We don't normally indulge in political discussion on the Bears forum but in lieu of yelling at each other over football I thought it might be interesting to get your thoughts, opinions and observations on what's happening across the United States during this sweeping call for reform. Tell me if you think this is going to affect some change or if you think that change is even needed.
I don't see any real change coming out of this. Maybe different policies on how suspects are handled, but beyond that, I doubt it. And even if there are changes, people are still going to say that's not enough. No one is going to be happy when it's all said and done.
Human Christina Perri Rag'n'Bone Man I can hold my breath I can bite my tongue I can stay awake for days If that's what you want Be your number one I can fake a smile I can force a laugh I can dance and play the part If that's what you ask Give you all I am I can do it I can do it I can do it But I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human, yeah I can turn it on Be a good machine I can hold the weight of worlds If that's what you need Be your everything I can do it I can do it I'll get through it But I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human, yeah I'm only human I'm only human Just a little human I can take so much Until I've had enough 'Cause I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human, yeah
When you see how many police and police chiefs walking with the protesters and/or taking a knee, does that influence your thoughts?
I've seen that. I'm not sure what to think about it. Is that a sincere move or just good PR ?? Time will tell.
Not at all. It's akin to an abuser in an abusive relationship. They're effecting no change. Until there is meaningful reform and legislation, nothing has changed. Holding hands and trying to be nice doesn't change anything.
Thanks guys, very interesting input. Bww has been active in the protests, so I'm also interested in hearing his observations as well. Somebody said you have to get out an vote if you want to see reform, do you agree with that?
Somebody said you have to get out an vote if you want to see reform, do you agree with that? Yes...........and this Nov. it could Top 75 % voter turnout.
I do. But it won't be immediate. The biggest question for me is how does this change the November elections and does a change in leadership actually improve things in the present? I say no. I don't think Biden is the leader we need. I doubt anyone feels that way. But we do need change.
No, but it doesn't make it worse and it's a step in the right direction. I believe people, in general, and inherently good and that goes for the police force as well. Most cops are good. I believe that. There are some really rotten apples. They need to go. And laws and procedures need to be in place that prevent rotten apples from staying in positions of power they can abuse.
Kinda, sorta active. We have protests in Nashville last week. I went to the rally and marched for a couple hours then spent the rest of the night playing guard in my neighborhood and preventing any idiots from doing any destruction. I had several good conversations with police and protesters and one really heated disagreement with a cop that was bothering two kids who's only "crime" was standing on the side of the street chanting black lives matter. I drove up to Louisville because I have friends and family there that reside in a neighborhood where the riots got pretty severe. I didn't try to play peacekeeper too much....just wanted to make sure no one I cared about got hurt. Had one run in with a would be rioter with a pool cue that was laughing too much and that lets me know he doesn't even understand what he's "protesting". I'm back home now and going to another rally here in Nashville shortly that will end with a march to the Capitol building and some speeches. After that I'm gonna race home and help guard the neighborhood again. I fully support these protests. The protesting....not the destruction. I also completely support law and order....just not Trump's version of it. I will never support police brutality or abuse of power and am tired of hearing the excuses for it. It's time for change. And, unfortunately, you gotta break eggs to make an omelet. Not saying I agree with violence and I don't like seeing our country so torn up.....but this is due guys. This was coming for a while. My hope is that somehow, someway this bridges the political divide at least a little in the long run. That we someday can move past this era where your political views dictate who you are friends with. Not sure we can but I hope we can. If these events prove anything though it's that our current political leadership, Republican Democrat and other, needs to fucking go. All of them. Time to rebuild.
Thanks Bww. Really good thoughts. Police brutality against people of colour or racially-diverse has been going on for years. This is not going to be an easy fix but you have to start somewhere. These could be our family, and our friends. Outrage should be the very least of how all of humanity should be feeling right now.
I am really reassured by seeing the video of the gentleman who welcomed and gave haven to a group of protesters into his house. It really changes things when you see a gesture like this.
10,000 people marched and protested through Nashville last night and it was almost 100% peaceful. Some severe rain at the end probably chased away any would be nuisances...but it was a pretty powerful protest to witness. If all these folks can show up to the polls the way they have made their voices heard the past eight days or so...they can bring change. It will take more than 1 election to see the kind of change we truly need.
That's incredible. That is a BIG number of people in a group. I think that shows that there is far more intent to protest peacefully than not.
Don't get me wrong....there were some idiots in there. A few that were trying to agitate the police that were guarding and guiding the march and in the very back of the line there was a group, for some reason, that were carrying canisters of nitrous oxide and sucking it from balloons to get high as they marched. I know I'm old....but I never knew sucking nitrous was a thing. Until yesterday.
Yes, I too see some good coming out of all this, and while it may be remembered by many in a negative light with the riots, looting, and destruction it appears to have gotten their attention. I will remember it positively as a step forward. People that weren't listening before are starting to listen, and now the entire world is listening. The worldwide support gives me hope that we can open our eyes and ears and move forward and LISTEN. Colin's protest fell on deaf ears because it was twisted into something it wasn't. He kneeled to show respect for the veterans, but his protest was turned into something it wasn't. If you remember the onset of the protest he first sat, and that bothered a former Navy Seal Boyer and he contacted Colin. Boyer suggested he kneel to show respect because that's often what is done when handing over a flag to the family at the gravesite of a veteran. What did Colin do? He listened and quietly kneeled. That's how many of those posing as anthem etiquette loving nazis veil their contempt as disrespect to our veterans, but we all know what's really behind the curtain. When I challenged those Yankee Doodle fucking Dandies about how they felt about the mostly white fans screaming, yelling, and shouting during the Blackhawks games at the UC they had absolutely no problem with it. I don't have a problem with either, but I do know which one shows more disrespect. I'm extremely hopeful now after this week we'll see more people speak out about this piece of shit in the White House like Mattis did as his true colors as well as his ignorance, believe me, become more vibrant and crystal clear. This right here will be everything. People are fed up and if people of all colors will protest relentlessly you know damn well they will make it to the polls. I don't know about 75% but without a doubt, it will be the greatest turnout ever.
