Current Affairs George Floyd and Minneapolis Unrest

[roydo]

I know mate, I was born there and live in Somerset.

lol

Had no idea mate!

 

[longers]

#dcblackout trending number 1 worldwide on twitter

Had a quick look to see what it's about and just came across lots of randoms vaguely suggesting some protestors were murdered/vanished in DC last night.

Probably more fake news

 

[Pettifogger]

He's claiming I condone violence and wanted destruction. Pretty much too deflect his poor taste ignorant comments on racism.

"Ignorant comments on racism" is a bold take from someone entirely unequipped to discuss it. But by all means, correct my ignorance SteveO. I'd be very entertained to learn from you.

Groucho, no need to affirm the board's stance on racism. I've never made a racially insensitive remark on this site. It's a discussion of "types" of racism and the realities of same which folks like Steve and Prevenger will mischaracterize and avoid because constructive discussion isn't really their bag.

 

[tsubaki]

Just reading the Guardians liveblog about BLM protestors marching to Rio’s government area to protest about Floyd and the police killings in their city.

There were 177 people killed by police in Rio, just in April.

 

[NorthernBlue]

Funny you say this. Another thing you notice immediately the first time you go to the UK (or anywhere else that isn’t America) is how none of the cops carry guns. I was telling this to a guy I do some work for, who is in law enforcement, and he made the EXACT same comment at the thought of policing without a firearm.

You’re right though. A lot of these problems have their roots in the absurd gun culture here. Setting the police aside, my whole life I’ve been around people who talk about their guns and needing them to protect their home. With some of them there is almost a sense of giddy anticipation at the thought of the day an intruder comes into their house and so they can have the privilege of killing them in defense of their family. Very disturbing IMO.

My brother lives in North Carolina and became a bit pally with a copper there. He advised him if someone breaks into his house just kill them. Don’t shout or fire a warning shot. Chances are the intruders will be black and no questions will be asked if he kills them. Totally different way of living over there.

 

[Pettifogger]

I'm glad you haven't suffered a lifetime of institutionalised racism, hopefully an entire countries black population can learn to be more respectful and ensure they bring no further trouble on themselves

See no reason you can't call evil out by name wherever it exists. I think it's reasonable to say "don't let condemnation of the rioting/destruction/murder cause you to ignore where all of this hurt and anger came from." But "now is not the time for brining up destruction" is moral cowardice.

Murder by cops of unarmed black men - Evil
Murder or attempted murder of cops - Evil
Murder or attempted murder of civilians (by rioters/anyone) - Evil
Destroying people's livelihood or property - Evil

I don't understand the juxtaposition of people vs. property - that's not the debate. Nobody is arguing that burning the deli is the same as taking a life. But burning the deli is pointless, and harmful and anyone bashful about saying so needs to grow up.

 

[peteblue]

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is going to be put under draconian powers, against a signed International Agreement, with people already ‘disappearing‘, but no protesters in London or anywhere else seem to give a damn...sad really.....

 

[Pettifogger]

My brother lives in North Carolina and became a bit pally with a copper there. He advised him if someone breaks into his house just kill them. Don’t shout or fire a warning shot. Chances are the intruders will be black and no questions will be asked if he kills them. Totally different way of living over there.

This is true many places in the US and it has little to do with the race of the perpetrator. Someone forcefully entering your home is by definition there to do harm to you or your family in some manner.

 

[tsubaki]

My brother lives in North Carolina and became a bit pally with a copper there. He advised him if someone breaks into his house just kill them. Don’t shout or fire a warning shot. Chances are the intruders will be black and no questions will be asked if he kills them. Totally different way of living over there.

Obviously if you are black and do this then it’s attempted murder.

 

[Grinch]

Oh jus friendly protesters burning a homeless mans only possessions

 

[Pettifogger]

Obviously if you are black and do this then it’s attempted murder.

It's not. Black people defend themselves with guns against intruders with some regularity where I live.

Racial disparities in our justice system exist, but it's just really silly to make blanket statements that are verifiably false.

 

[dead_soft]

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is going to be put under draconian powers, against a signed International Agreement, with people already ‘disappearing‘, but no protesters in London or anywhere else seem to give a damn...sad really.....

Whatabouterry springs eternal when someone's scrabbling to discredit valid political movements.

 

[tsubaki]

It's not. Black people defend themselves with guns against intruders with some regularity where I live.

Then why was Breanna Taylor’s other half charged with attempted murder?

 

[NorthernBlue]

This is true many places in the US and it has little to do with the race of the perpetrator. Someone forcefully entering your home is by definition there to do harm to you or your family in some manner.

He said the rational behind it was if you wound them they might come back after how ever long and kill you. So why take the chance. It’s all guns isn’t it. My brother has 4 now and a massive stockpile of ammunition all because of fear. No other reason than the fear of being in a situation against someone who has one.

 

[Pettifogger]

Then why was Breanna Taylor’s other half charged with attempted murder?

For the same reason that white folks in similar situations have been similarly charged? You shoot a cop and you've got a nearly insurmountable hurdle to get off regardless of race/circumstance. You can tell me black folks have a higher hurdle than white folks (and I'll probably believe you), but I think it's pretty irrelevant because neither really happens.

If your post said "black people who do this when cops serve no-knock warrants incorrectly will be charged with attempted murder" I'd 100% agree. Although I do think Taylor's boyfriend is going to get off here, as he obviously should. The fact they put him on home arrest is probably a pretty big signal the DA doesn't view this as legitimate.