Blacks were treated badly lately but it's still way better than it was before 1966. Why can't they protest like Dr. King again?

2016-09-23T01:54:47-04:00

The shootings of black men nationwide has been a tragedy.
Rioting and destorying cities like in Watts in 1965, Chicago in 1968, Los Angeles in 1991 and now Baltimore and Charollete. Which city is next?
Many don't have insurance and some insurances don't cover war or riot.
Why can't they protest with non-violence like Dr. King and Ghandi did?
I grew up listening to Public Enemy. I empathize but violence with violence is wrong!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaCMI0161aI

Martin Luther King Jr: From Selma to Montgomery 1965

For licensing inquiries please contact Historic Films Archive (www.historicfilms.com / info@historicfilms.com) On March 20th 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson supersed...

Response by TSgt David L. made Sep 23 at 2016 2:12 AM

2016-09-23T02:12:22-04:00

I for one don't see the correlation between protesting and looting/burning one's city and property. I understand being angry and wanting to get revenge/payback? How rioting brings or exacts closure is beyond me. The mob mentality only proves to cause more havoc. Tell me how this works, please.

Response by TSgt David L. made Sep 23 at 2016 2:28 AM

2016-09-23T02:28:38-04:00

I didn't buy, sell, or own any slaves, nor did any of my family or ANYONE that I've ever known. What have I or anyone done besides the LEOs that have shot a black person? Does it warrant everyone paying the price? Or reparations for NOT being a slave?
Ah hell, burn it down.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Sep 23 at 2016 3:00 AM

2016-09-23T03:00:55-04:00

I'm old enough to remember the Watts Riots (was a kid in LA). In the late 60s and early 70s I had to be bused during forced busing that hit the communities around Great Lakes, IL and New Orleans, LA. Thank God for the US Military; we have overcome many of the racial issues that plague society. Granted their are cases of racism on the part of individuals, but their is not a
Racist culture. The key is the opportunity for soldiers to advance based on their merit. Unfortunately, in the civilian world people feel trapped in their local circumstances and won't move. This is a issue in the inner cities and depressed small towns in coal country.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2016 3:09 AM

2016-09-23T03:09:49-04:00

I don't see a problem with the way the vast majority are protesting, just that of a few who believe violence will further their cause... violence is only acceptable once it is clear all peaceful means have failed. It's important that peaceful means of protest do not fail.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 23 at 2016 3:59 AM

2016-09-23T03:59:23-04:00

Rioting only makes the public look at them as violent criminals, undeserving of anybody's sympathy or understanding. Is that really what they wish to accomplish? Reinforce the stereotype of a criminal subculture? If anything that will set their cause back a generation.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Sep 23 at 2016 6:35 AM

2016-09-23T06:35:53-04:00

You mean Black people can't protest being treated poorly the same way White people celebrate sports championships?

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Sep 23 at 2016 7:16 AM

2016-09-23T07:16:35-04:00

"They, them, reparations, slaves"...it is hard to add value to this discussion because of the callous and imprecise nature of the comments and question. The violence is absolutely unacceptable...the protests are not.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 23 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-09-23T09:00:29-04:00

You mean like Colin Kaepernick? About as peaceful as you can get; the response on social media, not so much.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Sep 23 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-09-23T12:00:21-04:00

It was Republicans like Dr. King leading the protests back then and the very few celebrity types that risked their careers to support and march with him were folks like Charleton Heston. Today it is far left radical democrats and groups funded by George Soros that are leading protests and violence is an integral part of the program.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 23 at 2016 12:19 PM

2016-09-23T12:19:20-04:00

The simple answer is this has nothing to do with blacks being treated badly. This is about the haves and have nots. This is about people growing up believing that they are owed something. This has created a chip on their shoulder which has guided all their actions in life. These aren't protests. Breaking into a sports pro shop to steal basketball jerseys and the newest Jordans isn't about injustice. This is envy and greed plain and simple.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Sep 23 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-09-23T12:51:09-04:00

The shooting of Whites , Hispanics and Orientals by the police is also a tragedy. However they don't riot and call for the death of police and burn their damn town/city down.

Response by SPC Rudy Hawkins made Sep 23 at 2016 1:28 PM

2016-09-23T13:28:59-04:00

Here's something to think about....If it wasn't for "violent protest" the United States would still be under British rule !!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2016 1:57 PM

2016-09-23T13:57:30-04:00

How's about we all stop with the knee jerk, mob mentality reaction across the board and actually realize what the true nature of the problem is? Let's see each other as human beings and not by color of skin, or religious or political ideations. As soon as we realize we are all one people and should treat each other as such, the world will be a very different place.
The military seems to have done this fairly well over the years huh? We all wear the same uniform and that's how we see each other.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 23 at 2016 2:46 PM

2016-09-23T14:46:13-04:00

Why does it have to be MLK as the sterling example? X was a changed man when he came back, but the NOI wasn't having that. Ali on principles did his time and begged his way back in, and destroyed stronger men to become the King.

I only say that being the second a protest is begun, MLK is brought up. Yes he was a great man. Yes he had an commanding presence to him. Yes he was the "face" of the Civil Rights movement, but there are names that did equally as much without the "glory".

I think history was very good to MLK. Even with his faults, he got the benefit of the doubt, where others didn't. Why can't we protest like Rosa Parks? Don't give up your seat? You'll be in jail or the hospital today. Be the face of a program that supports colored people? WEB DuBois had a lot of help with the beginnings of the NAACP. Problem is when you tell non Blacks that, they don't want to hear that Whites were the behind the scenes shakers and movers of it. They along with WEB DuBois and other Blacks made something out of nothing. Rev. Jessie Jackson. Now I wish I could protest his way, but I'd have to get married and have a lot of women running in and out of my bed. But jokes aside, he was Martins right hand. X? Can't do it like X? He was a bad, bad man, and Islam helped him out big time. Gave him focus, and the desire to be bigger than he was. He drank the kool aid until the pilgrimage. He was in awe, he was shook, and amazed to see Islam is not a "black" thing, but a universal one. Like the usual, he was killed by his own people. MLK would be laughed at by today's society. Let's be honest. His message while accurate and credible, would fall on the deaf ears of a country who wants instant gratification. Rosa Parks would be another "Welfare Queen" with a "typical" Black attitude. Jessie Would be Jessie and DuBois would not have the NAACP.

The lone holdout would be the pre-pilgrimage X. The man who would get freedom "By any means necessary". This would be in line with the NOW attitude seen in America. A simple check of the boxes would make him bigger than MLK or any of the rest could ever be.
Got guns?
Got attitude?
Got a bad repor with LEO?
Got religion?
Got a record?
Got to do a long bid?
If you can check yes to all of those, you would survive today's instant gratification needs. The fact that you could check yes to all of those is concerting, appalling, and the very reason Kap's taking of the knee won't last too long in the memory banks. Kap's desires echo some of Kings of his time, and unlike King, this is only going to last until a real crackdown begins. The loyalty isn't there like it was then.

Gonna need a new and "hip" role model to get this right.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Sep 23 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-09-23T15:49:56-04:00

Major, the problem with your Dr King comment is that this issue was already dealt with about 50 years ago and Dr King was a sacrificial lamb. Are you suggesting it's going to take ALL that AGAIN to get America to stop [open] discrimination and prejudice again? We are going backwards and should've never stooped down to this level again. Yes things are much better but they shouldn't be "much better" they should be "equal"!!!

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made Sep 23 at 2016 7:02 PM

2016-09-23T19:02:39-04:00

blacks were treated badly lately? do not fall for that false narrative file:///C:/americanwarriorrevolution/photos/a [login to see] 38 [login to see] [login to see] 04898736/ [login to see] 61557/?type=3

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Sep 23 at 2016 7:16 PM

2016-09-23T19:16:57-04:00

I see no concrete benefit from the protests, especially the protests that turn into riots. You alienate the segment of the population that you are trying to convince, and reinforce the behavior of the riortors. In addition the behavior when coupled with riots suggests that might or bullying makes right. More important that you are not responsible for your actions. Peaceful protest is one thing but rioting and destruction of property or harming others is not a legal form protest. The net result is a net loss. I am concerned that what these results are are creating a generation (of all races) that feel that they are entitled and those that disagree with their position can be bloodied without remorse. A more efffective form of protest would be gaining an education and there are programs of aid that will help. By education I am speaking broadly. Not necessarily a college degree if that is not your thing but a trade or something that is marketable and can lead to the betterment of you and your family. Secondly I would suggest that you not let your protest if you must , be taken over by outsiders. Reports are saying that in the most recent instance 70% of the protestors were from out of the state. They are paid rabble rousers and do not reflect well on anyone.
Third rather than concentrating on blaming others, look inside. What can you do or what have you done to better your condition. Your position depends in the end. Not others. Look at the those that have made themselves better lifting themselves up by their bootstraps as we used to say. Especially when you are in the service. The people who have success have gained it through their own hard work I am constantly impressed by the caliber of the folks that lead or participate in these discussions. I think that two or three successful companies could be started by culling the skill sets represented in this forum.

Response by SGT(P) Gloria Francis made Sep 24 at 2016 5:59 AM

2016-09-24T05:59:47-04:00

"Why can't they protest like Dr. King & Ghandi did?" Are we on the same planet? Did we really forget what happened to Dr.King & his non violent protesters?
I'm not condoning violent behavior but it's crazy to see the violence continue against certain groups & when that group respond you hear, Why are they acting that way. This is not the way to solve a problem. Violence is not the answer." Violence isn't the answer, IT IS THE PROBLEM, & that's what the protests are about. The protests only let's you know that the behaviors of violence against minority haven't changed.
Violence against violence is wrong but how is non violence against violence working out? The same people who says violence against violence are the same pro gun choice because they believe in safety first. None of you would allow a murderer or thief to continue having access to your families, stand there & do nothing. What many of us actually hear is, "Allow us to treat you badly, & accept it with a smile." Would you want that for yourself, your children & families?
Please tell me how much peace did Dr. King & his non violent protesters endured?

Response by SGT(P) Gloria Francis made Sep 24 at 2016 6:17 AM

2016-09-24T06:17:25-04:00

The pictures are from the same Dr. King you praised for non violent movement. The protestors were treated kindly huh? Hasn't President Obama been criticized for being too soft of a leader against other countries? Didn't many want him to take things by force? Trump is being praised by saying we should nook them. Is violence only acceptable when one group uses it? If your child & family continues to get harassed, beaten, & or killed without recourse would you still speak non violence? What I see is a group who's obsessed with controlling how a certain group react to unjust treatments.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2016 6:18 AM

2016-09-24T06:18:15-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Peaceful protests are fine. Burning and looting are not acceptable, and those that would justify this behavior are wrong.

Response by SrA Alvin Cook made Sep 24 at 2016 2:23 PM

2016-09-24T14:23:15-04:00

Peaceful protest is the best way but when the original civil rights protests took place almost ALL of its leaders were murdered. At present everytime someone tries to take a leadership position they are defamed and denigrated in the media. Every flaw from their past is used by media to minimize support for their stance. Look at how many Americans HATED our first Black President and actively worked against his policies even when it was to their detrimite ! We have come a LONG way in race relations-(I dont like the term RACE because we are ALL ONE RACE-HUMAN,) but in as far as ethnic division in our country we still have a LONG way to go.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-09-25T12:26:31-04:00

If you listen to scanners in Chicago, the mayhem is 24/7 and this is perpetuated to garner votes. One elected, blacks are treated with indifference and I for one, am sick of it.. We can ignore it or try to find ways of educating and still holding the thugs for what they do and black business owners protecting their own source of income. A lot need to be done, and if Trump skirts these issues, then this will be the measure of what Trump.

Response by 1LT John Heddens made Sep 25 at 2016 10:57 PM

2016-09-25T22:57:19-04:00

SKREWBIE

Response by 1LT John Heddens made Sep 25 at 2016 11:26 PM

2016-09-25T23:26:16-04:00

Yeah bruh, the whole truth is- as a white dude, I appreciate you black cats goin' out there and bringing attention to this madness. I'm a white, middle class, heterosexual, male- and I've had cops get weird aggressive with me, unprovoked. All of us on this forum are vets, and America has always championed bangin' it out with totalitarian police states. So a lot of this blindly supporting these untalented, hillbilly, coward cops to me is asinine (NOT ALL COPS, JUST THE ONES THAT SHOOT PEOPLE CUZ THEY'RE WEAK). Could you imagine goin' back to Iraq or the 'Stan and just blastin' anyone we felt like??? A lot of these cops dress up like they're in the Army or something, but just didn't have the balls to do it. I could only imagine what black and brown dudes go through. It's time someone went a little HAM cuz it's ridiculous. Cops have been pulling this crap for years, and if it wasn't for Steve Jobs putting cameras in everyone's hand- nothing would have changed. I'm not sayin' hurt anyone, or go too far- but you have to make the news nowadays. And the truth is, it has been working. There has been reform. People have gone to jail. There are body cameras where there weren't. Just don't hurt anyone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-09-26T14:03:50-04:00

For as peaceful as MLK was he was still beaten and arrested same as the other peaceful protestors. It's almost to the point that people believe MLK was such a great leader because of his peacefulness and resiliency you know who else was a great leader Malcom X and Marcus Garvey but they aren't spoke on with the same empathy from a lot of people I always wondered why. Nothing is wrong with protesting and something is wrong with violence I'd rather refuse to spend money.

Response by CPO Richard Goldthwaite made Sep 26 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-09-26T14:36:02-04:00

Two things Major...First, stop looking at color. A man dies at the hands of a police officer is not black or white, he's an American. The sooner that this country starts seeing people as people instead of M&M's or skittles, then the better we will be. Racism whether intended or in malice is learned and taught. Parents, leaders, and social circles need to establish the hierarchy for today and not for the past. As in the case of making amends for slavery and such as has been insinuated by the current administration, none of us have ever owned a slave. The past needs to be learned, not relived. Racism, prejudices, and divisions between social circles need to be eradicated. Its actually that simple...Secondly, Walking in the middle of the street, chanting slogans of change and stop, coupled with large swaths of economic diversity is not the answer. Kneeling, raising fists during the national anthem aren't either. Change is an action. If you are not willing to change the lives of those in your community daily and absorb that risk on the hour, then walking a street does nothing but inflame the ignorant. Many people who, today, are protesting have never even experienced the injustices seen and felt in our communities between law enforcement and residents. Those that have fully understand the burden and have realized that actions of some create reactions in others. Compliancy is a gaining and buy in of command and leadership. Our communities don't have the leadership of the neighbors anymore (use to worry about our neighbors spanking us too), and neither do our churches. We have come as far left in the American way as we can. This will not and cannot be fixed with a march or in a forth night...this will only get better with commitment, diligence to persevere, and the courage to become an action....

Response by SGT Patrick Hawkins made Sep 26 at 2016 3:09 PM

2016-09-26T15:09:26-04:00

I don't condone violence and I most certainly wouldn't riot in the streets to get my point across. What I do have a problem with is using Dr King as an example of non violent protester. Dr King died hear me clearly he died for equal rights. He died in a violent way speaking up for an entire race to be treated fairly and equally. You have a problem with violent protesters but I don't hear the outrage for those that are being gunned down in those same streets. Maybe if the rules were equal across the board then there would be no need for protests or riots.

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made Sep 30 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-09-30T21:02:04-04:00

A lot is brought on by themselves.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2017 11:46 AM

2017-01-28T11:46:26-05:00

Sir,

There are multiple peaceful protest. They don't make the prime time news because violence and controversy sell

I take all news reports with a grain of salt as they all have angles. My father once told me "no media outlets report news, they sell it to you"

I think he meant that news outlets are going to prioritize stories that cause the most visceral response for the intended viewing audience. For most people that will be things like violence, sex, corruption, scandals etc. things that we can make quick instinctual decisions on and that will keep us tuned into the nation and coming back for More.