it is NOT going to be a revolution

[backwoodsbob]

people are talking revolution or whatever....be honost

How many here are willing to be killed for the cause?

HOW MANY HERE are willing to take a bullet for the cause?...I would guess not one single person.

Stop the revolution talk if you wont walk it

[Dont call me Shirley]

1. The Reagan Revolution was mainly policy change. Not much actual war in this country, anyway.

Peaceful non-violent revolution can happen.

[marym625]

2. I am.

[backwoodsbob]

7. I VERY seriously doubt you would

I would imagine I am one of no more than a half dozen du'ers who have faced a gun.
It's easy to talk tough online...lets see anyone from DU face down a cop in a street protest

[marym625]

11. Had a gun at my head as I was raped.

Is that enough for you?

How dare you doubt what I say with such a flippant response.

You asked a question. I answered. You don't like that I am willing to take a bullet for the cause? That's your issue.

[gwheezie]

37. Kinda similar for me too

I was held at gunpoint for almost 2 days. He shot at me when I saw my chance and ran out of the house. I was positive I was going to be killed either shot on the head or shot in the back.

[marym625]

39. I'm so sorry.

He never pulled the trigger on me and it was only one night.

I don't think people have a clue how often this happens. Guys mostly

I am so glad you made it out

[gwheezie]

40. Same to you

Getting shot at was not the worst part. I had very little awareness of feelings because I had shut down but I do remember the incredible jolt of going from abject fear to running and feeling free in that moment even though I was pretty sure I was going to be shot. So I remember that feeling of free being stronger than fear.
Glad we're both here.

[marym625]

41. Yeah, glad we're both here

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

126. So am I and I am humbled to be in the presence of such brave people, if you can be this

brave, maybe I can as well.

Maybe you two and myself and about 20 million others can be brave, and do the right thing.

You made my day, you two brave, wonderful fellow human beings. Just when I wanted to give up...

[marym625]

133. Thank you

That's very sweet. But it to really isn't bravery. Just have to pick what's important enough to fight for. And then sometimes, you have no choice.

But I appreciate your words. Thank you

[bettyellen]

95. not as awful, but robbed with a gun stuck in my face over here. not sure where the OP think we all

live. ANd yes, I have also "walked the walk"- with many wonderful DUers on quite a few occasions.
WTF is this OP going on about? This is not the DU I know and love, it's a bullshit denigration of DUers and liberal activists.

[sheshe2]

111. Might have something to do with my Op

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025912655

And no, I did not call for an armed revolution as you can see bettyellen.

Good to see you.

[bettyellen]

115. Oh for fucks sake, you're kidding me.

This shit is RIDICULOUS!

[marym625]

118. ain't it though?

Getting tiring watching all the posts that either denigrate Black Lives Matter or what is being done about it

[gwheezie]

13. It will be like Kent state

I agree probably the vast majority of protesters do not believe they will be shot by a cop but when it happens it will shake the country.

[marym625]

23. They might not believe they will be shot

But I am sure that the greater majority know it's a possibility.

[LiberalElite]

33. Why do you assume we're all wimps nt

[pinboy3niner]

36. No more than a half dozen?

You're seriously underestimating the number of members here "who have faced a gun."

Besides many military combat veterans, we have others who have faced a gun--including DU members who are cops and other security personnel. There also are more than a few Purple Hearts among our members.

And a HELL of a lot of DUers have faced cops in street protests. Look around and you'll see reports from some who were out there TODAY.

I haven't seen calls here for armed revolution. But people are risking arrest and even much worse just by exercising their constitutional rights.

[Mbrow]

110. Big 10-4 on that, Amigo.

Like you said there is a bunch of us. I'm not sure where he is coming from.

[1StrongBlackMan]

54. Does brawling with some Klansmen ...

With their having weapons during a counter protest, get me into your club?

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

127. Gets you into my club of feeling honor in your presence.

Makes me feel like I have not done nearly enough.

There are few of us, true, but with social media we can grow and with numbers there is

what

anybody





STRENGTH

[tkmorris]

55. I'd bet you are very wrong about that Bob

[dixiegrrrrl]

59. Your definition of revolution seems pretty narrow.

There are many kinds of revolutions, including non-violent ones, several have been in this country, emphasis on political change.

[Jamastiene]

131. You sure make a lot of assumptions, dog shooter.

There are lots of veterans on DU, way more than half a dozen. I can guarantee many, if not most, of them have faced down a gun in a very serious way. Your assumptions are like spitting right in their faces.

Your assumptions about the rest of DU aren't correct either. The disdain you show for the rest of DU is very telling.

[marym625]

134. You may have faced a gun

But to drop this post, ignore every single reply but mine, call me a liar and just leave that there, makes you a coward in my book. At the very least, egotistical.

No wonder you don't think others are brave.

[BlindTiresias]

3. the fuck is the cause anyway?

Nobody has a clue.

[giftedgirl77]

52. Wow, seriously?

How about the systematic execution of black males in this country by the police & the immunity to do so at will?

[BlindTiresias]

57. That is the cause of a revolution?

Nope, not effective. Sorry. Needs to be a bit broader based and deeper.

[pinboy3niner]

61. None are so blind as he who is willfully obtuse. nt

[Number23]

64. Don't you worry your pretty little head about it, either way

That is the cause of a revolution?

Nope, not effective. Sorry. Needs to be a bit broader based and deeper.

If black men, boys, women and girls being executed for petty crimes or in many cases NO crime at all isn't "broad" and "deep" enough for you, then just get out of the way of the large swaths of humanity ALL OVER THE WORLD that do consider it more than "broad" and "deep" enough.

You guys have been in rare form lately.

[BlindTiresias]

67. Lol

You think I like this shit? I don't. My dad is brown and as a result I'm half white, kind of between worlds in a way. Saying it isn't enough is not excusing it, is an affirmation of reality that this singular cause is not what a revolution makes. This bullshit was also always with us, and if a revolution hasn't been formented out of brutal slavery and decades and generations of some of the worst deprivations any civilizations has wrought upon a group then this won't do it either.

Shit fucking sucks, but don't lump me with the racists because I'm not one of those degenerates, thanks.

[Number23]

68. Between the "my dad is brown" (as if that is some type of legitimate cultural or racial identifier)

and the bewildering lack of clue, history and knowledge that leads someone to type:

if a revolution hasn't been formented (sic) out of brutal slavery and decades and generations of some of the worst deprivations any civilizations has wrought upon a group then this won't do it either.

I think we're just about done here.

[BlindTiresias]

70. More specific?

Cape Verdean.

And no, this isn't a revolution.

[sheshe2]

74. So you are saying if it did not happen decades ago it will not happen now?

I think you are wrong. This is a whole new century and we have the net and the word spreads faster and farther now. Protests are happening and they are spreading and they are not confined to the USA. We are being supported by others around the world and they sure as hell are watching America, the supposed land of the free and the home of the brave. They are watching how we treat our black citizens that are being killed in the streets and the justice in this land has been letting them get away with murder. They are watching.

It is past time to unfuck America and I think we may just have gotten our foot under us and we are rising.

[BlindTiresias]

78. Doesn't matter

Lots of others around the world were upset about Iraq, didn't change a damn thing. They were upset about NSA, didn't change a damn thing. They were upset about the excesses of the war on terror, didn't change a thing. They were upset about decades of coups of legitimate governments, didn't change a thing. You think after over a century of brutal oppression and institutional justification of the oppression of blacks that this is going to be the tipping point? At essentially the pinnacle of the militarization of police forces and the world's most sophisticated surveillance apparatus ever? Fucking really? After fucking YEARS of orthodox liberals saying to keep shit in the system and that revolution -OF ANY KIND- was futile? Color me really fucking suspicious of the people screaming for revolution under these circumstances.

This is absurdity and wishful thinking, at best.

[giftedgirl77]

90. So the blatant execution of a human being, some

who are children whose only crime was being brown/black isn't enough? That is genuinely priceless, thankfully you don't get the privilege of defining the perimeters.

[BlindTiresias]

103. Yep

And it is fucked up, but there you go.

This will fizzle out in short order, sorry.

[pinboy3niner]

113. Resistance is futile!1!!

If others had swallowed your false premise that things never change so it's useless to work for change, we'd still have things like white-only lunch counters and segregated drinking fountains and schools.

Thankfully, There were those who didn't subscribe to that view. Who fought for change. And sometimes, they bled and even died for it. They were told it would fizzle out too.

[BlindTiresias]

114. Uh

We are about as segregated as we were before, it is just more insidious. This country is fucked if you aren't white and rich, no way around it.

[pinboy3niner]

116. Rationalizing inaction is what's fucked

So is sniping from the sidelines at those who are working to effect change.

[BlindTiresias]

117. What change?

Segregation is pretty much where it has been at, we are led by economic totalitarians, we have more wealth inequality than arguably ever, automation is about to destroy the labor force and massively benefit the already rich, we have no meaningful opposition in the left, and the right wing has achieved so much domination over the ideological landscape even the open political opposition (Democrats) is right wing.

If you don't think shit is absolutely fucked beyond repair you are goddamn blind.

[Cha]

119. Well Done, pinboy.

[gwheezie]

4. 4 dead in ohio

It's happened before

[Tsiyu]

5. People are already taking bullets

Revolution can be bloodless.

[seveneyes]

6. The undefined cause

It is truly the misunderstanding that causes most to be misunderstood.

But yes, we all have our causes for to die.

[JaneyVee]

8. The bodies are stacking up already. Revolution underway.

[notadmblnd]

9. why do you assume that a revolution will be violent?

[Baclava]

10. we'd all love to change the world

[Lex]

12. people won't even vote in the midterms, so . . . .

[Thinkingabout]

20. Good point.

[Kevin from WI]

94. That is why the Republicans control everything

It only took the Republicans in WI a few weeks to bring up "right to work" laws after the election. They have taken control. Wisconsin is dying because of voter apathy. They should just rename the state Kochland.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

130. Many people dont connect income inequality and race issues with voting, they dont understand

the connection, doesnt mean they arent fully pissed about issues and willing to look for change

most people picketing Walmart for being the disgusting pigs they are probably dont vote, for instance

i am just guessing

[99th_Monkey]

14. If I was willing (which I'm not), I certainly would not be announcing it on DU

Are you kidding me?

All that aside, why not do a "poll"?

[Man from Pickens]

15. What happens when the bullet is coming for you anyway?

Whether you fight or not and they kill you just because they can?

At a certain point the abuses can become bad enough that there really is nothing to lose. Are we there yet? I don't think so, but I can follow a trajectory to see that we are on the way. We're already at the point of wanton, rampant, and arbitrary street executions, without recourse or justice.

Will you allow them to enslave and kill you because you're afraid to die? Will you allow them to do so to your brothers, your sisters, your children...?

At some point the human survival instinct flips from cowardice to fortitude in the face of such an onslaught. It may happen quite suddenly.

[Rowdyboy]

16. Its way too early. Let the wealth distribution continue to be concentrated for another 40 years....

Let poverty, chronic unemployment, lack of educational opportunities and hunger continue to grow. There will be an explosion probably similar to the French Revolution but it will come far, far too late to be at all effective. All the people with all the serious money and assets will be long gone from the USA by then. They'll sit back watching and laugh.

[Kevin from WI]

97. You are depressing me

I am sad now. Thanks.

[Rowdyboy]

108. Thanks for my last solid laugh of the night...Sorry for my "analysis" and welcome to DU

Now I've depressed myself....

[Kevin from WI]

112. Always happy to make new friends

[Jesus Malverde]

17. It's a fantasy for social justice.

We had high hopes for a new day in america. Six years later people wake up to the same police/torture/drone state. Seeing little hope and change in the oppression of the state, they dream of another way.

The fantasy is totally ignorant of the power of the police state and quixotic in focus.

[sheshe2]

35. Another bash Obama post, color me surprised.

We had high hopes for a new day in america. Six years later people wake up to the same police/torture/drone state. Seeing little hope and change in the oppression of the state, they dream of another way

.

[bravenak]

51. That's the one who told me to go watch......

"Real Housewives of Atlanta"
And that black people are fine now because Dr. Dre is a billionaire.

[sheshe2]

66. Figures

BeJebuss~

There is no accounting for stupid here.

PS~ I don't watch TV so have not seen it, yet I get the picture. Hush child, you don't know what you are talking about. Ssssh, we will 'splain it to you.

[bettyellen]

98. OH GTFO if here. I am so sorry to read that utter crap.

angry, actually.

[bravenak]

100. He deleted.

But I had copied it to AA already. So, as you can tell, that one is behaving just as he usually does. No surprises.

[bettyellen]

102. Disgusting and transparent.

[helpmetohelpyou]

76. But you can't counter the points he made because they are all true

[giftedgirl77]

18. Well bob, I've been having the cops draw

guns on me since before I could drive. My son had his first gun drawn on him at the age of 9 for walking on the curb instead of the street by a neighbor who thought he was walking on his grass because it was dark & there weren't sidewalks.

I've deployed twice, have been shot at repeatedly & hit by two IEDs, tased, & pepper sprayed so if it means that I need to stare down the barrel of yet another gun to try & change things for my sons then so be it. This is not a game for many of us, we grew up looking down a barrel of a gun one way or the other. I'm tired of living in fear every time my boys walk out the door.

[marym625]

26. BRAVA!

[giftedgirl77]

42. Apparently some can't grasp how this is a daily

struggle already...cops & guns were a part of life growing up for us, now it's just open season apparently.

[marym625]

46. It wasn't part of my growing up

But I am white and grew up in an upper middle class town. I recognize it's the norm for people of color.

Evidently, for some, it's easier to deny and act like a blowhard know it all

[Texasgal]

19. Why should anyone

have a to "take a bullet" to help facilitate change?

Are you serious?

[marym625]

21. I assume this is in response to another post today

People all over the country are willing to take a bullet. Every single protester in Ferguson that was out while cops were shooting tear gas, rubber bullets and real bullets are willing to take one. The protesters that were shot with rubber bullets that returned to the protests are willing to take a bullet.

Alejandro Natividad is willing to take a bullet.

"When we asked him why he refused Natividad answered in a statement reminiscent of Emiliano Zapata’s famous quote which is, “I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees.”

http://thefreethoughtproject.com/dramatic-video-shows-man-refusing-lie-police-guns-pointed/#xPY0DEZh4tKHVQRc.99

So, as sheshe2 posted, It's Going to be a fucking revolution! http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025912655

[giftedgirl77]

44. That one statement sums it all up perfectly.

[marym625]

48. Don't know if you watched the video

But what an incredibly brave soul. He's inspiring.

[cwydro]

92. Wait. Did I miss this?

They fired rubber bullets?

I heard sandbag rounds, which is bad enough. But can you provide a link to the rubber bullet use?

[sheshe2]

101. Here's one. You can always google it, there are more.

Ferguson Police Reportedly Shot Pastor Renita Lamkin With Rubber Bullet During Protest (PHOTOS)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/14/ferguson-pastor-shot-police-rubber-bullet_n_5678973.html

[marym625]

107. No problem

A female reverend was hit. A female peaceful protester was shot in the head and hospitalized

http://kdvr.com/2014/08/17/police-in-ferguson-fire-tear-gas-rubber-bullets-on-crowd-including-children/


Not my favorite source but I am tired

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2725548/Howard-University-grad-shot-head-pastor-mediator-blasted-rubber-bullet-Ferguson-demonstrators-reveal-horrors-lethal-force.html

[davidn3600]

22. The type of change people are demanding can only be done through the ballot box

You need to elect better leaders who can write better laws. You need to amend the state constitutions concerning prosecutions of police officers.

Part of the problem is also people not understanding the importance of state and local governments. The Republicans are destroying us at this level of government. In Ferguson, 70% turned out for presidential election of Obama in 2012. Do you want to guess what the turnout was for the local election that reelected prosecutor Bob McColloch to a 7th term? 12%.

The federal government can only do so much. The constitution, as well as the states themselves, limit what the federal system can accomplish on its own. The states have autonomous systems of laws and justice. If you allow the Republicans to control these systems because you don't believe in the philosophy of a de-centralized government or too lazy to pay attention, then it's your fault when the next Mike Brown is shot and killed by police and the cop walks.

How many people here even know who their senator is for their state government?

President of the United States is an important election to pay attention to....but it is far from the only one...and ultimately probably not the one that will have the biggest impact on you personally and your community. For most of us, Congress is hundreds of miles away. City hall is right down the street. Yet where do we go to seek change for our local and state problems?

[Thinkingabout]

24. This sounds as dumb as when the Bundy Bunch said revolution.

When adults are incapable of sitting down with each other and working out their problems adding a bunch of bullets is not going to get the job accomplished either, whether it is a war of words or bullets working out the problems is still the best method.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

25. “Patriots always talk of dying for their country but never of killing for their country.”

“Patriots always talk of dying for their country but never of killing for their country.”

― Bertrand Russell

[on point]

27. The more the sytem shuts down democratic change the more likely the blow up

That's the historical record. When the PTB seize all thé power thé ptb end up seing justice from the mob

Now is the time to return to democracy while peaceful change is still possible

[sabrina 1]

28. You're right. It sounds good on the internet, until you follow the comments and you find out

that not only is it unlikely people will be willing to die, they are not even willing to ACKNOWLEDGE THE ROLE our own Party played in the MILITARIZATION of the Police.

If you DARE to suggest that part of the Revolution might be to expose the role played by our LEADERS in making Cops untouchable, if you say something as simple as 'it might hurt the feelings of those who support Dem Leaders to point out how guilty they are, how complicit they have been in building this 'occupying force' we call Police, you will be told 'I am tired of you'.

So if people are not tough enough to acknowledge the CAUSES that might necessitate a Revolution because of party loyalty or whatever, how on earth are they going to have the strength it will take to actually participate? Because the very LEADERS they are PROTECTING will send out the MILITARY to take them down.

Hyperbole on the Internet is common. I pay more attention to those I find on social media who actually are out there, facing down the Militarized Cops, than to 'rousing' attention getting, meaningless posts on DU.

[marym625]

30. I don't know how many here have been out there

But I have. And I was today.

Don't think because people post on the Internet they don't do more than that.

There are quite a few us willing to, and have, called out our own party. Loudly and for a very long time

There are hundreds of thousands of Americans on the streets, daily, trying to cause change. And with few exceptions, we know that arrest is the least of our worries

[sabrina 1]

62. I wasn't referring to you at all mary, I don't doubt you are one of those who are sincere. And there

are many more here and elsewhere on the internet who just as sincere. I was referring to people who refuse to acknowledge the role many in our own party have had in both creating the militarized police and worse, sending them out to crush peaceful protesters.

That became obvious during the OWS protests. So many of the mayors who sent out the robo cops who nearly killed some of the protests, were Democrats.

Gov Nixon is a Democrat.

And the provision of military weapons, tanks etc to the police, from Homeland Security, weapons intended for war zones, none of that could happen without the Federal Government approving of it.

I am talking about people who call for Revolution but become angry at anyone who tries to point out the facts about the militarization and brutality of our so-called civilian police.

Sorry if you misunderstood, I definitely was not referring to you at all.

[marym625]

105. Thanks for clarifying

It was the post you replied to, the OP, that caused confusion.

[sheshe2]

53. And who are you protecting when you never answer the Op

On the very pictures of racism at it's worst and white effing privilege?

Hyperbole on the Internet is common. I pay more attention to those I find on social media who actually are out there, facing down the Militarized Cops, than to 'rousing' attention getting, meaningless posts on DU.

So only what you say has meaning on the internet, and some of your buddies too that never answer the OP. They only went around giving high-five to each other.

[Jesus Malverde]

65. ding ding ding...nt

[BlindTiresias]

71. yeah exactly

Which is why those calling this a revolution are fucking absurd.

[Ykcutnek]

29. I haven't seen anyone calling for an armed revolution. nt

[FiveGoodMen]

31. Probably not.

It's mostly likely going to a very fascist type of feudalism -- world-wide -- for the next few generations, at least.

[sheshe2]

32. Call it what you wish.

A revolution can come in all shapes and forms. I see Ferguson as a tipping point. People are standing up. The world is watching to see what we do about our black men being stalked and killed and the police getting away with murder. Eric Garner was videotaped as he was having the life choked out of him. THERE WAS NO JUSTICE!

You are aware of the massive protests from coast to coast. Some from other parts of the world. The die ins. People are standing up. These have all been peaceful demonstration, the eyes will be on the police and their response.

[woo me with science]

60. (As long as they don't demand or expect any actual demilitarization of the police state.)

(Or pressure corporate politicians for any other actual policy changes to end the police state)

You forgot that caveat. And it appears to be a *really* important one, considering the stunning Third Way vitriolic defensive swarm my even mentioning such expectations elicited on the other thread.

Political protests are designed to get the attention of politicians. If even the idea of demanding actual policy changes is so horrifying to the Third Way that it elicits the type of behavior we saw on the other thread, then, what, exactly *is* the goal of such protests for you? If you refuse to demand changes in the predatory policies that fuel these exploitative and militarized police state communities, then what *do* you hope the politicians who notice these protests will do?

[sheshe2]

86. And you never answered the questions of racism and white priviledge.

Doesn't matter your silence last night was deafening as was your blatant attempt to hijack my thread with your copy and pasted blue links. Same goes with your high-fives and chest bumps with all your buddies last night. Point. It is all about you and what you want and to hell with anyone else. You are a negative poster here and never have a good thing to say, I feel sorry for you. All you got is Third Way, Third Way, Third Way.

Nance sure as hell summed you up perfectly.

We are done here woo.

[woo me with science]

124. I don't even know what questions you are talking about.

I saw you asking people if racism and white privilege exist. Of course they do.

Now, what are the goals of these protests? That's not a negative question, sheshe2. Actually, it's a very positive one. If you refuse to demand demilitarization of the police or other changes in policy to to affect the lives of people in Ferguson (and communities like it) what are these political protests supposed to accomplish? What is their goal?

[LiberalElite]

34. Thanks for the support - NOT! nt

[socialist_n_TN]

38. I don't think it's merely a matter of willing to be killed..

for a cause. Even soldiers in wars don't EXPECT they will be killed, although I'm sure they know it's a possibility. I think it's a matter of standing up for a cause. Because as several posters have stated, when you get in the streets, you are already facing the guns of the cops. They might not have them in their hands yet, but they are there. And I think that everybody knows that fact already.

So if you're willing to stand up for a cause, in one sense you're already showing you're ready for the POSSIBILITY of taking a bullet for the cause.

Here's what most people don't realize though. A revolution isn't just about marching and facing down cops and even facing bullets. A revolution is about shutting politics, economics, and society for an extended period of time. Say six weeks are so. And that will be inconvenient and will not necessarily involve facing guns immediately. After about three weeks or so, then the bets are all off.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that any facing off with guns will be a gradual thing, but the first step is proving you're not willing to be satisfied with the status quo anymore.

[marym625]

49. hence, #shutitdown

Doesn't just mean highways

[socialist_n_TN]

99. Yep. There's a lot of crosspollination of ideas in this latest round.....

of social protests. And that's a good thing because the resistance is beginning to connect the dots between the social issues, including the murder of people of color by the cops, and the systemic problems of capitalism regarding politics and the economy.

I said when #Occupy was broken up that that wouldn't be the last of it and that the next movement would be much more militant. This is shaping up to be what I was expecting from that "next" movement. What's more, I expect even more when the austerity hounds take complete control of state power for the next couple of years.

[marym625]

109. yep.

These leaders are pretty smart.

I agree with what you think will happen. And I think shit is going to get very serious.

[Kalidurga]

43. the revolution is already here

[iemitsu]

45. If our government is willing to shoot us for demanding

change, in the criminal justice system or with respect to wealth inequality or any other issue that citizens find corrupt, then that government doesn't deserve to be in charge. That action de-legitimizes any government and legitimizes any citizen action to reform or replace it with something different.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

47. Whoooaaa there pardner! Put your gun away and lock yourself up in your house. We'll handle this! nt

[marym625]

50. absolutely perfect!

[morningfog]

56. It's not like we're dogs, right?

[peace13]

63. The question isn't safe to answer on the Internet.

That is how bad things are.

[Jesus Malverde]

69. One of the few to acknowledge the nature of the National Security state

[chrisa]

81. When has anyone ever been rounded up by our government for writing an opinion on the internet?

The original hyperbole and your response to it make no sense. Do you think that, if you write "The Government Sux!!1!" on the internet, a federal SWAT team will raid your house or something? That's never actually happened to anyone.

[KingCharlemagne]

85. Have you seen this article?

SEATTLE (AP) — A man was arrested Tuesday on federal charges of posting Internet threats against a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, after a black teenager was shot and killed.

Defendant Jaleel Tarik Abdul-Jabbaar, 46, of Kirkland began posting threats on Facebook soon after the shooting of Michael Brown, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint includes FBI Special Agent Brett Grover saying, "the threats relate to the widely publicized events of Aug. 9 during which Officer D.W. fatally shot Michael Brown."

The complaint does not specifically name then-Officer Darren Wilson as the victim of the threats. It's a policy to withhold the names of victims in such cases, said Emily Langlie, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle.

http://www.kmov.com/special-coverage-001/Man-arrested-for-threats-against-Ferguson-officer-284514321.html

[chrisa]

87. Posting threats are a completely different matter

Anyone that posts multiple messages about how he and other people should go somewhere and kill people is both crazy and deserving of arrest. This is a far cry from the government arresting someone for having an opinion. It's against the law to threaten a mass shooting and shooting others.

[KingCharlemagne]

88. Please look at the question you posed in your post #81. I just gave you one example. You may

agree with the government's decision in this case -- it sounds as though you do -- but Abdul-Jabbaar wrote his opinion "on the internet" and the government has rounded him up.

[chrisa]

91. Saying "Let's go kill some cops. Anyone want to join me?" isn't really an opinion, though.

It's a death threat. An opinion would be along the lines of "I think that the cops deserve to have bad things happen to them." The difference here is that the guy is saying that he's going to shoot people, and he wants people to come and join him. That's pretty messed up.

[KingCharlemagne]

93. All due respect, this sounds like an opinion to me:

On Aug. 30, Abdul-Jabbaar posted, "we really need to start killing the police ... OOooopppss I mean our oppressors,"

I get that you find that opinion distasteful ("messed up&quot .

[peace13]

122. Think Democratic Nation Convention a few years back. Those folks went to jail as I remember.

Or ...when Laura * came to town our peace group had our own secret service detail and a local sheriff that stalked us the entire day. If you don't think they knew our names and were documenting you're wrong. With the 'patriot' act you have no rights. You can be searched and detained indefinitely. It can and does happen in our name, around the globe.

[KingCharlemagne]

79. What is the question? Not purposely playing dumb here, but

the OP didn't seem concerned with asking a question, more with shutting people down of whose discourse he disapproves.

[helpmetohelpyou]

72. hehe

[Jesus Malverde]

73. Good one...nt

[KingCharlemagne]

75. Famous last words, as spoken by King George III, Louis XVI and

Tsar Nicholas (to name only a few).

[Brigid]

82. In my high school history class one day,

The teacher asked, "On July 4, 1776, who wrote in his diary, 'Nothing of importance happened today.'?"

My best friend, intending to make a joke said, "George III!"

According to the teacher, she was right!

[KingCharlemagne]

83. The Rude Pundit nailed this the other day:

The message to African Americans is simple: "You must comply or we will fucking kill you." If I were a cop, I'd be scared to death and really pissed off. I'd want the grand juries to indict. I'd want the cops who fuck up to be put on trial, to be sent to prison. Because this is how revolutions start. This is what inspires real insurgent violence. When you, as a citizen, no longer believe the authorities are there to protect you but are a threat to your safety? When you're cornered and your choice is to fight or be murdered without any consequences for the murderers? That's a tipping point. The violent cops are undermining not just police departments, but the shaky structure of America itself.

http://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2014/12/no-indictment-for-white-cop-who-choked.html

[bravenak]

77. It already is.

[chrisa]

80. "Revolution" should mean "Things will change. New laws will be made." It has nothing to do with a

masturbatory civil war fantasy that right wing gun nuts cream their pants over all the time (a.k.a "shtf&quot . There are no sides, and no one has fired a bullet yet (except the cops who caused this mess). Let's talk about a peaceful revolution and social movement, since that seems to be what everyone in America is getting at and is interested in now.

[cwydro]

84. My opinion

is that Christmas will get closer and the protests will die down.

I wish that was not the case, but I'd put money on it.

[U4ikLefty]

89. Talking about a revolution on a site dedicated to reform is funny (not funny 'ha-ha").

Last edited Sat Dec 6, 2014, 01:42 AM - Edit history (1)

I know a few who have put their ass on the line who are still on DU. Not many

For the most part, this is a place to comfortably discuss/argue the two-party system...not exactly revolutionary. Much like DU did during Occupy. It was easy for the partisans to mock the revolutionaries (from their couch) instead of embracing them & using them as a tool to further the people's agenda.

I have been in the company of revolutionaries & DU has very few of them...trust me.

[jillan]

96. Not be killed but thousands of people are willing to disrupt & take their chances on going to jail.

[merrily]

104. I am. I have posted it before and I will post it again.

I would take a bullet for a good cause. I am not willing to fire one, but I would take one.

I'd rather not die, so I also keep talking about buying a bullet proof vest and a gas mask, some goggles, and learning other protective measures. I am also not willing to take a bullet if it will serve no purpose at all. So, it has to be part of some organized and fairly widespread effort. I don't think that will happen. However, if it does, I am willing.

But, so much is posted on DU that people have no real intention of doing. So, why are picking on this one thing?

[Rex]

106. BUZZ KILL!

Well don't go stealing any trees this year Mr. Grinch. Taking a bullet for the cause is what Christmas is all about. But now, nope you called it off in spirit.

Everyone go home and the last one out turn off the lights, thanks.

[KMOD]

120. trying to tamp it down eh backwoodsbob?

Scr/ew that.

No bullets will be needed.

People have indeed, had enough though.

I'm gonna talk revolution and I'm gonna walk it.

#ItStopsHere #ItStopsNow

[deutsey]

121. You might be surprised by what ordinary people are willing to face

once they've had enough.

Personally, I want change, but I want peaceful change. I don't want to face anyone who has a gun drawn (I've had one pointed at me before during a robbery...not fun); I don't want my children to face anyone with guns, in the street or on a battlefield.

But if the current path of injustice and inequality we're on continues, the one that reduces most of us to wage slaves and combat fodder that exist only to benefit our wealthy overlords, I can't say there won't come day when I say along with others like me, "Fuck it. I've had enough."

To paraphrase Gandhi, though, I'd still rather change a heart than put a bullet in one.

[Katashi_itto]

123. Lol...! Glad to know you have told us there won't be one :)

[Jamastiene]

128. What do you think we are? Dogs? n/t

[99Forever]

129. Better change your handle to Clueless Bob.

You have no fucking idea of what other people have done or are willing to do.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

132. Organizing and joining in peaceful but ASSERTIVE protest will work, it has before

if enough of us do this where we can, as often as we can.

I hope nobody has to die for this cause, but some already have.