There is something seriously wrong in this country

[The Traveler]

Our nation is afflicted by widespread institutionalized racism enforced by an ever more incompetent yet well armed law enforcement system. Another example of how this cancer on the fiber of our society operates.

I'll let the article speak for itself .... I feel a sudden need to put on the gloves and smite my punching bag.

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/08/walking-while-black-beverly-hills-arrests




Trav

[Louisiana1976]

1. That is right--something is seriously wrong when an innocent black man who is an upstanding

member of the community can be arrested and jailed when out walking because he "fits the description" of a man who robbed a bank.

[The Traveler]

5. In a way, it feels like we've time warped back to the early 60s

It's funny. I was a pale assed Irish Catholic kid growing up in the deep south. Not a good place to be a pale assed Irish Catholic kid. It was pretty tough. But then MLK did his thing, and the Civil Rights act was passed in response, and suddenly I wasn't so hated. Trust me ... I noticed that. And I knew why.

I guess that's why I take this stuff kinda personally. I don't know. It just offends me. Pisses me off in a way that can be treated only with vigorous physical activity.

I feel disgusted by many of my fellow countrymen now. When Obama was elected, it reinforced a perception I had developed that racism in America was at last on its way out. But all it really did was give license for Republican leadership to give cover to the worst and most hate filled elements of our society.

But that itself has exposed a truth I had comfortably ignored, or maybe I had just succumbed over the past 20 years to the sunshine being blown up my ass. The system never stopped being racist. It just changed its methods slightly. I just wanted to believe things were better than they really are. Color me disgusted.

Trav

[Brigid]

2. Thank God for that text message.

If Belk had been running, he would be dead. You can be sure of it.

[The Traveler]

4. I fear you may be right

This crap is really getting my Irish up. It is wrong. And we have to do something about it.

Trav

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

3. Disarm the police.

The ONLY time armed police should be responding is when the perp is KNOWN to be likewise armed.

[The Traveler]

6. Maybe.

Right now, I don't trust these guys with a potato cannon, much less an AR-15.

Trav

[woo me with science]

7. [phone]

There's a hell of a lot wrong in this country.

RETIRED COP RAY LEWIS BLAMES CORPORATE AMERICA FOR THE SITUATION IN FERGUSON
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025439875

[Heidi]

8. Kick, kick, kick!