Baltimore Riots

[CF DolFan]

I love the fact many blacks have spoken out against the violence in Baltimore and I pray Jesse and Al would take note. Its really the first sign I've seen of being able to get past the dumb things that have happened involving police. The Freddie Gray situation seems screwed up but its really hard to see that when so much other destruction is distracting from the issue.

Here is the latest video from Ray Lewis calling out the kids in Baltimore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HNCjMnHtj0

[Rich]

Responding with violence and looting muffles the criminal actions of the police. Not to mention, it gives the police an excuse to say "this is why we do what we do. Look at the dangerous people we have to deal with".

The mayor is also responsible with her "space to destroy" comments. Now innocent business owners and citizens are being harmed by her soft-handed approach.

[Dave Gray]

I think the simplest solution for both sides is for all police to wear badge cameras.  It will calm the actions of both the police and citizens.

[Rich]

I think the simplest solution for both sides is for all police to wear badge cameras.  It will calm the actions of both the police and citizens.

I'm not sure that's the case. It may help some, but some people already have their mind made up so no matter what they see on video, they will still go to the same place as far as their reaction.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

The cycle of problems will not abate until two things happen:

1. The police community must come out strong against police brutality.  When the Rodney King video (and others came out).  LEO at every level across the country (particularly white cops) must condemn the behavior and state unequivocally that the offenders are a disgrace to the badge and do not represent our commitment to protect and serve.

2. The vast majority of blacks who are law abiding citizens must come out strong and unequivocally condemn the rioters. 

Only when both of those thing occur with the cycle be broken.  Occasionally but all too infrequently the second occurs.  The first never occurs. 

[Dave Gray]

I'm not sure that's the case. It may help some, but some people already have their mind made up so no matter what they see on video, they will still go to the same place as far as their reaction.

Some people, yes, but it will restore (some) faith in the police system that a portion of the general public sees as corrupt.  Part of the argument, I think, is that "this is the stuff that we see on video; imagine all the bad stuff we don't see."

This stuff is documented.  Badge cameras immediately drop both incidences towards police and complaints against police.  It just calms the situation.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Some people, yes, but it will restore (some) faith in the police system that a portion of the general public sees as corrupt.  Part of the argument, I think, is that "this is the stuff that we see on video; imagine all the bad stuff we don't see."

This stuff is documented.  Badge cameras immediately drop both incidences towards police and complaints against police.  It just calms the situation.

I support dashboard and badge cameras.  It shows what actually happened making it easier to stem police misconduct AND gather evidence against actual criminal behavior.  A dash board camera showing the suspect falling down drunk is more compelling than a cop simply saying the guys was drunk when prosecuting a DUI. 

[CF DolFan]

The cycle of problems will not abate until two things happen:

1. The police community must come out strong against police brutality.  When the Rodney King video (and others came out).  LEO at every level across the country (particularly white cops) must condemn the behavior and state unequivocally that the offenders are a disgrace to the badge and do not represent our commitment to protect and serve.

2. The vast majority of blacks who are law abiding citizens must come out strong and unequivocally condemn the rioters. 

Only when both of those thing occur with the cycle be broken.  Occasionally but all too infrequently the second occurs.  The first never occurs. 

*LIKE* I completely agree with you on this Hoodie and I think what is happening in Baltimore is a great place to start!

[Rich]

*LIKE* I completely agree with you on this Hoodie and I think what is happening in Baltimore is a great place to start!

Unfortunately, what is also happening in Baltimore is that you have a mayor who did not do what was necessary to maintain the public peace. In my opinion, she is partially liable for what has happened to the private property and businesses of those affected.

[Spider-Dan]

I'm not sure how much video will help; Eric Garner was killed on video (using methods explicitly prohibited by the NYPD) and nothing happened.  Nevertheless, it's a start.

You may find this video interesting.  Currently, there is a story circulating that Baltimore gangs had “entered into a partnership to ‘take out’ law enforcement officers.”  A local news station interviewed some of Baltimore's gang members at one of the church rallies, and they say that they called a truce to try to stop the rioting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=135&v=0HaaRZ8nxd4

In any case, while I agree that rioting is not the answer, I don't agree that the way to "get past the dumb things that have happened involving police" is just for black leaders to speak out in favor of civility.  Police brutality is a major problem in America and there are still too many people who don't even seem to acknowledge that it exists at all; law enforcement organizations need to stand up and declare that the kind of brutality we have seen in recent months is unacceptable.

It will take work from both sides to resolve this issue.

[Phishfan]

Is it wrong that I just want to blast "April 29th, 1992 (Miami)" right now?

[Dave Gray]

I'm not sure how much video will help; Eric Garner was killed on video (using methods explicitly prohibited by the NYPD) and nothing happened. 

The idea behind badge cameras is not just to punish cops that shoot.  It's to keep cops from shooting, because they know they're being recorded.  It's also to keep perps from fleeing, because they're being recorded and they'll likely be caught later anyway.

It's just more transparency to every situation, for all parties.

[Rich]

In any case, while I agree that rioting is not the answer, I don't agree that the way to "get past the dumb things that have happened involving police" is just for black leaders to speak out in favor of civility.  Police brutality is a major problem in America and there are still too many people who don't even seem to acknowledge that it exists at all; law enforcement organizations need to stand up and declare that the kind of brutality we have seen in recent months is unacceptable.

It will take work from both sides to resolve this issue.

Police abuse of power across the board is an issue in America, but when you go out and act violent as a mob, endangering businesses and innocent civilians, it gives police an out to say they need to behave the way behave because look at what they are dealing with. It "justifies" the militarization of police.

People are no longer paying attention to the acts of brutality by police in Baltimore. Their attention has now gone to the acts of violence by a mob of thugs and criminals.

The cops are now off the hook despite what appears to be police malfeasance that led to the murder of Freddie Gray.

[Dave Gray]

The people who are rioting are already thugs.  I doubt you find many hard-working family-men, who clock out at 5PM after a hard days work to then flip over a police cruiser and light it on fire.

Nothing can be done for ignorant thugs.  It doesn't mean that the community that is upset doesn't have a point.

[Phishfan]

I'm surprised no one has spoken about this mother. She slapped her son for being out there as one of the rioters.

http://time.com/3838330/baltimore-mother-slapping-protester/