In general, people continue to be stupid. While we are all guilty of stupidity sometimes, others are too often more adept at it
While black people and others have a legitimate "gripe" about what transpired recently in Staten Island, NY, the events in Ferguson, MO may not be as apparent. In either case, people becoming violent at so-call "protests" across the nation really don't comprehend fully what they are doing and how it may affect our nation in the immediate future.
While black people and others have a legitimate "gripe" about what transpired recently in Staten Island, NY, the events in Ferguson, MO may not be as apparent. In either case, people becoming violent at so-call "protests" across the nation really don't comprehend fully what they are doing and how it may affect our nation in the immediate future.
The police are not the enemy. We need
the police. it’s a handful of them that are out of control at times. It has
always been that way and most likely always will be. It’s the nature of the beast.
In addition, it is up to the black population and communities in our country to change the status quo and the image of black people by rising up from much of the actions and criminal activities going on in these communities. Naturally many blacks are law-abiding and valuable citizens. However, the public view is that all or the majority of blacks may be violent, aggressive, drug-involved, gang-related, government-aided and unemployed population.
If blacks want to change that view they need to get involved at the community level and start to promote the change necessary to build a different view, thereby, changing the national outlook on blacks and also how the police view them. It is also a huge opportunity for blacks to provide a better future for their children and for generations to come. The black community with the help of local police must work together and rid neighborhoods of criminal elements and inappropriate behavior. That's the best way for change.
If these ongoing street “protests” continue to become violent and if the powers that be increase a tighter oversight over police actions, we will have not only a weakened and ineffective police force throughout states, cities, counties and towns, but we may be moving more quickly towards greater military involvement into our daily activities. In that scenario there may be even more force on the American people and our civil liberties may vanish in the process. And if we go that route we will move even further away from being a democratic republic than we already are.
If these ongoing street “protests” continue to become violent and if the powers that be increase a tighter oversight over police actions, we will have not only a weakened and ineffective police force throughout states, cities, counties and towns, but we may be moving more quickly towards greater military involvement into our daily activities. In that scenario there may be even more force on the American people and our civil liberties may vanish in the process. And if we go that route we will move even further away from being a democratic republic than we already are.
The time for change in now, but it must be in an intelligent and peaceful progression.
P
Below is an article showing one instance of violent protest. Others are brewing all over our nation.
Below this line I have placed links to some articles that are considering action and/or increased oversight of police forces throughout the nation. Feel free to read and to share with others. We need to remain informed.
"Time for honest conversation on racism says NYC mayor"
"Are police tactics the problem?"
"Police departments scrambling to reduce excessive force"
"Body cameras worn by police 'are no safeguard of truth' experts say"
Two police officers injured as Berkeley protest turns violent
December 6, 2014: Police officers deploy tear gas against violent
protesters in Berkeley, Calif. (Courtesy KTVU)
Two officers were
injured Saturday night as a California protest over police killings turned
violent with protesters smashing windows and throwing rocks and bricks at
police, who responded by firing tear gas, authorities said.
Several officers
were struck, but there were just two reports of injury, Berkeley police
spokeswoman Jenn Coats said. A Berkeley police officer received hospital
treatment for a dislocated shoulder after being hit with a sandbag, while
another sustained minor injuries.
The demonstration
against police killings of unarmed black men in Missouri and New York began
peacefully, the latest of several in the Bay Area in recent days. But Coats said
that a some protesters later broke away and began throwing rocks, bottles and
pipes at officers.
Dozens of law
officers from several surrounding agencies joined Berkeley police in trying to
quell the unrest, which included protesters attempting to access Interstate 80
and stop traffic. A California Highway Patrol officer told KTVU that the
protesters did not make it onto the freeway and only caused temporary
delays.
She said several
businesses on University Avenue were vandalized and damaged, including Trader
Joe's, Radio Shack and a Wells Fargo Bank branch.
"A small splinter
group from the original protests continues to march in Berkeley," Coats said in
a statement issued shortly before at 11 p.m. PST. "Unfortunately this group has
become violent and continues to throw objects, including rocks and bricks at
officers."
She said officers
attempting to get the crowd to disperse used tear gas.
"Several dispersal
orders have been given, and the crowd has ignored the orders. In response to the
violence officers have utilized tear gas and smoke in an effort to disperse the
crowd," she said.
Police did not
provide further details of any injuries or arrests.
"The total number
of arrests and injuries is not known at this time," Coats' statement
said.
KTVU reported that
approximately 400 people took part in the protest march, which was planned to
proceed from the University of California, Berkeley campus to Oakland's Civic
Center. The station reported that officers closed two Bay Area Rapid Transit
(BART) stations due to the protest, but later re-opened them.
The Associated Press contributed to this
report.
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