If THIS guy is harassed on a regular basis, then there is a problem for all people of color:
Black Republican Senator Says He’s Been Repeatedly Stopped By Police In Last Year
"Following a Senate discussion about the need for criminal justice reform, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) got candid about the reality of being black in America...
“In the course of one year, I’ve been stopped seven times by law enforcement officers. Not four, not five, not six, but seven times in one year as an elected official,” he said. “Was I speeding sometimes? Sure. But the vast majority of the times, I was pulled over for nothing more than driving a new car in the wrong neighborhood, or some other reason just as trivial.”
Scott detailed several times he was followed by police for reasons he couldn’t deduce. He also admitted that he’s been questioned and profiled by police on Capitol Hill.
“I do not know many African American men who do not have a very similar story to tell, no matter their profession. No matter their income. No matter their disposition in life. Imagine the frustration, the irritation, the sense of a loss of dignity that accompanies each of those stops,” Scott said. “I have felt the anger, the frustration, the sadness, and the humiliation that comes with feeling like you’re being targeted for nothing more than being just yourself.”
I'm not sure what the answer is. How do you teach people to think differently? Training? I had to do it for my corporate job, but not sure if that changes the deep biases people are raised with - it just lets HR check the box of letting people know it will not be tolerated in that workplace. I have learned a lot about people from living in a city, traveling to foreign countries and working with people of all different backgrounds. I have learned not to judge until I hear someone speak or watch what they do, but even that is a challenge. I guess a cop pulling someone over doesn't have that until they approach the car. I saw a black man pulled over, standing at the side of the road in jeans and a t shirt, with two patrol cars, lights flashing, and I thought how this could all go very wrong with a split second move on either side.
I also don't understand police officers shooting to kill with no apparent life threat. What happened to shooting someone in the leg? Arm? Once or twice? Shouldn't we expect that law enforcement should be well-trained in use of their firearm that they can stop someone with their gun without killing them? THAT is a decision you can't take back - killing someone. Shouldn't THAT be the last resort?
You can think that #blacklivesmatter and also support law enforcement in the very challenging job they have. My uncle was a sargeant for the San Diego PD and has some stories. There are some scary people out there, but tailing someone waiting for them to make a mistake is not policing.
US citizens have the right to own guns - ALL of them, not just the white ones or ones with badges. Gun ownership should come with not only a permit, but a course on how to USE and STORE it safely before it's handed over. Don't we make people take a test to operate our other favorite deadly weapon, a car?
It saddens me that this year, racist, sexist, homophobic, divisive, hateful and mean thoughts, speech and action have actually gained traction with a healthy percentage of the polled and voting population. I can't believe 35 years later that the myth of "trickle down" economics still plays with hard working people when full-time employment at minimum wage keeps them below the poverty line. Why do we look at each other for our situation when the system and the game are so obviously broken for the 99% of us?
I try to remember we are one every day. There is no "other". Only you can control your thought and deeds. You can make a choice. I hope all people choose to see the good, the sameness, and give each other the benefit of the doubt when things look uncertain. Hoping we can replace hate, anger, revenge and fear with lovingkindness. I love the FREE HUGS guy in Dallas. And their police chief. Don't hate your brothers and sisters. Don't let evil win. Don't reach for that gun.
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