All in the Game?

Three years ago, in 2012, a young African American male living in Florida, Trayvon Martin, was beaten and shot to death by a Hispanic American Watch Patrolman of dubious importance.  One year later, the shooter, George Zimmerman, was found not guilty of murder in the first degree.  Protests, outrage and other cries for justice ensued.

In July 2014, a Staten Island, New York African-American male in his mid-to-late 40's, Eric Garner; was chokehold to death by NYPD officers taking unnecessary and outright criminal approaches while accusing Mr. Garner of selling unlicensed and untaxed goods in order to make a decent living for himself and his family.  This was filmed on the spot; you can hear the last words Mr. Garner stated clearly; "I Can't Breathe" at least several times.

The attacking officer, a White male with rather impulsive judgments past and present, was not charged by a federal grand jury.  This despite the fact that the video evidence clearly shows malice aforethought on the part of the officer involved.  Protests, outrage and other cries for justice ensued; indeed, some actions did become violent.

Early in August 2014, a younger African-American male from Ferguson, Missouri, Michael Brown: was attacked by a white male cop on the suspicion of shoplifting a convenience store of some sort.  While that may be true, the actions taken by the cop were proven fatal; Mr. Brown was shot to death as a consequence of these actions the cop took.  No charges were filed on the cop by a federal grand jury.  Protests, outrage and other cries for justice ensued; riots took place in Ferguson which has left irreparable personal damage to lives.

Two weeks ago, a 27 year old African American male from Baltimore, Maryland; Freddie Gray, was severely beaten by white male cops while being arrested and perhaps resisting arrest over trivial matters.  This resulted in a spinal cord injury, and subsequently a lapse into a coma and then Mr. Gray's death.

Tomorrow, we are expected to hear from Maryland political figures, including Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD), on whether or not charges will be filed against the police officers.  Knowing pretty much that it is unlikely the cops will be charged; protests, outrage and other cries for justice are ensuing.  This has spread to effectively causing Baltimore to effectively cease functioning.  And in all honesty, perhaps this is for the best.

These are only four out of many examples within the last two years of a newer racism afoot.  This would be white male cops going against black males and killing them.  Now, this extends to all different races and economic barriers; much of which is not talked about to make the police look good.  None the less, a pattern has been approaching when these killings are made public.  What baffles me is these cops think the populace will always be on their side.  That is not the case now.  Being a cop does not give anyone the right to use law and punishment as they please. 

We all can talk about the need for peace and calm.  I would agree; yet I see an undercurrent of white people telling black people to keep the peace without adhering to the same standards.  This implies a double standard; which I have never been comfortable with and am against categorically.  Until that is settled, expect more protests and violence to prove a point and send a message.  And in these matters, the protesters will be in the right; whereas law enforcement will be in the wrong end of the issues. 

I will have to say later on.  Have a good night;

Robert