it's gotta be really obviously bad.

Survival of the fittest and going after people for no reason not necessarily being hand in hand is a sign that SOME people on the other side of the issue are beginning to think. THAT is a good thing.

[Tigress DEM]

3. It's a hate crime. nt

[oneshooter]

5. Wait untill the first attacker gets shot.

Then listen to the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

[NaturalHigh]

8. Yep.

I can hear it now.

[Tigress DEM]

9. I'm sure your Mama told you "2 wrongs don't make a right"

I think if someone does physically attack you and you are legally carrying, then you have the right to defend yourself.

Stalking someone for blocks because they MIGHT be thinking of attacking you and getting in their face with a gun... different story. But if someone jumps a person with a gun and starts beating the crap out of that person, then they get what they get.

[Iggo]

11. Aready happened.

Shot twice in the ass.

[Hoyt]

15. Well Oneshooter, some of us don't feel need to kill just because we took a fist to the head.

I realize you probably back Stand Your Ground laws so you and Zimmerman types can shoot anyone who you claim scared you, but some of us don't train obsessively shooting targets that resemble people, and/or tote a gun in public waiting for something like this to happen.

I think Sharpton's approach is a lot better than the "gotta have a gun in their pants" crowd.

[Packerowner740]

19. A fist to the head is assault with the intent to commit murder.

And I think Rev Sharpton sees this and is trying to head off the deaths of black youths and I support his efforts. Why don't you?

[Hoyt]

20. Yes, he knows yahoos like Zimmerman are just waiting for an opportunity to shoot.

Personally, I'm not going to kill someone over a fist to the head. I might punch back, but I'm not going to carry a gun so I can kill some stupid kid trying to impress his friends. Some gun fanciers (right wingers or some gungeoneers from your favorite group) relish the opportunity, I get that.

[Packerowner740]

21. Where is Zimmerman involved in or mentioned in this story or thread?

"Right wingers or some gungeoneer from your favorite group"

WTF? Are you talking about me? I don't think you are responding to the right person.

I made 1 post there that I followed a link from another thread. If you call that my favorite group then you are nuttier than I have been told you are.

[Hoyt]

22. Nope responding to you, and those in your favorite group who believe gunz are the answer.

The Gungeon is listed as your favorite group on your Profile. If you don't support toting guns, AR15s, etc., then my apologies.

[Packerowner740]

23. You did see I have one. 1. Only one post in that group.

[Decaffeinated]

36. Some more folks should die...

Last edited Sun Nov 24, 2013, 06:08 PM - Edit history (1)

... So these people can get out their youthful exuberance?

Fuck em...

Play stupid games and win stupid prizes...

[Hoyt]

37. I would expect nothing less from you, and the gun fanciers.

[Decaffeinated]

42. I'm 100% ok with that...

I value the lives of the victims over those of the assaulters and criminals.

Fuck em...

[Hoyt]

44. Learn to defend yourself without a gun is my advice.

Especially when dealing with unarmed kids. Jeeeeez.

[Tanuki]

80. Gun or no gun is pretty much moot if the thug in question succeeds in knocking you out,

which by definition means a loss of consciousness. You can't defend yourself with your fists, a gun, or anything else if you are out cold.

[Hoyt]

86. If you have a gun, and are suspicious of minorities, you can shoot em at 50 yards.

Plenty of gun fanciers practice on targets that resemble humans at a distance.

You make a good point. Personally, I'd rather put ice on my head than become a Zimmerman.

[Tanuki]

89. I just hope this "fad" stops, and stops soon. I have been involved professionally

with patients who have sustained permanent, devastating brain injury from less than this. In addition to the actual blow from the fist, victims of this "game" are at risk from sustaining additional damage when they hit the pavement after being knocked out. Remember how Vanessa Redgrave's daughter, Natasha Richardson, sustained a fatal brain injury from what seemed to be a trivial tumble on a ski slope without even having an immediate loss of consciousness? Like you, I also don't want to see vigilantes having an additional excuse to declare open season on people they don't like or on the basis of projection and profiling.

[Hoyt]

90. I agree completely. Arming up will just make it worse. I think

this will be a short-lived fad (to the extent it is happening with any frequency), unlike gunz.

[Gato Moteado]

132. tell that to this guy......

...this man waiting for his little daughter to get out of school was attacked by a thug. the thug was NOT unarmed. he was playing the "knockout game" with a taser. luckily, the taser malfunctioned and the man who was attacked had a concealed weapon and he was able to defend himself from the scumbag.

[Decaffeinated]

93. Don't attack people and don't have to worry about it...

Good luck with the verbal Judo...

[Hoyt]

94. Not true. Zimmermans of the world will shoot/intimidate whether attacked or not.

[Decaffeinated]

95. Bacon Air Good Morning OJ Simpson to you too...

See? I can spew random words and remember racially charged cases too.... Doesn't have one thing to do with the subject of this conversation.

I suppose that the 78 year old woman who just got knocked on her ass should have asked politely to those young fine gentlemen to not beat her. Maybe a little kung fu? How about a private security bodyguard?

Pathetic...

[Hoyt]

98. Are you a 78 year old women who might actually need some kind of protection, or just a gun fancier?

I tell you what is pathetic -- gun fanciers spending time finding the one or two situations like you displayed to use to rationalize your gun fetish, that harms society even if it does make you feel warm at night.

[Decaffeinated]

99. Just to check...

You are complaining about the unfair use of facts in a discussion?

That is officially the funniest thing you have ever said. Take a bow!

[Hoyt]

101. Not near as unfair as you claiming to be a 78 year old, feeble lady at the mercy of the boogeyman.

[Decaffeinated]

112. You have this strange urge to fight fair...

It's just odd...

[Hoyt]

116. Not near as odd as preparing to shoot someone over a bruised jaw.

But confirms my belief that most gun fanciers are little more than callous, paranoid bullies - like Zimmerman.

[Decaffeinated]

119. Do you plan to talk about Zimmerman at Thanksgiving?

It seems to permeate your brain. Maybe you should get a tattoo to show your obsessive desires.

[Hoyt]

120. Better than gun fanciers showing off their objects of affection after dinner.

[Decaffeinated]

134. Aside from the fact...

... that yours makes you a terrible guest and a bore.

Talking about new purchases or recent accomplishments among like-minded friends and family is absolutely within the spirit of the holiday.

[Hoyt]

136. Recent accomplishments? I gots me a brand new AR15. That ain't much of an accomplishment.

[Decaffeinated]

140. Different word that starts with A... acquisition...

And while it could be an accomplishment to find and purchase a particularly rare or expensive weapon or accessory, I was referring more to a high score, long shot or tight group...

You were this close...

[Hoyt]

141. Such an accomplishment. Do you use targets that resemble humans?

[Decaffeinated]

142. Usually...

Though I did get a zombie pack once. Not sure if that one is more or less scary to you...

[Hoyt]

143. Figures.

[Decaffeinated]

144. Poor baby...

Such a sensitive soul... It's odd hat you find it unreasonable to conduct realistic training.

[Hoyt]

145. Realistic training for what? You are not in a war zone, believe it or not?

[Decaffeinated]

147. Maybe you missed it...

People use weapons outside of declared war zones, frequency usually determined by location and circumstance.

Statistically small but non-zero.

Pssst... This is the part where you make another Zimmerman reference. Good luck!

[Hoyt]

148. Live in fear, if you like.

[Decaffeinated]

149. I have jumper cables in my car...

Doesn't imply that I have a deadly fear of dead batteries. Just prepared in case of necessity.

I also have home insurance. Do I sit and stare at the ceiling dreading everything that could possibly happen to my home? I'll give you a hint. The answer is no.

The only thing that concerns me is the regret I would feel if I ignored simple precautions that could save lives, time or property.

[Hoyt]

150. Do yo carry a defibrillator, much more likely to need that than a gun.

[Decaffeinated]

151. If they had a cheap portable one...

I might consider it for my home, car or person.

What's your point?

[Hoyt]

153. My point is, you don't carry your gunz for the same reason as a jumper cable, or fire extinguisher.

You carry a gun for the same irrational, base reasons as most gun cultists.

[Decaffeinated]

154. What about what you said had anything to do with that?

You're missing a middle step... or a point at the very least.



There are valid points to be made and I can help you if you need it. Just let me know.

[Gato Moteado]

125. so, in your mind, the thugs running around assaulting people are playing a harmless game....

...and the people that want to defend themselves from the thugs are bullies?

what planet are you from?

[snooper2]

152. you aren't going to respond to post 132 are you?

[hollowdweller]

113. This isn't about Zimmerman.

Zimmerman was a gun who profiled a black kid and shot him.

This is about people attacking people.

Apples and oranges.

[Hoyt]

115. Still about shooting unarmed people, and worse being suspicious of people not

likely to harm you except in a gun fancier's paranoid mind - just like poster boy Zimmy.

[NCTraveler]

129. A person who has the mentality to sneak up from behind,...

knock a perfectly healthy individual out, is not unarmed. Their mind is so sick and perverse that it should be considered a weapon. They are attempting to kill, deliver brain damage, or a concussion. They are every bit as depraved as Zimmerman. These fucks give Zimmerman someone to look up to in the cowardly department.

[Gato Moteado]

131. absolutely!

Zimmerman is a douchebag, no doubt....but these thugs are even worse.

[Hoyt]

135. So your solution is to arm up and shoot them before -- based upon what, their looks?

[NCTraveler]

137. You seem to be either unhinged,

or unable to read. How can you not simply agree with what I posted?

[Hoyt]

138. Read. You seem to be joining the gun fanciers preparing to shoot people based upon their looks

because, you won't know they are a knockout assaulter until you've been, well knocked out. I have not said it's right. I have said the gun fanciers need to chill and quit acting like a lynch mob over something they will likely never encounter, and in the highly unlikely event that they do -- their lethal weapons won't help. Again, the Police, Sharptons, and community will handle this without the help of gun fanciers.

[NCTraveler]

139. You are so far out there that it is hard to believe....

you aren't just pulling chains. This has to be a message board persona you have developed. If not.......

[pipi_k]

73. Not only that, but...

it's bad enough already that there are people who fear groups of black youths.

It's called racism and stereotyping, and these kids running around attacking others for no other reason than that they're bored or they think "it's a macho thing" (as I heard one young black male on a video proclaim) are not making things any better.

Will this cause people to be even more suspicious of groups of black youths?

Probably.

and I don't think it would be fair to accuse people of being "racists" because of it.

[hollowdweller]

114. Don't worry

If people keep talking about it white kids will start doing it too.

[Skip Intro]

60. Yep, some would rather be a cowering victim.

Best of luck to you with that.

[warrant46]

66. Won't happen around me

250,000 new concealed carry permits in Wis in last 20 months

[Hoyt]

79. Mo gunz. That's the ticket.

[Skip Intro]

82. I think cc premit applilcations are up all over.

Plenty here in SC as well.

[Hoyt]

84. Old white guys have been arming up since Obama was elected, and before.

Go to any gun store or store, and observe the lack of diversity among those drooling over gunz.

[Skip Intro]

85. Ah, the old racist, ageist fallback.

Can't make an argument work on merit so drag out the race baiting bs.

Later.

[Hoyt]

87. There was even a recent "peer reviewed" study linking gunz and bigotry.

You guys have been asking for proof, now you've got it, assuming anyone needed a study.

[CreekDog]

110. and yet the number of mass shootings prevented by CC holders is not up

not up all over.

[Skip Intro]

117. link please. n/t

[Hoyt]

78. The "cowering" ones can't leave home without a gun.

[Skip Intro]

81. Lol. You know...

I hope you never come face to face with someone intent on doing you or your family harm (and I hope no one is depending on you for their safety), but if you ever do, you can always try telling your attacker that you don't believe in guns or self-defense, so would he please just go away and not hurt you (or your family). I'm sure that will work out swell.

I'll never understand (thank God) the logic in someone who would would refuse to defend himself or his family calling someone who would fight back a coward. Does it rain up in that world?

[Hoyt]

83. Sorry, I may not be a gun fancier, but I can defend myself just fine,

Especially against some unarmed kid in the unlikely event something happens. You can live in fear, with gunz at sure side, if you choose. I don't need the kind of gun bigotry I'm reading from gun fanciers.

[spin]

103. If you are actually as tough as you sound ...

you would realize that any experienced street fighter will tell you that if you want to win a fight, throw the first punch.

If you were sucker punched and knocked off your feet by someone who was simply walking past you, you would probably find it difficult to get back on your feet, let alone fight effectively.

In passing, a concealed handgun would probably do you little good in that situation. Most of the reports that I have read indicate that the attackers run after their victim is knocked down. If you suspected that you were going to be attacked and drew your weapon, you could be arrested for brandishing. If you shot your attacker as he was running away, you could be charged with murder.

[Hoyt]

104. Exactly. So the gun fanciers who think their weapon will protect them, are simply irrational.

Again, one punch to the head - assuming they even land it - is not worth killing someone, or preparing to do so. Being a toughie like Zimmerman is nothing to be proud of, nor something to promote.

[spin]

106. You love to insinuate that all people who legally carry concealed are like Zimmerman, ...

and are extremely paranoid and fearful and afraid to leave their home without a couple of handguns strapped to their side. You also sometimes suggest that they are bloodthirsty individuals who are looking for an opportunity to blow someone away to convince their friends and acquaintances that they are manly.

I am a person who has legally carried a concealed weapon in Florida for nearly 20 years. I also have known a good number of people who legally carry on a regular basis. Consequently I enjoy replying to your posts as it allows me the opportunity to point out that your stereotype of most people who have a carry permit is a fantasy.

Realistically a person's best defense against becoming a victim of the knock down game is situational awareness. If you are alert to your surroundings you may anticipate a problem a block away and avoid it and the fact that you are alert will make it less likely that a group of kids will attack you as a weak member of the herd.

Threatening a group of teenagers with your concealed weapon merely because you fear that they MIGHT attack you will get you in a world of trouble and shooting an unarmed teenager who is running away from you could definitely lead to a long time in prison. Of course if your attacker continues to hit and kick you, you would be justified in shooting him. If so, it would be best if there was a video tape to show exactly what went down as his friends might testify that you started the fight.

The people I know who carry on a regular basis would basically agree with what I just said.

[Hoyt]

108. Too bad the other gun fanciers posting here don't appear to agree with you.

I wish all gun fanciers were like you, but they are not.

[spin]

109. I can't speak for them. Thanks for the compliment. (n/t)

[hollowdweller]

111. Gun wouldn't help you in a suprise attack like that.

Most likely.

About the only thing I could think was to be observant and keep enough distance between you and somebody else that you would have enough lag time to react.

Also from the videos I have seen they wait till you are actually in a crowd and if you shot then you could shoot a bystander.

I think if they did not knock you out about the best thing would to have some sort of stiletto that you could spin around and put it thru a lung or something.

That said far as somebody running up and attacking somebody who did nothing to them? If the person or a bystander shoots them, or the victim carves out their gizzard, or the crowd gets them and beats them to death? Well they should have thought before they fucked with somebody

[Gato Moteado]

133. it helped this innocent man....

[Hugabear]

105. In your scenario, how would having a gun help you

You're more likely to have your gun stolen and used against you

[spin]

107. Did you bother to read my entire post? ...

I stated:

In passing, a concealed handgun would probably do you little good in that situation. Most of the reports that I have read indicate that the attackers run after their victim is knocked down. If you suspected that you were going to be attacked and drew your weapon, you could be arrested for brandishing. If you shot your attacker as he was running away, you could be charged with murder.

The only time that a concealed weapon would help you in that situation is if your attacker continues to beat the crap out of you. If you were lucky enough to be able to draw your weapon you might be able to stop his attack. Even so you better hope that there is some street camera that recorded exactly what went down. You attacker's friends will testify that you started the fight.

In the movies you often see a professional killer approach the hero and draw a weapon. The hero is then able to disarm him or draw his own weapon and shoot him. In real life it is more likely that the professional killer will approach from behind and shoot you in the back of the head with a .22 caliber pistol. In that situation, carrying a handgun is irrelevant. The knock out game is similar.

[Decaffeinated]

34. Already happened...

[Skip Intro]

64. Yep. n/t

[Dawson Leery]

26. Sounds like it.

[Iggo]

10. Doesn't everyone?

[ZombieHorde]

12. If you want people to discuss the story,

as opposed to the web address, here is a New York Post link to the same damn thing.

http://nypost.com/2013/11/23/al-sharpton-condemns-knockout-attacks/

[NaturalHigh]

14. From the NY Post?

If the NY Post said that clean air is good, some people would die of righteous indignation.

[ZombieHorde]

17. Ha! nt

[ProSense]

43. Because the NY Post sucks

The article, which has been picked up by RW sites, is nothing but an attempt to discredit Sharpton.

<...>

Critics of Sharpton suggested he could do more, but acknowledged his words as a “good start.”

“I would never condone what he did,” said Councilman Mike Nelson, referring to the incendiary language Sharpton used during the Crown Heights riots in 1991. “But if he wants to move forward, then we should move forward with him and quell any racial tensions.”

Sharpton led chants of “No justice, no peace” as rioters raged through Brooklyn following the death of Gavin Cato, who was struck and killed by a Jewish driver’s car. A day later, Yankel Rosenbaum was stabbed to death by a black mob.

During Cato’s funeral, Sharpton referred to Jews as “diamond merchants right here in Crown Heights.”

Here's the story without the BS.

Sharpton Speaks Out Against 'Knockout' Trend
http://www.ny1.com/content/news/199264/sharpton-speaks-out-against--knockout--trend

[NaturalHigh]

45. Yeah, I know it offends some people.

Got it.

[ProSense]

46. RW rags tend to do that

I mean, when a paper's idea of news is made up shit, it's offensive.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024060969

[NaturalHigh]

50. Why is it okay for some DU posters (presumably the good ones)...

to use it, but not others?

[ProSense]

52. Huh?

Maybe you're overthinking this and conflating it with some DU meta issues. I mean, does your comment in anyway change the fact that the NY Post is a RW rag that has credibility issues?

[NaturalHigh]

53. See some of the other posts in this thread.

Honestly, I occasionally read the NY Post for pro wrestling stuff (especially if Paul Heyman is involved). I just know that if most people post NY Post links or even mention it, it makes some people's hair start to hurt.

[ProSense]

57. Again,

"Honestly, I occasionally read the NY Post for pro wrestling stuff (especially if Paul Heyman is involved). I just know that if most people post NY Post links or even mention it, it makes some people's hair start to hurt."

...is it any wonder why? http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024060969

[NaturalHigh]

58. Okay...you win.

FFS...is it okay if I still look at it occasionally, or do I need to buy some sort of indulgence?

[ProSense]

67. Wait

"FFS...is it okay if I still look at it occasionally, or do I need to buy some sort of indulgence? "

...it's a free country, and that's up to you. That has nothing to do with my point, which is that the NY Post makes up shit and labels it news. It's a RW rag that lacks credibility.

[warrant46]

72. This place has changed a lot lately

Rather than discuss -----shoot the messenger

[ProSense]

74. Nothing has changed when it comes to pointing out links to RW rags

It has been going on for many years.

[ProSense]

75. FYI:

NY POST Publilshes FAKE AP Story In Order To BLAST DEMS
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x752872

Same shit, different year: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024060969

[B2G]

47. Any idea why it hasn't been picked up by the LW sites?

I wish I could have posted a link to them because it's an important message...but alas.

[ProSense]

49. Why do you need links to "LW sites"?

What's wrong with a link to a credible site?

Man Charged In Latest Alleged ‘Knockout Game’ Attack In Brooklyn
Rev. Al Sharpton On Trend Of Attacks: 'We Cannot Be Silent'
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/11/23/4-held-in-latest-alleged-knockout-game-attack-in-brooklyn/

[B2G]

55. Well good for you!

The portion of the quote I was googling isn't in that article, so the link didn't show up.

Why are some so focused on the source rather than the content of the much needed message? I just don't understand.

[ProSense]

70. Again

"Why are some so focused on the source rather than the content of the much needed message? I just don't understand."

...because the NY Post sucks: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024085967#post43

You seem to think that Sharpton's condemnation can't be spread without the NY Post.

It will be:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/11/23/4-held-in-latest-alleged-knockout-game-attack-in-brooklyn/

[alp227]

62. The comments section has turned into Stormfront.org!

But hey, CBSLocal.com comments sections are notoriously nutty anyway.

One comment even references the discredited book "White Girl Bleed a Lot" by Colin Flaherty, closet neo-Nazi concern troll writing for WorldNetDaily. These articles debunk Flaherty:

http://conwebwatch.tripod.com/stories/2012/wndracebait.html
http://conwebwatch.tripod.com/stories/2013/wndflaherty.html
http://conwebwatch.tripod.com/blog/index.blog/2323569/wnds-flaherty-mocks-the-idea-of-white-people-rioting-to-cover-his-racebaiting/
http://conwebwatch.tripod.com/stories/2013/flahertyblackmob.html

[B2G]

65. I guess there are no 'safe' links to post, huh? nt

[alp227]

69. thanks to right wing talk radio and chain emails perpetuating so much hatred and mythology

1010 WINS is a good news station. But mainstream media means the minds of the lowest common denominator will show themselves in the social media aspects.

[B2G]

16. I updated my post 10 minutes ago

With that very link. Thanks.

[Packerowner740]

18. Amen Rev Sharpton, Amen.

[BumRushDaShow]

24. He discussed it on his "Hour of Power" radio show this morning too. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

25. The NY post?

Murdoch's rag?

You go from AR15 to the NY Post?



Note: I don't actually doubt Sharpton said this, but your use links is hilarious

[B2G]

28. Feel free to pick yourself up off the floor

and try to find a more 'acceptable' one. I've looked.

Not sure why, but this isn't being more widely reported...I think it's an important message for the black community leaders to get out. If the races were reversed, you'd be hearing from them loud and clear.

[B2G]

29. The AR15 one cracked me up too

I clicked on it thinking it was an Arkansas news channel and didn't look any further before posting it. Lol.

[Nye Bevan]

30. Yeah, doncha just HATE DUers who cite the NY Post as a source?

Like this one?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/117294792

[B2G]

31. Lol!

Now I don't feel so bad...

[Captain Stern]

32. LOL. I guess sometimes the NY Post is an ok source, if it says what you want it to say (nt)

[rudolph the red]

51. That's Hillarious!

[Harvest guy]

33. Was the NY Post piece a good article or a bad article?

And why.

[Cali_Democrat]

38. LOL

Welcome to DU

[B2G]

39. Well I'm kind of curious now too

Seeing that it is sometimes acceptable to use them as a source according to you.

What was objectionable about it?

[Harvest guy]

41. Does "LOL" mean "good article" or "bad article"?

I'm not sure.

[uppityperson]

48. NYPost is not considered a reputable source. Occasionally, like the broken clock, they manage

to report accurately, but generally not considered a source to be trusted.

[Harvest guy]

54. Is this one of those rare good article that are good?

Or bad.

[William769]

68. Welcome to DU.

Do you think it's good or bad?

[Harvest guy]

88. Good article. What do you consider this article to be? good or bad?

Al Sharpton did something positive, and it was reported in a way that no one has criticized so far.

What do you think about the article William? And why?

[Kvectk]

27. Yep

I completely agree with everything Al Sharpton said. Kudos to him for saying what needed to be said. Political correctness should not trump human lives.

[Niceguy1]

35. I think that the message

Is more important than the link

[freshwest]

40. Thanks, Reverend Al. More justice leads to peace. Let's have both.

[Skip Intro]

56. I wonder how the people denying it's real will react to this...

[Hugabear]

76. Nobody is denying this is real

Some of us are pointing out that the media has been sensationalizing these incidents, because racially fueled stories get more attention.

[Skip Intro]

77. Sure there are.

Some saying it is just a rumor, others a myth.

I don't see a few msm stories about something that has been going on for some time now as sensationalizing. Several of them seem to try to diminish the issue, imho.

I don't trust the msm to tell the full truth about anything, btw.

[alp227]

59. NY1.com - local 24/7 news channel in NYC has a story

http://www.ny1.com/content/news/199264/sharpton-speaks-out-against--knockout--trend

And Sharpton is right to condemn these attacks. Sadly, the ignorant ass right wingers in this country who were originally whining "wah wah where are Al and Jesse with all these thug N-words beating white people in knockouts" will now whine "wah wah Al is just covering his ass and telling the sheeple what they want to hear". Nothing Al Sharpton does will ever satisfy racist condescending "white savior" right wingers, even if he registered as a Republican today.

[treestar]

100. This is true

they are always claiming Rev. Al does not condemn black violence and this means they are wrong, so they will deflect.

[egduj]

91. That's brave of him considering all the people that are speaking in support of the knockout attacks.

[Egalitarian Thug]

92. LOL! +1

Such a brave stand, right? Being against unprovoked, random assaults could cost him, politically.

[Gato Moteado]

97. i can't believe someone in here is trying to portray the thugs as victims.....

...and the victims as thugs if they want to be able to defend themselves with a firearm.

this "knockout" stuff is not a game. this is dangerous assault, plain and simple. you could even make the case that it's attempted murder since there have already been deaths reported from this.....any person that continues doing it knowing that they might kill their victim should be charged with attempted murder. these are not little kids, they are teens and adults doing this...and they are attacking women and the elderly as well.

if you consider it a game to sneak up behind someone to batter their head or face with the intent knocking them out (in other words, with the intent of causing brain trauma) you really have given up your right to live in a free society with law abiding, civil human beings. when you get bored of that game, what will you do next for fun? if caught you should spend your life behind bars because you are a danger to innocent people.

I don't care what color you are, if some group of teens or young adults of any color approaches you and one or more of them attempt to assault you for no reason, you have every right to use deadly force to protect yourself. if you're packing and you're able to get your weapon and defend yourself, you should do it. I don't own a handgun and I have no plans presently to own one, but if you have a cc permit you have every right to ventilate the chest cavity of anyone trying to assault you in the street.

on edit: i'm not referring to the OP.

[Union Scribe]

122. It's just his schtick

and he's bummed since gun threads were nixed again from GD so he has to cram his lines in where he can. It's either that or talk about something besides guns, which isn't going to happen.

[Hoyt]

123. Truthfully, it's sad to watch gun fanciers promoting more gunz in more places

over something not likely to happen, and promoting bigotry at the same time.

I bet the gun stores and shows will be filled this weekend with bigots arming up to shoot someone over something not likely to happen, and if it does result in little more than a bruised jaw. Folks should let the Sharptons and good people of the community handle it, and leave their friggin guns and misplaced hatred at home.

[Gato Moteado]

124. i'm no gun fancier....

....but, you're delusional if you think the people that have died from this thing that you consider a game suffered "little more than a bruised jaw".

I see nobody promoting bigotry in here, either.

let me get this straight: innocent bystanders that want to protect themselves should leave their "misplaced hatred" at home, but gangs of thugs should be allowed to freely roam the streets, assaulting anyone they please with sucker punches and tasers?

[Hoyt]

127. Not saying gangs should be allowed to do this. I am saying armed gun fanciers need to chill

before heading out prepared to shoot someone who looks like what they've conjured up in their mind as a knockout assaulter, playing judge, jury, Jesus, and executioner. The gun cultist who started my posts is well known to DU for his views on justice with one of his many guns. His user name indicates his gun obsession. He was promoting the use of gunz, in a typical gun fancier fashion. The police, Sharptons, community will handle this fine without community watchers like Zimmerman.

[Gato Moteado]

130. fine....but i haven't seen anyone in here promoting the bigotry that you accused them of.

also, I haven't seen anyone promote shooting people that look like they might be thugs. I don't think anyone in this forum supports shooting people because of how they look or because they might be thugs. people in here are talking about defending themselves when a thug approaches and tries to assault them. if you want to make an argument, at least don't make shit up. there are definitely valid arguments against concealed weapons...you're not making them.

I am no gun fancier. I own a shotgun for defending my home from invaders and that is all. I don't carry a gun in public and I don't plan to. I also recognize that a concealed weapon won't do you any good if you are knocked unconscious by a surprise attack by one of these "knockout game" thugs. that said, if you are a victim of one of these attacks and you are not knocked unconscious and you have the chance to defend yourself from a continued attack by using deadly force, by all means fill these dirtbags full of lead. they have no right to walk free in a civilized society....they are human garbage. I don't like violence, but I will defend myself from it and I support those that wish to do the same.

[spin]

102. Let's reverse the situation. Assume that in a small number of cases, groups of white teenagers

have developed a game where one in the group will try to knock out an unsuspecting Black person with a single punch as he walks by.

Would Bill O"Reilly or Sean Hannity condemn such behavior, ignore the reports or deny they were serious? What would Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson say? How much attention would the news media give these attacks?

In my opinion these attacks should be condemned and the color of the aggressor or victim is irrelevant. My hat goes off to Rev. Al for speaking up as I feel it is the right thing to do. I would also expect conservative leaders to condemn such attacks if the races were reversed.

I also have some fear that all the publicity these attacks are receiving may result in an increase in such activity. If so, race relations in our nation could suffer a tremendous setback.

[Kvectk]

118. uhh

Al Sharpton pretty much admits it's "coming from our community"

[spin]

121. Which is fair. Hopefully conservatives would do the same if it was from the white community. (n/t)

[Nye Bevan]

128. Ummmm.... "conservative" is not the same thing as "white" (nt)

[spin]

146. Not always. (n/t)

[Nye Bevan]

126. And how many threads would there be about "white guilt" in GD? (nt)