Ferguson

kefttsc · November 2014

Thoughts and prayers with any of our F15 ladies in or around Ferguson, MO!

chickyclg · November 2014

Agree T&Ps to you ladies!!

CatLadyTX · November 2014

How many do we have in the area? I was just watching the riot coverage and was thinking about our F15ers in the area.

Alygohome · November 2014

What? What's happening ( I thought this was a baby name thread)

twinklymama · November 2014

Rioting continues... Let these morons burn their city to the ground. "That'll show them!" Right.

CatLadyTX · November 2014

The worst part is that most of the rioters aren't even residents if the city, but most likely agitators from other areas who have come in to stir the pot. They would have been rioting regardless of the decision. My heart breaks for this poor town, I hope it can heal quickly.

umbcpt · November 2014

Also pray for our F15ers that are in law enforcement (or their spouses) including my DH, across our country. Unfortunately I think that violence won't stop in Ferguson. May they all get home safely to their families too. May there be peace for all.

twinklymama · November 2014

I'm waiting to hear if Cleveland has something similar happen, now that a 12 yo kid brandished a real looking weapon and got shot by an officer.

Ace226 · November 2014

umbcpt said:
Also pray for our F15ers that are in law enforcement (or their spouses) including my DH, across our country. Unfortunately I think that violence won't stop in Ferguson. May they all get home safely to their families too. May there be peace for all.

So true. I'm thankful tonight that DH is corrections, not on the streets. I'd be worried sick.
I hope you're doing well

Alygohome · November 2014

After searching the interwebz I think I know what's going on. Riots are scary and don't solve anything and it sounds like this town is having a tough go. But what do I know we riot over much less controversial issues ( hockey games--face palm) and I think it's silly to riot. People need to use that anger to make change. Not to ruin things. Hope everyone's family is safe tonight!

Angeldcf · November 2014

Break the law (robbery with battery shown on camera, refuse to comply with LE commands, punch an officer in the head, slam the police door on him, attempt to grab his weapon) and you may face consequences. The officer is also someone's child, husband, father who deserves to do his job and go home at night without threats to his and his family's lives.

ETA: corrected eye socket misinfo. Testimony was officer received several punches to the head and physical evidence supported this. The fact that 18yo adult Mr. Brown was someone's child is not reason to dismiss nor distract from verdict given by the multiracial grand jury. It's a tragic circumstance all around as 2 families are forever changed.

Ace226 · November 2014

Angeldcf said:
Break the law (robbery, refuse to comply with LE commands, attack an officer in an attempt to grab his weapon, break his eye socket) and you may face consequences. The officer is also someone's child, husband, father who deserves to do his job and go home at night without threats to his and his family's lives.

Couldn't have said it better. He puts his life on the line every day to protect us. There are dirty cops out there, sure. But someone killing a person who attacks them? Sorry, if you don't want to be shot don't attack a cop.

chickyclg · November 2014

Unfortunately this is a sad situation where the news media and social media got a hold of a story and ran with it. At the end of the day there were several people who came forward with allegations that later turned out to be complete lies. These false stories were circulated through the news media and social media which ultimately has led to the destruction of this poor town.

In regards to the riots, it is one thing to stand up for what you believe in, but it is another to vandalize and loot local businesses that had nothing to do with the shooting. These people doing such things are criminals, and are also another reason the media is all over this case.

All I can say is, I was not there, but based on the press release tonight I can only go based off the facts, and at the end of the day everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

jennjilljo · November 2014

I hate cases like this. No one's lying but no one's telling the truth and everyone has a different story, saw a different thing or can prove why they're right. No one wins in these instances.

My T&Ps go out to anyone in the streets tonight whether they're rioting (they deserve to survive too), working to keep peace or just caught up in the middle of it.

cups4 · November 2014

Hi ladies. MH teaches at a charter school downtown and the school thought it best to close today to protect the kids and I am grateful he and all of his students will not be at school. That said, I know he is struggling right now and worried about his students because they are living in the midst of the chaos and he travels in from a suburb.

No matter what view you take we just want those kids to be safe. Thanks for your T&Ps for the city we love!

foxslaw · November 2014

Ellteejay said:
This grand jury decision was an obscenity. My thoughts are with those mothers and fathers who know their children can be killed by cops with impunity. With those people across our country who are reminded once again that their lives, and those of their loved ones, don't matter. We have so far to go in this world; I fear our children will never see equity either.

ETA punctuation

^%^^ all this. I feel so blessed to have the privilege that I have.

chicagojackie · November 2014

The "victim" was NOT a child. He was a grown man. We need to stop talking about the actions of adults as children.

Of course he's "someone's baby." So is the police officer in question.

kefttsc · November 2014

I listened to the entire list of evidence last night and I can see why the verdict was as it was. There was so much conflicting information.

No matter the verdict, there is no reason for the rioting. I watched for hours as people threw bricks and burned police cars. Cops throwing smoke and tear gas cans. Masses of people looting a liquor store.

Heartbreaking.

kefttsc · November 2014

As I understand it, @dorothygale01, there can still be Federal charges or Civil charges (from the Brown family), so I doubt this is over yet.

Although I don't see the Brown family pushing this issue.....they seem to just want it over.

wirtlehm · November 2014

I was going to say something about this too! I watched the decision last night and then woke up and turned on CNN at 430 to see that half the city was on fire (exaggeration, something like 12 buildings)... I am so sorry for the business owners and the residents of the city who just wanted a "peaceful protest." Lots of T&Ps for anyone located in any major cities today, I heard there were protests (hopefully PEACEFUL) in NY, LA, Chicago, Cincinnati and I'm sure lots of other larger cities today... Stay safe ladies.

To anyone in or with a family member in law enforcement, I pray that everyone has a safe return home tonight...

mahalo3 · November 2014

My t&P go out to the people of this town first and foremost. I saw a business owner on the news this morning, crying, because her business was burnt down. She had nothing to do with the situation at all, yet her livelihood has been taken from her. The innocent people here are the ones who are victims of the riot.

In my opinion, cops do not murder people for fun or because they want to. They protect themselves and the community. Are there bad seeds? yes. But no cop is going to shoot a person without cause.

A jury found that there was not enough evidence to indict. A jury of 12 people. This decision was not made by entire town, or a prosecutor, or a judge, or a police department. This is how our system works, and raiding a liquor store is not going to change the decision or how the system works to make these decisions. How is going out and criminalizing your community proving that justice was not served?

lizjennings81 · November 2014

For anyone who thinks this is a simple matter, wherein justice prevailed, the politics of racial identity or bias didn't play a part (in August or in the grand jury's decision), and society's disenfranchisement of minority groups isn't a factor, please watch this TED talk. Please. It won't change the outcome in Ferguson, it will make you uncomfortable. But it will also ask you to think about everyone's humanity:

https://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice?language=en

foxslaw · November 2014

lizjennings81 said:
For anyone who thinks this is a simple matter, wherein justice prevailed, the politics of racial identity or bias didn't play a part (in August or in the grand jury's decision), and society's disenfranchisement of minority groups isn't a factor, please watch this TED talk. Please. It won't change the outcome in Ferguson, it will make you uncomfortable. But it will also ask you to think about everyone's humanity:

https://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice?language=en

THANK YOU. Love that one.

crabigator · November 2014

I never know what to say in these situations, and bringing my lady-hormones into it (yes, I went there!) makes me even more overwhelmed with emotion and unable to fully express myself. Let me just leave this here:

https://twitter.com/d_Sassy1ne/status/537078619609501696

ambz06060 · November 2014

This story really is heart-wrenching. People are going to lump together stereotypes and think all people act that way (including police officers). I feel bad for that community that this is going to be the representation of their town. Again, if most are from out of town, it does not accurate say, "This is who we are".

I really hope those that live there are safe, or have a safe place to go. T & Ps to those affected by this. Be safe.

mahalo3 · November 2014

lizjennings81 said:

For anyone who thinks this is a simple matter, wherein justice prevailed, the politics of racial identity or bias didn't play a part (in August or in the grand jury's decision), and society's disenfranchisement of minority groups isn't a factor, please watch this TED talk. Please. It won't change the outcome in Ferguson, it will make you uncomfortable. But it will also ask you to think about everyone's humanity:

https://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice?language=en

This is a really beautiful.

jaztastic · November 2014

This entire situation hurts so deep. I cant/wont go into details about the specifics of this case.

I just know that DH and I have a tough road ahead of us raising our son.

lorifromwi · November 2014

We've been having protests/ demonstrations in Milwaukee over another shooting and I'm afraid that this may escalate the situation.

Two families lives were forever changed for the worse by the initial incident in Fergeson...now many, many families lives will be ruined by the senseless violence and destruction from the riots.

T&P to all.

PeaceofKia · November 2014

jaztastic said:

This entire situation hurts so deep. I cant/wont go into details about the specifics of this case.

I just know that DH and I have a tough road ahead of us raising our son.

^This. Not having a son, but I really have no ability to go into details about my sentiments on this situation.

WanderingA · November 2014

I'm not going to get into my feelings regarding this situation. To any moms in the area, I hope you and your families are safe.

I am sending thoughts of love and peace to Ferguson and hope that one day the streets will be safe for all of us to walk, not just those born with inherent white privilege.

chicagojackie · November 2014

Ellteejay said:

The "victim" was NOT a child. He was a grown man. We need to stop talking about the actions of adults as children. Of course he's "someone's baby." So is the police officer in question.
Yes, the police officer in question is someone's baby. And that someone went to bed tonight knowing their son is alive, and should he --god forbid-- ever be killed, the person who killed him would be charged with a crime.

Unless the person who killed him was acting within the realm of their job and to serve and protect. I'm not saying that is what did or did not happen in this situation, similar to others we do not have all of the facts and it seems there are conflicting reports everywhere.

It is not unlawful for members of the police force or the military, for example to "shoot to kill" in certain circumstances.

Granted, there are a lot of instances of police brutality and misuse of power particularly towards minority groups--and the reasons for this are varied and the subject of many criminal justice theses and dissertations.

I am going to go on record to say that I do not understand racism nor has racism ever happened to me nor did I grow up in a world where racism colored my life, my thoughts or my actions. This morning I was thinking about that as I dropped DD off at her private school in a beautiful (but downtown) neighborhood of Chicago, where we have VOLUNTEER police officers who stand watch over our cars and our children.

My conversations everyday with my daughter is similar to the other moms: "Oh, say hi to the NICE police officer!/Do you see the police officer's star? That's how you know he's here to help!/Oh, say thank you to the NICE police officer for keeping us SAFE." The police come and talk to them about safety issues, and several of the children's fathers are on the Chicago Police Department.

So my understanding of what my relationship is with the police may be very different than someone else who grew up differently or in a different neighborhood. My parents taught me certain things and how to act around and speak to the police, etc.

I'm rambling. But thinking about all of these issues.

beignetbabydoll · November 2014

The fact that so many people are leaving their uneducated opinions on this topic is repulsive. Keep the city in your thoughts and prayers and leave at that. Your unneeded opinion and bias is just painful for those who have to live in this situation and endure the pain firsthand. Thank you for those who posted about keeping the area in your prayers. It is much appreciated. Saint Louis is quite tense right now and being pregnant, I feel a heap more sensitive than usual.

Alygohome · November 2014

beignetbabydoll said:

The fact that so many people are leaving their uneducated opinions on this topic is repulsive. Keep the city in your thoughts and prayers and leave at that. Your unneeded opinion and bias is just painful for those who have to live in this situation and endure the pain firsthand. Thank you for those who posted about keeping the area in your prayers. It is much appreciated. Saint Louis is quite tense right now and being pregnant, I feel a heap more sensitive than usual.

who are you?

chicagojackie · November 2014

beignetbabydoll said:

The fact that so many people are leaving their uneducated opinions on this topic is repulsive. Keep the city in your thoughts and prayers and leave at that. Your unneeded opinion and bias is just painful for those who have to live in this situation and endure the pain firsthand. Thank you for those who posted about keeping the area in your prayers. It is much appreciated. Saint Louis is quite tense right now and being pregnant, I feel a heap more sensitive than usual.

You're not a part of this community. If you were you'd know that we are a diverse, well educated group of moms that can speak respectfully to each other, wish each other well, crack each other up and challenge each other to new knowledge. Not a good start for you.

Bye Felicia.

foxslaw · November 2014

****not trying to defend her*****

I think the rando poster meant that the majority of us who commented are white, and therefore have no idea what it feels like to be a minority (white privilege); not that we are uneducated because we don't live in Ferguson specifically. The majority of us are incredibly lucky that we have the *privilege* to trust officers of the law (and most people for that matter) without a second thought.

Edit: I think, and I do not think that the poster phrased it well AT ALL, the poster just wanted some more acknowledgement of the fact that we don't/can't really "get it" because we don't have to experience being a minority in America. (And now I'm going to get flamed. I tried to stay out of this, but oh well).

lizjennings81 · November 2014

@foxslaw, no flames here: that's where my thinking was trending, too. What got me about the post was that it shuts down conversation -- and goodness knows what we need is more openness and the courage to confront the ugly truths behind justice in America. Talking is the best way to challenge that privilege many of us have (even as part of a minority group, there are still some privileges I enjoy that I try to acknowledge and learn from).

jaztastic · November 2014

I am all for dialogue, and thats one of the things I love about F15. For the most part our regs can engage in some pretty controversial topics and not get bent out of shape. I dont want this thread to turn into a bashing session or an argument.

While I can understand the sentiment behind what beingnetbabydoll had to say, I was caught off guard and felt like I was being judged by someone not in our community. Now as a black woman, if I felt that way I can only imagine how the rest of you felt. I just think her comments could have been worded a little differently.

lynnz52 · November 2014

There is definitely an issue with racial discrimination and there is also an issue with unnecessary police violence. However, the Grand jury reviewed the actual evidence and didn’t even find enough to bring the case to trial, and it wasn't just white men on the jury.

I think those who want a change were hoping that this would be the case to bring that change. Unfortunately, there was lying and unreliable eye witness accounts which were published through our media and led the pubic to believe certain things that weren’t true.

A lot of people are saying that it isn’t just about this case, it’s about racism in general. I don’t see how punishing someone, just to prove a point, when there isn’t the evidence, helps the cause. It does need to be addressed, change does need to be made, but putting a cop in jail, who was found to be protecting himself; it doesn't seem helpful. Riots don't seem helpful. Maybe if I lived a different life I would feel differently. Healthy discussions are helpful. Learning about others' viewpoints is also helpful, IMO.

foxslaw · November 2014

Three minorities does not a fair jury make. It was still 9/3, which is not a fair ratio, so to say "It wasn't just white men" is just such a throw away statement.

lynnz52 · November 2014

I never said it was fair, I said it was not only white men on the jury. But since you brought it up, in your opinion, what do you think is "fair"? 9/3 in reverse? More women? Do you think that there would have been a different outcome if it was 50/50? Do you automatically assume that all the white jury members are racist?

I haven't had a chance to review all of the actual evidence released, do you think it was interpreted incorrectly?

I am honestly interested in others opinions, I'm not looking to argue.

teshadgirl · November 2014

kkleigh10 said:
I had a long conversation with DH about this last night. He was appalled by the looting and rioting and kept making comments like "that entire culture needs to change, they can't keep thinking rioting is ok."

While I agree rioting is devastating to a community, I also believe some parts of that community think there's no alternative way to be heard. Someone was shot TWELVE TIMES and there won't ever be a trial. There will never be a chance at justice for him. If that's not a silencing of a community I don't know what is. Part of me understands the rage with no outlet. If rioting is what it takes to be heard, that's the fault of our entire society - not just an isolated community that is begging for a voice.

@kkleigh10‌ i agree with you. Just curious though, when your DH says "they" and "that culture", who is he referring to? I am just sensitive to grouping certain groups of people together (ie, all black people or even all cops) because that response in Ferguson is not representative of all black people but unfortunately that's the main thing being put out there right now with the media coverage...

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