BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 05 Jul 20 - 07:18 AM

SRS and Helen - perfectly put.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Jul 20 - 03:16 PM

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000khls A Point of View radio4
"We need to challenge how we historicise the past and give it a thorough spring clean," writes Bernardine Evaristo.
Bernardine discusses the UK's response to Black Lives Matter, "a necessary moment in our political history."

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Jul 20 - 03:27 PM

file on 4. racism in the police
With the words ‘I can’t breathe’ reverberating around the world, the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK has put the issue of racial justice at the top of the political agenda. Twenty-one years after the Macpherson inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence labelled the Metropolitan Police ‘institutionally racist’, File on 4 explores concerns black, Asian and ethnic minority officers still face discrimination in the service.

Police forces in England and Wales are in the middle of an unprecedented recruitment drive, to add 20,000 new officers by March 2023, providing an opportunity to improve diversity. There is work to do, as Home Office figures for 2019, seen for the first time by File on 4, reveal many specialist positions continue to be dominated by white officers. There were only two ethnic minority officers among 184 in the mounted police; 15 out of 734 dog handlers; and 11 among 426 detectives in special investigations teams.

File on 4 asks whether the way black and Asian officers are currently treated is likely to be a barrier to attracting suitable candidates and if the changes will affect representation at senior ranks, where there are very few ethnic minority officers. The programme reveals data, collected by the National Black Police Association, that ethnic minority officers represent 14% of all officers under misconduct investigation and over 20% of inquiries that had progressed to a misconduct meeting or gross misconduct hearing, despite representing less than 7% of all officers. File on 4 hears from ex police inspector Mark Dias who was put under surveillance illegally by Cleveland Police and found to be the victim of racial discrimination.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Thompson
Date: 06 Jul 20 - 05:17 AM

Today is the hundredth anniversary of a lynching in Texas when two brothers were burned at the stake, watched by a crowd of 3,000 - which suggests that everyone who lives in Paris, Texas, can ask their grandparents about watching this murder.
Race is a superstitious concept. We just have to wipe this nonsense out.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 06 Jul 20 - 10:04 PM

Oh great, Atlanta has called in the National Guard.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Jul 20 - 06:25 AM

The irony that it took Nixon to open China or it took GWB to help elect Obama, it took Donald Trump to advance an end to racism.
Doubling and tripling down on Make Racism Great Again is making blowback even stronger.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Jul 20 - 09:29 PM

Native Americans won a decision by the Supreme Court that a 1907 treaty makes half of Tulsa OK. part of the Cree Indian reservation, WHOO Boy this is good news for the Indian nation.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Neil D
Date: 10 Jul 20 - 12:11 AM

SRS said:
Bonzo, don't believe everything you read. All of that is out of the mouth of the head of the police union in Minneapolis and right wing politicians opposing the whole Black Lives Matter movement. Snopes sorted out the hyperbole from the facts:

According to court records in Harris County, which encompasses Floyd’s hometown of Houston, authorities arrested him on nine separate occasions between 1997 and 2007, mostly on drug and theft charges that resulted in months-long jail sentences.

It seems to me that a man who was arrested nine times before 2007 and not once since then, has truly turned his life around. After Floyd's last release from prison, he became more involved with Resurrection Houston, a Christian church and ministry, where he mentored young men. He helped his mother recuperate after a stroke. He delivered meals and assisted on other projects with Angel By Nature Foundation. Later he became involved with a ministry that brought men from the Third Ward to Minnesota in a church-work program with drug rehabilitation and job placement services.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Neil D
Date: 10 Jul 20 - 12:38 AM

And speaking of police unions, these aren't like other labor unions whose raison d'etre is advocating for better pay and healthier working conditions. Police unions are the number one enablers for bad cops. There are frustrated police chiefs all over the country who try to weed out bad actors only to be forced by the union to rehire them. When people talk about disbanding a police dept they aren't calling for a world without law enforcement. In places where it was done, like Camden, NJ, the dept was rebuilt from scratch, most of the original officers were rehired and they ended up with an even larger dept. You may ask what was the point. According to a NY Post article: Camden was wracking up a large murder tally and millions of dollars in policing debt amid widespread corruption when it dissolved its force and formed a new non-union one with a more “community-oriented” bent and anti-force stance seven years ago. The key word there is non-union. The move was incredibly successful with violent crime dropping by 42% and exceessive force complaints down 95%.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 11 Jul 20 - 03:55 PM

Bad boy Donald hired a professional painting crew to black out the word black on 5th Fifth Ave at Trump tower so it says LIVES MATTER.
Celebrities are volunteering to paint 'black' back. There is now a waiting list.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jul 20 - 08:51 PM

Black Like Me - Stan Grant (Australia)

Stan Grant journalist, television presenter - Wikipedia

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Jul 20 - 09:21 AM

I do credit the BLM movement with today's news, of the DC [American] football team changing their horribly racist name finally! New name not yet known.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 21 Jul 20 - 08:37 AM

And this: Wall of Moms protect Portland protesters

https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/5470348002

Blicky

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 23 Jul 20 - 10:56 AM

Is anybody still seeing ongoing protests in their locality, not counting on the news? I do hope this has not flashed in the pan.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 20 - 03:22 PM

No sign of painters covering up "Black," but there have been incidents of vandalism. One puzzling protester, a black woman in NYC, has vandalized the one on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and the sign painted in Brooklyn.

Vandalism on road signs.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 23 Jul 20 - 04:03 PM

All rather pathetic

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 23 Jul 20 - 04:27 PM

Aaand... The Washington football team will be called just that. Betcha they hope this all goes away and they can just go back to the old name and keep pretending it's not racistAF.

https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/5494337002

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: robomatic
Date: 24 Jul 20 - 02:55 AM

With Obama following Bush2 and then followed by Trump I kinda figured it in the nature of "3 steps forward 2 steps back. But those steps back have been spring loaded with resistance so I reckon a lot of Trump's negative actions have mainly stirred the pot. The big unknown is all those judges, but people in the business of appointing judges have been surprised before, not usually to their pleasure.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 26 Jul 20 - 02:07 PM

Is racism a public health issue?

Does your answer differ for Murrica versus, say, Europe?

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 26 Jul 20 - 02:22 PM

Right now in England at the peak of BLM,
we have a Very right wing conservative Asian Politician
attacking a Black Rapper for being antisemitic..

That's a whole mess of agendas and power struggles in play,
in just this one suspiciously motivated and opportunist politicking situation...

The rapper will come off worst, and probably end up as an unemployable pariah...

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Jul 20 - 10:04 AM

Most racist wounds will ache for a lifetime. Some racist wounds can paralyze for a lifetime. I have always thought "Please don't murder me" equals "Black Lives Matter" and is a very very low bar for humanity to cross. Those blinded by the pain from racist wounds may not see their own "isms". It will take generations to forget racism as an existential threat. Forgive the Black rapper.

On the other hand ass holes who know the power of the big lie or reversal, will continue to sell their wares. Do not forgive your Asian conservative liar.

The only genetic specific weakness in black communities I know of is Sickle Cell Anemia. Everything else is simply exacerbated by poverty and racism.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Jul 20 - 10:24 AM

Stilly just because a tree falls in the forest and you don't google it doesn't mean it didn't happen.https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/27/us/black-lives-matter-mural-manhattan-vandalized/index.html

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 20 - 10:50 AM

The difference, Don, is that you suggested Trump had a concerted effort to paint out the word "Black" when it fact it is (so far - but I'm sure they give him ideas) individuals making limited attacks on parts of the sign with other colors of paint.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Jul 20 - 08:14 PM

If you don't think he is a suspect who asked 'can anyone rid me of this meddlesome message', at least he is a person of interest but fair enough I do not have conspiratorial proof.
I made a post about Q Anon and since then it has been amplified positively by FOX legitimizing it by mention on national TV. https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/fox-news-jesse-watters-touts-qanon-1034136/
These are the full goose bonker people. But be your own judge.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: robomatic
Date: 28 Jul 20 - 09:21 PM

Regarding Sickle Cell Anemia there was a repeat on 60 Minutes (US) this past Sunday where it was shown that the single gene that creates sickle cell anemia has been found for some time but more recently in several cases individuals have been able to be cured by putting the correct gene in an HIV virus envelope and injecting it into bone marrow. It is a complicated procedure but has worked. It is like watching what kind of work, persistence, and resistance to pain is required to bring forth a miracle.

This is a concrete example of change on the way. So it is possible.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 29 Jul 20 - 12:56 PM

To bring forward something scientific that isn't miraculous, but hard-earned.

This just in: The easiest way to tell that Star Trek was written by white people is they say "where no one had gone before" but, like, 90% of the planets they go to are inhabited.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jul 20 - 03:26 PM

Robo that is interesting. They have succesfully inserted a gene via a measels virus to combat cancer but recovering from the side effects were challenging.
I wonder if a CRISPER technique will prove benificial.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jul 20 - 03:34 PM

This kind of genetic medicine reminds me of Star Trek

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jul 20 - 03:39 PM

I believe TR was either a racist or politically too savy to reignite the issue. Either way it is possible to be a great President and be immature to the issue of race.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Helen
Date: 29 Jul 20 - 04:53 PM

Change on the way in Oz? Maybe this time, I hope.

This mutually negotiated initiative has been ramped up after the BLM protests, so let's hope it works and is not just shelved in a dusty corner somewhere.

Closing the Gap agreement

"For the first time, First Nations people will share decision-making with governments on Closing the Gap.

"If the priority reforms are implemented in full by governments … we should see changes over time to the lives and experiences of our people."

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jul 20 - 06:18 PM

Change on the way? As a question it disturbs me because it is up to each of us to create the world we prefer, not anyone else.
It is hard work swimming against a tide but it can be done.
It is not the critic who counts or points out how the strong man stumbles, the activist knows that they could do it better. The arena of public opinion can mark your face with sweat, dust or blood. As long as you strive valiently in the little things, the big things grow lighter and managable. You will come up short again and again for where there is no effort wthout stumbling or error there is no striving. Great enthusiasms, great devotions, dedicated to spend time in a worthy cause is what counts. When you know the triumph of high achievment or simply fail, you at least failed while daring greatly. To create a preferred world is yours and not for the timid souls who do not know victory or defeat.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 31 Jul 20 - 11:26 AM

I'm off quarantine tomorrow so hope to get back out agitating!

What manifestations are ongoing in your necks of the woods?

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 31 Jul 20 - 04:55 PM

agitate agitate agitate

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: robomatic
Date: 31 Jul 20 - 07:28 PM

Mrzzy sounds like you want to do somethin' that gets you right back into quarantine!

I've been listening to NPR radio. Apparently there is an English football (soccer) team called the Chiefs which is big on Native American antics and apparently causing some indignation. Is there change on the way?

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 01 Aug 20 - 07:14 AM

Robo you may be right!

I think team names like Chiefs and Braves, while referring to a culture not their own, at least refer to content of character, unlike the DC American-football team, which refers to color of skin. Quite different, imnsho.

But I still bet that the DC team is planning to go back to their old name "once this nonsense blows over" and say the fans demanded it, à la New Coke, which I predicted at the time.

But this ain't nonsense and it ain't blowing over. Not this time. I fervently hope.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Aug 20 - 08:47 AM

We can't lose this moment in history despite the vengeful sarcasm by Dan Snyder types.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: peteglasgow
Date: 01 Aug 20 - 08:53 AM

hello robomatic - we don't have soccer teams in scotland or england - we have football teams . the team you are referring to are Exeter Chiefs - who play rugby! (which is like that daft american game but without the body armour, endless adverts and bewildering hordes of substitutes)

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Aug 20 - 08:59 AM

heh heh.

As Bill Mahre points out there are extreme examples of a cancel culture going too far in matters of BLM that unfairly punishes an adult if their teenager posts somthing racist. Ignorance is the domain of most teenagers.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Neil D
Date: 01 Aug 20 - 10:13 AM

You know, Brits always react indignantly when Americans use the word soccer, but I remember a scene from a British kitchen sink drama from 1963 "This Sporting Life". Richard Harris is talking to some toff at a party who thinks he knows about sport but then he's obviously talking about association football to a rugby player. Richard Harris corrects him by saying "you're talking about soccer, I play rugby". So do the English call it football except when differentiating it from rugby?
Speaking of teams changing their racist names, the Cleveland Indians baseball franchise has said they are going to change theirs. They already retired the Chief Wahoo logo, a red-faced, hook-nosed caricature of a Native American that Natives compared to Little Black Sambo.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 01 Aug 20 - 01:57 PM

Need a reminder of why Edward Colston got dumped in the harbour?

Fara Dabhoiwala in the NY Review of Books

I didn't know a fraction of that. Slavery under the British in the Caribbean was unspeakably more horrific than it ever was in the American South.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: robomatic
Date: 01 Aug 20 - 02:23 PM

Thanks peteglasgow: I saw a rundown of the origin of the terms and 'soccer' was originally a British term which changed over time, but got adopted in the States. I was simply trying to be clear, and turned out I was also in error. Rugby means the same thing on both sides of the pond.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 04 Aug 20 - 08:43 AM

And then there's this ... Medical advice for things like breastfeeding and tear gas.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: rich-joy
Date: 05 Aug 20 - 02:32 AM

My Liverpool brother-in-law has just sent me somewhat alarming news of the paramilitary-style FF (Forever Family) marching in London -
but also of "The Equiano Project" headed by Inaya Folarin Iman, which sounds promising - can any UK Catters elaborate???

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Aug 20 - 10:25 PM

How racist are some Americans?

Some white people are beggining to show a concern and compassion for black people that was normally reserved for animals.
Baby steps for sure but at least it is progress.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 07 Aug 20 - 07:31 AM

Watchoo on about, Donuel?

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Aug 20 - 07:51 AM

That quote is from a black comedian's joke but when you think about it...

Besides sickle cell the-
Risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for blacks as for whites in the US and UK..

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 07 Aug 20 - 03:59 PM

Sickle-cell is not environmental. The allele that causes it [when on both chromosomes] has been preserved in African populations because when only on one chromosome, it confers resistance to malaria.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: robomatic
Date: 09 Aug 20 - 08:53 AM

And thanks to cutting edge research in America there is real progress being made in a successful lifelong treatment for sickle-cell anemia. The 'cure' word was used on Sixty Minutes (US).

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 10 Aug 20 - 09:46 AM

That will be great *as long as* said cure does not enter the germ cells. We need to keep malarial resistance around, but I am all for getting rid of sicklecell.

Subject: RE: BS: Black Lives Matter - change on the way?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Aug 20 - 08:16 AM

Meanwhile Charlottesville just had our 3rd anniversary of that horrible white supremacy disaster.