Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

sheshe2

(83,319 posts)
Mon Dec 15, 2014, 05:32 PM Dec 2014

It's Been a Long Time Coming, But Permanent Change Is Within Our Grasp



On Saturday, the entire world watched. They watched as tens of thousands marched peacefully in the nation's capital. They watched as both old and young, Black and White, and Americans from all stripes joined the families of Eric Garner, Michael Brown Jr., Tamir Rice, Akai Gurley, John Crawford III, Amadou Diallo and Trayvon Martin. People around the world watched as similar demonstrations were held in New York, Boston and elsewhere to demand reform. It is clear, that despite distortions and distractions, there is a strong determination among many diverse Americans that policing must be dealt with in this country. And it appears the international community agrees. Justice cannot be reserved merely for the privileged; justice for all is what we want and we want it now. Thankfully, we are closer than perhaps ever before.

About three and a half months ago, I stood over the casket of Michael Brown Jr. and delivered a eulogy as his parents and loved ones prepared to bury the 18-year-old. A few weeks prior to that, I eulogized police chokehold victim Eric Garner as his wife, six children and grandchildren prepared to do the same. At the time, possible federal intervention and legislative action were a wish and dream of the activists involved. Today, it is within our grasp. If we do not get distracted or deterred, substantive change and police accountability will prevail. It is our job to remain focused and firm in our resolve. In the words of the late great Sam Cooke, it's been a long time coming, but a change is gonna come.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver introduced a House bill last week that would require police officers to wear body cameras. The Senate recently passed the 'Death in Custody Reporting Act' -- bipartisan legislation which requires states to report to the Department of Justice how many individuals die each year while in police custody or during the course of an arrest. While these and other actions are being implemented on the federal level, we will continue to monitor the Justice Department's investigation of the Eric Garner and Michael Brown Jr. cases. Make no mistake: we will continue to keep the pressure on to push towards what is right. But we can take a moment to acknowledge the fact that today, police reform is within reach.

As I often state, progress never happens overnight. It takes the unified dedication of many through consistent, organized and peaceful work. Many years went by before the Civil Rights Act was passed, but folks did not give up. Today, we must remain as determined as ever, and we cannot succumb to desperate attempts to demonize and divide us. Those who wish to see us fail and keep the status quo will do anything to stop the movement -- that is expected. As Raw Story highlighted in a piece, Fox News deceptively edited my anti-violence speech to include a chant for 'dead cops'. It is disgusting, outrageous, despicable and pathetic. But it is not surprising. To me, it simply reaffirms the notion that we are on the right side of this equation and we are making a real impact. We must continue together.

Read More

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-al-sharpton/its-been-a-long-time-comi_b_6328806.html
14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
It's Been a Long Time Coming, But Permanent Change Is Within Our Grasp (Original Post) sheshe2 Dec 2014 OP
kick & rec! nt steve2470 Dec 2014 #1
Kick! sheshe2 Dec 2014 #2
Kick! sheshe2 Dec 2014 #3
Kick! sheshe2 Dec 2014 #4
In another post fadedrose Dec 2014 #5
No, it isn't not now and not ever. The UN cannot force the US to do ANYTHING it doesn't want to. TheKentuckian Dec 2014 #14
k&r brer cat Dec 2014 #6
Kick mcar Dec 2014 #7
Kick Hekate Dec 2014 #8
k & r. Thanks for posting. nm rhett o rick Dec 2014 #9
Kick! mimi85 Dec 2014 #10
K&R napkinz Dec 2014 #11
We will keep up the pressure. lovemydog Dec 2014 #12
Is is sooo within our grasp.. coming in all different directions and on so many levels.. thank you Cha Dec 2014 #13

fadedrose

(10,044 posts)
5. In another post
Mon Dec 15, 2014, 06:46 PM
Dec 2014

I said that change is due, but it won't come with roses. The world, through the UN, will do something about our justice system where minorities are concerned. Our criticism of many countries' abuses and lack of human rights is gonna come back to bite our asses....

It would have been nice if a few, or even one, greatly respected Americans with power, gravitas, and a huge black and white following could show the way, but those who have tried have tired because progress is so slow. Others have good intentions, but lack the courage to take on the justice system.

TheKentuckian

(24,934 posts)
14. No, it isn't not now and not ever. The UN cannot force the US to do ANYTHING it doesn't want to.
Tue Dec 16, 2014, 08:21 AM
Dec 2014

There is no such mechanism.

No calvary is coming over the hill to make safe the city for us. If we don't do it then it won't be done.

It is on us.

Cha

(295,899 posts)
13. Is is sooo within our grasp.. coming in all different directions and on so many levels.. thank you
Tue Dec 16, 2014, 08:14 AM
Dec 2014

for keeping it high profile on DU, she.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»It's Been a Long Time Com...