Ferguson, MO questions

[joeywa]

I may be oversimplifying this, but can someone please tell me what I'm missing?  I'd like to have a discussion on this without it becoming political, so try and behave yourselves. 

So this young man, Michael Brown, robs a convenience store and roughs up the owner.  He has an accomplice with him, Dorian Johnson.

He then is passed by a police cruiser, and is confronted and asked to get out of the middle of the street and get on the sidewalk. 

Brown hollers some obscenities at the police officer, and comes to the vehicle and assaults said officer.

Officer staves him off, Brown runs.

Brown turns and comes back at officer.

Brown is shot and killed.

Police officer is put on paid leave as investigation proceeds

Grand Jury decides that the evidence in the case clears the officer of wrongdoing.

The accomplice, Dorian Johnson, is now being interviewed, (in the company of his lawyer,) and debunking the officer's story about Brown's hands not being up, contrary to his initial statement. 

The parents of Brown are interviewed and say that the officer committed cold-blooded murder.

My questions:

• Why is the statement of Johnson, even being considered?  He was an accomplice to a crime. 
• Why are people protesting this across the country?  This is probably the biggest head-scratcher for me.
• Had this been an innocent man gunned down, (one who did not assault a police officer in his car, who did not just rob a convenience store and assault its owner, who did not shout obscenities and challenge the police officer,) would this story be different?
• Why on earth are the citizens of Ferguson, MO burning down their local businesses and looting the stores? 
• I understand that Brown's parents are mourning and angry, but should their opinions be challenged by the media with facts in the case?

I think that the public opinion here either does not care or does not pay attention to the evidence and facts in this case. 

Let me hear your thoughts and please try to keep this civil. 

 

[Sirhornsalot]

I think your breakdown of it is pretty accurate. I may be mistaken but I understand the officer fired a couple shots in the car when the kid went after his gun. That's about the only difference I see in your breakdown.

It is indeed a head scratcher. Justice has spoken and we now see that there was only one ruling that would have made the mob happy.

This was and is being brought on by race baiters like Sharpton who ironically has visited the WH some 80 times in the past year. The justice system is not being respected here and it starts and ends with the race baiters.

Hopefully, it is now occurring to these people that they've just destroyed their own town and destroyed the lives of people who had absolutely nothing to do with any of this. It's a sad testament to the mentality of today's society.

Race was once a very big wound on America. Then America saw the injustice and has worked since then to bring all together as one. It's been painful at times, slow at times, frustrating at times, but it no less has progressed to the point where race issues were WAY down the list of problems facing America. We were beginning to grow together.

Enter the politicians whom I will not name. They use race as a divisive issue, divide and conquer. The wounds America had healed to scabs and scars are being systematically picked at and scratched at that the wounds are festering and starting to bleed again.

Until that is stopped somehow, this is the path we're on.

 

[dillohorn]

There are no looters there. They are "undocumented shoppers".

 

[Lukus Alderman]

Good breakdown. If every police officer who had to defend himself with gunfire went to grand jury, there would be a big shortage in police officers. I have my thoughts on the situation and I believe the cause of the crisis is reaches much farther than just the Ferguson area...but I'll keep that internal and off these boards to maintain a non-political atmosphere.

 

[monarch]

come on joeywa, now why would you bring forth something as racially provocative as this crucial / shocking ongoing situation as per ferguson, missouri, right upon thanksgiving eve?  why joeywa why??  should you have to worry about "having a discussion about this without it becoming political" then maybe you should not discuss it at all... just leave it be, and allow for missouri to personally confront it's innermost racially divisive evils.

although, you and i argue like crazy from time to time joeywa.. i like to personally think of you as an HS stalwart, a pal, and a man that is keenly astute and compassionate.  therefore, it really concerns me to hear you present your full accounting of this shocking / profound killing of this young man mr. brown... as if you were hereby standing right there during the heated action.  now this is the REAL HEAD SCRATCHER for me....

i absolutely strongly condemn the very fact that mr. brown felt that he could just get away with going into a retail establishment, committing blatant robbery, and just thinking that he could run out and get away with it.  (his blatant evil actions make me sick!)  however, no policemen were hereby aware of what had just occurred at the retail establishment.  when they spotted mr. brown.. they apparently stopped him as per his jay walking across the street.  what happened next... had to be just ONE BIG BLUR!  unless you were actually there in the streets with them...  joeywa, my pal... i see that you are hereby harboring the sheer audacity to ask "why are people protesting this across the country".  once again, another REAL HEAD SCRATCHER to me... for just how many times throughout decade after decade.. through generations and generations.. have we all had to endure this same old heated scenario of (white man killing black man in cold blood and then proceed to get away with it drama) how many times... can someone please answer my query.... i don't think that anyone can... for we as humans simply do not harbor enough fingers and toes...

people in america, are becoming extremely disgusted with this form of racially divisive in your face killings / murders!  maybe, just maybe if they didn't just kill him and leave his decaying body laying out in the heated street for several hours uncovered like a dead dog for all passers-bye to witness including his family and friends... maybe this situation would not have become so very heated.  however, this highly incompetent ferguson police department shall now have to reap what they have sown.. as per the shocking / profound treatment as per that dead young man's body.  (i have never ever laid eyes upon anything as horrible as that) i can only imagine the outright shock and horror this community is feeling regarding the treatment of the deceased upon modern day america.  once again, white man vs black man... it just never seem to come to an end. this is what america is now protesting... they want the truth of this shocking matter... and they want justice!

if america cannot acquire the actual truth of the matter to achieve an actual justice as per the deceased... the maybe the perpetrator (cop) shall need to stop traveling along the NETWORK TV CIRCUIT trying to explain his side of the story... because guess what... mr. brown cannot explain his part in this drama... he's been killed!  

 

[Sirhornsalot]

come on joeywa, now why would you bring forth something as racially provocative as this crucial / shocking ongoing situation as per ferguson, missouri, right upon thanksgiving eve?  why joeywa why??  should you have to worry about "having a discussion about this without it becoming political" then maybe you should not discuss it at all... just leave it be, and allow for missouri to personally confront it's innermost racially divisive evils.

although, you and i argue like crazy from time to time joeywa.. i like to personally think of you as an HS stalwart, a pal, and a man that is keenly astute and compassionate.  therefore, it really concerns me to hear you present your full accounting of this shocking / profound killing of this young man mr. brown... as if you were hereby standing right there during the heated action.  now this is the REAL HEAD SCRATCHER for me....

i absolutely strongly condemn the very fact that mr. brown felt that he could just get away with going into a retail establishment, committing blatant robbery, and just thinking that he could run out and get away with it.  (his blatant evil actions make me sick!)  however, no policemen were hereby aware of what had just occurred at the retail establishment.  when they spotted mr. brown.. they apparently stopped him as per his jay walking across the street.  what happened next... had to be just ONE BIG BLUR!  unless you were actually there in the streets with them...  joeywa, my pal... i see that you are hereby harboring the sheer audacity to ask "why are people protesting this across the country".  once again, another REAL HEAD SCRATCHER to me... for just how many times throughout decade after decade.. through generations and generations.. have we all had to endure this same old heated scenario of (white man killing black man in cold blood and then proceed to get away with it drama) how many times... can someone please answer my query.... i don't think that anyone can... for we as humans simply do not harbor enough fingers and toes...

people in america, are becoming extremely disgusted with this form of racially divisive in your face killings / murders!  maybe, just maybe if they didn't just kill him and leave his decaying body laying out in the heated street for several hours uncovered like a dead dog for all passers-bye to witness including his family and friends... maybe this situation would not have become so very heated.  however, this highly incompetent ferguson police department shall now have to reap what they have sown.. as per the shocking / profound treatment as per that dead young man's body.  (i have never ever laid eyes upon anything as horrible as that) i can only imagine the outright shock and horror this community is feeling regarding the treatment of the deceased upon modern day america.  once again, white man vs black man... it just never seem to come to an end. this is what america is now protesting... they want the truth of this shocking matter... and they want justice!

if america cannot acquire the actual truth of the matter to achieve an actual justice as per the deceased... the maybe the perpetrator (cop) shall need to stop traveling along the NETWORK TV CIRCUIT trying to explain his side of the story... because guess what... mr. brown cannot explain his part in this drama... he's been killed!  

1. I think everyone here would agree that what's happened in Ferguson in the last two days is disturbing to every American. Why not talk about it? And what sets a more conciliatory tone than a holiday like Thanksgiving?

2. The guy broke the law, then went after a cop. The ending is quite predictable and has nothing to do with his color but instead, what was not going on inside his noggin.

3. This is not a racial injustice. It's a crime with a bad ending that people want to convert into a racial issue. No, I won't allow you to do that. Not after a grand jury has ruled and now shared their evidence.

4. This is anything but shocking. It's unfortunate, but you see it every single day.

5. 1100+ white people have been killed by blacks since Mike Brown died. This comes as a surprise to you I'm sure. That in itself is rather unfair.

6. The cop did an interview. So what? What are the chances that the center of the nation's biggest story isn't going to be interviewed? What are we doing now? Inventing problems? I don't think we're going to do that, Winston.

7. Justice has been served. Evidence was examined for three months by a panel of jurors. The result of that has been rendered. Justice has been served. This is where the story ends. Everything after that is perpetuated by race baiters.

 

[monarch]

2. The guy broke the law, then went after a cop. The ending is quite predictable and has nothing to do with his color but instead, what was not going on inside his noggin.

mark who told you that this accounting that you have so eloquently delivered is hereby accurate.  were you there?  or are you just going by the presented accounting as per the officer in question??? and this is my whole point... NONE OF US WERE THERE IN FERGUSON MO upon that most dreadful heated day!  all personal accounts as per this killing... are hereby stemming from the (cop) and his associated police department for whom is trying in earnest to prevent further heated hostilities (so can we just imagine all of the back room cover ups that are now being presented) america is not stupid!
 
as long as we are not allowed to hereby receive the full accounting as per BOTH PARTIES upon this tragedy... then we shall not really be presented as per the actual truth!  
 
i simply REFUSE to just harbor information as per one side of this equation and not the other.  therefore, let's just all agree to leave this very provocative / heated situation alone!

 

[echeese]

There are people who are inflaming issues like this for personal gain. . . .there is also a shocking lack of personal responsibility but then keep in mind that Mr Brown's mother is up on charges herself and now is playing the martyr role to the hilt. . .

Sadly the WH (sorry if this offends any of Obama's supporters but sometimes the truth hurts) has a long history of siding with these cases, lest we forget Treyvon Martin. . another thug. . . . .instead of asking for calm, they are clearly siding along racial lines further dividing our nation. . . .

The problems run deep. . . . .and for too many, easier to be the victim than to take charge of your life. . . ..

I 35 was blocked for almost 2 hours in Dallas. . .. . idiots. . . . 

 

[Chris Flanagan]

1. Dorian Johnson was still a witness to the incident. Regardless of his involvement, he still witnessed the event. 

2. And I will combine your other questions into this. 

The general (and not complete) view is: 

Because the system did work.Most people knew he was getting off because to them, that is the system working.  And that's the problem. 

To many, especially in the African American community, we have 2 different legal systems at play in our country. The police target minorities more often than not. Why? Well it's a number of issues but it could be summarized simply as:

Ease of prosecution. Minorities in our country tend to be poorer. Poorer people can't afford attorneys so they get stuck with a public defender. Public defender is usually swamped with paperwork and other cases so they aren't looking to fight cases, so they settle on certain criminal charges. Everyone in law enforcement wins. DA gets a conviction that helps his rate which looks good to his bosses. Public defender feels good about getting a "good deal" and looking like they protected someone's rights. The police officer gets recognition for the "criminals he puts away". You know who loses? The person charged with a crime. They have a record, making it harder to get a job, harder to get an education and move up in society. So then the vicious cycle of recidivism repeats itself because they have to commit crimes just to get by. 

So how does that relate to Michael Brown? A lot. He has become the symbol of police brutality towards black men in society. African Americans are routinely harassed on the street by police and then when they complain about it, they are met with hostility by the police force again by saying "It's protocol, maybe you shouldn't be a thug." So the system doesn't respect them, doesn't value them or their opinions so they feel like they will never be treated as equals under the system.

Most peacefully protest this and want change in police tactics. The use of non-lethal forces (pepper spray, battons, tazers, etc.) and using deadly forces after all non-lethal force have been used. Also, body cameras on police officers so their actions are recorded and not just the word of a police officer who is trying to avoid prosecution for murder so we know exactly what happen because the camera doesn't lie.  

Some bad actors are just trying to riot and create chaos because they feel like "F**k the system" and decide that they will riot regardless. There are more like opportunists and really don't care about bringing positive change to the community. Those do not represent ALL the citizens of Ferguson, St. Louis or black people in general.

So yes people want to protest because for what THEY experience, they don't feel like the system is fair to them at all. And until you experience it (Like I did growing up in St. Louis and seeing how they dealt with my neighbors and I), you can't really say they shouldn't protest and speak out against what they view as an injustice of an entire system.

So you wanted to know their position, that will give you a general view. Yes, progress has been made, but not enough in some people's minds. And part of the problem is going to be that others (even readers of this thread) won't care what they have to say or what they go through. 

 

[echeese]

2. The guy broke the law, then went after a cop. The ending is quite predictable and has nothing to do with his color but instead, what was not going on inside his noggin.

mark who told you that this accounting that you have so eloquently delivered is hereby accurate.  were you there?  or are you just going by the presented accounting as per the officer in question??? and this is my whole point... NONE OF US WERE THERE IN FERGUSON MO upon that most dreadful heated day!  all personal accounts as per this killing... are hereby stemming from the (cop) and his associated police department for whom is trying in earnest to prevent further heated hostilities (so can we just imagine all of the back room cover ups that are now being presented) america is not stupid!
 
as long as we are not allowed to hereby receive the full accounting as per BOTH PARTIES upon this tragedy... then we shall not really be presented as per the actual truth!  
 
i simply REFUSE to just harbor information as per one side of this equation and not the other.  therefore, let's just all agree to leave this very provocative / heated situation alone!

No offense Monarch but there are things we do know as facts. . . 

Despite huge outcries for "social justice" . ..the grand jury heard from 60 witnesses (the most credible. . .this per the liberal NYTimes) who stated Brown attacked the officer

They heard from 3 medical examiners who provided forensic proof that Brown was not shot in the back (an original claim. . .later recanted) nor that his hands could have been raised. . . .

Now everyone is welcome to believe whatever they wish. . . . but the pressure on the Grand Jury to indict the officer was huge. . . .

They did not no bill the case by accident. . . PS, I linked a NYTimes article so we don't get the sophomoric "but that is Faux News" .. .and I have quoted the two most important parts 

The most credible eyewitnesses to the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., said he had charged toward Police Officer Darren Wilson just before the final, fatal shots, the St. Louis County prosecutor said Monday night as he sought to explain why a grand jury had not found probable cause to indict the officer.

The fact that at least nine members of the 12-member panel could not agree to indict the officer indicates that they accepted the narrative of self-defense put forth by Officer Wilson in his voluntary, four hours of testimony before the grand jury. Mr. McCulloch, in his summary of the months of testimony, said it was supported by the most reliable eyewitness accounts — from African-Americans in the vicinity of the shooting — as well as physical evidence and the consistent results of three autopsies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/25/us/witnesses-told-grand-jury-that-michael-brown-charged-at-darren-wilson-prosecutor-says.html?_r=0

 

[dillohorn]

If I attack a cop, I would expect to be shot.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

1. Dorian Johnson was still a witness to the incident. Regardless of his involvement, he still witnessed the event. 

2. And I will combine your other questions into this. 

The general (and not complete) view is: 

Because the system did work.Most people knew he was getting off because to them, that is the system working.  And that's the problem. 

To many, especially in the African American community, we have 2 different legal systems at play in our country. The police target minorities more often than not. Why? Well it's a number of issues but it could be summarized simply as:

Ease of prosecution. Minorities in our country tend to be poorer. Poorer people can't afford attorneys so they get stuck with a public defender. Public defender is usually swamped with paperwork and other cases so they aren't looking to fight cases, so they settle on certain criminal charges. Everyone in law enforcement wins. DA gets a conviction that helps his rate which looks good to his bosses. Public defender feels good about getting a "good deal" and looking like they protected someone's rights. The police officer gets recognition for the "criminals he puts away". You know who loses? The person charged with a crime. They have a record, making it harder to get a job, harder to get an education and move up in society. So then the vicious cycle of recidivism repeats itself because they have to commit crimes just to get by. 

So how does that relate to Michael Brown? A lot. He has become the symbol of police brutality towards black men in society. African Americans are routinely harassed on the street by police and then when they complain about it, they are met with hostility by the police force again by saying "It's protocol, maybe you shouldn't be a thug." So the system doesn't respect them, doesn't value them or their opinions so they feel like they will never be treated as equals under the system.

Most peacefully protest this and want change in police tactics. The use of non-lethal forces (pepper spray, battons, tazers, etc.) and using deadly forces after all non-lethal force have been used. Also, body cameras on police officers so their actions are recorded and not just the word of a police officer who is trying to avoid prosecution for murder so we know exactly what happen because the camera doesn't lie.  

Some bad actors are just trying to riot and create chaos because they feel like "F**k the system" and decide that they will riot regardless. There are more like opportunists and really don't care about bringing positive change to the community. Those do not represent ALL the citizens of Ferguson, St. Louis or black people in general.

So yes people want to protest because for what THEY experience, they don't feel like the system is fair to them at all. And until you experience it (Like I did growing up in St. Louis and seeing how they dealt with my neighbors and I), you can't really say they shouldn't protest and speak out against what they view as an injustice of an entire system.

So you wanted to know their position, that will give you a general view. Yes, progress has been made, but not enough in some people's minds. And part of the problem is going to be that others (even readers of this thread) won't care what they have to say or what they go through. 

1. Dorian Johnson, because he had just committed a crime, lost credibility. He also changed his story to FBI investigators which further damaged his credibility.

2. Where was the uproars when the system really did fail, as in with OJ. No protests. No cars burnt. No one gave a damn.

 

[echeese]

1. Dorian Johnson was still a witness to the incident. Regardless of his involvement, he still witnessed the event. 

2. And I will combine your other questions into this. 

The general (and not complete) view is: 

Because the system did work.Most people knew he was getting off because to them, that is the system working.  And that's the problem. 

To many, especially in the African American community, we have 2 different legal systems at play in our country. The police target minorities more often than not. Why? Well it's a number of issues but it could be summarized simply as:

Ease of prosecution. Minorities in our country tend to be poorer. Poorer people can't afford attorneys so they get stuck with a public defender.

No offense Chris . . .. . that is a crock of shit. . . . .

Minorities get sent to jail because they break the law .. . . .just like white people get sent to jail. . .. . 

Here's another FACT . ..  .most of the crime is black on black and they victimize other minorities more often than "non-minorities". . . 

Here's a police chief from Milwakee who's been subject to much of the same race baiting generalizations. . . .

You might want to dig into some real crime stats but it has nothing whatsoever to do with "ease of prosecution" . .. . .

 

[gmcc]

I hope all would please listen to the post by "echeese".  My son was a police officer for 16 years and is still a reserve.  He doesn't tell me much because he knows it worries me and his mother, but I know his feelings were very much like the interviewed officer.  I remember one story concerning a drunken block party on a freezing night (about 20 degrees) when several officers were required to breakup a family fight that escaladed into a few shots being fired by the crowd.  The rioting people were not concerned at all with their young children who were in only a diapers, no shoes or anything else on- they were interested in talking to a TV camera explaining how the police had incited the riot.  I was So Glad when he was offered a much better paying job.  Do you realize how little the officers are paid to risk their lives?

Have a great Thanksgiving and be thankful for our armed forces, firefighters, hospital staffs, and yes our Police officers.

I really think the monitors should take this thread Down.  I understand joey's initial post but I do not see the good this thread is going to do- I do see the damage it can cause.

 

[Chris Flanagan]

No offense Chris . . .. . that is a crock of shit. . . . .

Minorities get sent to jail because they break the law .. . . .just like white people get sent to jail. . .. . 

Here's another FACT . ..  .most of the crime is black on black and they victimize other minorities more often than "non-minorities". . . 

Here's a police chief from Milwakee who's been subject to much of the same race baiting generalizations. . . .

You might want to dig into some real crime stats but it has nothing whatsoever to do with "ease of prosecution" . .. . .

Then why do minorities have 4 times the prosecutions for possession of drug charges when whites and minorities both use the drugs in equal numbers? Or how 91% of sting operations conducted by the ATF were toward minorities? 

Again, when you are poor, you tend to be a target for police because you are easier to take down. You write them up for tickets they can't pay, when they can't pay, serve them with warrants so they can have a record. Take them to jail simply because they don't have money. If you really are open to learning about the issues, this is a good article that especially hit home with my family. 

The point is every racial group commits crimes but statistics have shown numerous times that minorities are consistently targeted by police more than non-minorities. And it's not because minorities are prone to committing crimes, it's because they are the ones being targeted. You can either say "That's not fair" and try to find ways for law enforcement to be more fair with petty crimes or You could just ignore it which some people do and which leads others are trying to bring attention to the situation. 

 

[Chris Flanagan]

1. Dorian Johnson, because he had just committed a crime, lost credibility. He also changed his story to FBI investigators which further damaged his credibility.

2. Where was the uproars when the system really did fail, as in with OJ. No protests. No cars burnt. No one gave a damn.

1. Just because someone commits a crime doesn't mean they aren't telling the truth. Just because someone may have acted in self-defense doesn't mean they aren't lying either. 

2. You cared about the OJ verdict and so did a lot of people. And people did complain about the justice system at that time and protested the OJ verdict. And I don't think I once stated that I condone rioting but people should be allowed to protest. NO ONE is condoning the riots. Not Michael Brown's father or most people looking for positive change. What I don't like is the media saying the rioters are protestors when they clearly are not. 

And since I know how the response will go.

1. Michael Brown's stepfather did say "Burn it down" but he apologized for that statement. But hey, he is human and can make mistakes, Right? 

2. White people didn't loot and rob because for the most part, the system works in their favor. Again, many in the black community do not believe the system works for them so they say "F**k the system" and loot and riot because they feel it's the only way to express their anger. Understanding why people do something is not the same as condoning the actions they do. Now the bigger question is, how do you get the minorities to believe that the system truly works for them? 

 

[echeese]

Then why do minorities have 4 times the prosecutions for possession of drug charges when whites and minorities both use the drugs in equal numbers?  

Sounds like a made up claim to me, anything to support this?   I just finished 3 months of Grand Jury duty, we true billed 4-5Xs as many white people (when we knew their race) than minorities. . . .but now you are arguing 2 wrongs make a right. . .

Or how 91% of sting operations conducted by the ATF were toward minorities? 

Did you ever stop to think that the types of criminals the ATF goes after tend to be minorities?   Again, are they breaking the law? (yes)   so we should let them off or not go after them?

A)  Again, when you are poor, you tend to be a target for police because you are easier to take down. You write them up for tickets they can't pay, when they can't pay, serve them with warrants so they can have a record. Take them to jail simply because they don't have money. If you really are open to learning about the issues, this is a good article that especially hit home with my family. 

You do realize that race does not determine whether or not you are poor don't you?  And you do realize that poor people are more likely to commit crimes don't you?  Has nothing to do with being "easier to take down". . .has everything to do with who is most likely breaking the law.

The point is every racial group commits crimes but statistics have shown numerous times that minorities are consistently targeted by police more than non-minorities. And it's not because minorities are prone to committing crimes, it's because they are the ones being targeted. You can either say "That's not fair" and try to find ways for law enforcement to be more fair with petty crimes or You could just ignore it which some people do and which leads others are trying to bring attention to the situation. 

From your link: (yes, I do read links. . . .)

The officer found that Bolden had four arrest warrants in three separate jurisdictions: the towns of Florissant and Hazelwood in St. Louis County and the town of Foristell in St. Charles County. All of the warrants were for failure to appear in court for traffic violations. (which included speeding. . .100% the drivers fault)

You seem to be claiming a white person would not have been arrested?   nonsense. . . .

I noticed your article claimed driving without insurance is a "poverty crime". . . .so it's OK if you are poor to drive uninsured so when you hit another vehicle. . . you screw someone else out of restitution?

Why do you oppose people being responsible for their own actions, which seems to be the crux of your argument?   Why do you make excuses. . .do you blame the fans if the football team screws up or is it on the players and coaches?    Oh, I hear you. . ."that's different'. . . .actually. . .no it's not. . . .

 

[Worster1]

This is a pretty hot topic and I will refrain from all the things I would like to say or REALLY should say in this PC charged world we live in.

So, ladies and gentlemen the initial solution / decision in this case is really pretty simple: 

Obey the Police. Don't walk in the middle of the street - be respectful, move to the sidewalk when asked to do so by the police....

 

[echeese]

I have debated posting this. . . . .

2. White people didn't loot and rob because for the most part, the system works in their favor. Again, many in the black community do not believe the system works for them so they say "F**k the system" and loot and riot because they feel it's the only way to express their anger. Understanding why people do something is not the same as condoning the actions they do.

Now the bigger question is, how do you get the minorities to believe that the system truly works for them? 

#1, start by being accountable for themselves. . ..stop listening to the Jesse Jackson's of the world who line their pockets keeping their community down.  Start by being responsible for yourself and your kids. . . . . 

Here's a start, today 2/3rds of black children grow up in a single family home (speaking of responsibility).  ..that is up (really down) from 1965 (start of the war on poverty) when over 85% of black children grew up in 2 family homes.

There is a word for such a "mind set". . . .It's called victimization. . .and it is some really stupid shit. . . ... . .

When I applied for college. . .I got ZERO aid. . . . . ZERO. . .had 2 different counselors advise me to change my name to Gonzales (you can do that legally) to get more aid. . . .I was the wrong race. . . . 

I guess the system worked for me then .. . .what did I do, got a job and put myself through college.

When I went in the Marine Corps, there was an article written nationally about the lack of black officers. . . .another example of the system being "rigged for whites". . . . . .asked my recruiting officer about it. . . ..he pointed out (correctly I might add) that a black man with my grades and qualifications would enjoy a starting salary 2-3X what I'd make in the Marine Corps.. . . . .he said he'd had the same problem many times (he recruited TEXAS btw) on campus. . . .black males liked the idea but were getting financial offers he couldn't come close to. . . . .

Sadly if you say something long enough, no matter how stupid it is, some people will start to believe it. . . ..so when Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and the rest of those who profit by keeping their race down tell everyone that there is a "system" and it's "rigged for white people" (I only wish, I've worked my ass off to get where I am and I damn sure didn't get here because of teh color of my skin)

Keep in mind, I am a product of the military. . .perhaps the most unsegregated and diverse part of our society .. . I have seen the impact of setting the same standard for everyone. . .no excuses, no bullshit and seeing people succeed regardless of race color or creed. . . .no community activists trying to extort money from folks. . .. . 

Stop blaming "whitey" .. . . . .