Black people being told to arm themselves? thoughts on this

[johnnysad]

http://hellobeautiful.com/2015/04/01/sclc-president-tells-black-people-to-arm-themselves/?omcamp=outbrain_paid


Reverend Samuel Mosteller, longtime president of the Georgia Southern Christian Leadership Conference (which was founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

[still_one]

1. Mosteller sure isn't a MLK, that is for sure

[Eleanors38]

88. King did not condemn armed self-defense. Neither did Gandhi.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

101. You knew MLK? Wow, tell us more!

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

2. Good luck?

I suppose given how police always think they're reaching for weapons anyway, at least they'd be armed to attempt to return fire when the police tried to kill them for jaywalking.

[Joe Chi Minh]

5. Something as serious as jaywalking?

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

9. Well, or WWB, or DWB, or even BAWB (Being alive while black.) nt

[Vattel]

48. You assume too much about why Michael Brown was killed.

See the DOJ report.

[bettyellen]

53. I read the report about how the police supervisors hated black people.....

Did you?

[Vattel]

55. Yes,that police department is clearly fucked up. But I was referring to a different report.

[truebluegreen]

66. Sounds like you were reading the report

that couldn't definitively prove either story. FYI, that is not equivalent to exoneration for Officer Wilson.

[Vattel]

69. then you agree with me that we shouldn't assume that Brown was murdered.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

102. You mean where they said since they could not prove Wilson was NOT in fear for his life

they could not find that the shooting was racially motivated or unjustified?

And that since a cop can shoot anyone they want if they can prove they had a reason to be in fear for their lives, etc?

You mean that?

This is the reason there were no charges.

Which proves nothing.

[Vattel]

106. This is why I think that, given the DOJ report, one cannot assume that Brown was murdered:

The DOJ report says this about when a prosecution is appropriate:

“The principles of federal prosecution, set forth in the United States Attorneys’ Manual (“USAM”), require federal prosecutors to meet two standards in order to seek an indictment. First, we must be convinced that the potential defendant committed a federal crime. . . . Second, we must also conclude that we would be likely to prevail at trial, where we must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. . . .”

The federal prosecutors at the DOJ did not need to consider the second standard because they were not convinced that Wilson committed a crime or even that his use of force was objectively unreasonable. The report says:

“The evidence, when viewed as a whole, does not support the conclusion that Wilson’s uses of deadly force were 'objectively unreasonable' under the Supreme Court’s definition. Accordingly, under the governing federal law and relevant standards set forth in the USAM, it is not appropriate to present this matter to a federal grand jury for indictment, and it should therefore be closed without prosecution. . . .

There is no credible evidence to refute Wilson’s stated subjective belief that he was acting in self-defense. As discussed throughout this report, Wilson’s account is corroborated by physical evidence and his perception of a threat posed by Brown is corroborated by other credible eyewitness accounts. Even if Wilson was mistaken in his interpretation of Brown’s conduct, the fact that others interpreted that conduct the same way as Wilson precludes a determination that he acted for the purpose of violating the law.”

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

108. Too bad we werent allowed a trial to find out, eh!

[brush]

131. Or a broken tail light, as witnessed by the South Carolina shooting of the black man in the back. nt

[treestar]

78. Exactly. So many cops assume they are armed.

And they get treated as if they are armed. May as well be.

[pinboy3niner]

3. What are YOUR thoughts on this?

[Skittles]

8. I bet I can guess

how about you, pinboy3niner?

[pinboy3niner]

11. Yep

It's not hard to trell what the game is here.

[cherokeeprogressive]

27. Just like "I'll probably get booted for saying this..."

But I'm gonna say it anyway?

[pinboy3niner]

31. More like "I'm a newbie and I'm gonna stir shit with race and gunz"

While not giving an opinion and pretending to be clueless about the issue he posted. "RKBA? Never heard of it."

[johnnysad]

13. I'm not sure

On one hand police are shooting and killing people for reasons
other than protecting life and limb.

On the other hand guns scare me so I don't know what to think

[pinboy3niner]

16. You don't think RKBA applies to minorities?

[johnnysad]

18. I don't understand your question

[pinboy3niner]

22. Are you being purposely obtuse?

Magic 8-Ball says "Outlook good."

[johnnysad]

23. What are you talking about ?

[pinboy3niner]

25. You seriously don't know what RKBA means?

Right to Keep and Bear Arms? Second Amendment? Ring a bell?

[johnnysad]

30. I don't own any guns or are involved in any gun movement rights group

You seem to be getting hostile with me for no reason.

[Throd]

37. Right to Kill Basically Anyone?

Similar to Stand Yer Ground.

[cwydro]

91. Sorry, I didn't know what that meant either.

I frequently have to google these things.

I don't mind when folks laugh at me about that either.

[steve2470]

28. RKBA = right to keep and bear arms, in case you didn't know that nt

[johnnysad]

33. thank you

[pinboy3niner]

35. Well...

[Stellar]

73. I didn't know what that meant either.

I'm glad someone was kind enough to share that information. It's better than 'assuming' what someone meant, don't you think. Hell, I just found out what 'nt' meant. As one of the senior citizens around here, I'm catching on. It's better than making someone feel like a fool for asking.

It seems rather childish.

[dembotoz]

81. me either--Almost like I am at work

jargon will kill us all

[Stellar]

143. Tell me about it.

I worked for the department of human services for 22 years and we spoke in 'numbers' to one another, that got so bad until it would trickle out to the clients we were serving. ( ie: when I complete the 552 it will generate a 157...) I'm sure they were looking for something in big bold print that said 157 when that was not the case...poor clients.

So, I'll always be considered as 'not to bright' because I will ALWAYS ask if I don't find it explained in the thread I'm reading.

[R B Garr]

141. Agreed! I didn't know what that meant, either.

[ScreamingMeemie]

44. This is the second "thoughts on this" post I've seen today.

I've decided that I won't show them mine if they won't show me theirs.

[ileus]

4. It's always wise to have the tools to defend yourself....no matter what race.

[Skittles]

21. yes, the NRA wetdream of everyone armed, everyone paranoid is sound advice

[madinmaryland]

57. You're incorrect there, Skittles...

The NRA and their members have no intention of seeing minorities have guns. It's ok for white racists to own thousands of guns each, but god forbid an African American owns a single gun...

[Skittles]

60. true - NRA = racist, gunhumping cowards

[Katashi_itto]

71. +1000

[Eleanors38]

89. "Fantasyland." It's in California.

Minorities already have guns, and are obtaining more. Check out true debate on the subject in RKBA/GC Group, esp. the thread about the Pew survey.

I like the Wizard of Oz better than Fantasyland, however: "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" Lots of glowering Oz in black & white, even in this thread.

[madinmaryland]

90. Huh?

What are u talking about?

[Eleanors38]

92. Referencing your Fantasyland. And the man behind the curtain.

My ref. was to your post, and its self-evident unreality.

[madinmaryland]

93. ...

Coming from a gungeonite, I'll take that with a grain of salt.

[Eleanors38]

94. You can have the whole shaker.

[99th_Monkey]

6. This was bound to happen sooner or later

I totally feel two ways about it:
1) Why the fuck not? If guns are just A-ok for violence-prone bigots and trigger-happy racist cops, then Black peeps have every right to arm themselves to the teeth.
2) My concern is that this is EXACTLY what violence-prone bigots and trigger-happy racist cops WANT to happen, so they can then blame them, and simply raid their houses at 4am and shoot them in their beds, like they did Fred Hampton
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/4/the_assassination_of_fred_hampton_how

[Kalidurga]

12. Yep

It's dangerous either way. It's more dangerous for most people to have a gun in their home. I don't know that this is true for POC given that they are more likely to be targeted by a no-knock and there have been several cases where the cops bust the wrong house.

[2naSalit]

61. That's what I think

about it too. If they are armed, it lends a sort of validity (only to racists though) to the shooting excuses and would make it okay for cops to kill first and not worry about anything later... as if all the acquittals haven't been bad enough.

We have some serious social problems in this country and the answer to any of them doesn't come from a gun or any number of guns.

[craigmatic]

7. Black people have 2nd amendment rights too. Nothing wrong with this.

We did the MLK thing back in the day to end segregation but now it maybe time to go more in the self-determination, do for self Malcolm X route. More and more young blacks feel this way everyday. That's not to say we fight a race war but we should all have the same rights when it comes to guns. I'd also add increase our voter participation, political consciousness, and use our economic power more wisely ti this but the basic sentiment is correct. It's not like it's exactly safe to call the cops in some places now is it?

[F4lconF16]

10. Well, I know what Aaron Dixon thought about that.

He was the founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panthers. I got to attend a panel featuring him back in February, and he was asked almost exactly that question. His response?

This is a totally different world than what it used to be. We are interconnected far more than we used to be. Then, armed resistance was a crucial parr of the fight. Now it is about communication and community building. We need to work together and change things locally, above all else. He and other members of the Black Panthers strongly disagree with armed resistance today.

Or something to that effect, I don't remember exactly.

[ismnotwasm]

43. You have got to let me know when you hear about cool shit like that

I would have loved that

[F4lconF16]

58. I will definitely do so!

I posted it in the Washington group I thought...no, wait, looks like that was the John Carlos panel. I'm sure something like that will come up again

Also, prepare to be even more jealous: I got to go to his mom's house for a private party and chat politics with him after

[suffragette]

76. That must have been fascinating

I remember when I was a kid in High Point and at times Black Panthers would come knocking on the door, both for support and to let the community know they were there to support.

Serious door to door communication and community building back then, too, much more than has ever been acknowledged.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

105. Excellent. I suggested here at DU a while back arming the AfAm community

but what I was really saying, OF COURSE was what would white folk do if they did that, which they are not going to do.

I was tying to make the point that if white america can arm up, why cant black? That they should expect that if they keep acting the way they are acting.

But the true answer is what this guy said...Aaron Dixon sounds like a smart man.

Thanks for the info

[brush]

132. He sounds like a wise leader of the chapter

IMO it's not good nowadays to be on record as being in favor of armed resistance.

Do you know if this chapter has been in continual existence since back in the day?

[F4lconF16]

133. Until 1978.

Here's a good piece on it: http://depts.washington.edu/civilr/BPP.htm

[Stellar]

14. I was afraid that might happen.

Being killed for nothing that they've done. And then there are white folk walking around armed to the tooth and nothing ever happens to them. This is getting scary.

[bravenak]

15. Imagine watching Fox News if there is a run on guns by black people?

[Initech]

19. Fox/NRA/Alex Jones bots love the idea of a race war.

I hope that's something that never happens in my lifetime, but they seem to be accelerating the idea.

[pinboy3niner]

29. They may even rethink that whole RKBA thing

[bravenak]

39. That's what I think!

[pinboy3niner]

42. History repeating...like when armed Black Panthers freaked them out.

Gunz are for White Peoples!!!

[bravenak]

47. Omg. Like the three new black panthers at the Philly election.

3. 3 guys had them screaming about the war to come. I don't even know if the guys had actual guns, but they scared the shit out of a bunch of people.

[guillaumeb]

54. 2nd Amendment rights ARE scary

to the KKK when blacks want to have guns. We have to watch out for the slave rebellion you know.

But seriously, if anyone thinks they can fight the American Empire with their own guns, a typical right wing fantasy, why not ask David Koresh or Randy Weaver from Ruby Ridge how that worked out? Oh yes, they are both dead.

MLK Jr. had the right idea, just like Gandhi. And they both WON the fight, by the way.

[bravenak]

56. Yep. We will never beat an army by fighting with weapons.

These kinds of wars are won by changing society.

[GGJohn]

65. Randy Weaver is not dead, matter of fact,

he was found not guilty on almost all charges the govt tried him for and the govt paid him 3.1 million dollars for a wrongful death lawsuit in the death of his son, Samuel and wife, Vicky.

[guillaumeb]

83. I should have checked that. Thanks.

But the "Red Dawn" fantasy of brave patriots fighting an oppressive federal overlord is just that, a fantasy.

[friendly_iconoclast]

98. Asymmetrical warfare against the American miltary *has* worked for over a decade

Does the name "Taliban" mean anything to you?

[guillaumeb]

99. and Vietnam also

but we are talking about asymmetric warfare where one country is invading another. And my point is aimed against the gun owners who feed the Red Dawn fantasy and use it to promote an agenda of aggressive gun sales as a means of "protecting" US citizens from their own government.

In addition, the colonists practiced asymmetric warfare, albeit with significant French help.

[friendly_iconoclast]

100. In asymmetric warfare, one does not have to win- just not lose

The point is to make sure that the more powerful party's writ does not run everywhere
- and almost as important, being seen not to run.
A small force can easily render a larger polity ungovernable.
Hanging on until the larger power decides to cut their losses and give up is the goal.

That's what happened during the American Revolution, and what is happening now
in Afghanistan...

[friendly_iconoclast]

113. I recommend the film "The Battle of Algiers", by Gillo Pontecorvo...

...as an illustration of what I'm talking about

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058946/

[guillaumeb]

121. I have seen the movie.

An excellent movie that had real dissidents playing some of the roles. Similar to the Vietnam situation, both for the original French colonialists and the American imperialists. Unfortunately neither the French nor the Americans learned anything from the war.

But again, there is a difference between people fighting off outside invaders and citizens of a country fighting off other citizens. The American Civil War was an example of this that did not turn out well for the rebelling states. My feeling is that any similar "heroic fighters armed with small arms against the military machine" would not turn out well for the Red Dawn types.

[guillaumeb]

120. True.

Making a country ungovernable for the invader is one way to win. But certain people in this country seem to be trying to use the same tactics in this country to make the country ungovernable when their own party is not in power. Some might define that as treason.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

107. You are a gun person, right? How about you do a poll on your gun forum here

Ask your friends, who are supposed to be all Democrats

something like

"are you good with every single living AfAm over the age of 16 (not sure what the age is) buying a gun and bullets, tomorrow"

I know most con gun folks will say they are not good with that or they will lie, but I am curious what dem gun people would say.

Arent you?

I cant do polls and if it comes from me it will just end up in an argument...

[friendly_iconoclast]

112. I, for one, would have no problem with it (as long as they were legal buyers, of course)

[GGJohn]

119. No, I'm not a gun person, I'm just a person who owns firearms.

I can't do polls either, I'm not a star member.

[KingCharlemagne]

46. Gun nutters usually forget (whether conveniently or otherwise) that CA Governor

Ronald Reagan signed gun control legislation in response to armed members of the BPP making public displays of their weapons.

May we say that 'politics make strange bedfellows'?

The Mulford Act was a 1967 California bill which repealed a law allowing public carrying of loaded firearms. Named after Republican assemblyman Don Mulford, the bill garnered national attention after the Black Panthers marched bearing arms upon the California State Capitol to protest the bill.[1][2] The bill was signed by Republican California Governor Ronald Reagan and became California penal code 12031 and 171(c).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulford_Act

[treestar]

79. Yeah, I bet they never thought of that

Just assumed black people can't afford guns, maybe?

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

103. Good thing the Preacher isnt a member here and posted that, like yours truly his post would

have been hidden by a jury...

I actually suggested this a while back, given the circumstances I thought it made perfect sense.

[Oilwellian]

137. That made me laugh out loud

[X_Digger]

17. There's a long tradition of such, that gets quietly swept under the rug..

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history/2015/03/civil_rights_movement_history_the_long_tradition_of_black_americans_taking.html

[jaysunb]

20. We once started a gun club called, The Black Panthers.....

we all know how that ended.

[pinboy3niner]

24. Many of us here are old enough to remember

Thanks for posting it, Brother.

[jaysunb]

41. There were many lessons learned from that era

One of the most important was how to spot provocateur's and paid disruptors.

[jwirr]

51. Exactly. How to spot someone who is going to throw you under the bus. If we think the too many

young black men are being killed for no reason at all now wait until the police know you are arming. There is a reason that non-violent civil disobedience worked. It put the haters including the police into the worst possible light.

Armed protest will be seen as a threat to the police and the public. I am not saying that I think that the public is right - but between faux news and the Rs they will crucify the protesters.

[uponit7771]

115. +1

[LittleBlue]

26. If white folks can be armed, so can black folks

I don't see a problem

[Eleanors38]

86. Even my "redneck friend," circa 1964, conceded that when he read Malcolm X's philosophy concerning

Armed self-defense. He shrugged and said "they can do that."

[Glassunion]

116. As a black man who grew up in the south.

Georgia to be specific.

There is a marked difference between redneck and racist.

I have many redneck friends.

I have zero racist friends.

[Eleanors38]

122. Oh, he was racist as well. But he was increasingly ambivalent. He was always wanting to know why

I was always listening to that "________ music." Then he wanted to know Where I was listening to it (WLAC). He didn't seem to begrudge people defending themselves and their community. He had more of a problem with King; probably the integration angle as opposed to the more separatist approach he saw with Malcolm.

[jaysunb]

32. You're really being a bit disingenuous with your post

You throw it out there like "red meat" but fail to properly explain what happened and to what black people this suggestion was given. You were sure to add the name of MLK and the SCLC. But what you failed to say was :

Reverend Suspended For Telling Black People To Exercise Their 2nd Amendment Rights

The SCLC wasn’t too fond of Mosteller’s message of empowerment and issued this statement:

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference was founded and maintains it’s position against violence of ANY type. We are founded on the bedrock of non-violence and we encourage those principles as we seek social justice and social change in American society and around the world.

Although our organization does concur that the justice system in America has too often failed communities of color, particularly Black youth, in reviewing the comments made by the Rev. Mosteller on Wednesday, March 31, we have found that his comments do not represent, nor reflect the principles and position of this organization.


I get the feeling you're just shit stirring, and I'd appreciate it if you did it on another subject. That's if you're here long enough

[pinboy3niner]

38. A bit?

I think we've got this one's number. He's not fooling anyone. Not even a good attempt. Going down in flames.

[jaysunb]

45. Probably would be fun to inform him and his ilk that

black people are already armed but have enough sense not announce it....

[KingCharlemagne]

49. When I was at the height of my anger and dismay over the murder of

Mike Brown by the killer cop in Ferguson, a very wise DUer named 'Feral Child' published this piece of sage wisdom:

Like all oppressed people through-out history, they (black people) realize that a mob can't over-run a cohesive force of well-armed, government supported troops, no matter how poorly trained and disciplined those soldiers may be.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014945402

I was so struck by this comment that I have saved it so that I can read and re-read it when I am struck dumb with fury.

[Agnosticsherbet]

36. I tink it makes sense.

When you consider that they are more likley to be arrested, imprisoned, shot while arrested, beaten to death while beig arrested, stopped becasue they are driving through their neighborhood they should go armed.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

40. Welcome to DU./NT

[Rex]

50. Does that scare you? Armed black people!?

Enjoy your stay!

[Hoyt]

52. Whites have been arming up for decades. And it's mostly racists. I guess that is OK?

[Eleanors38]

85. Well, is it OK Hoyt?

[Hoyt]

95. Seems to be OK among the gun fanciers.

[Eleanors38]

97. It's okay by me that African-Americans should own guns. What about you?

[Hoyt]

110. Actually they are more sensible about gunz than the right wing racists that make up the majority

of those seriously into toting, training to shoot people, etc.. I feel much safer when a Black guy has a gun on his hip than some yahoo that represents the majority of gun nuts.

[Eleanors38]

123. So, you're OK by that.

[Hoyt]

124. Yes Eleanor Roosevelt's 38 Pistol, I'm fine with Blacks carrying gunz, but not white yahoos like

those that go to gun shows, gun stores, post about the best gunz to shoot people in a natural disaster, and worse. Folks like this who promote their "2nd Amendment -- Intimidattion -- rights:"

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQAyLSEiS-g/U7m7rehxcMI/AAAAAAAAA1g/7Mnu_hkYAfk/s1600/open+carry.jpg












I really hope the photos have helped clear things up for you. You seem to be having trouble the past few days.

[Eleanors38]

125. Curious, where are blacks supposed to get their "guns?"

[Hoyt]

127. Time for you to answer questions. Why do you continue to promote guns in our communities?

[Eleanors38]

128. Begs the question. I don't "promote" guns in anyone's community.

[friendly_iconoclast]

136. You're dealing with a culture warrior-Everything *has* to conform with their worldview

Last edited Wed Apr 8, 2015, 09:16 PM - Edit history (1)

To them, the world is divided into two camps. If one is not in their camp,
you automatically must believe what they consider the views of the other camp to be

[friendly_iconoclast]

134. Homophobes do the same thing you do with carefully selected shots from Pride Day events

And also like you, they also claim to be looking out for society as a whole...

[friendly_iconoclast]

135. Just *how* big a collection of 'gun owner porn' do you have, Hoyt?

I know you like to trot it out for all to see whenever you can, and I've always wondered *why*
you collect and post pictures of people you claim to despise- kind of like the
American Family Association's obsession with LGBT people.

They, too, love their carefully chosen photos...

Is your stash of photos anywhere near the size of the AFAs?

[Hoyt]

138. There are thousands of photos, just search under "images of yahoos carrying gunz."

These photos aren't that uncommon and appear on sites such as Mother Jones, DailyKos, TruthOut, Salon, Slate, etc. Many of the sites support LGBT rights, something I doubt the majority of right wing gun lovers do.

You and your buddy's attempt at using ethnicity, LGBTs, etc., to support your gun lust, is shameful.

[friendly_iconoclast]

139. Naah, shameful would be to employ a propaganda technique the AFA also uses...

...and then acting hurt when it's pointed out.

[Hoyt]

140. Like you using NRA "techniques" to promote your gun lust.

[friendly_iconoclast]

145. Ah, yes- the 'bring up the NRA attempted saving throw' appears yet again

What are these "techniques" that you speak of?
And how, exactly, do you know they are the NRA's?

[madville]

59. Many anti-gun laws still on the books today were inspired by

The Black Panthers. Black people openly displaying firearms scare the hell out of those in power.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

96. Good

[Renew Deal]

62. No different than other groups arming themselves

It seems to be the thing to do.

[romanic]

63. Black people have every right to arm themselves

But this Reverend's "call to war" sounds like the race war fantasies of the right; that I can't get behind.

[gwheezie]

64. I wish people would stop walking around with guns

To me it looks stupid. The county I live in is rural and about 60% white. Black folks and white folks walk around armed here. It looks normal in the woods but damn weird at wawa.

[bemildred]

67. Enjoy your short stay here. nt

[akbacchus_BC]

68. Do enjoy your stay here!

Black people are not aggressive and they do not need to arm themselves, even when they are taken advantage of the kind of crap you are portraying on here.

[Marengo]

70. Aggression is a race specific trait?

No black person, anywhere or at any time, has demonstrated aggression?

[DeSwiss]

72. Full-circle, much?

Has anyone asked The Nation of Islam for a comment on this? Because I seem to recall a debate taking place a few decades ago wherein these two organizations had diametrically-opposed views on African-Americans arming themselves for defense.

- The SCLC guy was one Martin Luther King Jr. and the Islam guy was Malcolm X.

Finally, Christians and Muslims working together to save lives. Theirs......

[hack89]

74. More African-Americans Support Carrying Legal Guns For Self-Defense

When James Craig was a young man in the 1970s, he says law-abiding people wouldn't dream of carrying guns. But then he left town to pursue a career in policing. In the years he was gone, Michigan liberalized its gun laws, making it easier for people to get concealed-carry permits.

When he came back to become Detroit's police chief in 2013, he found a whole new reality.

Police chiefs usually don't like the idea of citizens carrying concealed guns for self-defense, but Craig says he had to be realistic about the situation in his hometown. So he endorsed a trend that was already well under way — the trend toward more people carrying legal guns.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 54 percent of blacks now see gun ownership as a good thing, something more likely to protect than harm. That's up from 29 percent just two years ago. In places like Detroit, more African-Americans are getting permits to carry concealed weapons.

http://www.npr.org/2015/04/02/396869889/more-african-americans-support-carrying-legal-guns-for-self-defense

Chief Craig is AA btw.

[heaven05]

75. ohhh no!!!!!!!!!!!

that will really scare the pants off of good, genteel americans who so long for POC to "get back in their place". This just won't do!!!!!!!!!!! You have thugs hiding behind a badge and a uniform murdering and executing people in the streets, but LORD!!!!, don't talk about POC defending themselves when it comes to those very same thugs apprehending and more often than not theses day executing POC for DWB, WWb, LWB.

[steve2470]

87. +1! nt

[treestar]

77. Second Amendment rights

apply equally to all.

Though that's another question.

But I would say why not?

[stone space]

80. The Reverend is praying to the wrong God.

Reverend Samuel Mosteller, longtime president of the Georgia Southern Christian Leadership Conference (which was founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

He might want to watch what he says from the pulpit, if he wants to keep his job.

This atheist does not expect this to go over well at all.

Dude is confusing the Second Amendment with the Second Commandment.

[Eleanors38]

84. What MLK, head of the SCLC, actually said:

"The principle of self defense, even involving weapons and bloodshed, has never been condemned, even by Gandhi."

Thank you for the opportunity to clear that up.

________
The recent Pew survey, showing a 75+% jump in Favorable views of gun ownership among African-Americans in the LAST 2 YEARS, indicates a further erosion in what little support there is for the gun ban outlook. While some look to recent police abuses for this trend, others note the LACK of police response in many cities where day-to-day crime is concerned; i.e, self- defense may be the most plausible explanation.
________
When all the smart-assery about who the Second Amendment is for clears out, Google: pictures Hewey P. Newton Gun Club.
For a bonus, find the recordings of Malcolm X in which he speaks of the Second Amendment. Or Fannie Lou Hamer


I'm surprised no one has alerted on the OP.

[One_Life_To_Give]

82. Helter Skelter

Because that non-violence worked so poorly for Ghandi.

[lame54]

104. more cash for the NRA

[johnnysad]

130. agree but when we see things like this I can understand how the Reverend feels

[Quantess]

109. Whoops! Gotta let one rip!

[Snow Leopard]

111. Think it is a bad idea. Nt

[uponit7771]

114. The KKKs wet dream, they want to kill people of color

[qwlauren35]

117. Right now, it's a simple thought.

If we arm ourselves, we open ourselves up to being police target practice. They will assume that every black person has a gun and shoot on sight. And they will get away with it.

No thank you.

[DustyJoe]

126. They think that now

How many more shootings are needed with the 'I thought he was reaching for something' with nothing ever found need to happen before the consensus that police consider every American armed and dangerous ?

[qwlauren35]

146. Police do not consider every American armed and dangerous. Never will.

It's BLACK PEOPLE who are considered dangerous, and potentially armed.

Big difference.

[Glassunion]

118. It would be interesting to know what the Average Joe would think.

Just wondrin'

Dr. King had his views on arms and self defense.

Rev. Mosteller apparently has his views as well.

But I'd be more interested in knowing what the average Joe is thinking.

I'd also be interested in knowing if you know what Dr. King's views on arms and self defense were and if they differ much from those of Rev. Mosteller?

[JEB]

129. I'd rather the cops lay down their arms. eom

[Sparhawk60]

142. I Wonder What the Klan's Stance...

...actualy, I don't. I am fairly confident the Klan is against arming Blacks. Quick rule of thumb, if you and the Klan are on the same side of an issue, that may be your sign to rethink your position.

Arming minorities does not equal advocating race war. It is advocating self defense, and I believe EVERY body has the right to self defense.