billsfan1959

Just another shining example of how we would be better off without the police.... SMFH

According to the Washington Post database, since 01 Jan 2015: 5365 people killed by LE Officers 5130 (95.6%) males 235 (4.4%) females

You are right, a lot of peolpe believe those types of things. And if people are not familiar with how things operate within law enforcement, how would they know any different if that is what they are told?

It's not.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with Brees' response. People can agree with the sentiments without agreeing with the manner in which those sentiments might be expressed.

This is a good take. Funny enough, I support BLM like I would support any group that perceives they are victims of an injustice. I also williingly acknowledge that I have not had to experience what a black man might experience walking down any street in America. Each and every one of us harbors are own biases and prejudices. We are all qualitatively the same in that respect. The degrees of those biases and prejudices is what makes us all quantitatively different. Many have made strides in diminishing those biases and prejudices. Many have not. Racism in this country exists. There is an entire history in this country that cannot be ignored or dismissed as having no current relevance. We have been trying to change, in relatively short order, views in this country that were developed and perpetuated over generations upon generations. However, as Victor Hugo once wrote, "The human race has been badly managed, but it has progressed." Progress has been made. Maybe not as fast or to a degree most would like, but, we are progressing. So, from the other side, I have had the opportunity to walk down the street as a law enforcement officer. I have been part of that community, and the greater community of criminal justice, for the past 35+ years. Almost my entire adult life. I have worked almost exclusively in the violent crime arena (still do in retirement as a consultant) and have been in many emotionally charged and potentially dangerous situations. It is a different world. However, over the last 35+ years, I can tell you that there is no institution in this country that has made a greater effort in that time to eliminate what people refer to as "systemic racism" than law enforcement. I have seen bad LE Officers and personally investigated a few (each one convicted and sentenced). They have always existed and always will exist - as they do in every other segment of society. I have also seen racist LE Officers. But I have also seen them slowly and surely weeded out of the profession. Weeds are weeds, however, and it takes time and effort to completely eradicate them. Over the years, I have personally interacted with, literally, thousands of LE Officers. I have watched the profession evolve, for the better. As a group, they are men and women who take an oath to protect and serve, and the vast majority take that oath seriously and try to serve and protect every citizen out there, regardless of race. I am saddened by what I saw Officer Chauvin do, as I am saddened anytime I see unneccessary violence and needless loss of life. He doesn't represent the profession. I am saddened that so many black citizens feel they can't trust law enforcement. I am also saddened that so many good men and women in law enforcement feel completely abandoned right now. I am always hopeful that, as a nation, we can engage in open, honest dialogue. It just never seems to happen...

I think it is absolutely fine for BLM to exist for the purpose of wanting to examine an issue they are genuinely concerned about. I think it is wrong for BLM or anyone to push a narrative that "black men cannot walk down the street without fear of being killed by police," or "that "it is open season on blacks by law enforcement," because it isn't factually true. I also think it is wrong for BLM or any protesters calling for the deaths of police officers in chants like "Pigs in a blanket, fry 'em like bacon," or "dead cops ... now." I think it is wrong for BLM to make the starting point for any conversation about race the acceptance, as fact, that there is "systemic racism" in law enforcement agencies to the extent that, as a whole, they are singling people out to kill simply because they are black.

I had the opportunity to review the entire Brown investigation. Anyone can also download the Grand Jury transcripts (approx 4000 pages) and read through them if they so desire. FWIW, there are plenty of instances where black men have been killed and did nothing to provoke it. What happened with Micael Brown is not one of those instances.

Absolutely it is a statistic to examine; however, we certainly shouldn't assume it is because there is something inherently wrong with Law Enforcement. Any more than we should assume there is something inherently wrong with the black race because of things like, even though they make up 12.8% of the population, they account for 38% of all killings of police officers, 53% of all murder arrests, 29% of all rape arrests, 54% of all robbery arrests, 34% of all aggravated assult arrests, and 38% of all violent crime arrests in general. There is much that needs to be examined. Unfortunately, it always seems that it must begin with the police...

Amen, brother. We can talk all day about the reasons why black communities are disproportionately represented as both victims and offenders of violent crimes. The reasons are complex, traditionally ignored by leaders and politicians, and have very little to do with law enforcement. The reality is this: That is the state of many black communities across this country and an overwhelming number of police officers are just trying their best to keep the honest, decent, people of those communities safe. We have had a national drumbeat, for so long, that police officers are racist and are singling black citizens out to brutalize, that it has just become a fact for most people...

People should never underestimate just how critical this is. I don't think it is all about the Supreme Court; however, it is up near the top of the list of the things they covet...

Why don't you actually read a few studies and look at some actual statistics. Systemic police racism to the level you and other people want to portray it is a myth. It is not supported by anything factual. Nothing. It is a narrative being pushed and manipulated to create exactly what you are watching unfold before your very eyes. I have no problem with the rest of your post. However, people need to do some actual research for themselves on this idea of "Systemic police racism," rather than accept it as fact.

That is awful kind of you to assume he has any integrity to question....

So ANTIFA of you You go, girl...

I numbered your paragraphs for my responses: 1. Agree and disagree. I believe lobbyists hold way too much influence with politicians and it usually benefits corporations and the wealthy. I don't believe in class warfare and I don't believe the way to empower the poor and disadvantaged is to unfairly punish the wealthy. I believe liberal social policies and conservative indifference have disintegrated the nuclear family in poor communities, eliminated opportunities, and created inter-generational dependency on the government. I believe in conservative fiscal policies and empowerment through economic growth. I think Democrats and Conservatives have blocked that growth over partisan politics. 2. Agree. Neither party has represented me for a long time. Actually, if you took the moderate Democrats and moderate Republicans and created a new party, it would probably be the largest party and most representative of the majority of Americans. 3 -5. Agree and disagree. Lower socioeconomic areas in this country have been ignored and are synonymous with lack of hope and opportunity. They are heavily dominated, population wise, by blacks, and are beseiged with the highest levels of crime - particularly violent crime. Blacks are disproportionately represented as both victims and offenders across the board in violent crimes. When any police department allocates its resources, they allocate them according to need, with the areas having the most violent crime receiving the most resources. So, in effect, a disproportionate amount of law enforcement resources are dedicated to black communities. This leads to a disproportionate amount of interactions between police and black men, particularly within the context of a higher potential for emotionally charged situations and escalation of violence. Accountability on the part of the police should always be a priority. I am in favor of body cams, intensive training, and reviews of any police shootings by outside agencies, but not civilian review boards - all of which are present now. I think there also has to be accountability in the black communities and black leaders need to take the initiative to address the intra-racial violence in black neighborhoods. We also need a bipartisan approach to creating growth in these areas and empowering people. More than that though, we have had a national narrative pushed for a long time now that law enforcement agencies are systemically racist and intentionally target blacks simply because of their race. People in power have pitted law enforcement and the black community against each other, for their own self-interests, to the point where people literally believe that blacks cannot walk down the street without fear of being murdered by the police. It just isn't true. The truth is, there are over 6 million contacts per year between officers and black citizens and about 200-225 deaths per year. Young black men stand a far greater chance of being killed by other black men than they do of being killed by the police. It doesn't mean that Law enforcement is free of racist officers or officers that have their own pathologies that should preclude them from ever carrying a gun and being in a position of power and authority. I just don't believe they represent a majority of the police, just as I don't believe black criminals represent the majority of blacks. As far as the militarization of the police. We have had years of stereotyping blacks and sterotyping the police, to the point of mutual distrust and to the point where it is almost open warfare at times. Make no mistake about it many of the encounters in the black community begin with heightened emotions and potential for violence. Crowds gather at any attempt to confront a suspect, cell phones are out, and the open taunting of the police begins. Unfortunately, therre is no open, honest dialogue at the national level. The discussion has to begin with an admission that there is systemic racism in law enforcement. Think about it in context of what we are being told. "It is open season on young black men by law enforcement." "Black men are being systematically murdered by law enforcement." What they are saying is that law enforcement officers, as a whole, are so racist that they would willingly kill a person, condone the killing of that person, and cover-up the killing of that person - as long as that person is black. The facts don't support it. But, that is where we are at. 6. Agree. We need to look at new and creative ways to bring economic growth to poor areas, which will, in turn, create opportunity and hope.

In all sincerity, thank you for the reply. Just a cursory glance tells me I agree with a number of things you have written and disagree with a number of things. I also have to run to get some work done. However, I wanted to say I appreciate the response and I will respond in kind.

There, you finally have me. We have a volpino (Italian Spitz). White as a freshly fallen snow... I am now humbled in shame...

Even though you only asked about blacks, I thought I would mention that I also have a sister-in-law who is Indian. Not Native American like the identity you have, for whatever reason, co-opted in your avatar, but from India. Do I get a charter membership in your "enlightened" club yet?

Well, let me see. My brother-in-law is black. My neices and nephews are mixed race. Two of them have black partners. I also do have several close black friends. All of them have been to my house on numerous occasions. Is there a certain number I need to reach for your "quota?"

Why don't you stop being so emotional and just have a discussion?

No, actually I don't live under a rock. I can easily acknowledge genuine concerns on the part of the black community and the perceptions they have. I have actually written posts to this exact point, if you care to go back and read them. I am simply asking you to specifically state what you think the problem is and what are your supporting facts? That is a fair question and an open invitation to honest dialogue. Will you accept?

Oh, Warren. That hurts me. No, really.....

Sorry your feelings are hurt.... Of course, I don't believe I ever insulted you

You keep saying this; however, you never explain it. Why don't you do it now, so that nobody "twists" your words. Here is your chance to actually list substantive facts to support your position and we can have an honest debate.

Don't get so emotional there, chief. I haven't created any opinions for you. My posts regarding you have been straight forward and factual. Nothing says you are right like hurling insults....