Michael Brown’s Parents Speak Out
Michael Brown is the teen who was gunned down in Ferguson, Missouri by a cop. That town has been in an uproar. I don’t believe in violence, but will share the following opinion. Unless we WALK in the shoes of others, we cannot stand in righteous judgment to understand their reactions.
Hypocrisy is running rampant. There are people who kill others purportedly in self-defense. Those who support them, in spite of physical evidence and logic, rely solely on what the killer said about what they felt and what they believed would happen unless they pulled the trigger. At least the killer gets the opportunity to say what they experienced emotionally and/or physically that justified taking the life of another human being.
When a populace is hurting, and people want to sweep it under the rug rather than validate the reason why, they might react in violence. This doesn’t mean we have to agree with that; rather it means that we need to validate their reasons for taking actions that do not meet our approval. To say it plainly, unless we live in Ferguson, MO as a Black person experiencing what they experience in regards to institutionalized racism, we cannot judge them in righteousness.
It is interesting that some people, such as Mark O’Mara, talk about having a discussion about race relations. He needs to listen and validate about race relations first, and he needs to do that with Blacks from around America. Otherwise it appears as nothing more than a White person telling Blacks why they should keep quiet until their appearance meets the standards of those like him. Isn’t that exactly what he did in his defense of George Zimmerman?
With that said, the following video is an interview with Michael Brown’s parents on CNN.
Posted on 08/12/2014, in Cases, Cops Gone Wild, Michael Brown - Ferguson, Videos and tagged Benjamin Crump, CNN, Ferguson, interview, Michael Brown-Ferguson, Missouri, MO, parents. Bookmark the permalink. 129 Comments.
We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident 
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Don’t judge anyone until you have walked a mile in their shoes!!
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Horty,
Thanks for the reblog. I absolutely agree with your wonderful perception that it takes more than standing in the shoes of another but actually walking — at least a mile.
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My heart is so broken bc of this!! For the family & for us as a people! Barely get “out of one” & another one happens. How can we continue down this path is beyond me!
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Anonymous has taken another valiant stand regarding this issue. The killing of kids needs to stop~
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Cindy,
A glance at Twitter made mention about Anonymous getting involved. I don’t always agree with the methods they use but in this case, if they hack into that cop’s computer and text messages and find that he is racially biased, I will be happy because the truth needs to come out.
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Police: Stops 5,384 White 686. Black 66
Searches: 611 White 47… Black 562
Arrests: 521 White 36… Black 483
I saw this today, Ferguson Missouri, 2013.
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Xena, Pardon me if I sound confused, but is it truly possible for a white person to feel the pain that our black fellow citizens of this nation have had to endure since the very first day they set foot upon these shores? Have we stopped seeking justice, and started to seek revenge? Has it reached the point that the few of us who seek justice for all people regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference are suddenly placed in the position of accepting acts of violence that threaten to set back what little progress has been made? I would hope that wiser minds would attempt to work peacefully to seek and gain justice, perhaps it has reached the point that our work has been in vain and violence is going to be the future of this movement. I fear that the end will not be as kind as some might hope…..
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crusty, in answer to your questtion, it is truly possible.
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Me too Lolypop.
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Mothman,
Well, I’ve always said that only a woman who has given birth can testify of what labor is like. Let me add to that now — even a woman who has only given birth by cesarean can still relate to being pregnant and knowing what loving a child in the womb is like.
Your question spurs and deserves lots of thought. I don’t think there is a general answer. For three generations now, going back to my maternal grandparents, my family is mixed race. Within a loving family structure are feelings when both are subject to the experience of racism. I cannot say if they are the same feelings in fact, I will say that based on the experience, they will not necessarily be the same.
I truly hope not. That would only cause more separation and no healing.
There are actually more of us than they are on the other side. The problem is that the other side consists of people with authority, such as law enforcement, where one bad apple gives an impression for the entire barrel.
Since this nation has a history, we now need a road map. Taking the same route has sent us in circles. Even individuals could use a roap map — what can they do in their corner of America to bring a change for equality?
I think we all agree that violence isn’t the answer. What is the peaceful solution that brings about IMMEDIATE change? I’m asking these questions not in expectation of firm answers, but to think about and discuss, and discuss again, and again, and keep discussing until we find the answer and then apply it.
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Xena, The murder of Michael Brown following so close on the heels of the murder of a man in NYC seems to have ignited a flame of passion in many people who have suppressed their feeling for so many years. Perhaps when some of the dust settles and the Feds move in and actually start their investigation we will see something positive come out of this senseless death.
You ask of answers of how to bring about immediate change? While I am normally relatively optimistic by nature, I simply don’t envision an immediate any major steps being taken that could bring an immediate change… I wish that we had a magic wand that could be waved and instantly all would be equal amongst our citizens. If I possessed that wand, trust me I would be waving it furiously!
I’m sorry if I sound discouraged, but if I told you I was not, it would be a lie…
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Mothman,
In Michigan, Ted Wafer’s trial just ended where we heard the defense attorney attempt to use a “changing neighborhood” defense to justify Wafer’s purported fear of someone knocking on his door. Then too, she tried criticizing accusing the police of not conducting an investigation because they failed to find evidence of an attempted break-in by a drunk, unarmed 19 year old who was just in a horrible car accident where her head hit the windshield.
Then John Crawford was shot dead in Ohio for waving a toy gun.
The cops use an illegal choke-hold on Eric Gardner. That is fresh in our minds.
Let’s not forget that we watched a man testify about how he fired at an SUV of teens, then went to a hotel, ordered pizza and had a rum and coke.
Now, we have Michael Brown executed in broad daylight.
I understand what you mean about sounding discouraged. I don’t mean to either. It’s a stage of healing.
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What I don’t understand is why EVERYONE doesn’t understand.
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Mindyme,
I think there are several reasons why people do not understand. The most immediate response that lacks understanding is from inherent bias that some people are always suppose to be submissive, accept oppression, smile and shuffle along. That particular understanding also carries the idea that just because slaves were set free, does not mean that slave holders have to change the way they see former slaves.
Then, there is a misunderstanding based on lack of community concern. To say it another way, some people do not understand how strangers can be concerned about a person killed. They do not look at the circumstances to understand and also lack understanding that people with authority to kill in cold blood don’t stop. Tomorrow, it could be someone who is not a stranger. They should look at police using excessive force and murdering in cold blood, as they look at cancer — a disease that needs a cure.
Another misunderstanding comes because of lack of experience. Imagine living in a town where people go to Board meetings, have their say, shake hands to politicians and get them to pass ordinances or make changes that benefit the community. They cannot imagine living in a town where the Board doesn’t represent the majority of the citizens and citizens need to file a request to address the Board, and have it approved.
I could go on and on.
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As Al Sharpton said in Ferguson today, he’s been shining the light on roaches all of his life.
Well, the spotlight is now on Ferguson revealing the ugliness of the racism directed at Blacks by the power structures there. We have to believe that those structures can be torn down with a steadfast, organized, long term movement.
I believe there will be a successful push to tear down that racist “building”! The walls of it CAN come tumbling down through that community’s commitment and through the support of all of us.
Here you can see Al Sharpton joining Michael Brown’s family in a very rousing memorial service:
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Very well said crusty,
I am not black, and I do not live in their community, but I am listening. We have the parents asking them to stop, this message is this is not justice. We know have black people from the community out working to clean up the mess that some of those in the community created. I have to wonder if those doing the looting, walking out with tires and rims, cloths, shoes, ect, are the doing it out of anger because of the killing, or is it for themselves? Are they using it as an excuse to justify what they are doing. We all want to see justice, but what does the killing and walking out of stores with free merchandise have in common? Do they even care some of those business’s maybe owned by black people, of have black employees who have perhaps struggled to get ahead, and they may have just taken that away from them. They have families to feed.
This family needs a chance to grieve for their son. Maybe I don’t have the right to care, after all, I live thousands of miles away, so destroying their community doesn’t affect me one bit, but when I read comments such as, “sorry dat N got killed, but hey, justice was served, I got me a 50 inch color tv and some new tires and rims,” I am deeply bothered. I am not black, I haven’t walked in their shoes, nor do I need to, to know that just isn’t right. There are people who are black, who live in that community, who have walked in their shoes, I’m confident, will agree with me.
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I can understand the feeling that this may be the only semblance of justice the community may feel. I feel very badly for those within the community who will have to rebuild.
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Xena: “At least the killer gets the opportunity to say what they experienced emotionally and/or physically that justified taking the life of another human being.”
So true Xena and so damned unfair. It’s hard to ask why anymore, but HOW???
The ones murdered, scared, intimidated, helpless, and the muderer say “they feared for their lives”????
Imagine the ones doing it and saying that they feared for their lives when the ones murdered had no chance what so ever. They couldn’t even call police for help. Their fears were justified, while the muderer really didn’t fear for theirs, as they say. That’s crap.
One, innocent ones were terrified and KNEW they were going to die.
HOW can another human being take the life of a son or anyone is beyond me.
For these innocent children to be just shot down in cold blood, I will never understand HOW
they could do it.
NOT why. We know they were just gun ho jerks.
I’m just sick of it.
Like Don Lemmon said he understood the frustration of that commuity.
I feel the frustration for them as well.
How many more??
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Hey Lolypop! I’m worn. I’m torn. Police forces across America who are opposed to cops using aggression and murdering under color of law, need to come forth and speak out.
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Yes! yes yes yes YES!
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I absolutely agree. They are not protecting and if they just keep quiet how can we trust any of them.
Damn, if they’re afraid of the bad cops we are in a lot of trouble!
Everyon of those that have gotten away with murder should be locked away forever and the ones saying nothing should as one.
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We learn much from this video….we hear a policeman calling the Blacks “fucking animals”. How many of Ferguson’s police force feel this way? (Of the 53 policemen on Ferguson’s force, only 3 are Black.)
We know that Ferguson police cars do not have dash cameras. The Police Chief said they were still in boxes and had not been installed. To me that speaks volumes!
What does that tell you about this leader of the Police Department and his message of the type of behavior by his officers that he allows? Does he allow intimidation, threats, and misconduct by his officers? What has gone on that has never been recorded due to the absence of dash cams?
We get insight into conditions that are felt by the Black youth from what Lesley McSpadden cries out through her tears and grief in this video:
“You took my son away from me. Do you know how hard it was for me to get him to stay in school and graduate? You know how many Black men graduate? Not many because you bring them down to this type of level where they feel like “I’ve got nothing to live for anyway….they’re going to try to take me out anyway.”
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I cannot imagine the pain they are in. It is simply wrong for a parent to bury their child, to lose that child to violence, even worse. This though, this I think is even more unconscionable. Each hour I am going to hope this is cracked open, justice is served.
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I agree with everything you wrote in your article, Xena.
Hopefully, the focus will remain on Michael Brown and all will push for justice for him.
It was so heartbreaking to watch the video earlier today. It keeps rerunning in my mind and heart. I am aching for Lesley McSpadden….she is so overcome with unbearable grief. So very painful…she lost her precious, dear son….
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Yahtzee, I’m trying to catch up on what Anonymous has done — understand that they are threatening to release information about the Chief of Police unless he releases the name of the cop who killed Michael.
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oh wow!
I am worried for the witnesses as we know the man who recorded the death of Eric Garner has been threatened and harassed by the police
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Reblogged this on idealisticrebel.
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Wonderful post for a terrible loss. Well done. Hugs, Barbara
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Hey Barbara! It is a terrible situation. Let’s continue in hope and love in massive amounts.
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Massive amounts of white light and love to his parents. There was another unarmed young black man killed in California. Why? Hugs, Barbara
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Barbara, I read about the 24 year-old, mentally ill man who was allegedly shot in the back by the police in California. These situations are not helping America look good advocating for the rights of citizens in other countries who are oppressed by their government.
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I cannot handle this new info revealed by Rachel Maddow. My heart is feeling such revulsion, anger, and I am shaking.
I did not see the Rachel Maddow show…..I learned about it here:
from http://divaspoet.tumblr.com/post/94584451835/anybody-watching-rachel-maddow-the-info-shes
Anybody watching Rachel Maddow? The info she’s providing about the whistleblower and some of the tactics police in St. Louis County used and how the Lt. encouraged action against people of color and had “black day” and all kinds of racially targeted action is astonishing, though not surprising. It prompted them keeping statistics which is why the info for Ferguson and their who gets stopped/arrested/etc numbers are so available. Seems like they collected the data but nothing has been changed. At all.
and also from SouthernGirl2:
Listening to Rachel Maddow. I’m truly sick. I mean sick. She’s talking about a whistle blower in the St Louis County police depart. They had a “Lets have a black day”. A day where cops were to arrest as many black people as they could.
Racism running very deep. “Lets have a black day?. I’m totally weak. Drained. Just brace yourselves for Ferguson.
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yahtzee,
I tape Rachel every night and after reading your post I watched her before going to bed.
Like you said, you feel sick. I know, I feel like someone has socked me right in the stomach!
Once Rachel get’s on a story, she never stops and I hope that she stays on this until we see a change.
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I just found the video tape of this Rachel Maddow news story:
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/anger-in-ferguson-follows-record-of-racism-317652547718
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Natalie Jackson @NatJackEsq · 4h
#MikeBrown RELEASE THE AUTOPSY REPORT! #transparencymatters
#Fixthebrokentrust
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Hat tip to Jueseppi;
http://theobamacrat.com/2014/08/13/police-fatally-shoot-man-in-south-l-a-family-members-say-he-was-lying-down-when-shot/
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The petition now has 58,183 signatures.
https://www.change.org/petitions/president-barack-obama-please-enact-new-federal-laws-to-protect-citizens-from-police-violence-and-misconduct
Here is what you will find to read at the petition site on Change.org:
I love good police officers. I have them in my immediate family. Like all civil servants they are underpaid and under-resourced for a difficult job.
However, a long and completely avoidable history of violence by police officers has killed too many innocent civilians, caused a destructive level of mistrust in the community, and is causing a rising tide of anger, frustration, and despair among millions of good people.
This petition is for Amadou Diallo – shot at 41 times. An innocent, hardworking man simply reaching for his wallet, Diallo should be alive today.
This petition is for Sean Bell – shot at over 50 times and killed on his wedding day.
This petition is for Oscar Grant – handcuffed with his hands behind his back for breaking a fight on the subway – Oscar was shot in the back and killed by a police officer while sitting down.
This petition is for Chavis Carter – arrested for marijuana, searched, handcuffed with his hands behind his back, and put into the back of a police car. Chavis is then said to have somehow killed himself with a gun.
This petition is for Wendell Allen – just 20 years old – police busted into a house and shot him in the heart – killing him. He wasn’t who they were looking for.
This petition is for Eric Garner – choked to death on YouTube for the entire world to see. While the coroner has deemed his death a homicide, we must change the laws to prevent this from ever happening again.
This petition is for these men, and for many other unarmed men and women who have been killed by the police. It is unacceptable for the police to serve as JUDGE, JURY, and EXECUTIONER. The recent murders of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and John Crawford this past month at the hands of police have so inflamed communities across the country that we believe we are reaching a tipping point of anger.
It is our hope to channel this collective anger into effective policy solutions that will not only make life safer for citizens, but will restore confidence in police, and bring hope to hopeless families and communities devastated by these egregious acts of violence.
Our 5 Policy Solutions Are As Follows:
1. The shooting and killing of an unarmed citizen who does not have an outstanding warrant for a violent crime should be a federal offense.
2. Choke holds and chest compressions by police (what the coroner lists as the official cause of death for Eric Garner) should be federally banned.
3. All police officers must wear forward-facing body cameras while on duty. They cost just $99 and are having a signficant, positive impact in several cities around the United States and the world.
4. Suspensions for violations of any of the above offenses should be UNPAID.
5. Convictions for the above offenses should have their own set of mandatory minimum penalties. The men who killed Diallo, Bell, Grant, Carter, Garner, and others all walk free while over 1,000,000 non violent offenders are currently incarcerated in American prisons. </em
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Now at 78,150 signatures
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Over 100,000 now!
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the petition is gaining about 100 signatures per minute
119595 at 10:55
119873 at 10:59
121,743 at 11:20
122,866 at 11:30
123,854 at 11:40
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134,340 at 1:28
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Maybe the Ferguson cops should have been sent to the Bundy ranch.
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Retweeted by 3ChicsPolitico
CherokeeNative @CherokeeNative3
What happened n #Ferguson was an execution. If we are silent, if justice isn’t served, 1 of us is next.
http://americathenotsobeautiful.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/an-execution-in-ferguson/ …
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This individual was just trying to walk home, but listen to his story:
Published on Aug 12, 2014 by Antonio French
Chambers and W. Florissant. #Ferguson
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SG2 found this video and posted it commenting:
The police are fighting the citizens in retaliation for protesting one of the own shooting down a kid. Unreal!
Published on Aug 13, 2014
First round of tear gas as we were PEACEFULLY protesting.
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It is time for the major corporations and organizations with clout and headquartered in St. Louis to END their silence and speak up and demand justice for Michael Brown and to demand transparency from the Ferguson Police Department!
These corporations are based in St. Louis:
Anheuser-Busch
St. Louis Cardinals Organization
Famous Footwear
Hardee’s Restaurant Chain
KangaROOS Footwear
Ralston Purina
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“Why Did Michael Brown Die in Ferguson?”
http://www.newyorker.com/news/amy-davidson/michael-brown-die-ferguson
“In Ferguson, police compound the Michael Brown slaying with excessive force”
http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article1206506.html
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All of Antonio French’s video taping from August 12, 2014 in one Youtube Video:
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Natalie Jackson @NatJackEsq · 6h
OPD officer fired 23 shots from AR-15 —-> Grand jury indicts Orlando cop over shots fired into car
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-orlando-cop-indicted-20140725,0,5188890.story …
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ALL IN 08/12/14
“Protesters and police clash in wake of shooting death of Michael Brown”Chris talks with St. Louis Alderman Antonio French and Missouri Democratic State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed as tensions rise in Ferguson and protesters demand answers in the police shooting of an unarmed teen.
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/protesters-and-police-clash-in-wake-of-shooting-death-of-michael-brown-317631043619
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This website breaks down what we know/ don´t know.
http://www.vox.com/2014/8/11/5988925/mike-brown-killing-shooting-case-ferguson-police-riots-st-louis
There are conflicting reports on what actually happened even with eyewitnesses. One witness had pictures of the shooting and she has handed them over to police. Multiple witnesses do say however, Michael was surrendering after he was shot the first time.
He was killed 35 feet away from the cop who was shooting from his car by witness accounts.
One thing is for sure though, IMO, the PD handled this all wrong from day one! Right from the start they approached this as an “us vs. them” type of deal. Didn´t even try to get all eyewitness statements. People have had to reach out to them. Of course some people won´t, in fear of police retaliation. This Police Chief seems to be on the side of his Department just by the statements and lack of. I have not read anything where they have met with the family. They are seemingly not attempting to de–escalate concerns from the Fergeson Community.
I would not expect it after an Officer escalated the situation over such a minor infraction as walking in the street. Officers are (or should be) trained in de–escalation . This was avoidable. This is exactly what I hate to see in Police Officers.
I am hoping that since multiple agencies are involved Michael´s parents/ family will find out what actually happened to their son. I hope this offers some comfort to the parents in the midst of unanswered questions for the time being. I hope they do get answers.
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Murphy,
Thanks for the report and your comments. I had also heard that the police have not spoken with any witnesses.
Yes! It speaks volumes also because the police are suppose to be unbiased and serve the people. I would say that a shot in the back indicates deliberate murder, but we’ve had two incidents where I live (1 adult, 1 teen) where LE shot them in the back and LE was not charged.
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Xena,
I watched one of the news channels interviewing an ex-cop. Based on interviews with witnesses, the officer should have been arrested and charged with murder. Instead, the Chief of Police does no interview any of the witnesses, puts the officer on paid administrative leave, and refuses to name him. Also, the law states that all incident reports are open to the public and the officers name would be included. Investigative reports are not open until they are completed.
I see the Chief of Police is now stating he will not be included in the investigation, they are letting outside sources take over. I think that might be a good idea, considering he went of TV and made a statement regarding the incident without talking to the witnesses. So where did the information he had come from? Must have come from his officer, the one he refuses to release his name, who is still getting paid.
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One thing is for sure though, IMO, the PD handled this all wrong from day one!
And, they bear responsibility for the unrest because of this, Murphy.
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Antonio French@AntonioFrench
Ferguson Police to caller: “Justice isn’t here right now.” Then threatens to send the FBI to caller’s home…
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Retweeted by Natalie Jackson
Lissette Miller @LissetteMiller
Phillip Agnew of @DreamDefenders on @allinwithchris discussing militarized police targeting of black & brown bodies
http://on.msnbc.com/1nNj2SG
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Anonymous video to Ferguson
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Oh Snap!
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Xena,I have been in the hospital for couple of weeks & now unable to post on your website.It says I don’t have the right password.I am speechless of what all is going on!
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Jerry,
Forgive me, but I don’t think we’ve met. Did you post here previously under another handle? Anyway, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been in the hospital and happy to know that you worked out the password problem with Word Press. In other words, we don’t have private threads here that require passwords but you do need a Word Press account to post comments.
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Reverend Al Sharpton @TheRevAl · 22m
Dont let irrational thoughts lead you,Dr. King’s non violent movement got results. What has violence ever gotten us?#Ferguson #KeepingItReal
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Ferguson police shoot tear gas at residents in their own backyard.
Maybe the Governor of Missouri should call out the National Guard to protect Ferguson residents from the police.
There’s a video at the following link.
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2014/08/police_in_ferguson_fire_tear_gas_on_protesters_with_hands_up_in_their_own_backyard.php
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I agree with you, Xena, that the Governor needs to call out the National Guard to protect the Ferguson residents. The police are a threat to the residents.
We have proof of the dangers facing the residents from this tweet by Antonio French:
Antonio French @AntonioFrench
One pattern of the last few days: After police move the media out of the area, they become more heavy-handed and violent. #Ferguson
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In addition, we need to see the cameras and microphones of national TV networks in Ferguson….NBC, CBS, CNN, and ABC.
This is what is missing. Lately, these networks are simply using film from I-Reports and local TV. I would like to see Anderson Cooper, Ashley Banfield and other anchors on the scene.
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Lollypop,
yahtzee,
I tape Rachel every night and after reading your post I watched her before going to bed.
Like you said, you feel sick. I know, I feel like someone has socked me right in the stomach!
Once Rachel get’s on a story, she never stops and I hope that she stays on this until we see a change.
I hope that that Rachel continues shedding light on the atmosphere in the PD and what the Black community is enduring.
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crustyolemothman,
The murder of Michael Brown following so close on the heels of the murder of a man in NYC seems to have ignited a flame of passion in many people who have suppressed their feeling for so many years.
I hope that the passion fires up hearts to create a impassioned movement of the type that Sharpton suggested yesterday in his rousing speech.
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Xena,
Yesterday you wrote
Since this nation has a history, we now need a road map. Taking the same route has sent us in circles. Even individuals could use a roap map — what can they do in their corner of America to bring a change for equality?
I think we all agree that violence isn’t the answer. What is the peaceful solution that brings about IMMEDIATE change? I’m asking these questions not in expectation of firm answers, but to think about and discuss, and discuss again, and again, and keep discussing until we find the answer and then apply it.
I have been thinking about this since you wrote it yesterday, and will continue to do so.
In the past, we have witnessed non-violent marches and demonstrations, boycotts, civil rights lawsuits, petitions, etc. and yet, here we are again. So many changes for the better seem to have vanished.
Right now, I cannot think of what would be in a new road map.
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Livestream from Ferguson, MO.
The military dressed and armed personnel just told citizens that their right to assemble isn’t being denied. Yeah. Sure. Just intimidated, uh?
http://www.livestream.com/activistworldnewsnow
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I have been watching and am horrified by the military build-up surrounding peaceful protesters (also by the arrest of two reporters, by the arrest of State Senator Maria Chapeele Nadal today).
The Ferguson police are sending democracy down the tubes. The Ferguson police are destroying democracy and citizen’s civil rights.
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This ongoing Ferguson, MO thing is a complete, bizarre disgrace! WTF?? Doesn’t St. Louis County or the State of Missouri understand anything about PR (let alone the Constitution)??!!
They are shooting themselves in the foot with their shenanigans – which are clearly not only ridiculous, but unconstitutional. Do they think this is the 1960’s or something? The so-called police are not only intimidating, but aggressive. They’re frickin INITIATING AND INSTIGATING the worst case scenario!
WTF??!!
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Bull Connor’s ghost is rising again tonight.
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MSNBC coverage is amazing tonight. Thank heavens for them staying closely on it. I can hardly believe the crap going on there. I can also hardly believe that some higher, responsible authority isn’t stepping in. WTF??
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God bless Trymaine Lee! He’s been reporting all day, and now suffering from a teargas attack. Hang in there, Mr. Lee – we need you! (And he certainly is!)
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There’s no riot, but they act as if there is. This is such BS! And this has been going on for days!
But they keep on keeping secret the most basic “investigative” information – like, hey, how many bullets WERE fired into Michael Brown? OK, even if not an exact number … how many approximately? Or couldn’t your medical examiner tell? Is he/she that incompetent that he/she doesn’t know until toxicology reports come in???
WTF do they think they’re doing? And WHY do they think they’re authorized to do this sh1t?
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Ok, I quit. I guess you’re all asleep or not watching these events. I’ll look for everyone else’s reactions tomorrow. Goodnight. I’d say “sweet dreams,” but, if you’re watching this crap, that would be a silly wish … considerint.
This guy on Lawrence O’Donnell is right: This needs to be really RATCHETED BACK!!!!
DUH!!
This lady on Lawrence O’donnell is right, too: WHERE IS THE GOVERNOR? (Let me guess, he/she’s a tea bullier, him- or herself??
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I have been watching the whole time….so upsetting.
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The governor was here – https://twitter.com/GovJayNixon/status/499661063554486272/photo/1
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Well, there goes any hope of getting help for Ferguson from the governor.
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yahtzeebutterfly Ferguson chief of police with Hannity on Fixed News.
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Thanks! going to watch now
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Annie,
I was watching live stream, got a phone call, then went to bed. Keeping up with everything along with still struggling with health issues overwhelmed me. What is happening in Ferguson reminds me too much of what happened in small towns in either Missouri or Arkansas who ran Blacks out of town and confiscated their property. It’s my impression that is what Ferguson is doing now. It’s not only a violation of rights to assemble, but imitation to discourage people from continuing to live there.
MSNBC repeats earlier programs (with the exception of Friday nights) and I’m watching The Last Word now — Sherrilyn Ifill is right on.
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Xena,
I did NOT mean to sound like you should have been here last night. I was just surprised that I seemed to be the only one here as I vented my outrage at the events. (And I see now, too, that that wasn’t entirely true!)
You can’t be here 24/7, and nobody expects you to be – me included! But you’re the best hostess, ever – as evidenced (and typically so) by your response!
🙂
But now here we are tonight – and Rachel Maddow is now bringing up Kent State – no doubt she will tie that history to current events, as she typically does. And that’s the kind of memories that were evoked in my mind watching that last night’s Ferguson, MO, too.
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Annie,
I love you. Thanks for understanding my heart. I think of this blog as my internet home. Like my physical home, if a friend called, even in the middle of the night, and wanted to talk, I would give that friend my time. Of course, that means that I hear the phone and actually wake up rather than thinking it’s a dream. 🙂
I’m watching Rachel now.
So much has happened that I’m rather on information overload about Ferguson, but there’s still a blog post coming, inspired by the outcry of injustices at the hands of those deputized to serve and protect.
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Tiffany Mitchel Eyewitness to Michael Brown shooting,live on CNN,the liar police chief
stated there weren’t witnesses.
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The people of Ferguson need to be rescued from this police department.
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Joseph Norton,
He knows there are witnesses, just none he cares to interview. He’s too busy relocating the killer cop to a safe location where he will continue to receive his paychecks. If there are no witnesses, how is he able come up with the story he told?
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Published on Aug 13, 2014
8-13-14 – ( CNN ) – Tiffany Mitchell, another eyewitness to the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson last weekend, spoke out on CNN tonight. She told Don Lemon she saw Brown trying to pull away from the officer moments before he was shot. This comes days after a friend of Brown’s who witnessed the shooting said the police officer is “guilty of murder.” Mitchell said Brown had started running from the police officer, and the officer ran after him, firing his gun. Then, she said, “the kid’s body jerked as if he was hit from behind and he turned around and he puts his hands up like this and the cop continued to fire, and he just dropped down to the ground.”
She described the officer in question as a tall, white male, and told Lemon she heard at least five or six shots.
And in addition, another person connected to Mitchell, who she was picking up in the neighborhood, was also witness to the shooting, and Mitchell’s lawyer said her account provides the same information about what happened that day.
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Women don’t ever recover from losing a child, no matter what she says. The pain can get more bearable, but it never goes away. What infuriates me is this attitude, both in the US and in Gaza, that having black or brown skin makes your life worth less than if you had white skin. As if it’s a lesser crime to kill someone with black or brown skin. It’s like the dominant culture in the US (and which the US imposes on its allies) has lost any capacity for morality or ethics.
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Excellent comment. Let’s add the mentally ill and disabled to the list. I’m thinking of Kelly Thomas and Down Syndrome Ethan Saylor. Both were killed by members of law enforcement. Those that broke Ethan’s larynx were never charged and those who beat Kelly to death were acquitted.
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Ferguson police are looting the civil rights of the citizens of Ferguson.
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Amen to that!
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One part of Xena’s article above that we have not fully addressed here is her comment:
When a populace is hurting, and people want to sweep it under the rug rather than validate the reason why, they might react in violence. This doesn’t mean we have to agree with that; rather it means that we need to validate their reasons for taking actions that do not meet our approval.
To say it plainly, unless we live in Ferguson, MO as a Black person experiencing what they experience in regards to institutionalized racism, we cannot judge them in righteousness.
I want to add an ancillary observation.
I hope I can word what I am about to write with clarity because I consider this to be important.
We all know that people of all backgrounds will advocate for victims of police misconduct. However, the people advocating have a different set of experiences that affect their advocacy.
What I mean is that White community advocating for a White victim of police misconduct does not have thousands of members who have had the same experience with the police as the White victim.
This is not true of the Black community. The Black community has thousands upon thousands of members who have had the identical experience with the police as the Black victim. (e.g. being singled out through stereotypical negative profiling…dealing with a racist officer’s mindset.)
In my opinion, this is why the Black community is so passionate and outraged in its response to police misconduct and why some Black protestors “lose it” during a demonstration. They can personally identify with the victim through their own experiences.
A large number of the White community does not take these differences into consideration (is clueless about this) as it made its judgment against Black protestors, especially those that “lose it” during demonstrations. Such “righteous” judgment is not helpful and does not lead to a constructively healing dialogue.
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I agree with your comment in its entirety. You are such an asset to this blog yahatzee.
There is no emperical evidence that I can supply for this discussion because there is little data on police brutality. Maybe that is the issue.
All I can provide is data which is anecdotal evidence of blacks killed by police that made the news. Such as those in recent discussion and those like, Alonzo Ashley, Ervin Jefferson, Steven Rodriguez, Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, Danny Rodriguez, and Patrick Dorismond. (To name just a few)
I tend to avoid overused terms to describe the differences within community reactions to these same incidents. But there are those with white privilege whom have no idea why protests occur at all. This is a prime example. Look at th cops defenders and their history in who they defend! They defended Zimmerman, Dunn, and Wafer. Sanford PD. They refuse a through investigation into KJ.
I know through personal conversations there are many, many more people supporting interagency involvement into police conduct since these incidents. I mean these are conversations with people whom have told me numerous times “nothing is going to change.” “Why waste your time.”
I try to do my best offline because I am limited online.
As for the riots, I understand the bigger cause. It is multifaceted. But, in this case it could have been avoided. The PD is the one to blame. They chose to protect one of their own over an entire community. They chose to lock out a Nation, instead of being transparent. The rioters believe they are doing something good for their community.
When things settle cooler heads will prevail. My thoughts and prayers are with Ferguson.
Here is another TL
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/14/michael-brown-ferguson-missouri-timeline/14051827/
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” But there are those with white privilege whom have no idea why protests occur at all. This is a prime example.
Yes, Murphy.
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I am a black woman my brother, father, nephew, uncles, nieces, mother, aunts, cousins, friends, daughters, are black. I applaud and thank the Divine for white people that regardless of their social conditioning and environment recognize and choose to advocate for people of color who are being oppressed based on skin. This is my everyday experience and has been the everyday experience of my family and loved ones and ancestors since slavery. This is modern day lynching, murders occurring in broad daylight, on crowded streets, while being filmed, and the message is not lost on people of color, we are not safe, they can and will kills us anywhere wherever whenever they choose, and there will be no consequence.
It is not lost on us that not only will they murder us they will not respond with any life saving techniques and will treat us in the most inhumane way possible even in death, walking over top of our bodies, and letting them lie in the street for hours uncovered, that they will pillage our bodies of our organs, and protect the cover-up instead of inquiry. It sends a message to my family, loved ones, ancestors, that we will kill your men, your so called protectors of your families, and your women and children therefore will never be protected.
It sends a message to racists, uninformed, unaware, ignorant non minorities that people of color are animals are still considered less than human.
It sends the message that this systematic power structure of disinformation, and institutionally supported racism, murder and emotional, spiritual and physical pillaging of people of color cannot be stopped.
All of my friends, family and loved ones are afraid of the police and this system. The corporate controlled propaganda machine of most mainstream media is lying about the riots, attacks and looting. Why is it when black people are treated sub human, disrespectfully and they always accuse us of being the instigator, telling us to turn the other cheek, to be peaceful, when the only unpeaceful true GENISIS in this situation has been everybody except people of color?
Why are the disenfranchised upset, cause it hurts us to our soul, we are lost, angry, afraid, saddened, frustrated, solemn and in utter despair and vulnerable
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I am so sorry we haven’t risen above our hateful past in how we treat others.
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My friend,
Anger like this on both sides is a psychological interpretation of having been threatened. Some know nothing other then through anger to retaliate. It is a natural response to enviorment to some and has little to do with color! Please do not feel this represents all black people just because some say so. This does not define, nor will it ever define the civil rights movement or black people. Does this define the Europeans or Candians who rioted?
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Sharon, your comment with all you have written is so important at this dire moment. I appreciate your “telling it like it is.”
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I’m working on summarizing what has happened in Ferguson, and clearing up some misunderstandings about info that has been released by Anonymous. I was doing that when a friend called me. We didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This is why. My friend is a gay, Jewish man. In regards to Ferguson, he said that some White people who he works with have stated how afraid they are. When he asked them afraid of what, their answer was that Blacks were coming for Whites. (sigh)
America needs to get beyond the idea that when a people are oppressed and treated like enemies, that they want to wage war on another race of people. Equality is not killing others. It is not oppressing others. It is wanting the constitution to apply to everyone. Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness is not based on the color of skin, gender, financial status, nor popularity.
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What the heck? I am disconnected somewhat to all that is going on TL wise.
I tend to take Anonymous with a grain of salt considering we have no clue who they are.
For all I know it could be a 12 year old Nettles18 supporter from Iceland.
Besides, I have yet to see the major faction of GZ supporters or Fox news report on the knock out game yet. Give it a few weeks.
Either way, The black people on the East Coast are are going to work, finishing up vacations, and school shopping. Just like me. Let me know when the race war starts.
😉
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Gov Jay Nixon has announced that the St. Louis County police are going to relieve of their duties in Ferguson.
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The entire PD?
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Murphy, the entire St. Louis County police. They are a separate entity from the Ferguson police department. Yet, I understand there are still police forces from some surrounding towns still on duty in Ferguson.
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I knew there were quite a few PDs. I saw one tweet on scene yesterday where a mans arms was being bent back when he was face down with 4 cops around. Someone made a comment it wasn´t Ferguson “nice try”. Wish I could have responded. Who brought in the tanks?
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I also saw some recommend bringing in the National Guard to protect the residents? Nah. They are worse then police. That is like military on national soil. Think hurricane Kitrina.
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Murphy, I recommended that the National Guard be called in to protect the citizens of Ferguson. It worked in the 60’s when local police forces abused, jailed, and brought out the dogs on citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
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When I think of National Guards I think of the Kent State incident in the 70´s and Kitrina.
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Murphy, it depends on their orders. I remember that they were called to protect Black students integrating schools in the South. And, I remember they were called out to protect the Freedom Marchers.
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Murphy,
By the way, it was President Nixon in office during the Kent State incident, and President Kennedy in office during the Freedom Marchers and school de-segregations. Now, I understand that each State’s National Guard is under orders of the Governor, but there was something that President Kennedy did to call them under federal authority. If I remember correctly also, Dubya made some changes to the National Guard because some were called into active duty and deployed to Iraqi. I’m not saying that I understand it — just that I know about it.
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If President Obama declares martial law in Ferguson, he can then Federalize Missouri’s National Guard. This is what Rep. John Lewis is asking President Obama to do.
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There will be no need for National Guards. The Highway patrol has been called in and shall there be further looting I do not want to hear much about those types of protests we will ALWAYS have those using these cases as a way to protest. My main issue is to allow what is law in. Before today many took advantage like it or not. After tonight those arrested, shot or harmed, I have no comment. The HW Patrol are walking into and letting ease. Cops have been gone pretty much all day.
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The killing needs to stop… Full Stop!
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Kev,
YES! I’m motivated to address this, and yet tired of it happening.
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You’re not alone in that.
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Sorry Xena having issues in responding above. MO. Gov. has ordered the MO. Highway patrol to take over. From what I hear stationed at the Quick Shop for a peaceful forum. Days too late, IMO. Much on my end about MO. is in passing thru with a mighty fine dose of hospitality. I have numerous pics of the famous arch, various angles Midstate stays cross country! After that plenty of crosses! A bible belt. The weather sucks at times one I nicknamed Misery for it. But otherwise the people are proud and caring in all forms.
I do love the people of MO. I feel Michael will get Justice.
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There is rumor around. The Officer is ex military. They moved him out of state under protective custody to Ohio and will be releasing his name. This is just a rumor.
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Murphy,
I suspected that they would move him — but out of the country.
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He is in the States. I have a photo. When he was younger. He is a young man with a shaved head looks to be in his early 20s. Even with a shaved head he has red hair. He has blue eyes. He is in a white shirt with a blue collar. Looking at the photos he is one of the officers standing over the body in photos released by a witness. His first name I know.
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Murphy,
One reason I’ve not focused on the cop’s identity is that knowing who he is, is not the same as charging him. I don’t think myself and others are jumping the gun on this one. Based on what we know about what happened, that cop committed cold-blooded murder. Funny — I am reminded of how Zimmerman abandoned his home before Trayvon was identified and thinking, innocent people don’t run and hide. Not that soon. Not before the body of those they killed are cold.
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I can´t give you much. Tommorow his name will be released. All I know is he left MO under security. Family is in Ohio.
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Murphy,
As I understand it, that community is demanding the officer’s name as part of the Sunshine law. Tomorrow when his name is released, I’m pretty sure that we’ll also learn some information that tells us why he was immediately placed on paid vacation.
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Anonymous whom I do not know nor will affiliate with because they ask for Assage money or other doxes unrelated for money to these causes wants the first name because they are running it. The name will be released and has nothing to do with Anonymous or those who claim to be Anoymous with threats, and are in fact the cause in delayed release.
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Artist and historian Demont Pinder joined Roland Martin Friday on “NewsOne Now” to unveil his tribute to the slain 18-year-old Ferguson teen, Michael Brown. The painting titled, “I Could’ve Been… ,” was rendered during the live broadcast of “NewsOne Now” on TV One.
Demont and the panel also discussed what role artists play in the movement to impact change. Listen to their entire conversation:
http://newsone.com/3047381/artist-tribute-to-mike-brown/
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