The AAFCU is a veteran-centric organization. It should be noted that none of this is directed at military vets or their familes. That's a particularly narrow (yet convenient) way of skewing the issue.
From Day One of this imbroglio, it's been about police brutality and an unjust social climate, not veterans.
Never suggested the "protest" was about anything else. Never condemned the reason for the protest but, I do take issue with the method of protest. It's a personal insult (as far as I'm concerned) to anyone that ever served or defended this nation.
quote
Originally posted by Doni Hagan:
My point is I'm rather surprised that the degree of commitment to disclaiming and/or discrediting the ISSUE at hand in this instance has not been equally applied. I've read more than a few posts on social media sites wherein the poster has stated they would no longer follow the NFL due to the "social justice/injustice" stand taken by some of its players.....but recall very few such sentiments being expressed when the focus was on women getting their butts kicked by not only NFL players but in everyday life as well.
Disrespect women? Okay, we can live with that. Draw attention to an issue that affects Persons of Color of BOTH sexes (note I didn't say Black, Brown, etc..as police brutality isn't exclusively a Black problem) and damnit, it's BOYCOTT THE NFL time! It simply appears that the umbrage expressed in this specific instance is more about WHO is speaking out than WHY they're speaking out.
In an "ideal" America, people would be more outraged by the fact that we STILL have to deal with the same damn problem AGAIN.
And, that is why I see this form of protest as crap. This form of protest only pisses people off, it won't do squat to remedy any social issues anyone may have.
If I were to call you or anyone else on this forum a son of a whore, most folks would be offended. I wouldn't blame them. It's a personal insult of the person and their mother. In reference to the few loser's who find this protest acceptable, their cause has been lost in the controversy they've created IMHO.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 09-11-2016).]
Many seem to have missed the forest by looking at the tree. In theory Colin's little tantrum was to appease his girlfriend and bring attention to the evil police and rampant discrimination of highly paid black athletes.. Sorry minorities or is it just African Americans? **Starting to see the problem here... But all it's been about since day one is Colin, nobody has or is doing anything extra to appease BLM and their offshoots. The police have not been disarmed and the policing of minority neighborhoods has not improved.
Nope, nothing but making sure that Colin has the right to spout off and throw a tantrum. I understand the Seattle Seahawks are even going to have their own little tantrum to support Colin..
The "Cause" he was making a statement for is taking a backseat to Colin.
Kid Rock Slams Colin Kaepernick Over National Anthem Protest
September 12, 2016 11:10 AM
By Jon Corrigan
Kid Rock had a short and to-the-point message for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick over the weekend.
Rock was performing his song “Born Free” at Fenway Park on Saturday night when he paused and shouted, “F— Colin Kaepernick!” Listen for Rock’s remark about one minute into the video below.
Kaepernick, of course, has been subject to public scrutiny for opting to sit (or kneel) during the national anthem, in protest of the treatment of minorities in America.
The video below contains explicit language.
The following video is NSFW.
The meat of the story is located @ :56 seconds in.
[This message has been edited by Tony Kania (edited 09-12-2016).]
While Kaepernick is protests and wears socks that depict cops as pigs, DeMarcus Cousins is putting his money and fame to good use. I applaud his efforts along with Carmelo Anthony and whoever else is actually working and using their celebrity status to do something positive. Obviously, there's work to be done by all sides on the issues but, this is a positive step IMHO.
Kaepernick could have been a hero to more than a few instead of a thankless jerk to the rest.
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 09-12-2016).]
Not if I can help it.....even if I'm the only one who posts in it. I'll keep it up until Cliff himself closes it or I get kicked off the island for it.....whichever comes first.
You still on the island or, practicing your back stroke?
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
If he want to see change, have him move into a studio apartment, get an 86 Camry, and keep $100 a week for expenses and donate the rest of his pay to some black charity org. If he dont, hes just part of his own problem.
You still on the island or, practicing your back stroke?
For the time being, it appears I still hold residency....however, I note my "negs" have risen exponentially in the last week or so. I guess I've ruffled a few feathers of late but such is to be expected considering the audience.....so I think it's but a matter of time.
Oh, well. If I pen a nice "I's sorry, Massa" post, do you anticipate I'll be allowed to continue living on the plantation?
[This message has been edited by Doni Hagan (edited 09-16-2016).]
For the time being, it appears I still hold residency....however, I note my "negs" have risen exponentially in the last week or so. I guess I've ruffled a few feathers of late but such is to be expected considering the audience.....so I think it's but a matter of time.
Oh, well. If I pen a nice "I's sorry, Massa" post, do you anticipate I'll be allowed to continue living on the plantation?
Black, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
For the time being, it appears I still hold residency....however, I note my "negs" have risen exponentially in the last week or so. I guess I've ruffled a few feathers of late but such is to be expected considering the audience.....so I think it's but a matter of time.
Let me assure you, while I don't agree with Kaepernick's protest method, I have not changed a single rating of anyone's due to this thread. Your's included. You remain a neutral. I quit rating people quite some time ago. In fact, I've deleted a bunch of them. Unfortunately, I haven't found a way to do a mass delete or I would have already done so.
If there’s one thing I live for, it’s football season, especially college. Saturday night I was enjoying a fantastic game between Charleston Southern University and North Dakota State University. The game went into overtime and ended with the Bison of NDSU winning 24-17. However, as I watched this thrilling game, it was an item on the ESPN news ticker that disturbed me — to which I see a need to respond to this “teachable moment.”
As we reported yesterday, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem in Friday’s pre-season game against Green Bay because he was protesting “black oppression” in the United States. The Niners went on to lose.
The NFL issued a statement that said players are encouraged but not required to stand for the national anthem. Hmm, this is the same NFL that refused to allow the Dallas Cowboys to wear a helmet decal in honor of the fallen Dallas Police officers gunned down on Thursday July 7th.
This is the same NFL that said nothing when players from the then- St. Louis Rams displayed the false narrative symbol of “hands up, dont shoot” — which we know didn’t happen. I find it rather interesting that the NFL has no issue disrespecting law enforcement officers but only “encourages” players to respect the symbol of our nation, the American flag, and our anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.
However, I would recommend a simple scripture from the wise King Solomon for Mr. Kaepernick, Proverbs 17:28 (NIV): “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
Or, as the old folks down South would say, “best for a stupid person to keep their mouth shut and not open it and let everyone know they are.”
Mr. Kaepernick, a biracial young man adopted and raised by white parents, claims America is oppressing blacks at a time when we have a black, biracial president who was twice elected. We’ve had two black attorneys general and currently have a black secretary of homeland security, along with a black national security advisor. Here in Dallas our police chief, whom I know, is an outstanding black leader. The officer in Milwaukee who shot the armed assailant after issuing an order to drop his weapon was black. Is Mr. Kaepernick following suit and cherry-picking what he terms “oppression?” First of all, let me clarify to you sir, you are a multi-millionaire “one-percenter” just because you can throw a ball and kiss your biceps. Men like Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson, Ernie Davis, and Bernard King and Condredge Halloway of my alma mater were athletes who knew of oppression. You sir may certainly have the right to sit upon your “fourth point of contact” when the National Anthem is played but never forget, you live in a nation that has provided you the privilege to have that right.
My story is one I wish to share. My dad was a corporal in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was born in 1920 and knew oppression. Yet, when he sat me down on the steps of our home, 651 Kennesaw Ave NE in Atlanta, he shared with me that there was no greater honor or privilege, than to wear the uniform of these United States. Perhaps that ‘s why his first and middle sons, along with his grandson, are all U.S. combat veterans, just like Dad. Herman West Sr. was not a victim, and he raised men who would never allow anyone to suppress or oppress them. Perhaps you should stop trying to make victims and admonish people, black people, to be victors — try it, and you may find that more satisfying than your insidious action and word vomiting.
If you want to know about oppression of blacks in America, past and present, how about you ask Rep. Nancy Pelosi of the San Fran Bay Area about the policies that decimated the black family? Maybe you can cross the Bay over to Oakland and ask Rep. Barbara Lee about the 13 to15 million black babies killed since 1973, and ask her who is Margaret Sanger?
Or perhaps you can ask the two California senators, Boxer and Feinstein, about who doesn’t support better education opportunities for black children in the inner cities — school choice, vouchers, charter schools, home schooling.
Perhaps you didn’t know Barack Obama was the one who cancelled the DC school voucher program for deserving young black children — talk about oppression. Is that something you’re willing to do, or is it just too difficult?
You should look at who’s been controlling the communities and cities where blacks live. This isn’t not about what America has done; it’s about what a certain group, a political party has done. And your somewhat backhanded comment towards our law enforcement officers — well, wonder how many times San Francisco PD has protected you?
Here is the deal young man. My recommendation is that you apologize. Be a stand up fella and admit you made a very stupid comment. Humbly state that you do realize how very special this country is and the opportunities it has afforded you — and many others. You should take that stand and apologize to all of those who are currently serving in our Armed Forces and those veterans who’ve been willing to make that last full measure of devotion. You see, when the National Anthem is played, it has a very special meaning to us — maybe you should take a hiatus and go over to Helmand Province in Afghanistan and spend a week and understand why. Go over and throw a football with the men and women who enable you to earn those millions of dollars.
The American flag has a very touching meaning for those of us for whom it will drape our coffin — as it was for my Dad…and it will be for me. That song defines who we are as a proud and exceptional people. This is a land where so many dream of coming to and earning the title of American. Your actions were shameful, disgusting, despicable and disrespectful.
You do have a right and a freedom of expression. But know, there are consequences to your ignorant action, which is what it was.
When the National Anthem is played, I salute because I am a black man born and raised in the inner city afforded the opportunity for greatness in my own right. May you seek God’s forgiveness and find humility, because we, the people are not going to forget what you did and said.
LT. COL. ALLEN WEST, US ARMY, Retired
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 09-17-2016).]
I could easliy post something written by another Black man in response to that but why bother? As I've had to repeat here over and over, the African diaspora in America is just as diverse in their opinions as their previously European counterparts. Do White Americans think with a single mind? No, huh? Well, neither do Black Americans.
I've quoted this previously but in this instance, it's fully worthy of an encore....."I may disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
[This message has been edited by Doni Hagan (edited 09-17-2016).]
I could easliy post something written by another Black man in response to that but why bother? As I've had to repeat here over and over, the African diaspora in America is just as diverse in their opinions as their previously European counterparts. Do White Americans think with a single mind? No, huh? Well, neither do Black Americans.
I've quoted this previously but in this instance, it's fully worthy of an encore....."I may disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
Who suggested all black Americans think with a single mind? But, that posting and several others have shown that most Americans of all races were insulted by Kaepernic's action and indicate that there is another way or other options than Kaepernick's choice. Kaepernick could have done something like DeMarcus Cousins and provided a forum for Local LEOs and communities to express their concerns and get to know each other in a different format. Imagination is Kaepernick's only limiting factor for using his celebrity status and money to help his cause. Insulting the rest of America hasn't done much for his cause nor, his business/employer.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
I surely hope that isn't directed at me, I don't believe I've stated any opinions of the Oklahoma shooting. I assume that's where that pic came from.
As I said previously, Mr. Kaepernick's protest has been grossly mis-directed. He could have done and accomplished so much more.
Edited: As I previously stated, this thread is dead (although the issue is still alive). As evidence of this, it's 8:14 PM on 21 Sept. 2016. I'm the last person to post in this thread and that's been a few days ago.
Jury Verdict, this thread is officially dead. ------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 09-21-2016).]
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
For the time being, it appears I still hold residency....however, I note my "negs" have risen exponentially in the last week or so. I guess I've ruffled a few feathers of late but such is to be expected considering the audience.....so I think it's but a matter of time.
Oh, well. If I pen a nice "I's sorry, Massa" post, do you anticipate I'll be allowed to continue living on the plantation?
You might enjoy being a martyr too much. At least a martyr in your mind.
Obviously that's what they want me to think. That's why I get so many Instagram/Twitter/FB posts, emails and text messages from other countries telling me that. Some even have picutres of rallies and the like.
I can start reposting some of them here if you like. Of the hundreds of people following me on various forums and whatnot, maybe 30-40% are from other countries.
Originally posted by Doni Hagan: Obviously that's what they want me to think. That's why I get so many Instagram/Twitter/FB posts, emails and text messages from other countries telling me that. Some even have picutres of rallies and the like.
I can start reposting some of them here if you like. Of the hundreds of people following me on various forums and whatnot, maybe 30-40% are from other countries.
I hope they also follow people with differing opinions.
Originally posted by 2.5: I hope they also follow people with differing opinions.
quote
Originally posted by Doni Hagan:
That I can't tell you. I only view what they send me.
It's too much work checking out "friends of friends."
There in lies part of the problem. They only get one side of an issue. Regardless of what the issue is. As is true in most cases, the truth is somewhere in the middle of the two extremes.
Edited: Hopefully, they see our media as biased but, that would depend on the feedback they get from those in their friendship groups. Well Crap, I guess that's another done issue................... ------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 09-23-2016).]
Brooks is an excellent wordsmith and his talents are quite evident in this piece. One sentence stood out to me though:
"We will lose the sense that we’re all in this together. "
I would respectfully suggest that we've not only reached the shore but have already traversed the Rubicon in that regard. I would further suggest that the evidence for such a conclusion is painfully glaring, particularly in light of the reactions (or lack of same, depending on perspective) to recent events.
In my personal opinion, the issue at hand is not so much how do we prevent such a chasm from occuring .....if I may continue the Rubicon analogy, "That ship has sailed"...... as it is how do we now go about repairing it.
[This message has been edited by Doni Hagan (edited 09-23-2016).]
Brooks is an excellent wordsmith and his talents are quite evident in this piece. One sentence stood out to me though:
"We will lose the sense that we’re all in this together. "
I would respectfully suggest that we've not only reached the shore but have already traversed the Rubicon in that regard. I would further suggest that the evidence for such a conclusion is painfully glaring, particularly in light of the reactions (or lack of same, depending on perspective) to recent events.
In my personal opinion, the issue at hand is not so much how do we prevent such a chasm from occuring .....if I may continue the Rubicon analogy, "That ship has sailed"...... as it is how do we now go about repairing it.
Interesting, that ship hasn't sailed, it's still taking on passengers. Boarding the wrong ship doesn't count. But then, I guess that depends on where you want to end up going.
Oh yeah, according to a recent poll, Kaepernick is the most disliked player in the NFL currently. I know that doesn't mean much except, I'm not alone in how I feel about his protest. No doubt, we're all wrong........
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 09-24-2016).]
Interesting, that ship hasn't sailed, it's still taking on passengers. Boarding the wrong ship doesn't count. But then, I guess that depends on where you want to end up going.
Oh yeah, according to a recent poll, Kaepernick is the most disliked player in the NFL currently. I know that doesn't mean much except, I'm not alone in how I feel about his protest. No doubt, we're all wrong........
I can't imagine how you could've ever thought you were the only one who harbored similar if not the same opinions about Kaepernick's actions.
If I have any misgivings about his protest at all, it's that some people are focusing on HIM and not the nature of his protest. One could consider that a convenient way to avoid facing the problem itself but there it is.......rather akin to "killing the messenger" because one doesn't want to deal with the message or simply doesn't know how to do so. I will say if it wasn't him, it most certainly would've been someone else of equal visibility at some point.
I don't know how to express this any clearer. The sentiment he has expressed is rather widely held and has been for decades in minority communities. The violence isn't new...it's the cameras that are new. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say you're "wrong" as much as you likely inhabit a different reality from those with whom his protest has struck a chord. I can assure you he's not "the most disliked NFL player" to those who live each day with the Damoclesian sword of police brutality ( or worse) hovering over their heads.
[This message has been edited by Doni Hagan (edited 09-24-2016).]
I can't imagine how you could've ever thought you were the only one who harbored similar if not the same opinions about Kaepernick's actions.
You really don't need to imagine that, I think we both know that I never thought so. It was just a convenient post to mention that poll.
In reference to the rest of your post, I have thoughts concerning the situation but, have not and will not even discuss them or respond to queries while Kaepernick continues to insult this nation.
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Definition of a home owner, "see the door threshold, without my permission, there and no futher.......
If, you wish to piss off a Conservative, lie to him. If, you wish to piss off a Socialist, Liberal or Progressive, tell them the truth.
In reference to the rest of your post, I have thoughts concerning the situation but, have not and will not even discuss them or respond to queries while Kaepernick continues to insult this nation.
Fair enough. I'll respect that and assure you I won't belabor it further with you.
The fact that the man himself wields more gravity than the problem he's espousing is noted but the lack of intercourse related to the problem will certainly insure that it only gets worse. It's not just you.....it's America.
Tell ya what, you pick yours, I'll pick mine. 
