The Fires of Baltimore

Tom W.

The police have been trained and conditioned to believe that law abiding citizens do not run away. Criminals run. I am not a black man and I don't pretend to know the psychology of a man's thoughts when the police stop a man for being "black". I do know that standing on a street corner in the mid-day, when real men are at work supporting themselves and their families, is suspicious activity in areas with a high incidence of drug use. Loitering is suspicious activity and should warranty a conversation if I was an officer doing my job. And yes, I would run a man down who tried to escape my attention. It's time for the insanity to stop. Insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. We need to teach our children to respect authority and to stop making excuses for their bad behavior.

Marcel French

I have seen first hand that there a far more corrupt cops then good cops in law enforcement. It is proof that politics does not belong in everyday life. If the job it self requires running for office then the politics should begin and end with the election. Good news on a cure for PTSD it's called cannabis. Adults with PTSD if possible should use Indica for night time and a Indica / Sativa hybrid during the day. Childeren with PTSD should receive treatment with CBD dominant Indica for night time and CBD dominant Sativa for day time. And as far as cops having control over the use of the body cam then you may as well not have the cam as it will do nothing to help good cops or the citizens. The longer this problem goes unsolved the worse it will get.

Being a cop does not make any person infallible there is no way for anyone to be infallible. The only thing that can be done is to make groups that teach hate and ignorance illegal. There are three known races of humans on this planet and not one of them are better then the others. Corrupt cops come in all three races of various size shape and skin tone. As do hate mongering ignorant citizens.

Ty Ford

OK, I live in Baltimore County. I used to live in Baltimore City. I've ben here since1985. I saw the riots in the 1960s. Here's what I think is happening here and in other cities across the country.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects more than just soldiers exposed to war in some foreign country. If you are traumatized at any point in your life severely enough or over a long enough period of time your brain chemistry is changed. You become highly sensitive to any number of stimuli. Once your "button is pushed" you enter Fight/Flight/Freeze mode. You are not in control of your thoughts and actions.

I think any police person in a metropolitan area with any time on the force has probably been exposed to enough trauma to be affected. In fact, they may have experienced this trauma before they even entered the police force. It may have been a part of what made them want to be a police officer.

Many citizens who live on the edge in inner cities are also exposed to abuse and crime. They too are likely candidates for PTSD. Toss the police and these citizens together in a racially/socially charged situation and Baltimore is what you get. It's inescapable. And it will continue to happen until the PTSD can be dealt with.

Interestingly, there's a doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Roland Griffiths, who has done research on PTSD and who has data that proves that administering psilocybin to PTSD victims makes a remarkable difference. Here's a link to a story about him in the Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/acid-test-the-case-for-using-psychedelics-to-treat-ptsd-depression/2014/09/04/03c3c222-0e01-11e4-8c9a-923ecc0c7d23_story.html

We need to find a way to heal these people, both citizens and police from PTSD.

Rev. michael smith

you are correct and the answer is so simple it seems incomprehensible to most people, JUST TREAT PEOPLE AS PEOPLE NOT CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE, every authority from Jesus "love your neighbor as yourself" to the founding fathers "we find these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal"

ronald wolfe

Rev, Mike, I dont think jas was ever said it was ok to gun down unarmed citizens and even though the "switch blade" knife is illegal, it does not give police the right to act as judge, jury and executioner. however even though i agree we can't forget the past, and police to need to be held accountable for their actions, we also cant use the past for our actions, and rioting and burning down buildings and hurting innocent people because you are angry and upset is NOT the answer, peaceful, demonstrations are ok but taking your rage out on buildings, shops, lootings, etc. Are NOT? Please dont take peronal attacks and make assumptions of other peoples posts here, they are opinions only and everyone is entitled to theres.

Rick

Shouldn't our questions be about "How do we help people change attitudes, actions, and responses? How do we help people find a different way of life? How do we help people deal with tragedy?" Maybe I'm wrong, but I think by arguing about whether cops are good or bad, or whether Freddie Gray got what he deserved or was an innocent victim, we are missing out on helping others. How do we help people who aren't a part of this at all deal with being drawn into it, categorized as a result of it?

Marlin Ray Taylor

All of these post seem to overlook one thing. As long as we Americans are fighting among ourselves, the Government knows we are not watching them. I do not care what Party holds the office, Every Politician is out for what HE or SHE can get out of the job. <- Human Nature at it's best. UNTIL our own Government is reigned in and held accountable for it's actions and inactions, nothing here in the United States will change. It will only get worse.

Now ask me why I have this opinion, I can answer it this way. I am a 100% Disabled Veteran. I took that oath to defend My Country , Flag, Constitution and all the people here even if they don't like me for what ever race I happen to be. That oath did not have an expiration date on it.

Right now as I look out over my Country, I am sad and afraid. So many people just believe what ever is pored into their eyes and ears from the Main Stream Media. So many people just read what ever comes across their Face Book Page and never look or research what else is going on. I see something on Face Book or the Media, I go do research to see if it is accurate before I post my opinions. What is sad is to really get the News here in the United States without one of the Political Parties distorting it is to go to News from Europe (usually the BBC)

Racial problems is nothing new to the United States. It has happened since the first Europeans landed and started swindling the Native People here. What we do as results from these problems is the only thing that matters. Do we self implode as a Nation? Do we rise above it and become stronger? Do we stick our heads up our own butts and hope it gets better/ Or do we stand up and demand that our country be set back to what it was originally intended to be by our Forefathers?

I chose to speak up and take action if need be. Instead of complaining in the Social Media, complain to the Government. Take a stand.

Wayne Bowlby

I grew up in Maryland in the "60"s-"70"s. At times police came across as bullies. I realize working in large crime ridden areas such as Washington D.C., Baltimore, and all the large suburban areas can make lawman rather famous, but those enforcing laws must realize the laws apply to them as much if not more. With cameras watching everyone's actions, driving habits, and more one should consider they are always watched in some way. We also need to realize videos and audio are not full proof and do not tell the entire story. As with everything in this world we need to address what created the problems and work on those issues. Sometimes this goes back years and people need to learn to forgive and move forward, lest the past repeasts itself over & over. Peace and Love (please), Losaiko1234

Dave

Blessed are the peace makers. I challenge every and all who wish to judge to step up and put on the shield!! Life is weighted by the totality of the circumstances and an individual's actions.

Bob Long

2nd Amendment. An armed society is a peaceful society

Rick

I don't really see this as a race issue, even as badly as some want it to be. An even higher percentage of Native Americans are shot by police every year than blacks. Poverty is more prevalent among Native Americans, as well. Next are Hispanics. And if we look at only impoverished whites, the numbers are again, also nearly identical to the other groups. These groups are committing crimes more often. I'm saying this as 1/8 Native American. That part of my culture is committing a very high percentage of crime for their population. We need to solve the issue of poverty. The crime isn't about race. Poverty and lack of education cause higher crime. If any one of us was raised in surroundings that treated crime as "normal" because of generations of despair, we could be criminals, too. It's no different than viewing pit bulls. If they are raised to kill, they will be that way. If raised like a normal dog, they are incredibly affectionate and gentle. Remember what people thought about them? Born evil, irredeemable, unintelligent, no good, enjoyed killing... etc. Sound familiar?

The only issue is really whether we are spending money to "help" the right way. I see this problem much the same as an economy that is floundering. It has to have an enormous amount of money to get back on track AND the money has to be spent correctly. Instead of money for "green businesses" that immediately failed, it should have been more like the Great Depression. Bridges, highways, baseball parks, etc. Invest in the infrastructure and spend the money on jobs. Then it doesn't sit in the banks of the business owners, it pays rent, buys food, and truly stimulates the economy. I do agree with the President on this - COLLEGE. Give the impoverished people of this country a reason to stay in school - a free college education (with some work after graduation for payback, like many students do) and a future. If they can't get through college, then trade school, whatever. Then those same people who could have been criminals will become the healthy, tax-paying, productive citizens they would actually like to be. They can help themselves better then. And they need to try harder. Harlem pulled itself out of hell for the most part. The rate of burglary and violent assault is lower in Harlem now than in Manhattan!! But they will need help. Showing we care (through donating to a community garden or ordering from a local business in an area like Baltimore) goes a long way to lifting spirits.

If people would get a bit less selfish - and this is to the 7/8 white part of my culture because we have more financial resources - and help end the cycle, we can. If Oprah and Bill Gates would help get our children through college, this nation could save the whole continent of Africa with our productivity.

I help by giving free tutoring to kids at community college who can't afford it and helping teenagers who just got out of jail get their GEDs and get financial aid for college. I have seen some amazing turnarounds in attitude and actions. I hope to provide a young person from an impoverished area (inner city, reservation, whatever) with a home and education in the future if I can.

I honestly think that instead of debating who did what and who is or isn't racist, we should be a bit above it. I doubt anyone here can make any impact on the proceedings, anyway. If so, best wishes and may God keep your intentions pure. If not, then we should work on how to end the cycle and let the other millions of people argue. I think everyone here would like to see an end to the pain that is happening. Help stop the cycle of poverty.

ginnysbreadbasket

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Frequent and appalling current events are being whipped into a spurious froth by individuals who continue to spawn hatred among races. This month's article, 'Displaced in the Dominican Republic,' published in Harper's Magazine illustrates the tactics used by purportedly Christian, light-skinned Dominican's who have historically and systematically killed dark-skinned Haitians and recently deprived 200,000 living in the Dominican Republic of citizenship status, rendering them without a passport and poverty-stricken. And no country is admitting the Haitian people despite continued, appalling living conditions since the earthquake in 2010.

The unemployment among black males in Baltimore is 37% according to the City's own statistics. Baltimore City voter turnout in the midyear elections was 18%. There have been 12 murders since Monday in the city.

The more you stir a bucket of shit the more it stinks?

There is only one race, the human race. In our nation a man who calls himself 'Black' was elected President, twice. It bothers me that he never acknowledges his mother's heritage, whatever it is, European? I don't know, but the point is why does someone identify with skin color instead of national heritage(s)?

As a self-proclaimed minister I ask myself again and again what is happening in terms of the way people treat one another, ignore hardship and dispense tragedy for selfish gain. I believe that the Universe is benevolent and we are learning to adopt a collective consciousness that is sustainable not pejorative among fellow beings.

God bless us one and all.

kai

Reading these post it is clear that the spiritual leaders of this community are really as racist/biased and out of touch with the realities of the oppressed and the root causes of imperialism/colonialism as the mainstream clergy.

Iain

The police are supposed to be a social institution that is tasked with crime prevention and the keeping of civil order. They are not supposed to be a brute squad enforcing the will of the wealthy elite upon the remainder of society. Law is meaningless in a society where the citizens give up personal freedom for social order if the very body that enforces this contract is not held to the same standards as the general populace. Laws must be enforced equally across all socioeconomic classes. Any deviation from this foments dissent and renders the law illegitimate.

Police brutality is spoken of in our society as if it is a given or a fantasy. Past and recent events demonstrate how fragile the will of the populace to be governed is. Many areas of or Local, State and National Government have been receiving a pass for far too long in relation to the abuse and mistreatment of the populace. I feel this is fueled by the events of 9/11 and the ensuing "flight from reality" our populace has been engaged in. Absolute security from danger cannot be delivered! Any who willingly give up even the slightest freedom for this false promise of security will have neither their freedom nor their security. Each freedom lost leaves us all a little less secure. Finally, If I give someone a ride in my car I am responsible for what happens to them as long as they are in my car. The police must be held responsible for any life they take into custody. The race issue is valid only in the sense that it currently appears as though the police get away with the death of black suspects more than white suspects. If there were records kept on all deaths in police custody I feel you would find there are many whites and Latinos who die in police custody as well. It just does not get reported on as much. This is an issue that affects all citizens of all races, creeds and ethnicities. Institutionalized brutality is an affront to all of humanity. Only through love, communication, mutual respect can we find the path to care for one another as the creator intends.

God Bless us all,

frank

the statements above about cliven bundy incident are miss leading. 1. bundy did not "summon" anyone. please came when law enforcement started killing his cattle. social media took over from there. 2. the couple that killed in vegas had nothing to do with the "stand-off". they were random people that showed up, and were quickly asked to leave by the bundy family.

Ed

Wrong! The autopsy of Brown shows that he was struggling with the officer over the gun. He did NOT have his hands up. #PantsUpDontLoot!

5. A friend of an officer who arrested Gray said the suspect wasn't secured in the van because officers were not able to bring him under control and were afraid he would attack or bite them.

6. Gray may have been intentionally trying to injure himself in the van. Multiple reports claimed Gray was not buckled because officers wanted to dole out extrajudicial treatment by deliberately giving him a rough ride. But another prisoner in the van with Gray told investigators that Gray was banging against the walls of the van and the prisoner believed he was intentionally trying to injure himself. http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/17-things-baltimore-riots/2015/04/30/id/641793/

Wow. You ARE biased. That's like saying the people who rioted over Brown and Gray are as guilty of crimes that Brown and Gray committed. It's like you're blaming their surviving family for the riots that happened.

Harry Reid and son were wanting the land, for a land grab to sell to Chinese investors. The BLM used choppers to chase down his cattle, in +90 degree heat, and killed many of them, with mass graves. They also ran heavy vehicles through the area, smashing up the very habitat they claimed to "protect." http://www.naturalnews.com/044670_BLM_lies_fracking_leases_Bundy_ranch.html You have the federal government, on multiple cases, stealing people's land with such BS as "eminent domain," and then, they lease/sell it to the highest bidder.

Maybe you need to read about how a BLACK COP shot a WHITE MAN in SLC, and has been cleared of charges: http://wreg.com/2014/11/25/salt-lake-cop-cleared-in-shooting-of-unarmed-white-man/

I can find you a ton of cases where blacks assault or kill whites, and it's brushed aside. You may have heard of the Bull "Knock Out Game." What a load of ----! In many of those cases, black thugs attack whites, just because they can. To minimize it as some game is lame. They are thugs, simple.

Here's a "double standard" for you: 1/2 of the cops in the Gray case are BLACK! For Garner, there was a BLACK FEMALE SERGENT! And how about all the black on black killings that go on, in places like Chicago? Blacks are their own worst enemies, from selling captives in tribal wars to slavers, to the above examples. Don't blame whites, only!

Maybe you should look at some of the Independent Parties. The Green. Constitutional. Gary Johnson is running for Libertarian. They'd be better than the corporate owned Demo-cans [demons that shape shift between donkeys and elephants, whose main passion is to screw sheep].

Prophetess

The blacks of America and the Island of the seas are a people destroyed and cut off from their nationality, their language, their history and culture. On top of that every nation look down, destroy and abuses them. They feel the only way to be heard is to act out violently. This is not the right method of communication but it is the only way America will pay attention.

B. Gilb

I think the comparison of Eric Garner and Cliven Bundy is quite a stretch. The whole story lost it's credibility when that comparison was made.

Ædam David Clayman

The Fundamental Problem here is the division of Us⁵⁰+ by facial appearance. Let's all call this act "facism". It's functional discrimination and stereotyping in its most compact, most stereotyped, most Type I, and most dangerous form. Slow-boil facism can turn deadly or injurious in an instant with officers who feel licensed to kill as soon as they feel they can meet the standard of satisficing a jury of their acquittal, or among looters, or within calmunities that are losing their pathways to calm. These all represent corruptions of Our Spirit, facilitated through coextensive and mutually self-reinforcing binary facisms. As soon as one terms themselves Double Hex 0 and the other as Double Hex F, or vice versa, it becomes more difficult to oppose and interfere with this violently infectious binary division, without digital logics to remind us of how much chromatone there is within the world.

Let's reverse slow-boil facism. Stop identifying some as Double Hex 0 (#000000) and some as Double Hex F (#FFFFFF). Let's just stop "double hexing". If Y⁵ou absolutely need to refer to ethnic.city in Your sermons and prayers, refer more broadly to the Liberated and the Freed, those from branches that were Liberated from Forcible Slavery. Instead of diffuse and nonspecific "African-American"* or the facist, double hex 0 of "Black", say "The Liberated and Freed Calmunity".

Lastly, acknowledge that prolonged imprisonment without bail is legalized reenslavement by the State or Federal Government, as exempted from slave-taking by the 13th Amendment, Section 1, reproduced below with emphasis added to the exception:

"Amendment 13, Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

Is it any surprise that the Liberated and Freed Us⁵⁰+ Population should fær reenslavement when threatened with arrest? There are 2.3 million enslaved in the Us+, representing 1 in 100 of the population, and there are no signs that any reduction in force or realignment of force is emergent in calmunity force-functioneering culture. The United States, by this Standard, remains the largest self-legalized enslaver in the world, with a prison enslavement rate (incarceration, they call it) almost twice as large as the next major enslavement center,

• (Is a Bharatiya not "Asian-American"? Is an Algerian-American not "African-American"? These categories are stupid. Why are we drawing so many harm-prone exceptions to Continental Associations? Why is Double Hex 0 synonymous with Subsaharan? Why can't we say Subsaharan instead of African for the euphemism for high UV clines? All these imputations are poorly wrought and require more conscience. How much energy will it take for Us to get synchronized on the self-questioning, such that the schisms of the past mend?)

ronald wolfe

I suggest the author of this article do sokme fact tinding before publishing his propaganda there are many mistakes in his analogy. for the sake of being brief iwill only point out one. Jerry Sandusky was NOT fired at Penn State he retired about 10 years before the accusations, and the rioters WERE NOT supporting th "Pedeophle" they were protesting the sanctions levied against Penn State, by the CORRUPT NCAA! PLEASE DO NOT POST SUCH INACCURATE INFORMATION AND LEAD PEOPLE DOWN THE WRONG ROAD. By the way the NCAA did restore full rights to Penn State knowing they overstepped there bounds thus THEY caused the rioting . Jerry Sandusky was not connected with Penn State at the time of the accusations there are so many other mistakes in your article. Please give up writing this crap.

S. Ngoran

Denial is a wonderful thing. It absolves personal responsibilities for all involved including the writer who glibly condemns his brother. That my friend is the spiritual darkness you are speaking of and that of which you think you know. It's these thoughts that perpetuates the very outward projected madness we see. It begins in the mind and goes through the mouth into creation. Everyone is responsible for what we are seeing.

Krvin DeFranco

These types of articles are "en vogue" right now. Anything depicting the "man" in a bad light is profitable to the leftist, anarchist cultivating race baiters. The social progressives, humanists that see no value in spirituality or religion as a life guiding tool in educating our children. The last thing American youth are interested in is spirituality. If they were; the off shoots of spirituality would be manifested like, respect for themselves and others. Obeying the law. Getting an education and not beating up their teachers in the process. Walking away from crime, violence, drugs, and gangs. Leaders taking a stand against the hip,hop, gangsta mentality. Young men pulling up their pants and looking respectable. Young women dressing in a manner as to not show everything they have. Kids who don't sext and send nude selfies out over the internet. Time to stop swarming in uncontrolled groups causing mayhem and randomly trying to knock people out. Time to hammer those thugs, yes, thugs from turning our youth into a "purge" culture. We may very well be the last generation that cares about God and spirituality. Without laws, law enforcement, faith, and consequences for their actions, anything is possible in the future, in our lifetime. If the author is expecting to leave our future in the hands of political whores instead of parents and spiritual leaders then take a good look at Baltimore and Chicago, East L.A. South Bronx. That's what our cities and towns will look like all over. Its time for all of US to step up and guide youth away from this abomination of desolation. We are staring doom in the eye, and allowing it to flourish. Stop blaming the White Man or authority figures for your lack of responsibility, and accountability for your own life. There is no "White" privilege. There is money and power privilege and it comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. By focusing on a perceived privileged segment of society and blaming every social minority setback on them is ludicrous, but effective in disguising the real culprits motives. Our youth is being groomed for failure by those who hate God, anything of faith and anything spiritual. That's where the real battle is , its not for land, money, material things, its against spiritual powers and principalities who would destroy goodness and decency. Whatever this author gives as proof of cultural bias against "black males" vs white males is mythical, and does not justify the wonton rage and destruction brought about by rioting "misguided" youth. Those guys are thugs, and criminals getting a pass from cowardly officials who don't do their jobs. And white criminals feel the same injustice as their black brothers in crime because its everybody else's fault for their actions. That's the common denominator, they're all innocent.

nekrolumak michael dean

Day 553 of the evilest gang of misbegotten, delusional inbred ,extortion and theft club ever formed, the house of redshield/rothschild. Out of frankfurt Germany, thats why they all have German surnames, bauer,rockerfeller,sachs,goldman,schupper et al. Since 1768 thirteen bank and loan shark owning families have inbred with each other and forced into the pact through debt the monarchies of the world to create a stock market theft machine funded my military theft and mass murder. Called the house of rothschild investment brockerage, they have contained all stolen assets through hereditary laws with contractual pacts with their offspring. Their first mass theft campaign was funding napoleon to fill their coffers with all the property napoleon could steal. Since 1815 no combination of countries or people has had 1/1000 of the assets they stole, so they have had no competition in any market but their own insanity. Jacob rothschild took over haliburton in 2012, the worlds largest consortium of weapons and military supply in the world with exxon mobil the former worlds largest company aquired in 2007 a mere division. All paid for by extorting the US taxpayer to pay trillions in an arranged loan to their world bank federal reserve. This is still going om with the highest level of military based extortion hit in 2007 and maintained at that record level to this day!!! All involved in this theft debacle must be arrested their stolen assets given back to the original owners. Then law will be valid and existance other than zionist pedophile mass murder and theft can start. Boycott israel abolish zionism/judaism the vile homosexual theft and murder club attempting to run the world from jerusalem. All involved in the TPP, the attempted legalization of this, must be arrested. Do you care for your babies, children and grandchildren? if not do nothing you will all be dead by 2025, if you are outraged as you should be you can end this, call your rep and senator, demand this be stopped. 1. demand the arrest of all commanding officers at the 300 US airforce bases, for mass murder, treason, violation of oath and tax evasion. 2. demand the arrest of all dual passport holders in the US Congress and administration for espionage and violation of oath. 3. demand they abolish the CFR, arrest all its members for conspiracy, espionage and tax evasion. Arrest all at the CFR’s creations, the IMF, UN and CIA for operating under an illegal charter, a treasonous offense, only sovereign nations can be granted a charter, not groups, clubs, or people. 4. Remove the president from office and charge him with being a spy., under the UCMJ at 906.106 and a traitor under 18 USC, Part 1, Chapter 115, Sec.2381.

tommy

god set forth paths of good and if you don't see it you will only hurt yourself and others. these paths are tests of faith and god sees theses people failing only the peaceful protesters are on the right track.

George King

I believe that if blacks were able to sit down and talk with other races without getting their feathers ruffled, great strides could be made in communication.

CKJ

Its interesting to read everyones opinion. I dont see what is happening as being good or bad. It just is. Chaos is neccessary and often leads to change.

We are very quick to judge other peoples circumstances based on what the media has showed us. It often isnt until we walk in anothers shoes we feel a sense of compassion.

The majority of us are paid by the government and rely on the government for everything from food and water. No one is innocent in this matter. We are all one. The separation is an illusion. We must take a look in the mirror and begin to face our own inner fears and judgement.

We have a problem with superiority. Some of us deem ourselves better, more worthy, or more valuable than the next. We somehow feel we are entitled to greatness while others are not. There is enough to go around. Poverty is a mindest but it is also something that has been created by the masses.

Everything is in perfect order. Protests, riots, looting. Cleaning up the city, peaceful protesting. Beautiful and necessary contrasts. There is beauty in the chaos.

Anglyn Hays

People riot out of anxiety. I regret that they destroy property, but if the riot is put into a psychological and social context, it becomes clear there is a message behind the destruction that would NOT be heard. This is a problem with our social infrastructure that goes beyond our racial failures but that plays into our racial failures with remarkable regularity. I have studied US riots for over 20 years. The focus on the damage done by civil disobedience begs the question of WHY such activity occurs. I have been in a number of riots, and although I feel the anxiety, I don't participate. It seems to be something that glides over me, but that I get to watch. People really are not themselves. People I know to be fine and reasonable will break a businesses window, steal something they can afford to buy, urinate on the floor, and set the building on fire who the day before or the day after the riot were reasonable and tolerant people. It is like the civil order clock that ticks by everyday keeping our reactions in check simply stops. Is it simple? Maybe. It is the civil order that is usually being questioned in riots, sports riots being the big exception. We won't have a remedy for riots until we fix the civil order infrastructure that fails to address popular concerns. The fact we live in a purported democracy but still can't allow these voices to be heard is an abrupt awakening from the habitual idealistic dreaming of the past 30 years.

Tom

This is most definitely a biased article against white people and police. It would apparently be no use to argue or bring sense to this article based on the racially biased tone of it's author. It does warrant a word of advice to the author and anyone who supports that stance, this article only further divides the people by skin color. If division is what you are looking for, then you hit the nail on the head with this one.

unbiased

To sum it up. The media does not know the truth and incites riots and hatred. Then it spreads nationwide. Many hoodlums don't care about incidents, the violence is the thing to do at the time cause it's a mass of destruction to be part of. It's fun and exciting. Demonstrators go by rumors and make it worse for everyone and create chaos.

You have to ask what were the black victims doing before it was caught on tape? Who called the cops to the incident? Apparently someone was fearing their safety. Freaking out On drugs, PCP, METH, HEROIN, you name it, makes abusers evil and crazy to harm officers and anyone in their way, including themselves. Why can't the brainwashed public understand that the cops are in danger. If you ever get caught in a threatening situation, who will you call for help? Let's analyze all the facts before we judge all involved. Keep the peace.

Terry

Find a solution. Stop blaming, complaining and start working together for a better future.

Jim Barnhill

We don't have a race problem , we have a behavior problem plain and simple.

Nagash

Every time I see the blacks "protesting" (i.e. burning, destroying, and stealing) I am struck by the same memory: anyone remember the scene from the original Planet of the Apes movie series when the monkey were rioting in thes streets? Different monkeys, same behavior.

Bill

I agree with Mr. D. Gray May 5th post – “‘Gravity knife’ constituted a dangerous or deadly weapon.” (1964) and maryland state law § 4-101. Dangerous weapons clearly states in section C that a switchblade cannot be carried.

(c) Prohibited.- (1) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon of any kind concealed on or about the person. (2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner. (3) (i) This paragraph applies in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Caroline County, Cecil County, Harford County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, Talbot County, Washington County, and Worcester County.

Therefor the knife was a valid arrest. And my federal congressmen (along with 35 others in the Senate and House) have introduced legislation that would ban any federal monies to go to ANY community that intentionally damages or destroys itself.

My take is that this is not so much a race issue as one of entitlement. They are entitled to feel aggrieved against commit crimes riot loot and what ever else they have done under the claim of it being racist. A lot of them are criminals waiting to happen and use any excuse to do wrong. Yes I feel sorry for the person who lost his life and yes it was a tragedy but this does not give all these people the right to do what they have done. Supposedly everyone under the US Constitution is Innocent until proven guilty except if you are a Police Officer.

I grew up in a 6 member immigrant family in the 50’s and while my clothes were hand me downs, we always had food on the table and a warm place to sleep at night. I thought it was fantastic to get a penny to go down to the corner store and get candy. Not one of us ever thought to go and complain to the government that they should take care of us. My father labored hard 10 and 12 hours a day digging ditches and repairing sewer lines for the State, yet he never once asked for a hand out. He and my mother taught us children to keep our word if we gave it and to help the neighbors if they needed it. Our house was a home away from home for all the waifs and strays in the neighborhood. My Father got a small weekly paycheck yet we made do. As it stands we all have made something of our lives and still work hard. At no time have we said the Government or the Society owe us. In fact we owe our parents for their dedication and hard work in raising us as individuals. At no time have I ever taken what is not mine or willfully damaged someone else's property to get my own way racially or otherwise.

Dan

You are right melinda, I have been saying this since the Brown incident. There is no way Brown could have been running away or had his hands up as science and medicine and physics say that is impossible.

1. According to the autopsy (all three of them) Browns woulds cam from the front, meaning he wasnt running away or they would be in the back.
2. Brown could NOT have had his hands up. When your hands are at your side the front part of your arm is facing foreword. Its only when your hands are up that the rear of your arm is facing foreword. All three autopsies clearly show that the bullet wounds were in the FRONT of his arms meaning he never had them raised in the first place. So that was a lie...unless they had magic bullets that could do a 180 after they passed the suspect.
3. And gunpowder residue on his hand clearly shows he was a whole lot closer to the cop then his "pat'nah" claimed he was as gunpowder only spreads about 3 feet at best from the end of the muzzle (I used to have a federal firearms license before I was filling out more forms then I was selling, so I know what gunpowder does and does not do)

Tom W.

There was a statement issued after a government study that, to paraphrase, said that they continued investment in low income communities to develop housing and to subsidise families was spending good money after bad because there was no development of pride of ownership. Future government dollars needed to be dedicated towards uplifting communities through the creation of jobs opportunities which needed to be started at the education level and helping the private sector grow and develop business opportunities. This opinion was written in 1946. What has changed? People will not work to help themselves if they receive sufficient money to live on for doing nothing. It's become a culture and its generational. Riots are just and excuse for looting and more free stuff. Peaceful protest gains attention to a problem and its called "CIVIL" disobedience for a reason... It's not uncivil or criminal disobedience. I would hazard to say that, in part, this unrest is part of a conspiracy. And.... How the hell did Al Sharpton, a big mouthed, tax evading, racist agitator, become one of Pres. Obama's closest advisers?

melinda

this is so much bull. it wasn't alleged that brown charged that officer. if you run from cops if break the law you have a chance of being shot. best thing, stop breaking the law and articles lilke this does nothing more than continue the race baiting and excuses.

LtBil Drat

Elizabeth "Liar-watha..Loco-hontas" Warren is as looney as they come. Blurting out stupidness like you have a self induced dose of Tourettes Syndrome does not a set of balls make.

franklin

We're never upset for the reason we think. Ego is pernicious and active on both sides of an issue.

Todd

if one is accused of being something that they are not, they must ensure that they do not go out and prove their accuser right, Because an individual has a right , does not always make it right to exercise it.

Michael

I was raised on a reservation. I remember being treated differently than those in the 'lighter' communities, but that was never a reason for any of us to destroy or steal anything - we simply stayed away from those communities and lived in as much peace as we could. Committing crime is not a way to protest. I perceive these 'protests' merely as a way for criminals to excuse their own behavior. I have moved off the reservation and through determination and will, although I am not wealthy by any means, I am comfortable in my life. I obtained my college degree and worked hard for what I have and everyone has that same ability if their desire is strong enough.

Matt

First, we must define the difference between "protesting" and just using the word to justify wanton savagery where everyone gets free electronics, sneakers, and beer, and in the aftermath can't buy milk for their children because they burnt down the store. This pretty much focuses on one particular demographic which has never been able to accept blame for their own actions. There is a reason why the statistics are the way they are, and we're looking right it at in these "riots". This is what happens when the best you have is Al Sharpton, who makes his daily bread reinforcing racial hatred. It's not riots. It's LOOTING, and it's wrong. Is law enforcement out of hand? Yes. What do you expect? They hand pick violent sociopaths with low test scores, and give then guns. Positions of power (including political power) attract the corruptible.

Elle

Not in these cases. Systems are and were in place to make things better: caring and reasonable people see the troubles and are and were already taking action. These destructive riots are just crimes atop of crimes. There are peaceful ways to demonstrate and bring attention.

And, to respond to the idea that these people have been ignored by government: it is not government's place particularly. We do need to change the systems that continue to allow the rich to get so very much richer and so very many more people to become poor. But like any other moral idea, it cannot necessarily be dictated by law but by evolving cultural changes and degree of spiritual enlightenment and focus on different priorities.

In the end, it is not about the amount of money or color, race or occupation. It's about the wisdom and decency that has both been instilled and developed by an individual.

stephen kennedy

We all have different opinions about what makes for a just society. That is what makes working together so difficult. The answer? There is no answer acceptable to all. Compromise is my best guess.

Richard

The article listed seems to be very slanted in favor of the black perspective. I have discussed this issue with several white and black supporters, what I see is that blacks are treated differently, they are allowed to be unruley, destructive and lawless all under the umbrella of racial underprivilege! Blacks use the race card somewhat in the same way as an unruley child throws a fit when they don't get what they want. Racial divide is widening, in a major part because blacks are forcing Whites and all to deal with lawlessness, unruliness, escalating crime rates, While using the excuse of racism. Blacks follow radical race baiters like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as an excuse for lawlessness. A criminal or a criminal act is just that and if your skin is white black green or brown, if you break the law you should face the punitive measures that are United States laws dictate.

Daniel Keilman

Genuine effort to develop quality persons, families, and communities will change our society. Not everyone can become rich financially, but everyone can become rich with faith, hope, and charity and the greatest of these is charity.

Michael Jones

The war on poverty began back in the 60's and there have been trillions of dollars spent on that war. The only thing we have is more people on welfare, food stamps, and public assistance. The burden has been put on the working folks to support this welfare nation. Rioting only serves to destroy the local economy. Some businesses pack up and leave and never rebuild so the locals are the ones who lose. In Ferguson, many of the people arrested were from outside the community and were there only to burn and loot. Rev. King held peaceful marches and demonstrations for equality and is turning over in his grave as the actions of a few, put a black mark on all the gains that have been worked for. Only through your own works can you prosper and sitting around waiting on that Government check is no different then waiting for the Master of the Plantation to take care of you. It makes you a slave to the system.

Mike

I am a police officer. Yes there is bad police officers out there! Also bad congressmen, ministers, teachers and in every job. I have sworn to protect the innocent. America is turning into a third world country fast and unless we grasp the issues there will be no turning back. I see the problem with the leaders of the country, and also the freedoms of speech and what we allow and let our youth be exposed to. The games encourage killing and drugs as well as the music in this generation.

America has given and supported single moms in poverty, no father figures in these youths life. It's not a black and white issue, it's a lack of want, lack of support, lack of leadership and lack of religion that is causing all this dismay.

pasture deb

This is ridicules, are they animals? Because there is not excuse for this kind of behavior. Grow up people, we all have problems, the way we handle our problems are what defines us as a person of character.

Tom

People living in poverty or in circumstances that have not been addressed by government often act out in ways that are self defeating. Baltimore might just be one example. I would also suggest that we could look at it differently and say miscreant behavior is not the result of poverty. Most of the rioters on Monday evening, were teenagers who were looting, burning, and destroying other's property. For every one in the streets there were at least three or more at home studying and trying to build a better tomorrow for themselves.

Not one of those looters took their spoils home and said, "Here, Mom and Dad, sell this stuff and put food on the table, pay the rent, etc.". We all know this to be true.

Has government failed, definitely! Have police departments gone way beyond the sense of reason, assuredly! Are they being held accountable for their actions, not often enough! This does not excuse rioting! Peaceful demonstrating, awaiting the facts and not the suppositions due to circumstances. This is the appropriate response. Much more can be accomplished, more good messages can be sent through silence and peaceful gathering than all the rioting in the world.

Pray for reason. Perhaps this is the wrong prayer. We can ask for reason but God only gives us circumstances In which we can all behave reasonably. May we take advantage of those situations which are sure to reoccur The future.

Dan

sorry if this is a repeat. Having a switchblade is illegal in Maryland. Maryland Case Law: - "'Gravity knife' constituted a dangerous or deadly weapon." (1964) and maryland state law § 4-101. Dangerous weapons clearly states in section C that a switchblade cannot be carried.

(c) Prohibited.-
(1) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon of any kind concealed on or about the person.
(2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner.
(3) (i) This paragraph applies in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Caroline County, Cecil County, Harford County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, St. Mary's County, Talbot County, Washington County, and Worcester County.

Therefor the knife was a valid arrest. And my federal congressmen (along with 35 others in the Senate and House) have introduced legislation that would ban any federal monies to go to ANY community that intentionally damages or destroys itself.