Some who were in attendance at the 2011 Correspondent’s Ball have suggested it was that event which convinced Donald Trump revenge was the only remedy to the humiliation Present Obama dumped on him. On that chilly night in April Obama’s team of writers had him buzzing better than the late Richard Pryor or even the late Redd Foxx as he had the entire room in laughter while chastising Trump over his ill-advised birther crusade.
As Trump was forced to sit in his chair all the while seething, you could see his mind was plotting the next move. During the 2016 presidential campaign he swore to his supporters that if elected he would take on an aggressive strategy of attempting to rescind any order approved by Barack Obama. Interestingly, even as his supporters wildly cheered his proclamations, they were not aware or didn’t pay attention that some of those orders actually benefitted them!
Nevertheless, Trump was determined and hell-bent on getting even. Fast forward to the holiday season of 2017 and we see first hand how Trump is obsessed with getting even with Obama, as he can’t find enough orders to rescind while suggesting they ALL were terrible.
The latest charade is the Net Neutrality issue. It doesn’t matter that in 2015 the Federal Communications Committee approved a guideline committing to equal access to the internet. With a majority in hand the Committee led by Ajit Pai felt obliged to help Trump in his quest to remove yet another Obama order. In the guise of increasing competition or the notion that any regulation is bad for consumers, on Thursday, December 14th the Committee voted along party lines to remove net neutrality guidelines.
The beneficiaries are the large communications companies such as A.T.& T, Verizon, Sprint and others known as internet service providers (ISP’s). The result of the vote means they now can manipulate internet speed which will affect traffic and in many cases, send a signal to consumers to be prepared for a price hike.
As simple as Net Neutrality is, it just sounds complicated. No doubt there is always room for improvement and yes, those consumers who use more than others should be expected to pay more. Surely, you can’t blame the ISP’s for having the desire to charge you for services which you use. The rub is consumers already have the option of improving internet speed by the tiered pricing structures ISP’s have.
At the same time the entire focus of net neutrality was to make the internet accessible for all, not to use it as a commodity to penalize those who simply lack the resources to obtain. Internet pricing has moved just like cable television. What seemed like a bargain at $29 per month has morphed to over $100, $200 and more. Companies offer a variety of rebuttals to justify the price increases, so as long as your budget allows you to pay, you simply keep moving. The ire for those protesting the commission’s vote is the core question; what happens to those who are priced out?
While the commission did indeed vote to rescind Obama’s 2015 guideline, it appears the last word on this issue has not been spoken. Just after the vote, public outcry reached a fever pitch as people from across the nation, even those who claim support for Trump have started their plea for Congress to overturn the commission’s ruling.
Protestors claim the fight has just begun
For those such as Trump, the issue does not appear to be what is in the best interest of the public as evidenced by public opinion. The issue for them is to use elements of our government as tools for revenge.
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a dramatic thriller set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is upended when a turbulent series of events challenge the activism that has defined his career. Colin Farrell costars as the ambitious, monied lawyer who recruits Roman to his firm.
[Leimert Park, CA] Known as the cultural heartbeat of the African-American community Leimert Park was full of energy as SONY Pictures, the African-American Film Critics Association and the Urban Issues Forum hosted a symposium and discussion on the upcoming movie Roman J. Israel, esg. Last night a standing room only crowd squeezed in the iconic Regency West supper club to hear first hand why this movie is a must-see.
“You have lots of great civil rights attorney’s but they are not the same as civil rights activist.” Jasmyne Cannick.
Led by AAFCA president Gil Robertson the panel was allowed to stretch out and gave great examples of current day activism in Los Angeles. The panelists were social critic and political commentator Jasmyne Cannick; the film’s director and producer Dan Gilroy; Professor of African-American studies and noted historian of activism in Los Angeles, Dr. Anthony Samad and noted community activist attorney Nana Gyamfi.
Asked about what motivated him to create the film, director Gilroy stated he is a “child of the 60’s” who grew up in a very liberal-minded family. He noted the impact of the civil rights movement and how he came to appreciate the activist attorney’s who worked during that period even up until now. “The issues never stop,” mentioned Gilroy. He spoke how the character portrayed in the movie had a unique personality and once he showed the screen play to lead actor Denzel Washington the rest is history. Washington played a critical role in developing the film and once the movie “Fences” was completed he gave his full energy in helping Gilroy bring the movie to the big screen. Screening is set with a special engagement on November 17th in Los Angeles and New York.
The film is set in Los Angeles during the ’70’s and is one you will enjoy. Coincidently, coming out of the civil rights movement many students moving on to college were motivated to study law. A good crop were led to become proficient as “people’s law” attorney’s with the aspiration to bring justice to all of those who were underserved or victims of the criminal justice system. Like the movie character Israel, they weren’t the most flashy in appearance but were extraordinary in understanding the law and how it could benefit the clients who sought them out. Israel’s character also reminds you of the work such as James Bell who has built a stellar legal career dealing with the injustices of youth.
Donald Trump portrays himself as a prolific successful business person. He is known by his bombasity, arrogance, bullying and otherwise keen on convincing anyone who comes in contact with him that his faults are few, if any. He has claimed to only associating with the smartest people, going to the best schools, having the best luck, on and on. Those who support him maintain he is simply misunderstood and his gift is what this country needs to move forward. Those who do not support him, can’t understand why the supporters can’t see the obvious?
While many pleaded for caution as he announced his run for the presidency, there were more who grew frustrated with government and the politicians who operated within it. Thus, as Trump ran a Boston on the field of candidates of the GOP primary, the result was successfully high-jacking the party by becoming their leader. His personality convinced more than a handful of voters that he would provide the type of leadership they were desperate for. His bottom line proclamation to his supporters was it was now or never! The rest is history.
Sometimes it’s best to keep your mouth shut!
Another interesting thing about Donald Trump is his boastful remarks. Unfortunately words do matter and in his case they have proven to be a thorn in his side. Yet, he talks and tweets as if in some type of robotic craze, then gets upset when people challenge the very remarks which came from him.
You may recall during the presidential campaign of 2016, Trump boasted with great gravitas how the professional politicians; particularly Hillary Clinton operated with an army of staff? The contrast that he offered was that his team consisted of a fraction of his opponents. He promised he knew what he was doing and when questioned on the number of staff operating his campaign, he boasted one of his favorite phrases, “trust me!”
Can he be a great guy and a liar at the same time?
This brings us to the Papadopoulos connection. Some have intimated the entire Russia issue would be a non-issue, if not for Donald Trump commenting about it during the campaign. There is no crime in meeting with Russia. The problem Trump finds himself in is because he professed a blanket denial of having ANY connection! How hard would it have been just to say, “sure, I have connections……? what’s the big deal?”
During the course of the past eighteen months, Trump and his supporters have insisted the entire Russia issue is ridiculous and only used as a disguise to block him from successfully executing his agenda. Despite evidence to the contrary, Trump has dispensed an army of supporters who frequent the media airwaves with the core objective to dismiss the entire issue as nonsense. In reviewing some of their comments you feel as if they have taken a “blood oath” in promising never to agree to obvious contradictions, especially when the topic is Trump and his actions.
The sin of arrogance
One part of an arrogant personality is attempting to exude confidence and projecting knowing more than most. It is nothing wrong with this trait, as long as it is truth. It becomes a big problem when it is clear the person is being dishonest and merely speaking to speak, as if the sound of their voice will overwhelm any common sense.
Part of Trump’s behavior is never admitting “you don’t know” as perhaps in his mind that shows a sign of weakness? The irony is it is absolutely nothing wrong to state “you don’t know, if in fact you don’t know,” especially if asked a question.
The Washington Post Editorial Board Meeting
It was March 2016 and Trump’s popularity was steamrolling through the nation. He met with the Washington Post editorial board and for some bizarre reason belted out the name of George Papadopoulos. As a matter of fact, if you are even concerned, go back and listen to the audio and you will conclude he hesitated when the question was posed, yet felt he had to provide something so among other names Papadopoulos was mentioned as a key part of Trump’s team. The words came from Trump’s mouth.
The transcript of the interview shows Post Publisher Fred Ryan Jr. saying to Trump, “We’ve heard you’re going to be announcing your foreign policy team shortly. … Any you can share with us?”
Trump responds in part, “Well, I hadn’t thought of doing it, but if you want I can give you some of the names … Walid Phares, who you probably know, Ph.D., adviser to the House of Representatives caucus, and counter-terrorism expert; Carter Page, Ph.D; George Papadopoulos, he’s an energy and oil consultant, excellent guy; the Honorable Joe Schmitz, [former] inspector general at the Department of Defense; [retired] Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; and I have quite a few more.”
Yet, now that the Mueller probe has finally started unleashing names of those accused of wrongdoing, Trump has insisted Papadopoulos is a nobody. He has insisted he didn’t know who in the hell Papadopoulos is, yet can’t explain why he volunteered his name to the Washington Post in the first place!.
….came to the campaign. Few people knew the young, low level volunteer named George, who has already proven to be a liar. Check the DEMS!
What do Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Bagdad Bob have in common?
When the Papadopoulos news broke Trump demanded Sarah Huckabee Sanders face the press and insist not only was Papadopoulos a nobody and a liar but that his involvement had nothing to do with the Trump campaign?
Some of you may remember the infamous Bagdad Bob who swore Iraq was not being attacked – despite the obvious
Unfortunately, however you try to slice it, the facts are Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to his behavior and the indictment highlights more than enough information for a reasonable person to conclude indeed his actions were at the heart of the campaign and specifically dealt with an attempt to connect it with Russia. Of course, those who are not happy of Mueller’s indictment of Papadopoulos are very quick to offer the red-herring about Hillary Clinton and the uranium deal, or for allegedly paying for the Trump dossier, or anything which will divert your attention to the real issue; the serious indictment of Papadopoulos.
Papadopoulos presents a problem. While he may in fact was just a motely volunteer, his overzealousness caught the attention of leadership within the campaign. As the fledgling team bragged their frugal operation at the same time they embraced Papadopoulos and what he had to offer. Interestingly many of them are perhaps a bit fidgety, thus who knows how many will have federal marshals’ contacting them. Only time will tell what the impact will conclude and whether Donald Trump and his supporters will come to accept what most others already know; his campaign sought support from the Russians.
This week’s news could result what some have insisted – the entire Mueller investigation is a big “NOTHING BURGER.” At the opposite end of the spectrum, social media has already projected a different conclusion in this “Russia with Love” clip.
[Chavez Ravine] Unless you were in a coma, don’t read/view/listen to the news or just can’t stand the game of baseball or you are shaking your head in disbelief that people would waste valuable time to attend/view a game which took nearly 4 hours…………you missed the Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner hitting a walk-off (the home team’s last at-bat) hitting a historic home run off Chicago Cubs and well-traveled reliever John Lackey to win the game.
The game is still just a game but the surreal comparison when analyzing Turner’s home run is it just so happened to be 29 years to the date when Kirk Gibson marched into the annals of sports history with his monumental blast which led the Dodgers to their World Series Crown. Coincidently, that is why Dodger fans are thirsty and hopeful that Turner’s home run is a sign that they may finally claim another World Series trophy.
To keep Turner’s feat into perspective, yes it was a blast but this is just the second round of the playoffs or the NLCS (the National League Champion Series) and the win put the Dodgers up two games to none. However, they must win four games to claim the seven game series and the defending World Series champs, the Cubs could still rally and knock the Dodgers out?
Here is the extended clip of Justin Turner’s blast which starts with Chris Taylor’s at-bat
Ekersley, shocked to his toes!! Vin Scully
This is the comparison clip and features the full footage of Kirk Gibson’s home start. The footage starts with Mike Davis’ at-bat
[Los Angeles, CA] The movie “Marshall” is set for release this weekend. I was fortunate to be in attendance with some of my BPG (Black Professional Group) colleagues as they hosted an advance screening Wednesday, October 11th.
The life of Thurgood Marshall has been chronicled in the annals of contemporary history. However as iconic as his legal career was and his subsequent place as a justice on the Supreme Court, there is much about him the public does not know. The two most recent books of his life do a good job in presenting his career; Thurgood Marshall:American Revolutionary written by Juan Williams (2000) andShowdown, written by Wil Haygood (2015).
“Marshall” the movie does a good job of showcasing his brilliance of our legal system. It is not a documentary but more of a bio-pic. Therefore, it does take creative license in presenting a very entertaining movie. Certain scenes take me back to “Native Son” as race and sex are center stage. You have a black chauffeur accused of raping a white woman, whom he worked for. We have seen this plot before. As a young attorney Marshall was part of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund so he was summoned to represent the chauffeur who claimed to be falsely accused.
Through twist and turns of dealing with sheer racism and a system which automatically assumed those accused, especially if they were black (African-American) were guilty, Marshall used his gift to motivate and convince the lead attorney they could turn the system to their favor while seeking to exonerate their client.
My grade
If you know about Justice Thurgood Marshall, you will score the film high. However, if you are not aware of his career or the plight of blacks during that period, you will miss the sensitivities and may provide a lower grade. My grade comes in at a solid 7, and after some reflection I could see moving it up to an 8 because it covered so much ground.
The cast is very contemporary but at the end you are treated to three people who make a cameo appearance which make you appreciate the struggle of working through the legal system in trying to achieve justice.
More information.
On Tuesday, October 10th the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, DC also had a special screening. Those in attendance were treated to a post question and answer conducted by Wil Haygood (The Butler) as he interviewed the director, Reginald Hudlin. There are many poignant comments during the 32-minute session, including how not one U.S. company was willing to fund the project. The usual excuse of the film not having a broad audience was the reason Hudlin shared. How many times have we heard that only to see such movies take on worldwide interest? Hudlin’s work was eventually realized as Chinese investors stepped forward.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
[Washington, DC] To the chagrin and frustration of Donald Trump and his administration, today the Bureau of Labor Statistics released employment data for September. The decline was expected but goes against the mantra Trump spouted about the HUGE success workers would see once he was running things.
No one can predict natural disasters. Hurricane season is common for the Caribbean and states which buffer against the Gulf of Mexico. It’s something you can never get use too, however the magic of those states, territories and countries is why people choose to call it home. Harvey and Maria packed a punch not seen in years. The result was pure devastation and many workers were sidelined as whatever job they previously performed disappeared.
Unemployment rate dips to 4.2%
Even though job numbers dipped, there was good news as the unemployment rate slid to 4.2%. These numbers are important as they affect the psyche of those in the workforce and have a direct impact on consumer confidence.
Trump is known for his bombastic rhetoric and marginalization of anything which places him in a negative context. Ever since taking over as the president, he coined a new phrase to counter such news as “fake.” He was warned repeatedly that running government is different from a family held business. Yet, he boasted tremendous improvement that has never been seen before would occur! The big difference is accountability and factual public data which will contradict even the most confident-appearing person. While the clock is ticking, reality is setting in for many and they are pleading for his critics, “just to give him a chance.”
As we move into the fall season, October is also projected to be down as the employment effects of hurricane Maria will be announced.
Students attending school are required to take United States history in the eighth grade. The basic curriculum is intended to provide the fundamentals of how our government was created and how it has transitioned through the years. Sadly, not everyone who took the class received a passing grade. Or, perhaps they did at the time but as years have gone by they may have forgotten the basic tenets of what they learned, especially the facts of the United States constitution?
Protesting is a basic and fundamental privilege of citizenship.
Protesting is a basic right covered in the first amendment. It is very clear. There is never a right time to protest. The primary intent of protest is to raise awareness. In doing so, some may feel institutions, symbols or things they view as sacred are being disrespected. That is a false premise, especially with the Colin Kaepernik and the current NFL’s reaction.
Protest is meant to be disruptive. Protesting is often non-violent, but it is not to be confused as a courteous gesture or something where the protestor’s say “excuse me.”
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” First Amendment of the United States Constitution
Is Trump allowing Puerto Rico to be his “Katrina”?
The Colin Kaepernick protest started over a year ago. Just this past week it picked up steam as Donald Trump felt it was his duty to admonish the NFL teams for showing support for Kaepernick and disrespecting the flag, the anthem and anything else determined by him to be patriotic.
In doing so, sadly Trump demonstrated his sheer ignorance of the first amendment. His public outcry was done and played out while Puerto Rico and victims of the recent hurricanes are in desperate need for government intervention. He has been stubborn to understand the genesis of the protest and instead has insisted the narrative he created is the truth; the protest disrespects the flag, the anthem and the military.
Worse, this week he and his administration have taken to the airwaves to report how well the recovery is going, specifically in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, reporters on the ground and spread over the island have been in stark contradiction to the administration’s assessment.
“They require policy guidance from the president on what he wants them to do,” Honore said while reacting to the administration’s slow response time. “I think that’s where the gap is. Should have been moving the military last Saturday, the president was out playing golf and twittering.” Lt.Colonel (retired) Russell Honoree
The question begs for many? With human life at stake, why in the world is Trump so focused on the NFL and the player protest? Yet, while he claims such patriotism, he has never served in the military and has taken glee in criticizing and making derogatory comments about those who indeed have served or who have lost loved ones while in military service!
Is this a diversion? Has Trump found yet another wedge issue where people lose focus on his lack of legislative success? Is it a coincidence that the majority of NFL players are African-American and the obvious factor of race is quite clear? Football is a game. The current situation in Puerto Rico is real life. People have short memories but they tend to remember who was in office during natural disasters. They remember their actions, as well as their inactions.
After hours of careful consideration, and even a visit from Nate Boyer, a retired Green Beret and former NFL player, we came to the conclusion that we should kneel, rather than sit, the next day during the anthem as a peaceful protest. We chose to kneel because it’s a respectful gesture. I remember thinking our posture was like a flag flown at half-mast to mark a tragedy. Colin Kaepernik, August 29, 2016
Facts get in the way
Whatever motivation Trump felt to unleash his tirade against the NFL players or his insistence to go on twitter spewing irritation of the protestor’s actions, history will be the ultimate judge. The United States is replete with examples of those who staged protest and at the time suffered tremendous public scorn. Yet, as time elapsed and their actions were better understood they took on martyrdom status and many are in the annals of historic figures.
The notion of Kaepernick disrespecting the flag might be a plausible conclusion or might make sense and convince the most patriotic person he is subject to treason.? This becomes truer for those who support Trump and his ideology. They refuse to accept anything contrary to what they believe, or have been told by Trump that it is the truth. The problem and this is where so many who blindly follow others leave you shaking your head; Kaepernick got the suggestion to kneel and continue his protest from a decorated Green Beret, Nate Boyer!!!! Now how patriotic can that be? Kaepernick headed his advice and to the chagrin of many, to this day, they have a very positive relationship. Why is this important? Because Boyer has a better understanding of the privileges of the first amendment better than Trump or those like him who feel it is okay to dismiss this basic fact. Why do they dismiss this fact? It appears the narrative does not jive with the way they see things.
“Until that flag represents what it is meant to represent, ” Colin Kaepernick, August 29, 2016
Homework assignment
For Trump and those who support his position I would plead they do some homework and understand what and why was Colin Kaepernick protesting in the first place? To be generous they will be given one week to turn in their assignment. LOL. Second, they must study protest movements and get a handle of the strategies used in protest movements? Again, protest is not meant to be comfortable. However, as mentioned many are very peaceful.
Who qualifies as the protest police?
Who among us can claim to be the authority on acceptable protest? Donald Trump? The Military? Further, who can dictate which symbols we allegedly treasure within our society that are off-limits to protest?
While there are many traditions within our society that we treasure, over the years and surely with the Kaepernick incident those on the opposite side of whichever issue is being protest swear outright disrespect and crying foul by interpreting the actions as unacceptable.
The genesis of the Kaepernik protest
What is ironic is it appears the very people claiming the flag, the anthem or even the military is being trampled care very little of why Kaepernick protest in the first place. If they did care, surely their position may be changed as why they still may have a problem with what they view as a sacred symbol, in the final analysis they would have to conclude Kaepernick and all those who took a knee or didn’t take a knee, stood or didn’t stand, clap or didn’t clap are well within the protections of our constitution.
Donald Trump takes great pride as a successful businessperson. Some might conclude he is a master manipulator. He appears to relish in the notion of speaking for “the America people.” Perhaps, but over the past several years it has been documented his commentary is strategic in creating a divide. Oftentimes the divide is on racial lines or to stoke discontent among various groups. Yet, as mentioned those who support his ideology are swayed by the rhetoric being fomented and have been conditioned to marginalize any other perspective.
The Bottom-line
All you have to know is a person has the right to protest and does not require approval or permission!
It is also your right or reaction to dismiss or despise the method of a person’s protest. Just because you don’t approve of the method of protest, does not mean you are right and the protestor is wrong. The first amendment gives protection for both positions.
It can’t be stressed enough, assuming you are truly seeking an objective analysis on protest that it you feel the person is protesting something you hold sacred, it is your right to not support them. Period! But, you must be very careful in maligning them as in the end, you wind up trying to dictate behavior. So, you can’t claim allegiance to the Constitution while refusing the basic core of protest.
It just so happened last week my daughter reminded me the Dramatics were on “Unsung.” Those of you who may be unfamiliar with Unsung may do yourself a favor as it is a television program which chronicles the life of African-American entertainers. It provides a snapshot of how they started, how they reached fame and for many how they stumbled and eventually fell. Then for the lucky few, it shows how they got back up and live (or lived) a productive life. I quickly turned it on and almost forgot the group started in Detroit.
Coincidently, the movie “Detroit” came out yesterday, so having a little free time I decided to go solo and check it out. After watching the movie and upon leaving to try to catch up with Lanie, my initial rating was a 7 on a scale of 1 – 10. However, after some serious reflection and in fairness I increased my rating to a 8.
Not a documentary
It is not a documentary but a portrayal of a real life story; the Detroit Riots of 1967. However, more important the plot or key storyline focuses on the horrific incident and overt law enforcement brutality lashed out at those who were staying at the Algier’s Motel. Notice, I mentioned law enforcement as during the riots that cadre included the local police, the state police and the national guard.
Contrary to what some believe, folk who live in a community and subsequently unleash their frustration resulting in a “riot” and where damage is done to their immediate area do so not out of stupidity……..but from years of frustration, oppression, public policy and other factors that reach a boiling point.
The black migration to the industrialized north
As a historian I really appreciated the opening of how the black migration from the south to the industrial north occurred. More important it focused on the construct of racism and how the strategy of white flight occurred. As blacks were achieving civil rights gains which allowed more movement, those whites who fled urban cores found a new haven in the newly created “suburbs” As they left resources went with them. The core plea of blacks seeking integration was not a basic attempt to “be white” or transition to a “white lifestyle.” Instead it was the demand for whites to integrate theresources, the power and the responsibilities.
Many are steeped with denial in justifying why them and their families left various areas. The bottom line centers on race so you don’t have to be a history major to understand why and how this became a popular practice in communities such as Detroit and many places in the United States where blacks were moving in to try to benefit from the economic uplift made possible by the “industrial revolution.”
The white flight dynamic or fleecing communities phenomenon reminds me of a great parallel Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered at the last sermon he would preach, which was Sunday, April 1, 1968, “It’s alright to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps but it is a cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps!”
The film allows you to see the reaction created from the riots. The backdrop will take additional studying for you to fully grasp the theme. Occupied force
Fast forward to 1967 and the many dreams deferred as those blacks who moved in did not experience the paradise they expected. Instead they were marginalized and many dreams were cut short. Worse, the very police departments who had a “protect and serve” protocol transitioned their behavior to an occupied-like force, thus fueling much distrust and anger from community folk.
The raid which was the focus of the riot was the type of incident which was quite common. As a matter of fact, the police didn’t expect anything to get out of hand. Instead this time it did and the community responded with anger and the frustration boiled over to start the outburst which lit the flame for the riots.
The director is to be commended for having the courage to tackle the subject. Although the movie is a bit lengthy, I would suspect that is because there is so much ground to cover. Also, and a key point so you are clear is the movie is not a documentary so there is some creative license such as the ’72 bug being featured in a scene which was supposed to reflect 1967. Also, there are numerous questions you are left to ponder. Why did the person who shot the starting pistol run? Why didn’t those who knew he shot the pistol simply fess up to avoid the subsequent harassment, brutality and for some death which they suffered?
Yet, even in 2017, you can see some of the same behavior carried out by law enforcement embraced today. No doubt police are needed for public safety. Bad people do prey on good communities to wreak havoc and carry out their destruction . Yet the movie speaks to attitudes. If relates how you can experience sheer discrimination and hostility of people simply because they are different from institutions designed to help people lead a productive life. The denial, the cover-up and the brazen nature of those who simply lack basic respect for humanity is seen.
Fiction is fiction but this is a movie which hopefully inspires candid discussion. It is a movie featuring many black actors portraying a critical incident in the black community, but the movie can’t be relegated as a movie just for blacks ? It is a movie all should take the time to see as it is not about “police-bashing” but it portrays the environment of how things were and unfortunately there is pain. Some don’t want to be reminded of what happened. Then for others it rips the scab off of a wound which was thought to have healed.
More can be found here.
If you found the movie Detroit interesting and you seriously would like to have more facts I recommend two solid sources.
Eyes on the Prize is the seminal documented source which chronicles black life during that period. The series is split into sections. In addition to footage there is also a companion book.
The book – The book lends about 30 pages to the Detroit issue. It is packed with eye-witnesses and serves as an excellent source.
The footage. American Playhouse rebroadcast the Eyes on the Prize series and the good news is their clips are available via youtube. Here is the specific clip which features Detroit (about 33 minutes into the footage).
Postscript – I am lucky to take up residence in what is referred to the “inner city” or “urban area.” The good news is we have choices so especially for movies such as “Detroit” I started to just trek the three miles downtown to the Regal theater. Luckily I came to my senses and headed to the Rave theater in the Crenshaw community. I was pleased to see the movie theater packed. More important it was full of folk who are a bit older than me who more than likely lived during the period of the Movie, as they probably were in their early teens or early twenties. The reason this is important is to experience the visceral reaction from the various scenes communicated in the call/response found in audiences that are predominantly black. Some might find the reaction irritating or “why don’t they shut up” but it’s that reaction which helps you truly understand what the director is attempting to show you.
O.J.(Orenthal James Simpson) was granted parole following today’s hearing held by the Nevada Correctional Board. In a unanimous 4 to 0 decision, following approximately 45 minutes of various testimony, the board deliberated for about another hour before acknowledging in their opinion Simpson had earned to right for parole, thus they were granting his petition.
Yet, all these years later and for whatever the reason there remains a polarizing divide among people discussing the Simpson issue? As the announcement was made, I tuned into cable news and was surprised at the vitriol of “professional” commentators who still show disdain for Simpson and refuse the separate the murder case from the property case?
As for the acquittal that Simpson won, the Supreme Court has been clear that in murder cases guilt can only be achieved when there is no doubt…….BASED ON THE EVIDENCE presented by the prosecution. It’s not good enough for people to say “they know O.J. committed the murders and he is guilty!!” The jurors saw it differently and to be quite frank their decision did not affirm Simpson guilty or not, they simply communicated that based on the evidence there was reasonable doubt, therefore OJ was not held guilty for the murders.
I know some remain furious, such as CNN’s Jeffrey Tobin and his panel of “expert” lawyers, but the parole hearing was about Simpson’s behavior since being held in custody by the Nevada Correctional System, not a re-letigation of the trial of which he was acquitted.
So for now, in a couple of months, the Juice will be loose again.
The October 31st tweet
Thomas Reports 