I am not shocked I am just hurt

[rbrnmw]

What I am reading on DU defending the scumbag DA and the pos killer cop. How can anybody not see how reprehensible the Grand Jury decision was? I feel the hate and vitriol in their posts and I want to cry. When will African Americans get the same justice that white folks get? If Mike Brown were white he'd have been sitting at his family's Thanksgiving table yesterday. We all know this and it hurts to think of the missing loved ones who were missing from their families Thanksgiving tables. The reason the were missing is because they were judged by the color of their skin. Make no mistake we all know thug is a code name for the n-word. None of these people killed senselessly were thugs or bad people.

[chervilant]

1. I'm having to add quite a few to my IL, because

of comments like this:

"You are suggesting that minority parents aren't smart enough to realize that their own “child” won't be treated the same as a huge, combative 18-year-old stupidly defying police orders."

I cannot understand the fear-mongering and hate-mongering from individuals who are purportedly liberals and progressives! I am sad, tonight; very, very sad. My heart goes out to Mike Brown's family, and the citizens of Ferguson.

[rbrnmw]

2. It hurts that some people I once respected have that mindset

I feel isolated and am having trust issues these days.

[IdaBriggs]

3. I am so sorry.

[RufusTFirefly]

19. I'm so very sorry

I want to argue otherwise, but, frankly, I don't blame you.
Racism runs so deep in this country that many white people are no longer even aware of it.
They accept it as reality instead of as the abomination it is.

Oddly enough I'm reminded of lyrics from a Paul McCartney song that was banned by the BBC many years ago:

Tell Me How Would You Like It
If On Your Way To Work
You Were Stopped By Irish soldiers
Would You Lie Down Do Nothing
Would you give in or go berserk

It's a simple question of empathy. Many people on these boards seem unable to imagine how the parents of Michael Brown would feel.

[1StrongBlackMan]

37. I'm just starting to believe ...

maybe, I'm just hoping against hope, that much of the wilson support on this board, is just liberals doing what liberals do ... arguing against convention.

That is the only thing I can think can explain it.

[RufusTFirefly]

38. I sure hope so!

The alternative is just to discouraging to ponder for long.

[A Simple Game]

60. The Wilson supporters aren't liberals, but you knew that didn't you? n/t

[1StrongBlackMan]

62. Yes ... I do. n/t

[rbrnmw]

68. No they aren't actually but some of them think they are liberals.

[A Simple Game]

74. Some may think they are liberals but most know just what they are and don't even try to hide it. n/t

[1StrongBlackMan]

79. True ...

one is not a liberal just because you want to smoke dope (unmolested), don't care who marries whom, don't like being spied upon and want more money ... especially, if you have nothing to say about racism (other than, "it's bad&quot .

[sheshe2]

77. You are being far to kind, yet I know you do not believe that.

I just came off an Op, saying Wilson deserved a fair and open trial so he doesn't walk through life as the man that shot an innocent man. WTF! He is the one that is still walking and breathing air. Yes I may get a hide and I don't give a damn.

And no, they are not a newbie.

[rbrnmw]

78. I saw that this shit is making me physically ill

I am tired of being told to basically shut up sit down and take it

[1StrongBlackMan]

80. Wow ...

such well placed concern!

[JustAnotherGen]

81. Really - like the Zimpig?

Free doesn't equal innocent. Some people are so naive SheShe.

[marym625]

82. Saw that. made me sick. n/t

[chervilant]

31. My trust issues are compounded by

an event that happened to me personally, and which was motivated by racism.

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I was wrongfully terminated. While my boss alleged this was because I'd "made too many mistakes," (which he refused to identify and dismissed with the glib assertion, "we're going in a different direction&quot I am well aware of the real reason I was dismissed: I was consistently anti-racist in response to a cohesive group of virulent racists.

My old boss, who retired in October -- and who regularly engaged in racist diatribes with the owner of the company whilst in earshot of me (knowing that I had more than once respectfully requested that I not have to hear it) -- admitted that he counseled my new boss about "letting me go."

I desperately needed that job. I am a 58 year old woman who is grossly "overqualified" for the jobs available in this area (at least, that's what I'm consistently told when I'm made aware that I'm not the candidate of their choice). I again face homelessness if I cannot get a job.

As I've noted in another OP, there's no reasoning with that level of hatred and malevolence. Instead of recognizing the toxicity of their pernicious racism, these men have made me the problem, and thus justified their decision to "let me go."

Racism is damaging to us all. It's high time everyone recognize this.

[marym625]

34. I am so sorry

I hope you have documented this. Sue. It's the only way to stop this.

I am truly sorry.

[noiretextatique]

35. you have a case for wrongful termination

however DO NOT pursue it through the EEOC because it takes way to long. i filed a claim with the EEOC and they took so long to investigate that a law changed that affected my case, and they could not find in my favor. please do not let them get away with it...sue the bastards.

[heaven05]

44. I would suggest

searching out a lawyer well respected in the labor law area. A lot of lawyers WILL listen to your story without charging. I think you have a case...look into the lawyer versed in civil rights law....someone said forget about EEOC.....for now, yes, they are god awful slow. I know from experience but it is an option to keep in your bag of tricks... just don't give up with the run around that companies are good at doing. So good luck.

[Maraya1969]

71. I agree. Take this to an attorney! What they did was illegal and they should owe you money!

[Caretha]

72. Something

so much better is about to happen for you.

An opportunity that you would never have seen or heard of...that is what is waiting for you. You were not where you belonged obviously, and now you will find your rightful lovely place.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

67. and when i point out there are so many non liberals here because you cant defend wilson and be a

liberal, I get attacked

Something is wrong with non minority democrats, or many of them, they still dont understand or want to understand what is going on.

I assumed they were rightwingers incognito, but you are saying you are finding out long time friends here are really wrong on this issue and that worries me about our future

[juajen]

22. I have to say that this surprised me also.

However, please do not paint all of us with the same brush. I am dismayed at what is still going on in this country

[chervilant]

32. I'm not a 'broad brush' kinda gal...

But, I don't hesitate to relegate racists, sexists, heterosexists, misogynists, and verbal bullies to my IL. The internet is chock-a-block FULL of these cretins, and it saddens me that some of them post herein.

[Caretha]

73. They didn't use to

Really...

The tombstones used to fly fast and furious in the by gone days of DU over this kind of crapola.

[TBF]

4. I'm not AA

but just wanted to K&R and leave this right here:


Some of us were absolutely disgusted by that presentation in Missouri. I can only imagine how the Browns feel losing their son.

[roguevalley]

5. I remember sitting watching the chief of police on TV EMPHATICALLY say that Wilson

never knew nor did he hear about the cigar incident before he came upon Mike Brown. Wilson testified before the grand jury that he knew about it before he found Brown. He committed perjury. That is the start of the landslide of problems with this grand jury and presentation by the prosecutor. Throw that in their faces. You might also mention that three of the police officers on the force posted pictures of themselves in Klan costumes on their facebook pages, the idiots. Imagine in your town, Klansmen with guns and badges. Then tell them to take a hike. This is someone's baby shot down and left four hours in the street. This is a cop that fired what? Fourteen shots into the distance at a boy that could have killed other people too. This schmuck deserves prison and nothing less. I saw the pictures of Michael Brown's dad delivering turkeys to needy people yesterday and that is grace under pressure. That is nothing that the idiots on the other side of this issue will ever understand.

[rbrnmw]

8. I remember it too

The DA should be charged with a crime. He absolutely intended to make sure there was no indictment.

[roguevalley]

16. hopefully the fed will do just that.

[rbrnmw]

18. I hope so

we should demand it

[Voice for Peace]

45. Is there a DU Justice League?

Maybe we need to start compiling reports and whatnots,
be an aboveground force for justice.

[roguevalley]

53. I would join that in seconds, Voice For Peace

[Voice for Peace]

56. I would start it up and run it, but no longer have an entire brain to work with.

But I know there are many good organizers here, and this
is one of the most informed places on the internet.
Plus connections to connections, we all have 'em.

[Cha]

6. The DA's actions are indefensible.. he and his ADA LIED to the GJ for one thing.. McCulloch was

Acting as DWilson's Defense Attorney.. no one stood up for Michael Brown

[stage left]

20. That's what makes me the saddest, Cha.

Mike Brown could no longer speak for himself and there was no one in that courtroom to speak for him. Where is justice?

[Cha]

23. That's what the human kindness for Justice is out there doing now, stage left.. Speaking for Michael

Brown

[sheshe2]

7. So many tears...

I don't have a lot more left in me this week....

Supporting Ferguson.

[rbrnmw]

10. I felt all cried out but the tears keep flowing

When I heard about Tamir Rice I cried so hard. That came right n top of the GJ decision When will this stop? When will AA parents feel secure when their child walks out the door?

[sheshe2]

55. I wish I had an answer for you, rbrnmw.

Sadly I do not.

[bbgrunt]

9. I am horribly saddened by the reactions of

many in this country. I no longer recognize it as home. It is like an alien universe to me filled with ugly souls and monsters full of hate and proud of their bile.
This is part of what is tearing this country apart. It is clear that many of them survive even here. It's hard not to think they are paid to help tear the fragile fabric of humanity to shreds but some don't have enough sense to not join in the mob mentality.

[rbrnmw]

11. We can't rest until they see all people as humans

[LawDeeDah]

24. ...

[bbgrunt]

26. very moving.

[Voice for Peace]

47. sharing this on FB

The song is timeless - sadly
(ie, is a change ever gonna come?)

[DesertDiamond]

12. I have learned that some people are terrified of losing faith in their authority figures.

[lovemydog]

15. LOL, I've notice that too!

It's like they still believe in Santa Claus, and that police are always justified in shooting at unarmed black people!

[Voice for Peace]

48. good point, you are so right.

[Derek V]

13. Missouri

I spent a year there one weekend.

[Voice for Peace]

49. aww.. too broad a brush.

Missouri has the beautiful green rolling hills and
one day the land and people will be free once again.

[lovemydog]

14. It hurts me too rbnmw.

I hear you loud and clear.

Someone posted to me yesterday that I just don't want to believe Wilson's story and nothing would change my mind. I felt hurt, then saddened, then angry because I realized after some thought that that post to me was utterly untrue.

After doing some other stuff, I replied with my explanation of why Wilson is lying through his teeth. It felt good to reply based on my own opinions and experiences.

I hope you have a good evening and weekend, rbnmw.

[rbrnmw]

17. It's odd that they say that we just don't want to believe Wilson's lying ass

When it is them that don't want to believe innocent unarmed black people get shot all the time. I'm over it I won't rest until I make them see what true humanity looks like. It damn sure isn't somebody's baby laying in the street dead because some asshole racist shot them.

[Voice for Peace]

52. People's prejudices go sooooooo deep, even in the best of people.

White liberal people who grew up trusting the police,
who remember when police were good for the neighborhood,
and who haven't stayed in touch enough outside their
own worlds to see what has actually happened and is
happening. They naturally sympathize with the young
white cop who appears to have been bruised and
terrified.

White liberal people who have probably had only one or
two nice black people in their lives, but no real exposure
to an African American community, or the realities of urban
life -- but into whose consciousness has filtered years and
years of fear of young black men, especially on a dark street.

So much of the discussion is coming from kneejerk &
biased point of view. It's not our fault. We only can see
what we can see. But we always have the opportunity to
try and see more. In more directions, also: to try and
see what others are seeing. Facts are made up of one
gazillion perspectives. We can be learning from each
other, all the time.

[Voice for Peace]

50. Love to read the response if you can repost it here.

[lovemydog]

65. Here you go Voice for Peace

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5878567

[pnwmom]

21. I hear you, rbrnmw. I don't understand them either. nt

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

25. People of Color here on DU have been trying to tell DUers that racism exists on DU and in

Last edited Sat Nov 29, 2014, 12:35 PM - Edit history (1)

progressive circles, in the Democratic Party, but are often told to sit down, shut up, or show proof.

We are happy that there are those who are seeing this for themselves.

We are pleading with good folks who see the bigotry to speak up more because they will not listen to us.

Thanks so much for doing this! You are a true warrior!!

[rbrnmw]

28. thank you

[Number23]

29. I was thinking the same thing. Amidst all of the angst are alot of people talking about how this

is just NOW becoming an issue and how the country has lost its mind as if this is a recent thing.

What these people don't understand is that for a whole hell of a lot of people, the U.S. has ALWAYS been like this and this has ALWAYS been an issue but the people attempting to raise it were accused of being "race hustlers" playing the "race card." It's no coincidence either that many of the main ones acting so shocked about this are the same ones who act as though racism is only an issue from conservatives/ in the South/ from the religious etc. as if it's not something that touches lots of people everywhere.

[rbrnmw]

30. I've seen it all my life

[olegramps]

36. It is the vicious cycle of proverty that is the root cause.

Just thank your Republican representatives and a pack of wishy-washy Democrats for the massive outsourcing of good paying jobs for a significant part of the responsibility for this disaster. What can we expect when over 50,000 manufacturing facilities have been closed or outsourced in the in recent years. Our representatives did nothing, absolutely nothing to stop this tragedy. But also do not forget to include the very people who are a victims since they have even failed to vote or voted against their own interest.

[1StrongBlackMan]

39. Poverty is a problem; but not THE problem in this matter ...

a PoC's wealth does not immunize him/her from being at risk for doing everyday activities.

[JustAnotherGen]

40. +1000000

Not a poc, a Jewish Person, a Muslim, a woman, or a member of the gay community.

The older I get the more I see the intersection and the experiences which transcend those groups.

[olegramps]

58. I don't what a PoC is.

[1StrongBlackMan]

63. PoC = Person/People of Color. n/t

[olegramps]

59. Yes, as I said it is the root problem not the only problem.

[1StrongBlackMan]

64. And as I said ...

Poverty is not the root problem for People of Color ... racism is.

[olegramps]

84. Is racism the principle cause of poverty for Aftrican-Americans?

Yes, I can see why you would say that primarily it all stems from racism.

[1StrongBlackMan]

85. And racism affects ALL African-Americans ...

regardless of economic or social status, educational level and any other matrix observed.

[JustAnotherGen]

41. Please read this thread by 1StrongBlackMan from around labor day

Affluence and Education are ZERO insurance for black men in America.



http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1187&pid=8394

[marym625]

42. It is racism that keeps poverty in cycle

Racism and every other "ism"

[JI7]

88. did michael brown live in poverty ?

pretty sure trayvon martin lived in a pretty financially comfortable family . not wealthy but could afford all the basics plus many extra things.

[JustAnotherGen]

89. +1000

Trayvon's dad lived in a gated community - correct? So basically - he was enclosed in with his murderer.

Michael - definitely wasn't in abject poverty.

[azmom]

43. I am hispanic and I like

You am also hurt by what is being written. It's outrageous. It's immoral not to stand up against the injustice in this case. Shame, shame on those posters.

[Sparks224]

46. The idea of race.

A lot of people don't realize that race is NOT a biological reality. It's a social reality, unfortunately, but there are no sub-species of modern humans, we are all the same animal. This destructive myth lives on, causing so much pain and suffering.
It's really a public education problem.

http://www.pbs.org/race/000_About/002_04-background-02-09.htm

[Spitfire of ATJ]

51. What's pathetic is the entire reaction to this has been to try to calm things down...

Like it's better to just make it all go away.

Next time?

Same thing.

[hollysmom]

54. usually these things are done in the dark with no news coverage, no notice

a lot of injustice, but now things are being recorded and in the light of day - how could they. Pretty soon poloce cars with come with signal blockers so you cant record.
I look at this again and again and for the life of me cannot understand how someone could not see it. The shooting of Tamir just makes me cry. Now after thanksgiving when I should be happy going into the holiday season, I am sitting in a funk, not cleaning not doing anything. It is not the land of the free when people are treated this way, it is more of a police state - and if you think they will never come for you - ha! I remember the 60's where whites were nothing special if they and long hair or beards. In NJ a white college kid was taken by the police and stripped and marched into different police stations where they were encouraged to make a brand so they could brand his body with the bent and heated paper clip. If one of the cops did not call for an end of it, I have n idea what would have happened to that kid, it was not like he was poor o black and could not complain (not meaning to be disparaging, just a comment on the historical behavior of police.). As it was, they had to let him go, take him home and he and his parents sued so many cities and the state - now when someone I think when someone complains, they have an accident and die. Especially if they are black. If you live, you can sue, if you die, what are they going to do? There is no on to tell your side.

[blkmusclmachine]

57. Trolls from Free Republikkk and RedState do post here, I am sure of it.

Don't take their hate to heart. If you do, the haters win.

[noiretextatique]

61. and to add insult to injury

we now have two white, male posters here claiming that a black man's fear of police is "irrational" and "ridiculous."

[PDJane]

66. Hell, I'm a white woman and I fear the cops. Why?

I married a man who became a cop. I am very glad that he doesn't live anywhere near me, though he is still in the same city. He was good with his fists, a control freak, and a man's man. He is a misogynist, and can't keep his fly zipped.

I have been almost arrested for taking aspirin at a public water fountain, warned to go home during the last G-20, because "the riots are going to start right after five o'clock, the cops were talking about it." Think about that for a few minutes!

Do I trust the police? Hell no. Don't trust them as far as I can see them. Don't trust the people who give them their orders either!

I tend to be with Claude Cockburn; "Never believe anything until it has been officially denied."

[Anonymous Martyr]

69. At the core it is not race but wealth and the inequality of opportunity.

I will agree that it becomes a race issue when white cops become afraid of black angry youth - who are just displaying a show of inability to be hurt by a system that keeps the masses in groups that lack opportunity. Where the race card should be played is when black = poor, just because they are easy to identify.
The system of justice in this country, starting with the police, has become corrupt through quick and easy profits like nearly every other social system has. The evils of short term profit to promote a pyramid of never ending growth deserves it's own thread. Ideally, if we are going to have a democratic government, let us have a strong government that is by the people, for the people, and protects the people - to the individual. The market, at least in accordance with social systems, should be social and paid for solely with taxes.
Policemen, like teachers, should be paid high salaries. It should take a four year degree to be a policeman. For gods sake these men are given guns and decide the fate of men.
When I heard that Wilson say that he was thinking out if he could legally kill Brown it made me sick. That seems to be the mentality of these cops. If they can legally kill someone they want dead they take the shot(s).

This is a major issue but as serious as it is it is another issue to keep our minds off topic of the real broken underpinnings of society in this US of A. Unless this country takes what equity it has left from the World Wars, and drops to a knee to apologize for it's imperialist sins, past and present, and offers to lead by example a world federalization of direct democracy with a social market system in all the political and social institutions, with a limited capitalist system controlled with regulation, and a speculative market that is channeled to protect diversity and the best products and services - a big unless - we will drop to both knees in the future where our ego and bombs become one.

[kwassa]

76. You're partially wrong.

Wealth exists because of inequality of opportunity, and while inequality of opportunity has many causes, race has been a prime source of unequal opportunity for the entire history of the United States, from the first colonization, right up to today. And into the far future, measured by the progress made so far.

[Anonymous Martyr]

90. I agree race inequality is a real issue

It is very difficult to raise a generation out of poverty. Blacks, starting out as slaves in this country, has certainly set them back more than most. In today's society there is a fine line between the middle class and poverty.
What I was trying to say was that the rich elite, who control the press - control the political football. They do all they can to keep the masses from understanding that this country is no longer in control by the politicians but those leaders of corporations that make their money off oil, weapons, the market, etc. Even MSNBC, a liberal minded station, will rarely touch upon the subject that this world species) is going to hell so to the policy of short term profit. This mindset destroys everything it touches - especially truth.

[Maraya1969]

70. As a white women I would like to apologize to you for the way you and other black

people have been treated here. Your post brought tears to my eyes. I see what happened in this grand jury facade. And I saw what happened with George Zimmerman and so many others. I feel sick about it.

Keep remembering that those who are racist have lower IQ's than the rest. It's the stupid people's character defect. (And just reading Albert Einstein's quotes that racism is a white people's disease felt good)

I also think that it is up to all of us, if we see a post that is racist that we speak up to that person. Or just present the facts to them. I have not been following DU for a while for other reasons but when I see a misguided person I try to step in if they are hurting someone and they are unaware of it.

We are all one.

[rbrnmw]

75. You are part of the solution not the problem

Don't apologize for fools you aren't one of them Much love and peace to you

[steve2470]

91. + 10000000000000000000000000000000 ! nt

[marym625]

83. I am sorry I brought up McCulloch with cops

It detracted from your post and was totally unnecessary to bring up.

[rbrnmw]

86. is OK

[marym625]

87. Thank you.

Last edited Sun Nov 30, 2014, 08:19 PM - Edit history (1)

I appreciate that. But it wasn't ok.