if we want it we are going to have to force it. That is why I always supported BLM, they were doing what had to be done. Things actually were brought back up for discussion and there was some movement but not nearly what was needed, not yet anyway. That being said, I am white. I will help, I will do whatever needs to be done and stand with you but the direction needs to come from the AA community. I am sick to death of people who are not directly affected by certain issues (LGBT, women etc.) telling those directly affected how to run things and that includes the recent mess with BLM and Bernie. Yes we are all affected but none so directly as you. Our input might be helpful from time to time but the direction, well that is yours.

Sorry, I do try to stay out of this group. It feels intrusive to me to post here but I wanted to say that.

and I am not gay. It took me a while to find my place and when I did it was a fantastic thing. There is much to be done as a supporter and it is very rewarding. Telling others how to solve their problems or run their issues? LOL, that is never going to work.

That being said, I do have to watch it. My privilege was pointed out gently to me many times as I learned. THAT is a good thing for all of us. It is very hard to always be aware, especially on a posting board when you jump in to comment.

If anyone wants to know how far an economic collapse is from happening follow the black community.

It hurts to know this but I do know this.

There is good conversation in this thread, I am glad you started it.

Punish politicians who use us as a spring board to election but have no intentions of working with us on social and economic injustice.

So I will not withhold my general election vote to send a message ... the Lions of the Civil Rights Movement taught me that.

We can only find/identify common ground, if there is any. If so, work with that ... if not, no amount of "forcing" will bring them around.

But it's the first step, to me, to acknowledge that and detach from both candidates and watch and listen to them, because they can't do anything now nor are they willing to strongly tie life itself with economics. What I've done is joined my local activism group, mostly whites and Latinos, but I must say they jumped on the BLM bandwagon so quickly it made my head swim and lo! now we have a local BLM chapter. I don't believe that we are alone. We just have to keep pushing awareness.

It's we at the state level that have to push and push for reform, it's not about every four years. Right now, we're fighting the police department who make victims of police brutality have to sue to get body cam footage to present in court cases. A few years ago, it was forcing the police department to Wear the cameras. I'm proud of that and we'll win this won, as well.

I know that it's a huge jump in consciousness for many people to accept justice comes first but we can't wait for them to evolve and grow, so see what's happening locally. I know you'll feel better that you're doing something to help yourself and the rest of us. Please dont lose heart

I forgot to include to please take care of yourself, too. Sometimes it's good to detach from it all, everything to regain balance in life. http://thebodyisnotanapology.com/magazine/healing-in-the-midst-of-tragedy-how-can-black-folks-keep-surviving-in-the-face-of-constant-trauma/|

there are so freaking many, and work with others for that particular change.

jobs, etc.

but even if he were elected, he is only one person in a powerful BUT limited position.

Where the really hard work is located is at the municipal and the state levels. Without that any many other things, Bernie would have no type of infrastructure to back him up even if he were elected.

And, frankly, I want Bernie to be among the powerful elected progressives in the Congress that will keep the heat on a (possible) future President Hillary Clinton

office and advance our agenda.

At best, we do what we ALWAYS have done ... vote our preference in the Primary and vote against republicans in the the G/E ... while in the meantime, nurture our bench of candidates and build alliances with those that wish to ally with us.

make an internal impact. We have to help each other.

I do not view us as dysfunctional ... a people to be fixed. We are, largely, just lacking in opportunity.

What work do you see that needs to be done. I am active in youth mentor ... particular young, Black males.