Quote:
Originally Posted by JimJohnson
The issue for most Americans is that the 4 police officers involved in the death, should be charged. No one is blaming all police. Also, it DID HAPPEN HERE. This is the United States of America.
|
I have to disagree with you. At this time, they have all been charged, so you should be pleased with that development and no further discussion is needed.
"Here" is an adverb meaning "in, at, or to this place or position" this place, to me, would translate to a radius of within about 25-35 miles from where this forum is dispatched, not the entire country. This is what the poster meant, and I believe you KNOW that's what was meant - but made a conscious choice to be argumentative. If people can't even be nice/respectful to one another on this forum, how can you possibly expect it to happen throughout (your version of) "here."
Further, some, even many, ARE blaming ALL police. For example, I saw a photo in the paper of a young woman holding a sign that said "NO GOOD POLICE." And there have been plenty of pictures of police being dragged and beat on, and the firebombing of a police station. Be honest, it's been open season on police for more than a couple of years now. And the media ABSOLUTELY does not treat them fairly. They jump on reporting all the ALLEGED behavior, and when if it turns out to be false, they turn into crickets and the public NEVER hears about it. I am VERY well acquainted with such, and I'll leave it at that.
I absolutely support the need to get rid of over aggressive police - and this is a perfect example of an over aggressive policeman and his underperforming sidekicks. Quite honestly, I'm so fed up with the attacks on police (over the past several years) I wish they would turn in their badges and just say 'take this job and shove it.' It isn't worth the miserable pay/hours/danger/false accusations/etc., that all face because of a minority of bad cops.
I wish for discussions that really examine and address the issue - but it must go in both directions and with open and honest feelings expressed from both sides. I'm not about touchy feely stuff, but feelings about one another is what causes it. The feelings may be based on studies, personal observations/experiences, or upbringing; it all has to be addressed. Merely being forced to cower to political correctness is NEVER going to successfully move the issues toward resolution. In my humble opinion, having PC forced down people's collective throats has led to an even worse situation and resulted in people who have lost any sense of tolerance and acceptance of those 'disagreed' with, into people who hate; hate spills over into action. Even if perfect discussions occur, we as a people, are still going to have some bad apples who will never come around... both racists (racism doesn't just go in one direction) and over-aggressive police officers. For them, I'm afraid all we can do is watch for the signs and take appropriate action sooner rather than later.
I do understand the massive protests right now -- on top of another killing, people are wound up over being locked down, having lost jobs, etc., due to COVID-19 and they are letting it all out with this killing. And that would be fine - if it were only peaceful protesting. But it isn't, sadly. It's not just protesting, it's uncalled for rioting and looting. Even Mr. Floyd's family has said 'knock it off!'
I wish Mr. Floyd's family peace in their sorrow, I wish for him to RIP, and I wish for all who choose to join the protests to remain peaceful and respectful while 'voicing' their opinions and allowing those wanting to protest to release their frustration without destruction.
If I have offended anyone reading this, please know that was not my intention. It may be my lack of being able to express my thoughts/ideas perfectly; I've found that as I get older, I seem to not be able to pull out words that I once knew. Take care and be well! And if you choose to protest - be safe.