So many times, we look at the riot and not the root.
Because rioting drowns out the message.
The message isn't being heard regardless.
That people are angry because people are rioting but were not expressing anger before when it was announced that these cops SEVERED this man's SPINE is fucking disgusting.
The cutting of the hose line is what scares me the most. Normally "they" leave firefighters and paramedics alone because they know the FFs and Medics will help them without (well, without as much) prejudice*. Cutting the hose crosses a line, IMO, that "they" don't usually cross.
(*Racism abounds in the fire department, I'm not saying it doesn't.)
ETA:I wasn't sure how to phrase it. "They" being those in Baltimore who are engaged in activities on the wrong side of the law.
It was not meant to mean black people. I apologize since I'm sure that's how most of you are reading it. That wasn't my intention.
Stellas: your position is from a sheltered point of view.
Isn't defending the violent and destructive actions of protesters and looters also coming from a sheltered pov? As I sit safe in my home far away from danger, it is easy to understand the rage and desperation that leads people to behave this way, but if I lived in the apartment building that is next to the flaming CVS, (the fire that the protesters set and won't allow to be extinguished) I might feel differently.
The cutting of the hose line is what scares me the most. Normally "they" leave firefighters and paramedics alone because they know the FFs and Medics will help them withotut (well, without as much) prejudice*. Cutting the hose crosses a line, IMO, that "they" don't usually cross.
(*Racism abounds in the fire department, I'm not saying it doesn't.)
"They"?
I wasn't sure how to phrase it. "They" being those in Baltimore who are engaged in activities on the wrong side of the law.
It was not meant to mean black people. I apologize since I'm sure that's how most of you are reading it. That wasn't my intention.
I live 10 miles north of the inner harbor and seeing everything on the news is heartbreaking. Looting a mall, kids destroying a 7-11, etc. So sad. And I don't think the majority of the folks doing the looting and throwing the bricks at cops are doing so to take a stand against police violence. Seeing cars pull up to Mondawmin mall and running in to steal things are awful. As reporter Jayne Miller said, this violence is taking attention away from the real issue at hand - police violence and the tension between police and citizens. Just heartbreaking.
I live 10 miles north of the inner harbor and seeing everything on the news is heartbreaking. Looting a mall, kids destroying a 7-11, etc. So sad. And I don't think the majority of the folks doing the looting and throwing the bricks at cops are doing so to take a stand against police violence. Seeing cars pull up to Mondawmin mall and running in to steal things are awful. As reporter Jayne Miller said, this violence is taking attention away from the real issue at hand - police violence and the tension between police and citizens. Just heartbreaking.
On the CEP thread someone posted that the different gangs were coming together to cause mayhem.
Do you really think that the murder of an unarmed black man would have made news without massive protests? Do you think CNN would be camped out there right now if there were just a peaceful protest?
To say that the riots detract from the message is missing the point. The message was never getting out either way. It hasn't for decades. Which is why you see this as the result.
I don't condone violence or property destruction, but I also absolutely can see how it got to this point, and those who are rioting did not get there alone. Our society created this mess.
So many times, we look at the riot and not the root.
Because rioting drowns out the message.
It sounds like you are saying something akin to "well I don't need privacy because I'm not doing anything wrong". Or. "If you blended in more with my norms even though my reality doesn't match yours, then your reality would be treated with more respect by me"
(typing this one handed on mobile so it is hard to clearly type everything I'm trying to express here)
She was clear in her communication. She was firm and you could tell the situation bothered her. I love her whole "I was busy trying to manage the crisis" bit too. I loved her repeat of "let me be clear."
Idk. I liked it overall. I've seen some god awful press conferences. It could have been so much worse
I mean, I get that but….she's also the face of the city. So I'm still judging that we didn't see her sooner.
The PR nerd in me thinks the mayor rocked that press conference.
Yeah, no. Thug just sucks all credibility away from the conversation.
Also, LOLZ for days to mrsdoe about voting. Give me a HUGE fucking break right now. I think the common thing that is said around here is "evaluate yourself."
Two wrong don't make a right. Cutting a fire hose? Are you fucking kidding me? How would you feel if this was your backyard, you or your family going to work trying to protect people with their lives on the line? Have these rioters engaged in peaceful protest? Have they volunteered their time to those in their community? Have they written letters to their representatives? Voted? I doubt it.
Post by killercupcake on Apr 27, 2015 19:34:31 GMT -5
I just don't understand why the police always have to show up in full riot gear to protests. Especially those that are peaceful. There's no reason to instigate things when it's quiet.
Crowd control 101: Your mere presence escalates the situation immediately.
Ugh, I get so frustrated with people pursing their lips and saying "well, what do they think they are accomplishing with this?"
I seriously doubt the people looting and causing general mayhem are trying to accomplish anything except to express their rage. It's a big "Fuck us? No, FUCK YOU!" To pretend that this is worse than what caused the rage to begin with is disgusting.
What do the people who ask that question think they are accomplishing with it?
watching WBAL, this lawlessness is just depressing the hell out of me. The curfew is 10pm Tuesday (!) -- that makes no sense -- too late! They looted all the prescription meds from that CVS and then set it on fire hours ago.
Mondawmin Mall is where I got my driver's license (the MVA right there). Back in the day. My dad is from that part of town but moved to Baltimore County.
I admire the clergy that are out on the streets trying to stop this. Just saw a nun and cop walking together.
I don't think it's fair to those who have continued to protest peacefully to in any way associate the rioters with them.
I'd really like you to answer why you doubt the people rioting have never peacefully protested, volunteered their time in their community, written letters to their representatives, or voted.