Yep - 3 busy months later and some time to randomly wander through some recent events.
1. When are people going to realize that what we are seeing between law enforcement and the black community is not a race issue - it is a culture issue? As with most individual characteristics, we can certainly see that there are as many differences within racial groups as there are between them. Note that many of the officers who have fired on resisting and reportedly-armed civilians are themselves, black men whose lives also matter.
All the body cameras, helicopter videos, and facts in the world will not stop this trend because it is not a matter of accurate information or logic - it is about emotion. But emotion starts with a certain set of beliefs, it is a violation of one's expectations, whether those expectations are realistic or not, One of the beliefs that underlies this cultural problem is that people think it is their right to react to perceived slights with threats of violence. Of course, that expectation is exacerbated by consistent messages that confirm it. There really has yet to be a case of this phenomenon that has not involved a suspect actively and often violently resisting arrest - whether the arrest or detention were justified or not. This reflects a belief that "You do not have the right to arrest or detain me!". If you react this way, if you point a gun at an LEO (or even an armed civilian), then you should expect to be shot at, if not hit. This culture of bravado, of disrespect, is what has bred this situation.
You can see this culture in many of the interviews with survivors of the unfortunate dead. You can see this culture in many of the "demonstrators" who are not demonstrating at all, but rioting and looting in disregard for their fellow citizens. You can even see models for this culture in the increase in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the NFL and in those players who find that the best way to protest is to show disrespect. No understanding that the flag is not a symbol of a perfect nation, but the ideals to which a nation must aspire. No thought that they become part of the problem.
Of course, as long as some people, including lilly-white rich, elitists progressives like Hillary, continue to focus the attention on the race and not the behavior, this is not likely to change. Such a sleight of hand simply creates more problems. Let's be brutally honest; the approach that Hillary and others take simply assumes a disability in the black community. It assumes a level of incapability. Many on that community find it insulting, while others, of that entitlement culture, see it as a reason for further misdeeds.
2. Reading HuffPost (why do I torture myself?) today and saw all the lamenting over Glenn Reynolds' tweet suggesting people "run down" protesters blocking highways. Oh the lamentation and rending of clothing!
One brave soul supporting the potential need to do so brings up Reginald Denny, which I think is a appropriate example. Given the choice - do I stop, respect people who do not respect me and mine, who will consider me guilty based on MY race, end up with bottles hitting my car, my doors smashed in, windows broken and potentially having my family dragged out of the car and beaten severely or killed vs. using the biggest deadly weapon I have (my car) to defend us, there is not much guesswork involved. The consideration paid by Mr. Denny to the rioters he could have run over was paid back, ten-fold in bricks to the head. Of course, some cling to the fact that he was saved by some residents - but he was nearly killed by others and would not have needed saving and suffered a head injury had he not acted humanely to those who would kill him. I am sorry I find no great honor in what he did and suffered for it. I guess we each have to decide which of those ends works best for us. Me? Don't block my car and threaten me.
Looking further in the comments, I thought it was interesting that one whiner noted that "Two wrongs don't make a right" in response to the idea of running them down. Fortunately, a more adult reply reminded this person that blocking the peaceful transit of cars on a highway in response to an alleged unnecessary police shooting was already practicing that second wrong. Perhaps this liberal could wag her finger at others for a change. I doubt it because they are all working overtime to justify the bad behavior.
This is simply the next step in process defined above; the "Go ahead, I dare you. I'm in your face. So, do something about it!" It is the same attitude that has been getting people killed when approached by LEOs; "You have no right to detain me. Go ahead, I dare you. Yes, I'm in your face and armed. Do something about it!" It is that culture on parade, a culture that, rather than be condemned as part of the problem, is being excused as a rational response.
Progressives, including Obama and Hillary, have come to see the world in social movement terms. They see all disruptive behavior as justified due to perceived oppression. Radical Islamist terrorism is not condemnable, it is justified in response to oppression and thus the answer is not swift repercussions, but love and understanding. Thus rioting, gang violence, and so one are not crimes to be dealt with, but are justifiable actions from a disabled people.
