[Kerlampert]

I find it curious that they both worked at the same club. Suggesting that they might have known each other prior to the "fatal" night.

[GoodLife]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

Obama stands by the term 'thugs,' White House saysObama stands by the term 'thugs,' White House says

Use of the word THUG was okay in 2015, it became racist code language in early 2017

[mflasch]

Originally Posted by Rango

He was murdered by a police officer. His record does not matter

Had he complied with what the police officers were telling him to do he would be back at his life of crime. He was high on dope and passing counterfeit money at the time of the encounter. The police officer was wrong and is being prosecuted, but don't make this criminal look like he had no accountability in the situation.

[roscoguy]

Some really interesting questions here! I'm not going to answer them all, but I'd like to pick and choose among them, if that's OK.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I am interested in hearing how we as a community of people could have changed what happened to him early on? Could we have seen to a better education?

Very possibly, but that would have probably required admitting long ago that inner city and/or historically black school districts needed help & would have been difficult to actually do for many reasons. Difficult, but not impossible.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Could we have gotten to know him better?

Another decent idea. Maybe "we" personally could not have known George himself, but in a general sense, communication between members of the community couldn't have hurt.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Could we have built community centers so that their was a good place for him to hang out?

That seems like a very good idea! It's pretty well established that kids living in poverty, without anything constructive to occupy their time are more prone to turn to crime.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Could we have marched?

I'm sure that many more white people showing active support for African-American issues would have been very welcome!

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Could we have taken courses to truly understand what bigotry is?

Possibly the best idea of the bunch. I doubt that most white people (myself included) have any real idea what people of color encounter in their lifetimes. Much food for thought here. Thanks for that, Gracie!

[PHILLY RICHARD]

He is being made into some kind of hero. It is all exploitation by some very bad people.

[Luvs21putt]

I’m sorry no matter his record a cop should not have kneeled on his neck and made him slowly and excruciatingly die a horrible death. NO. Please hold your breath for a minute and imagine someone on your neck and back so you can’t take another and then tell me this was ok. I dare you but you won’t do it.

[Lindsyburnsy]

The police had no idea what his record was when they murdered him. George Floyd was executed, without a fair trial, for what is reported as a counterfeit $20 bill.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I don't think that is fair. What George Floyd was, was a person who had chosen at some time in his life to start taking intoxicants . He was arrested and convicted and incarcerated for several years, actually four different times. He then died as a result of police brutality.

I am interested in hearing how we as a community of people could have changed what happened to him early on? Could we have seen to a better education? Could we somehow influenced his family life? Could we have given over more money in taxes for a nicer neighborhood? Could we have gotten to know him better? Could we have voted to see that he got higher wages? Could we have built community centers so that their was a good place for him to hang out? Could we have paid more money for social services to be sure that he was always kindly and fairly treated? Could we have marched? Could we have taken courses to truly understand what bigotry is? Could we have shared our earnings with him directly so that he would not have any reason to join a group that forced entry into a pregnant woman's home and took money? Could we see that all guns are confiscated? Could we pass gun control laws so that people have a very, very, difficult time buying a gun?

How exactly could we, more particularly I have changed this outcome for him. In my long lifetime, I have not heard anyone including my grandfather who was a police officer for 35 years use that word that we are not saying. My mother died when I was eight days old, and my grandparents raised me, my father remarried when I was two and my stepmother didn't want me so I was not raised in their fine house. My grandmother died when I was twelve. In fact it was only when I was eighteen after my grandfather died that I stayed there for awhile until I got my first apartment. . But fortunately I was white and a good student, I guess. I don't know. I have only been this person.

There are so many of us who grew up with bigotry and racism in a world long ago who are trying to not deserve that label. I really do hate labels. They are often used unfairly. They are often used unfairly.

Obviously you have grown to be a good human being despite the hardship you were put thru and I commend you.

There is racism in the world and that is a fact. I believe by my words and action I am not a racist. Do not see how the racism in the world is my fault but do my best to do my small part and leave the world a better place than I found it.

I do think that personal responsibility plays a good part in all this and horrified to see all the destruction that came about as a result of the Floyd murder.

Protest is fine and in my younger days did my share but would never ever destroy or hurt another person or his property in my protests.

[Lindsyburnsy]

Jeffrey Epstein ruined hundreds of lives, but he was rich and could pay off, one way or another, everybody who could have held him accountable. He then continued to commit the same crime over and over. He was a life long conman in an expensive suit with a slew of luxury properties, including an island.

[ldivens]

It is sad this man is being honored in a manner most veterans are not

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by blueash

Perhaps you could just use the language you use with your friends to describe this victim of police brutality. We all know what you mean when you say thug.

Absolutely dead on!

I can't count the times, while being around other white men who thought they were surrounded by 'like-thinkers,' revealed their TRUE nature...by making outrageous racist comments or casually used the 'N' word.

[NEW BEGINNINGS]

Murder is still illegal. It's even worse when done by Law Enforcement

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Here's a very balanced view of the situation.

Candace Owens: "I DO NOT support George Floyd!" & Here's Why! | Durtty Daily - YouTube

[Cybersprings]

Originally Posted by Skunky1

Innocent until proven guilty. Protect and serve.

Just want to make sure that you are using the term innocent when referring to the police in the incident.

[youngerday]

And now he is being made to look like a hero. Was really criminal