Trump vs Clinton. That's no choice at all.
21
The BLM's Julius Jones should have asked Hillary Clinton whether she would endorse and support federal legislation that achieves these objectives:
1. Significantly reduce police ability to use brutal and lethal force.
2. Create significant criminal penalties for police and prosecutor misconduct.
3. Create a permanent independent prosecutor’s office to investigate and indict wrongdoers.
4. Reduce sentencing for nonviolent crimes, particularly drug offenses.
BLM should draft a pledge and ask every presidential candidate, as well as every Senate and House candidate, to sign it.
1. Significantly reduce police ability to use brutal and lethal force.
2. Create significant criminal penalties for police and prosecutor misconduct.
3. Create a permanent independent prosecutor’s office to investigate and indict wrongdoers.
4. Reduce sentencing for nonviolent crimes, particularly drug offenses.
BLM should draft a pledge and ask every presidential candidate, as well as every Senate and House candidate, to sign it.
49
Politically, movements like Black Lives Matter are in a bind. They do not support the people who oppose them, so they have no leverage with them. Republicans don't care, politically about blacks, so blacks don't vote Republican--since blacks don't vote Republican, Republican's don't care politically about blacks. It is a vicious cycle. The upshot is that Black Lives Matter must attack the politicians who do support them for not supporting them enough, because these are the only politicians they have any leverage over. The bind comes in that, in attacking politicians like Sanders and Clinton, they risk damaging them enough that the Republicans win.
103
So an adherent to the Black Lives Matter movement might draw the conclusion that because Bernie and Hillary were accosted, they are not vote worthy. Dr. Ben Carson is a man whose opinions mirror those of Clarence Thomas. Not very favorable to the Black Community. Could this result in African Americans staying home? Bring on a Donald Trump, Scott Walker or Ted Cruz, and the civil rights movement would go back a hundred years...at least.
55
Everyone should watch the two video clips before making judgments about Hilliary Clinton based on Mr Blow's racial spin. Because Mr Blow gets it wrong -- again. In this article he wants the sins of the husband to be visited upon the wife, just as in previous articles he has blamed sons and daughters for sins of their fathers. He must always have a group other than blacks to blame for today's racial strife, however remote that group is from the actions that created the current economic and social problems of blacks. He reaches into the past to find blame, and then he smears that blame on any non-black person who comes in contact with blacks. Mr Blow's problems are that facts belie his spin and that his smear doesn't stick. Just watch the video clips.
74
Thank you, Charles, for your opinion. I think one of the most interesting aspects of the Black Lives Matter movement is that it targets Liberals. Others have alluded to this fact in their comments. Targeting liberals is appropriate on this issue because liberals like to compare themselves to overt racists and pat themselves on the back. This leads to inaction.
12
There are many comments supporting Hillary and respectfully disagreeing with Mr. Blow.
I used to agree or sympathize with his views.
In the past year it seems he has become less balanced, more one-side. He finds fault only with the police, white America, liberals, and never with individual blacks or the African-American community. This is true even with ambiguous tragedies like the Michael Brown shooting.
Today, he doesn't even mention the conservative, often racist, Republican whites, or the Supreme Court, who deserve most of the blame for the current state of race relations in the United States. Instead he opts for a "soft" target, liberal whites who have historically supported civil rights.
He says "...you must test the fealty of your supposed friends."
When did liberal whites become "supposed friends." What evidence does he have that their long-time support for women, blacks, gays (etc.) has waned or is not trustworthy?
Mr. Blow writes beautifully, poetically, bravely. I would hate to see him become the Ross Douthat of the black left - smart, but a joke in the eyes of the The Times readers.
Maybe the power of the BLM movement has brought out his suppressed rage at white America. That may be understandable, but it isn't pretty, and it won't help black Americans. Not because liberal whites are perfect, but because we don't want to be unfairly criticized, while you ignore the failings of your own community.
I used to agree or sympathize with his views.
In the past year it seems he has become less balanced, more one-side. He finds fault only with the police, white America, liberals, and never with individual blacks or the African-American community. This is true even with ambiguous tragedies like the Michael Brown shooting.
Today, he doesn't even mention the conservative, often racist, Republican whites, or the Supreme Court, who deserve most of the blame for the current state of race relations in the United States. Instead he opts for a "soft" target, liberal whites who have historically supported civil rights.
He says "...you must test the fealty of your supposed friends."
When did liberal whites become "supposed friends." What evidence does he have that their long-time support for women, blacks, gays (etc.) has waned or is not trustworthy?
Mr. Blow writes beautifully, poetically, bravely. I would hate to see him become the Ross Douthat of the black left - smart, but a joke in the eyes of the The Times readers.
Maybe the power of the BLM movement has brought out his suppressed rage at white America. That may be understandable, but it isn't pretty, and it won't help black Americans. Not because liberal whites are perfect, but because we don't want to be unfairly criticized, while you ignore the failings of your own community.
98
Money that is allocated to running these large American prisons that incarcerate at a rate of 10 to 1 blacks to white, is nothing more than hiding our shame and our fears about' race relations' in this dysfunctional country of ours.
7
Watching this video made me even more confused about the goals of BLM than I was before. What is their end game? An apology from Hillary? While that may be nice, it doesn't change a system that damages (or outright destroys) the lives of many, many minorities.
Changing hearts in a system of structural racism isn't even a half-measure. The major problem with structural racism is that well-meaning people are stuck perpetuating the problem, even if they don't want to. That's why POLICY is so central to changing structural racism.
Police quotas, community policing & citizen involvement, school districting, school discipline, bail, civil forfeiture, felon voting rights, affordable housing, for-profit prisons, college funding, etc. These are all areas where change can be made to make "Black Lives Matter" in a way that they currently don't. But these things will only change when POLICY changes.
It appears that BLM is fine with letting the existing power structure make policy on their own. That just seems bizarre to me.
I'm so disappointed in BLM. Here in MN the biggest policy/legal fight is about whether or not you can protest in the Mall of America. Is that REALLY what they want to spend their time on? Are they that bad at planning that they couldn't see how they'd be trapped in an unrelated fight? Are they pushing for real change or just performance artists?
Changing hearts in a system of structural racism isn't even a half-measure. The major problem with structural racism is that well-meaning people are stuck perpetuating the problem, even if they don't want to. That's why POLICY is so central to changing structural racism.
Police quotas, community policing & citizen involvement, school districting, school discipline, bail, civil forfeiture, felon voting rights, affordable housing, for-profit prisons, college funding, etc. These are all areas where change can be made to make "Black Lives Matter" in a way that they currently don't. But these things will only change when POLICY changes.
It appears that BLM is fine with letting the existing power structure make policy on their own. That just seems bizarre to me.
I'm so disappointed in BLM. Here in MN the biggest policy/legal fight is about whether or not you can protest in the Mall of America. Is that REALLY what they want to spend their time on? Are they that bad at planning that they couldn't see how they'd be trapped in an unrelated fight? Are they pushing for real change or just performance artists?
55
This opinion piece claims that Ms. Clinton never acknowledged the negative consequences of her husband's crime bill. The piece on Ms. Clinton in today's U.S. section says explicitly that she did acknowledge negative consequences. Both cannot be right. One of these two writers is misstating the facts and, for the one who is misstating the facts, there needs to be serious, and public, repercussions. If the NYT is incapable of consistently reporting the "facts", even within a single day's issue, the whole purpose of the enterprise is in question.
45
Why should she apologize for her husband? What good is an apology anyway? If people sincerely hold a belief, and later change their mind because of new evidence, why should they pander to the apology fetishists? The question should be what is the best way to move forward, not to keep litigating the policy mistakes of the past.
37
Several commenters wonder when BLM is going to confront the GOP candidates. Me too.... But I also know from years of watching American presidential races that liberals, and Democrats, tend to beat each other up, sometimes so badly that the Republican candidate had a cake walk to the presidency. "Those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it." This is where we are heading.
If these activists want to accomplish something they should work to ensure their "friends," people like Hillary Clinton, get into office where some real change can occur. She and President Clinton know that the law passed during a time of heavy drug use had unintended consequences and if Hillary is elected she has already indicated changes will be made. The BLM activists should stop looking backward and demand of the Republican candidates some real answers to the current problems, rather than hammering a potential ally over past history.
This same comment could be applied to all the Hillary bashers out there. What, really, is the probability that any of the other Democratic candidates will win a national election? Somewhere between zero and zero. So why are you working to get a Republican elected?
If these activists want to accomplish something they should work to ensure their "friends," people like Hillary Clinton, get into office where some real change can occur. She and President Clinton know that the law passed during a time of heavy drug use had unintended consequences and if Hillary is elected she has already indicated changes will be made. The BLM activists should stop looking backward and demand of the Republican candidates some real answers to the current problems, rather than hammering a potential ally over past history.
This same comment could be applied to all the Hillary bashers out there. What, really, is the probability that any of the other Democratic candidates will win a national election? Somewhere between zero and zero. So why are you working to get a Republican elected?
35
Holding out for an apology is missing the point. Hillary showed her tact and competence with her answer. Where we go from here is what counts, forward thinking. Advocating for specific changes/laws, as opposed to emotional "heart changing" is the answer. Some hearts will never change, nor admit racism. Change follows legislation, and these Black activists need to unite around a specific positive agenda, and will have HRC's support to implement it..
36
This is right out of the Republicans playbook, for years they've been winning elections by promoting a racist agenda and the black population in this country is now frustrated and angry....rightfully so. But now the next step in that strategy is to push the protestors to lawlessness, hatred and violence so they can become the party of law and order again. This happened in 1968 when Richard Nixon became president while protestors disrupted the Democratic Convention and the law Clinton signed was a direct extension of that trend that lasted 50 years.
16
As long as we're heaping blame at HRC for Bubba's politcal transgressions (excluding a crrtsin scandal-turned-witchhunt), why don't we include his signing a bill that ultimately cost thousands of prople - myself included - not only our jobs, but our careers as well; not to mention the (real or perceived) deconstruction of a medium, when he signed into law, the Telecommunicstions Act.
12
White people caused racism in this country and can always do more to lessen its ugly tentacles. It should be noted that ALL of the Republican presidential candidates are for: 1. Voter ID, 2. gutting the Voting Rights Act, and 3. gerrymandering minority representatives out of existence. For Black Lives Matter not to publicly confront those who endorse these utter racist policies first, and instead choose Bernie Sanders instead reveals an obvious choice of political opportunity over substance.
31
Polticians drift where the wind blows them. Gov. Clinton, who presided over the execution of an insane man, was not going to let Willie Horton stand in his way to the White House. Hillary made be blown away by the current nationalist hurricane; but make no mistake, she will lick her finger and see where the wind is blowing before taking any firm positions. They all will, except for the windbag himself and he will blow himself out of contention. The confrontations may lift the veil, but the wind will keep om blowing.
3
As long as the people most motivated to vote are the resentful and delusional we will never solve our nation's problems.
Register and vote - our vote is our only defense against demagoguery and the billionaires who are or who pay for politicians.
Vote, people, vote.
Register and vote - our vote is our only defense against demagoguery and the billionaires who are or who pay for politicians.
Vote, people, vote.
14
Hillary should not legitimize this thuggish "movement" with a conversation. As far as I can see, these folks are trying to shift the blame for the disastrous self-inflicted wounds of their own community onto those who are responsible, respectful and successful. Let them deal with their out of wedlock birth issue (multiple kids to a single mother who can't afford to raise them) and gangster rap polluting mindset before they seek the legitimacy and the political power that would enable them to defang the police putting law abiding citizens at risk.
22
What is the paper role of African Americans in resolving issues that affect them. Is it to point out wrongful actions or lead efforts to change? There is no question that we have put too many in prison for too long on drug charges these laws disproportionately affect blacks. Yet I,am not aware of black organizations that are leading the charge to change the law.
8
I often wonder, when any policy is passed, is there anyone in the room who says, by the way, here is the downside (unintended consequences ) risk of this measure. The current debate, if you can call it that, over immigration for example, is there any staff person around, who says, OK, we deport, we build a wall, we...., but here are the political, economic, and social consequences. A habit I got into when I managed an organization, was taking out a legal pad with two columns: upsides/downsides. Our political class needs that legal pad.
10
In a guerrilla attack, the ambushed may say things they will regret. Hillary said she believed in changing laws. OK, but it isn't exclusively Laws Versus Hearts and Minds. We can't legislate thinking, ethics, or morals. We've had laws that were intended to improve race relations, voting etc., but given a handful of conservative Catholic men in black robes, laws can be diverted.
I applaud activists as long as they stay within the law. But they should beware of the law of unintended consequences. (See the results of Black opposition to Clinton's bill in 1994!--GOP dominance!)
Changing hearts and minds in beyond a generational project, but it should not take another century. What is needed is leadership above and outside the toxic political process that's been imposed on us. That's why I call on Joe Biden, America's man, to take on this project rather than dip himself in his best years in the sewage emanating from the Right.
I applaud activists as long as they stay within the law. But they should beware of the law of unintended consequences. (See the results of Black opposition to Clinton's bill in 1994!--GOP dominance!)
Changing hearts and minds in beyond a generational project, but it should not take another century. What is needed is leadership above and outside the toxic political process that's been imposed on us. That's why I call on Joe Biden, America's man, to take on this project rather than dip himself in his best years in the sewage emanating from the Right.
2
Instead of focusing on the skin color of the incarcerated population why not check their bank accounts? Poverty/no education = violence/lawlessness/drugs. Wouldn't that be the common thread of relevance if we're wondering why they're locked up? But education or the lack thereof isn't a sexy subject and nobody much feels like waving flags about it.
The more education and economic power an individual has the less limited they are by skin color. We don't have to look far for proof of that.
To non-racists (people who - whatever their basic instincts of "my kind/your kind" might be - do not base their actions on race) skin color is a trivial thing, a superficial thing. To solve this serious problem we would have to go much deeper than that. Very hard, not fun, and would probably would involve economic sacrifice. Anyone?
The more education and economic power an individual has the less limited they are by skin color. We don't have to look far for proof of that.
To non-racists (people who - whatever their basic instincts of "my kind/your kind" might be - do not base their actions on race) skin color is a trivial thing, a superficial thing. To solve this serious problem we would have to go much deeper than that. Very hard, not fun, and would probably would involve economic sacrifice. Anyone?
8
Unlike Mr. Blow, I found the confrontation with Hillary Clinton cringe worthy. It spoke of the activists lack of awareness that the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act came at a time when it was generally concluded that was a good way to reduce that huge problem. It turns out it wasn't. It turns out people of color were impacted the most. But at the time due to lack of awareness those consequences weren't considered. It wasn't a part of the collective unconscious/consciousness. Hillary can't be blamed for that. Like she can't be blamed for slavery. And it's hard to believe, considering all the good work of the Clinton Initiative that Bill or Hillary were/are bad people out to do harm. Quite the opposite. And like all thinking people; not those lost and locked in old prejudice, knowing better leads to change. In the sixties, that was known as consciousness raising. It is in fact raised consciousness that leads to changed behavior and changed behavior leads to different consequences. On both sides of the fence. As Maya Angelou wisely stated: "I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better." The BLM movement needs to understand that. And they need to make sure their tactics elevate not agitate and backfire. And right now, it feels like they are inching close to that precarious border.
35
Racial disparities in certain types of arrests, such as for
marijuana use, are good evidence for Blow to use. I wish
he would use more apples/apples comparisons like that.
And I sure agree that Hillary does herself no favors by not
facing what Bill has faced up to. The why is a mystery of
sorts; she just seems to not want to be candid, ever.
But if Mr. Blow wants to make the larger case, he needs
to nail it down in a way that refuses to be ignored or
evaded. What percentage of reported crimes are committed
by, and what percentage perpetrated upon, persons of
specific ethnic groups? ( Italian, Chinese, or Mexican,
for instance.)
Separately, how rampant is the "Ferguson syndrome" --
a community made up of a black majority that is so little
involved in its own interests that it allows itself, for decades,
to have a police department and elected government that
systematically exclude and victimize the majority? Where is
the responsibility for so-dependence in such examples?
Malcolm said it best. When is doubt, do it yourself.
marijuana use, are good evidence for Blow to use. I wish
he would use more apples/apples comparisons like that.
And I sure agree that Hillary does herself no favors by not
facing what Bill has faced up to. The why is a mystery of
sorts; she just seems to not want to be candid, ever.
But if Mr. Blow wants to make the larger case, he needs
to nail it down in a way that refuses to be ignored or
evaded. What percentage of reported crimes are committed
by, and what percentage perpetrated upon, persons of
specific ethnic groups? ( Italian, Chinese, or Mexican,
for instance.)
Separately, how rampant is the "Ferguson syndrome" --
a community made up of a black majority that is so little
involved in its own interests that it allows itself, for decades,
to have a police department and elected government that
systematically exclude and victimize the majority? Where is
the responsibility for so-dependence in such examples?
Malcolm said it best. When is doubt, do it yourself.
6
The Clinton crime bill was opposed in Congress by most of the Black Caucus and by the GOP. Clinton revised the bill, and it was passed. GOP votes helped to make up the majority. GOP members cheered because they had shown that Democrats couldn’t work together to further Democratic policies.
That bill had the assault weapon ban, and defined crimes relating to hate, race, sex, violence against women, and gang activity. Why did the BC oppose those elements? Why did only three of them switch votes at Clinton’s pleading? Why did they not negotiate a bill they preferred? Instead, Gingrich’s price for GOP votes was massive cuts in crime prevention programs. Had more BC members come on board, GOP votes would have been moot. What kind of partisan chagrin lay behind John Lewis’s comment: "I hope this drives home the fact that none of us should ever be taken for granted.” Cutting off his nose to spite his face? Him I admire greatly, but why is he less guilty than Hillary?
Seems to me the BCC were blinkered in their view of the consequences of their opposition. I thought so at the time, and like the celebrating GOP, I saw that the pendulum had been pushed their way: they won the House that fall, and the rest is history.
It’s right to ask for position statements from candidates, but not in guerrilla ambushes—don’t expect good results that way. Far better to have it in writing--polisci 101.
That bill had the assault weapon ban, and defined crimes relating to hate, race, sex, violence against women, and gang activity. Why did the BC oppose those elements? Why did only three of them switch votes at Clinton’s pleading? Why did they not negotiate a bill they preferred? Instead, Gingrich’s price for GOP votes was massive cuts in crime prevention programs. Had more BC members come on board, GOP votes would have been moot. What kind of partisan chagrin lay behind John Lewis’s comment: "I hope this drives home the fact that none of us should ever be taken for granted.” Cutting off his nose to spite his face? Him I admire greatly, but why is he less guilty than Hillary?
Seems to me the BCC were blinkered in their view of the consequences of their opposition. I thought so at the time, and like the celebrating GOP, I saw that the pendulum had been pushed their way: they won the House that fall, and the rest is history.
It’s right to ask for position statements from candidates, but not in guerrilla ambushes—don’t expect good results that way. Far better to have it in writing--polisci 101.
13
Seeking out an apology is naive, and somewhat childish. It's also not constructive. Testing "the fealty of your supposed friends" probably does more harm than good. I mean, how many people go around constantly testing the loyalty of their friends? How many of their friends leave them because they are tired of being tested?
Why aren't activists working in impoverished, mostly black areas?
Why aren't they interrupting Bush or Trump?
Virtually no one doubts that mass incarceration is a real issue, the same with police brutality. It is time to look at the more uncomfortable side of Black Lives Matter, black on black crime. If the Black Lives Matter can't own up to the fact that black on black crime is doing more harm to their communities than excessive policing, they shouldn't expect Hillary, or anyone else for that matter, to own up to their problems.
Why aren't activists working in impoverished, mostly black areas?
Why aren't they interrupting Bush or Trump?
Virtually no one doubts that mass incarceration is a real issue, the same with police brutality. It is time to look at the more uncomfortable side of Black Lives Matter, black on black crime. If the Black Lives Matter can't own up to the fact that black on black crime is doing more harm to their communities than excessive policing, they shouldn't expect Hillary, or anyone else for that matter, to own up to their problems.
53
I share some of the views here that Mr. Blow is omitting some greater context - and I think it hurts his column a bit. That said, the Clintons do enjoy an oddly generous historical regard from the left which seems to ignore a range of horrendous policies. Further, the bill that Mr. Blow reminds us of is hardly the only Clinton action to adversely affect black lives. Haiti, anybody?
So no, Hillary should not have to be dedicated to apologizing for her husband's policies, but she should indeed be held accountable for her thoroughly neoliberal positions.
Or you could save a lot of time and trouble and just vote Sanders.
So no, Hillary should not have to be dedicated to apologizing for her husband's policies, but she should indeed be held accountable for her thoroughly neoliberal positions.
Or you could save a lot of time and trouble and just vote Sanders.
14
Maybe she's just clever enough to understand that these people are going to vote for her regardless of what she says. Black Lives Matter folks obviously aren't going to vote for this batch of republicans over a democrat.
Meanwhile, she's also trying to court moderate and moderate-conservative whites, many of whom frankly don't really think black lives matter (unfortunate as that may be). In sum, the protesters have no leverage because they have no options anyway, and Hilary is playing the right hand to get elected in a national setting.
Does that mean they don't have a point? Probably not, but perhaps they should apply some strategic thinking as well, because at the end of the day their goals will be better served by electing basically any democrat regardless of whether they like the person or not; because the democratic platform is more supportive of the rights of minorities as it stands. They're certainly justified in seeking answers, but they're only harming their own position in reality.
You don't always get everything you want in elections, and better to take the devil you know (who'll throw you some bones), than the devil you don't (who you're pretty sure won't).
Meanwhile, she's also trying to court moderate and moderate-conservative whites, many of whom frankly don't really think black lives matter (unfortunate as that may be). In sum, the protesters have no leverage because they have no options anyway, and Hilary is playing the right hand to get elected in a national setting.
Does that mean they don't have a point? Probably not, but perhaps they should apply some strategic thinking as well, because at the end of the day their goals will be better served by electing basically any democrat regardless of whether they like the person or not; because the democratic platform is more supportive of the rights of minorities as it stands. They're certainly justified in seeking answers, but they're only harming their own position in reality.
You don't always get everything you want in elections, and better to take the devil you know (who'll throw you some bones), than the devil you don't (who you're pretty sure won't).
5
Yes there are too many non-violent criminals in our (mostly federal) prisons. However, Mr. Blow and many others fail to acknowledge that the spike in the incarceration of violent criminals (many black and mostly in state prisons) correlates nearly perfectly with the reduction of violent crime in the U.S. High African American abortion rates years after Roe v. Wade have also apparently driven down violent crime rates. It's pretty obvious that there is a huge benefit to black citizens in high crime neighborhoods in keeping violent offenders (yes, a very high proportion are black) locked up in prison. If black lives really matter then keeping violent black offenders in prison should be praised rather than condemned..
20
The BLM movement is taking the easy way out. It evades the real problems in urban black communities, such as poor parenting, rejection of education, pervasive drug sales & use, crime, and the reflexive use of violence.
Doubtless, there is racism in the world and it must be a continual obstacle to these communities, but it does not excuse the acceptance of these problems. The communities must look within to solve these problems.
Doubtless, there is racism in the world and it must be a continual obstacle to these communities, but it does not excuse the acceptance of these problems. The communities must look within to solve these problems.
33
Charles Blow has written a number of excellent columns recently on the larger race relations issue. The Hillary-BLM confrontation was useful and productive: uncomfortable, yes, but a positive and substantive exchange among allies. (Based on the video on Larry Wilmore.) Now, I'm a white guy, so maybe it looked different to Mr. Blow, with HRC waving her finger and pushing back. But on the policy, the critique of HRC is misguided. The 1994 crime bill addressed a real crime wave, and was supported by the Congressional Black Caucus and other black leaders (Kevin Drum had a post on this yesterday). Times are different now, and we know more, and it is clear that changes are needed. Events have made it clear to all that racism is alive and strong in this country. HRC's point was that policy matters, and that BLM can do the most good by mobilizing action for concrete policy changes. I think it is commendable that she engaged in this substantive, unscripted exchange. She has invited input for a concrete policy agenda: why not use it as an opportunity to move forward?
Shading HRC as a supporter of white supremacist legislation is wrong and not productive: she is and always has been an ally of the black community, and she needs black votes to prevail against the Republican machine in this country.
Shading HRC as a supporter of white supremacist legislation is wrong and not productive: she is and always has been an ally of the black community, and she needs black votes to prevail against the Republican machine in this country.
40
What does it say about the states of America's politics and culture that the early frontrunners are Hillary and Donald? At least with the latter, you know what you're getting. With Hillary, however, to expect a genuine champion of equal opportunity and treatment under the law is a fool's errand. Never read her lips. They are habitually and constitutionally incapable of honest expression of true intent. If you crave a different result, find another candidate.
4
I watched the interview. I thought HRC answered their questions in a intelligent, and proper manner,pointing our that the solution is in forming and executing a properly laid -out strategy. She used the Civil Rights /Gay Rights movements as examples. She didn't waste the allotted time with confrontation and argument,she used the time to explain her position on the issue as it stands today. If she tried to explain it away with denial ,I'm afraid the press would have jumped on that scenario and shouted liar,liar. In my mind, she can't win with the pathetic press coverage she is receiving from all outlets. I see another 2000 election cycle coming thanks once again to press.
26
I urge people to watch the video and come to their own conclusions. I did, and both the passionate, incisive BLM activist and HRC, impressed me. The spontaneous, unscripted, nature of the exchange was refreshing. (The hunger for more of that is what Trump is tapping into on the Right.) What Blow never says, in HRC's defense, is that she maintained eye contact and nodded repeatedly throughout the BLM's member's far-reaching remarks about anti-black bias in American history and politics, including his critique of her husband's administration. And when she spoke, she agreed with his analysis. She said his comments were "fair", fair politically, economically, historically, even psychologically. Then she went on to challenge him to translate justified anger into positive demands for change, including, by implication, undoing mass incarceration mistakes made by the Clinton Administration (for which he has already apologized). She didn't say, "I've got all the answers", she said, "I'm trying to work this stuff out" as she campaigns.
But don't take my word for it; watch it for yourself and form your own view. NYT should invite the two to sit down, have an hour's conversation, and bring us the video of it, verbatim and unedited.
But don't take my word for it; watch it for yourself and form your own view. NYT should invite the two to sit down, have an hour's conversation, and bring us the video of it, verbatim and unedited.
34
We live in a liberal democracy, where the influence of the powerful and well connected is big enough to enable them to keep being powerful and well connected but only where the people as a whole do not oppose it, the authority of our government still is legally the people. Affirmative Action was a policy to undo the inequities which continued to impede the ability of people who had been prevented from availing themselves of the opportunities which were open to all others. Simple but not easy solution because it required the cooperation of those who would end up competing with people with who they never had and in addition every tie breaker would result in their losing. It was imposed through laws enacted by people who never would be affected except in the ballot box. The sufferings which are disproportionally suffered by African Americans, and all poorer people in this country, are due to forces that are mostly indifferent about who are affected. They include the lack of economic expansion sufficient to support our public institutions with adequate revenues exacerbated with silly theories about magical markets and about how wealth and thus jobs are created in any economy. The remarkably easy to understand fact that people look after themselves well but reluctantly give over power and wealth to anyone else who would benefit from it escapes those who are not alarmed by almost all new wealth created being concentrated into a few hands. Ignorance not racism is the problem.
2
I understand why the Black Lives Matter members believe that confrontational politics may be the best route to success more quickly than other methods. I'm not sure it's the way to win over the people who might be leaning toward their side. When liberals or "progressives" see Bernie Sanders deprived of the opportunity to speak, BLM may be losing some possible supporters.
It would seem that, rather than confronting Hillary to justify why she supported legislation two decades ago that resulted in unintended consequences, BLM should be grilling some of the sixteen GOP candidates who are active supporters of current, obvious legislation and practices which are in place to discourage minority voting, restrict minimum wage increases, gerrymander minority representation away, etc. If BLM wants to gain some supporters from the left, maybe it should think about challenging somebody on the right.
It would seem that, rather than confronting Hillary to justify why she supported legislation two decades ago that resulted in unintended consequences, BLM should be grilling some of the sixteen GOP candidates who are active supporters of current, obvious legislation and practices which are in place to discourage minority voting, restrict minimum wage increases, gerrymander minority representation away, etc. If BLM wants to gain some supporters from the left, maybe it should think about challenging somebody on the right.
21
The root cause of the disproportional incarceration of Black males is a different Clinton-promoted 1990s federal law than is mentioned here--NAFTA. That trade agreement, in the words of Ross Perot, sucked the manufacturing jobs out of America leaving inner city youth little hope of earning a middle class income. The accompanying NAFTA open border caused a surge in opiate narcotics trafficking across our southern border making supply abundant. According to DEA statistics, Mexico is now the biggest source of heroin in the U.S. which is destroying our small towns and big cities. This is no longer about Popeye Doyle and the French Connection.
Passed in 1993, NAFTA sadly provided the perfect storm for what led to the sickening wholesale incarceration of a whole generation of Black males.
Passed in 1993, NAFTA sadly provided the perfect storm for what led to the sickening wholesale incarceration of a whole generation of Black males.
7
Wow. I hope you're not the judge at my divorce court hearing. If, from their perspectives in the 1990's, Bill and Hillary Clinton supported the Violent Crime Control act, I'm sure it wasn't because they were unforgivably racist. I would expect that Bill's recent apology to be more than sufficient. (By the way, Mr. Blow, what grade were you in, in 1994?)
What is almost humorous about Julius Jones's confrontation and question, is the role reversal of he and Hillary. Mr. Jones wants to know "what in your heart has changed...how do you actually feel...?" Mr. Jones might have wanted to sit down to a coffee table, and passed around the kleenex tissues; while Hillary took a more masculine approach and talked about the things she has since achieved. You've sure disappointed me.
What is almost humorous about Julius Jones's confrontation and question, is the role reversal of he and Hillary. Mr. Jones wants to know "what in your heart has changed...how do you actually feel...?" Mr. Jones might have wanted to sit down to a coffee table, and passed around the kleenex tissues; while Hillary took a more masculine approach and talked about the things she has since achieved. You've sure disappointed me.
18
I count myself as a supporter of BLM, but the encounter with Clinton, and the general reaction by BLM supporters and activists in disheartening.
It is far preferable for Clinton to propose policies and legislation to address the problems of racial disparity in the justice system and current lack of police accountability than it is to hear her apologize and promise empathy, and to "change hearts." The latter path leads to little in terms of tangible results, and it's the path emerging as preferable by BLM.
Hillary Clinton (of whom I'm not a big fan) could lash herself with remorse until all the activists feel satisfied, but that doesn't lead to actionable change. I prefer results - give me an tone deaf elected official who is able to change things through legislation and policies over an empathic one that merely talks the talk.
It is far preferable for Clinton to propose policies and legislation to address the problems of racial disparity in the justice system and current lack of police accountability than it is to hear her apologize and promise empathy, and to "change hearts." The latter path leads to little in terms of tangible results, and it's the path emerging as preferable by BLM.
Hillary Clinton (of whom I'm not a big fan) could lash herself with remorse until all the activists feel satisfied, but that doesn't lead to actionable change. I prefer results - give me an tone deaf elected official who is able to change things through legislation and policies over an empathic one that merely talks the talk.
14
Have I missed a link to the video here? It is profoundly disturbing, you've been quite restrained describing Hillary's response. Her condescension, which echoes when she lost me in 2008 with comments about MLK being less important than a president, is stomach churning. I'm old enough to remember the 60s, as is Hillary, and the dodge of people in power demanding their victims provide a solution to their complaints in triplicate forms registered with the proper authorities. It's her job to provide solutions and the detail that's entailed. The other reason everyone needs to see the video is this keeps being described as though it was a shouting match, which could not be farther from the truth, except when Hillary gets wound up.
4
As a former rebel (counterrevolutiionary for the communists) in Cuba, I find very difficult to undertsand the tactics of Blacks while protesting, and much less their apologists:
You sabotage the rallies of your best and often only allies, riot in and burn your own neighborhoods, and loot the businesses that serve you. It is nothing less than bizarre. You don't really battle your foes.
Of course racism exists and is nauseating but you have a serious target identification deficit.
I believe you should protest the police stations and the republican shows.
Now, I don't trust Clinton either. I am all for Bernie.
You sabotage the rallies of your best and often only allies, riot in and burn your own neighborhoods, and loot the businesses that serve you. It is nothing less than bizarre. You don't really battle your foes.
Of course racism exists and is nauseating but you have a serious target identification deficit.
I believe you should protest the police stations and the republican shows.
Now, I don't trust Clinton either. I am all for Bernie.
16
I wish you knew history as well as you wrote. For those of us living in East Brooklyn at the time of the crack epidemic, the blight violent crime was placing over the city was unimaginable to those too young to know of it. Remember: the ratcheting up of crime bills was not targeted at innocent people living in a Utopia: it was for families unable to leave their homes. And, the violence in places like Miami was even worse. Perhaps it was overreach. But a desperate time demanded steps to allow young black and brown kids to go to school and not be terrorized by automatic weapons being fired in Bushwick, Brownsville and Bed Stuy. Yes, change is needed and money to redirect minds calloused by prison. But, please remember some of us were there. And, many of us looked at this crack down on crime with satisfaction as it allowed the streets to be safer. Don't believe me: look at every major and minor crime statistic from the mid 80's thru the mid nineties and compare them with the same areas now. Be better than Hillary and do not have a selective memory.
21
When attacking someone on an issue, it might help if you yourself had solutions to suggest; scilicet, Why aren't you offering X, Y, and/or Z? Confronting someone, as BLM did Hillary Clinton, and saying, "Tell me what you're going to do about this!" is less constructive when you have nothing to tender.
If, like Cornell West, BLM seeks revolution, then they should stop pretending to wish to work intra-systemically. If they seek sensible resolutions to their troubles, then they might think of proffering solutions. When Clinton said that "in politics, if you can't explain it and you can't sell it, it stays on the shelf," she was right, of course. What is it they want exactly?
By being disruptive, BLM is generating attention, which forces politicians to respond to this issue, and that in itself may be good. But I'm tired of hearing black leaders try to outdo one another in their obeisance to the "black prophetic tradition." West may want to entrust this country's destiny to a revolution, may think Obama a member of the nefarious neoliberal bourgeoisie; but I don't.
The notion that the only people who care about or can do anything for the oppressed black underclass are socialists is laughable. The unwillingness of those who speak on behalf of the black community to abide paternalism of any kind, to speak out against any negative behavior on the part of blacks (whatever its cause), however destructive, is doing far more harm than good.
If, like Cornell West, BLM seeks revolution, then they should stop pretending to wish to work intra-systemically. If they seek sensible resolutions to their troubles, then they might think of proffering solutions. When Clinton said that "in politics, if you can't explain it and you can't sell it, it stays on the shelf," she was right, of course. What is it they want exactly?
By being disruptive, BLM is generating attention, which forces politicians to respond to this issue, and that in itself may be good. But I'm tired of hearing black leaders try to outdo one another in their obeisance to the "black prophetic tradition." West may want to entrust this country's destiny to a revolution, may think Obama a member of the nefarious neoliberal bourgeoisie; but I don't.
The notion that the only people who care about or can do anything for the oppressed black underclass are socialists is laughable. The unwillingness of those who speak on behalf of the black community to abide paternalism of any kind, to speak out against any negative behavior on the part of blacks (whatever its cause), however destructive, is doing far more harm than good.
13
First of all, as a white dude who has lived his entire life in Texas, I can attest that there is still a lot of bigotry here. On some level, I think the Black Lives Matter movement is trying to have prominent white figures acknowledge that anti-black policies begin with anti-black attitudes. White people have a responsibility to acknowledge the reality of anti-black attitudes, not just by saying "there's a bigot!" And pointing the finger, but by looking within and trying to see what stones remain unturned. How do I contribute to this problem?
As for Hillary Clinton's response, I think it is more indicative of a generational gap than a lack of sincerity about addressing anti-black attitudes. She did not directly apologize for her support of failed policies, nor did she fully acknowledge her role. That is frustrating for a movement that needs white people to acknowledge their role in the toxic cycle. But Ms. Clinton's focus on court cases and legal actions to advance the BLM movement points to a generational gap. Youth today were hit really hard by the economic collapse and still do not have a great deal of power. On some level that means that young people have had less exposure to the actions of powerful people. Young people think less in terms of legislation and court cases, because they have had less access to this avenue for change. It is difficult to trust legislative solutions in a political system saturated with wealth; or to trust courts that acquit murderous officers.
As for Hillary Clinton's response, I think it is more indicative of a generational gap than a lack of sincerity about addressing anti-black attitudes. She did not directly apologize for her support of failed policies, nor did she fully acknowledge her role. That is frustrating for a movement that needs white people to acknowledge their role in the toxic cycle. But Ms. Clinton's focus on court cases and legal actions to advance the BLM movement points to a generational gap. Youth today were hit really hard by the economic collapse and still do not have a great deal of power. On some level that means that young people have had less exposure to the actions of powerful people. Young people think less in terms of legislation and court cases, because they have had less access to this avenue for change. It is difficult to trust legislative solutions in a political system saturated with wealth; or to trust courts that acquit murderous officers.
7
Senator Jim Web worked so hard to produce a bill about the criminal justice reform. Guess what? Neither Obama or the democrats in congress tough it was worthy to look at it.
Bill Clinton as president advanced mostly republican's agenda and Hillary while at the Senate only 'virtue' was to get along and cozy with her republicans colleagues .
Karma exists for sure.
Bill Clinton as president advanced mostly republican's agenda and Hillary while at the Senate only 'virtue' was to get along and cozy with her republicans colleagues .
Karma exists for sure.
2
BLM activists will achieve nothing by blaming things on the Clintons. In addition, by the strict PC policing of the phrase "Black Lives Matter" as opposed to any other wording, and the narcissistic performance art of the Sanders' protesters, any message they hope to impart is being lost. The movement appears to be a rant and rage and blame machine.
You may not like what the Clintons did in the past but what does it matter in making policy today? You'll be waiting a long time for an apology, and if you get it, what good will it do policy-wise? Do you want an apology or policy change?
Hillary was right with her interaction with the BLM protestors. If they choose to waste their time and effort in getting an apology, they're going to lose their opportunity to effect any real change and just turn everybody off in the interim.
You may not like what the Clintons did in the past but what does it matter in making policy today? You'll be waiting a long time for an apology, and if you get it, what good will it do policy-wise? Do you want an apology or policy change?
Hillary was right with her interaction with the BLM protestors. If they choose to waste their time and effort in getting an apology, they're going to lose their opportunity to effect any real change and just turn everybody off in the interim.
24
Clinton and Sanders need to address this issues, and answer the charge in Clinton's case, in a more formal setting with chairs and a table and a proper camera--and broadcast on prime time, on a major network, not tucked away on CSPAN. The passing interview seemed rushed, fly-by, a passing nuisance as she commuted from one meeting to the next. She was even interrupted by her handler after the pointed question about incarceration laws, almost like a tip to not answer the question. And after the interruption, Clinton evaded the question by tooting her own horn about what she has done personally. It's very important for the BLM to get formal air time with the big brass--no more wrestling mics, and quick walk by interviews--or even stilted, scripted, top down speeches. A dialogue, a back and forth is needed with no evasion, allow detailed follow-up questions, and make it live. Give this topic the public airing that is needed. Right now it seems like the activists are on the fringes trying to be heard, scratching for formal time, broadcasting on a cell cam. That disrespects the murders--and draconian incarcerations--of so many black people by the state.
3
Many of the comments in this section are premised on the belief that we have a strong democratic system with well meaning leaders who occasionally make mistakes, but are ernest and willing to change when those missteps are brought to their attention. They also seem to believe that the Clinton's epitomize this slightly flawed, but otherwise well run system of government.
But what if, at least as it concerns black folks that this system is working exactly as it was planned to? What if the choice to reserve the harsh bottom of society for people of color, allowing of course a few to trickle out is an unbroken historical line drawn from 1619 to our present day? What if racism in America simply changes form, but not function?
At first glance this seems to be a preposterous proposition. But step back for a moment and look at the data that describes health, housing, employment, social mobility and engagement with the criminal justice system and what you will see is a long standing gap between the lives of white people and African Americans. This gap operates at every level where data on life opportunities are kept. What if the real meaning of our first black president is that this is as good as its going to get, though it might get worse under the GOP.
If any of this has a remote ring of accuracy doesn't it suggest a long, hard reflection on our future under American capitalism in the 21st century? Maybe this is the real challenge of black lives matter.
But what if, at least as it concerns black folks that this system is working exactly as it was planned to? What if the choice to reserve the harsh bottom of society for people of color, allowing of course a few to trickle out is an unbroken historical line drawn from 1619 to our present day? What if racism in America simply changes form, but not function?
At first glance this seems to be a preposterous proposition. But step back for a moment and look at the data that describes health, housing, employment, social mobility and engagement with the criminal justice system and what you will see is a long standing gap between the lives of white people and African Americans. This gap operates at every level where data on life opportunities are kept. What if the real meaning of our first black president is that this is as good as its going to get, though it might get worse under the GOP.
If any of this has a remote ring of accuracy doesn't it suggest a long, hard reflection on our future under American capitalism in the 21st century? Maybe this is the real challenge of black lives matter.
5
The most relevant discussion that we should be having (at the moment) is in regard to the legitimacy of this Black Lives Matter group. Even though I'm not a professional researcher, I've noticed some disturbing gaps in their professed advocacy for Black People. None of the organizers of the group appear to have any real background in community activism. They have no real email site which would encourage a discussion of the issues. They also don't seem to have any address, or record of any actual accomplishments as an organization who claims to want to make a contribution to Black survival. They DO have a very slick commercial presence, and lots of useless products they want to sell, ostensibly to serve the 'Cause'. Beyond that, they also have consistently disrupted Democratic candidates during campaigning efforts.
As far as I can tell, they are a bogus organization. My guess would be that consistent with their tactics of the past (and present), they are a flim-flam set up by wealthy Republicans sponsoring a bunch of candidates who have nothing real to say, and who see Black people (and Black lives) as an impediment to their political ambitions (and nothing more).
Republicans have historically shown no hesitation in highjacking our democracy to accomplish their goals. I have had direct experience with the unfair incarceration of my people, and the destruction that results. But what we need to focus on now are the attempts of the Republicans to take away our right to vote.
As far as I can tell, they are a bogus organization. My guess would be that consistent with their tactics of the past (and present), they are a flim-flam set up by wealthy Republicans sponsoring a bunch of candidates who have nothing real to say, and who see Black people (and Black lives) as an impediment to their political ambitions (and nothing more).
Republicans have historically shown no hesitation in highjacking our democracy to accomplish their goals. I have had direct experience with the unfair incarceration of my people, and the destruction that results. But what we need to focus on now are the attempts of the Republicans to take away our right to vote.
4
I suppose I should no longer be surprised at the number of NYTimes commenters who are in direct or implicit denial of the deep systemic racism that pervades this country's governing institutions.
It becomes much harder to maintain a bigoted position like "blacks just need to stop whining and pull themselves up by their own bootstraps" once you actually open yourself to a fair-minded investigation. If once you do, it will become clear to you that not only is the playing field not level, it is tilted, against blacks especially - steeply tilted.
It is not necessary to devote days to such an investigation. To grasp the overall situation, it is only necessary to read a longish article: "The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coates: http://tinyurl.com/lfd5thu Mr. Coates lays out the accumulated history and the current situation clearly and unaggressively. The facts are there, undeniably.
I understand that the newfound clarity could be uncomfortable. No one enjoys discovering they have been unjust, even if they only have to acknowledge that injustice to themselves. But to do so is a higher level of humanity than to persist with injustice. As the old saying has it: If you find you've been digging yourself into a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging.
It becomes much harder to maintain a bigoted position like "blacks just need to stop whining and pull themselves up by their own bootstraps" once you actually open yourself to a fair-minded investigation. If once you do, it will become clear to you that not only is the playing field not level, it is tilted, against blacks especially - steeply tilted.
It is not necessary to devote days to such an investigation. To grasp the overall situation, it is only necessary to read a longish article: "The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coates: http://tinyurl.com/lfd5thu Mr. Coates lays out the accumulated history and the current situation clearly and unaggressively. The facts are there, undeniably.
I understand that the newfound clarity could be uncomfortable. No one enjoys discovering they have been unjust, even if they only have to acknowledge that injustice to themselves. But to do so is a higher level of humanity than to persist with injustice. As the old saying has it: If you find you've been digging yourself into a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging.
4
Stay on her case, Mr. Blow. Push Hillary, but don't vilify her. We need someone of her party to get elected. She may turn out to be a far better bet to turn the tide against what has been called The New Jim Crow than is President Obama. During the nineties incarceration boom, only now starting to slow, pols of both parties drew the clear conclusion that you never lose being tougher on crime: longer sentences, harsher prisons, wrecked lives disregarded. California's 3-strikes law, harshest in the nation, constituted a crime against humanity, yet even Jerry Brown, as mayor of black-majority Oakland, as attorney general and as governor, defended it like a sacred cow. The derangement was general. It needs to end. Push Hillary, but be supportive if she moves in the right direction. She's almost surely our best bet.
5
Again, everyone seems to be put on the spot, as to how they 'treat black people', unless of course, they happen themselves to be black. Is this really the way to phrase, or to see, any lingering race problems in the U.S.?
Is it really that important how people are treated on the surface, so much as the really serious ways they are affected? The affront of a manner of speech, amplified out of proportion most often, becomes more important just because of the major ways people of a race, or any particular type person who has ever been likely to get discriminated against, hacve in fact been caused real harm. It is a sign of that. But people need to be less sensitive about the small things, and get concerned about the real harms that society can do to people. That is the meaning of the idea 'black lives matter'. It isn't the occasional mistake officers of the law make that are really the problem. It is the way people get treated as to jobs, about education, about housing, things that matter most. But then people of any race have somewhat the same problems as to those same important things. Members of the majority 'establishment' can be just as cruel many times, in hurting people, no matter of what race they belong to.
So it takes special 'kid gloves' treatment now for treating blacks, so in fact what they would ask for is more than what kind of respect anyone tends to get here in the U.S. And that means real harm happens to lots of people yet.
Is it really that important how people are treated on the surface, so much as the really serious ways they are affected? The affront of a manner of speech, amplified out of proportion most often, becomes more important just because of the major ways people of a race, or any particular type person who has ever been likely to get discriminated against, hacve in fact been caused real harm. It is a sign of that. But people need to be less sensitive about the small things, and get concerned about the real harms that society can do to people. That is the meaning of the idea 'black lives matter'. It isn't the occasional mistake officers of the law make that are really the problem. It is the way people get treated as to jobs, about education, about housing, things that matter most. But then people of any race have somewhat the same problems as to those same important things. Members of the majority 'establishment' can be just as cruel many times, in hurting people, no matter of what race they belong to.
So it takes special 'kid gloves' treatment now for treating blacks, so in fact what they would ask for is more than what kind of respect anyone tends to get here in the U.S. And that means real harm happens to lots of people yet.
4
Julius Jones was courageous, intelligent, quick-witted and gentlemanly. Hillary Clinton was so evasive, condescending and down-right cold that it chilled me right to the bone.
2
Nixon was the only President who could go to China. Hillary is the only one who can fix the mistakes her husband made. NAFTA, Welfare Reform and The War on Crime; and, the dramatic increase in the number of Americans in jail and prison that resulted. If she, and her husband, promise to fix those mistakes she will win. If she can show us policies that will recreate the growth in median incomes that her husband achieved she will win in a landslide.
5
Alright fair enough Mr Blow, lets demand from our leadership that they account for how they percieve the foundational principels of our Republic be applied, to wit : "We The People" and "All Men Are Created Equal." Lets however, not limit this demand to once every 2 or 4 years when the leadership of our political system must trot out it's stock answers. And please, in this post Citizen's United age, where it has been determined that "Corporations are people too" lets not limit asking these types of questions to our political leadeship, lets make it clear that we expect our corporate leadership to make clear how their business dealings support our countries primary reason for having been established in the first place. This is especially important now, when the political and the business leadership positions are often so entertwined that it is difficult (if not impossible) to seperate them.
1
As a tolerant, white, liberal, I feel the Black Lives Matter movement (and Charles Blow) has been teaching me important lessons. My first reaction to the phrase "black lives matter", was like that of many tone deaf politicians,"all lives matter". But more and more I am seeing what they mean. I do not fear being killed by police when stopped for minor traffic infractions. Actually, I don't ever recall being stopped for minor infractions. The movement has also opened my eyes to the disproportionate incarceration rates for drug offenses, inability to post bail, and other minor offenses that affect the poor and black people, many of whom are poor. Thanks for taking us to task.
2
I get that Mr. Blow knows that it's about policies, not apologies.
An apology is words about the past. A plan or policy is stronger. The Byrne Grant example illustrates how racial inequity is structural, resulting from prior policies and history. A plan or promise from Ms. Clinton or Sanders to make better policy is needed. An apology is just a down payment now.
Please excuse my whitesplaining here.
An apology is words about the past. A plan or policy is stronger. The Byrne Grant example illustrates how racial inequity is structural, resulting from prior policies and history. A plan or promise from Ms. Clinton or Sanders to make better policy is needed. An apology is just a down payment now.
Please excuse my whitesplaining here.
5
I feel as though this crime bill is constantly being taken out of historical context. That is not to excuse the profoundly negative effects of some of its provisions, chief among them mass incarcerations, but merely to ask people to remember the state of the country in which this bill came about. Democrats were on the soft-on-crime defensive and gang violence felt like it was spiraling out of control (though the majority of the people in power screaming about it were white and living far from the violence). We were also having a national debate over gun control and banning assault weapons. Hate crimes were a relatively new issue. The bill also addressed violence against women and an expansion of the death penalty at a time when most politicians couldn't seem to expand it enough.
In short, Congress was trying to push through a massive bill that addressed a long list of issues, some related to each other, some not. There was plenty to support in the bill and plenty to oppose. Mrs. Clinton's non-answer to the question Mr. Jones posed is troubling. But in this era of sound-bite-only questions and answers, it is nearly impossible to have a full and thorough discussion of the 1994 crime bill and all of the good and bad that was in it.
In short, Congress was trying to push through a massive bill that addressed a long list of issues, some related to each other, some not. There was plenty to support in the bill and plenty to oppose. Mrs. Clinton's non-answer to the question Mr. Jones posed is troubling. But in this era of sound-bite-only questions and answers, it is nearly impossible to have a full and thorough discussion of the 1994 crime bill and all of the good and bad that was in it.
1
Mr. Blow misses the main point. Hillary clearly suggested that the Black Lives Matter group come up with a plan to change policy and law at a grass roots level, just like the gay rights group did. They have to be in charge of their own destiny and know what they want. Their movement has to have a plan, not just of showing up at rallies and interrupting, but of real grass roots activism. They have to set out with a plan to make real change legally, and then hearts will change.
Her responses showed that she listened to the questions and understood the problem. She then asked questions back that showed she clearly understand how change occurs in this country.
Her responses showed that she listened to the questions and understood the problem. She then asked questions back that showed she clearly understand how change occurs in this country.
14
Charles, this is a cowardly column, and the behavior of BLM activists in creating bad press for Democratic candidates is equally craven. It seems part and parcel of the narrative spawned by the film "Selma," which advanced the thesis that the Democratic president who pushed through the voting rights act was in the enemy camp from MLK's point of view. The film was historically wrong, the current actions are morally and tactically wrong, and if MLK had followed this strategy and pubically embarassed Johnson instead of making a public embarrassment of the authorities in Alabama, no historic legislation would have resulted. Time for folks on the "left" to grow up and take the fight where it belongs, instead of having a safe family food fight.
14
A number of commenters here have posted, "Why are the BLM activists only confronting the Democratic presidential candidates and not the Republican ones?"
The simple answer to that is that if BLM activists and apologists were to ask a Republican candidate about why there is such a disproportionate number of blacks incarcerated, the Republican candidate might just ask in response, "Did they commit a crime?"
If people want to have a broader and more far-reaching discussion about whether some laws were "targeted" at specific racial and/or socioeconomic demographics, that's fine - but let's not forget that it wasn't an entire racial or social demographic that committed the crime that got the person thrown into jail - it was the Individual. Democrats never seem to want to address that - it's always about the "big, bad system."
The simple answer to that is that if BLM activists and apologists were to ask a Republican candidate about why there is such a disproportionate number of blacks incarcerated, the Republican candidate might just ask in response, "Did they commit a crime?"
If people want to have a broader and more far-reaching discussion about whether some laws were "targeted" at specific racial and/or socioeconomic demographics, that's fine - but let's not forget that it wasn't an entire racial or social demographic that committed the crime that got the person thrown into jail - it was the Individual. Democrats never seem to want to address that - it's always about the "big, bad system."
2
Quite frankly it tiring reading and listening to the myopia from people like Charles Blow and activist groups like Black Lives Matters."
Because, pointing fingers ignores the generational problems we see so much of the African American community.
So, none of these people have a chance to be addressed until the African American community produces leaders with the courage to say to their people that you cannot eradicate racial injustice if you are reluctant to make fundamental changes by breaking the cycle of poverty and hopelessness by staying in school, rejecting drugs and violence, get and hold onto a job and to reject the notion that having out of wedlock children have no real consequences.
Of course, this conversation could start with people like Charles Blow who could provide the inspiration for many African Americans that it is possible to rise above one's challenging beginnings and to make a better life for oneself.
So, Mr. Blow how about some imparting some needed words of inspiration from you, instead of the hopelessness of more finger-pointing?
Because, pointing fingers ignores the generational problems we see so much of the African American community.
So, none of these people have a chance to be addressed until the African American community produces leaders with the courage to say to their people that you cannot eradicate racial injustice if you are reluctant to make fundamental changes by breaking the cycle of poverty and hopelessness by staying in school, rejecting drugs and violence, get and hold onto a job and to reject the notion that having out of wedlock children have no real consequences.
Of course, this conversation could start with people like Charles Blow who could provide the inspiration for many African Americans that it is possible to rise above one's challenging beginnings and to make a better life for oneself.
So, Mr. Blow how about some imparting some needed words of inspiration from you, instead of the hopelessness of more finger-pointing?
7
As with Edward Snowden, what BLM shows is that it's quite possible to push the national conversation in good ways and maybe even help get things changed for the better, while being lazy as heck and taking on not the least moral responsibility.
What concerns me about these little confrontations--beyond their humorlessness, sabotaging of liberal-left candidates, and general implications for freedom of expression--is how easy they are to do.
No experience, or particular thought, or past work: just get up and yell.
That's not real civil rights leadership to me. In fact, it suggests--and at least one "protester," of Bernie Sanders shows explicitly--that the point is screaming, whether you're screaming for civil rights or screaming for Sarah Palin. Half these guys'll be writing exposes of the communist left on 20 years.
Sorry, and maybe this'll help. But oast civil rights leaders, and people like Cornel West and Matin Sheen today, actually worked to earn their moral authority. They read, they thought, they argued, they got beat up, they risked.
These guys don't. it's militancy lite.
And speaking of lite, can we stop already with the cheap "sacrifical lamb," rhetoric?
What concerns me about these little confrontations--beyond their humorlessness, sabotaging of liberal-left candidates, and general implications for freedom of expression--is how easy they are to do.
No experience, or particular thought, or past work: just get up and yell.
That's not real civil rights leadership to me. In fact, it suggests--and at least one "protester," of Bernie Sanders shows explicitly--that the point is screaming, whether you're screaming for civil rights or screaming for Sarah Palin. Half these guys'll be writing exposes of the communist left on 20 years.
Sorry, and maybe this'll help. But oast civil rights leaders, and people like Cornel West and Matin Sheen today, actually worked to earn their moral authority. They read, they thought, they argued, they got beat up, they risked.
These guys don't. it's militancy lite.
And speaking of lite, can we stop already with the cheap "sacrifical lamb," rhetoric?
6
Charles, are you ready to write about Bernie's fifty years of support for ending racial inequality? He is your man.
White privilege - like its companion, white male privilege - is difficult for those advantaged by it to comprehend. True, they profit from it. Oppression is pretty easy to see when you are on the receiving end, but privilege is so engrained in those who have it that it just seems normal. Never having been arrested, you are unaware of how common it is in minority communities. You don't sit in court, let alone jail, to see the parade of darker skinned people there. You don't get stopped for trivial infractions of the law, so you are unaware of how others are harassed on a daily basis.
I am not saying this lack of awareness is okay. I am saying that is invisible, just like rich white male privilege is so accepted by those having it that they genuinely believe they are all-American self-made men - who just happened to have a boatload of capital, both financial and social, to assist them. Whites need more exposure to the effects of racism and oppression to understand it viscerally.
Trayvor Martin's death by a self-anointed neighborhood cop brought awareness of Stand Your Ground laws. Ferguson started the conversation of police killing unarmed men. More terrible videos are making it clear that police brutality is a daily occurrence. As a nation, we are starting to grapple with it. Try not to stomp on the tender shoots of understanding.
White privilege - like its companion, white male privilege - is difficult for those advantaged by it to comprehend. True, they profit from it. Oppression is pretty easy to see when you are on the receiving end, but privilege is so engrained in those who have it that it just seems normal. Never having been arrested, you are unaware of how common it is in minority communities. You don't sit in court, let alone jail, to see the parade of darker skinned people there. You don't get stopped for trivial infractions of the law, so you are unaware of how others are harassed on a daily basis.
I am not saying this lack of awareness is okay. I am saying that is invisible, just like rich white male privilege is so accepted by those having it that they genuinely believe they are all-American self-made men - who just happened to have a boatload of capital, both financial and social, to assist them. Whites need more exposure to the effects of racism and oppression to understand it viscerally.
Trayvor Martin's death by a self-anointed neighborhood cop brought awareness of Stand Your Ground laws. Ferguson started the conversation of police killing unarmed men. More terrible videos are making it clear that police brutality is a daily occurrence. As a nation, we are starting to grapple with it. Try not to stomp on the tender shoots of understanding.
4
R. Blow quotes a 2011 ACLU report which states that “whites engage in drug offenses at a higher rate than African-Americans”. Although this statement is now dogma for some, I contend that the number of people who actually use illegal drugs is an unknowable number. Usage is far different from arrests or incarcerations which are facts.
Illegal drug usage is unlawful and illicit. Illegal drug usage is for the most part done in secrecy. It is almost by definition kept hidden from people outside of the drug user’s social group.
With this in mind, I would like Mr. Blow to reveal how the “whites more than blacks” drug usage statistics are generated. I guess the ACLU could have done telephone polling or even door to door polling. Does any reasonable person believe that most poll respondents gave true answers? Maybe the real question is which group lies more often when they are asked the question “When was the last time you used illegal drugs?
Illegal drug usage is unlawful and illicit. Illegal drug usage is for the most part done in secrecy. It is almost by definition kept hidden from people outside of the drug user’s social group.
With this in mind, I would like Mr. Blow to reveal how the “whites more than blacks” drug usage statistics are generated. I guess the ACLU could have done telephone polling or even door to door polling. Does any reasonable person believe that most poll respondents gave true answers? Maybe the real question is which group lies more often when they are asked the question “When was the last time you used illegal drugs?
1
The irony is astounding.
Attack a Democrat, not the Republicans, who don't even want blacks to vote.
The GOP is enjoying this immensely.
Attack a Democrat, not the Republicans, who don't even want blacks to vote.
The GOP is enjoying this immensely.
9
A criminal act in these debates is often described as something the perpitrator bears no responsibility for. Rather, it's the sole fault of a system that pushes buttons and forces people into unspeakable acts. What planet are we on?
3
As I have pointed out in published e mails, there is a fundamental hypocrisy among BLM activists and in the writings of CB, which is that,compared to other injustices which people of color must endure, perhaps the worst is the brutalization of them that goes on behind prison walls. Disrupting a speech by a presidential candidate, or using a cam corder to film p.o.'s on the street is easy, almost fun, and is sure to be seen on the nightly news programs. But doing an in depth investigation of the beating death of an inmate at FISHKILL, finding out the names and addresses of those guards who might have been involved--well, that would require a certain courage and depth of character. This should be the principal preoccupation of BLM activists as well as CB, who appears to be acting as their apologist. In 1972 a NYT reporter, Tom Wicker, behaved with grace under pressure when he entered ATTICA PRISON to negotiate an end to the standoff between prison officials and inmates who had negotiable , reasonable demands.TW risked his life. Where r those among BLM who, without having to risk their lives, r willing to do the research to identify and expose prison guards, not well educated and violent, involved in the mistreatment and deaths of defenseless inmates? Prison reform should be focus of BLM, and other likeminded groups.Field research on the subject is needed. CB:Make a visit to FISHKILL and come back with ur conclusions:Take some chances."No pain no gain!"
3
I'll have a lot more respect for the activists in the Black Lives Matter movement when they try to take a microphone away from Donald Trump. I don't see the courage in attacking those you know will not fight back and you know will not tell you to sit down and shut up, since they support your cause, and have supported it long before you were born. Asked about the Black Lives Matter movement, Donald Trump said we need to give more support to the police. I'm waiting for the BLM activists to confront him.
6
Sorry, Mr. Blow, you lost me on this one. Sec. Clinton took the time to listen, really listen and all that you can react to is Pres. Clinton's role in the Violent Crime Control and Enforcement Act? As for your comment, she was partially responsible for the law that built the system - really? One speech is lobbying? Was she in Congress? Could she vote on the bill? And what part of that is so hard to comprehend? Did "Good" also point out that Bernie Sanders voted FOR the bill? He voted, she spoke. Which has more significance? Why is she being held to a different standard than other candidates? I look forward to your columns on the other candidates and their response to BLM. Especially those who see no need for strong laws on gun control.
10
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are the most likely candidates to move legislation forward on behalf of BLM. No one on the GOP side is willing to do anything for a bunch of people they (The GOP) have labeled as losers, drug dealers, gang bangers and takers. So the confrontation of likely democratic candidates makes no sense to me. The Black Caucus and the NAACP and other organizations should work with BLM to identify and work toward specific legislation to address the issues effecting African Americans. The drama alienates the electorate without discussing real change. It just sounds like whining when there is so much real and important work to do. I assure you the average American is horrified by the aggressive policing and harassment and outright murder of African Americans. We are open to change... so move it forward...be specific. Ask for what you want.
4
Black lives matter
It just not the only thing that matters.
It just not the only thing that matters.
11
I completely reject this line of reasoning. Enough of the racial friction. Fix the problem without turning allies into enemies.
14
OK, they confronted Hillary about he awful past of helping poor black children and the sins of her husband, etc..... What about confronting Jeb Bush about his past of taking away from the poor and his brothers past? or perhaps the Donald about anything he's done for anyone but himself - yeah, i make lots of money 'cause i was born into lots of money and dal estate.
Be fair.
Be fair.
8
I just watched the video after reading this column. From what I'd read, I had expectations of what I'd see in the video. I did NOT see what I expected. The Black Lives Matter representative did not ask a single, direct, targeted question about the 1994 bill. He spoke at great length weaving together a perspective pulling from many, all politically charged, issues. Hillary was very actively listening. Her entire body was engaged nodding, leaning in and making that sound that says I'm hearing you when we don't want to interrupt. Listening to those it is clear what the man said resonated in real time. It was also clear time was tight and others were urging her to move on, but she unwaveringly stayed put.
Hillary's response was to give younger people the road map to how to make change and said she'd back them. I saw a HUGE invitation, permission, and encouragement. She said bring it on.
She also did give some advice of what not to do. She was right, too. Look at how easily the Occupy Movement, literally mowed over in a night. It's cheap to attack her for a single expectation from such a complicated conversation.
She set the ground to be confronted with the 1994. She asked them to bring it to her. I'd give my right arm to have the invitation she gave those young people. Don't complain, give her the package asked for giving her the mandate to serve.
Hillary's response was to give younger people the road map to how to make change and said she'd back them. I saw a HUGE invitation, permission, and encouragement. She said bring it on.
She also did give some advice of what not to do. She was right, too. Look at how easily the Occupy Movement, literally mowed over in a night. It's cheap to attack her for a single expectation from such a complicated conversation.
She set the ground to be confronted with the 1994. She asked them to bring it to her. I'd give my right arm to have the invitation she gave those young people. Don't complain, give her the package asked for giving her the mandate to serve.
21
As a criminal defense attorney even in the early 90's one could see the unfair disparity in the sentencing guidelines. Stupid that the same amount of cocaine in crack was worth 10 times the sentence of powder. Crack was the choice of poor people and it feel like a ton on them. However, whenever I or anyone at the bar protested it was thrown back in our face that many in the African-American comunity , activists and ministers were for this disparity because of the effect on the African American community. This was a "backstop" for liberals. Are these individuals and ministers being hoisted on their petards for backing up that viewpoint , or do they get a pass unlike Hillary ?
12
It's the prison industrial complex leveraging the Puritan scourge on America that gives a free pass to guns and alcohol while demonizing every other creative solution to maintaining health and general welfare with a potential to shrink prison growth.
World's highest incarceration rate is proof. Securitized justice. Male children have equal or better chance going to prison as to school or the military.
Racism is like obesity. You have to work against it every day because it will come back no matter who you are. Prison industry disagrees.
Clintons played a role but in the end this is who we are.
World's highest incarceration rate is proof. Securitized justice. Male children have equal or better chance going to prison as to school or the military.
Racism is like obesity. You have to work against it every day because it will come back no matter who you are. Prison industry disagrees.
Clintons played a role but in the end this is who we are.
2
I disagree with the focus on liberal white candidates - nonetheless - Mr Blow's opinion demonstrates how deep the fissures in our society run - when marching for civil rights and supporting racial equality is not enough. To my many fellow white liberals who clearly resent Mr Blow's piece I say - what if it were your sons and daughters who risked life and limb and incarceration each day because an occupying army sent by an indifferent government sat poised to arrest them for the slightest perception that they were not following the strictest interpretation of even the most trivial regulation or that they failed to show sufficient obeisance to authority?
4
Mr. Blow,
I am comfortable with the inspiration Black Lives Matter brings to encouraging black participation in the political process. I am not comfortable with what I saw at the Bernie Sanders meeting in Seattle. I, for one, would not be so civil, if someone intruded into my face, shouting but unwilling to engage in real conversation. Violence is the natural outcome of such encounters. It speaks volumes that Sanders patiently endured this encounter while listening to their sometimes incoherent demands.
The Black Lives Matter movement will go far if they can engage in public discourse without appearing as impolite ruffians.
I am comfortable with the inspiration Black Lives Matter brings to encouraging black participation in the political process. I am not comfortable with what I saw at the Bernie Sanders meeting in Seattle. I, for one, would not be so civil, if someone intruded into my face, shouting but unwilling to engage in real conversation. Violence is the natural outcome of such encounters. It speaks volumes that Sanders patiently endured this encounter while listening to their sometimes incoherent demands.
The Black Lives Matter movement will go far if they can engage in public discourse without appearing as impolite ruffians.
3
I am glad Black Lives Matter are pushing presidential candidates, but I am really tired of being on the receiving end of guilt trips by black men. Yes, racism is here, has been here, and much needs to be done. The same can be said for sexism, homophobia, and the never ending prejudice against those who are poor.
Franky, apologies for Bill Clinton would never end, and I don't want a political campaign bogged down in the past.
It seems that Hillary Clinton is expected to be perfect and never, ever, do anything less than whatever is 100% correct for everyone listening! Find me a perfect presidential candidate -- please.
Franky, apologies for Bill Clinton would never end, and I don't want a political campaign bogged down in the past.
It seems that Hillary Clinton is expected to be perfect and never, ever, do anything less than whatever is 100% correct for everyone listening! Find me a perfect presidential candidate -- please.
17
One of your best columns, Charles. Hillary would have displayed more character if she had given a simple apology, or at least a heartfelt acknowledgement, that the war on drugs initiated by her husband was a disaster for the black community. Given the level of support black people have given to Democrats over the years and the support she needs from them to be elected, it would be the smart response, and the right response.
9
The war on drugs was a Reagan initiative.
4
I offer thanks to Julius Jones who confronted Mrs. Clinton. I am a white American who has been educating myself in my complicity in racism. How sad that politics is all about winning vs. losing rather than about care, concern and good, moral, and compassionate care for our community. Honesty gets lost in the shuffle of votes and money. Jeanne Allen
6
As a Black man who worked to earn what I have and am proud to be an American, Julius Jones owes ME an apology.
Yes America, there are Black people who serve the United States of America and will never take what we didn't earn or ask for anything we aren't willing to work for.
In other words, Republicans.
Yes America, there are Black people who serve the United States of America and will never take what we didn't earn or ask for anything we aren't willing to work for.
In other words, Republicans.
5
Jeez. I'm not getting on board the guilt train with you. Everyone is racist - even blacks. I do my best to fight for equality on a political level as well as personally. But I'm getting pretty fed up with the likes of BLM and others who seem to want so badly for those of us born white to wallow in guilt. Not going to do it.
5
As the term implies, white privilege, or white supremacy if you prefer, benefits whites, regardless of politics.
3
She was outstanding. If only we saw this on the campaign trail, instead of the paranoid, arrogant, irritated person we've seen since her announcement.
Somebody needs to give her a good talking-to. She is no longer the young woman who sat with Bill Clinton on "60 Minutes," full of optimism and confidence. Which is a shame.
The rightwing obviously has gotten into her head and left her unable to trust the media and (seemingly) the electorate.
She'd be a fine president but she has to get over appearing to be annoyed with the process.
The BLM dialog was the first time I feel like I've ever seen the bright, compassionate woman her friends describe.
Somebody needs to give her a good talking-to. She is no longer the young woman who sat with Bill Clinton on "60 Minutes," full of optimism and confidence. Which is a shame.
The rightwing obviously has gotten into her head and left her unable to trust the media and (seemingly) the electorate.
She'd be a fine president but she has to get over appearing to be annoyed with the process.
The BLM dialog was the first time I feel like I've ever seen the bright, compassionate woman her friends describe.
7
If the men confronting Hilary had instead confronted Ted Cruz or Donald Trump, for example, do you think they would have had a minute to state their case? They would have been hustled away by security very quickly.
At least Hilary listened and engaged in conversation with them.
At least Hilary listened and engaged in conversation with them.
10
They would have been told that ALL lives matter and to put one above another is racist. Being confrontational and aggressive while singling out one race above the others is foolish to the extreme. Getting nothing but negative responses.
4
You do know that it was prearranged, don't you?
1
Charles, good column; nice to see some objectivity in the NYT. Hillary was at best condescending to those who confronted her.
6
Condescending is only natural for her. She's above the rest of us, the rules don't apply to her or Bill and anyone objecting to her self-serving behavior is part of the vast right-wing conspiracy. I know, because she said so...
2
How is Hillary Clinton partially responsible for changing the laws that impacted the incarceration of blacks?
Until Bill Clinton, there was not an American President since LBJ, that did more to advance the black cause. Bill admitted he made a mistake. He was contrite on this issue. There was a reason that he was referred to as the first black American President. There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary will be a forceful advocate for blacks. She would be a leader in the fight against the Republicans in restoring the voter rights bill.
Perhaps Charles Blow should focus his indignation at the real enemy.
Until Bill Clinton, there was not an American President since LBJ, that did more to advance the black cause. Bill admitted he made a mistake. He was contrite on this issue. There was a reason that he was referred to as the first black American President. There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary will be a forceful advocate for blacks. She would be a leader in the fight against the Republicans in restoring the voter rights bill.
Perhaps Charles Blow should focus his indignation at the real enemy.
13
Truth is, change the laws, change the allocation of resources, change the way the system operates, and you will do more to change hearts than any amount of scolding can ever achieve.
11
I agree that all lives matter and we should not put anyone in jail for nonviolent offenses. The prison industrial complex is shameful, our judicial system with it's emphasis on incarceration as the cure for every crime is insane, as are overly aggressive prosecutors who build careers on the backs of those they've broken by sending them to prison, a hell on earth.
We all know that prison is to punish, not rehabilitate, and the vast number of those who are thrown into prison merely hone their criminal skills.
Many of the ills that afflict our urban areas were brought about by well intentioned politicians who didn't think their plans through (sort of like HRC's server, corn for biofuels rather than food). We should have a sweeping revision and reform of all idiotic laws, from the lowest level to highest. We should get rid of holding people in jail for nonviolent offenses/low level misdemeanors if they can't make bail. Who benefits?
But, note again, CB doesn't ask the Black community to do anything, to take responsibility. If we are going to change things for the better it can't just be white politicians and voters doing the heavy lifting. We've to reduce crime levels among Blacks, improve educational outcomes, strengthen the family, etc. and a big part of those problems can be laid at the feet of Blacks.
So while it's fair for BLM to demand answers from politicians, they need to demand answers from Black community leaders as well. What will you do?
We all know that prison is to punish, not rehabilitate, and the vast number of those who are thrown into prison merely hone their criminal skills.
Many of the ills that afflict our urban areas were brought about by well intentioned politicians who didn't think their plans through (sort of like HRC's server, corn for biofuels rather than food). We should have a sweeping revision and reform of all idiotic laws, from the lowest level to highest. We should get rid of holding people in jail for nonviolent offenses/low level misdemeanors if they can't make bail. Who benefits?
But, note again, CB doesn't ask the Black community to do anything, to take responsibility. If we are going to change things for the better it can't just be white politicians and voters doing the heavy lifting. We've to reduce crime levels among Blacks, improve educational outcomes, strengthen the family, etc. and a big part of those problems can be laid at the feet of Blacks.
So while it's fair for BLM to demand answers from politicians, they need to demand answers from Black community leaders as well. What will you do?
9
Black leaders includes Obama and Holder. They perpetuated the woe is me victim mentality in the black community by blaming whites. They failed the black community by not asking it to improve itself. Once again Obama's politics came ahead of humanity.
2
So much talk of crime, violence, drugs, and incarceration. What doctor focuses exclusively on the symptoms of his patient? These are all just underlying symptoms of economic inequality. Meaningful work at a living wage and a path for true upward mobility and an education system that provides equal opportunities for all. Our current system is a cancer that targets the poor.
3
Glad to see the activist calling out the Democrat candidates. They have awoken to the fact that things have gotten much worse for minorities under this administration and in general the progressive platform. The poor have gotten poorer and the racial divide has grown. BLM keep up the good work, progressive politics drag everyone down!!!
Two questions:
1) why doesn't the BLM talk to Obama at the White House. He's the prez, has 18 months to go -- which is more time as prez than either HRC or Bernie will see.
2) Why hasn't Obama done anything during his tenure except throw gas on "hot" events like Ferguson. If he wanted to leave a legacy....
1) why doesn't the BLM talk to Obama at the White House. He's the prez, has 18 months to go -- which is more time as prez than either HRC or Bernie will see.
2) Why hasn't Obama done anything during his tenure except throw gas on "hot" events like Ferguson. If he wanted to leave a legacy....
10
Charles, I was a much bigger supporter of your work when the focus was on ~economic~ inequality & challenging the Right. This shift towards the Politics of White Guilt, BLM etc is, judging from the tenor of your reader's forum, alienating some of your allies. I'm with you on improving our social construction vis a vis race, but I wish you'd choose your positions a bit more carefully. Applying spin to Ferguson, and condemning (justified IMO) push back against the BLM fiasco in Seattle is, frankly, out of step with the facts, and abandoning the moral high ground. Please return to inclusive topics, eg poverty, critiques of GOP, that resonate with all of us, without the need for your white readership to lay prostrate & ask forgiveness for the misdeeds of centuries past.
12
For those who just don't get it, but might actually like to get it, I'd like you to read the article in Rolling Stone magazine, "Why Baltimore Blew Up".
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-baltimore-blew-up-20150526
Keep reading.
The article is primarily about illegal police practices in black areas that most people (white) know nothing about.
Practices that are against everything our constitution is supposed to be all about.
Keep reading.
Then perhaps, you'll understand the young man's questions and Blow's opinion piece.
Keep reading.
Even you'll get angry.
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-baltimore-blew-up-20150526
Keep reading.
The article is primarily about illegal police practices in black areas that most people (white) know nothing about.
Practices that are against everything our constitution is supposed to be all about.
Keep reading.
Then perhaps, you'll understand the young man's questions and Blow's opinion piece.
Keep reading.
Even you'll get angry.
1
I still don't understand the point here. Is incarcerating criminals a bad thing now? Is it somehow a worse thing if the criminals incarcerated are "black or brown people"? Should we just incarcerate white criminals? Should we have a quota system for incarceration? Should we say to a convicted drug dealer or murderer, your free to go this time we incarcerated too many of your race this month and we have to let the other races catch up. Feel free to keep dealing drugs and killing people.
This is madness!!!
This is madness!!!
7
You're making this more complicated than it really is. Blacks are targeted by the police. They are more likely to be arrested and convicted that whites. All anyone is asking for is fairness.
One of the best, and most balanced, columns ever written by Mr. Blow. Kudos!
3
Maggie Haberman wrote this today’s NYT: "... Mrs. Clinton, whose advocacy work dates to the 1960s ... for all her decades of effort on behalf of civil rights ... those who appreciate that résumé ... prove herself all over again."
I have closely watched and supported civil rights, and particularly police violence against blacks and mass incarceration of blacks, for more than three decades. The above description of Hillary Clinton’s history of involvement in the civil rights movement is a gross exaggeration of reality.
Ms. Clinton has a history of activism for children and women's rights, but next to nothing in the way of advocacy for blacks in matters of police and prison.
To the contrary, more than most other national politicians, Hillary and Bill Clinton are responsible for the radical increase of mass incarceration of black men in over the last 20 years --and, when not avoiding the subject, she defends and justifies those actions to this very day.
I have closely watched and supported civil rights, and particularly police violence against blacks and mass incarceration of blacks, for more than three decades. The above description of Hillary Clinton’s history of involvement in the civil rights movement is a gross exaggeration of reality.
Ms. Clinton has a history of activism for children and women's rights, but next to nothing in the way of advocacy for blacks in matters of police and prison.
To the contrary, more than most other national politicians, Hillary and Bill Clinton are responsible for the radical increase of mass incarceration of black men in over the last 20 years --and, when not avoiding the subject, she defends and justifies those actions to this very day.
2
The GOP doesn't even want blacks to vote.
Let's get our priorities straight.
Let's get our priorities straight.
In August 2014, Linda Qiu of Politifact confirmed Juan Williams' claim that the "No. 1 cause of death for African-American males 15-34 is murder." Ms. Qiu went on to document that "In 2011, black males 15-34 were 10 times more likely to die of murder than whites of the same age group."
This seems at odds with the foundation statement of Mr. Blow’s article that "whites engage in drug offenses at a higher rate than African-Americans, African-Americans are incarcerated for drug offenses at a rate that is 10 times greater than that of whites.’”
So, black males 15-34 were 10 times more likely to die of murder than whites, but, somehow, they are jailed for drug offenses at a rate 10 times higher than whites.
Hmmm. A good percentage of those murders are connected to gangs and drugs.
Mr. Blow’s got his data from “Race, Drugs, and Law Enforcement in the US” by Jamie Fellner of human Rights Watch which was published in the Stanford Law & Policy Review.
That article should be put under a microscope.
I’m in favor of slashing the percentage of African American men who have been locked up, but I don’t like the creation of a conspiracy trope wish away the underlying problems that caused the disparate murder rate. The faster these are dealt with, the faster they’ll disappear.
On a minute-by-minute basis, police go where they’re called. They will bring prejudices with them, but that doesn’t obviate the reason for their being dispatched in the 1st place.
This seems at odds with the foundation statement of Mr. Blow’s article that "whites engage in drug offenses at a higher rate than African-Americans, African-Americans are incarcerated for drug offenses at a rate that is 10 times greater than that of whites.’”
So, black males 15-34 were 10 times more likely to die of murder than whites, but, somehow, they are jailed for drug offenses at a rate 10 times higher than whites.
Hmmm. A good percentage of those murders are connected to gangs and drugs.
Mr. Blow’s got his data from “Race, Drugs, and Law Enforcement in the US” by Jamie Fellner of human Rights Watch which was published in the Stanford Law & Policy Review.
That article should be put under a microscope.
I’m in favor of slashing the percentage of African American men who have been locked up, but I don’t like the creation of a conspiracy trope wish away the underlying problems that caused the disparate murder rate. The faster these are dealt with, the faster they’ll disappear.
On a minute-by-minute basis, police go where they’re called. They will bring prejudices with them, but that doesn’t obviate the reason for their being dispatched in the 1st place.
7
"These young activists, indeed all of us, should expect liberals to have more direct answers for their own actions — and inactions — than the one Clinton gave."
The words in your column Mr. Blow, and the actions of the BLM activists will have more punch and meaning once they are aimed all EVERY presidential candidate instead of only Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Sanders. If that is not done, then you and the BLM activists are merely jumping on the same band wagon, week after week, signing the same old song, usually out of tune and out of step. How about some equal addressing and confronting of the issues by all the candidates? Some kind of balance would be a refreshing change.
7
so often in life we get what we wish for.BLM i think you are barking up the wrong tree(s).look within before you raise the blame(shame) flag on those who have at least attempted to stand by you.you scare away the moderate majority you better be ready for revolution and it may or may not be televised that bit is yet to be determined.
5
How about ... Voters Matter!
Black, Hispanic, Women, Youth, et al ... you want change get out & vote! In place of 'disrupting ' the very candidates that can make a difference - how about a massive improvement in taking the time to cast a ballot and increasing the 'disturbing' low turn out at the polls.
Black, Hispanic, Women, Youth, et al ... you want change get out & vote! In place of 'disrupting ' the very candidates that can make a difference - how about a massive improvement in taking the time to cast a ballot and increasing the 'disturbing' low turn out at the polls.
6
Until Charles M. Blow and the "Black Lives Matter" activists angrily confront Barack Obama in front of the cameras for what he's failed to do for the Black community the same way BLM is attacking Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton for what they HAVE done to help the Black Community, this movement does not "matter" to this Black man.
5
Hurray!!!!! That's telling it like it is!!!
1
They don't matter to me either - but because of their stupid tactics.
I think the Black Lives Matter activists should first focus on impacting the "hearts" of the young black men who show up at street protests with guns and recklessly fire them. The footage of the two black youths shooting off their guns on a public sidewalk in Ferguson on the 1-year anniversary of Michael Brown's death made a mockery of the whole movement.
5
"Maggie Haberman noted in The New York Times that the exchange “showed Mrs. Clinton as even her admirers lament that she is seldom seen: spontaneous, impassioned and seemingly unconcerned about potential repercussions.”
And this is a news flash? You just figured this out?
"There can be no sacred cows when black people have been treated like sacrificial lambs."
You've been duped by liberals for over 50 years. There's no reason to believe this field of Democrats plan on treating black people any different. Worse, black people will not change from voting Democrat. It's that simple because they keep believing in empty Democrat promises.
And this is a news flash? You just figured this out?
"There can be no sacred cows when black people have been treated like sacrificial lambs."
You've been duped by liberals for over 50 years. There's no reason to believe this field of Democrats plan on treating black people any different. Worse, black people will not change from voting Democrat. It's that simple because they keep believing in empty Democrat promises.
1
The GOP has kept a very big promise of interest to blacks and here it is: Let's keep blacks from even voting.
You can believe in this promise!
You can believe in this promise!
A. To expect a politician running for office to apologize for ANYthing on camera is seriously unrealistic. It would instantly be clipped and recycled into an attack ad. It should be enough that Bill Clinton apologized...it can reasonably be inferred that he and Hillsry are on the same page...no need to push her over the PR cliff. B. It is about time for activists advocating a particular issue to offer plans to politicians. After all, if they can't come up with s plan, how do they expect a politician to?
4
Indeed. let's hold her accountable for ALL of the "sins" she has committed. You analytic continues to be sharp, and I am, indeed, grateful for your voice in the NYT.
1
And when will these activists confront Donald Trump? Or are they afraid he will just call them "stupid" and blow them off? When will they confront Scott Walker? You know, the guy who claims he could take on ISIS because he took on public unions in Wisconsin? Or Jeb Bush -- and be sure to ask him to apologize for everything his brother and father did? How about Ted Cruz, who would surely have every single one of them incarcerated, if he could?
11
If Charles is right and more than nine in 10 blacks vote for a Democrat, why would Trump, Bush or Cruz, or any other Republican, give BLM the time of day, except to show their white constituents how tough they would be?
I think those who object to activists confronting Hillary and Bernie need to read, or reread, King's "Letter from Birmingham." King didn't address the bigots or KKK members, he spoke to the white moderates that purported to support the Civil Rights Movement, because they were the ones who needed to step up.
"Harassing" Republicans is a waste of time. We already know they support racist policies, and their supporters are, by and large, okay with that. A Democrat is going to need a large African-American turnout, so she or he will need to LISTEN to their concerns, and not lecture them about how they SHOULD feel.
"Harassing" Republicans is a waste of time. We already know they support racist policies, and their supporters are, by and large, okay with that. A Democrat is going to need a large African-American turnout, so she or he will need to LISTEN to their concerns, and not lecture them about how they SHOULD feel.
1
Here's a start:
-- Demilitarize and diversify our police forces
-- Invest in community policing and better community-oriented training
-- Federally fund and require body cameras
-- Ensure the Justice Department aggressively investigates and prosecutes police officers who break the law
-- Require public reports on all police shootings and deaths of individuals in police custody
-- Develop new guidelines on allowable use of force by the police
-- Provide grants to communities that take a leadership role in improving their policing; defund those who don't
These are paraphrased from the Bernie Sanders website. Clinton would be wise to review them.
And one I would like to add based on my reading of The Divide by Matt Taibbi: no one should be arrested for standing in front of their own house at night, while rich bankers break all the rules and get off scott free. We can't have racial justice without social and economic justice.
-- Demilitarize and diversify our police forces
-- Invest in community policing and better community-oriented training
-- Federally fund and require body cameras
-- Ensure the Justice Department aggressively investigates and prosecutes police officers who break the law
-- Require public reports on all police shootings and deaths of individuals in police custody
-- Develop new guidelines on allowable use of force by the police
-- Provide grants to communities that take a leadership role in improving their policing; defund those who don't
These are paraphrased from the Bernie Sanders website. Clinton would be wise to review them.
And one I would like to add based on my reading of The Divide by Matt Taibbi: no one should be arrested for standing in front of their own house at night, while rich bankers break all the rules and get off scott free. We can't have racial justice without social and economic justice.
6
But she did acknowledge being a sinner! Her emphasis is on what to do NOW! Surely that's what we want now. Otherwise, it's just spewing and - on the part of candidates and other politicans - just hot air!
4
Does BLM have a platform, an agenda, policy recommendations, a legislative wish list? Would anyone care to post a link that explains what concrete measures they would like to see enacted?
9
And just exactly who do these activists think they are going to support? No one? That will not help.
5
One of the most fascinating aspects of Hillary’s search for the Presidency is the steady toll her campaign is taking on Bill Clinton’s near-hallowed legacy, and on his post-presidential reputation through the distressing revelations about his post-presidential activities to build the Clinton Foundation. No recent US president has had his post-term standing diminish so sharply.
2
So now Hillary Clinton is responsible for something her husband did that had less than ideal consequences. Should she apologize for Bill's affair with an intern, too?
8
What Mr. Blow does not mention here is the fear that's come to pervade this society, that shapes reality for virtually all Americans (save those that have enough wealth to insulate themselves): fear of crime, fear of terrorism, fear of financial struggle or ruin, fear of the "other" (the "those people" syndrome). The fear is fueled and stoked by media every hour of every day, with constant stories of murder, mayhem, disaster, terror, starvation, disease, from all over the planet, the power of technology and the 24-hour news cycle creating the hard-wired illusion that all these catastrophes are occurring right outside your door.
With fear as the "white noise" background of daily life (i.e., I was parked on a business call in the precise WTC garage just 24 hours before the 1993 bombing there...as the old saying goes, "But for the grace..."), is it any surprise that so many Americans embrace the anti-immigrant rhetoric of Trump? That black activists would challenge the civil rights bona fides of Hillary Clinton, considering her direct actions 20 years ago led to the incarceration of so many thousands of young black people, and the galactic enrichment of the private prison industry (someday, I hope someone exposes the specific level of financial support over the years from that industry to the Clintons?).
With fear as the "white noise" background of daily life (i.e., I was parked on a business call in the precise WTC garage just 24 hours before the 1993 bombing there...as the old saying goes, "But for the grace..."), is it any surprise that so many Americans embrace the anti-immigrant rhetoric of Trump? That black activists would challenge the civil rights bona fides of Hillary Clinton, considering her direct actions 20 years ago led to the incarceration of so many thousands of young black people, and the galactic enrichment of the private prison industry (someday, I hope someone exposes the specific level of financial support over the years from that industry to the Clintons?).
2
Hillary's real problem is simple: when she speaks honestly from her heart - which is a rare occurrence - she sounds like someone else.
Her ability to isolate what's in her heart from what comes out of her mouth is her greatest strength and greatest weakness. Voters want to believe, and they tend to believe the people who can fake sincerity - Reagan and Bill Clinton, for the two most recent examples.
She has already, since 1992, when she said she wasn't going to bake cookies, presented the lasting impression of herself as above it all, just better than all of us stupid folks. She would make a good President, but she'll never win the election.
Her ability to isolate what's in her heart from what comes out of her mouth is her greatest strength and greatest weakness. Voters want to believe, and they tend to believe the people who can fake sincerity - Reagan and Bill Clinton, for the two most recent examples.
She has already, since 1992, when she said she wasn't going to bake cookies, presented the lasting impression of herself as above it all, just better than all of us stupid folks. She would make a good President, but she'll never win the election.
I was under the impression that, at the time, black communities and political figures wanted the crime bill. Isn't that the point Ms. Clinton made to the BLM activists? Again, at the time, middle class flight to the suburb was still hollowing out our cities and more funding for the police was an answer for cities losing their tax bases when they were being left with the neediest populations and widespread violent crime.
Now that cities are seen as safe, and are economic engines, it is easy to look back and see the problems the crime bill caused, but it did not cause the culture of criminal justice racism. I'm fine with BLM, and their tactics, but expect columns such as this one to provide more context, particularly since Ms. Clinton was doing so in her response to the activists.
Now that cities are seen as safe, and are economic engines, it is easy to look back and see the problems the crime bill caused, but it did not cause the culture of criminal justice racism. I'm fine with BLM, and their tactics, but expect columns such as this one to provide more context, particularly since Ms. Clinton was doing so in her response to the activists.
11
We're all sinners, Charles, with much to atone for and no group in this country has had more sins committed against them than African Americans. It is a collective guilt no matter if it's liberal or conservative, white or black.
Only one man in my lifetime knew how to effect meaningful change-Martin Luther King Jr. He did it not by rioting, scolding or screaming, he did it by teaching blacks and whites. He made me, a white man rooted in my own white bigotry, see the light.
Only one man in my lifetime knew how to effect meaningful change-Martin Luther King Jr. He did it not by rioting, scolding or screaming, he did it by teaching blacks and whites. He made me, a white man rooted in my own white bigotry, see the light.
3
"how the criminal justice system has been aimed at and unleashed upon black people in this country."
It has been as if black lives don't matter at all...
When we all have to drive , walk and live in anxiety over potential encounters with municipal authorities, we are less free.
It has been as if black lives don't matter at all...
When we all have to drive , walk and live in anxiety over potential encounters with municipal authorities, we are less free.
1
Is race the only subject you write about? You're a gifted writer but these articles on one subject are very tiresome.
6
Blow writes, with admiration, that Black Lives Matter tests the fealty of friends as well as battling the fury of foes.
It is a great moral high ground. But if BLM wants, as Hillary Clinton pointed out, to accomplish anything, it is not the right approach. How do I know? Well, let's look at another issue in which the moral high ground is the field of battle. Has accusing people of killing babies brought either side of the abortion battle to a greater understanding, and a set of mutual compromises on abortion? Or is it an all out war, winner take all? This battle has raged since 1972, and the pro and con groups are louder, angrier and less likely to look for common ground, to the detriment of our political process and people's lives.
BLM needs to decide on its mission. Is it to get me to feel shame, or is it to get action and results? Focusing on the shame - what has changed in your heart? - rather than on rightful outrage - what will you do to stop this? - is a great way to build a giant crevasse rather than a bridge.
I liked Clinton's answers because i am a pragmatist: I believe that we can change laws through politics, but that thoughts, attitudes, hearts, change at their own rate, and, at best along side of, but not through the political process.
It is a great moral high ground. But if BLM wants, as Hillary Clinton pointed out, to accomplish anything, it is not the right approach. How do I know? Well, let's look at another issue in which the moral high ground is the field of battle. Has accusing people of killing babies brought either side of the abortion battle to a greater understanding, and a set of mutual compromises on abortion? Or is it an all out war, winner take all? This battle has raged since 1972, and the pro and con groups are louder, angrier and less likely to look for common ground, to the detriment of our political process and people's lives.
BLM needs to decide on its mission. Is it to get me to feel shame, or is it to get action and results? Focusing on the shame - what has changed in your heart? - rather than on rightful outrage - what will you do to stop this? - is a great way to build a giant crevasse rather than a bridge.
I liked Clinton's answers because i am a pragmatist: I believe that we can change laws through politics, but that thoughts, attitudes, hearts, change at their own rate, and, at best along side of, but not through the political process.
7
I do not like Hilary. I think she is an influence peddler. Having said that, she is running for President , not Bill. He, with the support of the black community, and members of both parties, passed legislation that has caused the drug laws to put great numbers of users in prison. This has proven to be a very bad policy. So, what do we do? Change the policy. There are many conservatives who want the policy changed, from a cost perspective. There are many liberals, as well, for different reasons. It seems that asking her to apologize for Bill is like asking my wife to apologize for me. She is her own person.
9
I thought we were getting two for the price of one when we voted for Bill. At least, that's what the Clintons said in 1992.
“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.”
How sad, and what a terrible attitude for a serious presidential candidate. If hearts don't change, then you have to use force to implement your policies. The end result is a country with a resistant population ruled by force. Continuous coercion and freedom are mutually exclusive. There are plenty of countries ruled that way; I hope the USA doesn't become one of them.
How sad, and what a terrible attitude for a serious presidential candidate. If hearts don't change, then you have to use force to implement your policies. The end result is a country with a resistant population ruled by force. Continuous coercion and freedom are mutually exclusive. There are plenty of countries ruled that way; I hope the USA doesn't become one of them.
22
I don't think that was what she meant. She was saying changing policy to increase exposure to people not like you (minority, gay, disabled, whatever form of stigma it is) leads to changes in attitudes.
We have seen this in the gay rights movement. It started with AIDS activists who let us know they were working next to us in the office, sitting on the subway train, they are our neighbors, brothers, sisters, parents, friends. Once we saw that they are not "them" but actual people we know and love, attitudes started to change.
School integration has helped. Racism is less intense in the younger generation because of exposure to people of different races in schools, t.v. shows, the media. Stigma may have lessened for people with disabilities as handicapped access has allowed them to participate more easily in daily life.
Policy changes in each case helped to change the attitudes of the general public. Not everyone will get on board and not everyone needs to or is expected to. That would be unrealistic. But she is right: change the policy, make it unacceptable to discriminate, and attitudes will change in the process.
We have seen this in the gay rights movement. It started with AIDS activists who let us know they were working next to us in the office, sitting on the subway train, they are our neighbors, brothers, sisters, parents, friends. Once we saw that they are not "them" but actual people we know and love, attitudes started to change.
School integration has helped. Racism is less intense in the younger generation because of exposure to people of different races in schools, t.v. shows, the media. Stigma may have lessened for people with disabilities as handicapped access has allowed them to participate more easily in daily life.
Policy changes in each case helped to change the attitudes of the general public. Not everyone will get on board and not everyone needs to or is expected to. That would be unrealistic. But she is right: change the policy, make it unacceptable to discriminate, and attitudes will change in the process.
1
Finally, Charles, after a year of throwing cops under the bus, and promoting the myth of "white male privilege", and a year of coddling and endorsing black and democratic do nothing politicians, finally, you are holding a guilty democrat to account.
2
I am skeptical about the entire BLM_HRC episode and feel that it was just another scripted, albeit spirited, pre-programmed Clinton event. And, even at that, she managed to bob and weave like Mayweather, as Charles suggests.
And I disagree with HRC assessment that changing hearts is not important. As the renowned DR. Norman Vincent Peale said in his groundbreaking work, The Power of Positive Thinking, 65 years ago- to overcome an obstacle- throw your heart over the barrier, your body will follow. There must be fundamental changes to educate youngsters early on- integrated youngsters- that we are all equal. But this can only happen if the circumstances in which the education takes place is, in fact equal.
This is from a long-time Republican, who thinks of himself as an independent now. The Dems better come up with an alternative to her because in no way can I vote for HRC- too much history and baggage. Maybe it's time for another inexperienced young Senator, Marco Rubio to follow the incumbent (former young Senator)., or Kasich.
And I disagree with HRC assessment that changing hearts is not important. As the renowned DR. Norman Vincent Peale said in his groundbreaking work, The Power of Positive Thinking, 65 years ago- to overcome an obstacle- throw your heart over the barrier, your body will follow. There must be fundamental changes to educate youngsters early on- integrated youngsters- that we are all equal. But this can only happen if the circumstances in which the education takes place is, in fact equal.
This is from a long-time Republican, who thinks of himself as an independent now. The Dems better come up with an alternative to her because in no way can I vote for HRC- too much history and baggage. Maybe it's time for another inexperienced young Senator, Marco Rubio to follow the incumbent (former young Senator)., or Kasich.
Obama's intellect makes Rubio look like a kid learning his First Communion catechism. And O makes Kasich look like a reprogrammed bot from the 90s.
The last few decades show a drastic decrease in crime, and Charles Blow is ignoring that "blacks experience more crime than other racial groups."
http://www.nij.gov/topics/victims-victimization/pages/welcome.aspx
In other words, black people (along with recent immigrant, homeless, and other vulnerable people) benefit when criminals are put in jail.
If I care more about victims of crime than I do about criminals, that does not make me a racist; it makes me someone who cares about the poor and vulnerable. I refuse to apologize for helping others.
I welcome a conversation about how to alter our justice system to accomplish more reform, but like HRC I refuse to listen to people who refuse to listen, fail to offer anything meaningful, and overall act like children acting out.
http://www.nij.gov/topics/victims-victimization/pages/welcome.aspx
In other words, black people (along with recent immigrant, homeless, and other vulnerable people) benefit when criminals are put in jail.
If I care more about victims of crime than I do about criminals, that does not make me a racist; it makes me someone who cares about the poor and vulnerable. I refuse to apologize for helping others.
I welcome a conversation about how to alter our justice system to accomplish more reform, but like HRC I refuse to listen to people who refuse to listen, fail to offer anything meaningful, and overall act like children acting out.
4
I am a Democrat but will not vote for Hillary Clinton if she receives the nomination. I have always had a visceral reaction to the Clinton's and their history has time and again validated my gut instincts about them. However, Hillary is right when she said she doesn't believe you change hearts (and I say minds) -- you change the system. And this is why http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2197527/New-report-reveals-insen...
We need policy and laws to give us a fighting chance while those with the luxury of time to do so, consider changing their hearts and minds.
We need policy and laws to give us a fighting chance while those with the luxury of time to do so, consider changing their hearts and minds.
1
The BLM activists have a legitimate grievance when it comes to the issue of the disparity between incarceration rates between white and African Americans. However to scapegoat Hillary Clinton and try to force her to accept blame and apologize ignores the fact that she herself really had nothing to do with the legislation being passed back during her husbands administration. This is like blaming a the spouse of a CEO that lays off hundreds of employees. Also ignored are the positive portions of the act such as funding for COPS programs, hiring of more police officers, the Violence against Women act, Federal Assault Weapons bans etc.
5
No, Hillary is not perfect. So go ahead and do what you can to stop her from winning so that a Republican president can further stack the Supreme court and totally destroy voting rights, healthcare, social security, etc..
Life is about choices, and in Voltaire's words - "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good"
Careful what you wish for - wishes come true not free
Life is about choices, and in Voltaire's words - "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good"
Careful what you wish for - wishes come true not free
9
No one is demanding her to be perfect. Just accountable.
Black Lives Matter is not about politics. It is about civil rights. They need to hold the Democratic party and all its candidates to adopt their positions. This is what builds political power. And if need be and they don't they should sit out the election.
1
One must evaluate a person's actions based on the circumstances existing at the time the action was taken. With that in mind let's then review whether the action taken was reasonable or not. Did the bill in question resulted in unintended consequences (yes, I refuse to believe Bill and Hillary Clinton intended to target poor black young males disproportionately)? Yes. But at the time that is what this country wanted. Should we change the laws to address those consequences? Yes, absolutely, but that does not mean that the actors should apologize for their actions as apologies mean nothing. Actions do.
2
"You may not like what the Clintons did in the past but what does it matter in making policy today?"
You're right, we should base electoral decisions on what the candidates say. After all, why would they lie?
You're right, we should base electoral decisions on what the candidates say. After all, why would they lie?
2
Sacrificial lambs in a sea of sharks. I'm not sure which is worse: the circus act that defines defines the GOP presidential nominating process, or the dynastic coronation on the Democratic side. In either case, the disenfranchised are cast to the sidelines and the ascension of youthful, energetic talent is foreclosed.
As far as African Americans are concerned, major campaign resources come from paler-faced communities whichever party they support, so political change will be meaningful only when it becomes systemic, constitutional and authentically democratic as our founding fathers dreamed, if imperfectly.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
As far as African Americans are concerned, major campaign resources come from paler-faced communities whichever party they support, so political change will be meaningful only when it becomes systemic, constitutional and authentically democratic as our founding fathers dreamed, if imperfectly.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
My own experience with human beings (esp in this Judeo-Christian culture) we run from guilt, and thereby ignore responsibility. In these BLM incidents I see huge opportunities lost, in part because we are focused on assigning guilt, or requiring a mea culpa, and lose sight of the positive actions we could take. I apply this criticism to all sides, and to the spin our media puts on events.
6
>>>the criminal justice system has been aimed at and unleashed upon black people in this country...
Cause-effect probably explains this adequately. Black communities are terrorized by their own residents and have needed LEO assistance. The squeaky wheel theory also applies requiring greater LEO attention in black communities.
The Black Lives Matter movement is a ridiculous, divisive sham that does nothing but spew hatred and rekindle anger that had cooled.
Cause-effect probably explains this adequately. Black communities are terrorized by their own residents and have needed LEO assistance. The squeaky wheel theory also applies requiring greater LEO attention in black communities.
The Black Lives Matter movement is a ridiculous, divisive sham that does nothing but spew hatred and rekindle anger that had cooled.
5
Pedagogical essays chock full of subjective declarations about the political leanings of past presidents are just words that collectively say nothing to address this issue. Politically, Obama "is" whatever he needed to be to attain his personal life ambition of power and celebrity, which as a lawyer with a degree in American history will make his presidency an asterisk at best, irrelevant at worst. Obama really never stood for anything, except himself.
As a Black man, I have four words to respond to the claim that somehow the color of my skin means I "deserve" some sort of societal triage or "help" (entitlement/handout) from the White establishment :
Help. Starts. At Home.
As a Black man, I have four words to respond to the claim that somehow the color of my skin means I "deserve" some sort of societal triage or "help" (entitlement/handout) from the White establishment :
Help. Starts. At Home.
11
Here are four more words to expand on that:
Individual/Family/Community/Culture
Without taking responsibility and providing support at each of those increasing levels, it ain't gonna happen. It's not the Government's responsibility - if the people affected will not take hold of what they need to do, they cannot look out and blame others. Help. Starts. At. Home.
Individual/Family/Community/Culture
Without taking responsibility and providing support at each of those increasing levels, it ain't gonna happen. It's not the Government's responsibility - if the people affected will not take hold of what they need to do, they cannot look out and blame others. Help. Starts. At. Home.
1
First off, Blow's opinion piece--which I didn't think was particularly insightful--was built on the proposition that a politician's words don't matter, but their deeds do.
It's why he discusses Bill Clinton's legislation, as well as Dubya's cutting the funding for a program with some racist implications, as well as Obama's restoring that very program's funding.
So for those who actually bothered to read the article, there's much to criticize in two major Democrats, and something to like in a Republican.
As for these droning claims about our current President's narcissism or whatever, must be nice to have Lamont Cranston's power to see men's souls. Must also be nice to have the mystic ability to just blind yourself to the actual history or the last six years.
It's why he discusses Bill Clinton's legislation, as well as Dubya's cutting the funding for a program with some racist implications, as well as Obama's restoring that very program's funding.
So for those who actually bothered to read the article, there's much to criticize in two major Democrats, and something to like in a Republican.
As for these droning claims about our current President's narcissism or whatever, must be nice to have Lamont Cranston's power to see men's souls. Must also be nice to have the mystic ability to just blind yourself to the actual history or the last six years.
1
Barack Obama may not have a soul.
Given his exploitation of my skin color and subsequent neglect and ridicule of the Black community over the last 6 years, Obama also doesn't have a clue.
Given his exploitation of my skin color and subsequent neglect and ridicule of the Black community over the last 6 years, Obama also doesn't have a clue.
2
As a "black" male I think its ludicrous to expect Hillary Clinton to offer apologies for policies that her husband signed into law.. This BLM movement appears to be based on emotion and lacks a sound strategy to effect some meaningful change. Merely invading a few campaign stops to shout that BLM will not cut it. Certainly, the efforts to effect some change are noble(in light of the proliferation of unwarranted police shootings), but as a realist and not a cynic, I doubt that anything substantial will materialize. Unless "black"americans coalesce and come to terms with some of the maladies pervading our community, it will be difficult for the rest of American society to respect these sort of efforts when we can't or won't deal the mess in our own backyard. I am all for civil protest when injustice attempts to reign in the land, but if Black lives really matter lets take care of home first before we go into the streets and tell the world that we matter. If we do not respect each other then no one will. And YES: ALL LIVES MATTER!!!
12
I agree - if BLM only is a protest slogan made for sound-bite media, and there are no actual BLM-led efforts to make positive changes directly in black communities (i.e., tutoring, mentoring, job skills training, etc.), then why should the rest of the populace care?
If BLM is really more than just a catchy protest slogan, then prove it with some actual grassroots efforts to show that BLM.
If BLM is really more than just a catchy protest slogan, then prove it with some actual grassroots efforts to show that BLM.
After being asked three or four questions without a chance to respond, Hillary got into trouble when she asked the BLM people what she should do. I thought it was a pretty good question.
9
I wish Mr. Blow would tell us precisely what he would like to see come from these confrontations. Democrats' image has suffered for decades from a totally scattershot array of concerns, a "want list," whereas Republicans come across as much more disciplined and "on message," no matter how repugnant and contradictory these positions are. These BLM confrontations just add to that sense of incoherence. Furthermore, in what silly pretend world would one have to live to think that a politician on camera would drop all pretense and just speak frankly? I think Hillary did an admirable job here.
7
Your comments, Mr. Blow, remind me of how important it is for African Americans to not only vote but to run for and get elected to offices where they can make a world of difference. It is important the BLM get involved in the fight to ensure that the Voting Rights Act is re-established in its entirety. The establishment listens to you if you have political power, and political power means voting. In many respects, Mr. Clinton's comments about not being able to change hearts is right. What you have to have is the ability to change laws, which comes from having political power.
6
I don't believe King ever sought a public apology from LBJ for white folks' sins, or LBJ's own (he was not always a civil rights activist to put it mildly). What King and his followers sought from LBJ and other pols, and urged them to achieve, was legislative action, and they got it. And as a black American who has benefited greatly by those changes, I thank them for being both strategic and impassioned.
9
Blow fails to acknowledge, or perhaps realize, that there was a serious and growing problem with violent crime at the time of Clinton's initiative. His remedy was a triumph of policy and politics. Violent crime had risen to 758/100k people by 1991, an all time record. And, since Clinton signed his bill into law that has steadily dropped to 368/100k in 2013. Murder rates have dropped in half. As this violent crime affected people of color worse than the general population Sec. Clinton has nothing to apologize for. The laws have to be rewritten to account for this drop in violent crime along with rectifying the inequities of the "war on crime". So let's get on with that instead of stirring up racial animus.
12
When Mr. Jones observes, "You, and your family, have been in no uncertain way partially responsible for this, more than most,” does he mean more responsible than the African-Americans who prey on other African-Americans in numbers far exceeding their demographics? Without those appalling statistics, would the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act have been necessary? Are the consequences for crimes committed by African-Americans (mainly against other African-Americans) the fault of HRC, liberals and conservatives alike, as Blow contends, or must those committing the crimes step up and bear some of the responsibility?
7
Most of us don't want to see good, hard-working people of any race treated like "sacrificial lambs." That said, as we know from our recent experiences in Manhattan, Newark and Baltimore, when aggressive law-enforcement is scaled back the hoodlums in predominantly black neighborhoods take over and the hard-working, honest residents there are mostly the ones who have their safety and security sacrificed. Perhaps, Mr. Blow, you can offer some creative solutions for how we can find that balance.
9
It's sad to see this, but not unusual - a political group saving its attacks for those who are most closely aligned with them, but different in some degree. The closer the affinity, the more intense the attacks.
As other readers have pointed out, Hillary bashing is a piece of cake, but the Democratic party is still the best hope for blacks.
Why attack the one candidate who will actually listen and apologize? Probably because it's easy and Democrats will listen.
But when it happens, it strengthens the GOP, a party that's been running on a racist strategy for decades.
This is not a good strategy.
As other readers have pointed out, Hillary bashing is a piece of cake, but the Democratic party is still the best hope for blacks.
Why attack the one candidate who will actually listen and apologize? Probably because it's easy and Democrats will listen.
But when it happens, it strengthens the GOP, a party that's been running on a racist strategy for decades.
This is not a good strategy.
9
russ - "...but the Democratic party is still the best hope for blacks."
Newark, Camden, Chicago, Detroit, LA, the USA, really, the best hope?
Newark, Camden, Chicago, Detroit, LA, the USA, really, the best hope?
1
"[Hillary Clinton] was agile and evasive, for sure."
What? Did you even read and consider her response? Here it is:
“You can get lip service from as many white people you can pack into Yankee Stadium and a million more like it who are going to say: ‘We get it, we get it. We are going to be nicer,’ ” she says. “That’s not enough, at least in my book.”
“This country has still not recovered from its original sin,” she says, but adds that the “next question” is, “So what do you want me to do about it?”
She urges Mr. Jones to help her come up with a specific “vision and plan.” “That’s what I’m trying to put together,” Mrs. Clinton says, “in a way that I can explain it, and I can sell it — because in politics, if you can’t explain it and you can’t sell it, it stays on the shelf.”
I don't know what you were expecting from Ms. Clinton, but I think she showed the two things that really matter: empathy and realism. I'd much rather see that from a leader rather than dramatic political theater followed by inaction. Which is what we're likely to get from all the other politicians who pretend to care.
What? Did you even read and consider her response? Here it is:
“You can get lip service from as many white people you can pack into Yankee Stadium and a million more like it who are going to say: ‘We get it, we get it. We are going to be nicer,’ ” she says. “That’s not enough, at least in my book.”
“This country has still not recovered from its original sin,” she says, but adds that the “next question” is, “So what do you want me to do about it?”
She urges Mr. Jones to help her come up with a specific “vision and plan.” “That’s what I’m trying to put together,” Mrs. Clinton says, “in a way that I can explain it, and I can sell it — because in politics, if you can’t explain it and you can’t sell it, it stays on the shelf.”
I don't know what you were expecting from Ms. Clinton, but I think she showed the two things that really matter: empathy and realism. I'd much rather see that from a leader rather than dramatic political theater followed by inaction. Which is what we're likely to get from all the other politicians who pretend to care.
18
why do so many blacks and other minorities (a misnomer but more about that later) vote democrat? because they don't have to think about it. they get favors and money and eat at the trough.
as for the term "minorities" the people who wrote the civil rights act were brilliant (but flawed) in that the term "minorities" relates to a federal aspect of the number of non-white races in the country. however if you live in dc and are white then YOU are the "minority" but have no special treatment because of the federal jurisdiction of the term "minority"
brilliant. flawed. shame.
as for the term "minorities" the people who wrote the civil rights act were brilliant (but flawed) in that the term "minorities" relates to a federal aspect of the number of non-white races in the country. however if you live in dc and are white then YOU are the "minority" but have no special treatment because of the federal jurisdiction of the term "minority"
brilliant. flawed. shame.
8
Keep targeting the Democratic candidates like Hillary and Bernie Saunders people who during the 1960's marched and protested for civil rights and the voting rights act and who have tried throughout their political careers to promote equality. See how your average white voter responds as they in earnest try to explain the mess that politics and race relation are in this country and under pressure and the media glare apologize or act contrite for anything the BLM advocates demand at that moment . Keep it up Mr. Blow, keep exhorting them to go after the Democrats and you will arouse the base like no GOP candidate can as well as the independents and conservative Democrats and have a republican landslide not see since Reagan / Mondale . Let's then see how far the BLM movement goes with Donald Trump in the white house and super GOP majorities in the Senate and Congress. Target the enemies , not your life long friends and those who stood with you during the worst of times.
13
What I get from BLM, there with Clinton, and with Sanders in Seattle is a memory of the Cultural Revolution in China during the 1960's. I guess the only thing missing was the dunce-caps and the beatings to death of the non-politically correct.
9
"There can be no sacred cows when black people have been treated like sacrificial lambs."
They should threaten to sit this election out until Hillary promises all black folk a free ride for the rest of their lives.
They should threaten to sit this election out until Hillary promises all black folk a free ride for the rest of their lives.
8
I would respect the black lives matter movement if they took some responsibility for where the black community is today. We are averaging 3 shootings a day in baltimore, many of them lethal. I have not heard a word from the movement about that. The recent shooting in st. louis was a black man carrying weapons and refusing to listen to police.
Did the criminal justice system over react to drug crimes, yes. But, the black community never took any responsibility for what was causing all the violence in their community.
This is not a one sided issue.
Did the criminal justice system over react to drug crimes, yes. But, the black community never took any responsibility for what was causing all the violence in their community.
This is not a one sided issue.
11
Mr. Blow is, sadly, living up to his name. Blowing wind and indignation like a tiny typhoon, he has decided that Mrs. Clinton should be raked and pilloried for not apologizing for a law HER HUSBAND signed that had unforeseen consequences. Give me a break.
Too many people - black, white and latino - are unfairly in prison in the United States. many for "crimes" that should never have been considered crimes in the first place. Our prison system is horrendous, draconian and inexcusably brutal, a cringeworthy embarrassment and disgrace to even the most unenlightened country, let alone America.
To blame Hillary Clinton for this - to aggressively harangue her, thuggishly in my opinion - feels to me more like self-aggrandizment and pompous self-righteousmess that anything else. Yes, drug laws in particular have been wildly unfair to blacks, but Clinton is right: The way to fix the situation is to change the laws, not browbeat someone for a law they supported twenty years ago. To suggest that Mr. and Mrs. Clinton are somehow bigoted and hostile to the rights of black Americans is laughable. Mr. Blow, in my opinion, is full of it.
Too many people - black, white and latino - are unfairly in prison in the United States. many for "crimes" that should never have been considered crimes in the first place. Our prison system is horrendous, draconian and inexcusably brutal, a cringeworthy embarrassment and disgrace to even the most unenlightened country, let alone America.
To blame Hillary Clinton for this - to aggressively harangue her, thuggishly in my opinion - feels to me more like self-aggrandizment and pompous self-righteousmess that anything else. Yes, drug laws in particular have been wildly unfair to blacks, but Clinton is right: The way to fix the situation is to change the laws, not browbeat someone for a law they supported twenty years ago. To suggest that Mr. and Mrs. Clinton are somehow bigoted and hostile to the rights of black Americans is laughable. Mr. Blow, in my opinion, is full of it.
14
This essay is sentimental and silly and seems to me would be better presented in a more forthright way: black voters and the Democratic Party are both experiencing the resentful feelings that eventually afflict the mutually dependent.
The sound of people apologizing for things that happened long ago, or by mistake, or on someone else's watch... I wince. How silly and insincere the apologies to the Native Americans or Armenians or whomever. Make reparations. The rest is sentiment and as useful as a lapel pin.
In reference to the Clintons and the jail-our-way-out-of-anarchy approach, as destructive as it was, and it was, it was in response to a level of drug related violence that was new and extreme. Philly, DC, NYC, LA, Chicago saw massive body counts as gangs fought over turf with Mac-10's and automatic weapons. The dead were always black and brown, as were the people in the neighborhoods plagued by the gangs. White racism was about as relevant to the dealers making a hundred thousand dollars a month off of crack as the federal tax system.
The sound of people apologizing for things that happened long ago, or by mistake, or on someone else's watch... I wince. How silly and insincere the apologies to the Native Americans or Armenians or whomever. Make reparations. The rest is sentiment and as useful as a lapel pin.
In reference to the Clintons and the jail-our-way-out-of-anarchy approach, as destructive as it was, and it was, it was in response to a level of drug related violence that was new and extreme. Philly, DC, NYC, LA, Chicago saw massive body counts as gangs fought over turf with Mac-10's and automatic weapons. The dead were always black and brown, as were the people in the neighborhoods plagued by the gangs. White racism was about as relevant to the dealers making a hundred thousand dollars a month off of crack as the federal tax system.
9
Powerful symbols in political discourse preceding 1994: war on drugs, crack, drug epidemic, tough on crime, 3 strikes.
Clinton won in 1992 by beating the Bush of Willie Horton fame. He signed the legislation named here just prior to losing both houses of Congress in what was called the Republican revolution. Gingrich organized the win around a doctrine, Contract with America, which featured items such as "Take back our streets."
President Clinton contributed to the bill named here by signing it, but it was initiated by a Texan legislator, I believe.
Hillary "lobbied" for it? Why is this referenced in parenthesis in this op-ed? Her involvement in the lobbying should be detailed, not treated as a parenthetical aside. Is the op-ed about Hillary's complicity, or about the effects of the VCCLEA?
Pres Clinton made choices, some of them very bad ones, but he made them under discursive conditions largely dictated by his opposition.
Clinton won in 1992 by beating the Bush of Willie Horton fame. He signed the legislation named here just prior to losing both houses of Congress in what was called the Republican revolution. Gingrich organized the win around a doctrine, Contract with America, which featured items such as "Take back our streets."
President Clinton contributed to the bill named here by signing it, but it was initiated by a Texan legislator, I believe.
Hillary "lobbied" for it? Why is this referenced in parenthesis in this op-ed? Her involvement in the lobbying should be detailed, not treated as a parenthetical aside. Is the op-ed about Hillary's complicity, or about the effects of the VCCLEA?
Pres Clinton made choices, some of them very bad ones, but he made them under discursive conditions largely dictated by his opposition.
4
Perhaps there should be shared blame. Mrs. Clinton could acknowledge her role in promoting the omnibus crime bill while Blacks could acknowledge their role in finding themselves caught up in the criminal justice system. Blacks are not just innocent bystanders in all of this.
8
Blow observes what most of us already know.It is not in HRC's DNA to give an honest or straight answer to a question.
"More than nine in 10 blacks vote Democratic. That level of fidelity should give black people some leverage, at the very least, to demand accountability." No, maybe because more than 9 in 10 blacks vote Democratic their votes are taken for granted. Maybe that's why Democrats feel they don't need to perform. Maybe that's why Republicans don't care, because Republicans know they can't get the vote of most blacks no matter what. Maybe if the black community wasn't so blindly loyal to one party and put their vote up for taking by the party that actually produces for them, then the black community may see some change in what the parties actually deliver.
On Monday, Mr. Blow's column included some statistics showing that 80% of the black community had a favorable view of Hillary. I guess that shows the black community is different to her role in the largest mass incarceration of black people in years. If Hillary is not held accountable for her actions by the black community, why shouldn't she continue to take their votes for granted?
On Monday, Mr. Blow's column included some statistics showing that 80% of the black community had a favorable view of Hillary. I guess that shows the black community is different to her role in the largest mass incarceration of black people in years. If Hillary is not held accountable for her actions by the black community, why shouldn't she continue to take their votes for granted?
1
Charles,
I love your columns. I think you are one of the smartest, most intuitive people around. But you're losing me with your attack on progressives. Trump's boorishness and scapegoating of Mexicans is winning hearts and minds, while you threaten the Democrats in 2016 with the Black vote. That is not a winning formula for any of us.
I love your columns. I think you are one of the smartest, most intuitive people around. But you're losing me with your attack on progressives. Trump's boorishness and scapegoating of Mexicans is winning hearts and minds, while you threaten the Democrats in 2016 with the Black vote. That is not a winning formula for any of us.
10
I'm sorry if this comes across inappropriately and wrong, but has Mr. Blow spent any significant time in a black community?
I am disgusted by the 'black lives matter' protesters actions and lack of discipline and class. This discussion is never going anywhere until ALL sides admit the current conditions. I patiently await a fair and impartial piece from Mr. Blow.
I am disgusted by the 'black lives matter' protesters actions and lack of discipline and class. This discussion is never going anywhere until ALL sides admit the current conditions. I patiently await a fair and impartial piece from Mr. Blow.
5
Has Charles M. Blow spent any significant time in a Black community?
Here's a hint: He sent his son to Yale.
I recall from my Harvard days that Yale is not a historically Black college.
Here's a hint: He sent his son to Yale.
I recall from my Harvard days that Yale is not a historically Black college.
1
"You change laws", not hearts , is exactly what A Philip Randolph and the black lawyers who brought about Civil Rights through the Supreme Court believed.
Listen to the wisdom of Hillary Clinton.
Listen to the wisdom of Hillary Clinton.
6
It's been working for me so far.
Co-signed.
Co-signed.
2
I think you are missing what's in front of you. The young man was not "agile" and was "evasive." He was unable to get off his script and respond to her challenging response to his comments. Her answer was direct and useful even if not what Julius Jones wanted to hear.
11
BLM is really starting to get traction. They should use their momentum to drive forward get changes now. The questions to Ms. Clinton were legitimate, but the focus should be on the future and the real enemies of BLM right now. Pivoting to the past will slow that momentum.
You have a bully pulpit at the NYT. You're one of my favorite writers and are a fine speaker as well. You could have used this article to move the BLM movement forward. Instead you chose to shame Clinton. That helps BLM advance how?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge Clinton fan. I just see the point of this article as misguided.
You have a bully pulpit at the NYT. You're one of my favorite writers and are a fine speaker as well. You could have used this article to move the BLM movement forward. Instead you chose to shame Clinton. That helps BLM advance how?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge Clinton fan. I just see the point of this article as misguided.
5
Mr. Blow Fails to mention that what he calls "mass incarceration" beginning in the early 1990s, resulted in the most dramatic drop in crime in the history of the country. Aggressive law enforcement, and putting violent criminals in jail; is a simple formula that works. There were more than 2000 murders in NYC in 1994, most of the victims were young black men. it was a very dangerous place to live. We certainly imprison non violent criminals at to high a rate. However, violent criminals belong in jail.
10
BLM activists will achieve nothing by blaming things on the Clintons. In addition, by the strict PC policing of the phrase "Black Lives Matter" as opposed to any other wording, and the narcissistic performance art of the Sanders' protesters, any message they hope to impart is being lost. The movement appears to be a rant and rage and blame machine.
You may not like what the Clintons did in the past but what does it matter in making policy today? You'll be waiting a long time for an apology, and if you get it, what good will it do policy-wise? Do you want an apology or policy change?
Hillary was right with her interaction with the BLM protestors. If they choose to waste their time and effort in getting an apology, they're going to lose their opportunity to effect any real change and just turn everyone off in the interim.
You may not like what the Clintons did in the past but what does it matter in making policy today? You'll be waiting a long time for an apology, and if you get it, what good will it do policy-wise? Do you want an apology or policy change?
Hillary was right with her interaction with the BLM protestors. If they choose to waste their time and effort in getting an apology, they're going to lose their opportunity to effect any real change and just turn everyone off in the interim.
103
The Clintons are part of the problem. Hillary, what do you expect from a former Goldwater Girl, faux progressive, supporter of torture, collateral damage, rendition, relentless killing of persons brown and black everywhere, and worst of all, lover of green Wall Street Money. Her and her husband threw the working people and middle class whether [to use pre-WWII nomenclature] black, brown, red, or yellow, of America under the bus. Liberal, progressive, no just a me first advertising campaign for them both.
us army 1969-1971/california jd thanks to gi bill/public education
us army 1969-1971/california jd thanks to gi bill/public education
1
I think I speak for many Americans in saying that we support specific policy changes proposed by the BLM movement, especially in the criminal justice arena (change in marijuana laws, body cameras, disproportionate sentencing). However, some of us do not see the heroism in all of its martyrs (equating Michael Brown with Tamir Rice) and so that qualified support is given at a distance, which Mr. Blow characterized last week as the "cultural narcissism" of "white moderates" in their "fragile support for black lives".
Additionally, those white moderates might disagree with Hillary's need to apologize for her support of her husband's criminal justice reforms that were a response to an irrefutable rise in criminal behavior, and which led to an unprecedented drop in crime. Given that reality, a "mend it don't end it" response to these criminal justice laws is more appropriate that acting as if it was an extension of Jim Crow.
Finally, I would add that Hillary's strength is in policy matters, not the charismatic theatrics that her husband and President Obama are known for. Asking her to perform kabuki in the form of an apology to the satisfaction of some at the expense of electing a person who can effect the very change we all seek would be a loss for everyone. I admire the BLM movement's desire for change and can even understand their tactics even if I oppose them. I just hope they do not create the spoiler scenario that elects someone opposed to all of their reforms.
Additionally, those white moderates might disagree with Hillary's need to apologize for her support of her husband's criminal justice reforms that were a response to an irrefutable rise in criminal behavior, and which led to an unprecedented drop in crime. Given that reality, a "mend it don't end it" response to these criminal justice laws is more appropriate that acting as if it was an extension of Jim Crow.
Finally, I would add that Hillary's strength is in policy matters, not the charismatic theatrics that her husband and President Obama are known for. Asking her to perform kabuki in the form of an apology to the satisfaction of some at the expense of electing a person who can effect the very change we all seek would be a loss for everyone. I admire the BLM movement's desire for change and can even understand their tactics even if I oppose them. I just hope they do not create the spoiler scenario that elects someone opposed to all of their reforms.
Hillary's a liberal? That's news.
Well, when she and the Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders shared two years in the United States Senate their voting records were 93% the same.
3
This is 1968 all over again. Dump The Hump and we got Nixon. Will it now be Dump Hillary only to get Trump?
4
BLM has an eerie similarity to Occupy Wall Street: all talk and no walk.
Yes, the drug war, mass incarceration, militarization of the police (we need somewhere to dump our excess military hardware) have been horrible failures. Black people have been the victims of all the above not only because they're black but because they are poor as well. Black on black crime is the sad result of these failed policies. Hillary's response seemed perfect to me, "...change laws, change allocation of resources, change the way systems operate."
Yes, the drug war, mass incarceration, militarization of the police (we need somewhere to dump our excess military hardware) have been horrible failures. Black people have been the victims of all the above not only because they're black but because they are poor as well. Black on black crime is the sad result of these failed policies. Hillary's response seemed perfect to me, "...change laws, change allocation of resources, change the way systems operate."
4
I think Ms. Clinton is wrong about one thing here: if hearts don't change, laws imposed without a change of heart, will ultimately fail. Folks in substance abuse recovery are often told to "act as if," that actions come first, and then intentions follow. But, if there is never a change of heart, there is inevitable relapse made even worse by disillusionment. As one who's lived in many parts of the country, I can say that there is a shocking amount of racism in America. In the end, our culture must change, and although difficult, it can happen if we want it to happen. Ms. Clinton should have apologized regarding the draconian imprisonment laws that incarcerate one of four African American males, often for crimes not enforced against whites. She should tell us how she will make amends if elected President.
26
Thank you very much for showing Hillary Clinton is still just one more agile politician. How can anyone change without having a clear and clean regret for what they did wrong? We do not need another leader whose main concern is to protect herself. It is so easy to say I was a sinner instead of I was wrong about .... This is not semantics. It shows whether a person is really interested in doing the right thing or just getting elected.
This interview only convinces me more than ever of Hillary Clinton's ability to fool people. I am still hoping we elect that rare person who has consistently meant what he has said and has shown it for years - Bernie Sanders.
This interview only convinces me more than ever of Hillary Clinton's ability to fool people. I am still hoping we elect that rare person who has consistently meant what he has said and has shown it for years - Bernie Sanders.
1
Mass incarceration does not help the poor, but what Ms. Clinton deftly pointed out is that the Black Lives Matter movement is mainly perceived as venting anger and asking for therapeutic release that alienates people in the middle, not directly involved. I'm not a fan of Clinton, but what some readers call "finger-wagging" is perhaps just a call to BLM for some serious self-reflection. Where is the BLM rage about Fergusons' Jamyla Bolden, the 9-year old daughter who had both parents (mother isn't a teen mom) living in a proper house, minding their own business, doing her homework?
5
Mr. Blow, stop proliferating the Black versus White dichotomy. "Black" or "White" writ large, no matter, your argument is based on your disdain over the fairness that "Blacks" are caught and convicted more often than "Whites". Your use of "criminal activity" as the vehicle for your argument for the treatment of "Blacks" in the US is a false argument. Criminal activity is a personal decision no matter the color of one's skin or economic upbringing. If a war is being "waged primarily against marijuana use by black men", then I recommend "Black" men, as well as all others, should decide to stop violating the law (in most states) with their marijuana consumption. Stop blaming others for what is essentially individual decision's to violate the law and lamenting that "Blacks" are getting caught more often than "Whites". All men, and women, are created equal. From the point of our creation onward, we have the right of fair and equal treatment under the law in the US. It is each individual's personal decisions that potentially limit these rights by violating the laws that are common to all citizens. Absolutely, there is a question of fairness in our great country, but there should also be the question of each individual's application of self-control, courage, persistence, and respect for our civil authority. In the end, don't do the crime, if you can't do the time. Mr. Blow, you have awesome power with your chosen profession, yet you continuously choose to divide, not to congeal.
4
I appreciate all of Mr. Blow's points here, but "the idea that you must test the fealty of your supposed friends in addition to battling the fury of your avowed foes" is not at all unique to the Black Lives Matter movement. In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," Dr. King wrote that the greatest threat to social justice--even worse than the KKK--was the "white moderate," who "is more devoted to 'order' than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice." It's telling, I think, exactly how apt King's words (written in 1963) still are today.
1
Legalize all drug use of any kind. Bring it out in the open and eliminate the business of distributing illegal drugs. It has its own set of problems, addicted people will still commit crimes to get money to buy drugs but they are easier to identify and manage appropriately. Let's not have a $500BB or bigger industry that is a career path that has gang wars, etc. as a part of the business model.
I was not depressed at all. I thought it was a microcosm of the ever-long battle that is part of any social movement: Passion vs. practical tactics. I thought they had a good debate.
The Clintons win in politics b/c they understand the role of both passion and tactics. So did MLK and LBJ.
BLM will wither on the vine, like Occupy Wall Street, unless its members eventually come up with a strategic plan with clear policy and legislative goals. That is what Hillary told them, and that is exactly true.
As for the apology, which the activists clearly wanted, there is a reason she did not apologize and Bill did. He is not running for president, she is.
Tactically, her appealing to grovel before activists would enforce a narrative that Democrats are weaklings, the way Bernie look when BLM just snatched his microphone. The destructive meme would be compounded b/c Clinton is a woman. This is not pretty, but this is the landscape of the game.
Weakening her chances of winning increases the chance of the GOP winning -- and installing a government that will be indifferent at best and most likely actively hostile to the goals of BLM.
If you care about black lives, and Mr. Blow, I know you very much do, you care that policy changes happen. That happens through a plan, not simply unfocused anger.
The Clintons win in politics b/c they understand the role of both passion and tactics. So did MLK and LBJ.
BLM will wither on the vine, like Occupy Wall Street, unless its members eventually come up with a strategic plan with clear policy and legislative goals. That is what Hillary told them, and that is exactly true.
As for the apology, which the activists clearly wanted, there is a reason she did not apologize and Bill did. He is not running for president, she is.
Tactically, her appealing to grovel before activists would enforce a narrative that Democrats are weaklings, the way Bernie look when BLM just snatched his microphone. The destructive meme would be compounded b/c Clinton is a woman. This is not pretty, but this is the landscape of the game.
Weakening her chances of winning increases the chance of the GOP winning -- and installing a government that will be indifferent at best and most likely actively hostile to the goals of BLM.
If you care about black lives, and Mr. Blow, I know you very much do, you care that policy changes happen. That happens through a plan, not simply unfocused anger.
5
Then I guess Toni Morrison had it wrong when she referred to Bill Clinton as our "first black president."
Exactly what does the president of the United states, or his private citizen, elected to nothing wife, have to do with small town cops too quick on the trigger?
BTW, why did Blow leave out, as a way of helping to make black lives matter, the gun control bills Bill Clinton signed early in his administration that helped propel the GOP to their first congressional majority in 40 years?
Why don't we hear about all of the cops fired and/or indicted for shooting black people? It seems every few days there is another headline announcing another cop arrested for the shooting of an unarmed citizen some where.
As a side note, the firing of bad cops puts to rest the conservative lie that police union work rules are the cause of these shootings because they protect bad cops.
Sounds like the message has been received. Sounds like police and prosecutors are taking notice. Now, when will the black community take notice and stop burning down their homes and businesses every time something like this happens?
Exactly what does the president of the United states, or his private citizen, elected to nothing wife, have to do with small town cops too quick on the trigger?
BTW, why did Blow leave out, as a way of helping to make black lives matter, the gun control bills Bill Clinton signed early in his administration that helped propel the GOP to their first congressional majority in 40 years?
Why don't we hear about all of the cops fired and/or indicted for shooting black people? It seems every few days there is another headline announcing another cop arrested for the shooting of an unarmed citizen some where.
As a side note, the firing of bad cops puts to rest the conservative lie that police union work rules are the cause of these shootings because they protect bad cops.
Sounds like the message has been received. Sounds like police and prosecutors are taking notice. Now, when will the black community take notice and stop burning down their homes and businesses every time something like this happens?
1
"This is the part of the Black Lives Matter political protests that I love so much: The idea that you must test the fealty of your supposed friends in addition to battling the fury of your avowed foes."
OK. For purposes of rational discussion, let's just say that racism in the US is the fault of liberalism and that liberals admit and apologize for their sins.
So now what, SPECIFICALLY? Vote for the other brand, all of whom are battling to be The Most Conservative on the planet?
OK. For purposes of rational discussion, let's just say that racism in the US is the fault of liberalism and that liberals admit and apologize for their sins.
So now what, SPECIFICALLY? Vote for the other brand, all of whom are battling to be The Most Conservative on the planet?
3
Hillary marries idealism with actual plans to get things done, with a divided Congress and a divided nation. And she provides ideas on go to find these proposals. This is a stark contrast with another candidate making promise after promise ("free this! free that!") to get votes.
5
I must be missing something here as Hillary has already promised "free college"!!! It's all "free" with Democrats.
The confrontations between BLM people and both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton remind me of something that happened during the turbulent 1960's. Lady Bird Johnson invited a group of noted black individuals to the White House to discuss the issue of civil rights. After all, her husband had done more for the civil rights of African Americans than any president, before or since. Instead of a fruitful discussion, Mrs. Johnson was harangued by Eartha Kitt and others in a most disrespectful way, as if she were the source the problem. The BLM movement should recognize who its allies are and treat them accordingly.
6
I agree wholeheartedly with the goals of the BLM movement. I am uncertain, though, that it is "even more important" to ask "liberals to answer for their complicity." If a candidate like Clinton advocates for the changes the movement wants to see -- if she is clearly "on their side" -- then why demand the "apology" or mea culpa in the midst of what will be a bruising political campaign? When every such gesture -- even if Clinton knows in her heart her (shared) responsibility -- will be magnified by opponents on the right as signs of "weakness"? Activists should acknowledge the political realities of campaigning, and first and foremost work to get their allies into office.
In addition, Mr. Blow should acknowledge that, by voting in such huge proportions for Democrats in the 90s, black voters themselves are in a way complicit in the passing of these draconian laws that have had such devastating consequences -- just as any voters in a democracy are complicit in what the government they vote into office does in their names. This mutual involvement has been documented by historians like Michael Javin Fortner in his recent "Black Silent Majority." I'm not saying that all "blame" for these laws is equal, and certainly the resultant suffering is not AT ALL equal. But demanding such mea culpas from one's political allies, rather than recognizing the blame that is shared across the board and focusing on what needs to be changed NOW and into the future, seems misguided.
In addition, Mr. Blow should acknowledge that, by voting in such huge proportions for Democrats in the 90s, black voters themselves are in a way complicit in the passing of these draconian laws that have had such devastating consequences -- just as any voters in a democracy are complicit in what the government they vote into office does in their names. This mutual involvement has been documented by historians like Michael Javin Fortner in his recent "Black Silent Majority." I'm not saying that all "blame" for these laws is equal, and certainly the resultant suffering is not AT ALL equal. But demanding such mea culpas from one's political allies, rather than recognizing the blame that is shared across the board and focusing on what needs to be changed NOW and into the future, seems misguided.
4
Unlike most of Mr. Blow's column, which I usually agree with, I find this one disturbing. I have just watch the video of the "private" meeting of the young activists with Mrs. Clinton, and read of their reaction to it. Their demands for personal responsibility on the part of Mrs. Clinton remind me of demands for self-criticism that I most readily associate with ideologically driven regimes. Mr. Blow's approval of these tactics suggest that as a country we are further than ever from any sort of constructive reconciliation and action.
The success of right-wing politicians (and Mr. Trumps provocations) is another side of the heightened tensions around racial and social issues. Responsible commentators and politicians should be trying to direct the energy and attention of young activists of all races into rational and constructive demands as Mrs. Clinton has suggested.
The success of right-wing politicians (and Mr. Trumps provocations) is another side of the heightened tensions around racial and social issues. Responsible commentators and politicians should be trying to direct the energy and attention of young activists of all races into rational and constructive demands as Mrs. Clinton has suggested.
9
In 1954, when "all deliberate speed" meant we had my parents' choice of the previously all-black school or the previously all-white one. My parents chose the black one because (a) they thought the teachers were better qualified, and (b) the school was closer to our house. I was the only white boy in the school, and my section had two white girls. When it came time for the election of a section president, all three of us white kids were nominated. The boys voted for me unanimously, and the girls' vote was split between the two white girls, so I won. Not having the sense to refuse, I went home and told my parents "Guess what they did to me today." Looking worried, they asked me "What?" and I told them. "Oh. boss white man," said my mother, "and you accepted?" "Yes," I said, "I was too tongue-tied to refuse."
3
I'll vote for Hillary if she's the Democratic nominee, but I admit I'm not a passionate supporter at this point. I don't think this video reflects well on her - it shows her as a hardened politician not willing to question her own record or beliefs. Moreover, she's wrong: Hearts DO change, and it's important to change them, ALONG WITH laws and policies. Proof is the national about-face on the issue of same-sex marriage: when the polls said Americans were against it, we had the Defense of Marriage Act; when hearts changed, the Supreme Court went along. A negative example is the Civil Rights Act, a powerful set of laws that did not change enough hearts: Republicans have been actively subverting their enforcement ever since. Bill Clinton "triangulated" during his two terms, giving the Republicans a lot of what they wanted, including the harsh crime laws that have locked up way too many non-violent criminals, especially black ones. If Hillary lobbied for those laws, then by her own logic she needs to express a certain amount of contrition, an indication that she regrets some of what was done by her husband, with her help. She needs to admit that they were bad laws, as Bill Clinton has already done, and apologize. But poking her finger into a questioner's chest, and belittling his views by saying she'll talk only to white people (a terrible thing to say) will not heal the breech between someone whose husband signed those laws, and those who are suffering because of them.
“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.”
Good luck with that, everybody. Without changing hearts or minds, there isn’t a chance of laws, resources, or systems being changed. This was a beautifully nonsensical way for Hillary Clinton to evade the issue and you can see the BLM members accepting it without understanding what they were just told. Every statement she makes is based purely on political assessments – not on convictions or beliefs.
Good luck with that, everybody. Without changing hearts or minds, there isn’t a chance of laws, resources, or systems being changed. This was a beautifully nonsensical way for Hillary Clinton to evade the issue and you can see the BLM members accepting it without understanding what they were just told. Every statement she makes is based purely on political assessments – not on convictions or beliefs.
2
I find it amazing that the activists do not see Cruz or Paul or Trump as well. They know they receive a welcome and a seat with Hillary or Bernie, and that they would be shown the dumpster from those right wingers, if not insulted outright. Their tactics clearly serve to help seat a Republican with every word and move they make this way. The onerous drug laws were Reagan's and Bush's, and the devastation of black culture will be accelerated if Republican laws, judges and prosecutors are appointed. The shocking naivety of the activists makes me wonder if the press reports that assert that they are actually conservative plants is true. By cornering Bernie and Hillary, they only serve to dislodge the strong minority Democratic support, it seems.
3
In the early 90's, a decrease in violent (and overall) crime rate began that has continued over the past 25 years. No one at the time anticipated it or recognized that it was a trend that would continue for decades. Bill Clinton's actions, wrongheaded as we know them to be in hindsight, were an attempt to ease the fear of crime rampant on the 80's. For the BLM movement to confront Hillary now to "apologize" for lobbying for her husband's bill is a failure to recognize the historical context of her (and his) actions.
4
Mr. Blow writes Mrs. Clinton "never apologized for, or even acknowledged, her and her husband’s role in giving America the dubious distinction of having the world’s highest incarceration rate"
I suppose one could also change the wording to say she "never apologized for, or even acknowledged, her and her husband’s role in the Monica Lewinsky scandal."
Both statements are equally true and equally absurd.
I suppose one could also change the wording to say she "never apologized for, or even acknowledged, her and her husband’s role in the Monica Lewinsky scandal."
Both statements are equally true and equally absurd.
4
Seems to me we had urgent, loud, pushy types on the right from Elian's Miami relatives to Tea Party Town Halls to the State of the Union. Can't say I liked the tactic, but this is democracy. I'm sure the left (such as it is) can withstand the affront.
There are so many issues involved that go unacknowledged. Should sentences be shorter, should some activities not be crimes, probably. It does not mean that the existing laws had to be violated. It ironic that the opposition to growth in incarceration is partially based on the idea that each case should be treated separately. Then the relatively few murderous interactions between police and Blacks are all very different.
Mr. Blow says that "Stop and frisk existed in obscene proportions" yet its ending has coincided with a rise of violent crime especially in certain neighborhoods. The De Blasio administrations defense of the end of stop and frisk is that the rise of violent crime is that it is gang related. Isn't that just another way of saying "don't worry it is only Blacks killing Blacks.?"
Mr. Blow says that "Stop and frisk existed in obscene proportions" yet its ending has coincided with a rise of violent crime especially in certain neighborhoods. The De Blasio administrations defense of the end of stop and frisk is that the rise of violent crime is that it is gang related. Isn't that just another way of saying "don't worry it is only Blacks killing Blacks.?"
3
I have been wondering some time now what Hillary would do when confronted on multiple issues like this one that have a root in the first Clinton administration. I found it noteworthy that her husband apologized and she didn't. How would she respond to questions about Glass-Steagall?
It's time to leave the Clintons, all of them, in the past...and move forward with Bernie Sanders.
It's time to leave the Clintons, all of them, in the past...and move forward with Bernie Sanders.
1
What Mr. Blow and all the other media and private citizen BLM apologists never seem to touch on is where is the Individual's responsibility for putting himself or herself into that situation where he or she was arrested for a crime?
Sure, we've had some highly-publicized cases this past year of situations where the police used questionable force and tactics, but really, are Mr. Blow and other BLM apologists trying to imply that MOST of those people of color had no individual responsibility in how they got to be in prison?
Blow and the BLM activists and apologists have spun the whole crime/incarceration discussion on its head by stepping through the looking glass, and the public media just panderingly laps it up and spews it out to the low-information, uncritical-thinking masses as "the new truth."
Sure, we've had some highly-publicized cases this past year of situations where the police used questionable force and tactics, but really, are Mr. Blow and other BLM apologists trying to imply that MOST of those people of color had no individual responsibility in how they got to be in prison?
Blow and the BLM activists and apologists have spun the whole crime/incarceration discussion on its head by stepping through the looking glass, and the public media just panderingly laps it up and spews it out to the low-information, uncritical-thinking masses as "the new truth."
4
I agree with your thesis, Charles, however, after reviewing the crime statistics in most major U.S. cities, I suggest that the blacks have some 'splainin to do as well.
3
Good discussion to have, but let's remember Hillary Clinton is first and foremost a realist and a presidential candidate. As high a priority as she places on doing what is right for America's disadvantaged, she also knows that making things happen in Washington requires a pragmatic approach. I'm impressed by how she responded to the questions from Mr. Jones not only because it showed a flash of spontaneity and realness, but also because she made clear that she is campaigning for a serious political role. Hillary Clinton's success at improving the status quo will depend more on her ability to manoeuvre effectively in Washington than on the contents of her heart. She is not campaigning to be the nation's Activist in Chief.
5
Not only did Mrs. Clinton fail to express any understanding, let alone responsibility, for the deplorable problem Julius Jones asked her about, but her body language was that of the typical politician speaking from a know-it-all position of power, jabbing her finger at Jones, outstretching her arms to emphasize the validity of her points - all to make clear the significant separation (and distance) between them.
Well, Charles has surprised me! After his column on Monday basically writing off Bernie Sanders, I assumed he was in Clinton's corner. There are plenty of reasons for him to be there. But now a single video showing Clinton refusing to take blame for her husband's actions as president, and she's in the dog house. So who's Charles going to back now? O'Malley? (Is that his name?) Or does he just want Hillary to apologize for not apologizing--and then apologize?
2
In 1994 and the years just prior to, Americans polled gave their biggest concern as 'crime'. The Clinton administation responded to the demand that something be done about 'crime' by the law we are talking about now, with great disdain.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Give me a break.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Give me a break.
9
It drives me mad when I read that black folk are not generally supportive of Bernie Sanders. My goodness, when it comes to politics we must all do our homework.
I would have liked a female president in 2008 but then Obama stepped on the stage and I was sold through his message of hope and change.
Sanders is the real deal. He may look and sound old but look at his record! If blacks think that the rest of the field will fight for them, they are mistaken.
I would have liked a female president in 2008 but then Obama stepped on the stage and I was sold through his message of hope and change.
Sanders is the real deal. He may look and sound old but look at his record! If blacks think that the rest of the field will fight for them, they are mistaken.
3
Look at reality: Florida, Texas, the Old South, the right-wing tentacles through mid-America. You think they'd vote Bernie? Vote Bernie, get Bush or Trump and an even more conservative SCOTUS.
How about a President who works for ALL and not just a select few? Wouldn't that be nice?
1
Hillary Clinton is clearly a liar and feels she is above the laws and regulations we all live under. She should not be running for President. What is shocking is that she is leading everyone else in the polls even though about 60% of population thinks she is untrustworthy and is a compulsive liar. The good news is, each day that passes she loses ground to her rivals from both sides.
2
Thank God someone is raising this issue. Black Lives Matter is creating political space that will shelter and protect the poor, the homeless, gender outlaws and all the other classes of people who have been the victims of police terror.
More importantly, I think it is past time for white liberals to welcome Black political leadership.
More importantly, I think it is past time for white liberals to welcome Black political leadership.
It's amazing how Blow, these BLM protesters act as if people in prison are there for some reason other than having been found guilty of serious crimes. Yes, we have a "higher incarcerstion rate" than some other countries but that's because we have had a much higher rate of crime, especially violent crime, including gun crime which Blow sometimes rails against. As of 1990, this country was under virtual siege by violent criminals; more than 2000 people were being murdered every year in NYC alone. Americans of every party and every race demanded that their leaders do something about it. And they did -- from President Clinton to Mayor Giuliani.
Now, according to Blow and BLM, they are supposed to feel guilty about saving hundreds of thousands of lives and milliions of other victimizations.
What Blow should concern himself with is this: why are violent criminals so disproportionately Black? Not an easy question to answer.
Now, according to Blow and BLM, they are supposed to feel guilty about saving hundreds of thousands of lives and milliions of other victimizations.
What Blow should concern himself with is this: why are violent criminals so disproportionately Black? Not an easy question to answer.
7
No one, especially Black Leadersip wants to address it either. One has to wonder why.
1
Mr. Stavsen:
I think you may have misunderstood the data Mr. Blow cited. If more white people are committing a certain crime that doesn't prove that law or policy aimed at preventing that crime doesn't target black people. If fewer black people commit the crime but they are incarcerated for it at a higher rate, then the law has ended up targeting black people.
And it appears to me that Blow is less concerned with contrition than with correcting policy failure. Hillary Clinton played an important role in creating a terrible problem and now she wants to be president. Isn't it appropriate to ask her how she intends to correct a problem she helped to create?
Hillary was correct to point out that a change of policy, rather than a change of heart is what's called for. I just wish she had also acknowledged that yes, she has some responsibility for the policy we have now, and even more I wish that she would propose a reasonable plan to correct that policy. She didn't and it's a shame.
I think you may have misunderstood the data Mr. Blow cited. If more white people are committing a certain crime that doesn't prove that law or policy aimed at preventing that crime doesn't target black people. If fewer black people commit the crime but they are incarcerated for it at a higher rate, then the law has ended up targeting black people.
And it appears to me that Blow is less concerned with contrition than with correcting policy failure. Hillary Clinton played an important role in creating a terrible problem and now she wants to be president. Isn't it appropriate to ask her how she intends to correct a problem she helped to create?
Hillary was correct to point out that a change of policy, rather than a change of heart is what's called for. I just wish she had also acknowledged that yes, she has some responsibility for the policy we have now, and even more I wish that she would propose a reasonable plan to correct that policy. She didn't and it's a shame.
Charles Blow complains that “The racial disparities are staggering: despite the fact that whites engage in drug offenses at a higher rate than African-Americans, African-Americans are incarcerated for drug offenses at a rate that is 10 times greater than that of whites.” What surveys actually shows is that whites use illegal drugs at about the same rate or a little higher rate than blacks. (The surveys ask respondent if they have used an illegal drug sometime in the past few months or year. A teenager who took a puff on a marijuana joint at a part answers yes to this question.) The factoid that whites are as likely or more likely than blacks to use illegal drugs is totally irrelevant to incarceration rates because virtually no one goes to jail for using illegal drugs. They got to jail for trafficking illegal drugs. To have relevance, the survey questions would have to ask “Do you make your living selling heroin, cocaine, meth or marijuana?” Mr. Blow also attempts to mislead readers by describing the War on Drugs as a “war waged primarily against marijuana use by black men.” According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (NDCP), only six percent of state prisoners are drug possession offenders, and just one tenth of one percent are marijuana possession offenders with no prior sentences. According to the NDCP, “the vast majority (99.8 percent) of Federal prisoners sentenced for drug offenses were incarcerated for drug trafficking,” not for possession.
5
Hillary followed public opinion at the time "to be tough on crime" just like she followed public opinion after 9-11 on voting to give Bush war powers.
Now that public opinion is changing regarding incarceration, she will change also.
I don't like it but I would still take her over any Republican.
Now that public opinion is changing regarding incarceration, she will change also.
I don't like it but I would still take her over any Republican.
Mr Blow, I cannot more hardly disagree with your analysis. One thing I know from years managing change is the blame game is a waste of time. The question is how to move forward. And when BLM turned to the candidates and asked, "How are you going to save us" instead of offering an agenda that will save themselves, I wonder if they have one. And in my experience, what Hillary responded with was the absolute truth about reality. If they really want racial fairness and justice, BLM has to organize around an agenda for change and then do the hard work of getting out the vote and winning elections, not asking what the candidates can do for them, especially those that would if they could.
7
"Ask not what your country can do for you.
Ask what you can do for your country." - JFK
Ask what you can do for your country." - JFK
2
Murders in 1991: 24,700. Murders in 2013: 14,196.
It looks to me like the policy worked. More criminals in prison, fewer people being murdered. Oh, by the way, blacks benefitted the most from the reduction in the murder rate.
It looks to me like the policy worked. More criminals in prison, fewer people being murdered. Oh, by the way, blacks benefitted the most from the reduction in the murder rate.
3
Oopps, you left out the part about people willingly breaking the law.
4
Well, I don't think you can blame Hillary, because she funded better prisons? There are usually a whole bunch of people to blame in instances like this, but Hillary wouldn't be one of them.
5
Want to be really sad? Compare the BLM protestors and the Ferguson crowd with the 50's and 60's civil rights leaders.
7
Those who are so say stop confronting liberals and Hillary because it will elect Republicans, is just another way of saying "shut up, we'll deal with it latter." Of course latter never comes. The fact is liberals don't want to deal with racism beyond platitudes. Dr. King was all about social and moral confrontations. And liberals told him to shut-up too. Just read his letter from the Birmingham jail.
He was also about strategy and tactics, and many of his confrontations were specifically designed to serve both.
1
When will we see BLM protests at a Republican cadidate's rally? That would take real courage.
When will they confront Jeb on his brother's role in locking up black men?
When will any take some responsibility for their actions to ensure that all people will agree that all lives matter?
When will they confront Jeb on his brother's role in locking up black men?
When will any take some responsibility for their actions to ensure that all people will agree that all lives matter?
6
Reading Blow has become somewhat redundant, since he often fails to deal with economic issues which affect Black people and raise uncomfortable issues for liberals.. Activists like the BLM movement seem to have no economic agenda outside of raising the minimum wage, as a means of eliminating poverty. While stopping unjustified police shooting is a worthy goal, what about the lack of wealth in the African American community and dearth of middle class jobs? Have liberals like Blow decided that dealing with the realities of the American economy is too taxing intellectually, so they want to focus on police shootings and stop and frisk laws? In a city like New York which is rapidly becoming gentrified, not by Republican conservatives, but by liberals, what policies do we have to help the African American community besides movement like BLM?
3
Neither Bill Clinton nor Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama are political liberal progressives in the tradition of FDR and LBJ. They are not even political moderates as were Ike and Nixon. They are conservatives like Reagan and Bush.
Both Clintons and Mr. Obama take black Democratic voting support for granted. With blacks voting 90% for the Democratic Presidential candidate in every election since 1964 that is a practical political reasonable reality reflected in a presumption by Republicans of black voter antipathy. Thus black voters do not significantly matter to either political party beyond a few superficial rhetorical flourishes.
Accepting the lesser of two evils has been the black voting compromise. And as a result in the Age of Obama, there are more blacks in prison, on welfare and unemployed than ever before. As a physically identifiable colored minority with a unique humanity denying history of enslavement and equality frustrating legacy of Jim Crow discrimination what other solution or choice do blacks have to their socioeconomic political educational dilemma?
Blacks deserve and need help because of their American historical predicament position. Not their colored condition. Triage instead of homage.
Both Clintons and Mr. Obama take black Democratic voting support for granted. With blacks voting 90% for the Democratic Presidential candidate in every election since 1964 that is a practical political reasonable reality reflected in a presumption by Republicans of black voter antipathy. Thus black voters do not significantly matter to either political party beyond a few superficial rhetorical flourishes.
Accepting the lesser of two evils has been the black voting compromise. And as a result in the Age of Obama, there are more blacks in prison, on welfare and unemployed than ever before. As a physically identifiable colored minority with a unique humanity denying history of enslavement and equality frustrating legacy of Jim Crow discrimination what other solution or choice do blacks have to their socioeconomic political educational dilemma?
Blacks deserve and need help because of their American historical predicament position. Not their colored condition. Triage instead of homage.
23
Psst. Since there are only two viable parties, EVERYONE accepts the lesser of two evils.
1
And yet black people will never waiver in their support for Democrats who care less.
1
How much more help? There are countless programs geared for black in inner cities, job training, health care, child care, welfare, just how much more is needed? And in the end who pays? The government is not here to support you from cradle to grave. To any group having problems, don't have children you can't afford; stop doing drugs; stop committing crimes; stay in school and contribute to society instead of society supporting you. What a novel idea.
1
The primary problem is Policing! Better policy, procedures and training are needed.
For sure racism is a peoblem, black against white, white against black and across every ethnic group everywhere in the world.
Most Police are white. The Police go to where the crime is. Many criminals resist arrest; always a bad idea. Many if not most of the deaths would be avoided if those being arrested didn't resist.
There are bad cops, bad politicians, bad priests and rabbis; they all need to be weeded out. And again, Policing policies, procedures and training needs to be improved.
This isn't an all out attack on black people by the Police; that's ridiculous and is making the problem worse.
For sure racism is a peoblem, black against white, white against black and across every ethnic group everywhere in the world.
Most Police are white. The Police go to where the crime is. Many criminals resist arrest; always a bad idea. Many if not most of the deaths would be avoided if those being arrested didn't resist.
There are bad cops, bad politicians, bad priests and rabbis; they all need to be weeded out. And again, Policing policies, procedures and training needs to be improved.
This isn't an all out attack on black people by the Police; that's ridiculous and is making the problem worse.
1
"Stop-and-frisk existed, in obscene proportions, in New York. And yet, most white voters in the city said that they approved of the program, according to a 2012 Quinnipiac University poll." Maybe that's because they enjoyed the possibility of safely strolling the streets in New York - a pleasure long denied by the actions of black criminals.
I don't believe white America owes blacks any apologies for aggressive police actions. Rather black leaders and influencers such as Mr. Blow should look into their hearts - never mind Hillary's - and admit their communities' widespread destruction upon too many inner city neighborhoods - even in those liberal run cities Mr. Blow identifies.
No one, white or black, wants to fear being robbed, raped, assaulted or murdered - crimes committed by black male criminals way out of proportion to their population. That some police have been too aggressive or that some laws have a measure of discriminatory effect does not in any fair judgement negate the societal need for safety and well-being overall provided by strong, justifiable police action.
I don't believe white America owes blacks any apologies for aggressive police actions. Rather black leaders and influencers such as Mr. Blow should look into their hearts - never mind Hillary's - and admit their communities' widespread destruction upon too many inner city neighborhoods - even in those liberal run cities Mr. Blow identifies.
No one, white or black, wants to fear being robbed, raped, assaulted or murdered - crimes committed by black male criminals way out of proportion to their population. That some police have been too aggressive or that some laws have a measure of discriminatory effect does not in any fair judgement negate the societal need for safety and well-being overall provided by strong, justifiable police action.
2
Mr Blow completely misses the point. The fact over 9 of 10 blacks reliably votes democratic means they have no leverage. If for one election cycle they stay home in droves or actually support a non-democrat maybe then they will have some leverage. Do you think Hillary is really worried that a significant number of blacks will vote for someone else?
1
The New Yorkers who approved the excessive, unconstitutional stop and frisk were not liberals. There are plenty of conservatives in NYC and its boroughs. The hundreds of thousands of stops to meet police quotas of the Bloomberg era only happened in ‘other’ residential areas, anyway.
Charles Blow made a profound statement that challenges us: “But in a way, asking liberals to answer for their complicity is even more important than asking conservatives.” Liberals by warped standards. Yes, more important. And applied to many issues ---economic inequality, wages, benefits, letting big money direct our elections, and pick our nominees , thus limiting political solutions to those that benefit these elites.
We need a complete turnaround in our negative attitude to govt, an attitude that gives away power to corporate sponsors, calling it freedom from Big Govt.
Charles Blow made a profound statement that challenges us: “But in a way, asking liberals to answer for their complicity is even more important than asking conservatives.” Liberals by warped standards. Yes, more important. And applied to many issues ---economic inequality, wages, benefits, letting big money direct our elections, and pick our nominees , thus limiting political solutions to those that benefit these elites.
We need a complete turnaround in our negative attitude to govt, an attitude that gives away power to corporate sponsors, calling it freedom from Big Govt.
"The truth of America is that both liberals and conservatives alike have things for which they must answer, sins for which they must atone, when it comes to how the criminal justice system has been aimed at and unleashed upon black people in this country."
Excuse me, since when did liberals have any control over the direction of this country? And why do you paint all Americans as "sinful." This is a heavy handed approach which will bear little fruit. Even when good Americans vote for good candidate the results can be overturned or made irrelevant.
Thanks for the direct quote from Julius, not exactly a good example of an articulate man. Much less a reasonable one. His approach was callous. Of course there is a problem. Julius has to run for office and work the system from the inside if he wants results. Unfortunately, one issue candidate usually do not win elections.
Excuse me, since when did liberals have any control over the direction of this country? And why do you paint all Americans as "sinful." This is a heavy handed approach which will bear little fruit. Even when good Americans vote for good candidate the results can be overturned or made irrelevant.
Thanks for the direct quote from Julius, not exactly a good example of an articulate man. Much less a reasonable one. His approach was callous. Of course there is a problem. Julius has to run for office and work the system from the inside if he wants results. Unfortunately, one issue candidate usually do not win elections.
1
Blow does some bobbing and weaving of his own. He sidesteps one of Hillary's main points--that the BLM movement has a hard time articulating any tangible demands. There is so much emphasis on hearts and solidarity, confrontation and guilt. But what does the movement want? You want Hillary to acknowledge her guilt? Fine. What will that accomplish in the real world? Will that bring people's lives back? Will that result in any meaningful change? Or will it just make you feel satisfied and validated? Modern day activists place too much emphasis on feelings and not enough on results. Let's also acknowledge, for a moment, that Hillary is preparing for a general election and will avoid significant policy pronouncements that her opponents can use against her later on. Her husband is not so constrained.
7
This is all about the diminution of progressive taxation in the U.S..
Municipalities look for other, "revenue streams", so we have cameras in intersections, where "there are no points on your license, just send in the money. " Or, let's pick on the the poor and disenfranchised and have them pay in an endless spiral of "justice."
And, let's not forget job security for the justice system, with all those incarcerated, mostly (99%) poor, people to take care of.
It all starts, begins, and ends, with rich people not wanting to pay any taxes.
Municipalities look for other, "revenue streams", so we have cameras in intersections, where "there are no points on your license, just send in the money. " Or, let's pick on the the poor and disenfranchised and have them pay in an endless spiral of "justice."
And, let's not forget job security for the justice system, with all those incarcerated, mostly (99%) poor, people to take care of.
It all starts, begins, and ends, with rich people not wanting to pay any taxes.
1
Clinton is done with this revelation. She helped back laws which saw the mass incarceration of blacks around the country. Black America would be foolish to support her now.
1
Mr. Blow continues his epic journey to the far reaches of the solar system with this latest exercise in self righteous spin.
6
And, so it goes. I never voted for Bill Clinton, and despite his popularity, have always thought him smarmy and arrogant. And, let's face it, he was an embarrassment. Most things people see as his accomplishments, I thought were not very good for the country. I was so thrilled with President Obama, partly because it was such a relief to feel proud of our most important world representative, for the first time since I start thinking about it--maybe mid-80's, but also because he was our first African American President, and just that was something to be proud of. On top of everything, Obama turned out to be intelligent, thoughtful and altruistic. However, his approach to enforcement, judicial, and incarceration definitely needs much more action, and Hillary needs to get on board and admit that she didn't realize what the consequences of her earlier actions would be. Remember that bumper sticker that read "I didn't vote for Him, or Her?" So she does have considerable responsibility. With everything the President faces, right now, I hope he can find the time to look further into this domestic issue. But, as usual, Republicans will try to stop him. They usually do.
My fellow "white" liberals don't seem to think Hilary or themselves are accountable for their racist atrocities based on the most popular comments here...
It takes both parties to make sure there's no accountability for either one in our so called democracy. As long as both Democrats and Republicans can get away with blaming their victims, like the most popular comments here, American racism will continue spewing violence and hatred.
It takes both parties to make sure there's no accountability for either one in our so called democracy. As long as both Democrats and Republicans can get away with blaming their victims, like the most popular comments here, American racism will continue spewing violence and hatred.
The term "victim" in most people's minds conveys the notion that the person did not actively or knowingly contribute to his/her unfortunate situation.
That term doesn't apply to the great majority of people incarcerated unless you want to make the tremendous logical leap that they did not know they were breaking the law and might get arrested, convicted, and sentenced. To make that logical leap, you must have to deny Individual Responsibility for one's actions.
That term doesn't apply to the great majority of people incarcerated unless you want to make the tremendous logical leap that they did not know they were breaking the law and might get arrested, convicted, and sentenced. To make that logical leap, you must have to deny Individual Responsibility for one's actions.
1
Asking someone to apologize for something which occurred 20 years ago requires some historical context, which is absent in Mr. Blow's column. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, the Democrats were perceived as weak on law and order - the Willie Horton ad during the Dukakis 1988 campaign, along with a debate question about what he would do if his wife were raped were catastrophic flaws in Democratic circles - the demographics back then called for a appeal to the moderate/conservative crossover vote to win. Clinton (Bill, that is) tried to change that with the legislation on crime and prison funding. As he admitted later, it went too far. But it did serve the political purpose of people accepting (and judging from the 1996 election) voting for Democrats without fear that their social program prerogatives didn't include the GOP advertised stigma of letting murderers go out on parole.
Those times demanded that the Democrats buck up on crime in a way that helped them at the polls and allowed them to win elections without having to cow tow to the GOP on the crime issue. Mr. Blow would serve readers better if he brought some of the historical perspective into focus, because it wasn't a mean spirited attempt by the Clintons to go after young black men.
By the way, Hillary's reaction (change laws) is primarily what allowed the Civil Rights movement to proceed as it did. Be sure to let us know when the GOP has anything to say about evening the scales of justice for blacks.
Those times demanded that the Democrats buck up on crime in a way that helped them at the polls and allowed them to win elections without having to cow tow to the GOP on the crime issue. Mr. Blow would serve readers better if he brought some of the historical perspective into focus, because it wasn't a mean spirited attempt by the Clintons to go after young black men.
By the way, Hillary's reaction (change laws) is primarily what allowed the Civil Rights movement to proceed as it did. Be sure to let us know when the GOP has anything to say about evening the scales of justice for blacks.
5
Just remember, Mr. Blow, 50 years ago the Democratic Party was the party of George Wallace, Bull Connor and every other violent Southern segregationist.
1
Amazingly Blow never gets off his hooby horse that every ill of the Black community is caused by Whites.
That's ridiculous. Is there racism? Sure. Are many of the ills of poor Blacks self inflicted? Absolutely.
That's ridiculous. Is there racism? Sure. Are many of the ills of poor Blacks self inflicted? Absolutely.
7
Anyone could have been asked the same questions and received the same answers: people don't know what to say.
I'll say this in two words: combat veterans. We need to train new people, not re-train combat veterans to act like civilians. Civilians act like civilians.
Combat Vets are use to shooting people of color -- we have the recent wars to prove it. We've de-humanized people of color in the name of self-defense on the combat field, and it has carried over into our domestic law enforcement.
This shooting of people of color (not to mention banging heads for changing lanes) is a sign for change. Stop hiring robot cops!
Training someone from scratch is hope -- let's keep hope alive.
I'll say this in two words: combat veterans. We need to train new people, not re-train combat veterans to act like civilians. Civilians act like civilians.
Combat Vets are use to shooting people of color -- we have the recent wars to prove it. We've de-humanized people of color in the name of self-defense on the combat field, and it has carried over into our domestic law enforcement.
This shooting of people of color (not to mention banging heads for changing lanes) is a sign for change. Stop hiring robot cops!
Training someone from scratch is hope -- let's keep hope alive.
"Liberals and conservatives alike must answer for how the criminal justice system has been unleashed upon black people in this country."
African-Americans must also answer for unleashing waves of black criminality, and anti-social behavior upon this country whose victims are more commonly other African-Americans?
African-Americans must also answer for unleashing waves of black criminality, and anti-social behavior upon this country whose victims are more commonly other African-Americans?
3
What is the big deal? Hilary will get the black vote. That is a given.
1
We all know that. But if we don't at least pretend to discuss it, all of the suspense goes away.
Hillary Clinton, as well as the rest of America, need to substitute the word Dignity for respect. People of all colors need to treat each other with Dignity. Only then can we earn the respect of others.
Black Lives Matter. Blacks need to be treated with Dignity. Their lives have value; they need to be listened to.
And against, "conventional wisdom," the conversations around race need to start with an apology; " I am sorry for my role in not treating blacks with dignity."
Black Lives Matter. Blacks need to be treated with Dignity. Their lives have value; they need to be listened to.
And against, "conventional wisdom," the conversations around race need to start with an apology; " I am sorry for my role in not treating blacks with dignity."
Whether she is "sorry" or not matters much less, in the final analysis, as whether she gets elected and works to change these unjust laws. There is plenty of blame to go around, although I don't see many black people taking any responsibility for their own actions. There are a number of reasons for it I know, economic and otherwise, but the simple fact is, blacks are more of a threat to blacks on a day-to-day basis than anything else, and if black lives don't matter to blacks, you'll be hard pressed to get enough non-blacks to think they matter enough to put aside personal interests come election day.
4
Hillary, like almost any politician, is just too calculating to ever trust. I'm convinced she will figure out what votes and deals are best for her career, and happily let the little people deal with whatever consequences fall out.
Our political system has gotten so far out of whack, and so dominated by big money, that the reforms necessary ought to be immediately obvious to the most casual observer. In spite of this, most politicians are unwilling to address these issues head on. Bernie Sanders is the only one who is, and consequently, the only one who I will vote for.
Our political system has gotten so far out of whack, and so dominated by big money, that the reforms necessary ought to be immediately obvious to the most casual observer. In spite of this, most politicians are unwilling to address these issues head on. Bernie Sanders is the only one who is, and consequently, the only one who I will vote for.
I know you're tired of hearing white liberals say "You're doing it wrong." And I'm really trying to be on the side of Black Lives Matter in their recent confrontations with centrist/left-of-center politicians. But certain facts keep getting in the way:
• The entire GOP field is scampering to top Donald Trump's racist rantings about illegal immigrants. Why? Because it is working for him—people gobble it up and bay for more.
• Trump's nasty rhetoric demands a robust response from the left. BLM is systematically undermining the left's credibility in this arena.
• Publicly cornering a politician running for office and demanding that she recant past policy rarely leads to substantive change. What BLM needs is continual access to the Clinton and Sanders campaigns; a seat at their tables; and an active role in determining the candidates' response to the hideous tragedy that is mass incarceration. You probably won't get the heartfelt mea culpa you are looking for, but you are fair more likely to get a plan to rectify the mistake, which is a thousand times better.
Hillary is absolutely correct: A few words from her aimed at changing hearts is a weak response to a serious, urgent issue. The answer is, in fact, what she says it is: "you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate." Given the current alternatives, the necessary changes will never be made if Hillary or Bernie fail to win the White House next year.
• The entire GOP field is scampering to top Donald Trump's racist rantings about illegal immigrants. Why? Because it is working for him—people gobble it up and bay for more.
• Trump's nasty rhetoric demands a robust response from the left. BLM is systematically undermining the left's credibility in this arena.
• Publicly cornering a politician running for office and demanding that she recant past policy rarely leads to substantive change. What BLM needs is continual access to the Clinton and Sanders campaigns; a seat at their tables; and an active role in determining the candidates' response to the hideous tragedy that is mass incarceration. You probably won't get the heartfelt mea culpa you are looking for, but you are fair more likely to get a plan to rectify the mistake, which is a thousand times better.
Hillary is absolutely correct: A few words from her aimed at changing hearts is a weak response to a serious, urgent issue. The answer is, in fact, what she says it is: "you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate." Given the current alternatives, the necessary changes will never be made if Hillary or Bernie fail to win the White House next year.
3
I'm constantly confused these days. I read that people living in urban areas do not feel safe and they are angry at the lack of police presence. Then I read how police are evil and racist and they attack and disrespect police for coming into the 'hood.' I read that jails have too many black criminals and that is racist, somehow. When I did in, those in the prisons did commit the crimes, repeatedly. But the BLM and Blow and race baiters like Sharpton don't care whether the crimes were committed, they believe that there should be more whites in prison. Whites in prison are supposed to reflect their percentage in the nation. And from Blow's perspective, and the BLM, you are either white or black, Hispanics are white, Asians are white, middle easterners are white, etc.
Really hard to get my head around it, but my heart is starting to change and I don't feel it's for the better. Luckily, I have some close black friends so at least what appears to be the general feeling across the nation from the media is not reality. Thank God!
Really hard to get my head around it, but my heart is starting to change and I don't feel it's for the better. Luckily, I have some close black friends so at least what appears to be the general feeling across the nation from the media is not reality. Thank God!
3
Harsher sentences for crack cocaine that for the powdered, expensive stuff. (You hardly think the vast fortunes being reaped by the drug cartels come from inner city ghettos?) Three strikes and your in. Mandatory sentencing rules. More aggressive policing of poor Blacks than wealthy Whites, or whites of any kind. What's confusing about that? (Do look up the meaning of race-baiter!)
Charles, I'm encouraged by these comments. White people are not all bad nor all unaware of Black Lives Matter. And while you're grousing at us, speak to the Republicans too.
1
Hillary says it's more important to change policy than hearts. But she's got it backwards. The heart that is changed will then change policy for the better. the heart leads. The heart is a symbol of our values. A budget is really just about what we value. Policy is about what we value. The heart leads, Hillary.
I know it's easy to pile on her now. But she makes it easy. And that is so frustrating and frightening because we absolutely need to keep the Republicans out of the White House. We were counting on her to run a smart campaign this time, having learned from her mistakes from the last time. But that is not happening. She is allowing her desire for secrecy, for privacy, for her needs first to knock her out of the race. Nobody's doing it to her. She is doing it to herself. And that is downright scary.
I know it's easy to pile on her now. But she makes it easy. And that is so frustrating and frightening because we absolutely need to keep the Republicans out of the White House. We were counting on her to run a smart campaign this time, having learned from her mistakes from the last time. But that is not happening. She is allowing her desire for secrecy, for privacy, for her needs first to knock her out of the race. Nobody's doing it to her. She is doing it to herself. And that is downright scary.
1
Charles, I'm a 66 year old liberal, and having read this article I'm finally beginning to understand what Black Lives Matter means.
How long will it take for the color of a man and woman's skin and outer appearances to no longer be the over riding identifications for Americans?
Is America ready and willing to listen to Black America, to our Hispanic brothers and sisters? When will white Christian Churches preach race relations from their Sunday pulpits? Will America invest in our next generations to insure the kind of drug and arrest policies created the past 50 years not be repeated? Has America had enough of the damage and sorrows our race relations has fostered in this country?
How long will it take for the color of a man and woman's skin and outer appearances to no longer be the over riding identifications for Americans?
Is America ready and willing to listen to Black America, to our Hispanic brothers and sisters? When will white Christian Churches preach race relations from their Sunday pulpits? Will America invest in our next generations to insure the kind of drug and arrest policies created the past 50 years not be repeated? Has America had enough of the damage and sorrows our race relations has fostered in this country?
"More than nine in 10 blacks vote Democratic. That level of fidelity should give black people some leverage, at the very least, to demand accountability."
Wouldn't it be the opposite - no leverage at all? Black votes are almost guaranteed for Democrats, sheerly because the alternative is horrible. As such, Democrats have been able to get away with ignoring black issues for years (in comparison to issues that swing voters) as there is no reasonable alternative to vote for. Meanwhile in the GOP they've been courting the right-wingers who have an "alternative" (tea party) whilst ignoring the moderate whose vote they assume they'll have anyway. Maybe politics would be better if politicians represented the people who voted them in rather than always searching for more votes.
Wouldn't it be the opposite - no leverage at all? Black votes are almost guaranteed for Democrats, sheerly because the alternative is horrible. As such, Democrats have been able to get away with ignoring black issues for years (in comparison to issues that swing voters) as there is no reasonable alternative to vote for. Meanwhile in the GOP they've been courting the right-wingers who have an "alternative" (tea party) whilst ignoring the moderate whose vote they assume they'll have anyway. Maybe politics would be better if politicians represented the people who voted them in rather than always searching for more votes.
2
Hillary, hearing the dogs bark, means you are advancing. keep going on.
1
Is it that "..asking liberals to answer for their complicity is even MORE important...," or is it that the 'liberals' are the only candidates even willing to listen and engage in the conversation? In other words, is asserting that it is MORE important simply an acknowledgement that 'conservatives' (the ones we have running now and those whom they represent) are and have long been a lost cause?
While we see interactions between Democratic candidates and BLM representatives (though the one who took the microphone from Sanders was a self-avowed Palin fan), we see parallel interactions between Republican candidates and Trump on matters such as immigration.
It's as if the race fore president is taking place on two very different planets.
While we see interactions between Democratic candidates and BLM representatives (though the one who took the microphone from Sanders was a self-avowed Palin fan), we see parallel interactions between Republican candidates and Trump on matters such as immigration.
It's as if the race fore president is taking place on two very different planets.
I guess there is a lesson in communication here. You, like Jones, didn't hear the great answers Hillary gave because you were looking for something else. She referred to sins that have been committed, but she would have been a better communicator if she had made the direct statement that Jones and you wanted to hear about her role in the problem and about what changed in her.
From her answer though, nothing needed to change in heart--her heart has always been in the right place--it was what she learned, which could have been addressed in relationship to herself but it wasn't. The answer she chose to give wasn't bobbing and weaving but included a clear idea of the approach she thought needed to be taken to actually address the problem beyond her own involvement, and an inclusive invitation to Jones to partner in the solutions.
As far as addressing the personal request he made, she disappointed him and you, and it might have been nice if she had shared her journey on the issue in personal terms too, as he asked. But as far as addressing the actual concern (which is not really about her) that's what she chose to focus on, and she did that well, and you both seemed to have missed how great and hopeful that is.
From her answer though, nothing needed to change in heart--her heart has always been in the right place--it was what she learned, which could have been addressed in relationship to herself but it wasn't. The answer she chose to give wasn't bobbing and weaving but included a clear idea of the approach she thought needed to be taken to actually address the problem beyond her own involvement, and an inclusive invitation to Jones to partner in the solutions.
As far as addressing the personal request he made, she disappointed him and you, and it might have been nice if she had shared her journey on the issue in personal terms too, as he asked. But as far as addressing the actual concern (which is not really about her) that's what she chose to focus on, and she did that well, and you both seemed to have missed how great and hopeful that is.
91
There should be no sacred cows, and that goes for a lot of issues, but swift change has to begin with actions and policies, not with changing hearts. Some of those hearts will change, but the focus on existential isues may make BLM into another Occupy--powerful for a moment but ultimately ineffective.
5
Mr. Blow, many commenters here wonder why BLM shies away from getting up in the faces of the Republicans/Tea Party troopers. I wonder why, as well, as these repressive, soulless candidates have always dodged the question. I suggest to the folks who plan demonstrations and protests to aim at the true cause of the mass incarcerations and killing of black prople: the right wing who empowered and placed them in positions of authoritarian rule in minority communities. Hillary Rodham Clinton, her many faults flaws as a candidate notwithstanding, is hardly responsible for the cancers that metastasize into lethal urban unrest. It says here that it would be quite revealing to hear Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker, Donald Trump and especially Jeb!, to give an accounting for the homicidal Stand Your Ground law that originated in Florida, a culture (as opposed to a law) designed to intimidate and damage black people while depriving them from anything like redress against gun-wielding civilians. Ask the ex-Florida governor if the blood of Travon Martin is on his hands, not Mrs. Clinton. Her hands may nit be clean but thete's no blood on them, either.
7
Mr. Blow---you are pretty late in the game to be blaming the Clintons for all the problems you cite. That's yesterday's story. Today's story is Black Lives Matter. But let's unpack that, Mr. Blow. What are YOU, Charles Blow, proposing to make these lives matter. Let's hear from Charles Blow. Tell us what you think we should do. That's no so easy.
8
I live in the U.K so maybe I'm just ignorant when I say that Hillary Clinton did not play any active ( or passive ) Role in legislation during her husband's administration.
Am I wrong to say that being married to someone does not automatically make you culpable to their actions ?
May I also hasten to add that I'm a big Charles Blow fan, and I await his column every week.
Am I wrong to say that being married to someone does not automatically make you culpable to their actions ?
May I also hasten to add that I'm a big Charles Blow fan, and I await his column every week.
7
I guess you missed their statements about getting two for the price of one.
You are both wrong and not wrong, Being married to someone does not automatically make you culpable for their actions, in my opinion. But Hillary Clinton made an explicit decision not to be like the first ladies before her. She took an active role in policy making and explicitly lobbied for this particular law. Furthermore, presidential candidates are often asked about the company they keep (think President Obama and Rev. Wright) and as a marital relationship is conceivably much closer than any other, she should be able to explain her views on her husband's policy decision as well as how her views now differ.
Why are you blaming Hillary for her husband's actions? There is no reason for her to apologize. She can and will make a difference as president and will do so through laws. Hillary has worked hard for the black community over the years. Let's see some of their anger directed t the GOP.
11
Mr. Blow is right. But let's face it, if Hillary had been elected in the last round, and not Obama, the Democratic party would be in much better condition around the country than we find it now. It's tough, it was short-sighted strategy, but that's politics. It's bad timing, like an unfortunate love affair, and so Hillary loses again, but the Democrat core returns to more clearly reflect the traditional values that Mr. Sanders has reinvigorated.
3
So, are you saying that you want fewer criminals behind bars? It seems to me that you are arguing that black lives do not matter, since most of the time blacks are the victims of these criminals that you seem to be looking out for. It's pretty clear to me, if you don't commit crimes you won't find yourself in prison.
9
Hey BLM, how about a trip to Ferguson where a child was shot and killed this very day, or a quick flight up to Rochester where 3 young men were also shot and killed. If you're really concerned about Black Lives, your emphasis is misplaced. Neither Bernie nor Hillary are murdering young people, but yet you target them as if they are.
Keep it up, and one of 16 will emerge from the clown car, and get sworn in as POTUS.
Keep it up, and one of 16 will emerge from the clown car, and get sworn in as POTUS.
3
Fundamentally, the "Black Lives Matter" movement is being led by people who seem more concerned about their own role in the political space and less about getting results. I am white and have evolved on many issues but the idea of BLM strikes me as being misguided and a destructive force within the progressive space and doubt the authenticity of their leaders. The movement should be about "All Lives Matter" - Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, etc. and that no one, no matter what their color should be subject to unfair, unjust and unethical behavior with regards to treatment and application of law. The problem is much bigger than just a "Black" problem and success in changing hearts and minds is not going to happen if Democrats lose the Presidency because some young kids and some pundits want to willy nilly disrupt Bernie of Hillary's campaigns for some perceived benefit that lacks any realistic chance of doing anything. Are they there to extort something from the Democratic party for things that were by and large, were the effects of Republican policies towards minorities? If these Blacks want change then they should work to increase the level of Blacks voting, and don't talk to me about the Blacks who do vote overwelmingly Democratic because that isn't enough. Whites like me supported Obama because of the differences in policy being proposed and not because I viewed him as Black, but because I thought he was a better man for the job. Now is not the time for divisiveness.
14
I am not a fan of Secretary Clinton's campaign, and believe she will struggle in November (GOP candidate notwithstanding) due to general fatigue with her tone-deaf lack of forthrightness, as exemplified in this current e-mail fiasco.
I must confess, however, having watched as much of that encounter as I could find online, that I found her responses to BLM to be exactly right.
It is not enough to be angry about one's situation, however justifiable that anger may be. If BLM wants to reduce the number of black people being killed by an unfair system, then they must obtain political power and change that system.
They are 100% correct to target Sanders and Clinton because no GOP candidate is going to win the nomination by supporting this agenda, but it's insane for them to demand apologies, soul-searching lip service and other nonsense when they can instead demand (and realistically expect) that these candidates will enact specific policies to reduce this problem once they are in office.
BLM: Please don't be fooled into thinking there is anything to invent here. This country changed for the better in ways no one could have imagined because people like MLK, Julian Bond, Bayard Rustin, John Lewis, Thurgood Marshall, Dorothy Height and many others who felt the same rage that you feel, ultimately realized that it was not enough to win moral arguments or be proven right. They learned to seek and obtain political power and then used that power to change laws and policies.
I must confess, however, having watched as much of that encounter as I could find online, that I found her responses to BLM to be exactly right.
It is not enough to be angry about one's situation, however justifiable that anger may be. If BLM wants to reduce the number of black people being killed by an unfair system, then they must obtain political power and change that system.
They are 100% correct to target Sanders and Clinton because no GOP candidate is going to win the nomination by supporting this agenda, but it's insane for them to demand apologies, soul-searching lip service and other nonsense when they can instead demand (and realistically expect) that these candidates will enact specific policies to reduce this problem once they are in office.
BLM: Please don't be fooled into thinking there is anything to invent here. This country changed for the better in ways no one could have imagined because people like MLK, Julian Bond, Bayard Rustin, John Lewis, Thurgood Marshall, Dorothy Height and many others who felt the same rage that you feel, ultimately realized that it was not enough to win moral arguments or be proven right. They learned to seek and obtain political power and then used that power to change laws and policies.
10
Sleeve from Westchester, PA posted an opinion that is spot on. I highly recommend it. Hillary Clinton is not responsible for the legislation her husband, President Bill Clinton, signed into law. Judge her on HER record, not Bill's record, or Chelsea, or Buddy the First Dog.
It is interesting how these protesters are able to gain access to the stage where Hillary and other candidates are speaking so they can confront the candidate with their issues. Aren't there any Secret Service men around to protect them? Or is this just a big game and the confrontation is staged?
It is interesting how these protesters are able to gain access to the stage where Hillary and other candidates are speaking so they can confront the candidate with their issues. Aren't there any Secret Service men around to protect them? Or is this just a big game and the confrontation is staged?
3
If Michael Brown's lawlessness makes today's shouts reasonable, we need to go somewhere else.
7
It is surreal to read about the repeal of Glass Stagall over and over with never a mention of the erratic Federal Reserve Bank interest rate policy that wiped out the traditional banking industry and securitized lending.
1
Trying to pin the unfair incarcerations of blacks on Hilliary is ridiculous and perpetuates the role of victim. Your pound of flesh approach prevents the conversation from being truly constructive. What are you going to do to change the injustice? How are you responsible for what has happened. This black and white, no pun intended, blaming game prevents the very growth and change that needs to take place.
6
Unless we deal with our broken education system, particularly as it plays out in poor communities, and unless we can repair the culture that sees education as a white form of oppression, how can we have real progress?
3
I think going after Hillary for what her husband signed into law is pushing it. Bill was President then, not Hillary. The buck stops with him for the decisions he made as President and he has apologized for making the situation worse for black men. I don't think that was his intention.
In regards to white police officers killing black men and women, either with bullets or beatings, what is going on? Have these lethal crimes perpetrated against black Americans been going on for a long time and not reported, or is this behavior by police a new phenomenon? What gets me is the refusal to stop their felonious behavior even as people look on with their cell phones!
Lastly, the media must be responsible for reporting police brutality. Each death is a murder and every beating is an assault, These are crimes that must be reported and the police officers guilty of murder must go to jail. Without that consequence, blacks in this country are still in danger.
In regards to white police officers killing black men and women, either with bullets or beatings, what is going on? Have these lethal crimes perpetrated against black Americans been going on for a long time and not reported, or is this behavior by police a new phenomenon? What gets me is the refusal to stop their felonious behavior even as people look on with their cell phones!
Lastly, the media must be responsible for reporting police brutality. Each death is a murder and every beating is an assault, These are crimes that must be reported and the police officers guilty of murder must go to jail. Without that consequence, blacks in this country are still in danger.
4
As someone pointed out recently, when they say "black lives matter", there's an unspoken "too". Black lives matter too.
We white liberals really haven't been paying attention. I saw "Straight Outa Compton" last weekend, with scenes juxtaposing the song "F*** the Police" with the Rodney King beating. I remember the Rodney King beating and I remember believing that it was an anomaly. And that that song was counter-productive. Now that there's no longer any way to pretend that what happened to King is commonplace, the song has a different resonance.
We do owe blacks an apology for our indifference, followed by action to demilitarize our police. That blacks may have issues they need to address in their own communities is another matter. Our opinions on that may be better received after we clean up our own house.
We white liberals really haven't been paying attention. I saw "Straight Outa Compton" last weekend, with scenes juxtaposing the song "F*** the Police" with the Rodney King beating. I remember the Rodney King beating and I remember believing that it was an anomaly. And that that song was counter-productive. Now that there's no longer any way to pretend that what happened to King is commonplace, the song has a different resonance.
We do owe blacks an apology for our indifference, followed by action to demilitarize our police. That blacks may have issues they need to address in their own communities is another matter. Our opinions on that may be better received after we clean up our own house.
That should be "can't pretend it ISN'T commonplace"
I saw the video on Democracy Now. The 2 BLS people speaking with Hillary were very patient and articulate.
They told her Bill Clinton increased prisons, and started the ball rolling to the highest % of citizens imprisoned of any country.
And the 3 strikes law leading to excessive sentencing and even life sentences for minor, non violent crimes.
The words for this are grotesque and barbaric-- in what was once a country that symbolized the Constitution for the world. This shows how we can keep fooling ourselves b/c we have the Bill of Rights, so our injustices are the fault of the victims.
Hillary reacted with some emotion. She’ll defend Bill. She helped push his laws to dismantle financial regulation, to send jobs out of the country, while ‘ending welfare as we know it’, in case anyone needed money to buy food and housing after they lost their jobs.
I think Bill and Hillary should apologize and admit that these policies were wrong, and led to disastrous consequences for living standards, financial security and freedom. If their big donors will allow it.
But alas, this is the best we can do in 2015 for a Democratic nominee. In this huge country we have so few Dem candidates. It’s just who can attract the super pacs. Thus Black Lives Matter have that to contend with in trying to reach justice reform. We can only hope the winds of change keep blowing. And Hillary turns out to be a better president.
They told her Bill Clinton increased prisons, and started the ball rolling to the highest % of citizens imprisoned of any country.
And the 3 strikes law leading to excessive sentencing and even life sentences for minor, non violent crimes.
The words for this are grotesque and barbaric-- in what was once a country that symbolized the Constitution for the world. This shows how we can keep fooling ourselves b/c we have the Bill of Rights, so our injustices are the fault of the victims.
Hillary reacted with some emotion. She’ll defend Bill. She helped push his laws to dismantle financial regulation, to send jobs out of the country, while ‘ending welfare as we know it’, in case anyone needed money to buy food and housing after they lost their jobs.
I think Bill and Hillary should apologize and admit that these policies were wrong, and led to disastrous consequences for living standards, financial security and freedom. If their big donors will allow it.
But alas, this is the best we can do in 2015 for a Democratic nominee. In this huge country we have so few Dem candidates. It’s just who can attract the super pacs. Thus Black Lives Matter have that to contend with in trying to reach justice reform. We can only hope the winds of change keep blowing. And Hillary turns out to be a better president.
3
Dr Mr Blow, your position and that of Black lives Matter would have far greater resonance if there were acknowledgement of the real issues that are central to black culture. The original sin of racism without personal responsibility rings hollow and acts only as an excuse. The complete elimation of all racism would not elevate Blacks. Until there are fundamental changes in culture, racism stands as the 10% issue and a distraction
4
So the world would have been better off had there been no effort to enforce the rule of law. Great solution.
6
I watched the video clip of the activist and Hillary. She was very thoughtful and actively listened patiently and then when finally at long last she was allowed to answer, I heard a very thoughtful reply that acknowledged what he said was fair. AND then she challenged all the activists to come up with very specific proposals of laws and court actions as solutions. She likened their activism to prior successful groups like women and gays who gained by using legislative action and court filings to accomplish their goals.
I was very impressed with how Hillary handled the the confrontation; and she is right. Protest, yes, of course; but the most effective way to achieve success is still through democratic process of lawmaking and court challenges.
I was very impressed with how Hillary handled the the confrontation; and she is right. Protest, yes, of course; but the most effective way to achieve success is still through democratic process of lawmaking and court challenges.
18
"To me, the diversion was stunning, and telling."
Typical Hillary. That's why I'm voting for Bernie.
Typical Hillary. That's why I'm voting for Bernie.
13
That's why a Republican is backing up his U-Haul truck into the WH driveway in January 2017. Bernie is unelectable.
Well, except as Mr. Blow himself has noted in his column, Bernie's response to the Blacklivesmatter protesters was not much better. As a congressman in the 90s, was he less responsible for the passage of these laws?
Hillary challenged the protesters to come up with very specific legislative proposals and court challenges; that's no "diversion" that's a call to action!
1
The primary reason more people are getting killed at the hands of the Police is due to poor Police policy, procedures and training, not racism.
Racism, black against white, white against black or any ethic group against another is a world wide problem requiring continued dialogue.
Most Police are white. Police go where the crime is. The vast majority of the Police are not out looking for trouble, more likely waiting for the safe end of their shift so they can go home to their families.
There are bad cops, bad politicians, bad priest and rabbis; they all should be weeded out and if they break the law, prosecuted.
Many if not mot of the recent deaths have resulted after a person resisted arrest. Often the person being arrested has outstanding warrants, so they resist. Never a good idea.
To suggest this is an all out attack on black society by white Police Officers is ridiculous and dangerous. Let's focus on changing policies and procedures and training and continuing to talk about and work to address racism.
Racism, black against white, white against black or any ethic group against another is a world wide problem requiring continued dialogue.
Most Police are white. Police go where the crime is. The vast majority of the Police are not out looking for trouble, more likely waiting for the safe end of their shift so they can go home to their families.
There are bad cops, bad politicians, bad priest and rabbis; they all should be weeded out and if they break the law, prosecuted.
Many if not mot of the recent deaths have resulted after a person resisted arrest. Often the person being arrested has outstanding warrants, so they resist. Never a good idea.
To suggest this is an all out attack on black society by white Police Officers is ridiculous and dangerous. Let's focus on changing policies and procedures and training and continuing to talk about and work to address racism.
12
Politicians never admit wrongdoing. Doesn't matter whether it was Billary in the 1990s, GWB from 2001-2009, or BHO now.
The first rule of elected officials: Whatever results from your legislation, you weren't wrong to do it.
The first rule of elected officials: Whatever results from your legislation, you weren't wrong to do it.
2
1. Hillary Clinton was not the President. Her husband was. (Do you blame Michelle Obama for the legislation her husband passes?)
2. Bill Clinton DID apologize for the unintended consequences of the law HE passed.
2. Bill Clinton DID apologize for the unintended consequences of the law HE passed.
Ah, Mr. Blow, but there are "Sacred Cows" when it comes to a non-discerning electorate. And that's precisely what we have today. Far, far too many who vote DFL are knee-jerk, brain-locked devotees of liberalisam or the fruits of it.
Who, back in Bill's day, would have thought that providing more modern prisons would be a cause of more black lives in those prisons? Makes me wonder if the opposite is true: can we reduce crimes and incarcerations by reducing our number of prisons?
I guess if there's no place to incarcerate our felons, there is no point in adjudicating them as such. Sounds a bit like Alice's Wonderland to me. But we've tried about everything else.
Who, back in Bill's day, would have thought that providing more modern prisons would be a cause of more black lives in those prisons? Makes me wonder if the opposite is true: can we reduce crimes and incarcerations by reducing our number of prisons?
I guess if there's no place to incarcerate our felons, there is no point in adjudicating them as such. Sounds a bit like Alice's Wonderland to me. But we've tried about everything else.
7
Note to Minnesota writer, the DFL exists only in Minnesota, a merger of two state parties, the Democratic Party and the Farmer Labor Party. Outside the state, there is only the Democratic Party.
1
Mr. Blow, your truth to power is the kind of courage to which all of us should aspire and practice. You are spot on! There is one school of thought that we need to show more "manners" and docility at candidates' rallies, but when is the right time? There is no ideal time or place to express our collective frustrations, dissatisfaction with, and rejection of the politicized and institutionalized polices leveraged against people of color, in particular people of African descent, in this country. I salute the Black Lives Matter movement and hope it continues until there is no need for it anymore.
3
As a white feminist, one of the tensions I feel when reading a column such as this comes from that painful competition between racial justice and gender justice that has existed in this country since the early 19th century. I haven't seen the video of Hilary, so I won't comment on her answer based on Mr. Blow's account. But what I will comment on is that fact that Mr. Blow--whom I usually agree with--critiques Hilary's response as if she were just another white male politician, rather than a woman, whose femininity in the political sphere has been ruthlessly scrutinized, criticized and negatively contrasted with the masculinity of her male peers. Apologies come at a much greater risk for women leaders, whose competence and leadership is still automatically under question. Never mind that she is being asked to apologize for legislation signed by her husband, when her only political role was that of First Lady. This is not to let her or any white women (including myself) off the hook for structural racism, but to remind Mr. Blow that interactions like this are more complicated than he seems interested in seeing. Racism is one of the most heinous structures of oppression in American society. But it is not the only structure of oppression, and those of us committed to justice should strive to be aware of and committed to dismantling all of them, not just the one that affects most.
The war on drugs was invented to purge liberals and religious skeptics from government, corporations, and academia. African Americans are collateral damage.
5
BLM began as a protest movement in order to demonstrate bad treatment of black Americans in many situations by police officers. However, it's been degraded into the chant of muggers, rioters, drug dealers and thieves. Black Lives Matter now means " don't shoot us while we loot and destroy". The other branch of BLM is simply a political effort to gain some sway with candidates. The BLM movement is over; it was destroyed from within.
15
Now we know where Hilary's heart lies, at any rate.
2
Tell us more about this "heart".
There should be "no sacred cows" as you said Mr. Blow, when blacks have been treated like "sacrificial lambs" but spending valuable time and energy demanding apologies from Liberals who have supported many programs that have worked as well as some that have failed, while ignoring Conservatives, who would absolutely demolish the safety net and restrict voting rights, is ludicrous.
Since when was it politically advantageous to attack and embarrass your allies? Splinter groups, with questionable support in the community, little to offer in policy and less in political clout, need to spend time developing programs building a constituency and confronting the opposition. Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders are not the opposition.
Since when was it politically advantageous to attack and embarrass your allies? Splinter groups, with questionable support in the community, little to offer in policy and less in political clout, need to spend time developing programs building a constituency and confronting the opposition. Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders are not the opposition.
24
I think that Hillary is so afraid of uttering the words mistakes and sorry because in this election cycle, these words can be twisted and used against you in unimaginable ways. Mr. Blow you are absolutely right, but you should not be shocked by her words or lack of words.
5
Why is Hillary Clinton responsible for what Bill Clinton did during his presidency? These types of in your face media confrontations will change nothing Mr. Blow. They may provide feel good moments, and material for your columns, but speaking for myself, as soon as I finish this post, and click the little x on top of my screen making you go away, it will be like I had never have read this column.
74
Hillary was more than the typical First Lady. Hillary was given the health care insurance portfolio. Hillary was always focused on a political career. Hillary was an elected U.S. Senator from New York who had time to address and redress her husband's malevolent mistakes.
1
And do you blackmaba, if you are married, stick your nose into everything that your spouse says, thinks, or does?
She lobbied for and sold it to the citizens. Her dodging the direct questions on TPP and XL pipeline shows who she is, and it is the same her. Look closely at her record.
1
I cannot tell from this essay what Byrne Grants are and why they are bad or good.
5
I don't know Hillary personally but I feel that a lot of politicians use black people for votes by promising they will change this law or that ordinance or whatever latest lie they want to throw at them. What has Obama done? He more than anyone could have inspired change. I also really disagree with her saying you can't change hearts. It is actually terrible she said this. People like David Simon are changing hearts every time someone new watches The Wire. I honestly feel that if more people spent time getting to know people that are different than they are then they would have more empathy and would probably see they have a lot in common with them. I grew up going to school with a lot of black kids and I can honestly say I have way more in common with many of them than I do with a lot of white people. We have the same morals, work ethic, view points on life. Whenever I come across someone who is racist I notice they have had little exposure other than the media to people of a different race.
2
I believe even Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said something to the effect that even if hearts can't be changed, laws can. I think that's the point Mrs. Clinton was making. Laws must be fair and just AND be enforced.
1
Maybe liberals of the Clinton, triangulating, corporate stripe aren't really liberals in the sense that many of us have always defined the term. Maybe such pols are always calculating how many white racist votes they need to win.
Watching Hillary is always agony. She's in the wrong line of work, but I'll still vote for her and hope for the best. Meanwhile, for perspective, go visit sites like newsbusters and truthrevolt to inspect the racist and vile comments about both Hillary Clinton and African-Americans.
Watching Hillary is always agony. She's in the wrong line of work, but I'll still vote for her and hope for the best. Meanwhile, for perspective, go visit sites like newsbusters and truthrevolt to inspect the racist and vile comments about both Hillary Clinton and African-Americans.
3
Mrs. Clinton refused to be bullied and gave the young folks a lesson in the difference between tweeting and true activism - the same thing she would have said to the young white activists of Occupy Wall Street (who also accomplished nothing) and the same thing a civil rights veteran like John Lewis would have said. A movement without a plan for action is a weak feel-good exercise and not a force for change. It's nice to have #itgetsbetter to spread a positive message and drive support for gay rights, but it's a Supreme Court case that changes people's lives for the better. I heard Clinton agreeing with most of what the activist said but refusing to give him some pointless "gotcha" moment "answering for her role" that might give him a moment of celebrity but would do nothing for her ability to affect positive change - the change the activists should be seeking. I heard a confident, respectful exchange on a real issue - something we sorely need more of.
157
Karen,
I would say Occupy achieved a lot considering they were taking on the biggest, strongest Corp.s the earth has ever known. The banking industry. When your Government works in tandem with your local law enforcement and local government it is hard for the little protest movement to get underway. The movement spread all across the globe. It drew in millions of people. The little guy is tired of his government working against him. Beating and spraying, spying and infiltrating, incarcerating and passing laws on the spot to dissuade the protests. Occupy helped expose how our government is working for the Corp, Occupy showed us that people can awake a nation and beyond. It scared the bejibus out of our government. Occupy showed a new generation that if they stick together they can make a change. We now have the awareness of how huge the income gap is with our soon to be Oligarchy. We now have 99%-!% in our language. We now have Elizabeth Warren! We now have the most exciting candidate, soon to be POTUS in Bernie Sanders!
I would say Occupy achieved a lot considering they were taking on the biggest, strongest Corp.s the earth has ever known. The banking industry. When your Government works in tandem with your local law enforcement and local government it is hard for the little protest movement to get underway. The movement spread all across the globe. It drew in millions of people. The little guy is tired of his government working against him. Beating and spraying, spying and infiltrating, incarcerating and passing laws on the spot to dissuade the protests. Occupy helped expose how our government is working for the Corp, Occupy showed us that people can awake a nation and beyond. It scared the bejibus out of our government. Occupy showed a new generation that if they stick together they can make a change. We now have the awareness of how huge the income gap is with our soon to be Oligarchy. We now have 99%-!% in our language. We now have Elizabeth Warren! We now have the most exciting candidate, soon to be POTUS in Bernie Sanders!
The trouble with Clinton's reply was about her delivery as much as anything. She seemed to agree the law was a mistake and she was wiling to meet later and talk about solutions. But she replied in a lecturing tone, shaking her finger at the young man, advising him that his group needed to adopt a different strategy for their concerns and come up with legislative proposals. A better answer would have been, "Yes, I made a mistake. I regret it and I have plan x to try to set it right." She was not being asked to hang her head in shame. The young man gave her the benefit of the doubt, acknowledging the possibility of unintended consequences. She only needed to reply with visible concern and in a respectful manner, to mirror the respectful manner of the young man who questioned her.
21
C'mon, face it - the young man was just looking for a "Gotcha!" moment to propel his face and name in the media.
She didn't make a mistake, her husband did.
I'm for reparations, but I don't believe they will solve the main issue. Unemployment. It's right to go after democrats cause they approved NAFTA, and other exporting jobs bills around the globe...Now it's to late. Only joining the tech ,or wallst class will help. Blow 's articles are all the same..misguided
2
Albert Shanker,
NAFTA was drawn up and finalized under the previous POTUS.
Yes Pres. Clinton did sign it. Much to our chagrin.
Please note who is now trying to stop the exporting of our jobs, Democrats.
Please note who is still giving tax breaks and incentives to move our jobs overseas, Republicans.
What Pres. Obama is doing with TPP? Maybe he is not such a Socialist after all.
NAFTA was drawn up and finalized under the previous POTUS.
Yes Pres. Clinton did sign it. Much to our chagrin.
Please note who is now trying to stop the exporting of our jobs, Democrats.
Please note who is still giving tax breaks and incentives to move our jobs overseas, Republicans.
What Pres. Obama is doing with TPP? Maybe he is not such a Socialist after all.
Byrne grants are not the answer. They don't fund items for benefit of African-American issues. They fund police, from military grade equipment to drug awareness training, for benefit of enforcing state and local laws.
If DC politicians want to help African-Americans, they should stop thinking like Hillary - what program can we fund, what law can we in DC pass while collecting photo-ops - and start thinking like the African-American woman whose ex is in prison, whose relationship prospects are losers, and whose son blames it all on her and the police, their preacher, his teachers, the person with the nice purse walking by, his body, his girl's body, anyone and everyone he can release his frustrations upon.
Until politicians think like the truly disadvantaged, the reforms will go nowhere. Except to the bank accounts of scammers in suits and ties.
If DC politicians want to help African-Americans, they should stop thinking like Hillary - what program can we fund, what law can we in DC pass while collecting photo-ops - and start thinking like the African-American woman whose ex is in prison, whose relationship prospects are losers, and whose son blames it all on her and the police, their preacher, his teachers, the person with the nice purse walking by, his body, his girl's body, anyone and everyone he can release his frustrations upon.
Until politicians think like the truly disadvantaged, the reforms will go nowhere. Except to the bank accounts of scammers in suits and ties.
While BLM is a nice little slogan that sounds good I would like to remind them that above all , Laws Matter. Very simply obey the laws and you will be fine. Are there instances where one does this but runs into a racist cop? Yes, unfortunately. But these are rare occurrences. I don't understand the logic of people constantly running afoul of the law then blaming everyone and everything else for the position they are in.
13
@Music guy Florida
I agree with what you said. But it still breaks my heart every time I see the videos of 12 year old Tamir Rice killed for carrying a BB gun and 22 year old John Crawford killed in Walmart carrying a BB gun by the barrel and talking on his cell phone.
I agree with what you said. But it still breaks my heart every time I see the videos of 12 year old Tamir Rice killed for carrying a BB gun and 22 year old John Crawford killed in Walmart carrying a BB gun by the barrel and talking on his cell phone.
Music guy,
So you would be ok with being "Stopped and Frisked" everyday in you own neighborhood?
So you would be ok with being disrespected and looked at sideways in your own neighborhood?
Very simply one can obey all the laws and still be harassed, jailed and killed over any little thing a LEO can think of.
You shouldn't be killed for an infraction.
How does the rest of the world manage to not kill its populace? Whilst America is waging war upon its citizens?
It is a war if one looks at the numbers!
So you would be ok with being "Stopped and Frisked" everyday in you own neighborhood?
So you would be ok with being disrespected and looked at sideways in your own neighborhood?
Very simply one can obey all the laws and still be harassed, jailed and killed over any little thing a LEO can think of.
You shouldn't be killed for an infraction.
How does the rest of the world manage to not kill its populace? Whilst America is waging war upon its citizens?
It is a war if one looks at the numbers!
1
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
A fair number of the comments in this space ask the question, After the apologies, then what?
I think that for Mr. Blow, apologies ARE the point. He stands, arms folded, assessing the quality, the depth of apologies to his community, and invariably the judgment is, No, not contrite enough, not heartfelt enough, not OBSEQUIOUS enough.
The community is better served addressing plans for its future than by bullying allies into genuflection before a sanctimonious, self-designated court of morality.
A fair number of the comments in this space ask the question, After the apologies, then what?
I think that for Mr. Blow, apologies ARE the point. He stands, arms folded, assessing the quality, the depth of apologies to his community, and invariably the judgment is, No, not contrite enough, not heartfelt enough, not OBSEQUIOUS enough.
The community is better served addressing plans for its future than by bullying allies into genuflection before a sanctimonious, self-designated court of morality.
17
Thank You!! Mr Blow's assessment is just shy or snarky and it misses the point. I thought Hillary was brilliant. Sure she didn't say what the Black Lives Matter folks wanted to hear, but she spoke the brutal real truth -- changing hearts only goes so far. Mr Blow and those folks miss the bigger point. And why he gets a voice in the NYT is beyond me.
"These young activists, indeed all of us, should expect liberals to have more direct answers for their own actions — and inactions — than the one Clinton gave."
The words in your column Mr. Blow, and the actions of the BLM activists will have more punch and meaning once they are aimed all EVERY presidential candidate instead of only Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Sanders. If that is not done, then you and the BLM activists are merely jumping on the same band wagon, week after week, signing the same old song, usually out of tune and out of step. How about some equal addressing and confronting of the issues by all the candidates? Some kind of balance would be a refreshing change.
These young activists, indeed all of us, should expect liberals to have more direct answers for their own actions — and inactions — than the one Clinton gave.
The words in your column Mr. Blow, and the actions of the BLM activists will have more punch and meaning once they are aimed all EVERY presidential candidate instead of only Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Sanders. If that is not done, then you and the BLM activists are merely jumping on the same band wagon, week after week, signing the same old song, usually out of tune and out of step. How about some equal addressing and confronting of the issues by all the candidates? Some kind of balance would be a refreshing change.
These young activists, indeed all of us, should expect liberals to have more direct answers for their own actions — and inactions — than the one Clinton gave.
5
Marge Keller,
Mrs. Clinton is not a Liberal.
If one was to look at what a Liberal has been trying to do.
Check out Candidate Bernie Sanders record.
If we want Liberal change, we must vote into power Liberals!
Expecting the Left to change the Center and Right without helping is asking for the impossible.
Mrs. Clinton is not a Liberal.
If one was to look at what a Liberal has been trying to do.
Check out Candidate Bernie Sanders record.
If we want Liberal change, we must vote into power Liberals!
Expecting the Left to change the Center and Right without helping is asking for the impossible.
We have a problem in this country. While I am not a fan of Hillary's, she is a Democrat and Democrats offer the best chance to change the racial climate. Apologies and post mortems serve a purpose but they will not move us forward. To that end, her statement, “I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.” was spot on.
6
Democrats haven't changed the climate for Blacks. That's Charles' point. But then again, Charles' solution is more Democrats. It's a continuous cycle.
1
“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.”
I think the above quote from HRC shows she has got the right idea, and as president she can make that happen. I think a lot of the problem with this is that we want to create the warm and fuzzy lets be friends deal. If someone in power hates blacks you will not change their heart however you can put laws in place and enforce them to stop them from using that power against blacks.
I think the above quote from HRC shows she has got the right idea, and as president she can make that happen. I think a lot of the problem with this is that we want to create the warm and fuzzy lets be friends deal. If someone in power hates blacks you will not change their heart however you can put laws in place and enforce them to stop them from using that power against blacks.
8
Thank you for another cogent and insightful editorial Mr. Blow.
“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.”
It is almost as if Madame Hillary does't understand that if you don't change hearts and minds, you don't change society. I can't tell if her heart and mind are in the right place, because she is not communicating her heart and mind. She is all focused on winning.
“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.”
It is almost as if Madame Hillary does't understand that if you don't change hearts and minds, you don't change society. I can't tell if her heart and mind are in the right place, because she is not communicating her heart and mind. She is all focused on winning.
2
Much like her unconscionable refusal to acknowledge her husband’s horrible mistake on repealing Glass-Steagall -- Hillary Clinton’s revisionist “blind spots” continue to leave her blindly wandering in the dark.
“Will Hillary Clinton Abolish the Prison State Her Husband Created?
Don’t Count On It”
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/31065-will-hillary-clinton-abolish...
“Hillary Clinton is making a ‘big mistake’
by Not Reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act”
http://www.salon.com/2015/07/18/robert_reich_hillary_clinton_is_making_a...
“Repeal of Glass-Steagall Caused the Financial Crisis”
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2012/08/27/rep...
“Will Hillary Clinton Abolish the Prison State Her Husband Created?
Don’t Count On It”
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/31065-will-hillary-clinton-abolish...
“Hillary Clinton is making a ‘big mistake’
by Not Reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act”
http://www.salon.com/2015/07/18/robert_reich_hillary_clinton_is_making_a...
“Repeal of Glass-Steagall Caused the Financial Crisis”
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2012/08/27/rep...
1
Please educated yourself on how passing laws work. I can guarantee you that laws passed during Clinton's Administration were in the works far before he even had a thought bubble of running for the presidency. It was the effect that 'War on Drugs' (from the 80's) was having, it was a combination of idiocy and fear. I'm not a fan of Bill, but was a child during his presidency so I had no say in the voting process. However, lets end this one person blaming, it's getting old.
You don't take a baseball bat to play football.
BLM is angry. We get that. BLM wants America to know it’s fed up, isn't going to take it any more. We get that too. Above all, BLM is going to raise black voices to demand change...NOW.
But when two women ... just two ... strongarm the one candidate who might actually do something ... the one candidate who RISKED HIS LIFE riding with CORE into Dixieland on behalf of black rights when doing that was downright dangerous (do these women in Seattle remember Chaney, Werner, and Goodman? Look on CORE's web site for a refresher) ... when they infuriate several thousand allies in the POLITICS of racial equality ... they do themselves and their cause a whole lot of harm.
Sanders is about finding POLITICAL solutions. Want a revolution based on shoving and shutting down discussion and dialogue? Try storming a Republican rally, 'cause they're your enemies, and Republicans were the ones the BLM strongarmers really reached.
Want xhange? Put your baseball bats away, Charles. Try turning out a few thousand to demand change, not just two!
BLM is angry. We get that. BLM wants America to know it’s fed up, isn't going to take it any more. We get that too. Above all, BLM is going to raise black voices to demand change...NOW.
But when two women ... just two ... strongarm the one candidate who might actually do something ... the one candidate who RISKED HIS LIFE riding with CORE into Dixieland on behalf of black rights when doing that was downright dangerous (do these women in Seattle remember Chaney, Werner, and Goodman? Look on CORE's web site for a refresher) ... when they infuriate several thousand allies in the POLITICS of racial equality ... they do themselves and their cause a whole lot of harm.
Sanders is about finding POLITICAL solutions. Want a revolution based on shoving and shutting down discussion and dialogue? Try storming a Republican rally, 'cause they're your enemies, and Republicans were the ones the BLM strongarmers really reached.
Want xhange? Put your baseball bats away, Charles. Try turning out a few thousand to demand change, not just two!
11
So long we Black folks feel continue to vote DEM without question- and forgive me Mr. Blow, #BlacklivesMatters ain't gonna change the 90+% of the Black vote that Hillary will get- the Dems have NO reason to do anything accept scare Black folks with "The Republicans want to roll back your rights, votes..."
{Uproarious applauds!!!!}
BOOM!!! Hillary gets the Black vote! Without apologizes, without a change, without an answer to Julius Jones' question. And nothing will change for Black folks in Democrat controlled cities.
{Uproarious applauds!!!!}
BOOM!!! Hillary gets the Black vote! Without apologizes, without a change, without an answer to Julius Jones' question. And nothing will change for Black folks in Democrat controlled cities.
3
BLM activists will achieve nothing by blaming things on the Clintons. In addition, by the strict PC policing of the phrase "Black Lives Matter" as opposed to any other wording, and the narcissistic performance art of the Sanders' protesters, any message they hope to impart is being lost. The movement appears to be a rant and rage and blame machine.
You may not like what the Clintons did in the past but what does it matter in making policy today? You'll be waiting a long time for an apology, and if you get it, what good will it do policy-wise? Do you want an apology or policy change?
Hillary was right with her interaction with the BLM protestors. If they choose to waste their time and effort in getting an apology, they're going to lose their opportunity to effect any real change and just piss everybody off in the interim.
You may not like what the Clintons did in the past but what does it matter in making policy today? You'll be waiting a long time for an apology, and if you get it, what good will it do policy-wise? Do you want an apology or policy change?
Hillary was right with her interaction with the BLM protestors. If they choose to waste their time and effort in getting an apology, they're going to lose their opportunity to effect any real change and just piss everybody off in the interim.
8
"“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.”
But what if the same person saying that was partially responsible for changing the laws that allocated the resources that built up a system that operated as a tool of destruction?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I say, so what. Blow doesn't respond to Hillary's point. What practical difference will it make if Hillary beats her chest and shouts, "mea culpa!!"?
Bill did and what practical difference did it make?
I want a president that says, "O.K. I see a serious problem. Let's talk about what we can do to fix it." I don't want one who admits a mistake and goes blithely ahead without fixing it.
But what if the same person saying that was partially responsible for changing the laws that allocated the resources that built up a system that operated as a tool of destruction?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I say, so what. Blow doesn't respond to Hillary's point. What practical difference will it make if Hillary beats her chest and shouts, "mea culpa!!"?
Bill did and what practical difference did it make?
I want a president that says, "O.K. I see a serious problem. Let's talk about what we can do to fix it." I don't want one who admits a mistake and goes blithely ahead without fixing it.
9
On Tuesday, in Ferguson Missouri, a nine year old black girl was killed by a bullet fired into her home while she was doing her homework. Why don't you do something about it?
41
Her name was Jamyla Bolden. A cute girl, someone's baby. Her legacy will be left story-less to twist in the wind by liberals and "black lives matter".
Ironic.
Ironic.
1
Holding Hillary accountable for the actions of Pres. W. J. Clinton is not fair or deserved. Neither is holding J.E.B. accountable for the actions of either Presidents G.H.W, or G.W. Bush. The sins of the fathers, brothers or spouses of the President do not pass down or along.
Yes, Hillary is accountable for her actions as a Senator and her votes are counted and recorded.
The key problem is the issue of "Unintended Consequences." Many laws and related funds are mis-used by states, counties and municipalities. Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act is but one of the many laws to have been mis-used - not the only one.
The end of the video has been offensive to many but lets look at the reality of Hillary delivering a lesson on how the political system works. She was bang-on. You change laws, not hearts and minds. You write laws that make it more difficult to mis-use them and you prosecute those who violate the laws, including state, county and local officials.
Does the USA have a criminal justice system that is not equitably administered? Oh yes we do! How do we change that? We write new and better laws that both prevent and punish the mis-use of the law to minimize the inequity in the system.
Do you want to get the attention of political people? Register and vote on real issues, draft more candidates who represent your views and back them. Not just till the election but after they are in office.
Yes, Hillary is accountable for her actions as a Senator and her votes are counted and recorded.
The key problem is the issue of "Unintended Consequences." Many laws and related funds are mis-used by states, counties and municipalities. Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act is but one of the many laws to have been mis-used - not the only one.
The end of the video has been offensive to many but lets look at the reality of Hillary delivering a lesson on how the political system works. She was bang-on. You change laws, not hearts and minds. You write laws that make it more difficult to mis-use them and you prosecute those who violate the laws, including state, county and local officials.
Does the USA have a criminal justice system that is not equitably administered? Oh yes we do! How do we change that? We write new and better laws that both prevent and punish the mis-use of the law to minimize the inequity in the system.
Do you want to get the attention of political people? Register and vote on real issues, draft more candidates who represent your views and back them. Not just till the election but after they are in office.
26
"Holding Hillary accountable for the actions of Pres. W. J. Clinton is not fair or deserved."
I will hold Hillary accountable for those actions of Pres W.J. Clinton that she championed, lobbied Congress for, and otherwise did everything in her limited power to make actual policy. She is using her experience as First Lady as one of her selling points, that makes her use of her admittedly limited power as First Lady completely fair game for criticism.
"Neither is holding J.E.B. accountable for the actions of either Presidents G.H.W, or G.W. Bush."
What about the fact that J.E. Bush has made G.W. Bush his top foreign policy advisor? That would suggest that Jeb! supports the actions and decisions of his brother, which would again make criticism of G.W. Bush a fair criticism of J.E. Bush. If Jeb! had said "Look, George is my brother, but I'm going to think differently about foreign policy.", then fine, George W is off limits. But he didn't, he never has, and that makes it completely fair.
I will hold Hillary accountable for those actions of Pres W.J. Clinton that she championed, lobbied Congress for, and otherwise did everything in her limited power to make actual policy. She is using her experience as First Lady as one of her selling points, that makes her use of her admittedly limited power as First Lady completely fair game for criticism.
"Neither is holding J.E.B. accountable for the actions of either Presidents G.H.W, or G.W. Bush."
What about the fact that J.E. Bush has made G.W. Bush his top foreign policy advisor? That would suggest that Jeb! supports the actions and decisions of his brother, which would again make criticism of G.W. Bush a fair criticism of J.E. Bush. If Jeb! had said "Look, George is my brother, but I'm going to think differently about foreign policy.", then fine, George W is off limits. But he didn't, he never has, and that makes it completely fair.
Painting Hillary as the author of Black America's "incarceration problem" is simultaneously dishonest and stupid. The Clinton Adm. policy (widely supported at the time by the African American community and its leaders, btw) had the effect of incarcerating African Americans at much too high a rate, and for crimes that tend disproportionately to be committed by African Americans. But much of that stems from racist law enforcement practices, and surely no one believes that it was Bill Clinton's intent, or Hillary's desire. Black Lives Matters should focus on supporting the candidate who will help address the problem, and become part of the solution to the problem. Publicity stunts don't help the cause; targeted activism might. Seek her pledge, and support her if she gives it. Confronting her in an antagonistic way is so counterproductive.
166
You are one of the few in this debate who has noted that black politicians supported by the 1994 crime bill. The vast majority of the Congressional Black Caucus voted for it, including chairman Kwesi Mfume. Their intentions were not foul; their communities were beset by the crack epidemic and the violence that went along with it. But let's spread blame to all parties involved, not just Hillary Clinton. Oh, and Bernie Sanders also voted for the bill.
A very good read. And yes, we should all be taken to task on this issue. Fortunately for me I was never a big Clinton supporter. I have read enough on the stop and frisk tragedy to know it is an abomination. The War On Drugs was just a big make work program for law enforcement and the Prison Industrial System. Every "free market" flag conservative should be totally behind the legalization movement. Ever the hypocrites they are not.Enough, I am sincerely sorry for every act of degradation I have shown towards the black race and I will do all I can to make up for my sins and the sins of my family.
1
This is complete nonsense. When Rep. Charles Rangel was chairman of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control he campaigned for stiffer prison sentences for drug dealers and he backed severe penalties for crack violations, saying that crack was destroying the black neighborhoods of NYC. Revisionists like Blow forget all this and propagandize instead. Blow needs to read up on his black history and learn what people like Rangel did and tried to do to better their communities. The truth matters.
48
Sorry Charlie. Police go where the crime is. It is not the color of the skin but the content of the character of the perpetrators that bring them there. You do a disservice to the 90% of people who call them for help, while supporting the 10% criminal element. If you want to help, get into the high schools. That's where life decisions are made regarding personal accountability that shape their future. Hands up, there is no mass incarceration, just false narratives of victimization . Come down from your ivory tower
17
Okay, I didn't like the tone of this article, but to say that "Police go where the crime is," is ridiculous. Police go where there political masters tell them to go. The police are not like water responding to gravity. They are merely the end instrument of a political machine. Change the machine.
Eduardo - Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Anyone who has seen the videos cannot deny different treatment of blacks and whites by police. "Charlie" does not support the "10% criminal element," and much of what is called a "criminal element" is painted that way by arrests - sometimes for allegedly resisting arrest when no resistance was shown. Better high schools can help in terms of opportunity, but when even black PhD's, lawyers, and politicians are treated with prejudice and violence by police, H.S. is not the core issue. And raw facts show the U.S. incarcerates far more per capita than any other advanced country, and far more blacks per capita than whites.
Mr. Blow speaks not from an ivory tower - if anything, that's me, a privileged white male, and I see it, and value his deeper perspective.
Anyone who has seen the videos cannot deny different treatment of blacks and whites by police. "Charlie" does not support the "10% criminal element," and much of what is called a "criminal element" is painted that way by arrests - sometimes for allegedly resisting arrest when no resistance was shown. Better high schools can help in terms of opportunity, but when even black PhD's, lawyers, and politicians are treated with prejudice and violence by police, H.S. is not the core issue. And raw facts show the U.S. incarcerates far more per capita than any other advanced country, and far more blacks per capita than whites.
Mr. Blow speaks not from an ivory tower - if anything, that's me, a privileged white male, and I see it, and value his deeper perspective.
It takes two to tango.
5
I have a question for you Eugene, We can all agree that "black lives matter." Informed people know that 90% percent of the black lives taken are killed by other blacks. When are you going to focus on why blacks are killing other blacks in such great numbers?
20
And what about all those whites killing whites? White on white crime is dangerously out of hand in this country! We need whites-only penal institutions in this country to teach these white killers a lesson.
Correction, Eugene Robinson is the Official Black Apologist (OBA) of the Washington Post. Charles is the OBA of the New York Times. While it is often confusing (and they have never been seen in the same room at the same time), they are technically a different person.
1
Black activists are having a hay day confronting white liberal politicians. It is unfortunate because, liberals are the most compliant, caring leaders that you will find. Unfortunately, they are also easy to bully and to de-rail.
I wish that BLM activists would gather the courage to advocate against some real adversaries for a change. Take on the Rabid Republicans (the moneyed interests like Jeb and Donald Trump). Stand up to them for what they have done to Blacks in this country. It is hurtful and exhausting to be constantly shamed and harassed on a liberal platform like the NYT. It makes reading this newspaper into an emotional chore.
We can't solve your problems, we can barely pay our own bills. There is more then one group that is being oppressed in this country and we all deserve to be heard. (Watch Robert Reich's Inequality for all (Netflix) to learn more.)
Yes it is true, Clinton did not grovel to the BLM activist, but you have to remember the war on drugs was an effort to protect the black community from the scourge of Crack cocaine. It wasn't intended to hurt, it was intended to help. There were unintentional consequences (mass incarceration), but the intention was not inherently racist. She doesn't necessarily owe anyone an apology, just an acknowledgement. People don't like to eat crow, after all... none of us.
I wish that BLM activists would gather the courage to advocate against some real adversaries for a change. Take on the Rabid Republicans (the moneyed interests like Jeb and Donald Trump). Stand up to them for what they have done to Blacks in this country. It is hurtful and exhausting to be constantly shamed and harassed on a liberal platform like the NYT. It makes reading this newspaper into an emotional chore.
We can't solve your problems, we can barely pay our own bills. There is more then one group that is being oppressed in this country and we all deserve to be heard. (Watch Robert Reich's Inequality for all (Netflix) to learn more.)
Yes it is true, Clinton did not grovel to the BLM activist, but you have to remember the war on drugs was an effort to protect the black community from the scourge of Crack cocaine. It wasn't intended to hurt, it was intended to help. There were unintentional consequences (mass incarceration), but the intention was not inherently racist. She doesn't necessarily owe anyone an apology, just an acknowledgement. People don't like to eat crow, after all... none of us.
18
Yes, the Clintons killed black communities with their love.
The Republicans, not being blessed with free Secret Service protection (free to Hillary anyway), hire good security. No doubt very polite, but anyone who tried that would be escorted outside very quickly, possibly clutching a protective order.
Go back and watch the video, people (Or just read the quotes right here in Mr. Blow's piece, if you even bothered to read it in the first place.).
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/when-hillary-clinton-met-b...
(I chose the above video particularly for its context of why Democrats, more than Republicans, need to listen, and need to be seen actively listening, to Black Lives Matter. Because for Democrats, as the video points out Black Votes Matter.)
A lot of you saw a man demand an apology. But Julius Jones was demanding action. That's what I saw.
If you're a Democrat, or a progressive Independent, stop criticizing Black Lives Matter for confronting Clinton or Sanders for confronting Clinton and Sanders. Thank Black Lives Matter for doing so. Black Lives Matter is giving Clinton and Sanders an opportunity.
2008: Black Votes Mattered.
2010: Lack of Black Votes Mattered.
2012: Black Votes Mattered.
2014: Lack of Black Votes Mattered.
2016: Black Votes Will Really Matter.
Democrats and Independents who intend to vote Democrat in 2016: Lose the misplaced resentment. Figure out where your interests lie, and which allies you absolutely need.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/when-hillary-clinton-met-b...
(I chose the above video particularly for its context of why Democrats, more than Republicans, need to listen, and need to be seen actively listening, to Black Lives Matter. Because for Democrats, as the video points out Black Votes Matter.)
A lot of you saw a man demand an apology. But Julius Jones was demanding action. That's what I saw.
If you're a Democrat, or a progressive Independent, stop criticizing Black Lives Matter for confronting Clinton or Sanders for confronting Clinton and Sanders. Thank Black Lives Matter for doing so. Black Lives Matter is giving Clinton and Sanders an opportunity.
2008: Black Votes Mattered.
2010: Lack of Black Votes Mattered.
2012: Black Votes Mattered.
2014: Lack of Black Votes Mattered.
2016: Black Votes Will Really Matter.
Democrats and Independents who intend to vote Democrat in 2016: Lose the misplaced resentment. Figure out where your interests lie, and which allies you absolutely need.
7
I read the article and watched the video. I also watched the video of Bernie Sanders being humiliated by BLM in Seattle. BLM tactics will help insure that the next POTUS is a Republican. As the party going for a 'third term,' the Dems already face very tough odds. There is no reason to think that BLM will (or even can) deliver a substantial black turnout no matter how much Hillary grovels. And every vote gained thus will lose her votes in the middle of the spectrum for appearing to pander.
" Figure out where your interests lie, and which allies you absolutely need."
Works both ways.
That's politics.
Anyone think a GOP White House combined with a GOP Congress will boost BLM's agenda?
Works both ways.
That's politics.
Anyone think a GOP White House combined with a GOP Congress will boost BLM's agenda?
I certainly believe that black people face discrimination from the police, but I think this column totally fails to acknowledge how bad crime was in the 1990s when these policies, which should now be changed, were implemented.
Number of NYC murders in 2014: 328
Number in 1993: 1,960
Number of NYC murders in 2014: 328
Number in 1993: 1,960
122
That assumes that the change is primarily caused by more aggressive policing, when there is another factor that probably had more to do with it: Reduction in lead poisoning.
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/01/lead-crime-link-gasoline
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/01/lead-crime-link-gasoline
I was thinking the same thing. The laws were passed in response to all the violent crime of the 80s and early 90s.
Hillary listened well to BLM patiently explaining their views, agreed with them to an extent, but also reacted with some emotion. She seemed defensive, trying to throw the ball back to them, saying they must come up with solutions to our problematic criminal justice system.
What is their program, she wants to know. Well, what is the program of our candidate for ‘leader of the free world’? As they say.
I thought, that’s what they said about Occupy Wall St. That they didn’t have specific demands that lawmakers could act on. So it was their own fault if our wide inequality gap wasn’t reformed.
In truth, we did not have the political mechanisms to address the wide inequality that OWS finally publicized. But at least the media at last mentioned the 1 vs the 99%.
Justice reform is a hard turnaround since for decades politicians, judges, and prosecutors have been asking for our votes based on who is the toughest on crime—who puts more people away, and for longer. Now many in both parties are seeing how barbaric this is, but what are the next steps?
See the recent op ed contrasting Germany’s prison system with ours as a positive example.
So we see blame transfer by politicians who depend on wealthy donors to run. They can’t go outside the limits the financial donors allow. That would be too radical in our big money democracy.
What is their program, she wants to know. Well, what is the program of our candidate for ‘leader of the free world’? As they say.
I thought, that’s what they said about Occupy Wall St. That they didn’t have specific demands that lawmakers could act on. So it was their own fault if our wide inequality gap wasn’t reformed.
In truth, we did not have the political mechanisms to address the wide inequality that OWS finally publicized. But at least the media at last mentioned the 1 vs the 99%.
Justice reform is a hard turnaround since for decades politicians, judges, and prosecutors have been asking for our votes based on who is the toughest on crime—who puts more people away, and for longer. Now many in both parties are seeing how barbaric this is, but what are the next steps?
See the recent op ed contrasting Germany’s prison system with ours as a positive example.
So we see blame transfer by politicians who depend on wealthy donors to run. They can’t go outside the limits the financial donors allow. That would be too radical in our big money democracy.
1
Blow argues that blacks are incarcerated for drug crimes at a rate ten times that of whites even though whites commit drug offenses at a higher rate. And because of this, he says, the people that made the laws are guilty of sins against blacks and must beg their forgiveness.
However the very fact that whites commit drug crimes at a greater rate than blacks shows the laws did not target blacks. The reason blacks are incarcerated at a way higher rate than whites is for the simple reason that blacks are caught at ten times the rate of whites. And this is because blacks sell their drugs right out in the open to anyone on the street, while whites are very discreet about it.
So the fact that blacks commit their drug crimes is a manner where they are pretty sure to be caught is not a "sin" of the white man. And that young black men act so recklessly in the face of severe consequences in regard to selling drugs is not limited only to the consequence of getting caught, they are equally reckless to the consequence of getting shot. And the fact is that an even bigger problem affecting black lives is that many black lives are lost due to them getting killed in their commission of drug crimes.
So the difference between whites and blacks in regard to incarceration for drug crimes is not due to the government. It is due to the reckless and suicidal manner in which blacks engage in the drug trade, and the whole gang culture that surrounds it. And this is in no way the fault of the whites.
However the very fact that whites commit drug crimes at a greater rate than blacks shows the laws did not target blacks. The reason blacks are incarcerated at a way higher rate than whites is for the simple reason that blacks are caught at ten times the rate of whites. And this is because blacks sell their drugs right out in the open to anyone on the street, while whites are very discreet about it.
So the fact that blacks commit their drug crimes is a manner where they are pretty sure to be caught is not a "sin" of the white man. And that young black men act so recklessly in the face of severe consequences in regard to selling drugs is not limited only to the consequence of getting caught, they are equally reckless to the consequence of getting shot. And the fact is that an even bigger problem affecting black lives is that many black lives are lost due to them getting killed in their commission of drug crimes.
So the difference between whites and blacks in regard to incarceration for drug crimes is not due to the government. It is due to the reckless and suicidal manner in which blacks engage in the drug trade, and the whole gang culture that surrounds it. And this is in no way the fault of the whites.
34
Mr. Stavsen's comment is one of the most telling examples of "blame the victim" rationales I've ever read. He arrives at firm conclusions without any supporting data. For example, he states that black men are much more likely to be arrested for drug-related activities than their white counterparts because their activities are gang-related and engaged in more openly. Really? So, if they were more covert and sneaky, they'd be more successful in avoiding police scrutiny. What about the data that show that police are more likely to stop/interrogate/search black males, regardless of the circumstances, than white males similarly situated. Get it through your head: racism, whether subtle or overt, pervades every aspect of American life and should never be dismissed, discounted or rationalized.
False. Blacks are caught at a disproportionate rate because their neighborhoods are searched more often. Please don't try to underhandedly make black people out to be violent fools. It's unbecoming. Apart from being caught less, whites are more likely to be let off with a warning or fined. Also, say it isn't the fault of present day whites that black on black crime exists, and I'm not arguing that it is. Do you not think it has anything to do with the way out society has treated blacks and made them think their lives are less valuable? Don't you think it follows that when they are frustrated with the world that treats them unfairly they lash out at those whose lives they deem less important? Is that not the same feeling white officers have when they shoot black kids? That their lives are less important? Please listen to me- don't allow yourself to get lazy when it comes to thoughts on race. Don't get comfortable with the same argument "well black people do it to themselves." Really think about what you're saying and the society in which they, and you, live. Your opinions will be better formed.
Sorry Mike, you totally misunderstand how policing works and how drug policy has been designed with an implicate racial motive. Go to any college campus in the country, including those in NYC and if you choose to conduct sting operations you will round up hundreds of young, white middle class drug users. But that's not happening.
Apply stop and frisk to white neighborhoods and the arrest stats for that area will go up. Reverse the laws for crack and powdered cocaine possession, they used to 100 to 1, and the prisons will quickly fill up with whites serving inordinately long sentences.
Use the NYPD's stat system and increase police resources to cut down drug use in "private" schools and based on the neutral data of arrests, you will produce data based high crime areas, which justify more police resources and more arrests. It's a vicious cycle that has nothing to do with black kids buying joints on the street.
These "systems" cover up their racial impact and because they aren't designed as anti-black policies we think that race has nothing to do with their results. But that's how structural racism works. While folks are looking for a racial motive, they are ignoring the vastly disproportionate impact of these systems on people of color.
Structural racism is free of unlawful motive and is supposedly simply a neutral law. But it accomplishes the same results as the old Jim Crow system did and like Jim Crow needs to be dismantled.
Apply stop and frisk to white neighborhoods and the arrest stats for that area will go up. Reverse the laws for crack and powdered cocaine possession, they used to 100 to 1, and the prisons will quickly fill up with whites serving inordinately long sentences.
Use the NYPD's stat system and increase police resources to cut down drug use in "private" schools and based on the neutral data of arrests, you will produce data based high crime areas, which justify more police resources and more arrests. It's a vicious cycle that has nothing to do with black kids buying joints on the street.
These "systems" cover up their racial impact and because they aren't designed as anti-black policies we think that race has nothing to do with their results. But that's how structural racism works. While folks are looking for a racial motive, they are ignoring the vastly disproportionate impact of these systems on people of color.
Structural racism is free of unlawful motive and is supposedly simply a neutral law. But it accomplishes the same results as the old Jim Crow system did and like Jim Crow needs to be dismantled.
Mr. Blow:
First, I'd like you, and every male in America, to apologize to me for dictating what my breast size, waist size, weight, and physical appearance must be -- a standard that begins to destroy girls' self-esteem from childhood on.
I'd also like an apology for not being given the vote when the Constitution was adopted. Gee, women had to wait much longer than emancipated male slaves.
I'd also like an apology from you for the fact that women don't have equal pay for equal work.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Next, please read "To Collect and Fleece" in the September/October issue of Mother Jones magazine. It always pays to follow the money, and the proliferating number of local laws in places like Ferguson, many utterly ridiculous, are there to generate revenue for the city. The major victims of this ploy to make up budget short falls are the African American populations, and the revenue collectors are the cops. Stop any black for any minor violation, and the cycle begins. Fines, fees, and more fees, and if the person can't pay, well, then it's jail, more fines and fees, an unending cycle of predatory economic practices that puts black Americans out of work.
Instead of demanding apologies, BLM should organize, take over local political offices, demand repeal of so many senseless laws, and use of cops as revenue collectors. It's a very serious part of institutionalized racism.
Meanwhile, Hillary owes no one an apology.
Unless women get one from you, sir.
First, I'd like you, and every male in America, to apologize to me for dictating what my breast size, waist size, weight, and physical appearance must be -- a standard that begins to destroy girls' self-esteem from childhood on.
I'd also like an apology for not being given the vote when the Constitution was adopted. Gee, women had to wait much longer than emancipated male slaves.
I'd also like an apology from you for the fact that women don't have equal pay for equal work.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Next, please read "To Collect and Fleece" in the September/October issue of Mother Jones magazine. It always pays to follow the money, and the proliferating number of local laws in places like Ferguson, many utterly ridiculous, are there to generate revenue for the city. The major victims of this ploy to make up budget short falls are the African American populations, and the revenue collectors are the cops. Stop any black for any minor violation, and the cycle begins. Fines, fees, and more fees, and if the person can't pay, well, then it's jail, more fines and fees, an unending cycle of predatory economic practices that puts black Americans out of work.
Instead of demanding apologies, BLM should organize, take over local political offices, demand repeal of so many senseless laws, and use of cops as revenue collectors. It's a very serious part of institutionalized racism.
Meanwhile, Hillary owes no one an apology.
Unless women get one from you, sir.
93
This Black man applauds your comments.
Women received the right to vote in the USA AFTER Black men did.
I am sick of poorly informed, kneejerk, intellectually lazy "activists" running around making a fool of my race by confronting and attacking people who have spent their lives HELPING the Black community while Barack Obama has spent his presidency neglecting it.
Women received the right to vote in the USA AFTER Black men did.
I am sick of poorly informed, kneejerk, intellectually lazy "activists" running around making a fool of my race by confronting and attacking people who have spent their lives HELPING the Black community while Barack Obama has spent his presidency neglecting it.
2
The emancipated enslaved black males and females living in the South did not get the vote until 1965. Long after white females.
White females were the biggest beneficiary by numbers and impact of the black led civil rights movement era legislative success.
Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton owes her husband thanks.
BLM asked for acknowledgement of the Clinton past and a legislative political policy prescription for a Clinton POTUS future.
White females were the biggest beneficiary by numbers and impact of the black led civil rights movement era legislative success.
Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton owes her husband thanks.
BLM asked for acknowledgement of the Clinton past and a legislative political policy prescription for a Clinton POTUS future.
2
Thanks, historylesson, for putting things in perspective. I think you're right.
Black Lives Matter and Good have made a valid point. The Clintons did not succeed by confronting and defeating racism, but by affirming white privilege. That was Reagan's real achievement. He gave Americans permission to take comfort the racism of white privilege, so long as it was justified moral rhetoric and protected white economic and social status. Reagan forged the Southern strategy that Nixon envisioned and made racism the bedrock of Republican ideology. Today a majority of the Supreme Court is institutionalizing Reagan's racism.
Bill Clinton confounded the Republicans by using politically correct rhetoric and supporting (or at least not challenging) measures that institutionalized white privilege. After Bill Clinton the Republicans doubled down on the Southern strategy and dropped the pretense of politically correct rhetoric.
Hillary may believe that she can't change hearts. In all probability, she is correct and her view is shared by the President. Long held racist beliefs and values can only be changed by a willingness to subject one's beliefs to scrutiny and conscience. The battle for racial justice is waged individually, heart by heart.
Black Lives Matter is facing the dilemma that troubled MLK after 1965. How can institutionalized racism and white privilege be challenged. The battle must be waged individually, one candidate, one President, one member of Congress and one Supreme Court justice at a time.
Bill Clinton confounded the Republicans by using politically correct rhetoric and supporting (or at least not challenging) measures that institutionalized white privilege. After Bill Clinton the Republicans doubled down on the Southern strategy and dropped the pretense of politically correct rhetoric.
Hillary may believe that she can't change hearts. In all probability, she is correct and her view is shared by the President. Long held racist beliefs and values can only be changed by a willingness to subject one's beliefs to scrutiny and conscience. The battle for racial justice is waged individually, heart by heart.
Black Lives Matter is facing the dilemma that troubled MLK after 1965. How can institutionalized racism and white privilege be challenged. The battle must be waged individually, one candidate, one President, one member of Congress and one Supreme Court justice at a time.
6
BLM needs to show us that it is actually more than just confronting the people who are traditionally on the side of civil rights and against oppression of people of color. Many of us want changes that BLM want. Are they gonna do anything about their own communities? Or just call us all the R word?
I think something is troubling and missing in the focus of today's op-ed.
The point is made: "....there may have been unintended consequences, but now that you understand the consequences, what in your heart has changed...?" Linking "unintended consequences" to the need for change in your heart, suggests the consequences were so not unintended, that it was a callous heart seeking the consequences. But at the same time it is acknowledged that the consequences were unintended. So is a change in heart necessary? No. What is necessary is the careful implementation, monitoring, review and modification of a program to ensure it does not result in unintended consequences. Hillary isn't guilty of that failure; Bill Clinton was, Lyndon Johnson was, probably Jimmy Carter was. On the other hand, Republicans are guilty of intended consequences.
Our leaders should be held accountable. I think Hillary can/should acknowledge that we must be very careful in funding programs meant to help people, curb violence, stimulate the economy, etc. Much of what Democrats have tried to do failed due to how it was implemented--often because the implementation was in the hands of Republicans who don't want it to work.
Liberals, Democrats must acknowledge when a program has gone awry; if it fails due to poor planning, take ownership, remedy it. But I don't believe it follows that a change of heart is what is called for; Hillary's heart was to seek good, not the unintended consequences.
The point is made: "....there may have been unintended consequences, but now that you understand the consequences, what in your heart has changed...?" Linking "unintended consequences" to the need for change in your heart, suggests the consequences were so not unintended, that it was a callous heart seeking the consequences. But at the same time it is acknowledged that the consequences were unintended. So is a change in heart necessary? No. What is necessary is the careful implementation, monitoring, review and modification of a program to ensure it does not result in unintended consequences. Hillary isn't guilty of that failure; Bill Clinton was, Lyndon Johnson was, probably Jimmy Carter was. On the other hand, Republicans are guilty of intended consequences.
Our leaders should be held accountable. I think Hillary can/should acknowledge that we must be very careful in funding programs meant to help people, curb violence, stimulate the economy, etc. Much of what Democrats have tried to do failed due to how it was implemented--often because the implementation was in the hands of Republicans who don't want it to work.
Liberals, Democrats must acknowledge when a program has gone awry; if it fails due to poor planning, take ownership, remedy it. But I don't believe it follows that a change of heart is what is called for; Hillary's heart was to seek good, not the unintended consequences.
32
I'm sure the incarcerated millions will take comfort that "Hillary's heart was to seek good" and their suffering is an unintended consequence.
The change of heart they seek - which she obviously did not have - is a reduction in hubris, and greater reluctance to bring government violence to bear against the citizenry, and an attitude of "first, do no harm".
The change of heart they seek - which she obviously did not have - is a reduction in hubris, and greater reluctance to bring government violence to bear against the citizenry, and an attitude of "first, do no harm".
Yes, there are a lot of policy decisions that we now know were bad. And yes, there is inherent underlying racism in America - but I do not believe for a moment that policy makers in the recent past (two decades) have systematically or deliberately intended malice at the African American community. No doubt there have been terrible, high-profile racist incidents perpetrated by the very people we engage to protect us - but it is wrong to keep bullying people and asking for changes that cannot be accomplished overnight, or worse, ask people to constantly apologize for decisions made in the past with best intent, which will not do anything to further the dialogue or solve problems. While asymmetric, the opportunity exists for blacks, whites and other persons of different pigmentation (I am an Indian American) to work together when the iron is hot without subjecting the majority to guilt and negativity - that will only cause a counter-productive knee jerk reaction in the long term.
99
The energy of the black lives matter movement is very encouraging. Although it strikes against long standing wrongs, it does so in a naive fashion. Emotional contrition does not solve problems. Only policy and workable solutions solve problems.
The black lives matter movement strikes me as a reflection of our President when he first entered the White House. Very smart, well intentioned, full of desire, but a neophyte at pulling the levers of power. Of course he was met with stifling opposition, but he still floundered for a while until he found his way.
What the black lives matter movement should do is transform into a black lives vote movement. Half the nation does not vote. Attacking Hillary and Berie is not going to advance their cause. There are ways to enlist support through dialogue and education instead of confrontation. Some of these young people should run for office.
It is true that many of these young people are so disenfranchised that they don't even try to work with the system. I would submit they don't have access (big money) or even know how. Wealthy black entertainers and athletes have been largely absent from the political arena and have abandoned the roots from which they came.
Mr. Blow seeks justice and fairness and rightfully so. The way the system works is seek power first before you can get justice. That's a lesson he needs to learn.
The black lives matter movement strikes me as a reflection of our President when he first entered the White House. Very smart, well intentioned, full of desire, but a neophyte at pulling the levers of power. Of course he was met with stifling opposition, but he still floundered for a while until he found his way.
What the black lives matter movement should do is transform into a black lives vote movement. Half the nation does not vote. Attacking Hillary and Berie is not going to advance their cause. There are ways to enlist support through dialogue and education instead of confrontation. Some of these young people should run for office.
It is true that many of these young people are so disenfranchised that they don't even try to work with the system. I would submit they don't have access (big money) or even know how. Wealthy black entertainers and athletes have been largely absent from the political arena and have abandoned the roots from which they came.
Mr. Blow seeks justice and fairness and rightfully so. The way the system works is seek power first before you can get justice. That's a lesson he needs to learn.
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Black lives vote. Now there's an idea. One avenue that these activists should take is helping all those who are being disenfranchised of the vote in certain states with the new "ID laws", get those IDs in time for the next election and help people who need it get to the polls. The next election will have real impact on people of color, and with many GOP candidates taking the low road on immigration and racism in general, their voice needs to be heard and counted.
5
Black people led the victorious confrontational civil rights movement that benefited all American human beings by gender, ethnicity, faith, color and national origin. While carrying the physically colored minority burdensome "badges and incidences" of their exceptionally inhumane enslavement and unequal discrimination.
But for the enduring strategic and tactical wisdom of blacks Barack Hussein Obama along with his wife, daughters and mother-in-law would not have lived in public housing in Washington D.C. for the last 7 years. The "neophyte" Obama won two elections by popular and electoral vote majorities. Thanks to black voter turnout and loyalty that exceeded that of white voters.
The Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln sought power by being violently unreasonable. And blacks are still seeking their just inclusion in the justice that they both won.
But for the enduring strategic and tactical wisdom of blacks Barack Hussein Obama along with his wife, daughters and mother-in-law would not have lived in public housing in Washington D.C. for the last 7 years. The "neophyte" Obama won two elections by popular and electoral vote majorities. Thanks to black voter turnout and loyalty that exceeded that of white voters.
The Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln sought power by being violently unreasonable. And blacks are still seeking their just inclusion in the justice that they both won.
1
I applaud the enthusiasm that exists in BLM and believe a lot of blacks don't vote, many because of recently instituted laws. It would be great if these dedicated young people went to states where it is difficult for blacks to vote and helped those who have trouble registering or voting. They could be going into areas far from voting places helping those unable to get to the polls get there. They could be helping people negotiate the maze that has been established to even register. They could be doing everything they could do get out the vote so someone they support wins. I hope they channel their great energy into positive actions.
Two aspects of this article need addressing:
1)the war on drugs was and is misguided. However, Clinton's policies were a response to the crack wars and violence of the 90's, and were widely supported by many in the African American community, as well as by social research at the time. It also took place in a context of increased conservatism and social service cuts imposed by Reagan/Bush 1. The laws had unintended consequences, and Clinton should recognize that in a way that is true and sincere, and work to address them
2) But the biblical/religious language here reveals the idea of personal redemption and a desire for emotional catharsis--a demonstration of 'heart change." That may feel good, but is not an end in itself, and can actually function as a distraction. As Clinton rightly notes, change needs to be incorporated into the structures and laws of our society. Lyndon Johnson, a hard-negotiating, arm-bending southern politician didn't talk about heart change. But he got passed the voting rights act and other civil rights legislation. If someone had asked him about his heart he probably would have laughed or scoffed. The emphasis on personal change and cathartic display is a symptom of the youth of these folks. Of course we want hearts changed. But if people have no racism in their heart, but live complacently or cluelessly in a racist system.. is that better?
1)the war on drugs was and is misguided. However, Clinton's policies were a response to the crack wars and violence of the 90's, and were widely supported by many in the African American community, as well as by social research at the time. It also took place in a context of increased conservatism and social service cuts imposed by Reagan/Bush 1. The laws had unintended consequences, and Clinton should recognize that in a way that is true and sincere, and work to address them
2) But the biblical/religious language here reveals the idea of personal redemption and a desire for emotional catharsis--a demonstration of 'heart change." That may feel good, but is not an end in itself, and can actually function as a distraction. As Clinton rightly notes, change needs to be incorporated into the structures and laws of our society. Lyndon Johnson, a hard-negotiating, arm-bending southern politician didn't talk about heart change. But he got passed the voting rights act and other civil rights legislation. If someone had asked him about his heart he probably would have laughed or scoffed. The emphasis on personal change and cathartic display is a symptom of the youth of these folks. Of course we want hearts changed. But if people have no racism in their heart, but live complacently or cluelessly in a racist system.. is that better?
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Historically, liberals have sold out the working class and the poor going back to the revolutions of 1848 in Europe. It's what they do. It is good to remember that they are the group that wrested control from the aristocracy, not unlike our founding fathers did and then ensconced themselves in the position of power. They are very comfortable with change that does not affect them in a substantial social and economic way, and will always give token gestures when needed, but in the end they are part of the ruling class. That's why I distinguish them from true progressives and social reformers who support policies that deal systemically with the problems faced by the bulk of the working class and the poor. Hillary is a part of this class, and she and her husband sold out working people economically (overturning of Glass-Steagall, working with Phil Graham to allow financial derivatives to run wild), and the poor people economically and socially (welfare reform, increased incarcerations and extension of the war on drugs in the inner cities). In the end, liberals are socially "liberal", which keeps the base tied to them, but they fare poorly when real economic change at its roots is needed or when it comes to reining in the military/industrial complex and the US corporate economic stranglehold on the world. Throwing black people under the bus is what they do when push comes to shove. I am done with the Democratic Party for those reasons.
6
How far under the bus will the other party throw the working class? The GOP has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of oligarchs at the expense of everyone else and are totally responsible for the income disparities we have today. I also seem to recall that much of the deregulation of the markets came at the demand of the Republican dominated Congress, probably in exchange for other policies deemed important at the time. Both parties are somewhat beholden to the corporate class-it's the price of getting elected, but only the Democratic party tries to do anything that might benefit the working class, most of their better policies and proposals being scuttled by GOP filibusters and obstructions...we have never actually had "liberal" policies enacted long enough to work.
3
We are letting emotion drain our brain of logic on this subject. Yes society is biased against blacks and the poor. However, when it comes to the number of black people in prison compared to the total population the, thought process used here does not take into account other important factors,
Crime is more likely to occur by someone who is poor and/or lowly educated. A disproportionate percentage of citizens falling in these categories are black. As a result it follows that the ethnicity of prisoners will tend to be black, less to do with skin color than education and poverty level?
I suspect the same relationship exist between whites who are incarcerated and education. The segment of the white population that are less educated are more likely to be incarcerated.
This is why we need to improve our education system across the board but more specifically in black communities. I am sure there is a bias against black people in our law enforcement industry that needs to be worked on, but the problem also goes much deeper than that and we need to recognize this.
This is a major reason why Obama needs to push for one of his objectives he stated in his state of the union address.; free education for the first 2 years of college or trade school. In today's world you need an education beyond high school to get a good job. The student from a poor family knows he will not be able to go to college because of a lack of money so he does not bother getting his high school diploma.
Crime is more likely to occur by someone who is poor and/or lowly educated. A disproportionate percentage of citizens falling in these categories are black. As a result it follows that the ethnicity of prisoners will tend to be black, less to do with skin color than education and poverty level?
I suspect the same relationship exist between whites who are incarcerated and education. The segment of the white population that are less educated are more likely to be incarcerated.
This is why we need to improve our education system across the board but more specifically in black communities. I am sure there is a bias against black people in our law enforcement industry that needs to be worked on, but the problem also goes much deeper than that and we need to recognize this.
This is a major reason why Obama needs to push for one of his objectives he stated in his state of the union address.; free education for the first 2 years of college or trade school. In today's world you need an education beyond high school to get a good job. The student from a poor family knows he will not be able to go to college because of a lack of money so he does not bother getting his high school diploma.
7
It is difficult to understand why Mr. Blow seems to equate liberals and Conservatives in the present day, post Citizens United environment, as if concerns systemic institutional racism. Although the anger aimed at Hillary Clinton for her role in supporting the get tough on crime legislation in the 90s is understandable, in actuality, the bill was sponsored by U.S. Rep.Jack Brooks of Texas although originally written by Sen. Joe Biden signed into law by President Clinton. It was a response to a spike in gang violence that included a scourge of crack cocaine and drive-by shootings in inner cities as well as domestic abuse, rapes & overdoses. As Bill Clinton already admitted some aspects of the law were cruel failures including the 3 strikes provision. What was successful was the ban on automatic weapons which was allowed to expire in 2004 as well as the Violence Against Women Act which attempted to address the War against women which spiked during the 1990s. The bill also provided funding for police departments to focus on community policing which was somehow not successfully implemented although completely funded.
If Black Lives Activists focused less on shaming & demanding apologies from politicians & exacting White guilt from Liberals & white collar types and redirected their energy towards solid solutions to improve their law abiding communities, then there would be higher "buy-in" by those good folks who abhor crime yet have big hearts & sympathy for their plight.
If Black Lives Activists focused less on shaming & demanding apologies from politicians & exacting White guilt from Liberals & white collar types and redirected their energy towards solid solutions to improve their law abiding communities, then there would be higher "buy-in" by those good folks who abhor crime yet have big hearts & sympathy for their plight.
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I've seen that video numerous times. And I appreciate the reason why the activists are seeking dialogue with Democratic, not GOP candidates--their only prayer of bringing about any change is that party, with its long history of civil rights advocacy.
But each time I see it, I'm troubled. Maybe it's Hillary and her total lack of warmth, her cerebral, calculating replies. Maybe it's the activists themselves, seemingly desiring confrontation, not conversation. But the entire exchange, it seemed to me, seemed a perfect illustration of the broad disconnect between our political leaders and the wants and needs of what is, let's face it, an evolving activist organization.
So while I feel activists need to fine-tune their approach--bumping Bernie off the microphone in a act more theatrical than reasoned, was pointless and rude--so do Democratic leaders in owning up to their role in drug incarceration laws.
Thus, were I Clinton, I'd convene a more formal event than the hit and run of videotaped "encounters." Why not do a town hall purely devoted to the Black Lives Matter movement? Why not amplify her position that changing hearts begins with changing laws and policing culture? Why not ask them to come with a specific list of questions to be answered not in sound bytes but thorough discussion?
As for Hillary--unless she changes her style, dumps her advisers, and becomes authentic, she's toast--lessening the chances for the movement to achieve their goals in coming years.
But each time I see it, I'm troubled. Maybe it's Hillary and her total lack of warmth, her cerebral, calculating replies. Maybe it's the activists themselves, seemingly desiring confrontation, not conversation. But the entire exchange, it seemed to me, seemed a perfect illustration of the broad disconnect between our political leaders and the wants and needs of what is, let's face it, an evolving activist organization.
So while I feel activists need to fine-tune their approach--bumping Bernie off the microphone in a act more theatrical than reasoned, was pointless and rude--so do Democratic leaders in owning up to their role in drug incarceration laws.
Thus, were I Clinton, I'd convene a more formal event than the hit and run of videotaped "encounters." Why not do a town hall purely devoted to the Black Lives Matter movement? Why not amplify her position that changing hearts begins with changing laws and policing culture? Why not ask them to come with a specific list of questions to be answered not in sound bytes but thorough discussion?
As for Hillary--unless she changes her style, dumps her advisers, and becomes authentic, she's toast--lessening the chances for the movement to achieve their goals in coming years.
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“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.” Clinton is correct in this assessment. You cannot tell people how to feel about others and expect them to change their feelings. You can demonstrate to them that the lives of African Americans count, the lives of poor people count, the lives of handicapped people count. You cannot make people like that fact but you can allocate the necessary resources to help them have better lives. The best way to fight discrimination is not to go out and behave the way your enemies expect you to. Martin Luther King did have the right idea: there was dignity in non-violence. Today the attitude on both sides seems to be militant; there's march, the cops are called out, someone, usually a cop, starts something and everything degenerates into name calling, arrests, etc. Nothing is accomplished. It happened with Occupy Wall Street. It happened in Ferguson last summer.
When a person's race, gender, sexual preference, ethnicity, or religion are seen as reasons to attack it's hard to remember that they are human beings. But getting into someone's face, saying that all African Americans are violent criminals or that all whites ought to apologize solves nothing. Allocating and spending money where it's needed can do more.
When a person's race, gender, sexual preference, ethnicity, or religion are seen as reasons to attack it's hard to remember that they are human beings. But getting into someone's face, saying that all African Americans are violent criminals or that all whites ought to apologize solves nothing. Allocating and spending money where it's needed can do more.
15
BLM needs to confront GOP candidates. Or are they afraid to for fear that they will be clubbed? Valid fear. The GOP has no love for blacks unless they have already made it like Dr. Carson or can be controlled like Clarence Thomas.
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Ironically the fact that the Civil Rights act does not get the votes without Conservatives leading it's passage, has been lost by the next generation.
It's OK to question everything, but being ignorant of history is just laziness.
It's OK to question everything, but being ignorant of history is just laziness.
1
This is just not true! Many Republicans I know have been very supportive of minorities and the civil rights movement through the years. Just because Republicans believe "all lives matter" they are vilified by the liberal press and BLM activists.
Fix the economy and you will fix black poverty which is the route cause of many of our issues. China, India and Mexico have taken us for a ride over the last 10 years. They have destroyed our manufacturing base. Time to fix that and that will help black poverty!
Interesting that we have had a black resident these past years and the conditions of the black community have only deteriorated. Maybe the blacks can do better with the GOP!
Fix the economy and you will fix black poverty which is the route cause of many of our issues. China, India and Mexico have taken us for a ride over the last 10 years. They have destroyed our manufacturing base. Time to fix that and that will help black poverty!
Interesting that we have had a black resident these past years and the conditions of the black community have only deteriorated. Maybe the blacks can do better with the GOP!
1
Black Violence Matters:
For black lives to really matter, black violence has to matter.
Baltimore has the fifth highest big city murder rate in the country. The four cities ahead of it are Detroit, New Orleans, Newark and St. Louis. All these cities have something in common. Not racism, but race.
The killers and the dead are black.
The murder rate in Baltimore stood at 37.4 to 100,000 people. There have already been 63 murders this year. Fifty-six of the victims were black. Of the 16 murders in the last 30 days, 14 of the victims were black.
If black lives really mattered, then black violence would matter. But that would mean taking responsibility for a broken culture which few leaders in the black community are ready to do.
Instead the death of Freddie Gray in police custody became the excuse for another round of #BlackLivesMatter riots, looting and assaults. Rather than dealing with the violence killing black Baltimore, it became another excuse for more of the same.
The media is always ready with the usual lies about peaceful protests being “marred” by sudden outbreaks of violence. Ferguson’s peaceful protests of screaming and throwing things at cops were suddenly marred by days of looting, arson and shootings.
For black lives to really matter, black violence has to matter.
Baltimore has the fifth highest big city murder rate in the country. The four cities ahead of it are Detroit, New Orleans, Newark and St. Louis. All these cities have something in common. Not racism, but race.
The killers and the dead are black.
The murder rate in Baltimore stood at 37.4 to 100,000 people. There have already been 63 murders this year. Fifty-six of the victims were black. Of the 16 murders in the last 30 days, 14 of the victims were black.
If black lives really mattered, then black violence would matter. But that would mean taking responsibility for a broken culture which few leaders in the black community are ready to do.
Instead the death of Freddie Gray in police custody became the excuse for another round of #BlackLivesMatter riots, looting and assaults. Rather than dealing with the violence killing black Baltimore, it became another excuse for more of the same.
The media is always ready with the usual lies about peaceful protests being “marred” by sudden outbreaks of violence. Ferguson’s peaceful protests of screaming and throwing things at cops were suddenly marred by days of looting, arson and shootings.
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For black lives to matter they have to matter to the rest of us as well. I've seen certain things play out over and over when it comes to black children: those children do something a white child does but the former get reprimanded while the white child gets away with it. When I was in college, as a student I was always watched in the stores, my checks scrutinized as if I were a forger, and we were always sent overdue notices by the phone company even if we'd paid the bill before or on time. When I returned to the same city as a visitor I wasn't watched in the stores, my credit card or check was accepted without questions, and I was treated with courtesy. I said something to a salesperson in one store I visited as a student and as a visitor. The man said, with a straight face, that he didn't treat students any differently than regular people. I told him that I'd been a student when I visited his store and I was watched the entire time I was in there. Quite a contrast to my visit as a non-student where no one watched me, my credit card was accepted with no questions asked, and my signature wasn't checked and I wasn't asked for ID. It made me want to shoplift just to prove a point.
Blacks are mistreated in America every day. Have you ever considered how it feels to have your actions constantly and maliciously misunderstood? Have you ever watched people flinch when you walk by because you are a black male or because you are different?
Blacks are mistreated in America every day. Have you ever considered how it feels to have your actions constantly and maliciously misunderstood? Have you ever watched people flinch when you walk by because you are a black male or because you are different?
6
Oh yeah, because if black leaders were doing anything about black-on-black violence, you would know about it, and since you don't, clearly black leaders are totally ignoring that violence in their communities. Because mainstream newspapers like the NY Times are so good at covering black community activism in Baltimore, Cleveland...Seriously, unless a white person is involved and someone is dead, we're not going to hear about it. And even then, someone will need to throw a rock through a window to get national reporters to come visit.
So you believe that there is something inherently wrong with black Americans so by your logic, that makes police shootings of unarmed black people a-ok?
When are we going to talk about white men? White men who seem to commit mass murder on a monthly basis? When is the white community going to stand up and do something about this problem?
I am not going to any movies until this problem is acknowledged.
Are the fathers in the homes? Let's start there.
When are we going to talk about white men? White men who seem to commit mass murder on a monthly basis? When is the white community going to stand up and do something about this problem?
I am not going to any movies until this problem is acknowledged.
Are the fathers in the homes? Let's start there.
Charles, I respect you, but I think you're unfair to blame Hillary for what her husband did. She had no power, she wasn't a Senator or Congresswoman. Bill was president, and you are contributing to the Hillary hate, which could eventually lead us (if she or any other Democratic candidate is defeated in the November elections) with an even worse Supreme Court.
This is not to say she shouldn't be questioned on what she would do as President.
This is not to say she shouldn't be questioned on what she would do as President.
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I am always amused at "Progressive" discussions of how much "blame" should be assigned to Bill Clinton and how much to Hillary.
Hillary held no elected office while Bill was President, therefore she has nothing to be blamed for.
Bill was elected twice and was one of the most popular presidents of recent times (and never more popular than when he was undergoing the ludicrous impeachment). That demonstrates how much people in general shared the "Progressive" perceptions of the Clintons.
Hillary held no elected office while Bill was President, therefore she has nothing to be blamed for.
Bill was elected twice and was one of the most popular presidents of recent times (and never more popular than when he was undergoing the ludicrous impeachment). That demonstrates how much people in general shared the "Progressive" perceptions of the Clintons.
But she lobbied for the bill, and she lobbied hard.
For that, she needs to be held accountable. Black Lives Matter's questions were legitimate...
...And Hillary owed a real answer, not one that has been vetted by her focus groups and her handlers.
For that, she needs to be held accountable. Black Lives Matter's questions were legitimate...
...And Hillary owed a real answer, not one that has been vetted by her focus groups and her handlers.
As Hillary herself said, she wasn't just standing by her man. Hillary believed in her man. It was all part of the getting two for the price of one deal. Hillary was complicit in almost every public policy decision her husband made. She wants credit for the good, then she takes blame for the bad.
Hillary had her chance, and as the video of the exchange completely illustrates, she firmly back away from the opportunity to fess up.
Except that, it's likely, her handlers will read this column by Mr. Blow; and then craft some "spontaneous" come-to-Jesus fiction for Hillary to use at some future fund raiser, or pre-programed event, to try and sway those who discounted her performance before the Good magazine videographers.
But not too much fiction about future change.
Because black votes matter. But not as much as white votes.
Except that, it's likely, her handlers will read this column by Mr. Blow; and then craft some "spontaneous" come-to-Jesus fiction for Hillary to use at some future fund raiser, or pre-programed event, to try and sway those who discounted her performance before the Good magazine videographers.
But not too much fiction about future change.
Because black votes matter. But not as much as white votes.
13
A factual correction: the latest data from SAMHSA show that illicit drug use is slightly higher for blacks than for whites. It's also higher for people living in metropolitan areas, as well as for those who are unemployed (http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHresultsPDFWHTML2013/....
We need to address unfair policing practices - ASAP. But it needs to be done in light of facts and the latest evidence.
We need to address unfair policing practices - ASAP. But it needs to be done in light of facts and the latest evidence.
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It's patently easy to apologize long after the fact, long after reaping the loot facilitated by one's actions as President, First Lady and Sec State. Easy to ask forgiveness for this Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, easy to ask for forgiveness for repeal of Glass-Steagall, easy to ask for foregiveness for one's crucial part in the 2008 financial meltdown. Easy when one has salted away $100 million.
And easy when one's record as Florida governor is spotty at best, and is grossly misrepresented in the campaign. And easy when one's business record is rife with favoritism, shady deals with shady characters, and Daddy's pull as Vice President and President.
Can we just demand that Clintons and Bushes step away from the hustings and nobody gets hurt? Like, the country doesn't get hurt (to put it in modern vernacular). Again. And again. And again. 41, 42 and 43 were plenty enough.
And easy when one's record as Florida governor is spotty at best, and is grossly misrepresented in the campaign. And easy when one's business record is rife with favoritism, shady deals with shady characters, and Daddy's pull as Vice President and President.
Can we just demand that Clintons and Bushes step away from the hustings and nobody gets hurt? Like, the country doesn't get hurt (to put it in modern vernacular). Again. And again. And again. 41, 42 and 43 were plenty enough.
12
So you blame Hillary for Bill Clinton signing a crime bill? Do you blame Michelle Obama for her husbands's drone strikes on innocent civilians? How about fingering Michelle because her husband stupidly signed "the sequester" that took baby formula out of the mouths of lots of disadvantaged infants and slashed domestic spending while keeping Bush tax cuts for his rich friends? The black guy who holds the keys to the Fed's jail is sitting in the White House and he has never been approached about why he has done nothing for 6 years. Michelle is certainly responsible for Obama's millions of Syrian refugees for a bombing campaign he waged after Congress voted it down, right? How about blaming Laura Bush for the Iraq debacle? Maybe Nancy should be blamed for Iran Contra? Smells a lot like misogyny to me old man.
The biggest hypocrisy in all of this is to NOT blame our black president but blame every Democrat running for office. How about confronting the guy that has complete control over the DOJ for not lifting his finger for his race? He has made no actual policy changes benefitting blacks, but BLM blames an ex-first lady? When do these activists go after the guys who really have caused the race based changed in US, the GOP? Too cowardly for that? Just infuriating to sit still while everyone blames Hillary for Bill's actions on the job, as if wives control their husbands's work decisions. Do you blame Mrs. Jobs when your iPhone breaks Charles?
The biggest hypocrisy in all of this is to NOT blame our black president but blame every Democrat running for office. How about confronting the guy that has complete control over the DOJ for not lifting his finger for his race? He has made no actual policy changes benefitting blacks, but BLM blames an ex-first lady? When do these activists go after the guys who really have caused the race based changed in US, the GOP? Too cowardly for that? Just infuriating to sit still while everyone blames Hillary for Bill's actions on the job, as if wives control their husbands's work decisions. Do you blame Mrs. Jobs when your iPhone breaks Charles?
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I think the activists showed courage in confronting Hillary Clinton. Furthermore, they were right. The Clintons, and I mean mostly Bill because he had the power as President to do what he did, are consistently dodging and evading responsibility. Everything they have done is SO GREAT until someone shows that actually it was the opposite, GENERALLY MISGUIDED OR POLITICALLY EXPEDIENT.
I am also disappointed in Hillary for once again blindly defending her husband and not honing up to responsibility. The level of calculation and deceit in their lives and subsequently political campaigns is staggering. Frankly, I am glad this movement is calling on Presidential candidates to face the stark reality of black inequality in America. It is about time someone did in the last 20 years.
I am also disappointed in Hillary for once again blindly defending her husband and not honing up to responsibility. The level of calculation and deceit in their lives and subsequently political campaigns is staggering. Frankly, I am glad this movement is calling on Presidential candidates to face the stark reality of black inequality in America. It is about time someone did in the last 20 years.
4
But let's talk about evading responsibility then: What about the responsibility the African American community has for its own entrenched social and behavioral problems? The absence of Black fathers. The lack of value for education. The chronic violence in Black communities. These may not be easy things to discuss, but as a liberal white American indeed I will discuss them if BLM thinks it wants to challenge me on my culpability for the plight of Black Americans. Let's go. Let's talk about ALL it. It's time to talk about an unjust justice system, a stacked legal system, yes, but ALSO a Black community that is entrenched in a lot of dysfunctional patterns.
1
I think that BLM doesn't bother with Repubs because- what's the point?
Better to put the veritable feet to the fire to someone who can and will make a change. Hillary no stranger to the heat, can turn it around and can and will make a difference.
Better to put the veritable feet to the fire to someone who can and will make a change. Hillary no stranger to the heat, can turn it around and can and will make a difference.
6
The whole point of BLM is to accuse politicians of being racist regardless of their actions or voting record. The fact that they've only chosen to paint Democrats as racists tells you everything you need to know about where they are really coming from. What I want to know is where are they getting their funding? Follow the money!
I agree with David from San Francisco, I have many black friends and co=workers that are doing just fine. The undercurrent of a lot of these articles is that blacks are unable to be held to the same standards of behavior as everone else. it is inevitable that they will turn into drug selling violent people, and their neighborhoods will be filled with unmarried women with children, poverty and violence, I just don't agree. We need black leaders that inspire people to excellence, not excuse drug dealing and criminal behavior
37
" The undercurrent of a lot of these articles is that blacks are unable to be held to the same standards of behavior as everone else."
Please point to the part of this column where Mr. Blow makes that case. As I read it, he is saying that this country excuses crimes committed by white people while hammering black Americans for the same behaviors.
When a white teenager gets caught smoking pot, he's considered a nice kid who is going through tough times and deserves a chance to redeem himself. When a black teen gets caught for the same infraction, he's a junior felon who must spend most of his life behind bars. Justice demands that either the white kid go to jail or the black kid be given a chance to make it right. Anything short of that is not justice; it's racism.
Please point to the part of this column where Mr. Blow makes that case. As I read it, he is saying that this country excuses crimes committed by white people while hammering black Americans for the same behaviors.
When a white teenager gets caught smoking pot, he's considered a nice kid who is going through tough times and deserves a chance to redeem himself. When a black teen gets caught for the same infraction, he's a junior felon who must spend most of his life behind bars. Justice demands that either the white kid go to jail or the black kid be given a chance to make it right. Anything short of that is not justice; it's racism.
Are all laws good? Only when they are implemented fairly. A lot of laws are unfair when you look at the statistical information we have now. The Justice system has been perverted in that has veered from pursuing Justice to creating conditions of prosecutorial success. It is not new, too many prosecuting attorneys look at convictions as if it were a Major League Baseball player trying to improve theirs stats. Poor people are their low hanging fruit to up their success rates. In reading Mr. Blows article, he is misguided in the fact that the law is the culprit,it is the fact that easily prosecuted groups are vulnerable to prosecution & elite groups are not. Why did Rush Limbaugh not go to prison for stealing OxyContin? President Clinton signed a law that was lopsidedly enforced. I think there is no argument there. But Hillary Clinton was right,what is more important,focusing on a law that has been enforced on poor people, or dealing constructively to protect Americans from a police system that is more interested quick & easy enforcement of laws with lots of loopholes for the police. Mr. Blow,if you want an apology ,you have it, I apologize. If you want change,stop using hindsight & face the future. Hillary was dead on with saying what she did. There are a lot of low hanging fruit for the police. Color,gender, religion,economics ,education, the list goes on. But if you think getting an apology is paramount , how many lives will it save?
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Note these self appointed vigilantes of injustice disrupted 2 public appearances of Senator Sanders in a rude manner. Not Hillary, Jeb or The Donald. In Seattle, the so-called activists called the audience racist & were visibly hostile to Senator Sanders.
Word to #BlackLivesMatter: there is legitimate concern among many people regarding heavy-handed & predatory policing, unequal justice, use of deadly force & police plants of agent provocateurs. Look at White Shirted NYPD Cops assaulting unarmed, peaceful & orderly Occupy Wall Street protesters. Watch videos of people getting tased by gangs of cops for asking a question out of order at a public speech. Google shakedowns by cops using civil forfeiture of property. Many non-black Americans are victims of police tactics, a predatory criminal justice system & outright class repression- they are your natural allies. It is against your interest to call us racist en masse & disrupting political meetings to the point of denying them their meeting.
Yes- Black Lives Matter as all lives are precious. We get it. We also know it is but one issue facing us all and Presidential campaigns are about more than one issue. I also know African-Americans make up about 12% of our population- your issue will not advance without significant support from white people.
#BlackLivesMatter owes Senator Sanders an apology. If you had asked him to a Black Lives Matter rally he would have come and so would I. Stop dividing and start engaging your allies.
Word to #BlackLivesMatter: there is legitimate concern among many people regarding heavy-handed & predatory policing, unequal justice, use of deadly force & police plants of agent provocateurs. Look at White Shirted NYPD Cops assaulting unarmed, peaceful & orderly Occupy Wall Street protesters. Watch videos of people getting tased by gangs of cops for asking a question out of order at a public speech. Google shakedowns by cops using civil forfeiture of property. Many non-black Americans are victims of police tactics, a predatory criminal justice system & outright class repression- they are your natural allies. It is against your interest to call us racist en masse & disrupting political meetings to the point of denying them their meeting.
Yes- Black Lives Matter as all lives are precious. We get it. We also know it is but one issue facing us all and Presidential campaigns are about more than one issue. I also know African-Americans make up about 12% of our population- your issue will not advance without significant support from white people.
#BlackLivesMatter owes Senator Sanders an apology. If you had asked him to a Black Lives Matter rally he would have come and so would I. Stop dividing and start engaging your allies.
62
The biblical language Blow uses -- "the sin for which America must atone", "black people have been treated like sacrificial lamb" -- betrays a moral outrage that is misplaced, impotent, counterproductive, and ultimately, self-destructive.
You are destroying your own people by blaming others. What of your own sins?
Blow fails to understand the distinction between laws that are race-neutral versus applications of laws that are race-discriminatory. There is nothing discriminatory about tough criminal laws that apply to everyone, and if blacks are disproportionately affected by tough criminal laws, that is in part largely because blacks also commit disproportionately those crimes.
Sure, it is unfair that whites don't get prosecuted for the same crimes, but if blacks did not commit those crimes to begin with, they wouldn't be prosecuted to begin with. You don't see Asians (or women, or gays, or the elderly, or the handicapped) disproportionately affected by tough criminal laws, even if the application is discriminatory against Asians (or women, or gays, or the elderly, or the handicapped), because Asians (or women, or gays, or the elderly, or the handicapped) aren't out there committing those crimes to begin with.
Blow's answer is, let's de-criminalize crimes so that blacks don't get prosecuted and jailed. That helps the criminals, it doesn't help the victims. The end result is just more victims. Black on black murder kills more blacks than whites kill blacks.
You are destroying your own people by blaming others. What of your own sins?
Blow fails to understand the distinction between laws that are race-neutral versus applications of laws that are race-discriminatory. There is nothing discriminatory about tough criminal laws that apply to everyone, and if blacks are disproportionately affected by tough criminal laws, that is in part largely because blacks also commit disproportionately those crimes.
Sure, it is unfair that whites don't get prosecuted for the same crimes, but if blacks did not commit those crimes to begin with, they wouldn't be prosecuted to begin with. You don't see Asians (or women, or gays, or the elderly, or the handicapped) disproportionately affected by tough criminal laws, even if the application is discriminatory against Asians (or women, or gays, or the elderly, or the handicapped), because Asians (or women, or gays, or the elderly, or the handicapped) aren't out there committing those crimes to begin with.
Blow's answer is, let's de-criminalize crimes so that blacks don't get prosecuted and jailed. That helps the criminals, it doesn't help the victims. The end result is just more victims. Black on black murder kills more blacks than whites kill blacks.
40
"if blacks are disproportionately affected by tough criminal laws, that is in part largely because blacks also commit disproportionately those crimes."
Did you actually read the column? Let me make it easy for you and skip right to the pertinent paragraph:
"As the American Civil Liberties Union pointed out in 2011, 'The racial disparities are staggering: despite the fact that WHITES ENGAGE IN DRUG OFFENSES AT A HIGHER RATE THAN AFRICAN-AMERICANS, African-Americans are incarcerated for drug offenses at a rate that is 10 times greater than that of whites.’” (Emphasis mine, for clarity)
In short: Ten white kids smoking pot in a park are advised to go home by good-natured cops. The black kid smoking dope in an alley is dragged off to jail.
Now do you get it?
And enough about black-on-black homicide. Living, as poor blacks do, in a state of high-density de facto segregation, with few legitimate means of earning a living and no sign that the situation will ever get better, human beings turn to crime to put food on the table. Criminals carry weapons, and use them readily, to avoid becoming victims themselves. This is an old, old story that has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with hopelessness and desperation.
Did you actually read the column? Let me make it easy for you and skip right to the pertinent paragraph:
"As the American Civil Liberties Union pointed out in 2011, 'The racial disparities are staggering: despite the fact that WHITES ENGAGE IN DRUG OFFENSES AT A HIGHER RATE THAN AFRICAN-AMERICANS, African-Americans are incarcerated for drug offenses at a rate that is 10 times greater than that of whites.’” (Emphasis mine, for clarity)
In short: Ten white kids smoking pot in a park are advised to go home by good-natured cops. The black kid smoking dope in an alley is dragged off to jail.
Now do you get it?
And enough about black-on-black homicide. Living, as poor blacks do, in a state of high-density de facto segregation, with few legitimate means of earning a living and no sign that the situation will ever get better, human beings turn to crime to put food on the table. Criminals carry weapons, and use them readily, to avoid becoming victims themselves. This is an old, old story that has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with hopelessness and desperation.
1
I'm fairly sure the Black Lives Matter movement is making America a more racist country. White people are fairly fed up with this band of obnoxious, smug, rude kids trying to torpedo politicians.
61
As evidenced by your post.
Bingo!
I'm willing to bet that Hillary Clinton will never be able to become a good president because too much failure in her history ... This story with emails, it's a real shame! Such president would be a real shame for the whole country..
2
Watching this video of Clinton being confronted and reading the reactions is like watching Rashomon, Kurosawa's film. People brought their frame of reference to the action and interpreted what they say in that light.
I saw a heartless, defensive woman who admitted indirectly
she had no heart. Pompous, angry, defensive. More so than usual.
But Speaking of boondoggles....the Clinton Foundation
exploitation of Haiti after the earthquake is the
greatest ever.
I saw a heartless, defensive woman who admitted indirectly
she had no heart. Pompous, angry, defensive. More so than usual.
But Speaking of boondoggles....the Clinton Foundation
exploitation of Haiti after the earthquake is the
greatest ever.
7
What is evident is your own antipathy. Hillary showed none of that.
Yea , as I say everything is subjective.
1
maybe, just maybe, HRC isn't interested in speaking w a NYT' s reporter. They have history of bias and inaccuracy. For God's sake, Maureen O'Dowd wrote a column criticizing HRC's shoes.
If I were Clnton I wouldn't bother giving anyone from the NYTs the time of day. And, of course, as a reader of the NYT, I now will have find a second source on this subject bc I can no longer trust the times to report accurately and fairly after their lying frontage headline about HRC.
If I were Clnton I wouldn't bother giving anyone from the NYTs the time of day. And, of course, as a reader of the NYT, I now will have find a second source on this subject bc I can no longer trust the times to report accurately and fairly after their lying frontage headline about HRC.
30
Only Democratic Socialism will treat African Americans right: jobs--check. Free college--check. Pay raises for low-income workers--check. Shrinking of the prison--industrial complex to just violent felons--check. This year's Democratic Socialist candidate is Bernie Sanders.
24
Mr. Blow has me convinced. This, and those emails, which are worse than anything George W. Bush did, are the last straw.
Hillary is not fit to be president until she cleans up the mess that she and Bill, almost singlehandedly, made of the, um, state prison systems.
Bernie Sanders, Martin O'Malley, Lincoln Chafee, and Jim Webb, however fit they might be, can't get elected. For one thing the donor class will support the Republicans disproportionately and blow -- so to speak -- any Democratic candidate other than Hillary out of the water with the sheer weight of their money.
We wouldn't want Hillary's dirty SuperPac money to help a Democrat get elected anyway, right?
Skipping 2016 and therefore probably 2020 is a small price to pay for settling moral scores, real and imagined.
"Imagined?"
"There is not possibly any other legitimate analysis of our prisons problem than the one Blow provides.
"So don't even attempt one, or I'll Dershowitz you!"
And after the Republican president for those 8 years appoints 3-4 Supreme Court Justices, thus ensuring that the Republican agenda of this SCOTUS will be continued for another generation, I will join Mr. Blow in raising a glass and saying: "Wow, that felt good!"
And I'm sure the Republican Attorney General for those 8 years will have nothing but protecting voting rights and other civil rights on his or her mind.
Grow up Mr. Blow. This is politics, not holier than thou beanbag.
Marco Rubio's going to throw open the prisons!
Hillary is not fit to be president until she cleans up the mess that she and Bill, almost singlehandedly, made of the, um, state prison systems.
Bernie Sanders, Martin O'Malley, Lincoln Chafee, and Jim Webb, however fit they might be, can't get elected. For one thing the donor class will support the Republicans disproportionately and blow -- so to speak -- any Democratic candidate other than Hillary out of the water with the sheer weight of their money.
We wouldn't want Hillary's dirty SuperPac money to help a Democrat get elected anyway, right?
Skipping 2016 and therefore probably 2020 is a small price to pay for settling moral scores, real and imagined.
"Imagined?"
"There is not possibly any other legitimate analysis of our prisons problem than the one Blow provides.
"So don't even attempt one, or I'll Dershowitz you!"
And after the Republican president for those 8 years appoints 3-4 Supreme Court Justices, thus ensuring that the Republican agenda of this SCOTUS will be continued for another generation, I will join Mr. Blow in raising a glass and saying: "Wow, that felt good!"
And I'm sure the Republican Attorney General for those 8 years will have nothing but protecting voting rights and other civil rights on his or her mind.
Grow up Mr. Blow. This is politics, not holier than thou beanbag.
Marco Rubio's going to throw open the prisons!
28
"This, and those emails, which are worse than anything George W. Bush did."
I hope you realize that Colin Powell's emails as Secretary of State were completely destroyed. Are you forgetting Bush/Cheney's "weapons or mass destruction" and the countless lives lost in the Iraq war? Emails? Seriously? Sounds like you have a problem with women.
I hope you realize that Colin Powell's emails as Secretary of State were completely destroyed. Are you forgetting Bush/Cheney's "weapons or mass destruction" and the countless lives lost in the Iraq war? Emails? Seriously? Sounds like you have a problem with women.
Mr. Blow you can't dismiss the fact that violent crime was a driving force in the anti crime law Clinton signed. That would be rewriting history. Nor can you deny the fact that murders have declined by half since that law went into effect. Now that we have a lessening of violent crime and the awful results of the "war on drugs" have been exposed we need to change the laws once again. But what Sec. Clinton said was true, that anti-violence legislation was a response to factors that needed addressing in the 1990's
49
Violent crime is up over the last 2 years in almost all large U.S. cites with sizable black and latino populations, after a decade of decline from horrific levels of violent crime in those same black and latinos neighborhoods. Those two populations have a pernicious ever-increasing rate of broken family structures, misogyny, illegitimacy = 53% for latinos and 72% for blacks. Raise better sons or don't have them.
Unfortunately, this issue appears to have so much emotional significance for you that you've lost your usual admirable even-handedness and rationality.
This country suffered from a wave of crime and violence and the incarcerations that followed were a successful attempt to address that. Now, we are taking stock and with the benefit of hindsight seeing that some aspects of the reaction were excessive and moving to reduce overly long sentences and draconian police tactics.
I was in New York during the bad years and, while Stop and Frisk eventually spun out of control, you ignore what the city was like back then for residents, both black and white. You make basic errors such as asserting that because a majority of white New Yorkers support stop and frisk a majority of liberal do, or stating the higher rate of black arrests for drugs without accounting for the type of drug (pot is not crack) and whether the arrest was for sale or use.
Furthermore, in attacking liberals you are attacking the very people who have supported civil rights again and again, the very people who are outraged by the likes of the Garner case and call for police accountability. This seems to me both politically suicidal and morally wrong.
A Clinton or a Sanders will do what they can to fix the situation, whereas if elected the Republicans will continue their campaign of voter suppression and dog whistle racism.
I understand your passion, but you're scoring goals for the other side here.
This country suffered from a wave of crime and violence and the incarcerations that followed were a successful attempt to address that. Now, we are taking stock and with the benefit of hindsight seeing that some aspects of the reaction were excessive and moving to reduce overly long sentences and draconian police tactics.
I was in New York during the bad years and, while Stop and Frisk eventually spun out of control, you ignore what the city was like back then for residents, both black and white. You make basic errors such as asserting that because a majority of white New Yorkers support stop and frisk a majority of liberal do, or stating the higher rate of black arrests for drugs without accounting for the type of drug (pot is not crack) and whether the arrest was for sale or use.
Furthermore, in attacking liberals you are attacking the very people who have supported civil rights again and again, the very people who are outraged by the likes of the Garner case and call for police accountability. This seems to me both politically suicidal and morally wrong.
A Clinton or a Sanders will do what they can to fix the situation, whereas if elected the Republicans will continue their campaign of voter suppression and dog whistle racism.
I understand your passion, but you're scoring goals for the other side here.
67
"you're scoring goals for the other side here"
If the by the "other side" you mean "black Americans", then perhaps he is.
If the by the "other side" you mean "black Americans", then perhaps he is.
Crime has plummeted as incarceration rates have hit record highs. Good luck convincing people those are unrelated.
34
Bill Clinton was praised by many Black American during his presidency. But the Clinton years were a mix of liberalism and conservatism. This was the era of the dissolution of Glass-Steagall and creation of NAFTA, as well as the Violent Crime Control Act.
Political pendulums swing for eras, usually encompassing a few decades before swinging back to the other direction. It moved to the left from FDR through JFK, while both LBJ and Nixon were presidents who had liberal domestic policies and conservative foreign policies. We then had a conciliatory conservative and a well intentioned but ultimately ineffectual liberal before the pendulum swung hard right in Ronald Reagan's presidency. The Clinton Era was a centrist era between two conservative Bushes. It was not a liberal era by any means, though it was painted that way by conservatives and many people still imagine it as such.
Hillary appears to be more liberal than Bill. She is certainly more intelligent regarding policy, though she lacks the charisma that enabled her husband to rise to power and enact the policies of his choosing. Hillary is still a centrist. She supports Wall St. She only lately changed her professed views on gay rights. Hillary weighs her decisions based on outcomes, not on her personal convictions. That is both her strength and weakness.
Do not expect miracles under a Hillary Clinton presidency. We did not get them under Obama. If you want change, Bernie Sanders is more likely to deliver than Hillary.
Political pendulums swing for eras, usually encompassing a few decades before swinging back to the other direction. It moved to the left from FDR through JFK, while both LBJ and Nixon were presidents who had liberal domestic policies and conservative foreign policies. We then had a conciliatory conservative and a well intentioned but ultimately ineffectual liberal before the pendulum swung hard right in Ronald Reagan's presidency. The Clinton Era was a centrist era between two conservative Bushes. It was not a liberal era by any means, though it was painted that way by conservatives and many people still imagine it as such.
Hillary appears to be more liberal than Bill. She is certainly more intelligent regarding policy, though she lacks the charisma that enabled her husband to rise to power and enact the policies of his choosing. Hillary is still a centrist. She supports Wall St. She only lately changed her professed views on gay rights. Hillary weighs her decisions based on outcomes, not on her personal convictions. That is both her strength and weakness.
Do not expect miracles under a Hillary Clinton presidency. We did not get them under Obama. If you want change, Bernie Sanders is more likely to deliver than Hillary.
20
It's not the number or kind of changes, HDNY, it's the fact that all change is both good and bad. Even Bernie can't change that.
The one problem I have with pushing Bernie over Hillary is false expectations. Neither will accomplish much in a Republican controlled congress. The bully pulpit has limits. Republicans have demonstrated their willingness to sue the president over executive orders in the Supreme Court (another Republican controlled branch of government), falsely accuse and investigate ad nauseam, and shut down the government to prevent the president's agenda.
Bernie is more pure but Hillary as you note is a pragmatist who is outcome driven. The biggest criticism of Jimmy Carter was that while he was the country's most honest president with the purest heart, he was inept at working with congress so he failed to accomplish much...including a 2nd term.
Bernie is more pure but Hillary as you note is a pragmatist who is outcome driven. The biggest criticism of Jimmy Carter was that while he was the country's most honest president with the purest heart, he was inept at working with congress so he failed to accomplish much...including a 2nd term.
The simple reason for the high rates of imprisoning blacks is the drug zero tolerance policies of St. Reagan. It is time for the U.S. to realize that when it comes to chemicals for the body, prohibition doesn't work. We got it with alcohol and we need to get it with cocaine, THC, opioids. If we completely decriminalized drug possession, we would need fewer judges, police and prisons and more importantly we would get rid of the lure of drugs as a employment everywhere from the streets of our major cities to the meth hamlets of rural areas. Finally the Mexican cartels would deflate like a balloons hitting a patch of cactus. The illegal drug trade makes millionaire of thugs. And laws do not prevent use.
18
Laws do prevent use and legalization increases use. Its true that clogging up prisons for drug use is non-productive in many ways. However it's sheer folly to pursue any rudimentary strategy touting fewer judges and police and prisons as a result of legalization. I agree that it would have a negative impact on the cartels.
Mr. Blow's mention of "leverage" almost confirms the paranoid claims on the right that "Hands Up" and "Black Lives Matter" were orchestrated by democrats to garner black votes. A Black sheriff, virulently anti-Obama, recently described these movements on FoxNews: Democrats have created a monster they cannot control.
BLM recognize democrats desperately need Black votes, as the party tries to recreate Obama's coalition. BLM should use that leverage wisely. Michael Brown was a poor choice as a poster child. Now screaming BLM activists are turning out to be equally bad choices as spokespeople.
Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Blow.
BLM recognize democrats desperately need Black votes, as the party tries to recreate Obama's coalition. BLM should use that leverage wisely. Michael Brown was a poor choice as a poster child. Now screaming BLM activists are turning out to be equally bad choices as spokespeople.
Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Blow.
43
Re: Michael Brown being a poor choice for a poster boy-he SURE WAS.
The fact that his body was allowed to lay in the middle of the street where he fell for four or five hours after the shooting is an obvious indication of the practical concerns of the Ferguson Police Department regarding what they know about the shooting. It is the strongest indicator of the likelihood of police misconduct in that incident. But video and other reports about what Brown was doing in the short time before the shooting- which are a matter of record, and cannot be reasonably challenged, show that, if not a thug, he was certainly acting like one on the day of his death.
The fact that his body was allowed to lay in the middle of the street where he fell for four or five hours after the shooting is an obvious indication of the practical concerns of the Ferguson Police Department regarding what they know about the shooting. It is the strongest indicator of the likelihood of police misconduct in that incident. But video and other reports about what Brown was doing in the short time before the shooting- which are a matter of record, and cannot be reasonably challenged, show that, if not a thug, he was certainly acting like one on the day of his death.
1
The top rated comments exemplify why nothing will ever change when it comes to race relations. All either defend Hillary, or blame Blacks for their bad behavior.
Of course none discuss the fact in your article that Whites use drugs at a higher rate than Blacks, but Blacks are imprisoned at 10 times the rate of Whites. That fact does not comport with the oft heard argument, "Of course Blacks are [imprisoned more, killed more by police, stopped & frisked more, etc.] because they are the ones committing the crimes." How do you explain the drug use versus imprisonment stat? Crickets.
In America, most of us only relate to an issue when it directly affects us. Otherwise, we rationalize away the problem. While neighborhoods are not policed in the same way Black neighborhoods are. Whites would never stand for it.
People should read the book, "Black Like Me," to understand how the color of your skin affects the way you are treated.
Of course none discuss the fact in your article that Whites use drugs at a higher rate than Blacks, but Blacks are imprisoned at 10 times the rate of Whites. That fact does not comport with the oft heard argument, "Of course Blacks are [imprisoned more, killed more by police, stopped & frisked more, etc.] because they are the ones committing the crimes." How do you explain the drug use versus imprisonment stat? Crickets.
In America, most of us only relate to an issue when it directly affects us. Otherwise, we rationalize away the problem. While neighborhoods are not policed in the same way Black neighborhoods are. Whites would never stand for it.
People should read the book, "Black Like Me," to understand how the color of your skin affects the way you are treated.
41
Perhaps nothing changes because people insist on living in the past, only venturing into the present to cast blame. The future, for them, requires letting go of their grievances, which they are loathe to do.
This mindset about past problems seems to keep people stuck. We've seen it with race issues but also with the Iraqi War. People are still out for blood. When blood is your target, don't expect to make all that much progress.
This mindset about past problems seems to keep people stuck. We've seen it with race issues but also with the Iraqi War. People are still out for blood. When blood is your target, don't expect to make all that much progress.
12
I agree with you.
I was thinking about President Obama's speech on race relations during his first campaign for the presidency -- doesn't sound to me as though many people listened.
Maybe this is an example of how people respond when they don't realize what they don't know.
On this website I read how mindfulness has become a technique to help achieve material success, I read about how religion is for people who have a need to believe in fairy tales. Such attitudes to me reflect how unready so many people are to listen, to work on their own interior development, to figure out what it really means to "walk a mile in another's shoes."
According to the Bible, Sampson tore down the columns, Jesus threw out the moneychangers. To me, the "truth" of these stories is their presentation of the frustration and angry despair that can grip people who see the need for change, and their suggestion of how unpromising the prospects are that people will see. President Obama sang "Amazing Grace" at the service for the reverend killed in the Charleston church. This comment thread for me illustrates why we need all those concepts, even if we translate them into language more accessible to more people -- it illustrates for me how human beings are not going to save ourselves through our usual thought processes, most of us are just too caught up in ourselves and unable to grasp even that.
I was thinking about President Obama's speech on race relations during his first campaign for the presidency -- doesn't sound to me as though many people listened.
Maybe this is an example of how people respond when they don't realize what they don't know.
On this website I read how mindfulness has become a technique to help achieve material success, I read about how religion is for people who have a need to believe in fairy tales. Such attitudes to me reflect how unready so many people are to listen, to work on their own interior development, to figure out what it really means to "walk a mile in another's shoes."
According to the Bible, Sampson tore down the columns, Jesus threw out the moneychangers. To me, the "truth" of these stories is their presentation of the frustration and angry despair that can grip people who see the need for change, and their suggestion of how unpromising the prospects are that people will see. President Obama sang "Amazing Grace" at the service for the reverend killed in the Charleston church. This comment thread for me illustrates why we need all those concepts, even if we translate them into language more accessible to more people -- it illustrates for me how human beings are not going to save ourselves through our usual thought processes, most of us are just too caught up in ourselves and unable to grasp even that.
3
Diana Moses:
Thoughtful change requires self-reflection. When one's eyes are only focused outside, on others, change will be illusive.
Mr. Blow almost sounds like he wants revenge. That's different from wanting improvement.
Thoughtful change requires self-reflection. When one's eyes are only focused outside, on others, change will be illusive.
Mr. Blow almost sounds like he wants revenge. That's different from wanting improvement.
11
tom - Agree about HRC not setting herself up as an apologist, making her " let's fix it " attitude in the video all the better, aligning with Bill's NAACP remarks; in contrast, we're not seeing any GOP'ers apologize for any of what they wrought during '01-'09, which was much more recent and disproportionately hurt minorities and their families, are we ?
Sometimes, like with D.A.D.T. and D.O.M.A., the best people to correct a mistake are the same people who made the mistake in the first place, and reversing the excesses of the Violent Crime Act seems like such a time.
We're glad BLM engaged in different tactics with HRC than when they grabbed Bernie's mic from him.
Sometimes, like with D.A.D.T. and D.O.M.A., the best people to correct a mistake are the same people who made the mistake in the first place, and reversing the excesses of the Violent Crime Act seems like such a time.
We're glad BLM engaged in different tactics with HRC than when they grabbed Bernie's mic from him.
17
Apology makes presidential candidates appear weak; like President Obama. I think most voters, except the extreme zen annihilators, are ready for strength in the White House.
You have to confront those who start off closer to you because that is where you have a real chance of affecting change, of touching hearts in shared humanity. If you can get someone to listen. That is not going to happen on the other side. They won't even get through that door.
The main thing about BLM, is the insistence on recognizing that shared humanity, of standing up and being present as human beings who have borne too great an injustice for far too long.
These particular young black activists have something to say and they want to say it. Their voices have been drowned out. They have not been heard. They want to be heard. They want to say "this is the situation we are living under and it is intolerable." We want you to understand we can't stand it. We are angry & we are tired of being targeted by demographic, we are tired of going to funerals, we are tired from mourning, we are not too tired to fight. Because this cannot continue.
The main thing about BLM, is the insistence on recognizing that shared humanity, of standing up and being present as human beings who have borne too great an injustice for far too long.
These particular young black activists have something to say and they want to say it. Their voices have been drowned out. They have not been heard. They want to be heard. They want to say "this is the situation we are living under and it is intolerable." We want you to understand we can't stand it. We are angry & we are tired of being targeted by demographic, we are tired of going to funerals, we are tired from mourning, we are not too tired to fight. Because this cannot continue.
20
Agree, however the young black activist are there own worst enemy. Failure to "get" that is a mistake that will ensure that they continue to face discrimination.
They said their message, and got heard by Hillary Clinton, who will most likely be President pretty soon.
And then she had a message for them. Did they hear that? The constructive advice from the ascendant executive?
And then she had a message for them. Did they hear that? The constructive advice from the ascendant executive?
Black Lives Matter will lose the Democrats the next election. In opposition, they can truly decide if they want the radical left to rule on every issue, or if they are a mainstream party. I wish them luck. Generally, when they are out, it's 12 years or longer.
44
Yes, let's party like it's 1972 and lose 49 out of 50 states. How interesting that the confrontation with Bernie Sanders has been defined by the visual of storming the stage and stealing a microphone, not anything that was said.
What is this radical left? What are its policies? Medicare for All? Reducing inequality? Decent jobs?
Come on Here, give me a clue.
Come on Here, give me a clue.
Holding policy makers accountable for legislating racial injustice is not a "radical left" agenda. Anyone who believes so is part of the problem.
So does the Black Lives Matter movement think things will improve under Conservative leadership? Do they think the GOP is an ally? Targeting liberals is foolish.
242
As usual, it is more than foolish, it is suicidal. People of all color consistently vote against their interest, sometimes because the don't understand the issues and other times because they want to prove a point by sulking.
Democracy is best played as a game of rational decisions. At present, American politics is dominated by gut.
I'm afraid Hiliary Clinton doesn't get it. If she knew how to be better, it would be second nature to her in this discussion with BLM. But she is a corporatist. Or some might go a step further and equate that with Fascism. When corporations run our country that is what it is. Some call it oligarchy. They require slave labor. They have it in (some privatized) prison labor and one of the poorest minimum wages in the top industrial nations. I pay no attention to Hiliary Clinton any more. My vote goes to the only person with a record that matches his good intentions, and that is Bernie Sanders. I will not settle for anything less. This is suppose to be a democratic republic for all, not just some who have commandeered all of the money or who have white skin.
29
Carilyn, I usually agree with you and I support Bernie, but you are wrong here. Nothing Hillary said in this video has anything to do with corporate fascism. To me her performance is wholly admirable, and makes me feel 100% better about a Clinton Presidency.
more power to you! attack hillary! now you can help elect a republican president who will appoint more right wing conservatives on the supreme court! but please understand that centrist democrats get elected by conceding ground to the other side of the isle. centrists decide elections. this is how coalitions are made. we learn how ineffective politically driven crime fighting policies are after we try them. the recent conclusions are driven by data. in 2015 both obama and the koch brothers are interested in sentencing reform. but only a democrat in the white house will put a progressive on the supreme court.
165
Honestly I think that every American citizen in a clear mind is against Hillary Clinton and her activity. But not every citizen has enough bravery to confront her, and it's sad: I am almost sure that if this person will become our next president America this country will collapse. I wonder why some people are still ready to vote for her? After Benghazi, emails and her lack of achievements when she was a Secretary of the State... Who are these people?
11
I have to wonder whether you have spent the time to do the necessary primary source reading to arrive at these conclusions independently. What have you independently studied that brings you to believe that the country will collapse if Hillary is elected? What kind of focused, independent research have you done on Benghazi, the emails, or Mrs. Clinton's achievements? Or, have you just relied on the print and broadcast hype and sensationalism? I fear the latter may be the case.
3
Compared to GOP 'candidates' who want to criminalize miscarriages, destroy the remaining shreds of worker protection, legalize discrimination starve children and seniors, and let the gun lobby turn nutjobs with war weapons on citizens at will, AND whose problems with 'emails' and lack of achievement make HRC look like a saint by comparison -- well, to my clear mind, she may have her issues, but none that's not shared by the Republicans and in far greater measure.
Antone who still brings up Benghazi after several Republican congressional committees have failed to find anything wrong can safely be ignored.
Mr. Blow, I appreciate and agree with much of what you are saying. However, you don't relate the full picture. Many of us are infuriated and saddened at the murders and other crimes that are occurring in the democratically controlled urban areas, especially in the so called 'hoods.
Evidently, black lives matter a lot more to some of us than many of the urban blacks who are murdering each other wholesale. What makes communities what they are are the people who live there. Positive change is impossible without them.
Evidently, black lives matter a lot more to some of us than many of the urban blacks who are murdering each other wholesale. What makes communities what they are are the people who live there. Positive change is impossible without them.
71
OK, here is the unconfirmed report that Hillary Clinton's campaign is being buttressed by special interests associated with the corporate-owned private prison industry. Slavery is still legal in the USA under the terms of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, and for-profit imprisonment has been legal only since Ronald Reagan was our president ... er, I mean, their front-man.
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/23/private-prison-lobbyists-r...
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/23/private-prison-lobbyists-r...
7
I don't disagree with Mr. Blow at all on the points he makes. But I'd like to know how he would handle the significant disparity in violent crime rates among whites and blacks. How do policymakers ensure that all communities can live in relative peace and safety? And why is this a conversation that the left simply cedes to the right?
34
I can see why BLM don't go after Repubs, they're not going to do anything to help regardless. Rather put the feet to the fire those who can and will make a difference. Hillary is headed in the right direction, she can and will make a difference.
26
Not to mention the fact that the Repubs Just as soon lock each and every black person up. The GOP voter is afraid of blacks. Backlash with a GOP president would be brutal.
1
Has it ever been proven that the rise in mass incarceration of black and brown people is actually disproportionate to the amount of crime they commit? And now Hillary is supposed to be one of the prime movers toward this end? Is anybody awake out there? We've had a black president for two terms now and things are getting worse for blacks but Hillary Clinton is to blame?
65
Yes. It has been proven. Do you truly thing that if Obama tried to reverse the draconian laws instituted by the Clintons that the obstructionist Congress would have gone along with it?
Drugs are totally illegal, we all know this right off the bat. Try not to get caught. I did them for 20 years, I did everything I could to keep it a secret and stay out of trouble. It seems to be the best way to operate if you want to do drugs. If I would have got caught, should I have blamed it on Hillary Clinton?
22
Whites are caught too as the report Mr. Blow cites indicates, but Blacks are incarcerated for the same offenses 10 times more than whites. That is the point.
1
A crime is going to cost anybody either time or money. Maybe the white people have the money. Maybe they just turn in everybody they know who sells drugs. Hard drugs are going to be a problem for anybody, you get caught selling them, you're in a world of trouble no matter who you are.
I have bad news for Hillary supporters...Donald Trump is tuning in perfectly to the great unheard masses of Americans.
His campaign team is laser accurate with their advice to Trump...and he is listening to them.
Trump's experience on television is paying off in a remarkably effective interviewing style. He has already improved from his day of announcement.
He is not boring, gets right to the point, and says the unexpected. The key to his success is his directness and candor.
Of all people, he is actually refreshing!
His campaign team is laser accurate with their advice to Trump...and he is listening to them.
Trump's experience on television is paying off in a remarkably effective interviewing style. He has already improved from his day of announcement.
He is not boring, gets right to the point, and says the unexpected. The key to his success is his directness and candor.
Of all people, he is actually refreshing!
12
No, Michael, Donald Trump is poison with a seltzer chaser. He has evolved from a loudmouth clown into a demagogue, perhaps consciously so. He persists in proclaiming how this country has deteriorated, saying over and over how stupid people have destroyed our economy, our country , our values and that HE, the brilliant savior will turn it all around.
Anyone who buys into this demagoguery , the political version of a no-effort weight loss pill and youth rejuvenator, has just been had by a foursquare huckster.
Anyone who buys into this demagoguery , the political version of a no-effort weight loss pill and youth rejuvenator, has just been had by a foursquare huckster.
Donald is an impressive campaigner up until the point that he actually describes his plans. From ISIS to immigration, they're pretty wacky.
Because Bill Clinton was the first Black president these important questions are starting to point at the source. It won't be long before similar questions are posed to the core leadership of Crips, Bloods and the New Black Panther Party. I hope they are ready with an answer because it would solve the problem before 2016 when activists cause a landslide victory for the Republican party.
18
"More than nine in 10 blacks vote Democratic. That level of fidelity should give black people some leverage, at the very least, to demand accountability"
With that level of fidelity, local black communities that have been gerrymandered to perfection should easily be able to vote in persons representing their values in local elections and can easily hold them accountable instead of pointing fingers. National politics matter, local politics matter more.
That being said, keep holding the flame to Hillary. Most Dems open to reflection will see a center-right candidate not true to liberal ideals.
With that level of fidelity, local black communities that have been gerrymandered to perfection should easily be able to vote in persons representing their values in local elections and can easily hold them accountable instead of pointing fingers. National politics matter, local politics matter more.
That being said, keep holding the flame to Hillary. Most Dems open to reflection will see a center-right candidate not true to liberal ideals.
10
Hillary will regret making this statement in her interface with BLM: “I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate. "
In other words, if Americans oppose a policy, government should simply ram it down their throats. This is the basis of Progressivism: Top-down authoritarian rule by the elites, regardless of the public's wishes. The Presidency is becoming a monarchy, a dictatorship, an autocracy.
Time to reform the Presidency, or perhaps just dump it altogether.
In other words, if Americans oppose a policy, government should simply ram it down their throats. This is the basis of Progressivism: Top-down authoritarian rule by the elites, regardless of the public's wishes. The Presidency is becoming a monarchy, a dictatorship, an autocracy.
Time to reform the Presidency, or perhaps just dump it altogether.
7
Under Mickey's philosophy, women would still not have the vote and we would still have slavery in the South.
It was also the basis for the civil rights acts of the 60s. Evidently, you would've preferred waiting until segregationists in the South changed their minds of their own accord? Incidentally, the changing of laws requires an act of Congress; hardly a unilateral action by the President.
Gosh - that "ram it down their throats" bit sounds just like what the Right said about civil rights and now gay rights. Rights cannot nor should they be subject to the will of the majority. If that were the case, you could still find a fully segregated south.
One thing I believe is missed in all of this is under diagnosed ADHD starting in elementary schools, and up. I was just diagnosed myself and can see the frustration it gives a person. It is all about executive function. Being able to be successful even when you know you can be. When young black men attempt to survive in society it is no wonder the are not successful. 90% of people who have ADHD are undiagnosed and spreads along all races. This is a psychoneurologic disorder and can be live changing for people who get therapy and medication. Research Dr. Russell Barkley, an expert. Until mental health and these types of problems are addressed especially the black community will suffer. Of course this is not all the issues but is a huge one I believe. I have had to start over 4 times and this is my forth and finally found out why. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR1IZJXc6d8
3
Surely, Clinton must have her own plans,but is she too hesitant to pronounce them? I want a candidate who has commitment to her own ideas, not just waiting for the activists in Black Lives Matter to serve as a catalyst.
4
Nancy it is still over a year before the election. Hillary is carefully publishing detailed policy papers on the issues. She will get to this one, too.
Keep at it Mr. Blow and we'll have Donald Trump for our next president. We can all do more to confront and eliminate racism and our politicians including those we consider our allies are no exception. I'm finding this public confrontational tactic tIresome and counter productive.
95
I believe that the agenda Bernie Sanders stands for and has fought for throughout his years as Senator addresses inequality by fighting for the most obvious and fair issue: a comprehensive economic policy for common Americans.
By not mentioning racial issues, his platform presents us with the most obvious and fair road to our collective electoral triumph. All Americans, black, white and in between, are to be helped if at a disadvantage, but purely on economic terms, not according to racial/ethnic categories.
If we heed his 12 point program we can achieve the fundamental conditions blacks need to succeed. There remain pure civil rights issues, but begin with Bernie. http://www.sanders.senate.gov/agenda/
By not mentioning racial issues, his platform presents us with the most obvious and fair road to our collective electoral triumph. All Americans, black, white and in between, are to be helped if at a disadvantage, but purely on economic terms, not according to racial/ethnic categories.
If we heed his 12 point program we can achieve the fundamental conditions blacks need to succeed. There remain pure civil rights issues, but begin with Bernie. http://www.sanders.senate.gov/agenda/
11
If the election were held today what a choice we would have: A raging narcissist versus an arrogant deceiver. If Donald and Hillary are the best the two parties have to offer, then it's Hobson's choice. Sorry, but I will pass.
6
Dear Black Lives Matter: don't squander your political opportunities asking for apologies. Especially for the actions of someone's husband over a decade ago when HE was the President. I cannot apologize enough for the actions stemming from my white privilege to change anyone's hearts or minds, and my apologies change no black lives. Hillary's being pragmatic; let's work together on a fix for the future. There are plenty of Republicans who are happy to simply apologize and carry on without changing one bit. Hillary asked you about your future, and you stuck yourselves back to the past.
82
"Especially for the actions of someone's husband over a decade ago when HE was the President."
Which was carried out with that someone's full support and active lobbying. It is completely fair criticism. Even Hillary Clinton seemed to agree that it was fair criticism.
Which was carried out with that someone's full support and active lobbying. It is completely fair criticism. Even Hillary Clinton seemed to agree that it was fair criticism.
I agree. You say it very well.
See Kevin Drum at Mother Jones: "Both Bill and Hillary Clinton accept that, in retrospect, the [1994] crime bill was probably misguided. But Lind points out that at the time, there was plenty of support for it in the black community... This is an important point: Many black Americans, including black leaders, welcomed 'tough-on-crime' policies as a way to protect their communities." http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2015/08/no-hillary-clinton-has-nev...
63
I totally support Charles Blow. The war on drugs was a war on young Black men. It was also a very expensive failure.
Hillary is decades out of touch in speaking to Black people.
When she started this campaign I thought she was going to get it right this time. Now I cringe every time i see her or read about her. We deserve better that her.
Hillary is decades out of touch in speaking to Black people.
When she started this campaign I thought she was going to get it right this time. Now I cringe every time i see her or read about her. We deserve better that her.
6
Demanding accountability should be the civic duty of all Americans and, yes, I agree, holding liberals accountable should be as important, if not more so, as the accountability of those on the other side of the aisle. Still, Mr. Blow, at the end of the day, you got to "pull that lever" for someone.
Anyone who actually expects to elicit a genuinely honest answer from Hillary about anything substantive, be it "Black Lives" or anything else, well, you'll be waiting a long time, 'cause this is one heavily scripted, evasive candidate, adept at dancing and ducking and speaking out of both sides of her mouth, telling people just what she thinks they want to hear.
Hillary's comments about "hard truths" in reference to the shooting in South Carolina said nothing we didn't already know. It was just the usual empty, politically motivated pronouncements. It was Mitt Romney, of all people, who came out condemning the Confederate Flag, calling for it's removal (Hill was a Johnny-come-lately to that one) It was just the kind of principled, unequivocal stand that Hillary would never make, left to her own devices because Hillary's so-called progressive agenda is all smoke and mirrors, like the Clinton-raised money that (ostensibly) went to help Haiti. Remember Haiti?
Re "Black Lives," and accountability, just ask a Haitian how much good the Clinton Foundation did, post-earthquake, to rebuild their country. Just where DID all that money go?
Try following that paper trail.
Anyone who actually expects to elicit a genuinely honest answer from Hillary about anything substantive, be it "Black Lives" or anything else, well, you'll be waiting a long time, 'cause this is one heavily scripted, evasive candidate, adept at dancing and ducking and speaking out of both sides of her mouth, telling people just what she thinks they want to hear.
Hillary's comments about "hard truths" in reference to the shooting in South Carolina said nothing we didn't already know. It was just the usual empty, politically motivated pronouncements. It was Mitt Romney, of all people, who came out condemning the Confederate Flag, calling for it's removal (Hill was a Johnny-come-lately to that one) It was just the kind of principled, unequivocal stand that Hillary would never make, left to her own devices because Hillary's so-called progressive agenda is all smoke and mirrors, like the Clinton-raised money that (ostensibly) went to help Haiti. Remember Haiti?
Re "Black Lives," and accountability, just ask a Haitian how much good the Clinton Foundation did, post-earthquake, to rebuild their country. Just where DID all that money go?
Try following that paper trail.
3
I found it so much more respectful that she actually took him on rather than just say what he wanted to hear.
44
instead, she said what you wanted to hear. go figure
Great Piece Mr. Blow. Clearly the democratic and liberal people of this country need to be checked. It is troubling to see that when push comes to shove, when liberals are made to feel targeted by Black activists, they resort to the same tired tactics of many conservatives.
"But what about Black on Black crime?" The comparison of state violence (vertical) to community violence (lateral) is to miss the point entirely, and retroactively gives justification for these disruptions. For an institution to enact violence toward citizens it is suppose to protect is a problem that can be fixed with legislation. To fix community violence is a task much more difficult and, frankly, economically taxing. This would include a better education system, better jobs and affordable healthcare (this list is not exhaustive). It would require more than, I believe, the people who so easily turn to Black on Black violence are willing to do.
So if you want to focus on "Black on Black crime" before state violence than put your money where your mouth is. Start hiring people who live in the ghetto, pay for poor Black childrens tuition and healthcare. The use of this rhetoric amounts to nothing more than deflection. It demonstrates an unwillingness to even reexamine one's own practices and beliefs in order to help stop American on American violence in all of its forms.
"But what about Black on Black crime?" The comparison of state violence (vertical) to community violence (lateral) is to miss the point entirely, and retroactively gives justification for these disruptions. For an institution to enact violence toward citizens it is suppose to protect is a problem that can be fixed with legislation. To fix community violence is a task much more difficult and, frankly, economically taxing. This would include a better education system, better jobs and affordable healthcare (this list is not exhaustive). It would require more than, I believe, the people who so easily turn to Black on Black violence are willing to do.
So if you want to focus on "Black on Black crime" before state violence than put your money where your mouth is. Start hiring people who live in the ghetto, pay for poor Black childrens tuition and healthcare. The use of this rhetoric amounts to nothing more than deflection. It demonstrates an unwillingness to even reexamine one's own practices and beliefs in order to help stop American on American violence in all of its forms.
9
If she was on Charlie Rose' old show perhaps we could have heard details on views evolving.
I'm for Bernie, but as an old 60s activist do think she's right in what she said. There is our original sin that has been compounding all these years in ways intended or not. No one has a silver bullet for a problem many try to ignore, and certain hearts will never change, so legislation must address behavior, eg police presently killing unarmed blacks and being caught on video lying, planting evidence. Doing what blacks for years accused them of. Asking for apologies gets you nothing. This ingrained behavior must stop.
The moment is ripe for another Civil Rights moment, but Ta-Neishi Coates in his "A Case for Reparations" has better ideas than asking prez candidates to apologize or soul-search. BLM could ask for a true Truth and Reconciliation Mandate, along w/ other specifics. A T and C Commission would take years of testimony but would be worth it, enhancing understanding on all sides and possibly advancing the healing of our entire nation.
Retiring to knee-jerk responses no longer works so momentum is important.
There is a generational issue. When old like me you can see how being too idealistic can prevent forming coalitions with those who can help, b/c they're not 'pure' enough.
No one is sacred, but realize who is a friendly with power in This Moment, and please ask for more than an apology .
I'm for Bernie, but as an old 60s activist do think she's right in what she said. There is our original sin that has been compounding all these years in ways intended or not. No one has a silver bullet for a problem many try to ignore, and certain hearts will never change, so legislation must address behavior, eg police presently killing unarmed blacks and being caught on video lying, planting evidence. Doing what blacks for years accused them of. Asking for apologies gets you nothing. This ingrained behavior must stop.
The moment is ripe for another Civil Rights moment, but Ta-Neishi Coates in his "A Case for Reparations" has better ideas than asking prez candidates to apologize or soul-search. BLM could ask for a true Truth and Reconciliation Mandate, along w/ other specifics. A T and C Commission would take years of testimony but would be worth it, enhancing understanding on all sides and possibly advancing the healing of our entire nation.
Retiring to knee-jerk responses no longer works so momentum is important.
There is a generational issue. When old like me you can see how being too idealistic can prevent forming coalitions with those who can help, b/c they're not 'pure' enough.
No one is sacred, but realize who is a friendly with power in This Moment, and please ask for more than an apology .
9
Thasnk you Mr. Blow for at least not fawning over Clinton for her performance here, as so many others have including another NYT writer. I am obviously in a small minority, but I don't understand the praise. What I see and hear when I watch Clinton's talk with the three representatives of BLM is an appalling display of tone-deafness and arrogance, with a side of lecturing and a heavy garnish of finger-wagging.
It gets worse when Clinton says something to the effect of we need "more opportunities for people who deserve to have them, to live up to their own God-given potential," followed by something about how people should be able to be "safe in their own communities." That's a whole bunch of denialist code, people. As in, there's no systematic racism here, because people can just pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. As in, there's no racism problem here, because the public safety issue is black on black violence. Clinton clearly doesn't understand it's about whether we will stop using the legal system to stigmatize people of color for minor offenses so as to ensure they don't have any bootstraps to pull themselves up with. It's about making it safe for people of color to exist in ANY community, and shop in ANY store, and drive down ANY road, without being profiled, challenged and shot. It's not even consistent with Clinton's theory that we just need better laws. We have long had laws decreeing nominal equality, but it's still not safe to exist while black.
It gets worse when Clinton says something to the effect of we need "more opportunities for people who deserve to have them, to live up to their own God-given potential," followed by something about how people should be able to be "safe in their own communities." That's a whole bunch of denialist code, people. As in, there's no systematic racism here, because people can just pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. As in, there's no racism problem here, because the public safety issue is black on black violence. Clinton clearly doesn't understand it's about whether we will stop using the legal system to stigmatize people of color for minor offenses so as to ensure they don't have any bootstraps to pull themselves up with. It's about making it safe for people of color to exist in ANY community, and shop in ANY store, and drive down ANY road, without being profiled, challenged and shot. It's not even consistent with Clinton's theory that we just need better laws. We have long had laws decreeing nominal equality, but it's still not safe to exist while black.
47
I think you really misread what she was saying. It wasn't pull by the bootstraps and anything to do with black on black crime, she was acknowledging that far too often those in the black community are artificially held back not by their abilities but by outside forces and lack of opportunity. On top of that, I believe the reference to feeling safe within communities was in relation to the police, who are supposed to be there to protect a community and not to terrorize it. No doubt many people use a sort of code when they discuss these issues to slip their biases in without social shunning, this was the opposite. She was addressing the very real reality of many in this country (although not giving specifics on how to achieve results, which is what she was asking for help with from the BLM reps).
1
I hear where you're coming from. I do. But I have to ask why such a single minded take on a complex interchange? Why is the BLM representative proximity and style of hand gestures not taken into account at all but Hillary's similar behavior judged harshly? Why is Hillary judged only cool, distant reserved or too in your face? Why are the same things we hear Mr. Blow writing here in this column in Hillary's mouth only code?
One does find what one is looking for. I agree with you that what you saw in the videos could be construed this way, but when there is also room for any number of ways of looking at it all at the same time, why only see negative? What does it get you?
Why does seeing code make you to miss the opportunity it is so clear Hillary was offering the BLM representatives to join and work with her? Why do you and so many not see the opening for the professional and political lives of those young people standing there?
Hillary flat out said tell me what you want me to stump for you. She said help me find a way to make it fly in the real world of political currents, not just among ourselves where we are preaching to the chorus. That is her reality.
If I had been told by such a powerful person what she said to those people you'd bet I'd stay up all night writing that plan and have it on her desk the next day, press coverage in tow while asking to be in her administration when she wins. Young people take note: Careers are afoot. Jump at the chance!
One does find what one is looking for. I agree with you that what you saw in the videos could be construed this way, but when there is also room for any number of ways of looking at it all at the same time, why only see negative? What does it get you?
Why does seeing code make you to miss the opportunity it is so clear Hillary was offering the BLM representatives to join and work with her? Why do you and so many not see the opening for the professional and political lives of those young people standing there?
Hillary flat out said tell me what you want me to stump for you. She said help me find a way to make it fly in the real world of political currents, not just among ourselves where we are preaching to the chorus. That is her reality.
If I had been told by such a powerful person what she said to those people you'd bet I'd stay up all night writing that plan and have it on her desk the next day, press coverage in tow while asking to be in her administration when she wins. Young people take note: Careers are afoot. Jump at the chance!
106
For starters, it would be far more helpful not to stack questions (several of them at once). Allow your target to answer the first question before asking the next one. It improves communication. Ask for clarification if you are not sure you correctly heard and interpreted the response. Piling on muddies the water more than it clarifies. Think of the goal. Is it to shame or blame or to clarify a position.
I think the questioner succeed in the former goals and am not at all comfortable that he succeed in the last one.
I think the questioner succeed in the former goals and am not at all comfortable that he succeed in the last one.
1
The reasoning behind this column escapes me. Please try to treat Female Presidential candidate the same way you would treat a male candidate. Hillary Clinton is running for President on her own record, and she should be judged on her records and not on her husband's.
Why should Hillary be held responsible legislation that were passed by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Clinton. If you want to go after those that voted for these legislation, you should be prepare to apply the same standard to all African American legislators, a number of whom also voted for these laws.
Why should Hillary be held responsible legislation that were passed by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Clinton. If you want to go after those that voted for these legislation, you should be prepare to apply the same standard to all African American legislators, a number of whom also voted for these laws.
71
Good magazine pointed out: “Hillary Clinton lobbied lawmakers to back the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. Bill Clinton signed the act into law in 1994. The largest crime bill in history, it provided $9.7 billion in prison funding. From 1992 to 2000, the amount of prisoners in the U.S. increased almost 60 percent.”
Because part of her resume is her experience in government as First Lady and she is using that experience as part of her argument that she should be president.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/06/us/politics/hillary-clintons-history-a...
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/06/us/politics/hillary-clintons-history-a...
McGovern all over again. Why are activists hounding Democrats?
Yes, Bernie and Hillary are not pure saints. Would they rather have any of the Republicans? Why damage the best hope we have? Why not call the Republicans to account? These activists are self-righteously committing suicide and bringing the Republicans to power.
Yes, Bernie and Hillary are not pure saints. Would they rather have any of the Republicans? Why damage the best hope we have? Why not call the Republicans to account? These activists are self-righteously committing suicide and bringing the Republicans to power.
31
Maybe in Blow's rage he might start to understand that the "progressives" are not on the side of black folk, but are merely using them to gain and/or maintain power.
3
I do believe black lives matter. But I have also seen that the majority of the black lives that were lost during the recent police incidents either confronting the officers, trying to get an officer's gun or refusing to cooperate with an arresting officer after they had just committed a crime. That's not the same as being a passive victim. I also think these 'activists' that seem to give you a rise are only making Americans more racist.
28
The thing that I liked best about Hillary's answer was her demand that the Black Live Matter Movement propose an actual plan. That it isn't just about changing white hearts and minds but about allocating resources.
It is easy to say something must change. Frankly that has been obvious for decades. An activist saying "something must change" is kind of like a starving person saying "I'm hungry," the obvious answer is "yeah and then what?" The words all talk come to mind.
So as a first step let me make some suggestion.
1) There is a saying among gun people that if you draw your weapon, you should be prepared to use it. So first and formost police should learn to draw their guns less.
2) Change broken window policing to be less reliant on stats and more reliant on working with the community
3) decriminalize pot, release non violent small time pot offenders, and scrub their records to reflect the sheer racism of past drug policy
4) a percentage of police budgets should be determined by how regularily police meet with community to explain goals, get feedback, and prioritize policing.
5) community needs to accept that police are working for them not against them and adjust their own predjudices accordingly
It is easy to say something must change. Frankly that has been obvious for decades. An activist saying "something must change" is kind of like a starving person saying "I'm hungry," the obvious answer is "yeah and then what?" The words all talk come to mind.
So as a first step let me make some suggestion.
1) There is a saying among gun people that if you draw your weapon, you should be prepared to use it. So first and formost police should learn to draw their guns less.
2) Change broken window policing to be less reliant on stats and more reliant on working with the community
3) decriminalize pot, release non violent small time pot offenders, and scrub their records to reflect the sheer racism of past drug policy
4) a percentage of police budgets should be determined by how regularily police meet with community to explain goals, get feedback, and prioritize policing.
5) community needs to accept that police are working for them not against them and adjust their own predjudices accordingly
15
Mr Blow
Having worked as a parole agent for the California K find your broad generalizations a bit much
First, the New York Times is repeatedly pushing the "low level drug offender" narrative. Can you please show me in the penal code where those exact are used? Can you factually state the criminal history of each of these blacks you feel should be discussed? Or will you use information that only proves your point?
Mr Blow, you do not realize that the court gives them multiple chances to complete court ordered programs before they exhaust their options. Should we give 5, 7,10 chances? At what point do we hold them accountable?
I don't need to have a discussion. For 23 years I worked with young black men to change these behaviors and keep them out. I put in the work. Can you tell me what you're doing to make a difference? How many discussions have you stated in your community? You talk the talk. I walked the walk You can't tell me anything
Having worked as a parole agent for the California K find your broad generalizations a bit much
First, the New York Times is repeatedly pushing the "low level drug offender" narrative. Can you please show me in the penal code where those exact are used? Can you factually state the criminal history of each of these blacks you feel should be discussed? Or will you use information that only proves your point?
Mr Blow, you do not realize that the court gives them multiple chances to complete court ordered programs before they exhaust their options. Should we give 5, 7,10 chances? At what point do we hold them accountable?
I don't need to have a discussion. For 23 years I worked with young black men to change these behaviors and keep them out. I put in the work. Can you tell me what you're doing to make a difference? How many discussions have you stated in your community? You talk the talk. I walked the walk You can't tell me anything
54
Kudos to you for your hard work. Nate Silver's fivethirtyeight.com, did some analysis on mass incarceration. It concluded*:
"Locking up drug offenders is only part of the larger story behind mass incarceration. Other reasons for the high rates include the severity of nondrug sentencing, the attitudes of judges and prosecutors, a high rate of violent crime such as murder, and rising crime rates in the 1970s and 1980s.
'The increase in U.S. incarceration rates over the past 40 years is preponderantly the result of increases both in the likelihood of imprisonment and in lengths of prison sentences,' the National Research Council wrote in a report last year."
******
* "Releasing Drug Offenders Won't End Mass Incarceration",
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/releasing-drug-offenders-wont-end-mas...
"Locking up drug offenders is only part of the larger story behind mass incarceration. Other reasons for the high rates include the severity of nondrug sentencing, the attitudes of judges and prosecutors, a high rate of violent crime such as murder, and rising crime rates in the 1970s and 1980s.
'The increase in U.S. incarceration rates over the past 40 years is preponderantly the result of increases both in the likelihood of imprisonment and in lengths of prison sentences,' the National Research Council wrote in a report last year."
******
* "Releasing Drug Offenders Won't End Mass Incarceration",
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/releasing-drug-offenders-wont-end-mas...
Finally a call out for Mr. Blow to prove he is a true ally to the impoverished communities instead of an opportunist journalist profiteer off of their misery. I worked in inner city trenches as well & saw the devastating effects of mother's gestation of crack cocaine during pregnancy & dealt with children with high impulsivity & brain damage similar to babies born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Who will speak up for these small victims of their parents irresponsible behavior other than community activists & those of any racial color who dedicate their lives idealistically to improving outcome of low SES children. Mr. Blow uses his high perch on the NY Times to decry whites although there are many poor whites who've never ventured onto a college campus let alone Yale unlike Mr. Blow's priviliged child who suffered from the hands of campus police who were attempting to do their jobs in protecting people from being burglarized on campus. I wish Mr. Blow would volunteer to help out poor children in Appalachia & do a story about how America has failed their culture.
2
The only activist group politicians respond to is Donors' Lives Matter.
6
Dear Mr. Blow:
As I said in a comment on the news story about this confrontation, The Times and the rest of the media should be checking the bona fides of these alleged members of the Black Lives Matter movement; I've seen reports that the two women who confronted Sen. Sanders had formerly been active in the Sarah Palin for President movement.
I'm old enough to have lived through the 60s, when police infiltrated movements for social change with provocateurs; when the FBI's COINTELPRO used provocateurs to disrupt social movements; when Nixon's "dirty tricksters" falsified their identities to damage liberal candidates. More recently, right-wingers operating under "false flags" destroyed ACORN. The people confronting Sen. Sanders and Sec. Clinton may simply be well-meaning activists for social change, but it's worth checking.
As I said in a comment on the news story about this confrontation, The Times and the rest of the media should be checking the bona fides of these alleged members of the Black Lives Matter movement; I've seen reports that the two women who confronted Sen. Sanders had formerly been active in the Sarah Palin for President movement.
I'm old enough to have lived through the 60s, when police infiltrated movements for social change with provocateurs; when the FBI's COINTELPRO used provocateurs to disrupt social movements; when Nixon's "dirty tricksters" falsified their identities to damage liberal candidates. More recently, right-wingers operating under "false flags" destroyed ACORN. The people confronting Sen. Sanders and Sec. Clinton may simply be well-meaning activists for social change, but it's worth checking.
25
There is no faster way to destroy any credibility a movement might have than to try and hijack an audience that came to listen to someone else, and I don't care if that someone else is Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton.
32
Prison population up, crime down ... How in the world does it help the African-American community to give felons some sort of a free pass to prey upon their neighbors?
14
Clinton DID address this question head on; she did not evade. She stated that the crime legislation was drafted WITH THE SUPPORT AND URGING OF BLACK COMMUNITIES. I have no idea if that is true, but she did address it.
31
The confrontation of Ms. Clinton over the injustice faced by nonwhites is somewhat naive since she is the only candidate that can defeat for sure the horrible racist GOP and finally put an end to activist control of the supreme court by judges who gutted the voting right act.
36
A large part of the problem is our lawyer infested society. Prosecutors with political office in mind, banging the drums of fear, running black hides through the coral of an unjust system.
The police have too much power, enabled by politicians projecting the voters fears of the black man.
Hypocrite America, cheering black athletes, on one hand jailing them on the other.
The Clintons are Republicans in drag, two faced double dealing swine, and the only thing that makes them look good are the Republicans.
The police have too much power, enabled by politicians projecting the voters fears of the black man.
Hypocrite America, cheering black athletes, on one hand jailing them on the other.
The Clintons are Republicans in drag, two faced double dealing swine, and the only thing that makes them look good are the Republicans.
5
Mr. Blow has forgotten that during the crack epidemic in this country, which was devastating to the Black community, Black religious and political leaders were mostly on board and cheering when tougher drug laws were passed.
There was a time when it was very common to see drug sales openly taking place in Oakland. My mother lived in Oakland and depending on the time of day, I would drive through some rough neighborhoods to get to her house. I was not out looking; but I never saw white guys selling drugs on the street.
It's a whole lot easier to catch someone selling drugs on the corner than it is catch someone selling behind closed doors. Behavior has a direct impact on outcomes, something Mr. Blow refuses to acknowledge.
That being said, there is nothing wrong with trying to get politicians to respond to uncomfortable questions.
There was a time when it was very common to see drug sales openly taking place in Oakland. My mother lived in Oakland and depending on the time of day, I would drive through some rough neighborhoods to get to her house. I was not out looking; but I never saw white guys selling drugs on the street.
It's a whole lot easier to catch someone selling drugs on the corner than it is catch someone selling behind closed doors. Behavior has a direct impact on outcomes, something Mr. Blow refuses to acknowledge.
That being said, there is nothing wrong with trying to get politicians to respond to uncomfortable questions.
21
"Black religious and political leaders were mostly on board and cheering when tougher drug laws were passed"
Is there any reason to think that they've changed their position?
Would a similar statement about "White religious and political leaders" be meaningful to justify a policy choice?
Is there any reason to think that they've changed their position?
Would a similar statement about "White religious and political leaders" be meaningful to justify a policy choice?
Clinton also passed TANF which took cash welfare for life away. This was not necessarily a bad thing. Welfare for life did support dependency. But they did not then pass laws to keep the minimum wage up with inflation. So now we have a system where employers use food stamps, housing help and Medicaid as part of their employee compensation programs. Now I believe that these legislature in the 90's really did not believe that good American corporations would exploit their workers and the other taxpaying citizens of the US in such a disgusting and greedy manner but of course they have.
Mass incarceration was probably not what Clinton intended. I am sure he believed that people would get the message and stop using drugs. But the TANF/Minimum debacle is partially to blame for the rise in crime and drug abuse. Why? Because poverty is the leading cause of crime and drug abuse, especially cheap pot. Relegating people to low paid and hopeless jobs that do not pay/teach enough to act as a stepping stone out of poverty, does not empower them, it makes them hopeless, angry and frustrated. The loss of government support, charities struggling and unable to step in along with the loss of a jobs during the recession left only the criminal route for survival for many. Anyone remember Jean Valjean?
We cannot solve a problem if we do not look at it with clean eyes. We have all sorts of great ideas out there from BLM to, yes, the Tea Party. Let's plant them together and see what sprouts.
Mass incarceration was probably not what Clinton intended. I am sure he believed that people would get the message and stop using drugs. But the TANF/Minimum debacle is partially to blame for the rise in crime and drug abuse. Why? Because poverty is the leading cause of crime and drug abuse, especially cheap pot. Relegating people to low paid and hopeless jobs that do not pay/teach enough to act as a stepping stone out of poverty, does not empower them, it makes them hopeless, angry and frustrated. The loss of government support, charities struggling and unable to step in along with the loss of a jobs during the recession left only the criminal route for survival for many. Anyone remember Jean Valjean?
We cannot solve a problem if we do not look at it with clean eyes. We have all sorts of great ideas out there from BLM to, yes, the Tea Party. Let's plant them together and see what sprouts.
29
"Anyone remember Jean Valjean?"
Oh, please now - enough! How many of the petty (and not so petty) criminals you see on the nightly local news were caught "stealing bread to feed children in their family"? How many are committing theft, burglary, armed robbery solely as a last resort to surviving (instead of an easy way to get a buck)?
And this "Relegating people to low paid and hopeless jobs" clearly exposes what's wrong with all of this revisionist cause-effect blaming that is so popular these days. When did general society do a 180 and do away with Individual Responsibility for one's actions, and instead blame everything and everyone else for whatever consequential situation one found himself/herself in?
Oh, please now - enough! How many of the petty (and not so petty) criminals you see on the nightly local news were caught "stealing bread to feed children in their family"? How many are committing theft, burglary, armed robbery solely as a last resort to surviving (instead of an easy way to get a buck)?
And this "Relegating people to low paid and hopeless jobs" clearly exposes what's wrong with all of this revisionist cause-effect blaming that is so popular these days. When did general society do a 180 and do away with Individual Responsibility for one's actions, and instead blame everything and everyone else for whatever consequential situation one found himself/herself in?
excellent comment
Hillary should have just said what we all know she thinks and told him to shove it. She know blacks are going to vote for her in the election. Their leaders have sold their loyalty to the Clinton machine and the only thing the everyday folk will get in return is lip service. One of the most effective components in bargaining is having options. With their cards already on the table, there's no leverage to exert.
1
Hillary is correct. What is needed are changes in the law and policy. Whether they are due to changes of heart or cynical political calculation is irrelevant and makes no difference. An apology isn't going to help a single black person. Changing the law and policy will help millions. Martin Luther King knew better than these folks what is the real prize and how to keep your eye on the prize rather than on this nonsense.
30
"But what if the same person saying that was partially responsible for changing the laws that allocated the resources that built up a system that operated as a tool of destruction?"
Wait a minute, pleazze.
Mr. Blow, in attempting to show balance and his ability to criticize the left along with the right, went too far: "..asking liberals to answer for their complicity is even more important...". Which liberals? To my knowledge, liberals did not generally support the Prisons EVERYWHERE USA program. It was championed by people like the then Republican senator from Texas, Phil Graham, who had a vision of prisons from sea to shinning sea.
Bill Clinton was not a liberal. When he came to DC, he told a group meeting at an exclusive residence in Georgetown, "You are not going to like me". Pretty straight forward, no? When Bill was running for president, he broke off his campaign and flew back to Arkansas for an emergency. Which one? To sign the death warrant for an inmate on death row.
You would be correct to ask all of white America to answer for the incarceration rates of black Americans, but, hey, I didn't get to vote on the Crime Control Act of 1994. No one even asked me or most citizens, for that matter.
Should Mrs. Clinton have to answer for her actions when she wasn't a govt. official? A toss up. It would be nice if she faced facts and admitted her husband had been wrong and that legislation was a huge mistake. The problem is not any one piece of legislation, but rather her failure, and all of our failure, to fully understand that white America wages a low grade war on blacks and uses the courts as a prime instrument of oppression.
Mr. Blow, in attempting to show balance and his ability to criticize the left along with the right, went too far: "..asking liberals to answer for their complicity is even more important...". Which liberals? To my knowledge, liberals did not generally support the Prisons EVERYWHERE USA program. It was championed by people like the then Republican senator from Texas, Phil Graham, who had a vision of prisons from sea to shinning sea.
Bill Clinton was not a liberal. When he came to DC, he told a group meeting at an exclusive residence in Georgetown, "You are not going to like me". Pretty straight forward, no? When Bill was running for president, he broke off his campaign and flew back to Arkansas for an emergency. Which one? To sign the death warrant for an inmate on death row.
You would be correct to ask all of white America to answer for the incarceration rates of black Americans, but, hey, I didn't get to vote on the Crime Control Act of 1994. No one even asked me or most citizens, for that matter.
Should Mrs. Clinton have to answer for her actions when she wasn't a govt. official? A toss up. It would be nice if she faced facts and admitted her husband had been wrong and that legislation was a huge mistake. The problem is not any one piece of legislation, but rather her failure, and all of our failure, to fully understand that white America wages a low grade war on blacks and uses the courts as a prime instrument of oppression.
8
Sorry, Charles. I just viewed the Clinton video and her discussion with the BLM representative. Both were good, both were respectful. Both made important points. Listening seemed to be going on.
23
Suppose Hillary has a change of heart and says, "Mr. Blow, I am so very sorry that my husband pushed through a law that was so damaging"?
Then what?
Then what?
16
I am pleased Hillary met with the BLM activists, and I'm pleased the BLM activists released the video.
Waiting to see all their videos of their meetings with the 17 Republican candidates, as well as O'Malley etc.
And very eager to see what Mr. Blow makes of those. If Hillary is guilty for everything Democrats other than her have done in the past 20+ years, how many columns -- and BLM meetings and videos -- will it take to discuss their exchanges with candidates like Carson and Huckabee, Walker and .... ooh wait for it... Chris Christie? Bet they don't get any groveling apologies from that lot, either.
Waiting to see all their videos of their meetings with the 17 Republican candidates, as well as O'Malley etc.
And very eager to see what Mr. Blow makes of those. If Hillary is guilty for everything Democrats other than her have done in the past 20+ years, how many columns -- and BLM meetings and videos -- will it take to discuss their exchanges with candidates like Carson and Huckabee, Walker and .... ooh wait for it... Chris Christie? Bet they don't get any groveling apologies from that lot, either.
14
Blow is actually condemning HIllary for adopting a policy that had been promulgated by Martin Luther KIng. (And I thought Blow thought that King was infallible).
Hillary said she can't change hearts. Instead, she tried to change laws to bring about progressive change. Blow found her comment inadequate.
But King said much the same thing: He once said that a law that would stop him from being lynched was a worthwhile goal, not something that should be derided because it would not make the white man love him. King said that not getting lynched was an important goal and that these practical, concrete legal measures should not be attacked on the grounds that they did not approach the transcendent goal of fostering love for one's fellow man.
Hillary said she can't change hearts. Instead, she tried to change laws to bring about progressive change. Blow found her comment inadequate.
But King said much the same thing: He once said that a law that would stop him from being lynched was a worthwhile goal, not something that should be derided because it would not make the white man love him. King said that not getting lynched was an important goal and that these practical, concrete legal measures should not be attacked on the grounds that they did not approach the transcendent goal of fostering love for one's fellow man.
25
Mrs. Clinton's behavior and attitude clearly leave much to be desired. A charitable evaluation of her performance would focus on the stress any front-runner would experience from the bulls-eye on her back. She must please many constituencies, and what some critics might consider excessive concern for the BLM could annoy some whites and even members of other ethnic minorities that feel slighted.
A more balanced evaluation would, I believe, fault Clinton for her apparent lack of empathy and her characteristic stiffness, both of which distance her from any connection with people whom she genuinely wants to serve. She may mistakenly believe that an apology for the crime law could make her appear weak, especially in comparison with the generally belligerent stance taken by most of the Republican candidates. The leaders of the BLM movement are certainly impolite, confrontational, and sometimes unfair, but those are characteristics shared by all protest movements which get any results. Their demand that the country show respect for the lives of black people is one she cannot afford to embrace only lukewarmly, even at the cost of offending some supporters. This issue goes to the very heart of the kind of society America is supposed to be, one in which the police and other parts of government treat all citizens with respect.
But Democratic critics should also remember that Clinton, unlike most Republicans, recognizes that the BLM is a response to a real problem.
A more balanced evaluation would, I believe, fault Clinton for her apparent lack of empathy and her characteristic stiffness, both of which distance her from any connection with people whom she genuinely wants to serve. She may mistakenly believe that an apology for the crime law could make her appear weak, especially in comparison with the generally belligerent stance taken by most of the Republican candidates. The leaders of the BLM movement are certainly impolite, confrontational, and sometimes unfair, but those are characteristics shared by all protest movements which get any results. Their demand that the country show respect for the lives of black people is one she cannot afford to embrace only lukewarmly, even at the cost of offending some supporters. This issue goes to the very heart of the kind of society America is supposed to be, one in which the police and other parts of government treat all citizens with respect.
But Democratic critics should also remember that Clinton, unlike most Republicans, recognizes that the BLM is a response to a real problem.
39
She was rude, disrespectful and totally out of line with that man. If a Republican candidate did what she did, we'd never hear the end of it from the liberal mainstream media. But because it's Democrat Hillary Clinton, she gets a pass.
And what of that "I will talk only to white people" quip? Sounds pretty racist to me.
And what of that "I will talk only to white people" quip? Sounds pretty racist to me.
I find it impossible to believe that the same person who wrote, "it takes a village to raise a child," would also be both unaware and unrepentant for any part she herself might have played in incarcerating a young black person unfairly.
She might as well have been asked, "how long did you beat your husband?"
Hillary's wrong; you CAN change hearts. Like the families of the victims of Dylann Root - who changed a nation with their forgiveness.
But first, we need to stop pointing fingers, and roll up our sleeves and get to work on changing the pipeline to prison. Because it DOES take a village.
She might as well have been asked, "how long did you beat your husband?"
Hillary's wrong; you CAN change hearts. Like the families of the victims of Dylann Root - who changed a nation with their forgiveness.
But first, we need to stop pointing fingers, and roll up our sleeves and get to work on changing the pipeline to prison. Because it DOES take a village.
1
I think this misses several points. First, Hillary was neither president nor a member of Congress at the time the law passed. Her husband was. If we are going to fault her for his administration's defects, we need to also credit her for the positives which I know won't happen. Second, her answer was not evasive, it just was not what BLM wanted to hear. Nor was it the apology you are confusingly seeking. Mrs. Clinton very clearly said that feelings are not as important as action. "“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate." Third, you leave out a key factor about BLM. Hillary tries to engage them on what steps she will take on a policy level and what they want from politicians. They reject her engagement claiming that because she is not black, she can't offer any advice. I understand that Mrs. Clinton is not warm and fuzzy but she has done nothing that requires contrition and did offer more than a dodge.
28
As a white man, I am more than willing to acknowledge the brutality inflicted upon black men in this country -- and vote in leaders who will do something about it.
But I would like Black Lives Matters to acknowledge that Michael Brown was not a "gentle giant." He robbed a convenience store where he assaulted an employee there. He then punched a cop and went for his gun.
I think both sides need to be honest about these issues.
But I would like Black Lives Matters to acknowledge that Michael Brown was not a "gentle giant." He robbed a convenience store where he assaulted an employee there. He then punched a cop and went for his gun.
I think both sides need to be honest about these issues.
23
Some time before Clinton signed that bill for which he has apologized , the country was caught up in the crack craze and gang wars that decimated many urban areas. The response to this went predictably overboard and unjust laws were enacted differentiating crack from cocaine and posing harsher and racist penalties for crack than cocaine , though they are one and the same. The country , having just experienced prohibition and the ensuing gang wars , failed to learn the lessons derived from that fiasco, and allowed the same chaos to reign as did in the days of Al Capone.
In the past few years , and despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that ruled racism to be a bygone era , just the opposite has occurred. Racist voting legislation in all of the red states followed closely upon the heels of an inexplicably naïve or politically biased decree by the right wing activists comprising a Court majority that has either ignored or altered our Constitution as it sees fit in a manner seldom seen since the 1930s.
To place the blame on Ms. Clinton's shoulders begs the question entirely. Her entire political history contains countless examples of her efforts to speak to a racial divide that has now reached the point where black men and children are being slaughtered on a regular basis by those hired to Protect and Serve.
It is not the democrats who exclude voters and deny millions health care in the red states for purely ideological reasons. Nor are they responsible insane gun laws.
In the past few years , and despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that ruled racism to be a bygone era , just the opposite has occurred. Racist voting legislation in all of the red states followed closely upon the heels of an inexplicably naïve or politically biased decree by the right wing activists comprising a Court majority that has either ignored or altered our Constitution as it sees fit in a manner seldom seen since the 1930s.
To place the blame on Ms. Clinton's shoulders begs the question entirely. Her entire political history contains countless examples of her efforts to speak to a racial divide that has now reached the point where black men and children are being slaughtered on a regular basis by those hired to Protect and Serve.
It is not the democrats who exclude voters and deny millions health care in the red states for purely ideological reasons. Nor are they responsible insane gun laws.
184
I agree. It was bill who apologized. H was a private citizen at that time. Blame the republican courts, including the Supremes.
The loud and demonstrative antics of Black Lives Matter is not going to move the needle in terms of lasting change in how our black citizens are treated. It's just mostly bad theatre.
I'm hardly a fan of Ms. Clinton, as her personality tends to give me indigestion, but credit is due where credit is deserved, and she called it out correctly all the way down the line in that conversation.
I'm hardly a fan of Ms. Clinton, as her personality tends to give me indigestion, but credit is due where credit is deserved, and she called it out correctly all the way down the line in that conversation.
11
What makes you think liberals applaud when various politicians (like the Clintons) sell out the black community? Liberals in New York did not applaud Eric Garner's death. Stop and frisk was a Giuliani program. And it's the liberal DeBlasio putting an end to it. These incidents do not in the least implicate "...the liberals who occupy these cities themselves."
About stop and frisk: to say that "...most white voters in the city said that they approved of the program." Unless you are claiming that all white voters in NYC are liberals, that factoid does not even come close to saying that white liberals approved of the program. That's a deliberate misreading of the statistic.
I find it deeply offensive that you assume liberals favor these policies. Yes, politicians have known to sell out, but they are selling out the liberal electorate too. Despite his accomplishments, even President Obama himself has also been a disappointment in many ways. But don't blame progressive voters when no bankers go to jail: We are appalled and angry at this betrayal. And we are appalled and angry when police act like deadly occupying armies that neither protect nor serve. You appear to respect the ACLU – who do you suppose are the members of the ACLU? Who do suppose supports the organization?
And finally, what has Bernie Sanders done to draw your fire? Unlike blue dogs and DLC Democrats, he has never sold out. And never will.
About stop and frisk: to say that "...most white voters in the city said that they approved of the program." Unless you are claiming that all white voters in NYC are liberals, that factoid does not even come close to saying that white liberals approved of the program. That's a deliberate misreading of the statistic.
I find it deeply offensive that you assume liberals favor these policies. Yes, politicians have known to sell out, but they are selling out the liberal electorate too. Despite his accomplishments, even President Obama himself has also been a disappointment in many ways. But don't blame progressive voters when no bankers go to jail: We are appalled and angry at this betrayal. And we are appalled and angry when police act like deadly occupying armies that neither protect nor serve. You appear to respect the ACLU – who do you suppose are the members of the ACLU? Who do suppose supports the organization?
And finally, what has Bernie Sanders done to draw your fire? Unlike blue dogs and DLC Democrats, he has never sold out. And never will.
8
Kevin Drum has an interesting column on this matter:
http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2015/08/no-hillary-clinton-has-nev...
He points out that it wasn't only white leaders who supported the string anti-crime measures passed during the Clinton administration, and that at the time, they were generally not viewed as targeting black people any more than white people. In hind sight, we now better understand not only the root causes of the crime problem that prompted passage of the laws, but we understand that those laws have now created a different, very large problem that has indeed harmed black people far more than white. But this is not what was in people's minds at the time, just the contrary.
http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2015/08/no-hillary-clinton-has-nev...
He points out that it wasn't only white leaders who supported the string anti-crime measures passed during the Clinton administration, and that at the time, they were generally not viewed as targeting black people any more than white people. In hind sight, we now better understand not only the root causes of the crime problem that prompted passage of the laws, but we understand that those laws have now created a different, very large problem that has indeed harmed black people far more than white. But this is not what was in people's minds at the time, just the contrary.
10
It's gotten to the point that I can't watch sporting events without noting the lack of black people in the stands. During the broadcast of the recent PGA tournament I didn't see one black person in the gallery...over 4 days. Yesterday I went to a local bar, in a working-class neighborhood, for pizza and a beer. The place has been there since the 1930's and I've been going there for 40 years. I noticed a young black man busing tables. He was the first black employee I ever remember seeing at the bar. I felt ashamed that I never noticed that before. This young man was hustling, table to table, with his head down at all times. He was working twice as hard as everyone else. Why? Because he had to, he was the only black employee in a white establishment.
We are an apartheid nation every bit as terrible as South Africa at its height. What we've done to the black race in this country, by any other name, would be called genocide. It is an abomination that should shame every man, woman and child.
We are an apartheid nation every bit as terrible as South Africa at its height. What we've done to the black race in this country, by any other name, would be called genocide. It is an abomination that should shame every man, woman and child.
7
It would seem that it would have been appropriate to mention somewhere in your article that the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was written by none other than the present Vice President of the United States. Furthermore, as others have pointed out, Secretary Clinton did not legislate the bill.
10
What counsel do you give black Americans to improve their lot? Do you think change is a one way street?
My nephew is black and he is an amazing young man.
He will never be caught up in violence or crime. In fact, he is attending law school next quarter.
He deals with the racism directed at him like I dealt with the homophobia directed at me.
I became a person that would set an example. I tried to let people understand that their preconceived idea of me might be wrong. I worked harder to help generations after me have an easier path.
I understood the criticism directed at gay people and did not ignore it as irrelevant or nonsense.
We were in the impossible position of folks raging at us that we were promiscuous while we were legally prevented from getting married.
That is precisely why gay people focused on obtaining the right to get married. We were just like everyone else, but the system did not treat us the same.
My friends who are black are extraordinary people. The most caring, talented, loyal and lovely people I know.
I truly hate it when people tell them to expect less, to ignore criticism, to refuse to leverage their natural friends and allies.
It is as if some want them to fail just to commiserate.
I will never encourage my nephew, my friends, my associates or neighbors to fail.
There is a better way.
The apologist and denialist will never move his people forward.
My nephew is black and he is an amazing young man.
He will never be caught up in violence or crime. In fact, he is attending law school next quarter.
He deals with the racism directed at him like I dealt with the homophobia directed at me.
I became a person that would set an example. I tried to let people understand that their preconceived idea of me might be wrong. I worked harder to help generations after me have an easier path.
I understood the criticism directed at gay people and did not ignore it as irrelevant or nonsense.
We were in the impossible position of folks raging at us that we were promiscuous while we were legally prevented from getting married.
That is precisely why gay people focused on obtaining the right to get married. We were just like everyone else, but the system did not treat us the same.
My friends who are black are extraordinary people. The most caring, talented, loyal and lovely people I know.
I truly hate it when people tell them to expect less, to ignore criticism, to refuse to leverage their natural friends and allies.
It is as if some want them to fail just to commiserate.
I will never encourage my nephew, my friends, my associates or neighbors to fail.
There is a better way.
The apologist and denialist will never move his people forward.
15
The "tough on crime" approach of the 1990s, including the bill signed into law by President Clinton mentioned in this piece, were in response to skyrocketing violence that disproportionately impacted minority communities--my guess is that a review of opinion pieces from the late 80s and early 90s would feature demand by black writers that the government do more to combat violence and crime in minority neighborhoods. Well, the government did just that, and guess what? Crime fell--dramatically. If Mr. Blow and his compatriots in Black Lives Matter really wish to argue that we are treating lawbreakers too harshly, they will lose the attention and sympathy of many, many people right off the bat. The bottom line is that if Black Lives Matter demands that the Democratic Party embrace a pro-criminal posture, it is either going to destroy BLM or the Democratic Party, if the Democratic Party is foolish enough to adopt such madness. Further, are we supposed to believe that the people who have been locked up are all innocent angels? Hardly. They are in prison because they broke the law. There is a very easy way for a person of any racial background to avoid going to prison: don't break the law.
8
You fail to understand that victimless crimes like possessing small amounts of marijuana have filled our prison system to levels that mirror Stalinist Russia. The "War on Drugs" has simply been a modern manifestation of Jim Crow, designed to control and incarcerate large numbers of African-Americans. The laws you refer to are not equally applied to whites and blacks.
There's a finality in this analysis. It was their first conversation. Was she supposed to move mountains in fifteen minutes? She listened and she admitted that change needs to happen. Now she is being pilloried for not baring her soul and castigating herself with a complicity confession replete with a breast beating mea culpa. HRC is clearly paying attention to the cause and is committed to making change.
22
Fair enough, but remember this!
BLM will fade away just like the Occupy Wall Street movement and black youths will continue to kill black youths in Chicago, L.A, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, D.C., Baltimore, St. Louis, Atlanta, Houston, Tulsa, Mobile, Little Rock, Memphis, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Oakland, Atlanta, Kansas City, Nashville, Charleston, Richmond, NYC, Dallas, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Gulfport, Minneapolis and Tampa.
So what's that you were saying about Hillary..?
BLM will fade away just like the Occupy Wall Street movement and black youths will continue to kill black youths in Chicago, L.A, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, D.C., Baltimore, St. Louis, Atlanta, Houston, Tulsa, Mobile, Little Rock, Memphis, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Oakland, Atlanta, Kansas City, Nashville, Charleston, Richmond, NYC, Dallas, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Gulfport, Minneapolis and Tampa.
So what's that you were saying about Hillary..?
7
I remember how it was in NYC in the late eighties. Specifically I remember being held up at gunpoint and knifepoint and also being mugged in an assault that left me with broken bones. All of my assailants were young black men. Am I a racist for pointing this out? I voted for Obama twice. But in fact disproportionate rates of violent crime by Africans Americans which even Jesse Jackson referred to (remember him saying he would be relieved if he were followed on a dark street by a white rather than an African American person?) led to the Clinton-led crackdown. Even well-meaning people are not going to allow themselves to be preyed upon by criminals and the first duty of any government is to protect its citizens from violence. Charles M. Blow shows no sign of understanding this.
35
Why does the editorial board that select the replies to Mr. Blows article allow space for so many respondents who bring up the black on black crime statistic as a way to discredit MR. Blow's support for the BLM movement? Does black on black violence cause widespread discrimination against black college graduates? Does it explain racial bias in hiring practices, red lining and institutionalized discrimination in lending practices that pushed many black professionals into subprime morgage, even in cases where the black individual had higher income and a higher credit score than the white peer? Institutional racism has more than anything else contributed to the destruction of the African American social and economic fabric. The social support system that many enjoy were systematically taken away from African Americans for centries. To suggest that the BLM movement is somehow meaningless until it turns it's attention to the sewer that many black Americans live in is disingenuous and insulting at best. African Americans are not innately violent. Many are just the product of their environment. If the roles where reversed and some of the respondents were born in dire poverty, in socially and economically isolated communities with very little prospects of change, very few role models in a system that discriminates against an individual on a job application because of the nature of his or her name, I'm sure the responses would be much different to Mr. Blow's column.
5
I believe in the message of Black Lives Matter.
There is a systematic oppression of black Americans that is actually deadly.
I will resist every force of oppression, starting with the police and system of incarceration that profits from ever greater numbers of prisoners.
I will fight against egregious attempts to muzzle and dilute the voice and power of black communities through gerrymandering, voter suppression and diminished economic opportunity.
But people who cannot differentiate between their allies and their foes will soon learn ever greater ways to differentiate such.
Republicans count on dividing the black vote, diluting the power of unity.
When someone pretending to represent Black Lives Matter took the mike from Bernie Sanders and prevented him from speaking, it broke allies apart.
Later, when it was learned one of the disrupters had little affiliation with Black Lives Matters but rather represented a hard-line Christian group, the damage had already been done.
Activists don't need to confront Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton. Activists need to confront unapologetic racists running to further diminish the plight of black Americans.
When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr marched on cities throughout America, he marched arm and arm with people of every color, religion and socioeconomic group.
We need to work together to fight injustice.
Every person needs to realize they are not perfect and can help the cause of change and progress.
There is a systematic oppression of black Americans that is actually deadly.
I will resist every force of oppression, starting with the police and system of incarceration that profits from ever greater numbers of prisoners.
I will fight against egregious attempts to muzzle and dilute the voice and power of black communities through gerrymandering, voter suppression and diminished economic opportunity.
But people who cannot differentiate between their allies and their foes will soon learn ever greater ways to differentiate such.
Republicans count on dividing the black vote, diluting the power of unity.
When someone pretending to represent Black Lives Matter took the mike from Bernie Sanders and prevented him from speaking, it broke allies apart.
Later, when it was learned one of the disrupters had little affiliation with Black Lives Matters but rather represented a hard-line Christian group, the damage had already been done.
Activists don't need to confront Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton. Activists need to confront unapologetic racists running to further diminish the plight of black Americans.
When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr marched on cities throughout America, he marched arm and arm with people of every color, religion and socioeconomic group.
We need to work together to fight injustice.
Every person needs to realize they are not perfect and can help the cause of change and progress.
234
She may be wary that both she and Bill have stepped back on a number of major positions taken in the 1990s, notably same-sex marriage and the financial sector deregulation culminating (for Bill) with the signing of the repeal of Glass-Steagall. To step back on yet another major policy position, on more aggressive incarceration, might suggest that her positions are merely convenient and populist lines in the sand taken to attract votes, as are her recantations.
If so, it’s a bad bet. The smart move would be paint a picture of the 1990s and tie the Clintons’ policy choices to the circumstances and the general attitudes as they existed then, then clearly state her current positions and align them with TODAY’s very different circumstances. I could talk for an hour on this.
The argument she SHOULD be making is that when crimes are non-violent, such as those involving low-level street drugs, alternate methods to incarceration need to be found that don’t remove young black men from their communities in large numbers. These communities are being hollowed-out across America, with very destructive effects on children, in addition to embittering and otherwise destroying the lives of these young men, and for non-violent crimes. She could easily point out that this racially unbalanced outcome wasn’t foreseen in the 1990s, she sees it now and resolves to change it.
This would be a position that shouldn’t antagonize whites but that should encourage black Americans.
If so, it’s a bad bet. The smart move would be paint a picture of the 1990s and tie the Clintons’ policy choices to the circumstances and the general attitudes as they existed then, then clearly state her current positions and align them with TODAY’s very different circumstances. I could talk for an hour on this.
The argument she SHOULD be making is that when crimes are non-violent, such as those involving low-level street drugs, alternate methods to incarceration need to be found that don’t remove young black men from their communities in large numbers. These communities are being hollowed-out across America, with very destructive effects on children, in addition to embittering and otherwise destroying the lives of these young men, and for non-violent crimes. She could easily point out that this racially unbalanced outcome wasn’t foreseen in the 1990s, she sees it now and resolves to change it.
This would be a position that shouldn’t antagonize whites but that should encourage black Americans.
45
Perhaps your best comment ever. Congrats on the NYT Pick.
2
"...alternate methods to incarceration need to be found that don’t remove young black men from their communities in large numbers."
Would you care to tell us what you have in mind here, Mr. Luettgen?
Would you care to tell us what you have in mind here, Mr. Luettgen?
1
Winthrop:
Community service would be a start. Forced attendance to trade schools set up for that purpose wouldn't be a bad one, either.
Community service would be a start. Forced attendance to trade schools set up for that purpose wouldn't be a bad one, either.
Reported violent crime in the U.S. dropped from about 1,932,000 incidents reported in 1992 to 1,163,000 in 2013.
It is impossible to draw a precise line between these statistics and the rate of incarceration in U.S. prisons. However, the data at least suggest that Ms. Clinton has less to apologize for than Mr. Blow thinks.
The increased rate of incarceration also has coincided with a tremendous increase in safety in our large cities (perhaps Chicago is an exception). I offer out of my own experience Morningside Heights, New York City, 1977 (where I enrolled in college), and Morningside Heights, 2010, where I took my son for a college visit. In 1977 the neighborhood, outside a few blocks, was nigh terrifying; in 2010 it was entirely tame.
No one ought to need convincing about the racism inherent in the criminal justice system. However, I would suggest that at least some of those people locked up in the last twenty years were truly dangerous, and their presence in jail saved many pain and suffering, and perhaps death.
It is impossible to draw a precise line between these statistics and the rate of incarceration in U.S. prisons. However, the data at least suggest that Ms. Clinton has less to apologize for than Mr. Blow thinks.
The increased rate of incarceration also has coincided with a tremendous increase in safety in our large cities (perhaps Chicago is an exception). I offer out of my own experience Morningside Heights, New York City, 1977 (where I enrolled in college), and Morningside Heights, 2010, where I took my son for a college visit. In 1977 the neighborhood, outside a few blocks, was nigh terrifying; in 2010 it was entirely tame.
No one ought to need convincing about the racism inherent in the criminal justice system. However, I would suggest that at least some of those people locked up in the last twenty years were truly dangerous, and their presence in jail saved many pain and suffering, and perhaps death.
17
Julius Jones has more integrity and grit --by a mile-- than most politicians. I'd like to see him in public office someday. Thank , Mr. Bow, for bringing these topics into the public forum. This is something we all need to own.
1
Asking Hillary about her part in the rise of mass incarceration will not get an honest response because any honest response would be politically harmful. Any politician who admits past errors gets attacked for them, while not admitting them is admired by friends and gives foes no ammunition. So her answer will show us only how clever she is at evading anything that will push her off message (and she is not that clever).
She is in the middle of a political campaign, so she cannot devote herself to honest historical appraisal and speak freely. Until Republican propaganda and character assassination no longer work as well as they do now, genuine political reflection and discussion will not be possible.
She is in the middle of a political campaign, so she cannot devote herself to honest historical appraisal and speak freely. Until Republican propaganda and character assassination no longer work as well as they do now, genuine political reflection and discussion will not be possible.
10
Thanks to Black Lives Matter and to Mr. Blow for pointing out this mistake that the Clintons supported when Ms. Clinton's husband was in office. Without this prodding, who would remember who lobbied for and signed what twenty years ago, outside of politicians and political writers and activists? I would like to know what Mr. Blow thinks of the urban renewal efforts of Lyndon Johnson and whether he would have expected an apology for that failed policy that destroyed traditional African-Ameircan neighborhoods from a member of the Johnson Admin running for president twenty years later? Twenty years from now, after whatever mistakes Black Lives Matter is bound to make become clear, will he expect apologies from one of their current leaders who might be running for office for those mistakes? I hope I'll still be around to read that column and hope he references his criticism pointed now against Ms. Clinton when he writes in 2035, as I hope he still will be doing.
2
Mr. Blow is correct that liberals and conservatives alike have done this.
He is wrong to use Hillary as an example of a liberal doing it. She did it as part of triangulating to conservatives. It is of a kind with her neoliberal economics and her neocon foreign policy.
Black Lives Matter did confront a liberal. He was Bernie.
He is wrong to use Hillary as an example of a liberal doing it. She did it as part of triangulating to conservatives. It is of a kind with her neoliberal economics and her neocon foreign policy.
Black Lives Matter did confront a liberal. He was Bernie.
9
Yes, they "confronted" Bernie. And the scene of them stealing the microphone he paid for will help lose the Democrats the 2016 election.
Get real Charles. I screamed at my computer screen when I read how you sort of applaud Bill Clinton for owning up to the fact that his policies made matters worse, when absolutely nothing was at stake for him, post - presidency, to do so. And then you wonder why Hillary, in the midst of a campaign, couldn't have done the same? Are you living in a dream world.
The BLM movement is valid but these confrontational tactics, when they target the wrong people, at the wrong time, really misfire. There are better ways to further policies about abusive police tactics. What's to be gained by this taunting? except turning people sympathetic to the issue off, big time.
The BLM movement is valid but these confrontational tactics, when they target the wrong people, at the wrong time, really misfire. There are better ways to further policies about abusive police tactics. What's to be gained by this taunting? except turning people sympathetic to the issue off, big time.
253
What's to be gained? You should know the answer. When you state that this was the wrong person, wrong time, you imply that there is a right person, right time. So what's to be gained?
I oppose mass imprisonment, the war on drugs, & "welfare reform." I opposed Bush's tax cuts designed to make "entitlements" unsustainable, and I opposed President Obama when he made those cuts permanent. I oppose voter ID laws, and "stand your ground.". I oppose stop & frisk. I opposed Mr. Giuliani's policy to "improve quality of life" by harrassing poor people, and to "fight crime" by signalling to the police that abuse would be winked at. I opposed all these things because they were wrong, or dishonest, or counterproductive. I recognize that these things have a disproportionate impact on black people, and it is important not to pretend otherwise. But that racial impact is not the reason these things are wrong, and it is unfair to other people who are victimized by these policies to pretend that it is. Everything disproportionately affects the powerless, from the deregulation of Wall Street to abortion restrictions. The disproportion of black or brown people among the powerless increases my emotional commitment, but it does not determine my positions.
Now I consider you a natural political ally, but I have the feeling that you consider me an enemy, because I support the right policies for the wrong reasons. Am I wrong? Can we have a conversation about that?
Now I consider you a natural political ally, but I have the feeling that you consider me an enemy, because I support the right policies for the wrong reasons. Am I wrong? Can we have a conversation about that?
137
"the war on drugs — a disastrous boondoggle that would come to be a war waged primarily against marijuana use by black men."
This gratuitous and self-serving statement is complete nonsense.
This gratuitous and self-serving statement is complete nonsense.
22
I beg to differ. The statement is quite accurate.
1
Somehow it's hard for me to imagine Hillary Clinton -- or anyone running for President -- stating for the record "I'm so sorry, I made a terrible policy mistake and now the country is worse for it." Imagine the opposition's TV ads playing that over and over again. Committing political suicide seems like a lot to ask of any of the candidates.
44
I would rather have a candidate say they were wrong and be honest then one who is just playing politics as usual . Political suicide would be a blessing from most of the 2016 candidates.
Admitting mistakes is a sign of maturity.
In this new era of the 21st C people are looking for the truth.
I see only one candidate for 2016 with a moral compass. Thank you for that Senator Sanders.
Clinton's response was glib and hollow.
Hearts most certainly CAN change.
Admitting mistakes is a sign of maturity.
In this new era of the 21st C people are looking for the truth.
I see only one candidate for 2016 with a moral compass. Thank you for that Senator Sanders.
Clinton's response was glib and hollow.
Hearts most certainly CAN change.
What upset me more about this front-page story was the way Haberman sought to direct our understanding of what had happened, and inform us how good the exchange allegedly made Hillary Clinton look. Yet more glamorous coverage for Clinton and only hashtags and hair for Bernie Sanders. And not a word about Martin O'Malley who stood with union workers in Las Vegas.
Thank you Mr. Blow for asking Times readers to maybe take another, more critical look of the campaign and the Times' coverage of it. People are literally dying in our streets. We are looking to the Times for news on how candidates plan to address the nation's problems, not look good or suddenly "sincere" in front of a camera.
Thank you Mr. Blow for asking Times readers to maybe take another, more critical look of the campaign and the Times' coverage of it. People are literally dying in our streets. We are looking to the Times for news on how candidates plan to address the nation's problems, not look good or suddenly "sincere" in front of a camera.
17
I share Mr. Blow's outrage about the racial disparity of arrests for the non-violent crime of smoking pot, something now legal in several places. The Clintons, especially Bill, deserve some of the blame. But it is unfair not to point out the high crime rates of the 1990s and how the GOP used the crime issue to win election after election. Had the Republicans won the presidency in the 90s, instead of Bill Clinton, things would have been even worse as far as incarceration of young men of color. And violent crimes such as rape and murder did drop dramatically in wake of the Clinton crime initiatives. The mistake was in racial profiling by law enforcement of so many people for non-violent crimes, something beyond the control of the Clintons and other liberals who became hard on crime.
39
Building prisons does not create prisoners. People bringing children into the world that they cannot afford and leaving them at society's doorstep is what creates a reliable and expanding flow of prisoners.
31
And then they try to stop people who cannot afford these children from being able to go to Planned Parenthood for family planning.
Ralph Nader gave us George Bush II because he could see no difference between his friends and enemies. All he saw was his own outrage. Is that where this column is heading?
461
lol, same could be said of Perot, Trump.
1
Ralph Nader was more worried about the MIddle East than the USA. Both parties supported Israel's right to exist, and he did not. He was strengthed in his view that it didn't matter who won the Presidency when Gore picked Lieberman as his Vice President. He hid behind his fame as a corporate raider, but that was not the real issue. The bulk of Arabs voting in 2000 voted for George W. Bush. They didn't want Leiberman a heartbeat away from the Presidency.
It is not Charles Blow who has a hidden agenda. The New York Times has given Hillary Clinton glowing coverage without questioning any of her assertions, while most other candidates, particularly Sanders, are rarely covered if it cannot be spun into a hit piece. Mr. Blow is simply trying to apply a more balanced level of articulation of weaknesses and strengths to Mrs. Clinton. Frankly, it is my suspicion that this time it is the New York Times which is treating Sanders like Nadar treated Leiberman. They don't want a Jew in the White House.
Mr. Blow has articulated what I was trying to say, so I am grateful for this article. I expect to vote for Hillary in the general election, but I want debates and primaries first. And I don't want Sanders dismissed for the reasons I suspect he is being dismissed.
It is not Charles Blow who has a hidden agenda. The New York Times has given Hillary Clinton glowing coverage without questioning any of her assertions, while most other candidates, particularly Sanders, are rarely covered if it cannot be spun into a hit piece. Mr. Blow is simply trying to apply a more balanced level of articulation of weaknesses and strengths to Mrs. Clinton. Frankly, it is my suspicion that this time it is the New York Times which is treating Sanders like Nadar treated Leiberman. They don't want a Jew in the White House.
Mr. Blow has articulated what I was trying to say, so I am grateful for this article. I expect to vote for Hillary in the general election, but I want debates and primaries first. And I don't want Sanders dismissed for the reasons I suspect he is being dismissed.
Wow! What an absolute hodge-podge of a piece Blow has penned today! To paraphrase Blow’s first paragraph, I found myself caught between laughing out loud in derision and shaking my head in disgust.
Expecting Hillary to admit that she was wrong about any of her own or Bill’s past misdeeds? Give me a break. To do so would be an act of political suicide.
Then, what is with the tone of Blow’s writing these days? It swings from the rational to attempts at thundering righteous moral indignation. All things considered, the injustices suffered by the poor in America these days, and mostly those who are people of color, needs to be fixed. But, it does not rise to the level of the civil rights fight of the 1960’s. Blow’s tone of near hysteria on racial matters is detracting from the need for targeted reforms.
The just changes Blow and others should be focusing on are:
• De-criminalization of petty offenses,
• Bail reform,
• Assistance instead of incarceration for low level offenses, and
• The de-militarization of our local police forces.
These changes would probably reduce one-third to one-half of the human resources and expenditures we are needlessly throwing away on law enforcement, courts and maintaining the largest penal infrastructure in the free world. Those are resources that could be better channeled towards educating our children and making our communities better places.
All lives matter.
Expecting Hillary to admit that she was wrong about any of her own or Bill’s past misdeeds? Give me a break. To do so would be an act of political suicide.
Then, what is with the tone of Blow’s writing these days? It swings from the rational to attempts at thundering righteous moral indignation. All things considered, the injustices suffered by the poor in America these days, and mostly those who are people of color, needs to be fixed. But, it does not rise to the level of the civil rights fight of the 1960’s. Blow’s tone of near hysteria on racial matters is detracting from the need for targeted reforms.
The just changes Blow and others should be focusing on are:
• De-criminalization of petty offenses,
• Bail reform,
• Assistance instead of incarceration for low level offenses, and
• The de-militarization of our local police forces.
These changes would probably reduce one-third to one-half of the human resources and expenditures we are needlessly throwing away on law enforcement, courts and maintaining the largest penal infrastructure in the free world. Those are resources that could be better channeled towards educating our children and making our communities better places.
All lives matter.
218
All of Julius Jones's questions are unanswerable by a politician seeking office. Politicians just don't tell people in public what they feel. Nothing is apart from their political interests. That's one reason why they're loathed. But if they do say what's on their mind, they open themselves to attack by all the rest who keep their mouths shut. Candor is a vote loser.
It is right and good for activists, and every citizen, to challenge their elected officials. There is far too little of it, and Mr Blow puts it very well in pointing out that even our political friends need to be held to account.
But Hillary is right, too. You can't expect people to just change the way they think or feel. For practical purposed, to change attitudes you have to change behaviour first. That strategy has worked to some degree but there is a long way to go. I believe that to help low income communities, especially dark-skinned ones, you have to invest in them, but there is a show-stopper there - it takes money. And while rich republicans shout that money doesn't solve problems, it certainly can if given a fighting chance. (Let's see what would happen if schools in white middle class areas were funded like the schools in black lower class areas. If money doesn't solve problems, the differences should be minimal.) Nevertheless, no republican will ever get re-elected for spending taxpayers's precious money on inner city programs. (I can put details to these but I am out of room.)
It is right and good for activists, and every citizen, to challenge their elected officials. There is far too little of it, and Mr Blow puts it very well in pointing out that even our political friends need to be held to account.
But Hillary is right, too. You can't expect people to just change the way they think or feel. For practical purposed, to change attitudes you have to change behaviour first. That strategy has worked to some degree but there is a long way to go. I believe that to help low income communities, especially dark-skinned ones, you have to invest in them, but there is a show-stopper there - it takes money. And while rich republicans shout that money doesn't solve problems, it certainly can if given a fighting chance. (Let's see what would happen if schools in white middle class areas were funded like the schools in black lower class areas. If money doesn't solve problems, the differences should be minimal.) Nevertheless, no republican will ever get re-elected for spending taxpayers's precious money on inner city programs. (I can put details to these but I am out of room.)
13
Why are the BLM activists only confronting Bernie and Hillary, the only two presidential candidates that might actually want to help with our racism problem? Why aren't they confronting the GOP candidates who have no interest in solving these problems? I want to see how Scott Walker and Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio react. I want to see them squirm when confronted by genuinely angry, concerned citizens. Let's hear their answers to our racial problem. Bashing Hillary has become so easy and tiresome. Start going after the truely bad guys that want to be president.
753
You got the impression that Hillary wants to help out? She met these activists after Bernie Sanders' plan was published and its contents known. Have you watched the videos? Her tone wasn't particularly pleasant.
Both released videos are here: http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/blog42-hillaryclinton-blm-video/
Both released videos are here: http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/blog42-hillaryclinton-blm-video/
5
I heard it on the radio and her TONE was fine.
6
Why would GOP candidates squirm? The vast majority of blacks aren't going to consider them, regardless of what they say. Elections are about getting votes and blacks have already put their cards on the table for Hillary. GOP candiates would be wasting their time trying to appease a group that doesn't have any intention of voting for them. That's why Hillary doesn't really have to address this young man's concerns - she's already bought his vote.
2
Do you remember Ralph Nader's little holier than thou kick? How did that work out? Hilary is a long way from perfect, but she at least sort of cares that poor children grow up fed, educated, and vaccinated well enough to have a chance in life. That is utterly untrue of any conceivable Republican nominee. You are letting this enemy of the merely good get thing get seriously out of hand.
98
Wow, Mr. Blow seems unable to respond to the questions this exchange posses. He focuses on blame and accountability without offering any constructive dialogue. We can't change the past, we can never make up for the country's sins. I agree with Hillary, the change begins with policy, changing laws, constructive action that makes a difference in the lives of all black people. Hillary may have been a part of an ill conceived policy, but it seems as though she has learned something from it. I don't here her making excuses, I see an honest and respectful dialogue happening in the video. It is her job to make policy if elected, but she seems to understand that this policy making shouldn't occur in a vacuum. We need the activist to work towards having a voice in policy, we need them to demand change, we need them to offer solutions. They have done an excellent job of giving a voice to the victims of racist hatred, both institutional and personal. Now we need them to become a part of the process, to get involve in proposing solutions. If I had any doubts about Hillary, many of them have been laid to rest after viewing this meaningful exchange.
44
Pray tell, when do the BLM activists plan to confront the candidates on the right, or don't they.
102
Let's be frank: The Republican candidates wouldn't let "those people" within 100 yards of their events. And I'm sure this is just as true for Dr. Ben Carson as it is for Scott Walker or Marco Rubio.
The candidates on the right aren't expecting the black vote, and the black voters aren't planning to vote for them. Hence the decision to focus on the candidates who are expecting said black vote.
The whole thing felt to me like reality TV. The black activists obviously chose not to embarrass HRC by crashing her rally or disrupting an appearance, the way they did with Bernie Sanders and some of the Republicans. Coincidence? I think not.
Mrs. Clinton was the last of the major candidates to be confronted by BLM. She had many days to think about what they would say when they did confront her. Is the last major candidate by coincidence? I think not.
There were no official TV cameras there by design, but the whole thing was caught on a cell phone camera. Obviously Mrs. Clinton knew she was being filmed. So to call it a spontaneous encounter puts that word through the Looking Glass. Coincidence? I think not.
Worst of all, the story breaks on the morning of the day that her lawyer says that yes indeed, HRC's emails server was wiped. And not by a cloth, either. Coincidence? I think not.
Mrs. Clinton was the last of the major candidates to be confronted by BLM. She had many days to think about what they would say when they did confront her. Is the last major candidate by coincidence? I think not.
There were no official TV cameras there by design, but the whole thing was caught on a cell phone camera. Obviously Mrs. Clinton knew she was being filmed. So to call it a spontaneous encounter puts that word through the Looking Glass. Coincidence? I think not.
Worst of all, the story breaks on the morning of the day that her lawyer says that yes indeed, HRC's emails server was wiped. And not by a cloth, either. Coincidence? I think not.
9
"The activists called on Clinton to answer for her and her husband’s part in the rise of mass incarceration in this country, a phenomenon that disproportionately affects black and brown people".
That's because their criminality is disproportionate to their population in this country. Simple math Blow......
That's because their criminality is disproportionate to their population in this country. Simple math Blow......
17
When we are demanding apologies and contrition, will it be OK to demand the same of Michelle Obama for the deportation record of Barack. I would be embarrassed for anyone who would do that. (I am a 100% supporter of President Obama and not so much of HRC.) This sort of thing is wrong headed. If you want a change then by all means, point out past mistakes and ask the candidate what they will do going forward.
Go Bernie !!
Go Bernie !!
8
Charles, it's one thing to protest excessive force by the police, but did you seriously ask why blacks are incarcerated at a higher rate than whites?
You do realize that blacks commit crimes at a higher rate than whites???
13% of the population commits over 50% of violent felonies.
You do realize that blacks commit crimes at a higher rate than whites???
13% of the population commits over 50% of violent felonies.
57
Or the fact that that virtually every "unarmed" black person recently shot by police was breaking some law when the incident occurred.
1
JStraight Furrow,
Please ask yourself, what sort of bent social environment gives rise to to the sad statistics you cite AND the even more sorrowful perspective you hold?
Try kicking things up a level or two in your thinking and you may come to the view that both are the chronically self-perpetuating result of a grotesquely flawed social system that is unable to correct itself.
Please ask yourself, what sort of bent social environment gives rise to to the sad statistics you cite AND the even more sorrowful perspective you hold?
Try kicking things up a level or two in your thinking and you may come to the view that both are the chronically self-perpetuating result of a grotesquely flawed social system that is unable to correct itself.
1
While looking up statistics, please pay attention to the role the drug war has played in gang violence, and gun violence in general.
I didn't like this at all. What is the point of demanding apologies and admissions of guilt for past acts? There have been bad actors and bad policies throughout world history. Many races have been slaves. What we really need to do is focus on the here and now and the future. We need to look at the people who are currently incarcerated for non-violent crimes and get them out of prison and incorporate them back into society. We need to get the mentally ill out of prison and into hospitals or treatment. We need to revise our cultural definition of punishment and focus on rehabilitation. So don't waste time demanding apologies from politicians. Write about concrete plans for action.
371
It might not be fair if you were demanding apologies for actions long past by actors who are long-since dead. Slavery could fall into this category.
But in this case, the actions were directly taken by the Clintons who are still very much with us and able to apologize for their actions. Welfare reform, banking deregulation, NAFTA and CAFTA harming the working poor, the ramping-up of the useless War on Drugs, all of this falls easily into the laps of the Clintons and is worthy of apology.
But in this case, the actions were directly taken by the Clintons who are still very much with us and able to apologize for their actions. Welfare reform, banking deregulation, NAFTA and CAFTA harming the working poor, the ramping-up of the useless War on Drugs, all of this falls easily into the laps of the Clintons and is worthy of apology.
"What is the point of demanding apologies and admissions of guilt for past acts?"
The point is very obvious: If you aren't sorry for what you did, then you are likely to do it again. Apologizing is the bare minimum you should do if you believe you've made a mistake. (Filed under "Everything I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten".)
Mrs Clinton actively promoted policies and laws that led more-or-less directly to the mass incarceration and aggressive policing of black people and black men in particular today. Since she is touting her experience as First Lady, it is completely fair to demand that she answer for those actions during her campaign.
The point is very obvious: If you aren't sorry for what you did, then you are likely to do it again. Apologizing is the bare minimum you should do if you believe you've made a mistake. (Filed under "Everything I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten".)
Mrs Clinton actively promoted policies and laws that led more-or-less directly to the mass incarceration and aggressive policing of black people and black men in particular today. Since she is touting her experience as First Lady, it is completely fair to demand that she answer for those actions during her campaign.
1
Exactly! More solutions, not more rhetoric.
Above all else, Hillary covets desperately the White House. And she will say what ever will bring her the votes for now. The spots on a leopard do not change.
4
I agree that her answer was evasive and vague. I agree that liberals have a lot to answer for and must give straight answers to the Black Lives Matter activists; and, liberals must propose policies that repeal and reverse the effects of their previous policies. That said, I thought the one of the more troubling aspects of the exchange was the part you left out--just as she was asked the hard question, two staffers interrupted--as in wrestling to distract the referee and allow an escape--that gave her time to think of her answer and know that they were going to pull her out of the exchange--saved by the bell from a TKO. We must enact reforms that reverse the effects of previous policies. That, to me, is the bottom line.
8
If I'm not mistaken, the rate of violent crime in the US steadily increased from the 1960's to the 1990's. This would explain and, I think, justify why Clinton signed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act into law in 1994. No need for an apology. When the crime rate is high, bringing it down may entail increasing the prison population. The fact that blacks commit violent crimes at a much higher rate than the rest of the population would explain the disproportionate impact of the law on them.
49
Just wondering - if blacks are so dissatisfied with Sanders and Clinton, just which of the GOP candidates will be more likely to address their issues? If blacks decide not to vote at all, that may well result in a GOP president. Just how do blacks think that would play out? As has been pointed out, the Democrats are not liberal, they are at best centrists. Still, who is willing to work to change the laws, mea culpa or not?
162
To paraphrase the great Ted Knight, in Caddyshack: "You'll get nothing, and like it."
2
You know you can be liberal and centrist AND a Democrat right?
4
Sanders is genuinely liberal, which makes it all the more puzzling and appalling that he was the main target of the BLM attacks. They attack their closest allies first!
3
Mr. Blow, there’s no shadow of doubt that most of the heat in race relations comes from the far right which now owns the GOP. Let’s not forget that the Republicans became the true inheritors of the America’s racist legacy when they welcomed Dixiecrats into their party with open arms.
I normally agree with your arguments but, in asking liberals more so than conservatives to answer for complicity in racial problems, you take your eye off the prize. Yes, liberals have been complicit, but going after them in an election campaign that could end in undivided Republican government is a mighty dangerous game; when directed against someone like Bernie Sanders, who has the thread of civil rights running all through his political career, it’s downright, self-defeating indecency.
As America’s original sin, racism will always be there to rear its ugly head, but I think it’s mostly used by the ruling class as a proxy for dividing and ruling the less well off. In other societies, religion or language plays the same role.
Remember why, as you point out, 9 out of 10 blacks vote Democratic - FDR’s New Deal, of course. It didn’t get rid of racism but it set the stage for LBJ, the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts – and the current backlash. The current of history isn’t all one way, it ebbs and flows. This could be the moment it flows again, but it needs another big, united push to further the interests of middle and working class people. Please let’s not blow it.
I normally agree with your arguments but, in asking liberals more so than conservatives to answer for complicity in racial problems, you take your eye off the prize. Yes, liberals have been complicit, but going after them in an election campaign that could end in undivided Republican government is a mighty dangerous game; when directed against someone like Bernie Sanders, who has the thread of civil rights running all through his political career, it’s downright, self-defeating indecency.
As America’s original sin, racism will always be there to rear its ugly head, but I think it’s mostly used by the ruling class as a proxy for dividing and ruling the less well off. In other societies, religion or language plays the same role.
Remember why, as you point out, 9 out of 10 blacks vote Democratic - FDR’s New Deal, of course. It didn’t get rid of racism but it set the stage for LBJ, the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts – and the current backlash. The current of history isn’t all one way, it ebbs and flows. This could be the moment it flows again, but it needs another big, united push to further the interests of middle and working class people. Please let’s not blow it.
44
One cannot understate how horrible and despicable a sin slavery was in America - but to call it "America's Original" sin is to make America's true original sin - the sin that preceded slavery and continued beyond the time slavery was outlawed into events such as Wounded Knee - seem less the great evil than it really was: the conquest of America itself; the murder, dislocation and true genocide inflicted upon the original peoples of this continent, some of whose nations are now remembered only in the wind, and by artifacts that still show up in turned earth.
1
Ah, yes, the sins of those nearest to us. It's our fault, really, right?
But here's the catch: did the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act actually spell out that people of color were to be its victims? Is that provable? Or is that an unintended consequence.
And, furthermore, like all of the tainted Clinton era legislation, like DOMA, DADT and turning back of Glass-Steagall, what was the role of republicans in Congress in terms of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act? Did it happen in a vacuum? Was Clinton doing this on his own?
But here's the catch: did the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act actually spell out that people of color were to be its victims? Is that provable? Or is that an unintended consequence.
And, furthermore, like all of the tainted Clinton era legislation, like DOMA, DADT and turning back of Glass-Steagall, what was the role of republicans in Congress in terms of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act? Did it happen in a vacuum? Was Clinton doing this on his own?
24
“I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way systems operate.” With all due respect to the cause and to you Mr. Blow, if change is sought then one must do more then simply vote and protest, one must actively get involved in our very damaged political system and change it from within. Yes, ask candidly and if necessary forcefully of Clinton, Sanders et. al what they intend to do, and how they see the issues at hand ... but a long view is also necessary, gotcha's and overarching accountability will not serve if a Republican nominee ends up with the presidential seat.
24
The eventual Democratic Presidential nominee, probably Hillary Clinton, will "Sister Souljah" "Black Lives Matter" Modererate whites along with Latinos, whom identity as white, will expect no less.
4
Well shoot, Mr. Blow, we should simply have different laws applicable to different ethnicities. And here we're not saying "people of color", or "blacks and women", but instead you're trying "black and brown", because, as always, we're trying to cover up the real problem. And you apparently don't even know what the real problem is. How do we break the cycle of poverty and self segregation, Mr. Blow?
17
Any day an ordinary citizen is allowed to confront a politician and make him or her squirm is a good day in America.
Hillary gave fairly pat answers, which some people are strangely confusing with spontaneity. Her tone ranged from weary to condescending to impatient. Her body language was quite telling, what with all the finger-jabbing.
It's still early days for the BLM movement.. They're sure to give her and the PTB what just what they say they want. Demands and plans, and hopefully strength in ever-increasing numbers.
I'm still waiting for an explanation for not only her history of cruelty toward low level drug users, but also for her ignominious role in welfare "reform."
She's never expressed regrets for that travesty, which condemned millions of poor women and children to lives of permanent poverty. She loves to brag about her work in the Children's Defense Fund, but forgets to mention that White House poverty adviser Peter Edelman (her "mentor" Marian Wright's husband) resigned in protest when the Clintons sided with the GOP and forced mothers of very young kids to go to work at low-paying jobs. The Clintons also broke their promise of educational help and child care. They accomplished what the GOP could never have accomplished alone.
Hillary bragged that by the time she and Bill left the White House, they'd succeeded in reducing the welfare rolls by 60%.
She needs a Miracle Ear to cure her tone-deafness.
http://kmgarcia2000.blogspot.com/
Hillary gave fairly pat answers, which some people are strangely confusing with spontaneity. Her tone ranged from weary to condescending to impatient. Her body language was quite telling, what with all the finger-jabbing.
It's still early days for the BLM movement.. They're sure to give her and the PTB what just what they say they want. Demands and plans, and hopefully strength in ever-increasing numbers.
I'm still waiting for an explanation for not only her history of cruelty toward low level drug users, but also for her ignominious role in welfare "reform."
She's never expressed regrets for that travesty, which condemned millions of poor women and children to lives of permanent poverty. She loves to brag about her work in the Children's Defense Fund, but forgets to mention that White House poverty adviser Peter Edelman (her "mentor" Marian Wright's husband) resigned in protest when the Clintons sided with the GOP and forced mothers of very young kids to go to work at low-paying jobs. The Clintons also broke their promise of educational help and child care. They accomplished what the GOP could never have accomplished alone.
Hillary bragged that by the time she and Bill left the White House, they'd succeeded in reducing the welfare rolls by 60%.
She needs a Miracle Ear to cure her tone-deafness.
http://kmgarcia2000.blogspot.com/
17
I don't know how to think about labeling the presidency of Bill Clinton as "The Clintons," as if they were equally powerful in the role of bringing about change, good or bad. That's a genuine dilemma, as I credit Hillary with being engaged all her life, but she is hardly in a position to point to her husband's record as her own. It makes more sense to me to look at Hillary's positions on the issues as HER positions, what she thinks NOW -- after a lifetime of supporting Democratic values, after a lifetime of observing power and its limitations as well as its opportunities. "The Clintons" taken-as-a-unit reminds me of all the kids I have worked with, when they referred to their parents as if they were an undifferentiated mass: "my parents think this" or "my parents would kill me if I did that." I would always ask, Which parent? Because that kind of clarity would make a difference with a teenager struggling with power issues. So I like to sharpen my own perceptions of "The Clintons."
1
Molly,
Hillary was perhaps the most powerful first lady in history, and she had an integral role in the passage of both the crime bill and the welfare reform bill. Since both she and Bill worked as a team on these and other initiatives, it's not a stretch to describe the Clinton regime as a "co-presidency."
The results have been devastating for poor women and children:
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/tragic-end-woman-bill-clinton-...
https://www.jacobinmag.com/2015/03/hillary-clinton-womens-rights-feminism/
Hillary was perhaps the most powerful first lady in history, and she had an integral role in the passage of both the crime bill and the welfare reform bill. Since both she and Bill worked as a team on these and other initiatives, it's not a stretch to describe the Clinton regime as a "co-presidency."
The results have been devastating for poor women and children:
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/tragic-end-woman-bill-clinton-...
https://www.jacobinmag.com/2015/03/hillary-clinton-womens-rights-feminism/
Demanding apologies and admissions of guilt is a tactic that rarely produces positive results. Instead, it tends to produce standoffs. After all, are we going to demand admissions of guilt from Blacks for the high murder rate of Black men? Are we going to demand apologies from Hispanic Americans for their illegal immigration problem?
If change is the desired outcome, it's an unproductive tactic. Rather childish, in fact. Just because democratic politicians are reacting so feebly to it doesn't mean it will result in anything of consequence after the election cycle.
If change is the desired outcome, it's an unproductive tactic. Rather childish, in fact. Just because democratic politicians are reacting so feebly to it doesn't mean it will result in anything of consequence after the election cycle.
170
I'm a progressive Democrat who is not a Clinton fan--neither of Bill who did so many things wrong, especially with respect to African-Americans, nor of Hillary who just never gets it that she's too much in her overly clever and calculating head and too little in her spontaneous and warm heart to win my trust (and I'm a white male of her generation). Rather than challenge the young Black Lives Matter activist to come up with a "viable policy" (I thought that was her job), she should have been ready as an act of apology and contrition to present a few concrete policy, and fairly obvious (I think), ideas like proposing: the mandatory appointment of an independent state's attorney in all police murder cases such as those of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Tamir Rice; retraining all police using the latest psychological techniques that would make them more aware and sensitive to people of color, especially in de-escalating situations; changing the focus of modern policing from minor, "broken windows" type offenses to major crime and community safety among others. Mrs. Clinton is the politician running for office not the young black activist, and she is the one he and I are counting on to take the endless epidemic of white police murders of black youth seriously not as a question to be cleverly brushed aside as if Black Lives Still Don't Matter.
19
Paul. ... You touch all of the salient points that needed to be said.
Not bad ideas; and I agree that it is up to her to forge policy. But what's this folderol about "her spontaneous and warm heart [to win my]…." and your reference to her "too clever and calculating head…." I mean, is this kind of gender stereotyping REALLY necessary?
2
Poor lives matter, both black and white. The issue we are not talking about is jobs. Jobs left the country under "W" Bush, and they have not returned. Poverty affects people of all races and colors, and long term poverty produces crime, petty and serious. Where is Meth produced? In white communities. More poor whites than poor blacks use Meth. Is Meth involved in crime stats? Yes. The U.S. is in a transition from manufacturing jobs to service jobs. Poor whites and poor blacks had more opportunities when we had manufacturing jobs. We need to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. If we owe China for the Iraq War, we need to find another way to pay her other than jobs we cannot afford to lose. Call Centers are not the same as union jobs on assembly lines. If we are a corporate governed nation now, we need to recognize the huge problems that has brought. If we have a Starbucks on every corner, we will still have the employed poor. Poor people do not buy houses, and they do not have "disposable" income to spend.
1
Charles,
With due respect, and great measure of respect is warranted, you have become a one trick pony.
Hillary has never legislated any of the things you complain about.
This column makes as much sense as me blaming you for views your wife holds.
I'm no fan of Hillary Clinton.
However she is not the bogey man you make her out to be in this piece.
You consistently call for accountability.
How about a column which acknowledges the extraordinary phenomenon of black on black crime which more often than not takes, or ruins the lives of innocent black bystanders because 'gangsters' rarely hit their mark.
That, Mr. Blow, would be a service to that segment of the black community that wants to move beyond the stereotypes generated by the epidemic of black on black crime.
My daily source on this is the Chicago Tribune. Their lead story, almost every day, is the ridiculously high number of shootings overnight in the city of Chicago.
It is, almost exclusively, black on black crime.
There's so much grist there that Spike Lee's making a movie on the phenomenon. 'Chi-raque'.
The stereotype you hope to reverse will continue in the eyes of the public so long as the lead story remains the same.
With due respect, and great measure of respect is warranted, you have become a one trick pony.
Hillary has never legislated any of the things you complain about.
This column makes as much sense as me blaming you for views your wife holds.
I'm no fan of Hillary Clinton.
However she is not the bogey man you make her out to be in this piece.
You consistently call for accountability.
How about a column which acknowledges the extraordinary phenomenon of black on black crime which more often than not takes, or ruins the lives of innocent black bystanders because 'gangsters' rarely hit their mark.
That, Mr. Blow, would be a service to that segment of the black community that wants to move beyond the stereotypes generated by the epidemic of black on black crime.
My daily source on this is the Chicago Tribune. Their lead story, almost every day, is the ridiculously high number of shootings overnight in the city of Chicago.
It is, almost exclusively, black on black crime.
There's so much grist there that Spike Lee's making a movie on the phenomenon. 'Chi-raque'.
The stereotype you hope to reverse will continue in the eyes of the public so long as the lead story remains the same.
401
Mr. Thomas,
Bill Clinton sold Hillary Clinton as his two-fer partner in both his runs for the presidency. She was an active member in his cabinet. This is all well-documented.
She owns Bill Clinton's policies, the crime bill portion of it, as well as the welfare reform portion of it.
There is no getting away from that and she knows it.
Bill Clinton sold Hillary Clinton as his two-fer partner in both his runs for the presidency. She was an active member in his cabinet. This is all well-documented.
She owns Bill Clinton's policies, the crime bill portion of it, as well as the welfare reform portion of it.
There is no getting away from that and she knows it.
14
And if Vice President Biden runs, should he be held for having written the bill?
2
I didn't read this column as an indictment of Hillary but more as a juxtaposition of stated values with actions - or lack of actions - that reflect those values, and Hillary is the poster child for this because she's the front-runner for the Democratic nomination for president. And she's the one who was challenged.
I'm not a "fan" of Hillary either, but I will be when it comes time to vote for her in the presidential election and that's all that matters.
I'm not a "fan" of Hillary either, but I will be when it comes time to vote for her in the presidential election and that's all that matters.
2
Charles Blow, you tell it straight! I am a white elder, at 78, who has seen much. The systems of racism are rampant...and hidden from cursory view, especially from us white men. After all it works great for us. What's the problem?!
As a retired consultant who focused on bringing hidden systems into awareness, I applaud your consistent reminders. We can't change what we can't see. And the real issue is us liberals who simply can't see. So, go after Hillary and get her to see!
Blessings,
Alan
As a retired consultant who focused on bringing hidden systems into awareness, I applaud your consistent reminders. We can't change what we can't see. And the real issue is us liberals who simply can't see. So, go after Hillary and get her to see!
Blessings,
Alan
16
Amen! I'm only 73, but have dedicated much of my life politically to what you say. Let's us old geezers keep after them!
I would like to confront the Black Lives Matter protesters at one of their events. I would like to insist upon answers to the following:
Why do so many young Black males abdicate responsibility for their children?
Why do so few African American parents come to Parent-Teacher Conference meetings at school?
Agreeing that Black Lives Matter, what does the Black community plan to do about violence in among Black Americans that is disproportionately high?
Why do Black Lives Matter participants think they can demand answers from whites without providing any answers in return?
Why do so many young Black males abdicate responsibility for their children?
Why do so few African American parents come to Parent-Teacher Conference meetings at school?
Agreeing that Black Lives Matter, what does the Black community plan to do about violence in among Black Americans that is disproportionately high?
Why do Black Lives Matter participants think they can demand answers from whites without providing any answers in return?
512
tintin -
You are missing the point. BLM demands that attention be paid to the disproportionally deadly effects of bias in law enforcement and that remedies be found and implemented. Your "facts" are not pertinent to this discussion. (And are more insulting than useful anyway)
You are missing the point. BLM demands that attention be paid to the disproportionally deadly effects of bias in law enforcement and that remedies be found and implemented. Your "facts" are not pertinent to this discussion. (And are more insulting than useful anyway)
4
No, I understand their point. I have no problem with BLM making their point and demanding justice within the justice system. They should. My point, however, is that BLM, and other Black advocate groups or activists, need to be prepared to answer some difficult questions in return. The Black community has been victimized by the justice system, yes. But the Black community also has some entrenched problems that only the Black community can do something about. White Americans are not responsible for the disproportionate fatherless rate among African American youth. White Americans are not responsible for the lack of value for education among African American youth. There are problems that white Americans must take responsibility for with regards to the plight of African Americans, and there are problems African Americans must take responsibility for themselves. BLM wants to emphasize only one of these.
4
White people are still the reigning ruling majority in America.
There are far more poorly educated single white parents on welfare in America than there are black. While the proportion of blacks is higher there are 5x as many white people. And white family pathology is persistent and growing.
Whites are far more likely to be the victim of any type crime by another white person. A white person has a 95% chance of being murdered by another white person.
What are white people going to do about their lazy, ignorant and immoral males and parents?
What are white people going to do about their problem of white- on -white crime?
Absent the black legacy of enslavement and Jim Crow, what is the matter with white people?
There are far more poorly educated single white parents on welfare in America than there are black. While the proportion of blacks is higher there are 5x as many white people. And white family pathology is persistent and growing.
Whites are far more likely to be the victim of any type crime by another white person. A white person has a 95% chance of being murdered by another white person.
What are white people going to do about their lazy, ignorant and immoral males and parents?
What are white people going to do about their problem of white- on -white crime?
Absent the black legacy of enslavement and Jim Crow, what is the matter with white people?
3
"More than nine in 10 blacks vote Democratic. That level of fidelity should give black people some leverage, at the very least, to demand accountability."
Sorry, Mr. Blow, but it is the exact opposite. Many or most Democrats pander to blacks around election time (former senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana was the most notorious example) and then disappear until the next election. Meanwhile, because they know that 90% Democratic vote is impossible to crack, many or most Republicans do not even bother trying to address black voters.
So blacks are victims of both pandering and ignoring by the two parties.
Sorry, Mr. Blow, but it is the exact opposite. Many or most Democrats pander to blacks around election time (former senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana was the most notorious example) and then disappear until the next election. Meanwhile, because they know that 90% Democratic vote is impossible to crack, many or most Republicans do not even bother trying to address black voters.
So blacks are victims of both pandering and ignoring by the two parties.
14
Victims. Got it, victims. "Victim" is the keyword. Victim.
1
When judged by their actions, not by their words. the Clintons and Presient Obama have been devastating for black and Latino people.
- Mass incarceration by for-profit prison corporations Geo and CCA (who now send "bundlers" to the Hillary Clinton campaign).
- Bill Clinton's murderous santions on Iraq that prepared the ground for the murderous 2003 attack on Iraq which Hillary Clinton voted for (and which has killed and maimed black and Latino - and Iraqi -young people disproportionately).
- President Obama's deporation of over two million people - ratcheted up willfully as soon as he took office, over alreay historically unprecedented levels of George W. Bush. Does anybody ever mention black undocumented people, by the way? Undocumented black people from Honduras, from Haiti, from the Dominican Repblic, from Brazil, from Colombia?
- NAFTA, CAFTA and now the TPP which have ravaged (in the case of TPP, will ravage) jobs of black people - and of white people too of course?
- Militarization of police with Army weapons?
What to do in the face of Democratic politicians who speak eloquently of feeling people's pain while acting in in cold blood to callously destroy people's lives?
Voting is not enough. Citizens have to organize from the ground up.
- Mass incarceration by for-profit prison corporations Geo and CCA (who now send "bundlers" to the Hillary Clinton campaign).
- Bill Clinton's murderous santions on Iraq that prepared the ground for the murderous 2003 attack on Iraq which Hillary Clinton voted for (and which has killed and maimed black and Latino - and Iraqi -young people disproportionately).
- President Obama's deporation of over two million people - ratcheted up willfully as soon as he took office, over alreay historically unprecedented levels of George W. Bush. Does anybody ever mention black undocumented people, by the way? Undocumented black people from Honduras, from Haiti, from the Dominican Repblic, from Brazil, from Colombia?
- NAFTA, CAFTA and now the TPP which have ravaged (in the case of TPP, will ravage) jobs of black people - and of white people too of course?
- Militarization of police with Army weapons?
What to do in the face of Democratic politicians who speak eloquently of feeling people's pain while acting in in cold blood to callously destroy people's lives?
Voting is not enough. Citizens have to organize from the ground up.
18
"Murderess sanctions"? Murderess?
HRC is a selfish intellectual who easily spouts select words in amiable manner when she allows you her time but it should not be overlooked that HRC wanted more out of this meeting than she was ever going to give the BLM members. They were not allowed into her larger community meeting, so she assuaged them by meeting with them separately.
HRC is in trouble in the polls and perhaps with the FBI for her server issues. She needs a distraction that may provide some dividends, so she like her husband Bill, know when it is to their advantage to work with black people. Why isn't Bill's contrition at the NAACP meeting viewed as being offered in order to help his wife? Nothing to be vexed about here: both of them used an opportunity to be with black people for their own benefit. Bill is not running for office again but Hillary is.
Mr. Blow is right: HRC did not acknowledge her role in laws that made long prison terms and incarceration much more likely for African Americans. She ignored that part of the conversation, but she was quick to tell the BLM member that she would just "talk with white people" if he felt the way he did about how she felt about his ideas of what black people want and need. If she is not right, if it is not her points that rule the exchange; if she is convinced that hearts can't change, only laws can, she sure was trying to change the heart and minds of people in the middle east during her tenure as SOS. Again, to her benefit. Disingenuous is what it is called.
HRC is in trouble in the polls and perhaps with the FBI for her server issues. She needs a distraction that may provide some dividends, so she like her husband Bill, know when it is to their advantage to work with black people. Why isn't Bill's contrition at the NAACP meeting viewed as being offered in order to help his wife? Nothing to be vexed about here: both of them used an opportunity to be with black people for their own benefit. Bill is not running for office again but Hillary is.
Mr. Blow is right: HRC did not acknowledge her role in laws that made long prison terms and incarceration much more likely for African Americans. She ignored that part of the conversation, but she was quick to tell the BLM member that she would just "talk with white people" if he felt the way he did about how she felt about his ideas of what black people want and need. If she is not right, if it is not her points that rule the exchange; if she is convinced that hearts can't change, only laws can, she sure was trying to change the heart and minds of people in the middle east during her tenure as SOS. Again, to her benefit. Disingenuous is what it is called.
10
"Selfish" -- Now, you've ascribed a negative personal trait--selfish to HRC. Why, because she is too ambitious for you? What knowledge do any of us have that she is a selfish person?
1
"Clinton pointed to her record on civil rights work, but she never apologized for, or even acknowledged, her and her husband’s role in giving America the dubious distinction of having the world’s highest incarceration rate.
To me, the diversion was stunning, and telling."
Charles Blow, you've put into words EXACTLY my response to the video. I don't understand Maggie Haberman's interpretation of how that video played out. But the fact that you got it gives me faith in The New York Times.
Didn't agree with you so much on the Bernie Sanders episode - he's a different politician who pursued different policies (not Clinton-style mass incarceration) - but you NAILED it on this one.
Thank you, Charles. Thank you for pointing Times readers to the truth.
To me, the diversion was stunning, and telling."
Charles Blow, you've put into words EXACTLY my response to the video. I don't understand Maggie Haberman's interpretation of how that video played out. But the fact that you got it gives me faith in The New York Times.
Didn't agree with you so much on the Bernie Sanders episode - he's a different politician who pursued different policies (not Clinton-style mass incarceration) - but you NAILED it on this one.
Thank you, Charles. Thank you for pointing Times readers to the truth.
13
First of all, Hillary Clinton is center right, not liberal.
119
OMG, she is left of center by any measure. Not liberal, not progressive, but not "center right". If you're got concrete evidence of that in terms of policy to substantiate that, then here's your opportunity, proceed governor:
1
Keep thinking that and alienating the middle and you risk writing of a huge chunk of centrist Dems to the Republican party. Is that what we all want?
Black Lives Matter is looking for a personal, honest commitment from Mrs. Clinton. Mrs. Clinton is looking for a list of specific policy changes.
As a voter, I am far more interested in hearing the personal commitment. The reason for this is that politics requires work and compromise. An attempt to change policy can, and usually does, fail. In this reality, I am interested in looking for someone who shares a true commitment to the cause of ending the systematic abuse of black people by the state. A policy list is important, but it needs to come with a long term agenda that truly addresses the very real problems faced by black people in America today.
As a voter, I am far more interested in hearing the personal commitment. The reason for this is that politics requires work and compromise. An attempt to change policy can, and usually does, fail. In this reality, I am interested in looking for someone who shares a true commitment to the cause of ending the systematic abuse of black people by the state. A policy list is important, but it needs to come with a long term agenda that truly addresses the very real problems faced by black people in America today.
13
When Clinton said that you don't change hearts, you change laws she was right. Peoples' hearts, beliefs, norms... tend to change incrementally. Mr. Blow is free to work at heart changing via prose, just as a politician can and should use the bully pulpit. Unfortunately, this often takes time, the shift on gay marriage is a prime example. What Mrs. Clinton could do in office is change laws. In the stroke of a pen, the world is different. The fact that Mr. Blow cites legislation enacted during Bill Clinton's tenure points precisely to this point.
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Hillary is only restating a point from her old hero, Barry Goldwater (she was a "Goldwater Girl," after all): morality can't be legislated. (That was his argument against the Civil Rights legislation.)
I agree. I've been involved in political protest movements since the late 1960s, and Hillary got it exactly right. You are never going to accomplish change by changing hearts - heats change when experience changes, and laws, policies and resource allocations shape experience. Clinton was speaking from experience, and she nailed it.
Charles Blow wasn't really listening to her. It wasn't a diversion - she was telling the young man that, unless the Black Lives Matter supporters were willing to engage in the process in a productive, policy-focused way, nothing would change. That's what Sanders did - he ran for office, first as the mayor and then as Senstor.
Charles Blow wasn't really listening to her. It wasn't a diversion - she was telling the young man that, unless the Black Lives Matter supporters were willing to engage in the process in a productive, policy-focused way, nothing would change. That's what Sanders did - he ran for office, first as the mayor and then as Senstor.
3
LBJ did more for people of all colors than Clinton did: The Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act were passed under LBJ, and he knew he would lose the South when he supported those Acts. Neither Clinton has done anything as important as LBJ did, and nothing as brave.
I am white and my perception is blacks commit a disproportionate share of the crimes in this country. If I am wrong will someone point this out to me so I can get better educated.
If I am right is it not natural that a disproportionate share of prison population is black? I understand that contributing factors to this include higher poverty rates, lower education levels and other sociological factors that we need to work on.
In the mean time what do we do with these people committing the crimes? Turn the other cheek?
If I am right is it not natural that a disproportionate share of prison population is black? I understand that contributing factors to this include higher poverty rates, lower education levels and other sociological factors that we need to work on.
In the mean time what do we do with these people committing the crimes? Turn the other cheek?
59
I remember coming up a long stairwell from a parking garage at night once, the city plaza a story above still, and two young African American men happened to be going down just then. The stairwell turned and there they were. The lighting was poor. I was alone. They were young, male, black, and bigger than me, and there was nobody else anywhere around.
I smiled a cheerful hello with a nod in greeting and thoroughly meant it--after a health crisis, it was very good to be alive that fine night. The one further from me, busy talking, absent-mindedly nodded back. His friend, though, it seemed couldn't stop staring: I was not clutching for my purse, I was not looking furtively for an escape, I was not scared of the dark nor the dark in their skin--I was engaging in the normal, day-to-day greeting of hail fellow well met that we are all due.
I think you've already guessed that I am a petite white woman.
It broke my heart that their being treated like normal human beings in such circumstances was something so clearly astounding to that one poor kid.
Banicki, all those who have clutched their purses or briefcases and moved to the lighted side of the street have made it just a little harder for such kids to think society expects well of them. We have a profound power to influence each other for good. We must choose to. I am forever grateful I went through that health crisis: it prepared me that night to let that young man see himself through a better set of eyes.
I smiled a cheerful hello with a nod in greeting and thoroughly meant it--after a health crisis, it was very good to be alive that fine night. The one further from me, busy talking, absent-mindedly nodded back. His friend, though, it seemed couldn't stop staring: I was not clutching for my purse, I was not looking furtively for an escape, I was not scared of the dark nor the dark in their skin--I was engaging in the normal, day-to-day greeting of hail fellow well met that we are all due.
I think you've already guessed that I am a petite white woman.
It broke my heart that their being treated like normal human beings in such circumstances was something so clearly astounding to that one poor kid.
Banicki, all those who have clutched their purses or briefcases and moved to the lighted side of the street have made it just a little harder for such kids to think society expects well of them. We have a profound power to influence each other for good. We must choose to. I am forever grateful I went through that health crisis: it prepared me that night to let that young man see himself through a better set of eyes.
2
If you havn't noticed the frequently stated fact that whites, for example, violate the laws against the use of drugs (marihuana and others) more frequently than do blacks, but blacks are ten times more likely to be incarcerated for such a "crime,"you have carefully avoided facing the facts of crime and punishment in the US--an extension of Jim Crow, disenfranchisement, and slavery enforced by other means. By the way, I am an elderly white Canadian who has seen some of the US in person.
Banicki, it's hard to get real figures because too often discussions are based on ideology -- the Wall Street Journal would have it that everything is the fault of black criminals, the Times that it's all structural racism. But in fact I think it's pretty clear that it's a mixture.
Levels of black crime and violence are higher than for other groups, and the crime tends to be of the kind that exposes people to arrest, e.g., drug sales on the street. Black people *also* are singled out for attention by the police and once in the courts, have worse representation and receive harsher sentences.
It seems to me that this is the kind of discussion we should be having, a discussion that is based on the actual situation rather than ideological preconceptions. Otherwise, I think a lot of us are just going to be as puzzled as you are.
For me, anyway, facts, honestly and logically presented, make compelling arguments, whereas ideological tirades don't mean very much.
Levels of black crime and violence are higher than for other groups, and the crime tends to be of the kind that exposes people to arrest, e.g., drug sales on the street. Black people *also* are singled out for attention by the police and once in the courts, have worse representation and receive harsher sentences.
It seems to me that this is the kind of discussion we should be having, a discussion that is based on the actual situation rather than ideological preconceptions. Otherwise, I think a lot of us are just going to be as puzzled as you are.
For me, anyway, facts, honestly and logically presented, make compelling arguments, whereas ideological tirades don't mean very much.
3
I thought Hillary Clinton was spot on. What I find telling (and quite sad really) is how the Black Lives Matter movement really has no solid ideas or suggestions as how to remedy or outsmart the situations their so chagrined about. Most whites don't feel they have anything to do with the problems and there's a large amount of Blacks (poor, middle class and wealthy) who basically feel the same way. The overly small numbers of protesters at any given time and place tells that story. Being Black living in a predominantly Black gentrifying neighborhood here in New York I can tell you no one is really talking about it. So obviously people aren't pressed and going about their daily lives.
The movement has a long way to go.
The movement has a long way to go.
134
Correction: You (Mr. Slater) don't feel you have anything to do with the problem. In fact, you do.
4
"Stop killing us" isn't enough of a suggested remedy?
All lives matter.
People behind bars matter.
People trying to live in better conditions matter.
To change the photograph of American attitudes, a revaluation of values is called for.
Many criminal offenders are sick and tired of being sick and tired of going thru the revolving doors of the criminal justice circus.
See: www.reentry-reintegration.com for ways to change attitudes on both sides of prison walls.
The American public has got to change their lust for revenge and criminal offenders have to change their lust for irresponsibility.
The Clintons hail from Arkansas, across the river from Mississippi and the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
There is a Conservative streak in the Clinton fabric that has not ever been explained, but circumstances are demanding commitments to values that reflect beliefs that ALL lives matter.
People behind bars matter.
People trying to live in better conditions matter.
To change the photograph of American attitudes, a revaluation of values is called for.
Many criminal offenders are sick and tired of being sick and tired of going thru the revolving doors of the criminal justice circus.
See: www.reentry-reintegration.com for ways to change attitudes on both sides of prison walls.
The American public has got to change their lust for revenge and criminal offenders have to change their lust for irresponsibility.
The Clintons hail from Arkansas, across the river from Mississippi and the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
There is a Conservative streak in the Clinton fabric that has not ever been explained, but circumstances are demanding commitments to values that reflect beliefs that ALL lives matter.
8
"The American public has got to change their lust for revenge..."
What you call revenge, others might call safety & security.
What you call revenge, others might call safety & security.
1
Ok, this is where you start to lose me. As a gay man, I would say to black men, where is the apology for all the homophobia directed at gay men and still is. To call out liberals for past mostakes and disregard your own is just distasteful. If your going to hit the Clintons then you've really lost me. Racism isn't only in one direction it seems.
609
Oh wait, homophobia? Oh, well that's OK, I mean come on now, there's discrimination and then there's REAL discrimination. It's OK to bash the gays, cuz they are not REAL.
4
Mr. Gifford,
If this is the direction you're going to take, then would you like to talk about anti-black racism within the gay community? There is a lot of that there. Why don't you read the writings of Son of Baldwin on Tumblr, Twitter or Facebook?
There is real pain right there.
No one is blameless when it comes to bias, but pointing an accusatory finger at Mr. Blow on that particular count, is absolutely crass. Shame on the Times for giving this comment a pick.
If this is the direction you're going to take, then would you like to talk about anti-black racism within the gay community? There is a lot of that there. Why don't you read the writings of Son of Baldwin on Tumblr, Twitter or Facebook?
There is real pain right there.
No one is blameless when it comes to bias, but pointing an accusatory finger at Mr. Blow on that particular count, is absolutely crass. Shame on the Times for giving this comment a pick.
7
On June 22, Charles Blow had a column about race terrorism. An FBI graphic accompanied the column: Breakdown of hate crimes in 2013. Although Mr. Blow wrote about White racists, he missed an important piece of information contained in the graphic.
The graphic showed that 66.4% of racial hate crimes were anti-black and 21.4% were anti-white. This seems to support Mr. Blow. However, according to the graphic, a Black person is more likely to commit a hate crime than a White person.
Since Whites make up about 77.7% of the population and Blacks make up about 13.2% of the population, assuming Asians (5%) commit few racial hate crimes, the graphic shows that 13.2% of the population commits 21.4% of the hate crimes while 77.7% of the population commits 66.4% of the hate crimes. (Population statistics come from the 2010 U.S. Census. Census.gov)
While hate crimes against Blacks are more numerous than hate crimes against Whites because there are far more Whites than Blacks, this graphic shows that a Black person is significantly (1.5 times) more likely to commit a racial hate crime than a White person. It appears that racists come in all colors.
The graphic showed that 66.4% of racial hate crimes were anti-black and 21.4% were anti-white. This seems to support Mr. Blow. However, according to the graphic, a Black person is more likely to commit a hate crime than a White person.
Since Whites make up about 77.7% of the population and Blacks make up about 13.2% of the population, assuming Asians (5%) commit few racial hate crimes, the graphic shows that 13.2% of the population commits 21.4% of the hate crimes while 77.7% of the population commits 66.4% of the hate crimes. (Population statistics come from the 2010 U.S. Census. Census.gov)
While hate crimes against Blacks are more numerous than hate crimes against Whites because there are far more Whites than Blacks, this graphic shows that a Black person is significantly (1.5 times) more likely to commit a racial hate crime than a White person. It appears that racists come in all colors.
10
What is the goal? Getting Hillary to admit she is personally responsible for the murders of innocent black men, women, and children by police? Or for the abominable carceral injustice in this country? If so, BLM might actually get it. But maybe it would make more sense to do what she suggested, working together on policy to change the injustice.
143
Democrats have been taking the Black vote for granted for over 50 years.
The article speaks of 'leverage'. What a joke.
The article speaks of 'leverage'. What a joke.
9
If you were Black, would you vote for a Republican?
6
You might give Rand Paul a look.
The condescending advice Clinton gave to the black lives matter activists was pretty unimpressive, especially after reading Sanders' newly released plan to address racism and racial justice. He managed to come up with policy solutions. Hopefully she'll follow suit.
23
She's a phony, he's for real. Both dangerous.
3
She did not divert, at all. In fact she said ""Your analysis is totally fair. It’s historically fair. It’s psychologically fair. It’s economically fair."
And she took responsibility for her (and many other people's actions) that have lead to mass incarceration - by calling herself a sinner. "But now all I’m suggesting is, even for us sinners, find some common ground on agendas that can make a difference right here and now in people’s lives."
And the main and most important part of her reaction was to move towards solutions.
To make this all about "you are guilty, now hang your head in shame and admit it" is a false choice that helps no one. But, I guess you need to be selective to come up with an angle for a column.
And she took responsibility for her (and many other people's actions) that have lead to mass incarceration - by calling herself a sinner. "But now all I’m suggesting is, even for us sinners, find some common ground on agendas that can make a difference right here and now in people’s lives."
And the main and most important part of her reaction was to move towards solutions.
To make this all about "you are guilty, now hang your head in shame and admit it" is a false choice that helps no one. But, I guess you need to be selective to come up with an angle for a column.
692
@Tim:
Great comment. But your final sentence undid it all.
Great comment. But your final sentence undid it all.
1
Excactly. You said it better than I did...
8
Mr. Jones definitely "confronted" Hillary Clinton. There was a barely concealed anger simmering beneath the surface of his statement. (It erupted for a moment when someone interrupted Clinton's response.)
Clinton was respectful, calm, and attentive while Jones spoke, and gave a thoughtful answer.
Not surprisingly, Jones didn't get the apology that he sought. Bill Clinton can apologize for the mass incarceration of blacks as he's not running for office. Still, it wouldn't have hurt for Clinton to say some some empathy for the pain it has caused.
She pointed out, rightly, that she has been working for civil rights and the poor for decades. She was right to tell Jones that the BLM movement needs to go beyond venting and accusing and develop workable plans to change laws.
The BLM movement has gotten some bad publicity with the interruption of Bernie Sanders' speech. Is this movement going to be more Malcom X, or Martin Luther King.
There are issues around race and policing and (as Hillary pointed out) housing and jobs that need to be addressed. There are also issues about devastating inner city black on black crime. One reason many blacks in NYC supported stop-and-frisk is it made their neighborhoods safer.
The BLM movement will not succeed if they alienate white supporters. They must work with people whose heart and minds are in the right place.
Clinton was respectful, calm, and attentive while Jones spoke, and gave a thoughtful answer.
Not surprisingly, Jones didn't get the apology that he sought. Bill Clinton can apologize for the mass incarceration of blacks as he's not running for office. Still, it wouldn't have hurt for Clinton to say some some empathy for the pain it has caused.
She pointed out, rightly, that she has been working for civil rights and the poor for decades. She was right to tell Jones that the BLM movement needs to go beyond venting and accusing and develop workable plans to change laws.
The BLM movement has gotten some bad publicity with the interruption of Bernie Sanders' speech. Is this movement going to be more Malcom X, or Martin Luther King.
There are issues around race and policing and (as Hillary pointed out) housing and jobs that need to be addressed. There are also issues about devastating inner city black on black crime. One reason many blacks in NYC supported stop-and-frisk is it made their neighborhoods safer.
The BLM movement will not succeed if they alienate white supporters. They must work with people whose heart and minds are in the right place.
310
Eric,
"The BLM movement will not succeed if they alienate white supporters."
What do you mean by "succeed" - does the BLM movement have specific goals?
"The BLM movement will not succeed if they alienate white supporters."
What do you mean by "succeed" - does the BLM movement have specific goals?
2
The person who interrupted Clinton during the conversation was a Clinton staff member, not someone interrupting Clinton to criticize her.
2
We may believe we are electing preachers and psychologists who will change our hearts and souls; but, we are not. We are electing law makers who make laws and allocate resources. Asking politicians to fix our hearts and souls is a hopeless endeavor. Getting them to fix policies and allocate resources is the only fruitful avenue for BLM; or, anyone advocating for justice.
3
Charles,
Excellent columns on Black Lives Matter. Bill Clinton's apology made at the N.A.A.C.P meeting is step one. Our policymakers must admit that terrible mistakes were made. This is step #1, then I think the lawmakers led by President Obama should look at the present prison population and determine what actions need to be taken to restore the drug offenders to society and to a decent opportunity to live a better life.
It can be done. Right now it is a badge of shame for our society to have such a large prison population. I think more analysis is warranted to understand where the national trouble spots are and visits should be made for more training and coaching of the police and justice team on alternatives for imprisonment.
Mrs. Clinton hurt herself in that BLM meeting. That clip will be repeated millions of times before the 2016 primary and national election.
Black Lives Matter is a political movement that could benefit the candidates and our communities but there will need to be more of airing of the unequal treatment based on skin pigmentation and economic standing.
Excellent columns on Black Lives Matter. Bill Clinton's apology made at the N.A.A.C.P meeting is step one. Our policymakers must admit that terrible mistakes were made. This is step #1, then I think the lawmakers led by President Obama should look at the present prison population and determine what actions need to be taken to restore the drug offenders to society and to a decent opportunity to live a better life.
It can be done. Right now it is a badge of shame for our society to have such a large prison population. I think more analysis is warranted to understand where the national trouble spots are and visits should be made for more training and coaching of the police and justice team on alternatives for imprisonment.
Mrs. Clinton hurt herself in that BLM meeting. That clip will be repeated millions of times before the 2016 primary and national election.
Black Lives Matter is a political movement that could benefit the candidates and our communities but there will need to be more of airing of the unequal treatment based on skin pigmentation and economic standing.
9
Would Mr Blow care to comment on the biggest killer of black men, which is other black men?
Or does that 'accountability issue' and 'devastation' not matter, because black on black violence is totally acceptable?
Or, does that not count because it is the fault of (pick as many as you like) The Patriarchy, White People, The Police, Poor Schools, Food Deserts, Racism (?)...the list is endless.
Or does that 'accountability issue' and 'devastation' not matter, because black on black violence is totally acceptable?
Or, does that not count because it is the fault of (pick as many as you like) The Patriarchy, White People, The Police, Poor Schools, Food Deserts, Racism (?)...the list is endless.
178
If you have not noticed by now that many have pointed out that whites kill whites and blacks kill blacks, you don't want to think about that and use the first half (black on black violence) to justify systemic racism in the US. People who kill kill those near them, not people across town and a few major freeways away. Despair, alienation, a realization that in a rich country you will always be poor and a second class citizen (barred from voted wherever possible) creates the rage that makes killing someone seem necessary. Why do so many whites kill other whites when they have far fewer causes for rage? You whine "the list [of harms done blacks by white power] is endless"--it is and ending it should be the business of the US. You'd say, that's none of my business.
4
"Would Mr Blow care to comment on the biggest killer of black men, which is other black men?"
Well, the biggest killer of white folks is other white folks. Harping on this point perhaps gives biased individuals a sense of vindication where none exists. There is no equivalency between murder by police (who are authority figures supposed to serve and protect) and murder by a common street criminal. And, Btw, Mr. Blow did address your question in a column a few days ago. Look it up.....
Well, the biggest killer of white folks is other white folks. Harping on this point perhaps gives biased individuals a sense of vindication where none exists. There is no equivalency between murder by police (who are authority figures supposed to serve and protect) and murder by a common street criminal. And, Btw, Mr. Blow did address your question in a column a few days ago. Look it up.....
11
Is this true across all income levels ?
My guess is that you are allowing your racial biases to misinterpret the underlying cause of the statistic you cite.
My guess is that you are allowing your racial biases to misinterpret the underlying cause of the statistic you cite.
6
Oh, c'mon! We have the highest rate of incarceration because we have the highest rate of crime.
23
A crime is whatever a society defines it to be. So your argument is somewhat circular. If we narrowed our definition of crime, or at least of offenses requiring incarceration, the crime rate would obviously drop. Imprisoning people for using drugs does not make society safer, unless the addict endangers someone to obtain money for his habit. If we limited incarceration to those behaviors which directly risked the well-being of the victims, we could sharply diminish the prison population without threatening social order. Other countries do it, and so can we.
14
We have the highest rates of crime because we have so many laws on top of laws. You wear the choke-collar so long you forget where it is.
6
"Imprisoning people for using drugs does not make society safer, unless the addict endangers someone to obtain money for his habit."
James, on the whole, I agree with you. But there are more ramifications of leaving addicts on the streets than what you offer here. For example, the Demand side of the Supply-Demand Curve. More addicts equal a more lucrative Drug Trade. A more lucrative Drug Trade probably means a more violent one.
Again, I think we agree, in principle. I just think all angles need to be carefully considered before any would-be wholesale changes to sentencing laws were made.
James, on the whole, I agree with you. But there are more ramifications of leaving addicts on the streets than what you offer here. For example, the Demand side of the Supply-Demand Curve. More addicts equal a more lucrative Drug Trade. A more lucrative Drug Trade probably means a more violent one.
Again, I think we agree, in principle. I just think all angles need to be carefully considered before any would-be wholesale changes to sentencing laws were made.
This column clearly points out that though individuals may not be "racist", racism is, indeed, institutionalized in America.
11
I appreciate your criticism of Hillary but I think she is trying very hard to run on her own accord. It's not that she or Bill do not see that the crime law didn't work. More likely, she does not want to open a door to become her husband's apologist.
This would also be true of the devastating job losses from NAFTA, and a number of other imperfect policies and decisions. If she sets herself up as the apologist, it will open the doors to a lot of nastiness.
I felt she did a great job, and left a door open for dialogue. I say this as a current Bernie supporter and donor. If Clinton can drop her nervous and uptight, rehearsed scripting and reveal more of what that video showed, she'll get my vote.
This would also be true of the devastating job losses from NAFTA, and a number of other imperfect policies and decisions. If she sets herself up as the apologist, it will open the doors to a lot of nastiness.
I felt she did a great job, and left a door open for dialogue. I say this as a current Bernie supporter and donor. If Clinton can drop her nervous and uptight, rehearsed scripting and reveal more of what that video showed, she'll get my vote.
459
tom - Agree about HRC not setting herself up as an apologist, making her " let's fix it " attitude in the video all the better, aligning with Bill's NAACP remarks; in contrast, we're not seeing any GOP'ers apologize for any of what they wrought during '01-'09, which was much more recent and disproportionately hurt minorities and their families, are we ?
Charles's piece omits the mood of the country in 1994, the days of the Moral Majority following Pat Buchanan's 1992 GOP'er convention rant on ' cultural war ', and that in 1993 the state of Washington passed the first 3 strikes law, quickly followed in 1994 with California's passing of the same - in the 1994 mid-term election year, GOP'ers were going to ram a ' crime bill ' through Congress no matter what, and it would have been a much worse bill without the Clintons being there.
Also at the time, no one knew how bad future budget-cutting would impact prison education/re-hab programs or how much mental welfare programs would be cut, aggravating the incarceration issue.
That said, sometimes (like with D.A.D.T. and D.O.M.A.) the best people to correct a mistake are the same people who made the mistake in the first place, and reversing the excesses of the Violent Crime Act seems like such a time for Democrats.
At any rate, we're glad BLM engaged in different tactics with HRC than when they grabbed Bernie's mic from him.
Charles's piece omits the mood of the country in 1994, the days of the Moral Majority following Pat Buchanan's 1992 GOP'er convention rant on ' cultural war ', and that in 1993 the state of Washington passed the first 3 strikes law, quickly followed in 1994 with California's passing of the same - in the 1994 mid-term election year, GOP'ers were going to ram a ' crime bill ' through Congress no matter what, and it would have been a much worse bill without the Clintons being there.
Also at the time, no one knew how bad future budget-cutting would impact prison education/re-hab programs or how much mental welfare programs would be cut, aggravating the incarceration issue.
That said, sometimes (like with D.A.D.T. and D.O.M.A.) the best people to correct a mistake are the same people who made the mistake in the first place, and reversing the excesses of the Violent Crime Act seems like such a time for Democrats.
At any rate, we're glad BLM engaged in different tactics with HRC than when they grabbed Bernie's mic from him.
7
If Mrs. Clinton does not want to become the apologist for her husband, why is it expected that Jeb Bush has to be an apologist for his brother?
JimF from Sewell
JimF from Sewell
2
I agree with you that she should not become her husband's apologist. But she does have to take responsibility for her own actions and efforts. That is no small thing, and it sets up a stronger springboard for her to right the myriad wrongs that are holding this nation back from being about, with and for all the people
1
I wonder if the difference between Hillary and Bill right now -- him apologizing straight out for his drug policy while she bobs and weaves -- comes in part from the fact that Bill is a Baptist and Hillary is a Methodist. The Methodists are Temperance folk from way back. Have the Methodists apologized yet for their role in bringing Alcohol Prohibition to America, which uplifted and elevated such sterling moral characters as Al Capone? That man was a lowly pimp who turned major beer kingpin after the morally upright Temperance folk enjoyed their national political victory in 1919. And the police during Prohibition mainly targeted the immigrant community -- Italians, Jews, Germans and Poles -- while leaving wealthy WASPS to hire lawyers to claim their imported French champagne counted as sacramental wine. I knew an elderly lawyer who was involved in just such a scam when he was young. These armed wars against the moral imperfections of the poor and non-white have to stop. The country can't handle this anymore.
5
But we've always done it; and probably always will. It's the fundamentalist impulse.
1
You're getting close to the problem with this article, but you're not quite there. Look at Clinton, Obama, deBlasio, all of whom fell short of expectations in this area. Why do you think that is ? Because they were tricking their constituents with lies ? There's a fairly obvious explanation.
Anyhow, I just hope that articles like these don't lead people into thinking that a Bush, Trump, or Christie is the answer because "at least they tell it like it is".
Anyhow, I just hope that articles like these don't lead people into thinking that a Bush, Trump, or Christie is the answer because "at least they tell it like it is".
9
I suspect that articles like these, and the Black Lives Matter activists' confrontation of Democratic candidates, are mainly intended to instil a "they're all alike" attitude in black people in regards to the Presidential candidates, and thereby discourage them from voting. That would be all that the Republicans need to regain the White House, since you can be sure their bigoted and angry base will be out in force. It's not hard to manipulate people into doing what is against their best interests, especially if you have plenty of money to spend on that manipulation.
12
Re: Everyman's comment--"That would be all that the Republicans need to regain the White House, since you can be sure their bigoted and angry base will be out in force. It's not hard to manipulate people into doing what is against their best interests, especially if you have plenty of money to spend on that manipulation."
Each time I read one of these "piling on" type op-eds against Hillary Clinton, I think how pleased the Republicans must be. HC is far from the "perfect" candidate but does a perfect candidate even exist. And I do wonder if some of this anti-Hillary movement is funded by those who want a Republican in the White House.
Each time I read one of these "piling on" type op-eds against Hillary Clinton, I think how pleased the Republicans must be. HC is far from the "perfect" candidate but does a perfect candidate even exist. And I do wonder if some of this anti-Hillary movement is funded by those who want a Republican in the White House.
10
"And I do wonder if some of this anti-Hillary movement is funded by those who want a Republican in the White House."
More than once I've wondered if Trump's entire candidacy is actually a DNC-funded ruse in place to keep the Presidency in Democrat hands. It would appear to be working if true, heh.
More than once I've wondered if Trump's entire candidacy is actually a DNC-funded ruse in place to keep the Presidency in Democrat hands. It would appear to be working if true, heh.
2
It's good to see the truth, here at the Times. Thank you, Mr. Blow.
7
Hillary Clinton has no moral convictions aside from enriching her family and gaining more power. Being so far ahead in the polls, all she needs to do is not rock the boat. Her only concern is Black voter turnout in 2016, particularly since 90% of Blacks vote Democratic.
You are going to get honest answers about the computer server, long before you get an apology from Hillary for sponsoring and supporting the effort that massively increased Black incarceration.
You are going to get honest answers about the computer server, long before you get an apology from Hillary for sponsoring and supporting the effort that massively increased Black incarceration.
17
Politicians of all stripes blow with the prevailing winds, and you know that Charles. The Clintons were faux "progressives" during their time in the White House. There is no legacy, no great initiatives were accomplished-- they occupied the place and garnered "creds" mainly because the business cycle was in their favor. They "reformed" welfare and the criminal justice system the way a hard-hearted Republican president would do so, and it all grandly passed because he is a "Dem" in name only. Now, he can apologize, but she can admit nothing. Mr. Obama is brilliantly playing the long game, and if Hil is elected, she will potentially claim victories for the initiative Mr. Obama initiated during the last year of his administration. "Kings are slaves of history," and I would add, with apologies to Tolstoy: unless you're Obama.
11
In the USA, Homicide rates plunged 43 percent from the peak in 1991 to 2001, reaching the lowest levels in 35 years.
I rest my case.
I rest my case.
34
I'm not a big Hilary fan, but I thought she was spot on in her response in the Good Magazine videos. BLM activists articulate the issues well but then say "What are YOU going to do about it?" They would be better off saying "here is the problem and THIS is what we want you to do to fix it." Then get to work on defining what "THIS" will be.
The marriage equality movement did not have anyone to demand action from, very few politicians had the guts to be "on their side" when they started out. Instead they laid out a deliberate, step-by-step strategy through both legislation and the courts that charted a course to a well-conceived final goal, changing hearts and minds of those in power along the way. It was an impressive tour de force that should be a model for future activists for decades to come.
The marriage equality movement did not have anyone to demand action from, very few politicians had the guts to be "on their side" when they started out. Instead they laid out a deliberate, step-by-step strategy through both legislation and the courts that charted a course to a well-conceived final goal, changing hearts and minds of those in power along the way. It was an impressive tour de force that should be a model for future activists for decades to come.
281
Re the marriage equality movement, there was also one other thing helping them: Fred Phelps and his group from Kansas showing the world the endpoint of the ugliness of homophobia. Who would want to think like them. Someone wants to commit to their loved one? For the sake of honoring each other? Let's celebrate!
1
Sorry, but you're also talking about the wealthiest group in the US. It's been documented. Nobody has more money than gay male couples--two male wage earners with no children. How is that a model for anybody who wants anything? It's why, in the end, politicians took there side.
2
While I support criminal justice reform, branding Hillary as being responsible for the huge increase in incarceration is non-sense. Prison inmates, regardless of race, who are serving harsh federal sentences for dealing drug also need to look in the mirror an accept their own responsibilty. I'm proud of Hillary for standing up to these self-righteous, professional protestors unlike Bernie who allowed them to ruin his speech and waste the time of those who came to hear him speak. As a liberal and progressive, I care about criminal justice reform, but the economy and tax fairness is still my most important issue. If the activitist from Black Lives Matter don't like Hillary and Bernie, they could always support Walker, Huckabee, Cruz or even Trump.
36
When the federal mandatory sentencing guidelines were passed in the 1980s, several federal judges resigned in protest. They foresaw what was coming.
9
Could black activists confront the Republican candidates, for once?
Or is that too much of a challenge, so they choose easy targets?
Or is that too much of a challenge, so they choose easy targets?
382
Why bother? There's nothing there to confront.
1
They have already done this (Jeb Bush a few weeks ago). Just because you are unaware of a thing does not mean that it hasn't occurred.
5
They wouldn't get past security.
Part of the problem is that criticisms like the ones levied in this article want to compare candidates against some ideal when ultimately they are running against each other.
Complaints about Obama's record in this area, while perhaps valid on some level, really need to be viewed in terms of what a McCain / Palin or Romney / Ryan would look like.
Do you think a John McCain would allow protests to go on in Ferguson for more than twenty minutes ? Do you think Romney would say the War on Drugs was a failure ?
Think about how alleged compassionate conservative Bush! will deal with these issues before digging into Clinton.
Part of the problem is that criticisms like the ones levied in this article want to compare candidates against some ideal when ultimately they are running against each other.
Complaints about Obama's record in this area, while perhaps valid on some level, really need to be viewed in terms of what a McCain / Palin or Romney / Ryan would look like.
Do you think a John McCain would allow protests to go on in Ferguson for more than twenty minutes ? Do you think Romney would say the War on Drugs was a failure ?
Think about how alleged compassionate conservative Bush! will deal with these issues before digging into Clinton.
8
"Get back to me when you speak my language" comes across to me as kind of dismissive, whatever helpfulness there is in trying to prompt members of a movement to translate their goals into legislative or judicial action items. I am no politician, so what I wanted Clinton to have done might well be politically inadvisable, but I wanted her to say, "I am so sorry about what we did and how it contributed to the problems (of mass incarceration, etc.) and I would like to do what I can to help you translate your ideas into concrete legislative proposals and court cases (perhaps by suggesting people to work with)." What she did say, about kids and education and health care, makes me wonder how comfortable Clinton is with the issues involving young adults and their issues. She mentioned "ban the box" and some other issues, but I have a hard time believing that her people can't come up with practical proposals to run by young activists instead of asking them to get back to her with their proposals. This is my long-winded and rambling way of saying that Clinton's response did not seem to me to show eagerness to collaborate or eagerness to work on these issues herself (through her campaign). I was not heartened by her response. One can critique tactics or strategy while still showing supportiveness and encouragement -- and supportiveness and encouragement as I understand them I did not perceive.
12
From my essay analyzing Mrs. Clinton's meeting with Black Lives Matter:
"People like Clinton have no clue that sentiments among Blacks, and progressives on the far left, have long left that kind of paternalistic thinking behind. Moral Monday and Black Lives Matter are not supplicant movements. They are movements to reclaim a lost or stolen share of America’s patrimony.
The cultural difference expressed in the reaction and level of deference and innate understanding and respect between Clinton and Sanders stands worlds apart. Whereas there was never any question as to merit for Sanders, merit is a huge component of Clinton’s understanding of a solution she has yet to propose and expects groundwork for. Whereas Sanders has always demonstrated a fundamental understanding in terms of human rights and equality, Clinton labeled those “problems” in her answer to Jones’ admonishment that “this is and has always been a white problem of violence.”"
There is no doubt the Clintons aren't alone in having to answer for the police state, including its violence. All should answer. But one cannot omit the fact that Bill and Hillary Clinton, as his partner, have a very central place in the making of a most pivotal moment in the history of this New Jim Crow era we live in. Mrs. Clinton not only evaded, but showed the same attitude that was key in losing the nomination in 2007.
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/white-neoliberal-swagger-hillary-clinto...
"People like Clinton have no clue that sentiments among Blacks, and progressives on the far left, have long left that kind of paternalistic thinking behind. Moral Monday and Black Lives Matter are not supplicant movements. They are movements to reclaim a lost or stolen share of America’s patrimony.
The cultural difference expressed in the reaction and level of deference and innate understanding and respect between Clinton and Sanders stands worlds apart. Whereas there was never any question as to merit for Sanders, merit is a huge component of Clinton’s understanding of a solution she has yet to propose and expects groundwork for. Whereas Sanders has always demonstrated a fundamental understanding in terms of human rights and equality, Clinton labeled those “problems” in her answer to Jones’ admonishment that “this is and has always been a white problem of violence.”"
There is no doubt the Clintons aren't alone in having to answer for the police state, including its violence. All should answer. But one cannot omit the fact that Bill and Hillary Clinton, as his partner, have a very central place in the making of a most pivotal moment in the history of this New Jim Crow era we live in. Mrs. Clinton not only evaded, but showed the same attitude that was key in losing the nomination in 2007.
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/white-neoliberal-swagger-hillary-clinto...
47
I posted the videos and my transcript of the second video, which I found particularly awful, here:
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/blog42-hillaryclinton-blm-video/
I've never shied from pointing an accusatory finger in either political direction. There are some awful things going on, in addition to the awful things we've discussed here in the past. Secret warehouse facilities should not exist in any police department, but they do under Mayor Rahm Emanuel's.
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/a-us-humanrights-crisis-gulags-and-disa...
In Louisiana, the conditions depicted at Angola prison include the words slavery and plantation. This is about *today's* Angola, and not in decades past.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/angola-prison-louisiana-pho...
We need Moral Mondays movements in every state, county, city; every nook and cranny. We are in a human rights crisis of the highest order.
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/blog42-hillaryclinton-blm-video/
I've never shied from pointing an accusatory finger in either political direction. There are some awful things going on, in addition to the awful things we've discussed here in the past. Secret warehouse facilities should not exist in any police department, but they do under Mayor Rahm Emanuel's.
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/08/a-us-humanrights-crisis-gulags-and-disa...
In Louisiana, the conditions depicted at Angola prison include the words slavery and plantation. This is about *today's* Angola, and not in decades past.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/angola-prison-louisiana-pho...
We need Moral Mondays movements in every state, county, city; every nook and cranny. We are in a human rights crisis of the highest order.
20
Mr. Blow is being rather generous in characterizing Bill Clinton's demeanor as "contrition," when the actual quote, at the time, seemed rather glib, given the topic at hand. The words included “overshot the mark’ on incarceration.” That is about as far from contrition as can be. Never mind the fact that, as is usual for the Clintons, the timing of it was just days before Hillary's speech. See my essay from all the way back in April:
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/04/william-jefferson-clinton-was-not-our-f...
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/04/william-jefferson-clinton-was-not-our-f...
18
Exquisitely stated, as always!
8
Yes, I am biased, and have been for nearly a half century a Democrat. I believe when one is faced with the sheer ridiculous hogwash emanating from the arch-conservative Republican presidential candidates these days we have bigger fish to fry, namely the anti-environment, anti-science, anti-union, anti-evolution, anti-civil rights for all, Republican nincompoops running for president in 2016.
Let's start with them, the real criminals of democracy.
DD
Manhattan