Category: Mike Brown

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Is It Just Me?

Is it just me, or does it still not feel like the holidays yet? Perhaps the warmish, wet weather we’ve had here in the Northeast is partly to blame, or maybe it’s that the calendar has jammed the buying season into one less week this year because of a late Thanksgiving. Yes, yes, Chanukah, for once, is neither early nor late, which is rare for a Jewish holiday, but I think there’s something more than this going on in the country that’s partly clouding the season.

We have other things on our minds. Ferguson. Staten Island. ISIS. Oil prices. Wages. Equality issues relating to gender, age, sexual preference and orientation. Supreme Court arguments over worker disability rights and whether someone can post noxious, threatening dreck on Facebook, call it rap, and never mind the effect on the intended target. Even sports won’t let us relax and enjoy, what with players being suspended, unsuspended, arrested, concussed and, heaven forbid, involved in some of the aforementioned social issues. Why can’t they just be like Mike and play the game?

It seems as if the country is a bit more serious than normal this holiday season, weighing the price of our freedoms against the responsibilities that come with them. We’re looking at race and wondering why we still have problems and why whites and African-Americans still have such differing perspectives on how they are treated by police, the courts, storekeepers and mall security. We’re looking at income inequality and wondering why companies that make billions can’t lead by example and pay workers what they are worth, which is a wage that allows them to live a decent life. We’re looking at who is an American and how we can make sure that people who live here and contribute to their families and communities can stay here without the fear that the government is going to deport them because of a long-ago action. In short, we’re looking at justice and trying to make sure that everyone gets it because more than any other freedom afforded us, justice must be applied equally at all times.

In the end, I think this makes us stronger, and makes the season of giving that much more important. When we discuss, protest and even engage in some civil disobedience, we are reminded that we have given ourselves the greatest gifts of all: to live in a free society where we can air our concerns and make others realize that many groups in the United States are uncomfortable and unwealthy and insecure, and that each of us is responsible to make sure that every citizen is safe. That way, we can give other gifts, the material ones, knowing that we have done our part to make this a better country. The holidays we are about to celebrate are religious, but we need to remember that our national religion is democracy, and as such, we must all practice it.

So although it might not feel like the holidays just yet, I’m a little more optimistic that this season will see us do more good for ourselves and our neighbors.

Is it just me?

For more, go to www.facebook.com/WhereDemocracyLives or Twitter @rigrundfest

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What LeBron James, Amar’e Stoudemire and Sheldon Richardson Said About Police Violence

“It’s the same statement I made before,” James said after the Cavaliers finished shootaround Thursday before a 90-87 win over the New York Knicks. “It’s a sensitive subject right now. Violence is not the answer and retaliation isn’t the solution. As a society we just have to do better. I pray for the families of the lost ones.

“Obviously anytime you lose someone, it’s a downer for the whole family, and I’m not going to get too far involved in the logistics of the things because I’m not a part of it, but you pray for the families.”

Less than two weeks ago, James said the decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the officer responsible for the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, “hit home for me,” and he lamented the rioting, looting and overall violent reaction to the news.

Amar’e Stoudemire, speaking after the Knicks’ loss, said he was “pretty upset” that he wasn’t involved in any of the protests in New York.

“I think it’s something that’s, it’s very alarming in our country as far as that’s concerned,” Stoudemire said. “We have to be more conscientious of what the law enforcement’s job is, and that’s to protect and serve. Those two words are very strong when you think about that.

“Your first job is to protect, and your second job is to serve. Obviously it’s not happening that way. So we’ve got to figure out a way to create a better economic unity for all of the have-nots.”

New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson — a St. Louis native — reaffirmed his position, as well, while discussing the issue at the team’s facilities in Florham Park, N.J.

“Destroying Ferguson is not what I wanted to come from the verdict of the grand jury,” Richardson said. “I wanted my whole city to stay intact. I don’t think we’ll bounce back from that — the area of Ferguson, anyway. That’s just how I feel about it. I just want my hometown to stay as peaceful as possible, but I don’t blame them. I know where they’re coming from, but that’s not the solution.”

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Mike Brown Politics

Congress Members Join The Protest – “Hands Up Don’t Shoot” – PIC

I admire people who will stand up for something, anything, just stand up… and while you’re at it, raise your hands in support of the movement!

Four members of the Congressional Black Caucus did the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” gesture during remarks Monday on the House Floor, to show solidarity with protesters in Ferguson, Mo.

Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) and Al Green (D-Tex.), referred to the gesture that has come to symbolize the outrage over the death of Brown, the African American teen shot dead by police officer Darren Wilson in August..

“ ‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ is a rallying cry of people all across America who are fed up with police violence in … communities all across America,” Jeffries said.

Two of the members of Congress, Reps. Lee and Green, also offered their praise for the five St. Louis Rams who gave the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” signal on the field during a game Sunday night.

“I saw this clip where the Rams players came into the arena: ‘Hands up; don’t shoot’ … this has become the new symbol, a new statement,” Green said.

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Darren Wilson Gave Different Accounts of Mike Brown’s Shooting

It is not easy telling the same story, when that story is a lie.

Darren Wilson changed his story following the immediate aftermath of the fatal shooting of unarmed black teen Michael Brown to include events about which he initially denied all knowledge.

Evidence presented to the grand jury and reviewed by MailOnline has revealed a crucial difference between the officer’s first account of events given to his squad supervisor on the scene and his second statement to St Louis County detectives investigating the shooting.

In Wilson’s now very public account of his encounter with Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson on August 9 he has claimed that he asked Brown and Wilson to move to the sidewalk rather than walk in the street.

When they walked on, Wilson has repeatedly stated, he realized they matched the description of two suspects wanted in connection with the robbery of nearby Ferguson Market. A youth matching Brown’s description had stolen a box of Swishers cigarillos.

It was this realization, he stated, that caused him to reverse his vehicle and sparked the car-side confrontation that left Brown dead on the street with six bullets in his body.

But the sworn testimony of Wilson’s squad supervisor directly contradicts this account.

Wilson’s supervisor was the first officer to speak with the 28-year-old cop following the shooting. The men spoke before St Louis County Police had even been notified of the incident and before the medical examiner or investigating officers had arrived on the scene.

At that time, the supervisor said:’He [Wilson] did not know anything about the stealing call.’

When pressed by the attorney questioning him, the officer reiterated that Wilson, ‘did not know anything’.

Asked, ‘He told you he didn’t know about there being a stealing at Ferguson Market?’

The officer responded, ‘Correct.’

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Protester Hugs Police During Portland’s ‘Ferguson’ Protests – PIC

As thousands gathered to make their voices heard during a rally earlier this week, one officer and a young man paused to hear each other out.

This image, shot by freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen, shows Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum hugging 12-year-old Devonte Hart during the Ferguson demonstration in Portland on Nov. 25, 2014.

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New Orleans Saints Player Shares His Feelings on Darren Wilson’s Verdict

The following post was written by New Orleans Saints tight-end, Benjamin Watson. The 33 year old wrote the post and shared it on his Facebook page after hearing that Darren Wilson will not even face a trial for killing Ferguson teenager, Mike Brown. His post has since gone viral.

At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:
I’M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I’M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I’M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I’m a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a “threat” to those who don’t know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I’M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I’M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I’M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn’t there so I don’t know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I’M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I’ve seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I’M CONFUSED, because I don’t know why it’s so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don’t know why some policeman (sic) abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I’M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take “our” side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it’s us against them. Sometimes I’m just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that’s not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That’s not right.

I’M HOPELESS, because I’ve lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I’m not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I’M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it’s a beautiful thing.

I’M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn.

BUT I’M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that’s capable of looking past the outward and seeing what’s truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It’s the Gospel. So, finally, I’M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope.

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Mike Brown’s Mother Talks about Thanksgiving Without Her Son – Video

While Mike Brown’s murderer, Darren Wilson, spoke about how excited he was about living his life and expecting his baby, the mother of the teenager Darren killed spoke about hearing the grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson and thanksgiving without her son.

Video

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Rapper’s Spontaneous Tribute to Mike Brown – Video

Rapper Killer Mike paid an emotional tribute to Ferguson’s murdered teenager, Mike Brown.

“I would like to say rest in peace to Michael Brown,” the rapper starts, cheers rising up from the crowd. “I would like to give all thoughts and prayers to the people who are out there peacefully protesting. And I also give thoughts and prayers for the people who could not hold their anger in, because riots are only the language of the unheard,”

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My Crime? I Was Born a Black Child

That’s it. That’s all you need to know. It doesn’t matter that I walk like you, or talk like you. It doesn’t matter what my education is or what my goals in life are. It doesn’t matter if I wear with my pants sagging or have all tailored made suit. My crime was already committed when I was born as a black child.

When I was born as a black child I was marked, I was different. I was looked upon as being unable or unwilling or uninterested. I was perceived as someone… no wait… something incapable of contributing,  unfit to add my own special stitch in this great fabric of society. I was a criminal and you already knew it. My crime was committed when I was born as a black child.

I was born distinguished from the rest, different, I was not like you. One look at me and you saw my entire story, you already knew. My crime is as obvious as the color of my skin worn daily so you won’t be confused. Black skin worn daily so you will know, that here is someone who cannot be honest, a “thug” that should not be trusted. A criminal whose crime was already committed when I was born as a black child.

Being a criminal because I was born a black child must then mean that I am expendable. That my hopes and dreams are voided and that anything or everything possible must be done to end my criminal ways.

So when you see me running down the street in my own neighborhood, running for my life as I try to get away from someone who knows nothing about me but my skin, someone who has already prosecuted me, judged me and sentenced me to die because in their eyes,  I must be a criminal.  When you see me trying to get away from someone like you, who would  gun me down in the streets as if I were an animal left there to bleed to death while my neighbors and friends and parents watched, you should rest assured knowing that it is no big deal. For in your eyes I was already damned. I was just a criminal, my crime already committed when I was born as a black child.

And I’m sure you have black friends…

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Mike Brown – Just Another Statistic, Just Another Murdered Black Man in America

There is a tradition, a history in this country and tonight, with the grand jury’s decision that officer Darren Wilson did absolutely nothing wrong when he chased after and gunned down a fleeing Mike Brown, another chapter was added to that history.

We’ve seen this play out many times before and tonight was no different. Black lives in America don’t matter.

Of course there was the expectation that finally, someone will be held accountable for taking the life of yet another black person in this country, but deep down, the writing was already on the wall that Darren Wilson would be a free man, that gunning down Mike Brown or any other black man for that matter, would result in nothing, nothing but another chapter added to the history book of black justice or injustice in America!

And there are those who are rejoicing in this decision.

 

 

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Gun Sales in Ferguson Shoots Up 700 Percent

The decision by the Ferguson Grand Jury on whether or not to indict officer Darren Wilson for the killing of an unarmed teenager, Mike Brown, is almost here. And in preparation for that decision, gun sales have skyrocketed in Ferguson.

Metro Shooting Supplies, which is located near Ferguson, usually sells 30 to 40 firearms per week. But this week, the owner told The Washington Post, the store has sold 250. In other words, there has been about a 700 percent spike in sales.

“These people are afraid,” said owner Steve King. “One hundred percent of them are buying because of Ferguson.”

Defensor Tactical is a firearms shop in St. Louis that does a significant amount of business in body armor and custom rifles. John Heidbrink, an employee at the store, told The Huffington Post that Defensor Tactical has also seen an increase in sales lately.

“We’re a smaller shop in a small section of St. Louis, but we have a constant flow of business,” he said. “Our volume of sales has definitely increased — not to the order of what we saw right after Sandy Hook, but it’s definitely a constant flow. Lot of interest.”

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Preparing for War in Ferguson Missouri

With what is slowly becoming apparent that police officer Darren Wilson will walk free after gunning down a teenager in Ferguson Missouri, organizers, protesters, the police and even the KKK are all preparing for war, waiting for the decision from the grand jury.

Video

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