[graciegirl]

The large and commonly consulted public opinion polls this morning show support of the law in both instances.

I am sure if a white youth shut the door twice on a police officer who had been called to the scene of a burglary and who had a description of the youth including his yellow shoes........ If he punched the officer who was sitting in his car, he would be shot. I am absolutely sure of it.

I think that the whole thing started over the fact that only a LITTLE was stolen. I don't look at it that way. It is wrong to steal and that is why we have laws to protect individuals and businesses. The family immediately called it character assassination when the video emerged showing their son towering over the irate business owner. I have to think that this kid was very over the top in his actions to everyone. He was a big kid and used to having his way.

That is why as parents you try to instill early on that you must respect your parent(s), the teacher, the law and also give children your values...

I think part of that happened here. The values part. I don't care what color he was. He should not have done what he did and now he is dead. Black, white or purple, I think the same thing would have happened.

I think bad stuff happens more to black people who live in urban poor conditions in a one parent family situation because the mother and father are both not present working together for the good of their children in MANY cases. I think that is the root of the issue. I really do. But I don't have a clue how to fix it. The welfare system encourages it. They won't fund couples as easily as single moms, nor should they. I wish the men in every community worked to support and encourage and guide their children and love their children's mom.

When you are raising children it helps if there are more of you than there are of them.