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[BFIB]

I go to bed, wake up and see that a woman was shot in the forehead, and another person was shot during a protest.

Regardless of whether the alleged person actually raised a gun at the cop, this is just getting way, way out of hand.

 

[BronsonLee]

I go to bed, wake up and see that a woman was shot in the forehead, and another person was shot during a protest.

Regardless of whether the alleged person actually raised a gun at the cop, this is just getting way, way out of hand.

What the fuck?

 

[mre]

I'm sorry but you are starting to piss me off now. Please explain what he originally meant then, that was my first intention when replying to your post.

Let me try to help you again. He doesn't understand where the fuck you got the insane notion that the "US government . . . mak[ing] African Americans/Black people a protected class of citizens" would lead to "blacks killing whites fearing there would no reprisal."

 

[diamount]

Let me try to help you again. He doesn't understand where the fuck you got the insane notion that the "US government . . . mak[ing] African Americans/Black people a protected class of citizens" would lead to "blacks killing whites fearing there would no reprisal."

Okay, there has been some massive confusion. I assumed this wasn't already a thing or just not been passed yet. Excuse my ignorance.

 

[BFIB]

What the fuck?

Yeah...a woman was shot in the forehead from a drive by shooting, about a mile from where the initial occurrence took place. It was a low caliber pistol, and she survived:

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/08/13/ferguson-woman-shot-in-head/13990051/

EDIT from an earlier post.

Ok, it appears the officer that shot and fired was due to 4 masked men walking around an unincorporated area of Ferguson who were carrying shotguns and there was reports of gunfire. The cops approached the men, one of them raised a handgun to police, and was shot.

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/08/13/north-county-police-shooting-chambers/13989885/

 

[Enzom21]

Okay, there has been some massive confusion. I assumed this wasn't already a thing or just not been passed yet. Excuse my ignorance.

That still doesn't explain why you think it would lead to "blacks killing whites" without fearing reprisal.

 

[MHWilliams]

Deadspin had thoughts on the whole thing and this is the line that stuck out for me:

Arguing whether Brown was a good kid or not is functionally arguing over whether he specifically deserved to die, a way of acknowledging that some black men ought to be executed. To even acknowledge this line of debate is to start a larger argument about the worth, the very personhood, of a black man in America. It's to engage in a cost-benefit analysis, weigh probabilities, and gauge the precise odds that Brown's life was worth nothing against the threat he posed to the life of the man who killed him.

 

[theignoramus]

Deadspin had thoughts on the whole thing and this is the line that stuck out for me:

This article has a point but highlighting the fact the kid was about to go college and make something of himself highlights the magnitude of the wrongdoing.
This piece of shit, power tripping cop started a physical confrontation over something completely fucking trivial and now a young man is dead because of it.

 

[Malyse]

Everyone is aware that this is escalating, correct? And I'm not referring to Ferguson exclusively.

 

[Lime]

What exactly would "a protected class" entail?

More scrutiny on injustices done towards Black people. Harder penalties on racially motivated acts of injustices. Affirmative action (yes, it works if implemented properly). More concern and care of poor or discriminated communities. More funding and focus on said communities. More initial trust in victims of discrimination and racism. Providing voices and platforms for Black people to voice their good. Provide more educational access, political representation, media representation. Etc.

That would require simultaneously officially recognizing institutionalized racism and stepping in to alleviate it while allowing its continued existence.

So in the words of Wyclef Jean, "no no no no, that'll never happen."

How would it allow institutional racism its continued existence?

Please no.. Shit would get even worse. I promise.

you're probably right. With the way White Americans react to anything concerning Black Americans, I would certainly get afraid of their reaction to anything that involves special treatment of a minority. Cf. the Boston bus riots - like holy fucking shit.

I assume most African Americans would be fine with just being treated as equals finally. Trying to make them a protected class would stir up a shitstorm worse than acknowledging institutional racism.

It's true that we shouldn't victimize and remove the agency and downplay the strength of African American communities and individuals - obviously they should have a say in the matter. I'm mostly talking about protection and help from external factors that fuck up their everyday and livelihood.

There will be blood if that happens. I.e blacks killing whites fearing there would no reprisal.

This is the stupidest shit I've read all week.

Everyone is aware that this is escalating, correct? And I'm not referring to Ferguson exclusively.

I hope so, but history hasn't been particular fair towards people with higher rates of melanin. I'm quite pessimistic thanks to the many ingrained racists in the world.

 

[BronsonLee]

Everyone is aware that this is escalating, correct? And I'm not referring to Ferguson exclusively.

That's the strong vibe I'm getting, yes. That being said, the issue in Ferguson is absolutely unacceptable.

 

[BFIB]

Everyone is aware that this is escalating, correct? And I'm not referring to Ferguson exclusively.

Escalating to what? There's been cases way worse than this (no disrespect to Michael Brown), and nothing has changed.

Bad cops exist, and they will always exist.

 

[marrec]

Escalating to what? There's been cases way worse than this (no disrespect to Michael Brown), and nothing has changed.

Bad cops exist, and they will always exist.

Escalating to the unknown... but I don't think DreamDrop is talking specifically about public preception escalation.

I think he means more black kids are getting shot and POC communities are growing more and more frustrated with every day.

 

[Lowmelody]

Deadspin had thoughts on the whole thing and this is the line that stuck out for me:

Arguing whether Brown was a good kid or not is functionally arguing over whether he specifically deserved to die, a way of acknowledging that some black men ought to be executed. To even acknowledge this line of debate is to start a larger argument about the worth, the very personhood, of a black man in America. It's to engage in a cost-benefit analysis, weigh probabilities, and gauge the precise odds that Brown's life was worth nothing against the threat he posed to the life of the man who killed him.

So on point. This is a very nice logical starting point when broaching the subject with those uninitiated on subjects that their good fortune and privilege have allowed them to previously take for granted. Establishing fundamental empathy and building off of altruistic axioms is an effective method of deconstructing impossibly complicated social issues many are conditioned to tune out rather than parse in the heat of debate as that's when tempers flair and people say reactive shit they haven't thought through yet which has a tendency to cement the existing discord through spite.

 

[Malyse]

Escalating to what? There's been cases way worse than this (no disrespect to Michael Brown), and nothing has changed.

Bad cops exist, and they will always exist.

The turmoil is escalating. The speed at which things are becoming volatile is escalating. The coverage of atrocities is escalating. And the tension between the races is escalating. To what end? No one knows.

 

[jamesinclair]

Yeah...a woman was shot in the forehead from a drive by shooting, about a mile from where the initial occurrence took place. It was a low caliber pistol, and she survived:

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/08/13/ferguson-woman-shot-in-head/13990051/

EDIT from an earlier post.

Ok, it appears the officer that shot and fired was due to 4 masked men walking around an unincorporated area of Ferguson who were carrying shotguns and there was reports of gunfire. The cops approached the men, one of them raised a handgun to police, and was shot.

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/08/13/north-county-police-shooting-chambers/13989885/

Is open carry legal In that state?

 

[BHZ Mayor]

There will be blood if that happens. I.e blacks killing whites fearing there would no reprisal.

This is an explicitly racist statement, and you still haven't answered why you think this.

 

[Zuhzuhzombie!!]

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/08/13/north-county-police-shooting-chambers/13989885/

Should have said they were part of the Bundy clique. Could have gotten away with it then.

 

[BFIB]

The turmoil is escalating. The speed at which things are becoming volatile is escalating. The coverage of atrocities is escalating. And the tension between the races is escalating. To what end? No one knows.

Well, the world moves a hell of a lot faster than it ever has. If an unarmed teen is shot dead, the news is immediate. So in that, escalations always happen faster, and tensions rise faster.

In the civil rights era, when protests happened, you didn't find out about it until the evening paper, or the late night news. We're on a constant 24 hr cycle and most people have extremely short attention spans because they are blasted with "BREAKING NEWS!" hitting left and right.

I do think that if there's a time to truly establish equal rights for everyone, now is the time. But the media will soon find something else that spikes ratings, and they'll quickly move on to something else.

 

[Stumpokapow]

Because it will cause a racial divide in the country. The President should not address personal tragedies, unless he's planning on talking about all of them. Instead he should look into how police forces are operated and managed.

I think examples help people understand things. The reason the State of the Union calls out individual immigrants, small businessowners, towns, etc every year is because those examples help make concrete abstract principles. Same thing here. I think most of us understand that these individual examples are representative, rather than the only such cases, right?

 

[mre]

Is open carry legal In that state?

A short amount research indicates that Missouri has abdicated open-carry regulation to counties and/or municipalities.

 

[BeerSnob]

This is an explicitly racist statement, and you still haven't answered why you think this.

Given the context it's not unreasonable to assume that in a legally codified caste system the elevated caste will abuse the lower castes. It didn't work out so well for Apartheid era South Africa and it's not working out so great for U.S. law enforcement who enjoy elevated legal protection from prosecution. Anything that designates legal status based on race will inevitably lead to abuse.

 

[xnipx]

That still doesn't explain why you think it would lead to "blacks killing whites" without fearing reprisal.

It's due to all the gay people and old people killing people with no fear of reprisal duh

 

[CrazyDogg77]

Given the context it's not unreasonable to assume that in a legally codified caste system the elevated caste will abuse the lower castes. It didn't work out so well for Apartheid era South Africa and it's not working out so great for U.S. law enforcement who enjoy elevated legal protection from prosecution. Anything that designates legal status based on race will inevitably lead to abuse.

I think there's a big difference between making black people a protected class and making them a "elevated caste". That will never happen in America.

 

[Malyse]

Well, the world moves a hell of a lot faster than it ever has. If an unarmed teen is shot dead, the news is immediate. So in that, escalations always happen faster, and tensions rise faster.

In the civil rights era, when protests happened, you didn't find out about it until the evening paper, or the late night news. We're on a constant 24 hr cycle and most people have extremely short attention spans because they are blasted with "BREAKING NEWS!" hitting left and right.

I do think that if there's a time to truly establish equal rights for everyone, now is the time. But the media will soon find something else that spikes ratings, and they'll quickly move on to something else.

The irony is that social media is what forced the news to cover it. This wasn't on CNN for days.

 

[BeerSnob]

I think there's a big difference between making black people a protected class and making them a "elevated caste". That will never happen in America.

If we're using the U.S. Federal anti-discrimination laws it is already illegal to discriminate based on race.
http://www.hr-guide.com/data/G714.htm

To continue this dialog the person who offered the original idea should flesh out what they mean by a protected class.

There you go

That is less about creating a protected class and more about logical moves toward combating racism. If we consolidated a couple intelligence agencies and stood up an civil rights oriented agency to oversee race relations they could fund and promote such activities, especially victim advocacy.

Note I mean for the intel budgets to be decreased and that funding to go to the standing up of a agency dedicated promoting improved race relations, if I didn't make that clear. My wording can be vague.

 

[CrazyDogg77]

More scrutiny on injustices done towards Black people. Harder penalties on racially motivated acts of injustices. Affirmative action (yes, it works if implemented properly). More concern and care of poor or discriminated communities. More funding and focus on said communities. More initial trust in victims of discrimination and racism. Providing voices and platforms for Black people to voice their good. Provide more educational access, political representation, media representation. Etc.

If we're using the U.S. Federal anti-discrimination laws it is already illegal to discriminate based on race.
http://www.hr-guide.com/data/G714.htm

To continue this dialog the person who offered the original idea should flesh out what they mean by a protected class.

There you go

 

[E92 M3]

I think examples help people understand things. The reason the State of the Union calls out individual immigrants, small businessowners, towns, etc every year is because those examples help make concrete abstract principles. Same thing here. I think most of us understand that these individual examples are representative, rather than the only such cases, right?

I understand, but making a statement is just that a statement. Obama needs to set a plan in motion to make changes. Not just show that he upset about things.

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

https://twitter.com/valeriehahn/statuses/499438977774931968

St. Louis County police tell me woman shot in the head and that a Lt. on scene said she's "alert and gonna live." #Ferguson



A bit bigger :

Frightening what's happening.

Such an awesome picture. Not liking the situation but wow, what a beautiful picture.

 

[Lime]

There you go

And how's that working out?

 

[watershed]

I understand, but making a statement is just that a statement. Obama needs to set a plan in motion to make changes. Not just show that he upset about things.

Serious question, do you know what you are talking about? Presidents get asked questions on news issues and sometimes they answer. Sometimes they release statements in response to specific ongoing situations. Obama's statement specifically called for reason and civility.

Also what plan would you suggest? Have the president of the United states dictate the policing policies of one city or one state? Police departments are state and local entities.

 

[Cat]

Ferguson police department have released a statement:

 

[slit]

Ferguson police department have released a statement:

We decide when you protest. Later in the evening is inconvenient for us.

 

[jhmtehgamr20xx]

I'm just going to address the bolded since that actually relates to this thread. The same exact thing can be said about capitalism we're seeing the effects of this right now in Missouri. The rich ruling class are sitting in their mansions while their guns, the police, are attacking innocent people most of them are too afraid and don't have the means to retaliate.

Very appropriately said.

Also, it can be argued we've begun to see influxes of communism into modern-day capitalist society, because there are a lot of things that come out from private corporations and the such that seem to ultimately benefit the government. Microsoft/Google/Facebook feeding private data to the NSA is just a very recent example, but there are others.

But yeah, let's get this thing back on track. The riots are still going on?

Serious question, do you know what you are talking about? Presidents get asked questions on news issues and sometimes they answer. Sometimes they release statements in response to specific ongoing situations. Obama's statement specifically called for reason and civility.

Also what plan would you suggest? Have the president of the United states dictate the policing policies of one city or one state? Police departments are state and local entities.

The problem with Obama is that he's extremely bearish on responses to domestic issues, especially if they involve racism and especially if they involve black people. His statement is really just a typical PR release, there's nothing special about it. Someone else could've typed it and stamped his name up there for approval.

We know he sees more to this that can be spoken on about, and at some point he needs to start showing a level of dedication and care for these issues as he does for immigration and gay rights. He's not up for re-election anymore, and he can't please everyone. So start having a spine to address things such as a black teen shot to death in the back by an overzealous police officer with more meaning.

For all the talk about black life being viewed as less or disposable or whatever, it'd be nice to see a guy with black heritage who happens to also be President, show they value it highly themselves. Maybe that would convince others to try and do the same.

 

[jamesinclair]

We decide when you protest. Later in the evening is inconvient for us.

It's right in the constitution bro.

Right to assemble is limited to business hours only, in free speech cordons, subject to terms and conditions.

The founding fathers knew their shit.

 

[Htown]

Such an awesome picture. Not liking the situation but wow, what a beautiful picture.

zero fucks given

he didn't even drop his chips lol

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

We decide when you protest. Later in the evening is inconvient for us.

More like "evening has proven to be volatile and an opportune time for criminals to act."

Given the last 3 nights of rioting and violence I can't say I blame them.

 

[Duane Cunningham]

https://twitter.com/TheAnonMessage/status/499458771799015424

Edit :

Follow up :

https://twitter.com/TheAnonMessage/status/499460631515660288

It's been 8 hours now. I wonder if we'll hear something soon.

 

[Foxy Fox 39]

More like "evening has proven to be volatile and an opportune time for criminals to act."

Given the last 3 nights of rioting and violence I can't say I blame them.

They're always blameless in your eyes so that's not saying much really.

 

[Lime]

Ferguson police department have released a statement:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bu7hknZIgAE5suM.jpg:large[img][/QUOTE]

"We have worked diligently to provide an opportunity for our residents to both grieve and voice frustrations through prayer and peaceful protests"

*shows up in neighbourhood with dogs and riot gear*

 

[marrec]

I mean, I know they say 'We ask that you assemble only during the daylight hours' but what they mean is "We will fucking sick our dogs on you if you don't listen to us you animals."

 

[E92 M3]

Serious question, do you know what you are talking about? Presidents get asked questions on news issues and sometimes they answer. Sometimes they release statements in response to specific ongoing situations. Obama's statement specifically called for reason and civility.

Also what plan would you suggest? Have the president of the United states dictate the policing policies of one city or one state? Police departments are state and local entities.

I am no politician, but this particular statement will do nothing but enrage certain parts of the country. Instead he could have enacted a task force that will investigate racially-induced crimes by police. It will show people that he's serious about making changes.

 

[slit]

More like "evening has proven to be volatile and an opportune time for criminals to act."

Given the last 3 nights of rioting and violence I can't say I blame them.

Well I have no problem blaming them. The reports on how they treated peaceful protesters tells me they don't have a sincere bone in their collective bodies.

 

[depths20XX]

lol @ telling people when to protest. People gotta work during the day. Since when are there designated hours when you can protest?

 

[benjipwns]

Instead he could have enacted a task force that will investigate racially-induced crimes by police. It will show people that he's serious about making changes.

It already exists: http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/spl/police.php

 

[Valhelm]

The turmoil is escalating. The speed at which things are becoming volatile is escalating. The coverage of atrocities is escalating. And the tension between the races is escalating. To what end? No one knows.

Are these Black communities frustrated with police or white people in general, though? I don't know if it can be said that "tension between the races is escalating".

 

[Angelus Errare]

More like "evening has proven to be volatile and an opportune time for criminals to act."

Given the last 3 nights of rioting and violence I can't say I blame them.

Yea because the time of day is totally the reason and not the inhumane treatment of people.

 

[Zoe]

lol @ telling people when to protest. People gotta work during the day. Since when are there designated hours when you can protest?

People have already been protesting peacefully during the day.

Others are coming in at night to co-opt and ruin it for the protesters.

 

[Lime]

Anecdote on Ferguson police:

Todd Barbee ‏@tbarbeeESQ 1h

When I was in the seventh grade, the #Ferguson police stopped me and accused me of stealing my own bike.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

They're always blameless in your eyes so that's not saying much really.

As are the rioters, looters, arsonists and aggressors in the eyes of many posters here.

There's literally people here cheering the burning down of police homes, an aggression against their families. It's sickening.