. . . a revolution of hearts and minds . . .
Today: Massive Protests in America and Worldwide:
People across the U.S. and other parts of the world are gathering in major demonstrations on Saturday against racism and police violence, marking the 12th consecutive night of protests since the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota last month.
In Washington D.C., thousands of people are expected to stage what could be the city’s biggest demonstration yet, and the police department there said it will close many streets until midnight. Massive demonstrations have also broken out across the world from Europe to Australia, with tens of thousands of protesters calling for an end to racism and police brutality in their own countries.
More than 43,300 National Guard members are on duty on Saturday in 34 states and D.C to respond to protests, many of which have been peaceful. In some cases, peaceful protests have been followed with looting and violence at night.
All living former Presidents Condemn George Floyd's Murder, Call for Justice, Reflection, and Reform:
Obama on Black Lives Matter in 2015 and 2016:
What I Say: Of course any halfway intelligent person who speaks English recognizes instantly that the phrase "Black Lives Matter" does not at all imply that only black lives matter. There is no "only" at the front of that phrase; but there is an implied "too" at the end. Even a first grader would understand that without being told. Anyone who thinks differently is being willfully obtuse and dishonest: a racist bigot. And that's all that needs to be said about it.
Former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi Warns: "I'm calling the next five months in the history of our country the coming chaos."
Watch: Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin, keeping it real in a powerful statement at the memorial service for George Floyd held today in Raeford, North Carolina, near Fayetteville, where he was born:
We, as law enforcement authorities, don't have the authority to bully and push people around and kill them because we have on a badge and a gun. . . . Enough. Don't let the life of George Floyd be in vain. It has become a sacrifice.
One more thing: I missed this outrageous news story when it happened last year, but I'm utterly appalled that this rich white bitch down in Houston was NOT charged - of course - for assaulting a biracial couple taking birthday pics of their 1-year-old. It doesn't rise to the level of murder, but her arrogant attitude sure does need to change. It's despicable.
3 comments:
There are no words for the woman from Houston. There, however, plenty to say about the state of things. I've honored the lives of policemen and women all my life, but the culture of militarization and heavy weaponry have created them into a separate people from "civilians", especially POC civilians. While I do not support abolition of police forces by a long shot, they must be reformed without fail or delay.
Absolutely. Immediate reform of practice, procedures, and training, together with weeding out the bully boys who have no respect for life or human dignity must be the first concern, and every decent man and woman in this country must DEMAND it until it is done. The police cannot be opposed to the People; the Police are part of the People whom they are sworn to protect and serve.
We must also take care, at the very same time, to honor and reward the many thousands of good cops out there, who I have seen time and again on the news, have demonstrated with the protesters they they likewise were sickened and revulsed by George Floyd's death.
I was particularly impressed by what Houston Police Chief Acevedo and Governor Cuomo, both of whom I have blogged this past week, had to say on this subject. Is it too late to nominate Cuomo for President?
And of course it is utterly ridiculous to think of "abolishing the police" and replacing them with social workers or something. Of course not.
But retraining and re-educating the police can and must be done across the country without delay.
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