Im among those who strongly believe that how NYPD handled the Eric Garner situation was wrong, to put it mildly; should anyone die for avoiding taxes on cigarettes? So now Ill cause my trouble... This guy in the video is pathetic. He asks, Whats the future for me? Good Grief. First hes asking his question of the late Garners stepfather, showing little concern for that mans actual loss versus his own perceived potential struggles down the line. Second, the elder Garner calls him out, regarding his whereabouts, when Garner was marching to protest the incident and the grand jury decision. Tears are rarely an adequate response to a direct question. Third, and most unfortunate, is the overlooked fact that, if you have been arrested 30 times in 34 years, as Eric Garner had before dying at age 43, then you have created a relationship with the police in which, whether or not you deserve it, you will not receive the benefit of any doubts. What befell Eric Garner was wrong, and someone should be held accountable for his death. Nevertheless, there was a reason that Rosa Parks was made the face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and not Claudette Colvin. As it has always mattered, whenever you stand for right against those who do wrong, the character of your symbols matter, even more than the wrong that may have been done to them, if you are seeking change. Eric Garner was victimized unjustly, but he likely cannot be the posthumous standard bearer for change. Michael Brown, who was not victimized, but rather met an overpowering response to his aggression, is even less so. Too much selfishness, not enough genuine concern for the right thing, not enough choosing of the proper examples, which do exist. I know why Claudette Colvin was put aside in favor of Rosa Parks...I also have very strong suspicions about why Eric Garner and Michael Brown have been made examples instead of others who would make a stronger point... Not everyone who says they want whats right, or what is best for black people, are interested in either...kinda like the tearful man in the car...
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 18:34:50 +0000