Dear Black People,

[scarletwoman]

If you want to protest, please check with us first for advice on how to do it properly. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Your White Liberal Allies

P.S. Please vote for our candidate.

[Control-Z]

1. Great OP!

You should probably use the sarcasm thingy though before someone uses it as an opportunity to alert on you.

[scarletwoman]

4. Surely that can't be necessary.

I'll take my chances.

Anyway, thank you for your kind reply.

[Control-Z]

7. Very brave of you!

I'll keep my fingers crossed. I've just seen so many crazy alerts and hides lately.

[Comatose Sphagetti]

88. It is necessary - and don't call me Shirley.

Sorry, couldn't let that one pass.

[marym625]

216. Shirley, you jest!

She's not even on this thread! .

[AgingAmerican]

2. Not at all necessary

However some preliminary research on the folks being protested would probably help the cause, IMHO.

But you know what they say about opinions...

[pnwmom]

77. Are you implying that anybody failed to do research on the "folks being protested"?

[MADem]

112. There is an ugly rumor, created by the Washington TIMES (that right wing shitrag)

that OOOOOOOOH George SOROS paid OOOOOOOOH BLACK PEOPLE to OOOOOOOOOOH disrupt and protest!!! The implication (we're asked to pull a non-existent string, here) is that SOROS did this to HELP HILLARY!!! OOOOOOH!!!

Snopes has debunked that accusation, but it isn't stopping some people here from repeating it.

Hot off the right wing griddle, that one is!!!! Getcher FUD here!!!

[sufrommich]

120. Of course the right wing thinks Soros is behind this,

they think Soros is behind everything.

[Freelancer]

203. It's the illuminati, but keep that to yourself -- nt

[zappaman]

125. It's Hillary who conspired to ambush Sanders.

I read it on DU!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251457253

[MADem]

128. LOL!!!

Like I always say, Consider The Source!!!!

[sufrommich]

134. Also, BLMs own membership was "very critical" of the actions

of a few bad seeds:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=460158

[AgingAmerican]

123. Why heckle someone who agrees with you?

...and has done so unwaveringly for almost 50 years? Did they not know he had addressed those very same issues the day before?

[scarletwoman]

144. They weren't "heckling".

When you're standing there figuratively surrounded by the bloodied bodies of your slaughtered sisters and brothers, chanting their names, you don't need to hear policy statements. You need to get someone to feel what you feel, in their gut and their heart.

[Freelancer]

202. Sorry. Opportunity missed. All I saw was anger and rudeness.

Hope I was alone in that take of the event, though, since the cause is certainly just. My bad.

I'll try harder to see the figurative bodies at the next protest ... during the yelling.

[heaven05]

96. I agree with the OP

because I been researching my "allies" and politicians alleged going to do miracles when they win after getting my voter, time after time for 40 years. No miracles yet after 250 years.

[MADem]

103. You mean like the "research" the Washington Times did, and SNOPES debunked? That research? nt

[AgingAmerican]

124. No, I mean research into Bernies public statements on the matter

Like the one he made the day before, where he addressed the issues they were demanding he talk about.

[MADem]

136. I've said this before, and I will say it again.

The appropriate response to "BLACK LIVES MATTER" is not "YES ....BUT!!!!!!"

Not "Yes but White Lives matter TOOOOOOOO"

Not "Yes but I marched with King!!!"

Not "Yes but I voted for civil rights/voting rights legislation"

Not "Yes but we'll get to that if you just vote for MEEEEEEE"

The appropriate response is YES, THEY DO. Tell me how I can help.

And then, the next appropriate thing to do is shut up and let people speak their damn truth, without having to couch it in words that won't shatter the fragile white attitudes with harsh reality.

If white people would just shut up and listen, they'd get an earful of hurt and pain and anger. Out of that, they may have a hope of UNDERSTANDING.

But no one moves forward until that exchange begins. It ain't going to begin so long as the YES BUT crew is on patrol.

[AgingAmerican]

143. Until they do it to Hillary

At which time the 'rules' you just laid out suddenly won't apply.

[Scootaloo]

146. Interesting project

Plug "Code Pink clinton Netroot" into Du's search and see what comes up.

[MADem]

148. Oh, please. She's smart enough to listen.

It's how she got her first elected gig, after all. She LISTENS before she tells people "Yes BUT..."


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/hillary070799.htm

She kicked off this campaign in the same way.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillary-clintons-van-tour-to-iowa/

http://time.com/3828914/hillary-clinton-listening-tour/

She also does internal polling to gauge the concerns of voters and ensure she's communicating effectively. Some people will actually try to twist that into a "bad" thing; to ...you know...LISTEN to people. Because Hillary doncha know...

[shaayecanaan]

150. She's smart enough not to rock up in the first place

unless she has a bevy of security guards primed to crack people's heads like crayfish.

[MADem]

161. She's done that rodeo before. It's not her venue and she knows it.

She does know how to listen, though.

Others should try it, sometime.

[shaayecanaan]

167. She certainly does know how to listen

5-degree head tilt, pursed lips, concerned look, periodically nodding. Soft focus, stirring music in the background.

She's got it down to a fine art.

[MADem]

168. Snark doesn't become you.

Listening made her the Senator from NY. Too bad if you don't like how she does it.

And it beats mouthing off with "YES BUT" when people say "Black lives matter."

[artislife]

201. *chortle nt

[AgingAmerican]

153. So it doesn't apply to Hillary

Just as I said.

Here is how Hillary deals with hecklers: Well, not really a heckler, just a guy who stood with his back to her in protest.

[MADem]

160. What did I just say? Your "So it doesn't apply" is YOUR conclusion. All By Yourself.

Looks like you need a lesson in learning how to listen, too.

[AgingAmerican]

206. Spare us the mental gymnastics

nt

[MADem]

208. "Us?"

You got a squirrel in your pocket?

Speak for yourself; don't play like you're the leader of the band, here.

And if you think that's "mental gymnastics" then you'd better go have a lie-down.

[AgingAmerican]

218. Us

nt

[MADem]

219. Who died and made you boss?

I guess All Our Base Are Belong To YOU, then...?

[AgingAmerican]

220. Us

nt

[Bobbie Jo]

222. Wrong

[Freelancer]

205. Yes, but I'm a white guy -- totally wanting to be with you on this, and you're losing me completely

This line of protest is turning me off hard. And believe me, I want to be with you. I keep flipping that switch to on ... I read a little farther, and flip, there it goes again -- that old bull s#!% circuit breaker gets tripped again. And if a hard core white liberal like me is not being moved by the argument defending the BLM protest at Netroots, then I guarantee you something in your argument needs to be rethought.

I am never going to understand what you've been through -- no matter how much "damn truth" I listen to, or how much "damn truth" I witness being spat at politicians I'm interested in. It's just never going to happen. The best that can be hoped for is to keep people like me (white guys) on your side -- like pit crew. I'm willing to turn wrenches for you. Just stop throwing s#!$ at me. Alright?

[rateyes]

221. +1

[Bobbie Jo]

3. Recommended.

[Number23]

87. Since you were early in, I don't know if you've had a chance to see the yowls downthread but

I highly recommend doing so.

[Bobbie Jo]

108. OFFS

Some people just don't have an internal warning system that says STOP.

[brush]

5. Perfect!

So to the point.

[truebrit71]

6. Dear OP, thanks for stirring the shit...

This is really not helpful.

[boston bean]

8. Righteousness, is stirring the shit to some...

wokay!!

[scarletwoman]

10. Oh, I don't know. If you've been reading all the threads here that have been posted about

the BLM protest at yesterday's NN15 event, you'll see that there's been lots of shit piling up.

I'm an old gardener, when there's piles of shit sitting around, it needs to be stirred so it can be used to fertilize new growth.

[GoneOffShore]

11. Perfect response!

[scarletwoman]

16. Thank you. :)

[cherokeeprogressive]

20. At least you admit to shit-stirring. That's better than most. n/t

[Spitfire of ATJ]

83. It only stirs shit with people who are full of it.

[cherokeeprogressive]

104. Oooh.

Too clever by half.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

179. Must be the Crow in me.

[scarletwoman]

181. !!!

[heaven05]

99. +100

[Walk away]

26. Wow! Another Black person speaking their mind!

Don't they know that Bernie is their savior? They should sit down and shut up!

[Skittles]

149. the OP author is not black

[Walk away]

214. I think that goes without saying....

Mine was a sarcastic reply to a sarcastic OP!

[heaven05]

97. Oh, yes it is.

[MADem]

114. It is not "stirring the shit" to make note of the very real concepts of

white fragility and white privilege.

It's past time people learn to take a walk in the other person's shoes. If they would do this on occasion, there wouldn't be so much push-back when people try to tell their truth.

The response to "Black Lives Matter" is not "Yeah, but-but-but WHITE LIVES matter TOOOOO..."

White lives have always mattered--that's why the police aren't killing them left and right.

[notadmblnd]

9. Shaking my damn head.

sarcasm or not, was this really necessary?

[scarletwoman]

14. Yes, I think it is.

When I read numerous posts from various DUers giving "advice" to the protestors, when I read other DUers posting that they were wrong or bad or "asses" (an actual post, but I won't link to it), when I read more complaints about how Sanders was treated rather than any actual consideration given to the why of the protest, when I read other posts impugning their motives and speculating that they were being manipulated behind the scenes as a political tactic - and on and on and on...

Well, then I think this is necessary. Because people posting that stuff are definitely not getting it.

[MADem]

119. Do you understand the reference? I get the impression you don't. Let me give you a link.

[JustAnotherGen]

12. This is great and I rec'd it

I'm an O'Malley supporter and I'm not the least bit phased by this.

But - my candidate wouldn't be where he is without black voters. Look at the demographics of Baltimore and MD.

If he's not phased - why should I be?

I hope he beats Clinton and Sanders to the punch and invites the founders of the movement and organizers of the protest to the young leadership event he's having at the end of the month.

[cwydro]

19. When used in this context: it's "fazed"

Not phased.

Just sayin.

[boston bean]

23. How tender. spelling correcter or is that corrector.. or is it something else?

be still my beating heart!

[JustAnotherGen]

212. I didn't change it - I think that's a GD host

Paying nice with him/her since I'm on MIRT.

[JustAnotherGen]

29. Thanks - I'm not fazed by you

Now about the VRA - where is it on Sander's site again?

Trick question.

[cwydro]

33. Actually, I've never

been to Sanders' site.

No idea what you might be referring to here.

[JustAnotherGen]

36. Oh the Voting Rights Act

Putting it back the way it was -,you are aware the SCOTUS attacked it - correct?

Sanders doesn't have a word about it.

It's not what you've done for me in the past - its what have you done for me lately.

I'm not familiar with you as a poster so is it safe to say the VRA isn't an issue for you?

Or is it?

I thought this was a major issue this election.

Must only be for O'Malley supporters.

[cwydro]

39. Ok.

[heaven05]

105. from the response

he like many doesn't care about voting rights that impact AA voters. True to form on all issues relating to and that help POC be viable contributors to american society instead of ending up hung in a Texas jail cell..

[ms liberty]

129. He doesn't have anything on his campaign website as yet...

I could not find it on a quick search, but the Google was made for that, and provides an answer. I looked, just for you! He's been talking about this, and working to try and change it with his colleagues in the Senate. The first page that came up on a Google search for "Bernie Sanders voting rights act" came up with numerous articles with direct, on point comments by Bernie dating from 2013 to 2015. I didn't go beyond the first page, I wasn't that into looking at multiple pages, a quick search was enough. I wouldn't choose a candidate by what is on their campaign website, but I didn't need to look it up for myself, anyway. I've been watching Bernie for 15 years at least, and not because I thought he was ever going to run for President. I know where he stands, and how he has worked in the House and now the Senate, on all the issues. That's why he is my choice in the primary.

[JustAnotherGen]

209. Neither you nor I would choose a candidate based on that

But low information voters will.

[shaayecanaan]

118. Neither me

They both should have handled it better than they did. Its pretty undergraduate stuff that they all should have seen before.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

13. Idiotic. Protest however you want...

but if you do something counter-productive (attacking someone ON your side), don't be surprised if you hear about it.

[scarletwoman]

15. Perfect!

My OP is for you!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

24. And for those in this thread just shared by Puglover?

1StrongBlackMan (21,356 posts)

68. So ...

Maybe you can tell this civil rights veteran ... When did yelling become effective or even reasonable political discourse?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022950725#post68

Oh, dear.

[JustAnotherGen]

32. Oh my

Of all the posts - you picked a 1strong post.

So - he's right in that instance?

Was he right then?

[WorseBeforeBetter]

42. Ask him. Was Michelle's heckler right? Was #BLM right?

I LOVE a good protest (Moral Mondays in particular), but I'm well-informed enough NOT to attack a politician on my side. That would be like me attacking Sanders or Warren on protecting Social Security, when the focus needs to be on Republicans and Barack "Chained CPI" Obama.

[JustAnotherGen]

49. I was asking your opinion

Was he right back then? In your opinion.

I'm fully on board with O'Malley - and I'm fine with the protest.

Much like President Obama - he has grit. I know he can take it and doesn't need me to protect his virtue.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

106. I'm a former Marylander, and O'Malley's my second choice.

Bernie's "virtue" isn't in need of protection... is that the latest anti-Sanders meme? That he's some sort of shrinking violet who can't take it? THAT'S funny. If anyone thinks that, they need to bone up a little -- make that A LOT -- on Bernie Sanders.

Politics is rough. I expect hecklers and protesters. But not against someone unequivocally ON YOUR SIDE. Seriously, it defies logic. Either this Phoenix crew is completely uninformed, or their little stunt was just an exercise in bashing white liberals. Yawn. Won't change my efforts to get Sanders elected. Or O'Malley, should he win the primary.

[JustAnotherGen]

163. And if Bernie wins

I'll GOTV

[WorseBeforeBetter]

177. Which goes to show, all this ginned-up division is just that...

ginned-up division. Those who know how high the stakes are aren't playing the game.

[JustAnotherGen]

210. Depends on the stakes

For you it's a fear of means testing in regards to Social Security.

For me - it's basic civil rights. Basic shit that needs to be taken off the table forever. The ability to vote is basic. It is not a privilege.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

228. If Social Security is cut, blacks (and Latinos) will be the hardest hit.

It's not just for me.

[JustAnotherGen]

229. And it's hasn't been cut has it?

Obama didn't do that to you.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

230. You don't grasp that Republicans and ConservaDems...

have Social Security -- further dismantling of the New Deal -- in their sights? Plus "fixes" to Medicare? Seriously?

[JustAnotherGen]

231. You don't know what I do or do not grasp

I dare you to google my user name - social security . . . Do a DU advanced search.

See what comes up. I've been consistent about this since I joined.

I'm cold an analytical about it - and that shows I might get it more than you do - as I have skin in the game.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

232. You have skin in the game? So do I.

So do the blacks and Latinos who will be hurt most if there are cuts. Bernie Sanders gets it, and it's one of the biggies as to why I support him over Hillary.

[JustAnotherGen]

233. Black women and Latino women who didn't have my father

The one who walked me through a tough salary negotiation?

They've been paid less - they will get less. It has been deliberate and malicious. White women too - have the same issue. That's when Lily Ledbetter figured out she got the shaft - at Social Security time. It was too late to sue.

What do you attach to my SS idea?

A paycheck fairness act.

And my skin in the game? I'm your magic negro woman! I would still be paying into SS this year If they raised the cap.

The magic negro woman who stops paying in every year in May or June -

Who believes the easiest thing in the world to do to expand SS and lower the age is to tax me.

You are talking about "saving". That's sooooo 2006.

I'm talking about EXPANDING.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

234. "Magic negro woman"... that should be your screen name.

Raise the cap. Lower the age. Tax the wealthy.

Saving. Expanding. Frame it however you want. It needs to be done.

[JustAnotherGen]

235. I'd get alerted!

Really we are on the same side here. I just want a really expansive system for the elderly, those in poverty, and the working poor. I don't want to save - I want bigger programs - and we need it now for our Boomers!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

236. LOL Hell, I was afraid I'd be alerted for quoting you!

Yes, some on DU seem to be *that* sensitive these days. And yes, we are on the same side!

[Number23]

84. Edit

1SBM has the same fan club that I do, apparently.

Wonder why that is?????

[shaayecanaan]

155. I think you've just hit on the nub of it

I imagine for people for whom race is the supreme, critical issue, their inclination is to sympathise with the BLM protest. For people for whom GLBT issues are their number-one priority, they are probably inclined to sympathise with the Ellen Sturtz protest.

Once you move beyond those respective core constituencies, you find people who probably agree with the sentiments expressed, but disagree with the methods being used. Apparently this was the general reaction from the audience to both protests.

Apparently then, these sorts of protests appeal to those who are already extremely sympathetic to the cause, but serve to piss just about everyone else off (which may still be a worthwhile objective in the near term). It would seem to be a self-limiting approach, however, if your ultimate aim is to actually win over some people outside of that committed audience.

[JustAnotherGen]

162. No words

[shaayecanaan]

176. "All mass movements are competitive"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_True_Believer

All of us are at least sympathetic to gay rights, global warming, women's rights, racial equality and income equality (those are probably the big five).

But of course, its probably unrealistic to expect any movement on all of those, and indeed most presidents serve out their time without putting much of a dent in any of them.

So left wing politics, more or less, is dedicated to putting one's pet cause at the top of the tree, and shitting on everyone else's to the maximal extent possible without overtly being seen to be doing so.

[JustAnotherGen]

211. Voting rights for blacks and Hispanics in this country

The left loses us in a place like PA (on the table in 2012) -

The Republicans win for the rest of my life. Nothing else the Left wants gets done.

[1StrongBlackMan]

172. Interesting that you would select that post ...

rather than, this one (which was in the same sub-thread): http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022950725#post45

[WorseBeforeBetter]

178. Not really. Puglover highlights it below.

I want the answer to this:

When did yelling become effective or even reasonable political discourse?

It's the double-standard embraced by some that interests me. Yelling at black First Lady -- unacceptable. Yelling at white Presidential candidate -- acceptable.

[1StrongBlackMan]

192. You find those examples similiar? ...

Question: When did the First Lady become an elected office?

[shaayecanaan]

200. and the other protest was on a Tuesday, not a Wednesday

totally different things.

[shaayecanaan]

191. That's the really shitty thing about words

after you say them, other people can quote them.

[1StrongBlackMan]

193. Yes and even shittier ... the words can, and frequent are, quoted completely without context. n/t

[shaayecanaan]

199. I know, right?

When did yelling become effective or even reasonable political discourse?

Whoever could have anticipated that such a statement could lend itself to other contexts?

[arcane1]

225. It only applies to gay people.

Or something

[shaayecanaan]

226. Those damn uppity gays (nt)

[LiberalAndProud]

73. You say it was counterproductive.

And I suppose for partisans like us on this site, it was.

We here take our candidates part and will look on this as a personal affront. But Sandra Bland's death hits too close to my home to wonder if Bernie's feelings were hurt. She's dead and she shouldn't be. Choose a venue to bring that to national attention.

#BLM did good.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

121. Bernie Sanders is a tough SOB... he can handle it.

And I'm pretty sure that NO ONE on this board who thinks yesterday's stunt wasn't too bright is objecting because of Sanders' possible hurt feelings. Seriously, people need to bone up on Bernie Sanders.

How much play is this getting on cable news? Was it covered on the nightly news? Is it really getting national attention, or just something that lit up political junkies on Twitter?

[Hatchling]

17. smilie inside

[RobertEarl]

18. I have heard that before

As a 'radical environmentalist' I have been told where and when I should speak and what I should speak about. Same shit, different battle.

Speak out BLM, speak out loud and clear. Speak to Bernie because he will be the next President and he needs to know you have a voice.

[scarletwoman]

21. Thank you! This is great:

Speak out BLM, speak out loud and clear. Speak to Bernie because he will be the next President and he needs to know you have a voice.

Excellent!

[PADemD]

34. Why wait until Bernie is elected?

Many will die before then.

Protest now to President Obama and Loretta Lynch, the person who can do the most to remedy the situation.

[cwydro]

217. My thoughts as well.

Obama has been in office for two terms. There have been two black attorney generals, but the candidates are supposed to somehow fix things?

Speak to those in power NOW.

[Puglover]

22. What was the ladies name that was heckling Michelle Obama?

One of many of the OP's that talked about this.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022950725#post45

I cannot wait to read the consistency between the two threads.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

25. This thread just got interesting.

Good find.

[azmom]

28. Wow. What an eye opener. People

Want to see, what they want to see.

[Mojorabbit]

37. ! nt

[beam me up scottie]

38. Oh. My. God.

Are you fucking kidding me???

Thank you, Puglover.

And I'm sorry that this is being done to any minority class on DU.

[progressoid]

46. Whoops!

Interesting find.

[sufrommich]

51. A "how come black people can do it" post.

How original. And we move closer and closer to the edge.

[Number23]

85. "And we move closer and closer to the edge." Some folks have been on that edge for a while!

[shaayecanaan]

142. or a "how come lesbians can't do it" thread

depending on your point of view.

[MisterP]

63. lesbian privilege!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022959015

[Puglover]

66. ...

[azmom]

67. Good god, now I read everything.

[beam me up scottie]

70. "Yes that was Privilege, her issues or nothing. Privileged and arrogant."

sheshe2 (25,500 posts)
5. Yes.

Everything is not about Ellen Sturtz. The world does not revolve around her and her issues. The stop gap measure that she wants signed, would not be worth the paper when the next President walks in and flushes it.

This President works through the courts to make bills law. Ones like DOMA.

Ellen believes that the Plight of Inner City Children, and yes that was what First Lady was addressing, are nothing! Inner City Children do not concern Ellen. It's about her and her cause , or it's nothing.

Yes that was Privilege, her issues or nothing. Privileged and arrogant.

She was rude and disrespectful to a woman that actually does support equality for all. Her mistake.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2960061

So lgbt people are privileged and arrogant because THEY had the nerve to speak up.

Good to know that only some people on DU are worth defending.

[MADem]

127. That lesbian disruptor was disrupting an event hosted by a lesbian couple.

So....what was that you were saying about privilege?

Sounds to me like a lesbian was behaving rudely in the home of her lesbian hosts, and the guests at the party--which included a number of LBT people (it was an event for LBT people specifically) --weren't feeling the disruptor's protest.

The Democratic National Committee billed the private fundraiser as a LBT Women's Discussion and Reception with the first lady. LBT means lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Tickets ranged from $500 to $10,000, according to a DNC official.

Schaffer, 59, and Dixon, 48, who are married, previously opened their Washington home for a fundraiser for President Barack Obama in February 2012. Another high-profile lesbian, Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, introduced the president then.

Schaffer is the founder of SOS Rhino, an international nonprofit that works to preserve the Sumatran rhinoceros. Dixon is on the board of Lambda Legal, which promotes civil rights for the LGBT community.

Dixon, in an interview Wednesday, said the disruption was "completely inappropriate and unnecessary." "You don't get to play the lesbian card when you're at a fundraiser with the first lady at a lesbian couple's private home," she said.

Dixon said she spoke to Michelle Obama afterward, telling her "I thought that she handled it beautifully."

"She rocked it," Dixon added.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-06-06/news/ct-met-michelle-obama-heckler-20130606_1_michelle-obama-first-lady-private-fundraiser

So, yeah. Whatever.

[shaayecanaan]

188. Exactly. You can't play the lesbian card in a lesbian house.

You can't play the lesbian card at a Republican gathering either. They'll just call the police.

So figuring out exactly when to play the lesbian card is a fine art. You want to be on territory friendly enough that they'll feel squeamish enough about stomping on you, but not so friendly that you're basically shitting in your own shoebox.

I don't think that BLM would have disrupted proceedings if Sanders was addressing the NAACP, for example.

[MADem]

190. It's not about the people on the stage so much as how the audience feels about the exchange.

If the audience feels there's something worth saying, they'll get behind a protest. If the audience feels that the person/people on the stage are getting slammed or sandbagged, they'll say that, too.

I agree with your point about the NAACP--of course, they probably would have had a whole Q and A worked out on the topic of BLM, with a good dose of "candidate listening" leading off the program in the first place. A sort of "This is how we feel--OK, now you can react to it" type of exchange.

Both candidates could have defused that scenario by asking the protesters to line up, take the mic and speak their truth, and then acknowledged their input and insight.

It sure beats getting defensive when someone wants to simply express that there IS a problem and it IS getting worse, not better.

[shaayecanaan]

195. Yes

I didn't mind the protest in terms of assessing the reactions to it. Sanders was his usual, churlish self. No real surprises there. O'Malley really fucked it up, I thought. He's supposed to be the guy who goes over well with black voters. He didn't go over too well this time.

And yes, the appropriate thing would have been to hand over a mic and let them have their say. That is the way that universities generally operate once someone has successfully disrupted proceedings. But then again at universities this sort of disruption is so commonplace that security moves in pretty much straight away. The audiences acquiesce because otherwise it would be impossible for anyone to speak at length.

[KittyWampus]

72. Codepink on their comments telling how black women should behave

Since you brought up Ellen Sturtz.

Telling black people how they should vote, protest, behave seems like a current topic here on DU.

And over the years many, many DU'ers have fully supported Code Pink's protests. Even when it's been Democrats.

BTW, I am ambivalent about the BLM protestors from yesterday.


CODEPINK Statement Regarding Twitter

Posted by Alli

We would like to apologize for our recent actions that displayed an undeniable insensitivity to persons of color, especially women of color.

As an organization, we strive to speak truth to power and stand for human rights for all. We respect intersectionality and strive to stay aware of the many forms of privilege among our group. We would like to make an unequivocal apology to Michelle Obama, Alicia Keys, and everyone who took offense to messages we posted on Twitter.

By tweeting about how Michelle Obama “should have” responded to Ellen Sturtz’s interruption, we behaved in such a way that reflected a long history of white women dictating how Black women should behave. Our actions were not in keeping with our own values as an organization. While yesterday’s interruption was not a CODEPINK action, it is exemplary of CODEPINK tactics, and the way we responded to it was insensitive and thoughtless.

When the process of petitioning, lobbying and writing letters fails, and when mainstream media ignores the real issues, interruptions of high-profile officials are one tactic to make our voices heard. Because it crosses the line of agreed-upon civility, this tactic is always messy.

We appreciate all the people who gave us instant feedback over Twitter and it has been and will continue to be a learning opportunity for CODEPINK. We are immediately reviewing our process and criteria for social media use, as an organization, and we invite any of our our critics to speak with us directly about issues of race and privilege in order to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

Onward to peace and justice,

The CODEPINK Staff

http://codepink.org/blog/?p=63489&preview=true

[beam me up scottie]

74. Any thoughts on the staggering hypocrisy of HC supporters?

Telling ANY minority to shut up and sit down is unacceptable.

The fact that the same posters who did it to lgbt people then are screaming bloody murder now tells me everything I need to know about their character and what's important to them.

They think this is a fucking game.

[KittyWampus]

76. No, cause an equally large number of Sanders supporters who are butthurt

after last night protest were fine with Code Pink demonstrating.

The hypocrisy is across the board as far as I can tell.

I was taught a lesson a while back on DU about seeming to tell black people how to act. I learned the hard way.

Right now a lot of Sanders supporters on DU seem determined not to 'get it'.

[beam me up scottie]

80. I am fine with BLM protests but I am also fine with lgbt people using the same methods.

Like I said, no minority should be told how to speak their minds.

[KittyWampus]

91. I am ambivalent about the protestors last night.

But how about you and I not bicker any more tonight.

I'll buy you an adult beverage of your choice!

[beam me up scottie]

95. :) I didn't think we were bickering.

But I could really use an adult beverage right about now.

[Puglover]

78. I am with you (don't faint)

I don't give a flying fig how people protest......BLM included.

Protesting ain't a tea party with finger sandwitches.

I just like people's rather obvious cognitive dissonance about the two situations.

[KittyWampus]

94. Yes. And I bet Bernie recognized his young self in those protestors.

He really is an old leftie radical

[Puglover]

107. I'll bet he did.

I'll have you know I protested Spiro Agnew at the Cedar Rapids airport when I was a sophomore in High School.

[arcane1]

86. I wish I could say I was shocked by the inconsistency

The outrage can be very selective indeed!

[AtheistCrusader]

100. Love it. I love it when you get to see what people really are.

[heaven05]

109. as usual

false equivalent to distract from the real point of the demonstration. I'm so sorry we're not demonstrating as you wish we would...

[MADem]

122. IIRC, the "crowd" was with Michelle, not the heckler.

Doesn't matter what her name was.


All that matters is how the room felt about the exchange.

[lunamagica]

27. K&R. This is it, in a nutshell

[MisterP]

30. right, 'cause Sanders backers are ALL about being patronizing and about controlling Black people

podría ser ladino o homosexual o blanco o negro o de cualquier otro "grupo permitido"
si se ceba algo morda

[scarletwoman]

31. Have you read some of the posts?

I'm a Sanders supporter and I've been absolutely appalled and embarrassed by what some fellow supporters have posted since yesterday.

[Cheese Sandwich]

40. Likewise,

I'm a Bernie supporter but simply can't get behind some of the recent posts.

When people are being oppressed and abused by cops and the courts, they have to speak by whatever means they can. Internet liberals who scold black protesters for being "disrespectful" and stuff like that, they don't realize how patronizing it sounds.

[scarletwoman]

45. Well said.

Patronizing is right - it's been absolutely excruciating reading some of this stuff!

[artislife]

79. Hear hear

[erronis]

44. Just a tiny question: How do you know that they are really "fellow supporters"

Unless you have dealt with these "people" over a few years, I wouldn't trust anybody's moniker or self-stated position more than I would yours.

I realize that having 10,000+ posts in ones lede does give some credence - I'm amazed that most working people have that much time on their hands to be so involved!

[scarletwoman]

52. Because I know them, I'm familiar with what they post.

I've been here since 2001, so yes, I've dealt with lots of people over the years. If someone is faking, it always comes out eventually.

[TM99]

173. Thankfully,

there have not been that many.

And as a POC I understand two points that are being made, no matter how clumsily they are being communicated.

1) This needs to be done EVERYWHERE! I mean it. Not just NrN and that one Town Hall. It needs be done at as many Town Halls as possible and with all candidates, and yes, I do mean Clinton as well. It needs to be done at the Conventions, and it really does need to be done at GOP events.

2) Post New Left activism is different that the New Left activism of 1960's through the 1980's. We did not challenge our allies to check their privilege. We formed coalitions with our allies to fight the oppression of us all from our enemies over there, not in here. Yes, that is a different process.

So knowing that I try to see what they are saying as being more in line with that as opposed to being an insult to us minorities and the BlackLivesMatter movement.

I want everyone here on our side.

[LiberalAndProud]

35. Hello, fellow Sanders supporter.

If you insist on making this all about our candidate, we will lose. What happened yesterday was not about Bernie or Martin or Hillary and I think they all know it. If they don't, they should. The OP is right and we will do well to stop yelling at each other and listen for a minute.

[scarletwoman]

41. Nicely said.

[LiberalAndProud]

43. OT

Totally off topic, but I think I love you.

[scarletwoman]

47. Oh gosh! You just brought a huge smile to my face!

[Gothmog]

48. Great OP

[jalan48]

50. LOL-or better yet just don't show up at our event.

[scarletwoman]

55. Way to be inclusive!

That will win those black folks over!

[jalan48]

56. I was thinking of Hillary.

[scarletwoman]

57. What does Hillary have to do with it?

[jalan48]

58. Oh, I thought you were talking about the Netroots event yesterday?

[scarletwoman]

60. Yes I am. It had nothing to do with Hillary.

[jalan48]

61. Oh. my mistake. Who does it have to do with then?

[scarletwoman]

62. Black Lives Matter. And the various reactions to their protest that have been posted.

Some good, too many ridiculous.

[jalan48]

64. Ok-my bad. I thought you were refering to Sanders and O'Malley.

Which is why I suggested if they hadn't attended the event it wouldn't have mattered to them.

[heaven05]

113. Sandra Bland

Last edited Tue Jul 21, 2015, 04:25 PM - Edit history (1)

won't be showing up because she had conquered the economic injustice usually levied against a person of color that people are saying will stop racism, but that job didn't stop the racism or her death. That's really the point of demonstrating to the candidates that insist that economic equality will bring racial equality. GO #Black Lives Matter...be who you are.....don't let the so called allies steal your fire or prerogatives to be angry, very fucking angry.

[jalan48]

133. I totally agree. It's an issue that needs to be addressed.

My comment was in reference to Sanders and O'Malley being at the event and Hillary being AWOL. I mistakenly thought the emphasis of BLM was on Sanders and O'Malley, when in reality it was about the issue of the mistreatment of blacks by law enforcement. I'm glad to see the Bland family calling for an independent autopsy, hopefully it will help shine the light on what went on at that police station.

[DCBob]

53. Nice!

[m-lekktor]

54. I am a Bernie supporter and fully support what BLM did and plans to do!

I believe in their cause. I always supported Code Pink, Ray McGovern etc and i would be a hypocrite to all of a sudden criticize BLM even if i think Bernie has waaaaay more civil rights cred than Hillary Clinton. On the other hand, how partisans on DU choose to take the actions of BLM and use it as cover for disingenuous contrived bullshit is another story.

good post, btw!

[scarletwoman]

59. Thank you! I think what BLM did yesterday was perfect, and I'm not at all concerned about Bernie.

I have faith in him to know what do and do it right.

[artislife]

65. On point

This side of the Bernie supporters is not sitting well with me.


Fortunately, I think it is a rather small, highly sensative and maybe young crowd.


Maybe because I am a Latina/white mixed person in an area that really doesn't have a large community (Seattle), I am used to not being addressed by my local politicians. They talk a little about what is happening on the right side of the mountains in the agriculture valleys but not in the urban setting.

My brother lives in LA, which is very different, obviously.

So I see PoC issues as kind of mine. Though, I would never entertain that my experience is anywhere as lethal, vile and soul crushing as yours. I just get sh*t a little bit.

Small story--sorry--I used to love Gone with the Wind. I had a friend and we would watch it over and over, we would say on line and the other would respond. Years later, I was watching it and I thought my best friend Tonya should come over and we could watch it together. I started to imagine how she would like this scene and that one. In doing so, I put myself in her shoes. And I finally saw how patronizing, Southern glorifying and racist it was. I have never watched it again


I like to think I was aware....but that showed me that there was still plenty to be aware about. Still now.


Keep pushing.

[scarletwoman]

82. Thank you for your thoughtful post!

I just need to clear up one thing right away, I'm white - just plain, unmixed white. I'm very sorry if I in any way gave the impression that I was a person of color. It's my fellow white liberals that have me banging my head, some of the stuff that's been posted since yesterday. All I'm trying to do is break through the consciousness of some of my own people.

I live in rural Minnesota near an Indian Reservation. I've had much more direct knowledge and contact with anti-Native bigotry than with the racism directed at black people - and while the situtations are different, the prejudice is still toxic.

Thank you for your story about Gone with the Wind. Waking up happens like that, and there's always more waking up to do. The key, I think, is to keep honing and deepening our empathy.

Peace.

[artislife]

93. Then you live near my grandfather's people...the Ojibwas

My grandfather married a Mexican woman and their son married an Irish/ Scotch Irish woman.

And that is who I am.


But I do believe it is up to us, the ones who are not affected to fight the hardest. One of my spiritual practice meditations was to number off all the things in the universe I am grateful for that has no impact on my life.

I carried that to look at fighting hard for the injustices faced in this world that has no impact on my life.

And that is why it is important for me to fight for Black lives matter because I have no wound to be torn open as they do. My heart carries the injustices but my soul has not been impaled like the AA community has.



Thanks for understanding that Tonya is AA.

[heaven05]

115. welcome ally!!!!!

[artislife]

183. Thanks for the welcome

[Control-Z]

180. That was raw and honest.

Thank you for sharing. It is commendable that you figured that out on your own for the love of a friend. Would we each have a moment of clarity such as yours...

Imagine

[artislife]

182. Thank you

[Bluenorthwest]

68. It bears pointing out that LGBT people have always been soundly criticized on DU for any disruption

of any event. It has happened many times, and to be blunt about it, many people on DU are currently demonstrating their situational ethics. Plenty of history on the subject of 'interrupting famous politicians' on DU.

[azmom]

69. +1. Situational ethics is a nice way

Of putting it.

[mmonk]

71. I'm curious. How do you feel about the characterizations all over the internet

about Bernie Sanders supporters all being aloof elitist white progressives who don't care about Black Lives or can't get it? I wasn't going to post in GD Primaries anymore but the thought occurred to me. Is it really that accurate about our campaign? With that, I bid you a good day and carry on the good fight. I'll try not to take things too seriously.

[scarletwoman]

110. Sadly, some of what I'd read since yesterday actually does fit the description of not getting it.

It's bothered me a lot, since I'm a Sanders supporter too, and I want us all to be honorable in our advocacy. What I've seen far too much of is whining butthurt about the protestors not being "respectful", or some such nonsense. Not to mention, LOTS of patronizing judgements about how the BLM protestors didn't do it right.

Instead of stepping back and actually thinking about the real meaning of what those protestors were doing, what motivated them, what their message was about, people were scrambling to defend Bernie's honor. Even worse, implying there was some of sort of sinister political machination behind the action of the protestors, designed to make Bernie look bad!

So, I've been reading all this stuff, and thinking, WTF? Way to miss the message that was right there, in front of us, in the moment, in our faces! We're all worried about US and our candidate, and just glossing right over the righteous anger and pain those protestors we're trying to get all of us to hear and feel.

Bernie can come out of this just fine if he's as skillful and open and empathetic as we think he is. The only way this could hurt him is if he fails to take their message to heart. I have faith that he won't.

We don't need to be worrying about Bernie, we need to be worrying and thinking about how we can be of use to those protestors who challenged us to really see and hear them, and prove to them that we DO get it.

[mmonk]

116. Hope you are correct. I was reading the comments on the Think Progress editor lecturing a Sanders

supporter. Would hate for important messages of Bernie's to be lost on mere characterizations. Have a nice evening.

[MerryBlooms]

75. We need more protests, not less...

many times, the voice of democracy makes us uncomfortable and/or angry. Cries for justice should make us all take notice and reflect WHY those voices are crying out, not condemning them. This is a time for reaching out... honest discussion... empathy... and with any luck, a path forward.

I'm proud to rec and kick your post, scarletwoman. We need to have this conversation. Well done.

[Number23]

81. TELL IT. TELL ITT!!! You won't get the goo gobs of recs that the most inane, cringe inducing babble

gets around here these days. But you have spoken the Truth nonetheless.

Only from our "white liberal allies" does a disastrous appearance by a candidate when asked SPECIFICALLY about issues that affect black people get automatically spun into "he did great!! Really1! Don't believe your lying eyes!1one"

TELL. IT.

[msanthrope]

152. Just. Stop. Talking. White. People. is all I think, reading these threads. nt

[Number23]

158. Four HUNDRED years of constantly being told that you are smarter, cleaner and better than everyone

else means that you and I BOTH know that ain't gonna be happening.

The melt downs in GD/P have been absolutely illuminating and entertaining as hell, huh? I wish I could say I was surprised by the most obvious spectacle but I know you're as surprised as I am that this individual is making a SPECTACULAR fool out of themselves. Again.

[msanthrope]

159. I'm not surprised by what's skating around GDP.....

But if we are going to start holding people accountable for what former co-authors and partners do, then there is going to be a reckoning of epic proportions on DU.

[Number23]

170. I am tickled pink at all of the white 'splaining. Perhaps if some on DU were not so busy ignoring,

minimizing or disrespecting the thoughts and opinions of the black posters/poc here or so busy high fiving the 2-3 that "agree" with the DU mainstream instead of the larger number of us that are very much in the mainstream of black thought, they wouldn't have to have why BLM happened or its impact "explained" to them.

Because black people are talking and have been talking and we don't need ANYONE to explain ourselves, especially people that aren't even members of our community. If these people would just LISTEN, that would have been the greatest service they could have done themselves. But as the front page of DU shows, they are way too busy pretending that what you're seeing right in front of you, that's what's right in your face isn't real.

The explosion from #BLM and on Black Twitter right now shouldn't come as a surprise to ANYONE not so consumed with paternalism and racial superiority that they would just dismiss opinions from black people because they are not what they want to hear or differ from what they perceive to be "correct". This is not a situation where you have black posters here saying something that is not born out in countless polls, articles and throughout black media. EVERY THING that we have been saying is pretty much mainstream, and folks have still broken their fingers trying to ignore or deny it. And now they want to sit goggle-eyed that everything we've been saying is coming true. This is one of the many, MANY reasons that DU ain't what it used to be.

[msanthrope]

171. Well...some think their liberalism inoculates them from racism.

Here on DU, we have that strange animal.....the white liberal progressive, who believes that because they hold the right views, they actually 'understand' the lives Black Americans live.

And they think that understanding gives them the right to contribute. And that they have something helpful to say.

What they don't understand is that because they have never, ever, faced the same consequences that people of color face, they should shut the fuck up. And listen.

This is an epic time on DU. I sense a major crapfest coming.

[Number23]

174. Oh girl, yes. They seem genuinely HORRIFIED when poc point out that liberals can be racist

just as easily as everyone else. And that in fact, one of the man reasons that many poc have had to create their own social justice platforms even WITHIN other social justice platforms (feminism, gay rights, labor etc.) is because of the deep seated and difficult to overcome racism endemic within each of these movements.

NONE of this is new. But if you don't take the time to listen to anyone other than those who look and/or sound the most like you (and that includes the handful of poc that always seem to be the darlings because they say what folks want to hear) then you'll never be able to understand why your messages fail, your movements stagnate and why people who should be your allies -- like poc -- want nothing to do with you.

[msanthrope]

184. That a significant number of PoC on this website alone want nothing to do with

them seems to cause no cognitive dissonance. Obviously, the PoC here are "low information voters."

[heaven05]

89. sweet!

I love it.... but so true.....so very, very true for generations. Thank you very much.

[GoneFishin]

90. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Protest in any manner you choose. It is your right. Vote for whoever you like.

I know I am going to.

But no man is an island. You will find it more efficient to attack your enemies, not your friends.

[Skittles]

92. who exactly said that?

and what, no criticisms of how effective protests can be are allowed now?

[scarletwoman]

141. Well, you can find some posts like that in this thread.

But they've been all over the place in this forum since yesterday.

I'm fine with criticizing my own group, not with criticizing how POC decide to protest. That's just patronizing, they don't need that.

[Skittles]

145. and who exactly appointed you to speak for POC?

isn't that what you are criticizing?

[scarletwoman]

151. I'm speaking for white liberals, just like I signed in my OP. nt

[Skittles]

154. no, you don't

[scarletwoman]

156. You're right, of course. Only the ones who are arrogant and patronizing.

[bravenak]

189. I did. I linked back to one of her posts as the proper response in this situation.

[Aerows]

98. 2008, 2010, 2012

Dear gay people - you have all of the rights you need right now.

Sincerely,

Your Democratic allies.

P.S. Please vote for our candidate in 2016 now that the evolution has occurred.

[MADem]

101. LOL!!!!!!!!

I wonder how many people won't get the reference....?

[scarletwoman]

130. Well, I'm hoping they'll get that it's about the BLM protest yesterday, because that's my reference.

I saw your post upthread with a picture of an old video, but I never heard of that movie much less ever saw it.

My OP just came out of my own head - such as it is.

[MADem]

137. That video is brand-spanking-new, not old. And you hit the nail on the head, even if

you did so without awareness.

It won an award at SUNDANCE....and it has gotten a few other awards as well:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2235108/awards

[scarletwoman]

139. Oh, sorry. I really only barely glanced at it so I shouldn't have been so quick to call it "old".

I'll take a look at your link, thanks!

[locdlib]

102. Love threads that quickly and correctly make the point.

I learned a long time ago to stop believing that white people were allies to black people. Even liberal/democrats. Just because I am black does not mean I need to check with white people on when, how, or what to protest. I will also vote for the candidate of my choosing . . . without seeking the advice of a white people.

[SunSeeker]

111. LOL

[Prism]

117. Like having flashbacks of the LGBT campaign of the past eight years.

Yup. This is the same reaction our community got when we were making politicians and their supporters nonplussed.

Sanders' supporters should be handling this a lot better. Bernie will be fine. It's just a road bump for him, and I have no reason to expect he will not adjust and address things appropriately head on. I don't see how the meltdown on his behalf is in any way productive.

BLM protests because they're feeling marginalized. The reaction? Make them feel more marginalized! So. Many. Face palms.

Of course some Clinton supporters are cynically exploiting the situation (as surprising as sunset). And there's endless entertainment reading old threads of people who are suddenly all about heckling as a tactic (as long as the target isn't their favored politician). But I already knew those people weren't sincere in their politics. They just like The Drama of it all.

But Sanders supporters. Guys. No. Bad bad bad.

BLM wanted to be heard in a peaceful manner at a political event. It's totally fine. Frankly, given what's happening in this country today, it was positively well-mannered.

Everyone have a drink. If anyone really believes the Clinton campaign or her surrogates were up to this, this reaction would be playing right into their hands. Be smart. Be chill. Tomorrow is another day.

[scarletwoman]

126. Many thanks! Love your post!

Sanders' supporters should be handling this a lot better. Bernie will be fine. It's just a road bump for him, and I have no reason to expect he will not adjust and address things appropriately head on. I don't see how the meltdown on his behalf is in any way productive.

BLM protests because they're feeling marginalized. The reaction? Make them feel more marginalized! So. Many. Face palms.

<snip>

But Sanders supporters. Guys. No. Bad bad bad.

Exactly! This is why I posted this thread.

Thanks again.

[Prism]

135. Some of the reactions are guaranteed to alienate African American voters

Just, aggggh, cringe!

Your OP was needed 100%.

[shaayecanaan]

198. and the rest are guaranteed to alienate white liberals

I can't tell you how much I love this thread. Its the perfect combination of good intentions and bad faith. I want it printed out on giant stone tablets that I can erect in my backyard.

[lovemydog]

131. No kidding. Thank you.

P.S. Not all White Liberal Allies!

[Scootaloo]

132. Where have I heard this line before...

Hmmmm...

Oh that's right!

Ingraham found this particularly disgusting and reminded viewers of how black conservatives have been treated in the past. She said, “Look at what they did to Colonel Allen West, look at what they did to Justice Clarence Thomas––this is what they do.”

“You can’t get off the plantation. It is their sole province for maintaining control of the black population,” Ingraham continued, “You must be liberal, you must be for certain policies that Al Sharpton and Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid favor. You can’t waver. Because if you think for yourself, you are, as that caller said, a sell-out.”

http://www.mediaite.com/online/ingraham-democrats-want-to-keep-black-people-on-their-plantation/

Yup, them evil racist librulz.

[scarletwoman]

138. I could be wrong, but it appears to me as though you have entirely missed the point. nt

[Scootaloo]

140. No, I got your point loud and clear. It's not a subtle or nuanced point.

The argument you put forth is that white liberals don't care about black people, demand obedience from them, and exploit them for votes.

This is identical to the argument put forth by several republicans about "Liberals keeping blacks on the plantation"

[scarletwoman]

157. No, my argument is that POC don't need to be told by us when and how they should demonstrate.

It's arrogant and patronizing.

[Scootaloo]

164. Except instead of saying that, you said this:

Dear Black People,

If you want to protest, please check with us first for advice on how to do it properly. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Your White Liberal Allies

P.S. Please vote for our candidate.

[scarletwoman]

169. I'm strictly referring to some of the kinds of responses that have been posted here since

the Netroots Nation BLM protest yesterday.

Posts offering advice on how they should have done it differently. Posts criticizing the protestors for being rude or uncivil. Posts criticing the timing/the venue/the targets. Posts full of resentment because Bernie didn't get to speak uninterrupted. Posts about all kinds of stuff except for what really matters - the anger and pain that the protestors were doing their best to convey.

Now maybe you never saw any of those posts or any of those threads. So maybe you wouldn't get the actual context of my OP. Most of the people responding in this thread did get the context, whether they liked or disliked my OP.

I posted it to make a point, some took it, some didn't. It's all fine by me, I don't regret that I posted it and I stand by my message.

Peace.

[shaayecanaan]

185. I enjoyed it (nt)

[scarletwoman]

187. Thank you!

[Cha]

147. Mahalo scarletwoman~

[shaayecanaan]

165. An interesting point in the proceedings...

was when Sanders said that he supported making healthcare affordable to disadvantaged communities, thats why he supported Obamacare.

"We can't afford it!" was the infuriated response from one of the protesters.

So you had a protester protesting the unaffordability of Obamacare to the one guy in the room who proposes to replace it with a free for all, single payer system.

[Dem_in_Nebr.]

166. As a single white guy with a disability I have to inform you

WE HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE and their lives!!!

I understand minutely the frustration and anger that is pent up in the black community.

Please juts let it work itself out.

[romanic]

175. Some people just like

to see chaos, even if it's in their own ranks.

[bettyellen]

227. "Some people" ?!? ....don't even try to hide it anymore....

[bravenak]

186. Lol!

[Bobbie Jo]

194. I'll just leave this here

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

[scarletwoman]

196. Thank you. That's perfect. nt

[Cha]

207. Mahalo Bobbi JO!

[Kurovski]

197. Waaaait a minute.....

You mean to say you're NOT black?! Awww man...I've been telling everyone you're my black friend on the internet for TEN years.

Awww, fuck.

[Kalidurga]

204. Thank you very much. I am grateful for the protesters. #Blacklivesmatter

Bernie would not be where he is today as a candidate without protesters. He was a protester I think he will connect with the leadership at some point and they will have a long interesting conversation and Bernie will learn some new things. My hope is he shares the stage with them and lets them just tell it like it is.

[marym625]

215. K&R!

[Left coast liberal]

223. Yeah, that's a problem...

[MineralMan]

224. Kinda perfect, there!

Thanks. An attitude that needs to disappear, I think.