What is your Interpretation of the Slogan "Black Lives Matter"?

2015-08-01T09:34:23-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-08-01T09:56:04-04:00

It is recognition that Black lives, disproportionate to their population, are disposed of with too much callous ease by the agencies that are supposed to be serving and protecting.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-08-01T09:57:06-04:00

I like what SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" said. To add to it, I interpret it mean African Americans should look inwards AND outwards in regards to such situations. I'll make this rant as short as possible. Pants should go on the waist. Belts and suspenders can assist. The "N" has little place anywhere in one's vocabulary. Black on black crimes and other acts of disrespect toward one another contradict the progress of becoming an equal race. It's so easy for some to blame people of another skin color instead of looking around and looking in a mirror. End rant.

2024 update: I wrote the above in 2016 when I was only focused on what happens within the Black community, not the white supremacy and systemic anti-Black racism that are well proven to have kept Black Americans/ADOS at a huge disadvantage for centuries. I don't remember what JP said, but SFC Private RallyPoint Member was right to call me out on the fact that my initial response doesn't "correlate to whether or not someone is getting harassed or gunned down by law enforcement." I didn't mention the 13th Amendment (watch the Netflix documentary) , school to prison pipeline, racial profiling stats, or anti-Black misandry as the primary target of White supremacy (watch Dr. Tommy Curry's video on this), all which underline the BLM movement.

Updated answer: "Black lives matter" is a complete sentence that means exactly that and nothing more or less.

I fully explained my stance on the BLM phrase, organization, and movement, and issues with common counter-arguments, in a 2022 blog post:
https://jtspratley.com/blog/complex-layers-of-racism#deplatform

RP thread for that blog post: https://www.rallypoint.com/shared-links/complex-layers-of-racism

"We’re not saying Black lives matter more, we’re saying they matter too." - Melissa DePino, co-founder of From Privilege to Progress

"What's the f****** point of contention?" - Will Smith

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Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 1 at 2015 10:01 AM

2015-08-01T10:01:51-04:00

SPC Andrew Griffin "Stop the Violence" in respects to social violence amongst police brutality and amongst one another!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-08-01T10:03:20-04:00

SPC Andrew Griffin, this post needs more tags. Otherwise, a lot of people are going to miss this. I normally use all 5 slots even if some overlap.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-08-01T10:06:08-04:00

Of course black lives matter as do all lives.

I really think we need to quit the "--------" lives matter as an expression that any are either more important or less important.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-08-01T10:07:12-04:00

In its literal meaning it's true; just like any life. It seems to be morphing into a black supremacist mantra. So sad that this protest slogan has been hijacked and perverted.

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Aug 1 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-08-01T10:07:47-04:00

It is a racist slogan.
When non blacks counter with All Lives Matter a fight starts.
It seems that to most people using this statement only Black Lives Matter.
It seems to be starting a new race war. The media builds up black deaths by any other race but does not speak of the black on black deaths which are exponentially higher.

And this will seperate our country even more.

All Life Matters.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 1 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-08-01T10:23:32-04:00

My interpretation is that this open season on shoot first ask questions later on young black people has to stop. This latest shooting in Cinncinnati was nothing less than an execution, I believe that all lives matter but I support #blacklivesmatter

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 1 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-08-01T10:49:48-04:00

All lives matter. There should be no differentiation based on anything. This is what's wrong with our country. At the beginning and end of the day we are all Americans!

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Aug 1 at 2015 11:03 AM

2015-08-01T11:03:59-04:00

I feel like this is something that is really a sad statement of how things are now. We, as a society, need to remind ourselves that the lives of one specific group of people have value. It should be common sense; unfortunately, it is not. ALL LIVES MATTER.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 1 at 2015 11:51 AM

2015-08-01T11:51:25-04:00

I really like JP4's post. What I don't like is all the negativity surrounding "All Lives Matter". You can be branded as a racist for saying it. If I were a doctor, I'd prescribe lots of Chill Pills.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 1 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-08-01T12:04:28-04:00

Though the initial intent was good, it seemed to have morph into yet another tool to effectively divide races by those with hidden agenda's, and exacerbated further through media reporting. I wish that this slogan would change to "All Lives Matter", and that all races would stand and peacefully be represented the next time a life, ANY life, is taken; as this does affect, and happen to, more than just black lives. That, and I believe most Americans would agree, would be something I and others would more than willing to stand for, especially if it meant that I didn't die needlessly and senselessly during the process by those bent on destruction. I didn't get through 26 and some change in the Armed Forces (thank God) to lose my life in such a senseless and meaningless way...

Response by Maj William Gambrell made Aug 1 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-08-01T12:04:57-04:00

In the old days, it meant peace and equality. In today's world, it means increased segregation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 12:05 PM

2015-08-01T12:05:53-04:00

My interpretation? That it's fundamentally racist. In it's literal form of course it's true, because of course black lives matter. As do the lives of every other race, but the moment that anyone rebuts with "all lives matter" that person is vilified. What does that say about a movement when the concept of all lives mattering is worthy of ridicule to them?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 1 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-08-01T12:09:55-04:00

Redundant. All lives matter.
Having said that, I think it's an important phrase right now. it serves as a reminder. It doesn't elevate black lives over another, but I think it's fair to say that there are large portions of the US where, unfortunately, black lives are not necessarily valued.
I think "Black Lives matter" serves as an important reminder in some parts of this country where everyone's common humanity is forgotten about, lost behind nationalistic and and racial fervor.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Aug 1 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-08-01T12:13:41-04:00

Excellent discussion topic. Everything I have read though this post is pretty spot on. It has so many meanings and I UP voted many. I blame the media and extreme organizations for trying to pervert the meaning. There seems to be more profit for these organizations in race conflict then in race harmony. One day we will realized there is only one race, the Human Race. Again, great discussion post.

Response by SSG Keith Roberson made Aug 1 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-08-01T12:17:19-04:00

All lives matter....black, white, brown....but if youre military or veteran...only color that matters is green

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 1 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-08-01T13:36:10-04:00

It is ratings tool for the media. A white police officer kills a few black people and no one talks about the black on black murders and rapes in cities like Chicago and Baltimore where the leadership are black Americans so back to the original question, no cares unless it fits into an agenda and black on black crime does not fit.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 1 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-08-01T13:54:13-04:00

It is a slogan that needs to quit being used. Of course black lives matter. But it serves more to divide rather than what this great nation needs.....UNITY. I wish I could write more but I am dealing with some RallyPoint problem with my profile that locks me up after x amount of words.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-08-01T14:05:05-04:00

All lives matter. God is the only One that creates and takes a life...Not Man!

Response by SPC Ed Morales made Aug 1 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-08-01T14:06:25-04:00

In my opinion, i think the meaning behind the original message got lost: it's not "black lives matter", as much as they matter too or as well. I think the intent was to inform not just other races (white especially ), but also government agencies (esp. law enforcement ) that the black community shouldn't be treated as a disposable commodity. Acknowledged only when politicians need to increase their voter turn out or when they pander to the community for their own benefit. We all matter regardless of skin color or nationality and the sooner this country accepts its own diversity, the less need for slogans and rallys and riots.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 1 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-08-01T14:55:00-04:00

I totally agree that LEOs need to get a grip and do what they are supposed to.

Great question SPC Andrew Griffin.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-08-01T15:25:56-04:00

What i'm going to say is going to be slammed by several, but it needs to be said. I'm going to start off with a few questions that I really need people to ask themselves before they respond.

Why don't we see black people in front of media outlets protesting their lack of coverage regarding black on black crimes plaguing cities like Detroit, Chicago and Baltimore?

Why aren't black people protesting in front of the planned parenthood clinics where more black babies aborted than any other ethnicity?

Why aren't black people protesting the politicians who support planned parenthood, an institution created by the eugenic racists who advocated the forced sterilization of black people during the early 20th century?

Why aren't Woodrow Wilsons' schools being attacked the same way confederate mementos are when he segregated the government and the first film to debut in the white house was a KKK recruitment film, "Birth of a Nation." under his watch?

Why is it OK for white democrats to attack republicans like Ben Carson, Clarence Thomas, Alan West, Condoleeza Rice, Tim Scott et. al. when it's not OK when the roles and politics are reversed?

If Black Lives Matter, why are some excluded because they are in the womb or adhere to a different political ideology?

Last question prefaced by a statement, if I was black and I was told that a law (Affirmative Action) had to be created so that I can succeed in society, I would ask those advocating that law, do you not believe I have the ability or initiative to succeed without a law, are we not equal under the Equal Protection Clause? If you aspire to the democrat party, why support a political group that doesn't have faith in you as an individual?

Lastly, the CDC stats are extremely telling of a plan laid out over a century ago and I find the support by those American's of African decent for the D party disheartening. I love my family and I love my brothers and sisters in arms no matter their ethnicity. Personally, I do not believe the D's and R's reversed roles. I believe the D leadership changed their tactics and they teach division and hatred since they are in charge of our schools thanks to Jimmy Carter's Department of Education. If I am to be called racist due to the color of my skin, so be it, my family and I know different.

Response by SPC Joseph Bagonis made Aug 1 at 2015 3:51 PM

2015-08-01T15:51:25-04:00

All lives matter except for terrorist scum. Plain and simple. This is also racist as it means no other race matters

Response by SGT Eric Dziekan made Aug 1 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-08-01T16:33:09-04:00

As like most of us I fought for our rights and ways of life. We have more to fight over elsewhere to preserve what we have now. We don't need to fight here with the same people we depended on overseas with no matter what there skin color... Americans are Americans. Treat everyone with respect, it goes a long way. Every life matters!

I wore a badge a long time ago, and every night I went home I knew I made the best decisions I could for every call that I had. Not everyone went to jail or got a ticket, it was the officer's disgression depending on the circumstances. The department's motto was to serve and protect. It was nothing for us to help someone change a flat tire, not just block traffic. Times have changed!

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Aug 1 at 2015 5:22 PM

2015-08-01T17:22:39-04:00

It keeps us divided along racial lines, which is something we don't need. The move divided we are, the easier it is for our enemies, both foreign and domestic, to do as they will to us as we're too busy fighting ourselves.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Aug 1 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-08-01T20:21:20-04:00

Racist rhetoric.
All lives matter.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Aug 1 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-08-01T22:37:54-04:00

I hate to say it but my perception of the phrase is "Our race matters more than the rest and you need to show us sympathy." Wrongful deaths occur across the United States every day and cover every race. We need to be focused on the source of the problem rather than one particular victim, especially when they aren't the only victims.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-08-02T09:17:13-04:00

initially I think it was a cry for awareness. Then it became a mantra for "instigating". Now the cry that "all lives matter" means so much more.

Response by SGT Michael DeLaGarza made Aug 2 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-08-02T11:53:50-04:00

All Lives Matter. Black, White, Yellow, Brown, Plaid, Green, Military. Why does color have to differentiate any one.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 2 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-08-02T12:13:06-04:00

SPC Andrew Griffin - Specialist, being white, I can't begin to understand the fear that black people face when pulled over for DWB and other such crimes. However, being Jewish, I do know from discrimination, and of course my people know about senseless killing...

The reality is that there are a spate of such incidents. Are they over-reported vs white people shot by cops? I don't know, because I don't see the police blotters from every jurisdiction, all I see is what the media report. But it doesn't matter. Shooting a fleeing suspect in the back and then lying about it, claiming someone dragged you with their car when their own body cam shows they are lying, etc... or an unrestrained prisoner in the back of a transport wagon, a street person choked out in an illegal choke hold, and many other such incidents.

If it's about "tunnel vision" then these officers are in serious trouble, because they can't control it. If it's about racism, then it's even worse.

I have read that the LA County SO requires all deputies graduating from their Academy to do two years as Corrections Officers before hitting the mean streets of Los Angeles... COs don't have weapons, so they need to learn to control situations with their minds and their mouths. Perhaps if all LEOs had this experience before hitting the streets, there would not be as many deaths and injuries, other issues notwithstanding. A fellow clergy person and disabled vet, an African American that I know, worked as a CO and he advocates for this approach for all cops...

Any thoughts from the LEOs out there in RP land?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-08-02T13:39:43-04:00

Of course All lives matter but the slogan black lives matter is in no way racist. We have since the founding of this country been seen as less then human. Our lives have been meant nothing but more than animal for the majority of our existence. Now recently we have seen a disproportionate number of Americans of African descent being killed by those who are sworn to serve and protect. Someone would argue the fact that we bring it on ourselves by the way we act or the music we listen to. I would counter with music is entertainment the same way as movie is entertainment. Also why should they way that I dress of act determine whether or not I am gunned down in the street by law enforcement. Putting on a belt or not wearing baggy jeans should not determine if my life is worth living. Last time I checked this America and everyone is afforded the same rights or as least should be. There are plenty of criminals walking around congress in suits and ties.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 2 at 2015 2:36 PM

2015-08-02T14:36:24-04:00

The whole "black live matters" thing is racist.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-08-02T15:37:49-04:00

I wont go into an all out rant over this. I'll just simply say: HUMAN LIVES MATTER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 2 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-08-02T15:59:54-04:00

I think while it was well intentioned, the phrase tends to divide more than unify SPC Andrew Griffin. The phrase "Black Lives Matter" lifts up the hope of some, is ignored by most people, and ridiculed by a few people. If it had been birthed to draw attention to the drug and gang violence which results in the killing, maiming and imprisonment of a disproportionate number of "black" men then I think it would heave been better received in this nation. The slogan seems to have been birthed to draw attention to the killing of "black" men and youth at the hands of police officers or neighborhood "guards" beginning with George Zimmerman killing Trayvon Martin [shout out to SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"
All human life is important independent of the color of our skin, our heritage, our belief or lack of belief, or our net worth. Each of us has been created in the image of God.
I hope that this nation will turn a corner and that more and more people will respect people and that communication and dialogue will increase throughout this nation. It is harder to hate people we know or know something about than those we know nothing about.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-08-02T16:30:39-04:00

When people say Black Lives Matter, there should be understood to be a 'too' at the end of that. The perception from us is that black lives don't matter..... and I see blacks as the only ones being told "Clean up your own". Basically, the attitude is that as long as any black acts the fool, no black has the right to complain about the treatment of any black. I say bullshit.

I act right, if I get mistreated by the cops, I'm going to say something. Granted, I'm an INTELLIGENT black man, so I'm going to say something through my lawyer, in court, and not during the traffic stop..... but if you're butt hurt about that, too bad. That's your problem, and I refuse to own your problem.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 2 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-08-02T17:23:30-04:00

It means we have a problem.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 2 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-08-02T18:46:40-04:00

I would like to say "All life matters" or "We're all human", but for now, the focus is on the black community. So I support "Black Lives Matter".

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-08-02T19:04:31-04:00

Any one displaying this is a Racist, and you're "Trolling"

Response by SSG Trust Palmer made Aug 2 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-08-02T20:18:25-04:00

I concur with SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT Nel Despradel and SPC Andrew Griffin. As an AA woman I don't understand why we must dance around the issue. Racism can and does go both ways. It's like this MSgt Mike Mikulski if I go to the doctor because I broke the bones in my foot, I dont want him to focus on the bonesin my back. Yes, we bleed the same, but we don't share the same experiences. Let's forget slavery for a moment. I've witnessed my husband SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" be profiled based off of the color of his skin! American need sto wake up. Something bigger is going to happen and it's only a matter of time. Self knowledge is the best knowledge regardless of who you are.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-08-02T20:57:02-04:00

The "Black Lives Matter" slogan isn't racist and it isn't meant to say that any other race's lives don't matter. It's a grass roots movement to get the black population to look introspectively at themselves and for the rest of us to recognize the need for black people to thrive. Not because they are black but because they are persons. No matter what race a person is, their ability to thrive helps us all as a nation. How long will it take us to realize we need to look at each individual as a person and not base feelings about their abilities based on their color? We need to stop letting the left and right direct our attentions toward (division) opposing views and pay more attention to what will benefit us as a whole. I'll probably get slammed for speaking my mind on this, that's ok I've been slammed before.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 2 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-08-02T20:58:53-04:00

Here's the thing about this slogan: it's intention is good (or rather, it was when it started), and it's also true. Black lives DO matter. However, it's been appropriated by the media, social media and people of a more...militant bearing (NOT referring to service people) and shouted over and over until it makes other races feel like they're saying ONLY black lives matter. So much so that fights break out when someone says ALL lives matter. There's such a thing as shouting a message so loudly that it's words are lost in the volume. I think we've arrived at that point here.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 2 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-08-02T22:15:01-04:00

SFC Andrew Griffin, Of course Black Lives matter! I consider that an ill unadvised slogan!

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Aug 2 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-08-02T22:55:02-04:00

I don't like the phrase since to me, "All Lives Matter". Pretty sure we are all the same on the inside.

Response by SSG James Arlington made Aug 2 at 2015 11:35 PM

2015-08-02T23:35:05-04:00

All lives matter.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Aug 3 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-08-03T07:56:00-04:00

I disagree with it.
All Lives Matter.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Aug 3 at 2015 7:57 AM

2015-08-03T07:57:16-04:00

It was a great slogan in the aftermath of Ferguson. But, all lives matter and at this point it is being morphed into a phrase that is somewhat offensive to groups that aren't remembering the original genesis.

Response by SPC Robert Patrick made Aug 3 at 2015 8:29 AM

2015-08-03T08:29:13-04:00

Black Lives do matter but just the same as all others. The issue with this slogan is that that you do not hear it being chanted in the streets of Chicago where you have black on black murders all the time. You do not have anybody trying to change the culture in these areas were there are high amounts of crime. Is it sad that we have any loss of life yes but on the same token when an officer gives you a command comply do not resist do not fight back and do not charge the officer. Just as in the military we go through an escalation of force based on what the situation entails so do cops. If they perceive an immediate threat to themselves or those around them they are going to reach for their weapons. Now that being said there have been times the cops have been wrong. But 9 times out of 10 they make the right decision. But honestly this slogan should be gotten rid of for it is being used to increase a divide by Al Sharpton and his goons. After the recent shooting in North Carolina the residents and Families essentially to Al to stay away because all his goons have brought is more pain to the areas they travel too ie. Ferguson and Baltimore.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 3 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-08-03T09:09:29-04:00

Personally, I think the slogan drives a bigger divide into the population.

Yes black lives matter, as do white, red, yellow, green, blue, or whatever classification you wish to put on a person. Is it bad that the some of us had to struggle more than others to get the footholds needed in this country to be successful. Yes, some still deal with issues of fairness to this day. Yet, some slogans, at least to me, only serve to maintain this gap not reduce it.

Response by 2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 9:12 AM

2015-08-03T09:12:12-04:00

I used to interpret it as a racist matter, especially with how people from the "black lives matter" crowd would always shoot down or belittle those who were in the "all lives matter" crowd.

However I saw a post a few weeks ago that changed my point of view on it.

In the whole Black Lives Matter debate, we've missed out that there is an implicit "too" at the end.

The analogy that was gives was on of a family sitting down to thanksgiving dinner where all the family members are passing around the food and getting huge, but equal, portions of the meal, when it gets to the last family member, theres barely any food left, and they they ask "can I get my fair share?" to which the other family members reply "how about everyone gets their fair share". Well they're missing the implied "too" at the end of that family members question.

I didn't do the analogy as much justice as I could have, so if I find it Ill paste it on here.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-08-03T10:29:01-04:00

That says it all for me.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 3 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-08-03T11:26:11-04:00

Brother, you won't agree with what I'm going to say, but I think it cheapens everything. I say this knowing that there are a considerably higher number of blacks killed by the police than any other race, what that slogan DOES NOT take into account is the sheer staggering number of blacks killed by blacks on a daily basis. Where are the catchy slogans when those in B-More were killed over the weekend? How about those in DC where we're in the midst of a 20% spike in homicides compared to last year? Where are our brothers keepers? Why are we consistently seen as inmates (1 out of 5)? Why is the reincariration(SP) rate as high as it is for blacks? Why is it easier for some blacks to get a record deal than an education? Why is it cool to make one of our Queens pregnant and then leave her when the child is due and not support it? And to add insult to injury, go out and make another child with the same results? I remember coming up if you saw sagging pants, it was the plumber or someone in prison. Now the prison mentality has come out and everyone wants to wear their pants damn near to their asses. I don't want to see your underwear.

I've outlined a lot of problems in the black community, and here are some solutions. Good NCO's always come with a solution to a problem. Education and reinforcement of standards in our community. Start with the family and churches and get them involved as one to get the youth more involved in the community without the use of selling drugs or violence. Reinforcement of the belief that our Queens are just that; QUEENS and should be revered as such. If you treat them as royalty, you yourself are going to be seen as a King. Give them knowledge of self, and a belief in self worth bigger than the latest fashions, TV trends, or online fools they're watching. Give them a book instead of a ball. Read with them, and go over what was read. Less time online and more time outside (depending on area). Adjust the laws so that they do not target minorities; the laws regarding crack vs. coke was all about race, when it's well known that crack was sold mostly in the projects or ghettos, and coke was the recreational drug of choice for the more well to do. Adjust the laws so that while punishing those offenders, they have adequate chances for education, so they're not reliant on their old ways to survive, and we as taxpayers aren't supporting them as either felons or welfare issues. Adjust the slave mentality that many of us have. Do we suffer from it YES. Do we have to continue the suffering HELLS NO! Slavery was abolished over a century ago, yet we want to cling to it for relevance. If yesterday was so good, why do we want tomorrow then? We're not going to get 40 acres and anything folks. Get over it. Get off your ass and work for it. Serve the country, go to college, join the peace corps, and get a trade, something you can use to make money. Pride of a job well done with a paycheck to show for it can elevate anyone. Black Lives Matter ONLY AS SOON as Blacks realize that BLACK LIVES MATTER themselves. But to me ALL LIVES MATTER.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-08-03T12:06:23-04:00

Either all lives matter, none ever will.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-08-03T13:14:51-04:00

It is a racist slogan being used to further the segragation of Americans based on color and social beliefs.

Response by PO1 Brian Schletty made Aug 3 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-08-03T14:33:52-04:00

I think what started out as a good idea has morphed into something too extreme, as most things do in our country, as of late. What gets me is when people say "all lives matter", there is some kind of backlash. Well, the Police Commissioner here in Memphis just said on live TV "All lives matter.". So take that! And just so folks can visualize how crazy things have become....

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Aug 3 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-08-03T14:34:09-04:00

How do I "interpret" it? That is a strange question. Much like "how do you interpret the sun is hot".
All lives matter. Even cops' lives.

But if black lives matter, why are the biggest percentage of abortions done in the black community?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-08-03T15:16:39-04:00

I have a very close friend who is black and I asked him when it first started, what he thought about this Black Lives Matter issue. And just so everyone knows, I am white and I also think that this movement is dangerous. He immediately said that it is a problem and will lead to nothing but racial tensions and violence. He then added that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are nothing but race baiters and are only in it for the money. I asked him why he thought the movement was a problem when the black community leaders were all behind it. He then answered my question with a question; why does the black community need leaders? His words not mine, "You don't see white people with community leaders, telling people what to think and do. You don't see Asian communities with leaders, telling people what to do. You don't see Latin community leaders telling people what to think and do. And if there are, they aren't parading on TV telling people 'No justice, no peace." I had never thought about it in that light before. Why do any communities; white, black, Asian or whatever need "leaders?" I just thought I'd share that thought.

Response by PO1 Henry Sherrill made Aug 3 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-08-03T15:25:10-04:00

Instead of "Black Lives Matter" what about ALL LIVES MATTER. The other sounds like only one section of our country matters. Why not instead of Black, White, Oriental, Gay, Lesbian, or Transgender we just say American lives matter. We all live in the same country. so let's all get together and act like one community and defend each other.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 3 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-08-03T16:39:26-04:00

It is a reminder to the establishment that we are all Americans and it is not all right to target a group based on your own racist views. It is a reminder that all Americans are created equal and have the right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is a reminder that Jim Crow, slavery, and the abuses of the last 300 years were horrible and need to be laid to rest. It is reminder that racism is alive and well in the United States and we have a long way to go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-08-03T17:23:51-04:00

When we look at current rates of incarceration, police violence and opportunities available to kids in our inner cities, it does appear that black lives matter less to us as a society than the lives of people who are not black. That's got to change, because black lives matter.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Aug 3 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-08-03T17:49:21-04:00

Well as I see it, the media wants people to acknowledge that police shoot more black people for traffic violations than they shoot white people for traffic violations. The fact that police shoot people for traffic violations should be a warning that police are abusing their authority and would rather shoot people than protect and serve the people. A police state, where police harass people to be able to generate more money for their prospective government coffers. Once someone stands up for constitutional rights, police shoot them to terminate the now aggressive agitated citizen because the cop feared for his life. It has nothing to do with color or race, but with the pissed off factor. More white people realize that they will have a bigger fine for not kissing the cops asses. Minorities tend to get arrested and or shot for routine traffic tickets because they are tired of kissing police asses when their rights are abused and police hate it when their asses are not kissed, so the pissed off factor goes into high gear from both sides and nobodies life matters.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-08-03T18:13:13-04:00

I believe all lives matter. This slogan came out of a situation where once all the facts came out, it was found the cop did everything correct, and the individual never once had his hands up saying, "don't shoot." I believe the slogan should say all lives matter. While I sympathize with the struggle in certain areas, I believe a lot of the hatred and racial divide is caused by the media and other race baiters. A majority of African Americans I talk to do not agree with Al Sharpton and the rest of the media whores. People just want to live their lives without being reminded of how bad their ancestors or they had it. The funny thing is for the most part I have seen true camaraderie and brotherhood in the military amongst all the races. I wish we could inject that into the civilian communities as well. We are all doing life together, and should be taking care of each other. Building each other up instead of tearing each other down. I firmly believe that Martin Luther King is rolling over in his grave in disgust at our society. Two days ago a white police officer was killed by an African American, and I do not see Al Sharpton or Jessie Jackson in the news crying for his family. Equality is equality, and we serve to defend the rights of everyone whether we agree with them or not. Great question.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Aug 3 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-08-03T19:19:20-04:00

I recall Ferguson. Originally residents were so glad to finally have some percieved representation.... then reality hit. Most "offenders" were not Ferguson citizens. Streets were lines with folks from other cities selling pins and t-shirts, none of the money going to help those who need it. I am sorry to say this, because this is part of the blight of america,... but this is just a slogan being used by groups to perpetuate a way of raising resources for "their" cause. Baltimore had its WORST month EVER for murders. No TV crews camping out covering this. The fact that black lives matter is taken away by the media frenzy to cover the next Ferguson, Baltimore, Texas, Rodney King. Media dollars, PAC fundraising, and political aspirations. I have seen the enemy, and they are us.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Aug 3 at 2015 9:56 PM

2015-08-03T21:56:50-04:00

Black lives matter but then again, all lives matter. When Presidential candidate Martin O'Malley is forced to apologize for saying, "all lives matter," we have a problem in this nation. All lives should matter in a church in South Carolina. All lives should matter in Chicago where every weekend people are killed. When we use racial terms to identify things, it does not unify us as a nation but leads to more division.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/18/politics/martin-omalley-all-lives-matter/index.html

O'Malley apologizes for saying 'all lives matter' - CNNPolitics.com

Martin O'Malley apologized after being criticized for saying "all lives matter" in the context of a discussion about black Americans killed by police.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Aug 3 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-08-03T23:54:46-04:00

Honestly...any life matters and I am VERY sick of all this racial crap floating around. I had never met a black person until I went into Basic and racism was VERY alive in the Army back then from all nationalities. Throughout my life I have had some dear and true friends that were black, we hung together and stood by each other no matter what and I learned a lot about PEOPLE and how ignorant they can be no matter what color their skin is. There are ignorant people in every race and if your gonna play the stereo type people so often relate to races then you have no respect from this old fart!!! Yes Black lives matter, just as white lives or any other life. The bare butt reality is that the majority of black fatalities in America come from blacks killing blacks and I for one think its high time to say who the F*** gives a hairy ratts A**???? If people werent so stupid and full of them selves we wouldnt have these issues. I have read stories about blacks sueing whites for what their forefathers did to their slave forefathers???? REALLLLLY?????? All I can say is leave me out of any and all equations dealing with racism, you want me to treat you like an equal??? treat me like an equal not like a plague because of someones twisted ideas and beliefs. All are welcome to cross through my front door as a friend, its how you will leave my house that is the important issue. SSG James J. Palmer IV AKA "JP4", you are the best example I can find on this site of a true and good person/ Friend...wish more were like you!!!!!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 4 at 2015 12:15 AM

2015-08-04T00:15:21-04:00

I tell black people that I am 'Miss Black Lady'; with tears in my eyes. I also tell them that I pray for them fervently; and often.
I believe it really helps black people; if they think of themselves as human beings; and not as blacks.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 2:40 AM

2015-08-04T02:40:22-04:00

I think all lives matter. I think it's messed up that law enforcement is part of this topic, though I understand why; I have a lot of friends that are police officers and I have seen the good the bad and the ugly of that world. Still doesn't make it right. All lives matter should be the slogan and not this type of reverse racism slogan. We all want equality- so make it equal.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-08-04T08:35:55-04:00

I'd like to think I see "humans", not "race"...at least I know that I believe the color of one's skin has nothing (and I mean nothing) to do with their ability, intelligence or right to basic respect. The implication of this slogan is that "all the rest of us" (and just who is that, exactly...the Irish, Jewish, Italian, Latino, Slavic, Asian, or Native-Americans?) don't respect the lives of African Americans. If you want to point to abuses of power...make it about policy, not race. If you want to attack inequality, focus on the skill sets and access to opportunities that are being denied to a much larger cross section of Americans, because people of all races are finding it hard these days. Talk about a united people...not a people divided.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 9:12 AM

2015-08-04T09:12:24-04:00

Over the past year or so the United States has slipped back into another race war. However, this war is being waged through the media and social media. I have seen many people on Facebook post videos, news stories, and pictures of racial violence and such. Black people will post things about white cops abusing their authority or being excessively violent towards black people. White people post things about black people attacking other people while their friends stand around a record it laughing and cheering them on or black on black violence. You see new stories that say "White Cop Shoots Unarmed Black Man" or "Black Thugs Attack White Couple And Beat Them To Death".

The truly sick part of it all is that it is the media that sensationalizes these stories in order to gain society's attention. If the headline read "Cop Shoots Unarmed Man" then people may actually stop to think about both sides of the story. Was the Cop defending his or her self? Was the unarmed man a victim? What happened that lead to this man being shot? Instead we read White kills Black or Black kills White and immediately jump to the conclusion that the entire situation was based on race.

What the media doesn't want us to realize is that regardless of color, we are all fighting towards the same goal to end racism completely. The problem is that we as a society are fighting against ourselves and tarnishing our own cause. Do these acts of racial violence happen in our country? Or course they do. Where do you think the video footage comes from. The solution is to stop posting group blame. Are there dirty cops in America? Hell yes there are, but that doesn't mean all cops are dirty. Are there thugs and racists wastes of life of ALL colors in America? Hell yes there are, but that doesn't mean all people of that color are thugs. I saw a picture on Facebook that was taken in a courtroom. The Judge, Attorney, and the Accused were all black men. The word on that picture were "We all choose our own place in life". You could three men of ANY color and put them in that picture and it would still be true as can be. We all need to open our eyes and see that we are tearing this country apart from the inside out and if it doesn't stop before long then we are all going to become victims of this war.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 4 at 2015 9:25 AM

2015-08-04T09:25:07-04:00

Well SPC Andrew Griffin, I don't understand it really - it seems selfish to me. What would you think if I held up a sign that says "my life matters"? - well, of course! - don't ALL lives matter? If so, why single out any particular group? To me, that seems selfish and acts to divide - not unite people - all people. So what is YOUR interpretation? - and why are you asking the question?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 9:36 AM

2015-08-04T09:36:15-04:00

It's a way to bring focus on the issue of excessive police over reactions that result in black Americans being killed in otherwise none lethal situations when encountering police officers. It does not however bring focus on excessive black on black violence which is the far larger problem in America. Since July 4 two young men were shot to death in my hometown, a very small city and several wounded with many more shootings happening on a daily basis. Mostly gang and drug related. The families are really suffering. It's very sad and dangerous.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-08-04T10:36:45-04:00

That slogan needs to change to everyone's life matter. We all bleed the same. We should find way to bring us together instead of traits that separate us.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 4 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-08-04T12:28:41-04:00

Black lives matter, Irish Lives matter, Native American Lives, damn Cecil's live matter, Rhonda Rousey opponents lives matter, Palestinian lives matter, Israeli lives matter. Anyone who thinks lives don't matter is a fool IMHO. The problem I have is blaming others for your plight, or allowing yourself to be held back.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Aug 4 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-08-04T12:44:08-04:00

(THIS IS MY OPINION, EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINION)

Ok to me this is reverse racism. But also true. Black Lives do mattter. But so do White, yellow, green, purple or blue. Lives matter, period. The slogan is a strong statement. It calls attention to the fact the people believe that they are being mistreated and abused/kill becuase of their race. However slower(stupid) people are misusing this movement and hurting it with acts of violence and stupidity. However stupid people are in every movement or belief.
In the world of thinned skined people where they beleive their views should be protected by the government and their views shouldn't have open opposition people are literally forcing people to stop socializing out of fear that they can be punished for having an opinion or belief. I say it is a stupid slogan. Black lives do matter but so do every life. Preach lives matter. Lets see people care about their neighbor. Lets see people not force their opinion of not having a belief on others. This is a totally unorganized thought but it's just stupid.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
-John 15:13

Response by LT Mordechai Schwab made Aug 4 at 2015 1:29 PM

2015-08-04T13:29:48-04:00

I think the slogan is a response to a perception by mainly black folks who feel like their lives matter less than whites. Personally, I feel it is a bit racist. All lives matter. And I don't apologize for saying that. I infer that from the slogan it means that white lives don't matter, or at least don't matter as much as black lives. I mean no offense by my comments.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Aug 4 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-08-04T14:08:34-04:00

My interpretation of the Slogan? Of course they do.

I don't like the slogan, because it doesn't make sense to me.

However, I would guess that it implies that some people think that Black lives don't matter. I don't know who those people are as they are not in my circle. As a Law Enforcement professional for over 30 years, I have never seen or heard anyone imply that Black lives don't matter. However, there must be some folks out there who feel slighted by the police, government, or whatever. In my world, folks are treated by their actions, not the color of their skin, their sex, who they sleep with, etc...

The answer to the issue that lead up to the Slogan is easy to say but harder to implement. Treat EVERYONE with dignity and respect. We all deserve it.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 4 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-08-04T14:10:58-04:00

An attempt to educate all that although you are looking at a Black person, that person is a human being who's only difference is the color of their skin.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 4 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-08-04T14:49:38-04:00

It tells me there is a disconnect in society.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-08-04T14:53:46-04:00

It sounds like we are trying to make other races and cultures view us as human beings yet we kill, destroy and poison our own people. We have been programmed to self-destruct and the instruments to seek out this final end have been placed in our hands, which we have gladly picked up and are using to the delight and amusement of the whole world to witness.

Response by SSG Ray Strenkowski made Aug 4 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-08-04T15:27:40-04:00

Everyone matters.

To add my perspective to this, I think that those of who have served share a different bond which makes us more color blind than those who have not.

We are all brothers and sisters of arms and I think that makes it more difficult for us to understand why some of this goes on at all.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Aug 4 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-08-04T16:38:27-04:00

Seems like a loaded topic, sadly.

The Jewish group I work with as a lay leader for the military has a joint mission, serving people who are incarcerated. In that work, I've met a disproportionate number of young black men who were sent up for lengthy periods of time--sentences that simply aren't doled out as often for white offenders convicted of the same crimes. For those who mention black on black violence, I think it exists on the same continuum as the disproportionate levels of poverty and white on black violence.

Someone also mentioned abortion, but I have to point out that the CDC statistics, since they started collecting them, do not show a community disproportionately aborting their children as compared to other racial demographics, so I urge anyone who would say so to stop referencing bogus facts.

In other words, though, "black lives matter" isn't just about black lives coming to an end, but the aggregate quality of life for blacks in America. Outside of the Guard, I work as a manager in a STEM field where less than one percent of students in university and workers in the field are black. I ask myself, "why?" and what role does the genuine lack of access to these fields play in the success or lack thereof of black citizens?

I don't believe it to be a matter of deliberate exclusion. I think we can say that without it being an indicator of white racism, having to feel white guilt, or talking about white privilege. I want to see our black community elevated out of whatever problems, so that there's not even a shadow of the doubt, to the point where "black lives matter" would be as absurd as "Irish lives matter" in this nation. Right now I'm not sure it's as absurd or racist as some would believe.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-08-04T17:23:31-04:00

Here is what is sad... our own government is investing in keeping racism alive with OUR tax money. Who controls the administrative branch and the bureaucracy? That's right, the executive!

http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2015/08/u-s-pays-black-comedian-to-deliver-anti-white-racist-tirade-at-fed-agency/

U.S. Pays Black Comedian to Deliver Anti-White Racist Tirade at Fed Agency - Judicial Watch

The U.S. government paid a controversial comedian to deliver a racist tirade at a major federal agency.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Aug 4 at 2015 5:32 PM

2015-08-04T17:32:42-04:00

I tend to go with ALL lives matter. Being of mixed race (Cherokee, Black, Irish, Scots, Norweigan and French) I was raised to believe in ML King's words, and consider each person by the content of their character. That said, I know fully what its like to face bigots and racists, of all sorts, and I try never, ever to forget what that felt like, so I will treat each and every person as a person and nothing more.

Now, knowing that, you might understand why I was totally horrified and shocked by the OUTRAGE when a man on a news blurb stated that ALL LIVES MATTERED, and he was booed down! I heard later, he even voiced an apology for saying that. Why? What was so wrong in stating the truth that every life, black, brown, red or white does matter?

I guess I'm just too old, and too dang confused to understand this world lately. We are a single race... just different amounts of Melanin in our skin based on where our ancestors lived. Maybe we just all need to sit down over a pizza and talk this crap out for once, and find common ground where we can all proceed from there. Just saying

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 4 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-08-04T18:19:44-04:00

I interpret it as some groups do not see the whole picture. All lives matter no matter what color/race/creed you are. You cannot just pick and choose certain situations and then throw this out there. It's funny how this slogan doesn't seem to apply to "all black lives" such as black on black crime...only white on black issues. There are more black on black murders then there are all other type of murders put together across the US, but I have NEVER not once heard any one say Black lives matter in these situations....when the 5 yr old boy and the 7 yr old boy and others were killed in Chicago between May and July 2015....I did not see "black lives matter" any where in print or on the News..... To me, i interpret it as "racist" because all lives should matter in any type of situation. This slogan began??? I believe after Trevon Martin killing....and it seems to only apply or brought up when a person other than Black kills a person of Black. I watched a news clip on MSNBC where a black lady went crazy stating that the Martin O'Malley should not have and didn't have the right to say "all lives matter." UH....Hellllooo??! why not? why is it wrong? This has gotten way out of hand....All Lives Matter!

I have a God Daughter whom I practically raised...she is BLASIAN...that's half black half Asian....she feels the same way...ALL LIVES MATTER!

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Aug 4 at 2015 6:24 PM

2015-08-04T18:24:06-04:00

I think it served an excellent purpose - to focus our national attention and discussion about race and a part of it was noticing that there are way, way too many black folks turning up dead, way too often. In the old days you'd know locally and sometimes you'd see stories about stuff in other cities, but it was hard to keep track of. Now, with video cameras, America has had it's collective eyes opened. We've always known there were bad cops. Most often people said "It's just one or two bad apples" and we had to accept that. But after Rodney King we started watching, but still, it wasn't reflective of any "culture" and then came the iPhone and later and body cameras and now we can see what happened. We've seen direct evidence of cops killing people. Ferguson caught the national attention, the more recent murders (no other word) and attempted murders have gotten attention. If we are one track for 1,000 Americans to get killed by the police, I think we need plenty of independent video coverage. The good news I see police culture getting the message and change is underway. This is a great example of social media directing positive results.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-08-04T21:16:09-04:00

First off let me say this. Downrange I had a battle, he was black, we made fun of the whole him being black and me being white and us being such good battles thing by he called me Forest and I called him Bubba (after the Forest Gump movie). When it came down to it, I did not see him as black, I did not see my driver as white, I did not see my gunner as...ok I don't remember what race he was (bad TBI day). All I saw was the fact that we all got in the trucks, test fired our weapons, went out, got blown up together, got into TICs together, walked the streets of Iraq together, hung out at the JSS together. He is out now, I am in still, when I talk to him now, I still call him either Battle or Bubba. I don't see him as Black, or anything. I see him as the dude that survived alongside me. The point of this rant? In the Army that saying DEFINITELY has no place. I HATE that saying.
I personally cannot STAND people like AL Sharpton, because they claim to want to unite people, yet they are the biggest dividers of everyone. I have all kinds of races in my recruiting station, so what about their lives? Why do Puerto Rican lives not matter? What about Mexican lives? What about White lives?
You see I am not trying to start a race thing. I am pointing out that this saying is a divisor not a unifying statement. It DEFINITELY has no place in the military. My battles lives matter to me NOT because of their race or sex, but because they could be downrange with me and we very well could be shooting the shit out bad guys and that is what matters. We are an Army of One, PERIOD. My battles are my battles, we have to get past all of this. This is not the EOL in me talking this is the reality of me talking.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Aug 4 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-08-04T23:40:16-04:00

The only thing that stands out to me about this slogan is.....it's written in white letters. Considering that all default fonts are "black" someone went out of their way to make this one white. Oh the irony and how disrespectful to black letters.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 5 at 2015 12:18 AM

2015-08-05T00:18:21-04:00

Not sure... I see it around here (signs)... I personally believe all lives matter. It is a sad state of affairs SPC Andrew Griffin when we have to say "black lives matter." Nevertheless, My interpretation is that we (our nation) continue to trivialize black Americans, and we need to stop and take notice. Again, I don't see the world that way... but, I realize not everyone sees this the same. I believe everyone matters.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-08-05T09:05:17-04:00

From my brief readings on the topic and the background history of the movement. The slogan is not discounting that all lives matter, however, it is saying that black lives are just as important as any other race. I think the media does over exaggerate things in the news, however, I think that with this movement this country is having an open discussing about race and race relations within this country. Police brutatlity and things of that nature have been going on for years, however, with the evolution of social media and camera phones it just makes it much easier to spread the word about things that are going on in our country,

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Aug 5 at 2015 9:18 AM

2015-08-05T09:18:30-04:00

It means that we are still a racist society. Only when we integrate will our economy bloom.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-08-05T10:44:22-04:00

They always have.... SPC Andrew Griffin

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-08-05T12:14:11-04:00

Every life is precious regardless of the color of their skin.

Response by Cpl Nicholis Christian made Aug 5 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-08-05T14:32:36-04:00

all lives matter, the fact that there's groups using this slogan to instill racial diversity for a profit, like Al Sharpton, when has he onces talked about black on black violence.... I'll wait.

facts based on statistics, white cops shooting blacks is a very low percentage, why is it you don't see this when a black cop shoots a black? and statistics show clearly, not being racist, blacks are more prone to violence, hell watch world star if you don't believe me. Cops have a right to protect themself, case in point the cop shot here in Memphis Tn, cop rolls up on drug deal gets shot and killed, the cop is a former Marine,

so my interpretation is this, to the NAACP, and other so called Black leaders, Black Lives Don't Matter, unless its to flame the fires of division, and line their pockets with money.

PS
Al Sharpton, pay your taxes

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Aug 5 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-08-05T16:06:36-04:00

"HispanicLivesMatter" "SpecialistLivesMatter" "NativeAmericanLivesMatter" "BilingualLivesMatter" "VeteranLivesMatter" "EntrepreneurLivesMatter"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-08-05T17:04:03-04:00

all live matter if only one group matters I think that's a racist statement I will say it again all live matter.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-08-05T19:45:45-04:00

Liberal ignorance. If "Black Lives Matter" so much; which they do, but this was not used in an exploitative manner - Abortion Clinics would be shut down. The Founder of "Planned Parenthood" aka the "Murder Mill" was Margaret Sanger. Her stated goal was to kill black children in the womb. Today, Planned Parenthood is located in mostly poor areas. Why? Simple, the same reason these slimy Cash Advance places are in low income areas, to exploit poor white and black folks. GOD creates LIFE in HIS image so "ALL LIVES MATTER!"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-08-05T20:25:40-04:00

The Black Lives Matter movement is a complete scam and is worthless, the only time they demonstrate and freak out is when a black person is killed by law enforcement even if it is justified, however they say nothing about those being slaughtered for no reason by other blacks in cities like Chicago and Baltimore. Baltimore is a special case, a lot of people wanted less police presence, they got it and now people are slaughtering eachother. Baltimore residents now want the police back! Be careful for what you wish for.

( I apologize if using the phrase "black person" has offended anyone, didn't mean it in an offensive way)

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 8:40 PM

2015-08-05T20:40:39-04:00

SPC Andrew Griffin, at the risk of offending you, I find the slogan racist. A*L*L Lives Matter, and that includes the police officer's life. But the thing that gets me is that people who want to have a confrontation with the police seem to be the last ones to hear, "Black Lives Matter." It's as if they want to be martyrs.

The big guy who had a heart attack from being choked several months ago ... What he was doing was illegal. He was asked, reasonably politely, to stop. He didn't. 6 cops gathered around him and he still felt that it was more important to argue with the police at the risk of his own life. The police ARE NOT going to back down, when they are enforcing the law. So EVERYONE, regardless of color, should recognize that it's YOUR life you are risking when you want to have a physical confrontation with the police. (And that's EXACTLY what you are asking for if you get in an argument with the police. This isn't debating club and no judge is going to award you points for eloquence. There's only TWO possible endings: 1) Yes, officer, I'll do as you say, or 2) You wind up at the bottom of a flesh pile with your arms twisted behind your back and someone's forearm around your neck.)

And then there's Baltimore (I think) where the Mayor flat out says the police are going to back away so people can express their anger. And what happens? Black businesses are looted and burned to the ground by black thugs. Yep, there was no one killed by a white police officer that day, but does black livelihood matter? The guy who owns the business that feeds his family and pays his mortgage - does that matter?

I could be wrong, but it seems that I mostly hear that as an excuse from gangsters who want to loot and their apologists like Al Sharpton. But what I'd like to hear is from the owners of the businesses burnt to the ground, or the workers who lost the jobs they had when the business was looted to bare walls ... is this an appropriate response for something bad that shouldn't have happened, and are you satisfied with the cost you had to pay for it?

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Aug 5 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-08-05T20:58:48-04:00

Imagine that you're sitting down to dinner with your family, and while everyone else gets a serving of the meal, you don't get any. So you say "I should get my fair share." And as a direct response to this, your dad corrects you, saying, "*everyone* should get their fair share." Now, that's a wonderful sentiment. Indeed, everyone should, and that was kinda your point in the first place: that you should be a part of everyone, and you should get your fair share also. However, dad's smart-ass comment just dismissed you and didn't solve the problem that you still haven't gotten any!
The problem is that the statement "I should get my fair share" had an implicit "too" at the end: "I should get my fair share, *too*, just like everyone else." But your dad's response treated your statement as though you meant "only I should get my fair share", which clearly was not your intention. As a result, his statement that "everyone should get their fair share," while true, only served to ignore the problem you were trying to point out.
That's the situation of the "black lives matter" movement. Culture, laws, the arts, religion, and everyone else repeatedly suggest that all lives should matter. Clearly, that message already abounds in our society.
The problem is that, in practice, the world doesn't work the way. You see the film Nightcrawler? You know the part where Renee Russo tells Jake Gyllenhal that she doesn't want footage of a black or latino person dying because she wants news stories about affluent white people being killed? That's not made up out of whole cloth -- there is a news bias toward stories that the majority of the audience (who are white) can identify with. So when a young black man gets killed, it's generally not considered "news". A police officer chokes a man to death and walks. A police officer kicks in a door in the middle of the night and shoots a 9yo girl... And walks. A cop stands on the hood of a hoopty and reloads 2 TIMES... And walks. Meanwhile a middle-aged white woman being killed is treated as breaking news. And to a large degree, that is accurate -- young black men are killed in significantly disproportionate numbers, which is why we don't treat it as anything new. But the result is that, societally, we don't pay as much attention to certain people's deaths as we do to others. So, currently, we don't treat all lives as though they matter equally. Not all lives matter equally.
Just like asking dad for your fair share, the phrase "black lives matter" also has an implicit "too" at the end: it's saying that black lives should also matter. But responding to this by saying "all lives matter" is willfully going back to ignoring the problem. It's a way of dismissing the statement by falsely suggesting that it means "only black lives matter," when that is obviously not true. Saying ‪#‎alllivesmatter‬" as a direct response to #blacklivesmatter" is essentially saying that we should just go back to ignoring the problem.
TL;DR: The phrase "Black lives matter" carries an implicit "too" at the end; it's saying that black lives should also matter. Saying "all lives matter" is dismissing the very problems that the phrase is trying to draw attention to.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Aug 5 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-08-05T21:24:45-04:00

My first thought is that it is true! And that it doesn't undermine the value of anyother life. It's the same as saying "God Bless America". The phrase doesn't mean that I don't want another nation to be blest. It simply means my focus, at the moment, is on America!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 2:01 AM

2015-08-06T02:01:17-04:00

Black lives matter.
I was given T-shirt with that slogan on it and I wear it proudly.
Unfortunately, I am reading some posts on this thread that were written by people that are likely the cause of this slogans existence. To say it's inherently racist is just defensive. Its all reactionary- because unfortunately is has become a necessity to iterate that black lives matter, because systemic racism tries to convince us otherwise.
In my opinion, "All lives matter" is generally more racist than the alternative. Not because it's untrue, it is, but because the entire purpose to the phrase "all lives matter" is to bring discredit to the slogan at hand. Another tool by the right to dampen the cries of the oppressed.

Response by MAJ Anthony Henderson made Aug 6 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-08-06T10:25:21-04:00

To focus on a current and ongoing problem the slogan "Black Lives Matter" but we have to not lose focus on the fact that "All Lives Matter." But if using the slogan helps raise awareness to the problem then it is serving its purpose.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 6 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-08-06T10:40:18-04:00

I think it is racist. IF it read "ALL LIVES MATTER" then it would be appropriate. I think that saying that these <insert group here> lives matter implies that a group is deserving of special treatment because they belong to that group. I will respect no person who has not earned it. I will disrespect no person who has not earned it. I will treat people with dignity until they have proven that I over-estimated their humanity. This slogan is just what is wanted. Keep the American People divided by race. Don't let the American people come together as one and realize how badly they have been manipulated by hate mongers who are lining their pockets from the misery of others. Think about it realistically. Think of a group of people. Think of the most outspoken among that group for "equality" for that group. Now ask the question, is that person really interested in equality and humanity, or are they just stirring the pot? The answer is going to be that they are stirring the pot. Civil Rights leaders have gone from great people like JFK and MLK to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.
Martin Luther King didn't talk about a world where black and white were separate entities. He spoke of, and lost his life for the belief that humanity should be equal.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Aug 6 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-08-06T12:13:28-04:00

My interpretation of it is as a subset of "Human Lives Matter".

Response by PO2 Dennis Fritz made Aug 6 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-08-06T12:17:48-04:00

Very plain and simple it should be "ALL LIVES MATTER".

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Aug 6 at 2015 1:43 PM

2015-08-06T13:43:32-04:00

Sorry,but that is a joke when Black on Black crimes are looked at differently. For it to become effective,use this forum or cause to make a impact and positive change like those who died such as Mr.King and Mrs.Parks,etc.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-08-06T14:54:48-04:00

I think it is absolutely ridiculous. All lives matter. Black lives, Asian lives, White lives, Hispanic lives. ALL lives matter, and no race has any greater value over another. It is stupid media-based propaganda BS that only further ignnaites and incites the race wars and the hate crimes. It is ABSOLUTELY ABSURD.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Aug 6 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-08-06T15:59:38-04:00

Worst slogan ever for a good cause.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I believe there is trash in all walks of life... I see more meth-heads and people who's profession is to be a tick on the community's ass (in the form of government programs), that are of the same race as I am than other races.

In my mind, race has no bearing... EVERY case of a life taken by police, other civilians, corporate greed, etc., should be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Adolph Hitler convinced a nation that certain demographics were "undesirable" and that "society would be better off if they were disposed of"... I feel it's my patriotic duty to defend all people, and if I disagree with their culture, change it by including them in MY culture. It worked with the Irish... I love kissing a pretty redhead on St Patrick's day!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-08-06T17:47:16-04:00

Responses on here show how ignorant and misinformed people are. This is, however, an opinion-based website and facts don't usually get in the way of a good ole stereotypical statement. I've even read that "black lives matter" is racist. Wow. Of course all lives matter. But would you go into the cancer ward of a children's hospital and question their support/fight to beat cancer with "AIDS patients matter" too! Don't talk about what you haven't experienced and don't comment on something you can't relate to. Black lives do matter and that moniker was created for a specific reason. Any attempt to minimize it or discredit it shows your lack of empathy, lack of knowledge, prejudice or all three.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-08-06T18:19:19-04:00

My interpretation of "Black Lives Matter" is that it's an important statement on the state of affairs in this country. Some people think that deaths of blacks somehow mean that black lives do not matter. Of course black lives matter ... ALL lives matter. When a white police officer shoots and kills a black man, black lives matter. And when a black person kills a black man, black lives matter. ALL lives matter, not just black lives. When anybody kills anybody - regardless of color or race - that life matters.

Response by SSG John Erny made Aug 6 at 2015 6:32 PM

2015-08-06T18:32:04-04:00

Every life matters and most people are good. Then some idiot has to do something stupid and get the masses riled up. Be your brothers keeper and if need be turn him in before another tragedy happens. "Humans Being."
Have you noticed after some of the tragic events that have happened that true hero's come out and the best in people shines bright. look to them for inspiration.

Response by MSgt J D McKee made Aug 7 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-08-07T10:53:04-04:00

My first thought on hearing that is that someone thinks they matter more than mine. If the cops shot me tomorrow, I don't think it would make much news, I'm just an old white guy. If it was a black guy trying to take a gun away from the cop, the Rev's Jackson and Sharpton would be in town shortly, along with an all-black team from the DOJ to make things all better. And Soros would fund trips and hotels for "protestors" while the current occupant of the white house gets up on national news and try to make us all hate each other.

Either all lives matter, or none.

Or, we can go back to what worked for millennia, and your life matters as much as you make it matter.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-08-07T12:15:29-04:00

I'm going on record here to say I expect all the politically correct answers here. But the bottom line is we are not all treated equally. A white man shoots up a church full of praise goers and get full police protection as he is being escorted to the prison. They even went as far as buying the man a hamburger. A man alledgedly selling a loose cigarette gets taken down by a choke hold and dies. Now we have a case of women dying in prison several hours after being put in their cells. "Black Lives Matter (too) is falling on deaf ears. *rant over*

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-08-07T22:03:21-04:00

It is to remind us to be angry about homicides in the black community. When a cop shoots anyone he or she had better have a damn good reason for doing so. Are there abusive cops? Oh yes there are. Another possible meaning is the high percentage of unborn black kids slaughtered by the millions by PLANNED PARENTHOOD and other abortion providers who set up shop mainly in African American communities. PPFA was founded by a racist lady named Margaret Sanger.

Response by 1SG Scott Munn made Aug 15 at 2015 2:11 AM

2015-08-15T02:11:42-04:00

I feel that it is an activist movement to split our country apart using race as an issue. Those of us that have seen combat KNOW better because we can not be split by trivial things such as that because we are brothers and sisters bound by blood spilled by our family that knows no color, just Honor and Respect for one another.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 16 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-08-16T17:00:25-04:00

The FACT that the hegemonic population of America (white male, Christian conservative, straight) are using slogans such as “All lives Matter” & “Red, Yellow, Green, Blue Lives Matter” just CONFIRMS TO ME that racism is alive & well as ever. As a white female, gay humanist, I have lived my life on the periphery of the dominant/hegemonic class. I hear the language LOUD and CLEAR. ANY admission that there’s ANY disparity between races certainly threatens the status quo and must be extraordinarily scarey and threatening. BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Response by SPC William Biles made Aug 26 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-08-26T22:18:50-04:00

I haven't read any comments as of this writing, but will read them after answering the question. I didn't want any influences from prior comments to have an effect on me.

"Black Lives Matter," to me: it leaves a lot of life out-- not to mention people. All life matters. It wouldn't be alive if it didn't. The problems we face is more about Tribalism than racism. We are all one race. If I, being from Italian/Polish-German/English descent, living in California, were to travel to the Australian Outback, where I mate with an Aborigine female, nine months later a human is born. This can happen with any couple from anywhere on Earth. We are all the same.
Tribalism: noun trib·al·ism \-bə-ˌli-zəm\
: loyalty to a tribe or other social group especially when combined with strong negative feelings for people outside the group.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^That's the problem^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It will never go away. Too much pain has happened to every human subspecies from every other subspecies. Too much mistrust, pain, anger, and hate is engrained into each one of us from the moment we're born. Beaten down with propaganda and misinformation since the dawning of man. So when I read, "Black Lives Matter" I shake my head. Why? Because it's not fully thought out and is based on emotions. Which makes it a Rally Cry. I hear the outcry, and I emphasize with the story, but there's never a solution proposed other than, "kill them," it seems. Or, destroy small business', which only makes the community worse (it's corporations you have to destroy). When mankind can let go of its pain, and accept it as, "lesson's learned," then we may proceed to attain a single goal to unite all of mankind.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-08-26T22:29:55-04:00

I believe everyone saying "____" matter is well dumb. It is just going to start an argument. Here is the thing all lives matter, end of story. Everyone does not have to like one another or agree with each other, but have some self pride and respect each other. See the big picture, because all this "____" lives matter crap is going to end in disaster. Example: (my opinion) We have a civil/ race war and what will happen? There are other countries that hate us. So, they will either let us kill each other and take over or kill us because we are to distracted to notice. I go with A because it would be cheaper for the enemy. End result no more America!!

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Sep 4 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-09-04T11:33:45-04:00

I know you don't want to hear this "BLM" is no more than a hate group bound to segregate blacks from the rest of society. They are influencing blacks around the country to do battle with Police Officers everyday. Get rid of the Farrakhan's that are turning this nation into a racial war.

Response by CPL Eric Allen made Sep 5 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-09-05T21:06:49-04:00

Racism at its best

Response by CPL Eric Allen made Sep 5 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-09-05T21:11:35-04:00

Lame.

Response by SPC Tim Grudzinski made Sep 8 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-09-08T11:20:46-04:00

Racist... All lives matter

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Oct 14 at 2015 8:36 PM

2015-10-14T20:36:50-04:00

I think those who chant and Parrot that Slogan are the ones responsible to offer a Coherent, understandable, Logic and Reasonable Explanation and Interpretation of what is the meaning of it. Not the other way around; That's just Standard.

Response by SGT John Rauch made Oct 15 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-10-15T12:03:51-04:00

only black lives matter. thats my interpretation. this group is more racist than the racism they claim to stand against.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-10-15T20:21:32-04:00

I see it the same as I would see a bumper sticker that read "watch out for motorcyclists". Some people just seem to die more than others, and maybe that is something that should be noticed. Its not racist, just like the person with that bumper sticker isnt someone who hates non-bikers

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Oct 22 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-10-22T13:57:34-04:00

Being a person of multiple ancestor-homelands, Africa among them, I've had a hard time dealing with this single sentence.
Does that mean that only black lives matter to blacks? Does that mean it only counts when black lives are taken by people of other skin tones? Does it mean since I LOOK white, I don't count? Its one of those comments that make me go "Huh?"

Each day, Black children below the age of 18, loose their lives in horrible ways, to other Blacks. Not a word is spoken. Each and every day, Black teenagers pull out guns on each other and fire where most of us might have resorted to fists in another time. Every single day, my friends... and yet not a single Rich, Famous Black Pastor opens his mouth, even though two of them are front and center each and every time a black life is taken by a non-black. Maybe I'm just too old, or maybe I'm not black enough to understand it, but I just can't get my mind around the reality of children killing children and there are so many deaths, they don't even make the evening news.

I don't understand why some people can live among others and kill as casually as swatting a fly, and yet those around them say nothing. "Snitches get Stitches" they say... while more of their children die every day. Am I just too White to understand all this, or is it as screwed up as I think it is?

Response by CSM Gerald Utterback made Oct 22 at 2015 7:17 PM

2015-10-22T19:17:09-04:00

All lives matter. If BLM then all the black people should be up in arms with the slaughter going on in Chicago blacks killing blacks..funny you never hear Sharpton, Jackson, or even Obama address this issue. The only time it becomes an issue is when a black person is killed by a white person, especially if it involves the police...sorry but the above people has started this and MLK would probably kick their ass...

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Oct 22 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-10-22T21:28:01-04:00

I think this message is dividing our country. I would give my life for any of my fellow Marines, and any other service member. Race has nothing to do with my oath. Thank you all who currently serve and defend all lives, black, red, yellow, white and any other color in our diverse nation.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 2:15 AM

2015-10-23T02:15:49-04:00

Political garbage

Response by MSG Tim Gray made Oct 23 at 2015 2:16 AM

2015-10-23T02:16:26-04:00

Umm, others don't?????

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Oct 23 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-10-23T10:25:07-04:00

It's a hate group.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Oct 29 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-10-29T12:18:47-04:00

That to blacks only their lives matter. Not because of the slogan itself but because of the rhetoric of the people flying that banner

Response by Sgt Stephen Browning made Nov 5 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-11-05T21:00:37-05:00

I believe that it is intended to point out the large number of young black men who are killed each year while in confrontations with police. I also see that there is a large division in the mindsets of races over these deaths. I don't believe that all of these are for the same reasons. Some claim it is racially motivated every time and that it wouldn't have happened if the person was white. Still there are those who say that defiance of authority and failure to obey the police is to blame. I believe that it is a combination of the two. Yes some cases of racism are involved, and so are cases where the people are clearly defiant and not trying to save their own life but argue with police. I have seen in my life many changes. We all need to control our selves and try to keep moving forward in race relations until we realise there are only americans. One kind. All races.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-11-09T12:34:45-05:00

Its a race baiting slogan plain and simple, And it started from a incident where the "VICTIM" was a criminal who had just committed a robbery, But now he as a Memorial in his name. Police have reached out to the local communities only to be told that people should be killing them. People do not want to be responsible for their own actions so have to blame someone because its their "Perceived Rights" Most of them have never even read the constitution and believe anything Jessie or Al tell them.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 4 at 2016 3:12 AM

2016-03-04T03:12:57-05:00

All lives matter. I am not an African-American, I am a latino, but you'd never know it unless I told you. So I won't tell you what is like to be a minority in the United States. My son-in-law is a police officer in a large southern Michigan Police force. I've been privileged to be at dinners and picnics with his fellow officers, and I've spoken with officers of all races. They tell me, that they quickly assess the likelihood of whether or not they are going to be in a fight. The leading indicator is not race, it is the appearance of the suspect. Does he look low-income or not? Unfortunately, there is a high correlation between low-income and race. There are areas in his community that are predominantly African-American, but pretty solidly middle income, and they are no more likely to get in a fight there, than in a solidly middle income white neighborhood. The attitude of the people they stop is less confrontational and thus less likely to escalate. Most of those officers will also admit that it may be the chicken or the egg coming first in low-income areas.

Response by Pat McCracken made Jul 16 at 2016 9:54 AM

2016-07-16T09:54:55-04:00

I believe ALL lives matter, not just black lives. This is what I teach my students about diversity. There is no color in friends. There are injustices committed on all ethnic groups. Martin Luther King, Jr. was all about peaceful resolutions. Problems cannot be solved through violence.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2016 4:41 AM

2016-07-23T04:41:49-04:00

I just wish people would wait for the facts to come out about all these cases before screaming racism and trying to lynch the cops. So many of these cases the cops or individuals get crucified by the media with misleading information before any facts come out and later we find out that the shooting was justified.

Response by SFC Josh Weatherbie made Oct 26 at 2016 1:52 PM

2016-10-26T13:52:22-04:00

I completely support BLM's right to be pissed off. I do not condone any one who would entice violence to make a point though. It has been proven BLM's members/supporters/rioters have overstepped laws during protests. That's where I draw the line. I support ANY group that is proud of who, what, or where they came from....Black to White, Asians to Hispanics, or Irish to Africa, Japan to Mexico....don't cross the line and break the law or you will suffer the consequences.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jun 27 at 2018 12:10 AM

2018-06-27T00:10:22-04:00

I don't understand why a persons skin determines what they are. We are all homo sapiens. We come in all sizes and colors just like cars. I had never seen a colored person until I joined the Marine Corp at 17. I was stationed at camp Lejune from 59to 61. Marines stick together. I had friends that I could go to the EM club on base and do other things with. Movies etc. But when we went on liberty to Jacksonville we couldn't be seen together. Everything was segregated. I didn't understand why. Some day when we get into deep space and meet up undesirable aliens who want to wipe Earth out maybe we homo sapiens will stick together or cease to exist. In many foreign countries, Japan and Germany for example Every one is considered equal. Ive been to Okinawa its no big deal to be another color with the Japanese. Another thing is why police shoot to kill everytime they fire their handgun. I guess they don't want any witnesses. It seems stupid this day and age, everybody has a camera. Black lives do matter. All lives matter.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 27 at 2018 10:14 AM

2018-06-27T10:14:41-04:00

Dislike- MLK would protest against it- they are using it like only Black lives are important- I was raised that ALL lives are important. If they really want to lower young Blacks dying then go after the gangs, drive by shootings, drug dealers all which account for over 80% of the deaths.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 25 at 2019 9:07 AM

2019-04-25T09:07:14-04:00

Don't know why I haven't seen this before now but here is my response. I personally don't like it at all. To me it is a racist and divisive statement..it has turned into a White on Black thing versus a comment that lives matter and addressing the issue of violence. I truly believe that if MLK were alive today (who by the way I look up to) he would be saying stop the rhetoric. His words were "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." By using BLM it goes against what he says about the color of ones skin. He was looking for and marching for equality among all races. BLM is used as a catch phrase now and it causes more violence, which MLK was also against. Have we gotten where this nation needs to be with regards to racism...NO! Have we made great strides in the past several decades...YES!! Is there still a lot of work to do...YES!!! As the bible states, and I am paraphrasing, unless we believe as a little child (meaning innocence) we will never see each other as equals because things like the KKK and BLM and skinheads and Black Panthers etc continue to divide we have to realize we are all created equal and with mutual respect for each other we can become what we need to become as a nation with all races...Quick story.
My cousins son was at a ball game recently, he is 4. The UPS man had a son playing on one of the teams so he showed up to watch. My cousins son said to his momma, hey mom...look my friend Reggie came to the game...except it wasn't Reggie. This was in another town and his normal delivery man was black and this guy was white. My point is this. All he saw was a man in a uniform...not white or black but a man that he thought was his friend. It all starts with dropping the skin color and looking at the heart of a man or woman. If we can become like kids and drop this rhetoric, maybe we can make some strides. IMHO

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 25 at 2019 9:56 AM

2019-04-25T09:56:21-04:00

Exactly what it says.

There are some very real perceptions that the justice system is not blind.
_Some of those perceptions are based on fact.
_Some of those perceptions are not.
_There is debate as to cause and effect.

But my take away is that we need to have real and meaningful discussions about how to fix a problem. It took us a few hundred years to get here, it will takes us decades to resolve it even if there is a near universal effort to do so.

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 12 at 2019 1:11 PM

2019-06-12T13:11:47-04:00

Race much like gender is tied to so many other things that it makes it hard to talk about. However you cut away from all the BS I think a lot can be learned for both sides. I think at the core starting from a place of understanding that all people have value is a good starting point - work out from there. As such I feel BLM is often exploited politically - hey but these days what isn't. Best advice is to teach your kids to respect and value all regardless and challenge social labels.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Aug 10 at 2021 9:00 AM

2021-08-10T09:00:34-04:00

For far too long, it seemed black lives (as well as other minority lives) did not matter to some. A young person of color got shot down and many simply shrugged it off.
Time to end that practice.

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Aug 10 at 2021 11:28 AM

2021-08-10T11:28:12-04:00

My opinion; should say all lives matter. One color, religion, gender should not be placed above another.
Equality is what we should strive for. When dwelling on one type, we exclude or lesson the others.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Aug 10 at 2021 5:45 PM

2021-08-10T17:45:17-04:00

It is saying that only Black Lives Matter.
The other thing it is a hypocrite group. My reason being. BLM does not give dame about REAL people.
Only thing they care about is racking in money and getting people to hate each other.
Tell me who have they helped ?
Not the people they claim too.
The money only goes to Democrat Politicians and them self's. Millions for house's in neighborhoods that they call Racist because most of the people in them are upper class white.
They say they are about Black people being killed. But do nothing about the main cause of black's being killed is other black's mainly Gang banger's.
And in mostly Democratic city and state's.
First they should work on keeping black family's together. Instead of BREAKING THEM UP.
If family's stay together the better off the children will be. This is not a black or white thing it is a people thing.
Education not brain washing is the key to a good life.
My neighbor and two best friend's prove this. by the way they are Black MEN that are father's to there children , Not just the baby daddy.
If you think that I am being racist , Pull your head out of your ass.

Response by SPC George Edwards made Aug 10 at 2021 5:56 PM

2021-08-10T17:56:32-04:00

Just another gimmick dreamed up by a few radicals who want America to burn while they rake in millions for themselves.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 10 at 2021 6:16 PM

2021-08-10T18:16:45-04:00

I think it's all bullshit. All lives matter no matter what their skin color or nationality is.The orginazation is based on a Marksist prinsible When I was a young man the government sent me to the other side of the world along with lots of good black soldiers to kill comunist. I'll be damned if I will support a comunist philisophy that includes the current democratic party as well as black lives matter

Response by TSgt Ray Lewis made Aug 10 at 2021 7:16 PM

2021-08-10T19:16:15-04:00

I use to have no problem with the slogan "BLM" until they only thought that the members of BLM lives mattered. I know a few Blacks that dont like the BLM and what it has become to mean.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 7:23 PM

2021-08-10T19:23:17-04:00

An attempt to make a name that will put anyone disagreeing with their policies in the wrong. This was made up be people who don’t want any honest reasonable discussion. They want to silence any opposition to what they want. MHO

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Aug 10 at 2021 8:11 PM

2021-08-10T20:11:04-04:00

In my opinion, the slogan "Black Lives Matter" is an organization that should be fighting for the rights of their community. However, it is really fighting against them as well as with everyone else. It's a democrat's wet dream with this, as they turn a blind eye. And if you hit them back with an "ALL LIVES MATTER" you might want to watch out, because there might be a mob coming after you since they think it's racist. I am not saying all, but the majority have had their minds brainwashed into thinking others that aren't them are out to get them. There are "bad apples" in all batches. I go out of my way to say hello to the majority of people when I pass by them. Sometimes I get a warm smile, nod or the stink eye. If you call me a racist for saying hello to you, then you have some serious issues. Anyways, in short, I think Black Lives Matter should matter but that's not what is going on. It's separating us as a country, community, and for our current and previous generations.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Aug 10 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-08-10T21:42:57-04:00

Easy. "Black Lives Matter Too" They may have left off that last word but that's what it is intended to mean.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Aug 10 at 2021 10:34 PM

2021-08-10T22:34:43-04:00

The Fact that it has to be pointed out/said in the 1st place says it all.

Laws/Legislation past & present … injustice is why it’s been said.

A look at the Casual Killing Act of 1669 that made it legal to kill a slave at will :

1669
Virginia passes an act regarding the casual killing of slaves: "If any slave resist his master (or other by his master’s order correcting him) and by the extremity of the correction should chance to die, that his death shall not be accompted felony."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/face2faceafrica.com/article/a-look-at-the-casual-killing-act-of-1669-that-made-it-legal-to-kill-a-slave-at-will/amp

Justification for lesser value of LIFE based on pigmentation/hue becomes the rally-cry for proximity crimes & killings by screaming out #blackonblack crime.

Until humans evolve … well this post exist now doesn’t it?!?

1.) Remembering Black Veterans Targeted for Racial Terror Lynchings

Source : https://eji.org/news/remembering-Black-veterans-and-racial-terror-lynchings/

2.) The Tragic, Forgotten History of Black Military Veterans
Peter C. BakerNovember 27, 2016

Source : https://www.google.com/amp/s/http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-tragic-forgotten-history-of-black-military-veterans/amp

3.) Guest Column: Why has the black soldier's experience in Vietnam been overlooked and marginalized?
By Richard Danforth
Posted Nov 21, 2017 at 6:04 PM

Source : https://www.google.com/amp/s/http://www.jacksonville.com/opinion/columnists/2017-11-21/guest-column-why-has-black-soldier-s-experience-vietnam-been%3ftemplate=ampart

amp

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 10 at 2021 10:42 PM

2021-08-10T22:42:19-04:00

I have two takes:

1) It means what it says.
2) There is a lack of trust by the black (and other minority) communities of law enforcement. It really doesn't matter which side you take in the issue. The lack of trust needs to be addressed. Not just looked at, but really addressed and really fixed. No demographic should feel they cannot trust the law enforcement that serves their community. How to do that? I wish I had a clue.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 27 at 2024 1:31 PM

2024-01-27T13:31:16-05:00

No one ever said any lives don't natter. Obey the law and obey officer commands. If break the law, shame on you. If you then you resist, flee, fight, assault, use a weapon, etc , and get shot, that's cause and effect. BLM is evil. It's a fraud racket, racist, supporting of crime, Hamas, Al-Quaida, ISIS, open borders , Violence, murder of cops. It's anti-christian, anti-western, anti-democracy, racist. Violent and marxist. BLM= Buy Large Mansions or Burn, Loot, Murder