If there was hope that calmer heads would prevail on Sunday, that hope was shattered—literally—by another night of chaos in what is rapidly becoming the most serious threat to civil government in the history of our nation.
In Washington, DC, reports of violence outside the White House and reports that the President has been bunkered down has led to some to quip that the President, who refuses to wear a mask and show fear of coronavirus, is hiding from the civil unrest.
Former CBS news anchor Dan Rather tweeted, “I can imagine no other president in my lifetime failing to address the nation in a prime time speech during a crisis such as this. On the other hand, I cannot imagine another president whose words would be less welcome by so many of his fellow citizens.”
As the Washington Post reported: “President Trump stayed safely ensconced inside and had nothing to say, besides tweeting fuel on the fire.” They added, “Never in the 1,227 days of Trump’s presidency has the nation seemed to cry out for leadership as it did Sunday, yet Trump made no attempt to provide it.”
In Sacramento, government agencies will be closed on Monday. The situation got so serious that Sacramento Bee editors pulled their reporters out of the downtown.
As veteran news reporter Sam Stanton tweeted: “I have never willingly left the scene of a news story because of personal peril in my 38 years in the business. But when my editor ordered me to leave tonight, I did it.”
Earlier he reported: “A banner night for your Sacbee correspondent. Tear gassed twice, then knocked down from behind by two young men running full speed who stole Paul Kitagaki Jr’s camera. Oh, and we 
watched looting throughout DT Sacramento. My knee hurts.”
In Cleveland, it was reported that the Cleveland police shut down the media: “No media is allowed downtown unless they are inside their place of business. Period.”
While looting and violence has occurred on the part of the looters and some protesters, the actions of the police themselves have caused heads to turn. Reporters attempting to cover the events are being attacked by protesters and arrested by police.
“Journalists have a clear First Amendment right to cover public events,” Freedom of the Press Foundation advocacy director Parker Higgins said in a statement.
A CNN reporter was arrested in Minneapolis last week on national TV, two photographers were arrested in Las Vegas, and in Louisville an officer fired pepper balls at a reporter for a local news station.
The incident was broadcast live on the air. “Who are they aiming that at?” the anchor asked. “At us,” the reporter replied.
The NY Times reports, “Videos showed police officers in recent nights using batons, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets on protesters, bystanders and journalists, often without warning or seemingly unprovoked.”
They note in Salt Lake City, that “officers in riot gear shoved a man with a cane to the ground.”
In Brooklyn, reports show two police SUVs plowing into crowds of protesters.
In Atlanta, police officers stopped two college students in a car, and fired Tasers at them, before dragging them out of their vehicles. That incident has been shown on national TV.
Increasingly the President is being criticized for his silence during this crisis. With protests outside of the White House: “Nervous for his safety, Secret Service agents abruptly rushed the president to the underground bunker used in the past during terrorist attacks,” according to a report in the NY Times.
The media is focusing on the fact that his initial empathy expressed for George Floyd has been “overshadowed by his combative threats to ramp up violence against looters and rioters.”
The President was out of sight on Sunday, even as many recommended he deliver a prime time national address before another night of violence.
The Hill noted that “allies have urged Trump to address the nation, as his predecessors did during previous eruptions of racial tension, protests about discriminatory policing and national crises.”
The major news from the White House: “Trump tweeted he would designate antifa a terrorist organization, a remark seen by many as inflammatory and divisive in the context of the president’s past sensitivities about white nationalists.”
A move critics say is probably unconstitutional.
Meantime, the President tweeted, “Law & Order in Philadelphia, NOW! They are looting stores. Call in our great National Guard like they FINALLY did (thank you President Trump) last night in Minneapolis. Is this what voters want with Sleepy Joe? All Dems!”
He tweeted a follow up: “Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors. These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO!!!”
For his part Biden took to Medium.
He wrote: “Protesting such brutality is right and necessary. It’s an utterly American response.
“But burning down communities and needless destruction is not. Violence that endangers lives is not. Violence that guts and shutters businesses that serve the community is not,” he continued. “The act of protesting should never be allowed to overshadow the reason we protest. It should not drive people away from the just cause that protest is meant to advance.”
The former Vice President said, “I know that a grief that dark and deep may at times feel too heavy to bear.” And he added, “I also know that the only way to bear it is to turn all that anguish to purpose. So tonight, I ask all of America to join me — not in denying our pain or covering it over — but using it to compel our nation across this turbulent threshold into the next phase of progress, inclusion, and opportunity for our great democracy.”
—David M. Greenwald reporting
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This new belief in attacking reporters is truly disturbing. Even in war, reporters are usually considered ‘off limits’ and ‘not in the game’ (not that a war correspondent is safe, by any means). I first noticed this in the ‘occupy’ movement, where a reporter on the Quad was treated with hostility and the group ‘voted’ for him to leave. (he didn’t, and they didn’t seem to notice – was weird). This has to do, I believe, with the anarchistic fringes of the left which abhor any civility or rules. The right is reported to have a similar anarchistic fringe, though I don’t experience it in these parts. Will be ‘interesting’ to see how this plays out.
The myth of the far-right or white supremacists is a bit of political propaganda from the “moderate” left.
Those considered “far-right” are uneducated rural under-employed white boys. They are not burning down the cities and looting the urban stores. Most of them cannot afford the bus ticket. And they would not put themselves into a minority neighborhood with a track record of killing each other let alone a skinhead with a swastika tattooed on his forehead.
The far-left are well-educated, upper-middle class, urban thugs that are well-funded, well-organized and bent on hitting the cities hard when the opportunity presents itself. They are only part of the violent rioters and looters… they help inflame those in the lower socioeconomic rungs to do their dirty work. All they need is a media story to get it going. A real one is the platinum prize… but even a manufactured one will do in a pinch.
The solution for all of this is to first be intellectually honest about the source of the problems. One is clearly that the far left thugs need to be designated as terrorists and dealt with accordingly. The second is that the under-class that rages about being left out of the prosperity hierarchy needs to be brought back in. And the problem preventing that is contained within the platform and politics of the political establishment which includes Democrats and Republicans.
https://fortune.com/2018/10/22/far-right-americans-just-six-person-study-says/
Your link: The Far Right Represents Only 6% of U.S. Citizens, Study Says.
Good to know there’s only 2 million of them out there.
Yes: police killing unarmed black men.
JB, I knew you were conservative when I married you, but it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to love you . . .
LOL. Just saw this. You know you cannot hug with military arms! Just sayin’
Yes: police killing unarmed black men.
No: Wrong
Police killing any living thing unnecessarily is ONE problem.
Lawless rioting, looting and killing is another problem. The rioters and looters have killed more people than the cops in this case.
Collateral damage in the name of police reform and an end to racism?
Or collateral damage for free shopping at Target?
Jeff: thugs is considered a racist term (link).
Then Obama was a racist.
Obama stands by the term ‘thugs,’ White House says
I hope my link is acceptable, it is from USA Today.
Your link proves my point – Obama was criticized because… wait for it, “Some critics ascribe racial connotations to the word “thug” — Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake walked back the term earlier this week — but Obama doesn’t agree, officials said.” If Obama is going to be questioned for using the term – Jeff Boone doesn’t have any legs to stand on.
Pretty sure most ” far-left are well-educated, upper-middle class, urban thugs that are well-funded, well-organized” are white boys. As in ANTIFA.
[edited]
Say WHAT?!?
The Nation, 2 June 2020: The FBI Finds ‘No Intel Indicating Antifa Involvement’ in Sunday’s Violence
Hiram – I saw that report yesterday, but so far the Nation is the only one who has reported it which makes me skeptical.
Alan
It is interesting to me that you mention intolerance towards reporters on the part of protestors, but did not mention the deliberate hostility shown to the media by the police. We now have multiple reports of injuries, including the loss of two eyes, inflicted by police action during coverage of protests of ironically enough, police brutality.
I want all sides to eschew the use of violence. And yes, bring on the rainbows, unicorns, and people holding hands singing Kumbaya. Would that honestly not be better than what we have now? Ok, for those who were not there, this is a reference to a recent conversation between me and Alan Miller.
I was leaving that for you 😉
[Moderator: I’ve removed your link. No more of this. Post comments, discuss issues. We don’t need your links to specific incidents. If you have a problem with this, take it up with David. My opinion is that your links do not serve any purpose here.]
I wonder… if two or three guys, watching what was going on with George Floyd, had come slowly, deliberately, towards the officers, hands up, obviously unarmed, sternly saying/yelling “knock that off! Stop it!” Guess everyone’s balls have been cut off… don’t know if I would have done that, but might have… I wasn’t there… have confronted strong bullies before… we’ll never know what someone might have accomplished if they took a risk, instead of being a ‘bystander’… there was the cowardly cop who watched… there were many more cowardly bystanders… who just watched, and/or filmed.
Too many cowards…
Cowards enable bullies…
There were 3 bullies and a coward, wearing uniforms, who are responsible for a murder… whether the victim was white, black, Asian, Laninx, whatever… it was murder, under the ‘color’ of law… and the bystanders have some complicity, too… they did nothing of consequence to stop it.
Cowards, all…
“Latinx”… shot clock cancelled with 3 minutes of time ostensibly left…
If I understand your comment, when the incident happened some bystanders told the cops to stop and they’re response was basically, if he can talk, he can breathe.
You do not understand my comment… you speak as a ‘bystander’, more interested in reporting, than acting… assuming you are speaking to me… think about how your gut felt, how you reacted, when S Greenwald and Emlen confronted each other, when R Asmundson collapsed… only then, can you begin to understand what my comment is about… and Ms Greenwald was not choking Ms Asmundson… what you experienced, how you acted then, is many degrees less than what happened in Minneapolis… get real… get in touch with your manhood/personhood…
I believe a few brave, just, folk could have created a different result…
You refer to “the incident” … it was cold-blooded murder… you’re being a cowardly wimp, IMNSHO, to call it an “incident”… own up to your ‘inherent bias’ of pretending to be detached… think John Donne, “Meditations”… in part,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.”
Suggested reading… John Donne, Meditation XVII… all of it…
Done. (pun intended)
Stop this, please.
It was stone cold murder, not an “incident”… what is the PC term to call out someone who conflates the two? I’ll use that term, if you can come up with one. I took my best shot at an appropriate term… guess I erred…
“what is the PC term to call out someone who conflates the two?”
I have several that are likely to be less acceptable to Don, but at least equally descriptive. One cannot but wonder how the Vanguard would have characterized Idi Amin so as not to offend any cannibals.
video-ing is the new do-ing.
Yeah, I’ve noticed that during the riots. Everyone has their phones out video-ing as you say. There should be plenty of evidence out there to find the arsonists, brick throwers and looters.
I believe WM’s point was: it’s more important to stop a murder, than record a murder, and taking a video ain’t courage.
You believe correctly, AM… good eyesight…
There are none so blind than those who refuse to see…
Unfortunately, too often when you’re unarmed and the 3 officers standing by are armed, you have a high likelihood of ending up dead yourself if you intervene with more than your phone video. Please understand that people need to make their own personal safety decisions in the moment, and we should not second guess them if they don’t involve lashing out in violence.
Trump’s words didn’t go over well with Houston police chief Art Acevedo. He’s verbally diplomatic, but his body language appears to suggest frustration.
Police chief to Trump: Please, keep your mouth shut if you can’t be constructive
Houston police chief Art Acevedo responds to President Trump telling governors to “dominate” protesters.
He also cleared out protesters with tear gas so he could pose at a church: link
“He did not pray,” said Mariann E. Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington. “He did not mention George Floyd, he did not mention the agony of people who have been subjected to this kind of horrific expression of racism and white supremacy for hundreds of years.”
And if he had prayed and stated the things you cite here you would’ve probably complained that it was contrived. It doesn’t matter what Trump does or says it’s going to be spun and twisted.
Therre is a difference between being criticized for acting political and acting with indifference.
The rioters tried to burn it down but Trump gets excoriated for simply walking over to pay homage to the church. You can’t make this schit up.
Yep, correct, and the one main perpetrator of spinning and twisting his words…
wait….
A guy named Donald J Trump… hours or days after he spoke or tweeted… fact.
Keith O
Yes, Trump has lost all credibility for acting sincere in his concerns. But his political stunt took this to a new level of indifference that is intolerable. Anyone who is concerned about democracy and civility in America can see the difference. It’s not about spinning and twisting–that’s exactly what Trump was trying to do. You’re just upset that he’s being called out by so many people for his audacity.
If we can’t call our leaders for outrageous behavior, what are we supposed to do in a democracy? Why are you so defensive about Trump’s behavior?
“Cuomo reacts to Trump holding Bible for photo-op: Open it!” link
That was really good, thanks for posting HJ.
I thought the last 15 seconds was unnecessary and kinda ruined the rest of it — just labeling partisanship. Kinda looks like Cuomo is positioning to take Biden’s place.
Funny! Video shows the prez checking the spine to see if it was right side up!
Two presidents seldom attended church services… one read daily from the Bible. Both Republicans. Read Lincoln’s writings/speeches… they are rich in both Old and New Testament thought.
One man sought to heal divisions… the other likes to apparently widen them…
It is a crackup in transparent desperation for the Godless secular political left and their media puppets to be attempting to adopt a religious brand while supporting late-term abortion and other progressive agenda items that are soundly opposed by the those of true faith.
But it is humorous and demonstrates the political opportunism and shape-shifting we all expect.
So I say continue on!
Y’mean, true faith, as in — the Christian faith?
That is the thing about faith AM. You don’t put quotes around it.
No, Boone, not everyone’s God is money. I have a more apt comment “awaiting moderation.” i.e. Truth is always subservient to gemütlichkeit in the Vangaurds comments.
“Awaiting Moderation” – where Vanguard comments go to die.
I don’t think I’ve ever agreed with you more on something, JH. Probably because neither of us are gemütlichkeit sorts of people. Personally, I find people who try to be gemütlichkeit sorts, to often exhibit their true selves in other, less-direct and more-obnoxious ways, such as passive-aggressiveness, or judging the worthiness of comments.
I pulled the comment because it was a direct personal attack. Maintain some basic civility, and your comments are less likely to be pulled.
Are you talking to me or JH? I don’t think you and I have the same values of what a personal attack or civility is Did I have something pulled . . . just pulling it doesn’t do any good if I’m supposed to figure out where the line is. I am doing dozens of things during the day, and often have no idea what I wrote if it isn’t there anymore. Other blogs I’ve seen leave the persons name, and cite what policy the comment violated. Is that so much to ask?
Hobbs – you are a clear disciple of Howard Zinn. Where did get your college education and when? That might explain a few things. Maybe if I understood you a little better I could bring the conversation down to a level you might understand.
Like an elevator to the basement at San Quentin . . . Con Descending.
Do you identify as a religious person of true faith?
Why does that matter? I am not the one trying to make political hay out of it. I was responding to “Cuomo reacts to Trump holding Bible for photo-op: Open it!”
Gov. Cuomo is a lifelong Roman Catholic who disagrees with his church on some of their teachings, as do millions of American Catholics. Are you actually saying you don’t think his is a “true faith”? Or implying that he is a “Godless secularist”?
On orders of the Attorney General, the police fired tear gas and other stuff at peaceful protestors in order to make a clear path for Donald Trump, who was raised Presbyterian, to walk over to an Episcopal church — where he is not a member and was not welcome for this purpose — so he could do a photo op.
There’s no excuse for what Trump did. That’s the story here, not Gov. Cuomo’s religion.
I don’t know if Gov. Cuomo also made the same referenced quote, but the original link above was actually from his brother, CNN commentator Chris Cuomo.
It’s been determined that this is false. No tear gas was used. Yet another fake news narrative.
Correct. They used PepperBall. Glad we got that cleared up.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper-spray_projectile
Media is saying that CDC considers it tear gas – link
So not a fake news narrative. Did you actually read this stuff, Keith?
“It’s been determined that this is false. No tear gas was used. Yet another fake news narrative.”
No, your statement is false. Both OC gas (pepper spray) and CS gas (tear gas) canisters were found at the scene. For the record, OC gas is a form of tear gas (as described by the manufacturer) with similar impacts to CS gas, but with longer-term action. In other words, OC gas is likely worse.
Hiram… Twain ‘nailed it’…
In one of his essays, he distinguished between a ‘professing Christian’, and a ‘professional Christian.’… also works if you substitute the term to, Catholic (many Protestants will tell you Catholics are not really Christians), Jew, Moslem, Buddhist, atheist, etc.
All are better viewed by how they behave, witness their ‘faith’ by their actions, rather than by their rhetoric and/or photo ops. Big diff between Billy Graham, and Jim Bakker… as just one example.
Cuomo is for reals… the other, not so much, apparently.
“…agenda items that are soundly opposed by the those of true faith.”
Seems like Pat Robertson is “backsliding” on some things.
Fox News: “Pat Robertson criticizes Trump’s comment about governors looking like ‘jerks’: ‘It isn’t cool'”
And G.W. Bush, too.
George W. Bush calls out racial injustices and celebrates protestors who march for a better future
Washington Examiner opinion piece isn’t kind to Trump either.
Prepare ye the way of the Trump. Make straight paths for him
Jeff B
Are you the arbiter of “true faith”? What do you believe about the “wealth gospel” ministers who distort Jesus’s teachings? Have you closely read the New Testament and commentaries on those documents? Have you read the commentaries on the Torah and engaged in discussions about the Hebrew texts? What makes you such an expert on what is truly respectful of God? Why do you know more than an Episcopalian bishop? Do you have a special channel to God?
Democrats have generally drifted away from religious institutions more than Republicans because they recognize them for their support of the status quo over achieving justice and denial of changing times, much of that created by scientific advances. But that doesn’t mean that they have become less spiritual, which is the core of “true faith.”
Here’s good examples of how those of “true faith” have fallen for Trump’s stunt.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/06/trumps-biblical-spectacle-outside-st-johns-church/612529/
“Whitehead told me in an interview that Christian nationalism is often not really about theology (and thus can’t be ascribed to all conservative churchgoers): “It’s about identity, enforcing hierarchy, and order.””
But don’t worry rioters… your governor has assured you that is not your fault.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jun/2/will-smith-va-police-chief-says-rioters-blocked-fi/
Oddly enough, banker Boone, I aspire to be a disciple to truth, something your ilk is woefully uncomfortable with. I was raised a protestant Christian and still try to live by “love thy neighbor.” Some neighbors make it tougher than others.
That is odd based on your posting. But maybe your fingers are controlled by something deeper?
I too love the truth. I also love real math and emotional intelligence. I read fiction and can easy discern it from reality.
And I don’t need to love my politicians. They are elected to do a job, not make me feel better about myself.
One thing for sure, the Democrats have handed Trump the law and order President brand. Big mistake.
It’s hard to argue for law and order or that you will bring law and order when you are in charge and you’re not bringing it. Not to mention it’s hard to argue that the the people opposing law and order are democrats, when it’s not clear who the people causing the problems are and a few weeks ago it was mainly republicans protesting the closures.
Please cite where the Republicans threw bricks at cops, spit in their faces, committed arson, defaced property, looted and created mayhem at any of the protests of the closures.
How would either of us know? You’re ignoring third parties and the fact that a lot of anarchists are not registered and the fact that some might be white supremists. There’s just a huge mess of problems here.
I know what didn’t happen at the largely conservative open the economy rallies.
Nothing like what we’re seeing now with these protests from the left.
There is also these kind of weird dynamics – link
No, the anti closure protesters only showed up at state capitols brandishing weapons to intimidate anyone from attempting to stop their protests which were creating public health hazards. On the other hand, almost no one showed up Floyd protests brandishing weapons, and violence broke out when police intervened.
The protests and riots the last week probably were probably 100o times more of a public health hazard than lesser attended and much fewer open the economy protests.
Well being that several cops have died or have been wounded at the riots from gunshots shows you’re totally wrong about this. Secondly bricks, gas bombs, frozen water bottles, running down cops with cars, and several other devices are also weapons.
Just head it from a friend who cannot and will not be named who’s place of business had its systems hacked and destroyed. They are in disaster recovery mode. And he says that 75% of all of his customers related to that industry, a big industry, are claiming the same. According to him the FBI is working on this. It is widespread. It is not being reported. The inference is that the virus pandemic, the riots and looting and the systems hacking might be all related.
Are we at war and don’t know it?
I generally would not considered posting something like this except for that friend is rock-solid and not prone to exaggerating anything. He is very worried.
It is written: even paranoids have enemies…
Too easy… I pass…
I heard from a friend who . . .
Heard it from a friend who . . .
Heard it from another you been messin’ around . . .
— REO Speedwagon
Great song!
“I too love the truth.” I don’t think you are even acquainted with it. You and your ilk have brought about the class war you have so often decried by your malicious indifference to the conditions in which your neighbors are forced to live.
Well Biden has just given us the solution for racist cops… he advocates shooting the criminals in the leg instead of the heart.
I might just vote for him for the comic relief I would get every day.
The sad thing is that he said a lot really good things and they remember the one thing that was not so well considered: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-police-oversight-board/
Oh My Gawd, did you really just write this? You and your ilk do the same thing everyday to Trump.
He really just wrote that . . .
With Trump its the opposite. He says are lot of stupid things and things that aren’t true and then might say one thing that is well considered.
A recent poll shows 71% of American voters support the use of the National Guard to supplement city police forces in addressing protests.
https://assets.morningconsult.com/wp-uploads/2020/06/01181629/2005131_crosstabs_POLICE_RVs_FINAL_LM-1.pdf
Ipsos poll out today 78% of Americans disagree with the President’s handling of the protests.
The new no bail laws are working for getting looters released from jail so they can go right back out and loot again.
https://nypost.com/2020/06/02/hundreds-of-nyc-looters-to-be-cut-loose-without-bail/
Actually if you are charged with looting in California you are not eligible for zero bail. That was a point of contention because prior to this week, they were using it to define crimes that clearly were not looting.
Manhattan, Dave, Manhattan.
I’m explaining the law here. Looting is a designated exception to zero bail in California.
“It’s been determined that this is false. No tear gas was used. Yet another fake news narrative.”
Rhetoric programmed by Trump.
Irrespective of the disgusting and criminal cop actions that led to the death of George Floyd, is there a problem with systemic police racism against blacks?
The data say no.
In fact, the entire political-media narrative of blacks being unfairly targeted by cops and black communities being worse off because of death caused by racism and/or racial oppression is patently false and suspect for being promulgated for a media and political benefit.
This is really hard for the committed career social justice activists to accept, but the facts are the facts.
Related to the political-media narrative of cops and racism…
Per federal crime stats, in 2019 police officers fatally shot 1,004 people, most of whom were armed or otherwise dangerous. 235 of those were black suspects… about 25% of the total and that ratio has been stable since 2015 when Obama was in charge and working so hard to improve race relations.
The US Census has blacks owning 13.4% of the population. So the 25% killed by cops is used by certain political forces and activists to make the case that cops are killing more blacks because of racism.
But that argument is intellectually dishonest based on the rest of the data.
The first point is that the number of unarmed black deaths by cops has declined significantly since Obama left office. In 2019 the cops killed 9 unarmed blacks and 19 unarmed whites. That is down from 38 and 32, respectively, in 2015.
In 2018 there were 7,407 black homicide victims. Those 9 shootings by the cops represent 0.1% of all African-Americans killed in 2019. By contrast a police officer is 18.5 times more likely to be killed by a black male than an unarmed black male is to be killed by a police officer.
A 2019 article from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences here found no evidence of anti-black disparity in the likelihood of being fatally shot by police. The reason is one of the keys that those attempting to milk the cop-black racism media-political narrative refuse to admit… and hence lose credibility in actually caring enough to fix the root causes. That key is the demographic population and crime data for where the killings occur. It proves that the more frequently officers encounter violent suspects from any given racial group, the greater the chance that a member of that group will be fatally shot by a police officer. And In 2018 blacks made up 53% of known homicide offenders in the U.S. and commit about 60% of robberies, though they are 13% of the population.
Now we can and should discuss this racial disparity in criminal activity and what needs to happen to fix it. Obliviously these communities are in crisis and need help. But to blame it on the cops is not only intellectually dishonest, but more importantly, it is a disgusting political distraction that prevents a genuine dialog on the needed solutions.
Re:
Just one example where the data suggests otherwise, at least with respect to the use of force:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/03/us/minneapolis-police-use-of-force.html
The riots and looting is going on all over the country, not just in this one example you can cherry pick for disparity. Also, you did just quote the nytimes.
But I do agree that the physicality of police techniques should be reviewed and there needs to be more training for non-violent de-escalation techniques.
Something I agree with Jeff on. I watched a video yesterday and the police were simply marched down the street and one guy for no reason that was evident on the video, smack a camera guy with the butt of his gun.
I cannot see David’s posts unless I log out. It is nice that we agree on something, but one incident does not a national scandal make.
My perspective is that American law enforcement is too trained and too connected with shooting, and otherwise too trained in the use of physical force… as their primary tools. I would like to see a lot more training on de-escalation techniques with violence and deadly force being second or even third down the list. Unfortunately this will likely result in more dead cops. But I think this is what liberals and the black community are demanding…. fewer dead black men at the hands of cops in those communities even though it will result in more hurt and killed cops.
Thinking about this, it is like liberals are demanding that cops pay the price for our history of slavery and the decades of failed liberal policies that have kept the black communities in a state of poverty and crime. In some respects I think the police in this country are getting their bill for decades of supporting Democrat politicians that would vote to increase their union pay and benefits. They seem to have made a deal with a devil for them.
So that means that a black citizen is twice as likely to be shot by police than the population average. That’s pretty damn strong evidence. Of course, you’ve only cherry picked focusing on shootings. There’s much more evidence–just too much to ever post here–of the disparity in policing actions and outcomes against that community. Just give it up.
LOL. Do you actually have some reading comprehension to rely on? Obviously you have nothing to back-up your criticism of something you clearly did not read nor understand.
Or maybe you are a math and science denier?
Keith
You asked for an instance of someone on the right assaulting a police officer. I have one for you. In the days of COVID-19, this in my opinion should be counted as assault.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/michigan-man-viral-photo-coronavirus-stay-at-home-protest
Wow… I guess assault is in the eye of the beholder… unless the person in question knew he was running a ‘temp’, or had tested positive for covid, it is a very limber, yoga-esque, paranoid stretch to call that an “assault”… but you are entitled to hold those opinions… but they are not backed up by facts… name one, even one case where someone got covid (or was even in reasonable risk of getting it) from such a behavior.
Just one. I can wait for two-three weeks for a response, allowing for incubation. If any of the officers contract covid, due to that exposure, I will acknowledge and apologize… until then…
Covid risk is definitely overblown… yet, it is prudent, as we do not have it fully understood, to do the social distancing and mask thingies… action cited: rude, yes… imprudent, yes… “assault”? No freaking way!
IMNSHO…
Hahahahaha, nice try Tia.
During these riots the left is on film throwing bricks, gas bombs, frozen water bottles at cops, runs them down with cars, spits and shouts in their faces, pummels cops that were down, kills and wounds several cops, etc….too much to list.
The best Tia can come up with from the open the economy rally is some guy shouting.
I will point out that in the 1980s during AIDS protests, protesters were arrested on assault charges for supposedly exposing officers to disease transmission in similar circumstances. Those concerns turned out to be baseless, but there is a precedent.
This is so weak it’s laughable.
Keith O
As I pointed out, the right wing protesters showed up so well armed that it was very dangerous for law enforcement to confront them directly.
There’s no comparison whatsoever in the magnitude of violence seen at these Justice for Floyd protests and riots and the open the economy protests.
But spin away, knock yourself out.
Keith O
You miss my point. Just as proponents of Measure J/R are unaware of the projects that don’t show up due to the cost and risk of the campaign, the you appear ignorant of the violence that would have been unleashed at those anti closure protests if the police had pushed back as hard on them. The physical risks to police were much higher at those capitol protests.
And you appear ignorant to the ACTUAL violence that was unleashed by the Floyd protest rioters.
What if? What if?
Give it a rest.
Isn’t it crazy and telling Keith that they are defending the Antifa thugs and the other looters and rioters and claiming that the right wingers are the danger?
The real danger is people that do this type of thing being allowed to hold the levers and switches of political power in this country. Can you imagine politicians that ignore violent looting and rioting by mobs of well-coordinated thugs while pointing disingenuous fingers at their tribal opponent as being dangerous. We saw similar things in the 1930s in Germany.
This is the problem that the dishonest biased media has caused. Rampant intellectual dishonesty replaced by the expectation that the media will keep spinning it for deflection. Goebbels if alive would be quite impressed.
Bill
You are asking the wrong question. Obviously I cannot provide you with a name. That would be a HIPPA violation. However, I would point out to you that droplet viral transmission is an undisputed means of transfer of the coronavirus from one individual to another. Given the proximity of the two individuals saliva transmission from shouting is almost inevitable in the pictured encounter. The mask worn by the police officer protects the protestor from the police officer’s secretions but does not protect the officer. As for temperature, or other symptoms, please look up asymptomatic spread. And when you do, bear in mind that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for breaking it.
Being asymptomatic doesn’t mean you are carrrying covid. There are millions of asymptomatic folk who haven’t even been exposed. Goes to why they are asymptomatic.
There is zero evidence the man in the picture has even been exposed to covid. Or is this a case where you charge “assault”, and the accused is assumed guilty, until proven innocent, beyond all reasonable doubt? Interesting legal theory… should we apply that to all misdemeanor and felony charges, of any stripe? Let’s call him “Jack Doe”… probably doesn’t violate HIPPA.
“Thinking about this, it is like liberals are demanding that cops pay the price for our history of slavery and the decades of failed liberal policies that have kept the black communities in a state of poverty and crime. In some respects I think the police in this country are getting their bill for decades of supporting Democrat politicians that would vote to increase their union pay and benefits. They seem to have made a deal with a devil for them.”
Pulled from the archives of Boone’s large intestine. Why do you allow this nonsense from him, Don?
Cops need to be held to the same standard of behavior as everyone else. The right wing parrots who keep giving them a pass on murder are as responsible as the cops themselves. Boone has been one of the biggest apologists on this blog.
Banker Boone, who so loves to parade his piety might recall the Bible verse Hosea 8:7
It’ harvest time.
President George W. and Laura Bush issued this moving statement:
“June 2, 2020
STATEMENT BY
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH
Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice
and fear that suffocate our country. Yet we have resisted the urge to speak out, because this is not the time for us to lecture. It is time for us to listen. It is time for America to examine our tragic failures
– and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths.
It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country. It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future. This tragedy — in a long series of similar tragedies — raises a long overdue question: How do we end systemic racism in our society? The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving. Those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America — or how it becomes a better place.
America’s greatest challenge has long been to unite people of very different backgrounds into a single nation of justice and opportunity. The doctrine and habits of racial superiority, which once nearly split our country, still threaten our Union. The answers to American problems are found by living up to American ideals — to the fundamental truth that all human beings are created equal and endowed by God with certain rights. We have often underestimated how radical that quest really is, and how our cherished principles challenge systems of intended or assumed injustice. The heroes of America — from Frederick Douglass, to Harriet Tubman, to Abraham Lincoln, to Martin Luther King,Jr. — are heroes of unity. Their calling has never been for the fainthearted. They often revealed the nation’s disturbing bigotry and exploitation — stains on our character sometimes difficult for the American majority to examine. We can only see the reality of America’s need by seeing it through the eyes of the threatened, oppressed, and disenfranchised.
That is exactly where we now stand. Many doubt the justice of our country, and with good reason.
Black people see the repeated violation of their rights without an urgent and adequate response from American institutions. We know that lasting justice will only come by peaceful means. Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress. But we also know that lasting peace in our communities requires truly equal justice. The rule of law ultimately depends on the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system. And achieving justice for all is the duty of all.
This will require a consistent, courageous, and creative effort. We serve our neighbors best when we try to understand their experience. We love our neighbors as ourselves when we treat them as equals, in both protection and compassion. There is a better way — the way of empathy, and shared commitment, and bold action, and a peace rooted in justice. I am confident that together, Americans
will choose the better way.”
Amen.
Wow. One of the best d@mn things I’ve ever read.
So glad I went back and read this. So glad you posted this.
Now James Mattis: James Mattis Denounces President Trump, Describes Him as a Threat to the Constitution
Fired generals always have an axe to grind and a book to sell. Just ask MacArthur.
I know the end of the world must be near when John Hobbs is quoting G. W. Bush.
LOL. Bush is safe now that he isn’t threatening the march to the liberal global new world order. Actually, I think Bush pretty much supported it.
A different take…
Think Thomas Paine, writing ~240 years ago…
“These are the times that try men’s souls…” Doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see where “Common Sense” is pertinent for these times… IMHO… read all of ‘The American Crisis (No. 1)”… might be enlightening… and pertinent… and timely…
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=rFD%2fdDms&id=DF3B55FD4FB77EF14C37CAD305C78B6391402601&thid=OIP.rFD_dDmsWSUdt5uuSrQcagHaEo&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fi.imgur.com%2f0exLwRB.jpg&exph=500&expw=800&q=these+are+the+times+that+try+men%27s+souls&simid=608022688618319366&ck=9416BAD3C946CD004BA05B01920C388A&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0
Generally I see Vox.com as useless left-biased junk rag… mostly Democrat-favoring opinion pieces masquerading as news, but agree mostly with Darnell Hunt here. This appears to be largely the result of the administrative state destroying economic lives and making people shelter in place. It was the last environmentally-correct straw and it snapped.
Ironically for the mobs, they just did more damage to their economic lives already made miserable by their elite upper class masters and professional rulers.
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/6/2/21278113/looting-george-floyd-protests-social-unrest