What is wrong with the Mayor of Baltimore?

[TipsyTraveler]

Also, tailgating fans were the instigators in Saturday's dust up with protestors, so I just don't have much sympathy for them at the moment to hear them boohoo about wanting to see a baseball game. But yes, lost revenue and all that.

 

[gwynne]

Sorry, didn't mean to imply I knew what you (or Sunshinehighway were thinking). Just explaining my confusion (though, admittedly, I didn't notice the "like" until it was pointed out) and musing that others may have been confused the same way.

I kind of see both sides - the baseball game is low on the list of things to be upset about but it does seem (for lack of a better word) symbolic.

And, for the record (since it appears to matter), I am not from the US.

And I wish to make it clear that it matters zero to me where you are from. Your thoughts are welcome. I read and ponder all opinions, and appreciate varied insights.

 

[cabanafrau]

Sorry, didn't mean to imply I knew what you (or Sunshinehighway were thinking). Just explaining my confusion (though, admittedly, I didn't notice the "like" until it was pointed out) and musing that others may have been confused the same way.

I kind of see both sides - the baseball game is low on the list of things to be upset about but it does seem (for lack of a better word) symbolic.

And, for the record (since it appears to matter), I am not from the US.

No, you ended your comments by saying, "what do I know?" I merely commented that there is another poster who is routinely speaking for other posters and perhaps they might like to step in and voice your inner dialogue for you.

I'm of the opinion that open discussion is a freedom and anybody who looks to stifle other voices while professing to value freedom perhaps needs to familiarize themselves with the term oxymoron.

I don't see how your country of origin matters in participating in the discussion here, except as it may inform differences in meaning of words from time to time I suppose. Different experiences and different viewpoints make for great conversation in my book, so I hope I'll see you around often.

 

[abk96]

You have articulated your argument. Others have differing opinions. Civil discourse is not a bad thing.

Yes that is very evident here.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I see what you're saying, but my perspective has me seeing it differently. The people and areas involved in this week's events are a world away from the Camden Yards demographic. A baseball game won't be providing much needed relief to the affected community because they won't be in attendance. Those games primarily draw in people from the surrounding areas who certainly aren't facing the same issues as those who live more locally. For the people who will attend, the extent of their being affected by this situation begins and ends with being able to go to the game.

You might be surprised. A fan base is wide and strong. And many from that demographic may be employed there.

 

[abk96]

No, you ended your comments by saying, "what do I know?" I merely commented that there is another poster who is routinely speaking for other posters and perhaps they might like to step in and voice your inner dialogue for you.

I'm of the opinion that open discussion is a freedom and anybody who looks to stifle other voices while professing to value freedom perhaps needs to familiarize themselves with the term oxymoron.

I don't see how your country of origin matters in participating in the discussion here, except as it may inform differences in meaning of words from time to time I suppose. Different experiences and different viewpoints make for great conversation in my book, so I hope I'll see you around often.

And with that I did not mean to question all others or make them feel unwelcome in any way. I asked the other poster since we were having a discussion about freedom pertaining to a baseball game. I didn't know if she understood since sometimes others from outside the U.S. don't because it's different were they are from. And by different I don't mean it in a bad way either so I hope no one jumps all over me for that too.

 

[wvjules]

I'm sad about the whole situation....including the fanless game being played right now and also the Oriole's having to play in Tampa as a home team. Sports are very much a part of Baltimore, and many cities. And I can't wait to go to the first game at Camden Yards when this is all over with.

After the incidents Saturday and Monday, I am very proud of how the citizens of Baltimore have come together to help end this situation. When I did the Baltimore Half Marathon in 2012 I was overhwelmed at the pride and warmth of the residents. Everyone, in every part of town, was out cheering on the runners. That is what Charm City is about...not rioting and looting. Most Baltimore residents love their city and are upset at how things have played out. When baseball comes back, it is a part of the healing and getting back to normal. So yea, the cancellation of the games and the game being played today without fans in the stands is a big deal.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I'm talking about those poor folks. And no, it's not easy to "break free", but many choose to repeat the same pattern that made everyone around them poor.
And the point isn't just about being poor. It's also about police brutality. While I do not condone that, and I do believe it should be prosecuted where it exists, there remains one very common element in each and every one of these events - namely a criminal who resisted arrest. Stupidity shouldn't be a death sentence, but it often is - whether from drug overdose, driving too fast, or fighting the cops.

We can protest all we want, but the fact remains that Freddie Gray was not long for this earth. And he put himself in that position by his own actions.

How exactly does the bolded pertain to Freddie Gray?

" The document reports that Gray “was arrested without force or incident” on April 12.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...ithout-force-or-incident-before-fatal-injury/

 

[gwynne]

And with that I did not mean to question all others or make them feel unwelcome in any way. I asked the other poster since we were having a discussion about freedom pertaining to a baseball game. I didn't know if she understood since sometimes others from outside don't because it's different were they are from. And by different I don't mean it in a bad way either so I hope no one jumps all over me for that too.

Just a thought, maybe it would be more effective to ask, are you familiar with baseball? Are you a fan?
Rather than, are you an American?

You don't have to agree with me, I'm just saying what I think. And I understand now what you meant. No hard feelings. Kumbaya.

 

[cabanafrau]

And with that I did not mean to question all others or make them feel unwelcome in any way. I asked the other poster since we were having a discussion about freedom pertaining to a baseball game. I didn't know if she understood since sometimes others from outside the U.S. don't because it's different were they are from. And by different I don't mean it in a bad way either so I hope no one jumps all over me for that too.

Can I respectfully suggest that you step back several pages, take a second look at where I and other posters have been responding to or talking with you, read over your comments and ask if you're really the one being "jumped all over"? I'm not snarking at you by suggesting this, merely respectfully suggesting it in the spirit that you may not be expressing yourself clearly and your real meaning is being miscommunicated.

Please stay in the discussion. I happen to think it's an important one.

 

[abk96]

Can I respectfully suggest that you step back several pages, take a second look at where I and other posters have been responding to or talking with you, read over your comments and ask if you're really the one being "jumped all over"? I'm not snarking at you by suggesting this, merely respectfully suggesting it in the spirit that you may not be expressing yourself clearly and your real meaning is being miscommunicated.

Please stay in the discussion. I happen to think it's an important one.

Thank you and I again did not mean to direct that to you. Only quoted it because you were responding about it to another poster. Sorry about that. I should have said that.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

 

[WebmasterKathy]

Okay, I see some personal insults in the comments here.

I suggest the you review your own comments, and if they are POLITICAL, or if they are insulting or refer to another poster in any kind of negative way you should edit them yourself now. We'll be doing some cleanup, but it would be better if you can self-police. Trust me.

 

[Laura66]

That's how all prisoners are transported in police vans. They weren't singling this punk out to kill him. It is extremely dangerous for the cops to crawl in there and buckle the prisoners in for the ride. And anyone with a police background knows that MOST criminals cry out for medical help. The want to go to the hospital instead of jail, my son who is a physician in an inner city hospital sees it every day. These cops are not responsible for this guy's death. It was an unfortunate accident due to recent surgery and the van ride. If he wouldn't have been participating in criminal activity he wouldn't have been arrested for the 18th time and he would still be alive today enjoying

I know some ER doctors and a few cops. They say the same thing. Nearly EVERY one being arrested cries out something like "your hurting me"! How the heck are they supposed to know and get their job done!

 

[Jedana]

I think it's symbolic of a lot of things - namely not letting the bad guys win, carrying on as normal as possible in the face of terrorism, getting back to some semblance of normalcy, etc., not to mention giving people under incredible stress a little stress relief from an old fashioned ballgame. (During the Boston Marathon bombings the Red Sox played a big part in the healing of the city.) It also no doubt brings a lot of revenue into the city, as well as pride and joy, etc. I don't think it's so out of place. Turn on any news station and it's part of the headlines as well.

The revenue not only from the game today, but also from the missed games on Monday/Tuesday, plus the revenue from the games this weekend. Those people who work as ticket takers, concession workers, janitors, greens staff, etc----all losing a week's pay. The people at the mall, who have been out of work for 3 days. The guys who work at the CVS, now out of work, because of the riot. The people who worked at the local shops--heck, the people who OWNED the local shops that were looted and burned...

These people all lost this week. These aren't the people who have a cushion in the bank---most of them count on that paycheck to buy groceries or pay their electric bill or get medication.

I agree with you on the games. We went to a football game held the week after 9/11. It was eerie, seeing armed police/military everywhere, and watching a Fed Ex jet go over the top of the stadium---close enough we could read the numbers on the belly of the plane freaked us out. (Denver playing AZ) We were saying "we're here and no matter what, you can't break us".

Edited for spelling

 

[Kbee]

That's how all prisoners are transported in police vans. They weren't singling this punk out to kill him. It is extremely dangerous for the cops to crawl in there and buckle the prisoners in for the ride. And anyone with a police background knows that MOST criminals cry out for medical help. The want to go to the hospital instead of jail, my son who is a physician in an inner city hospital sees it every day. These cops are not responsible for this guy's death. It was an unfortunate accident due to recent surgery and the van ride. If he wouldn't have been participating in criminal activity he wouldn't have been arrested for the 18th time and he would still be alive today enjoying

If its protocol to buckle in the prisoners and they didn't then yes they are responsible and should be held accountable.

 

[Kbee]

I know some ER doctors and a few cops. They say the same thing. Nearly EVERY one being arrested cries out something like "your hurting me"! How the heck are they supposed to know and get their job done!

They call for medical help and let the medical professionals determine whether or not there is a reason for them being there. I have the utmost respect for police officers, but they are human and they do make mistakes. Their badges shouldn't protect them if their mistake causes the death of someone.

 

[luvsJack]

It's getting to the point where cops are afraid to arrest or pull over black men for fear of being sued or fired. But for the people who are hard-working in these neighborhoods, they are sick of the drug trade (Baltimore has highest heroin rate in the country), they are sick of the violence and sick of the robberies, so unless you live in these neighborhoods and want your life back, stop your crying about these poor "innocent" thugs. When you have been arrested 18 times, the benefit of the doubt is gone and more than likely if you are in a high crime drug area running from the cops then you are up to no good.

I never said he was innocent but he didn't deserve to die. Drugs offenses are not punishable by death. So whether he was guilty of something or not, his punishment should not have been death.

You say they are tired of the drugs and the crime, I have no doubt. They are also tired of the police brutality. They are tired of their sons not being safe on the street because OF THE COPS rather than the gangs.

Its not either or, you know. There is a happy medium between police being allowed to brutalize people and the criminals taking over.

And this boo hooing over a baseball game is insane. A family lost someone because these cops did not follow procedure.

If they aren't willing to call for a medic when the person in custody says they need one, then they need to add medic training to their training. This ignoring someone in need of medical help and then saying "well, they all say it" is unacceptable treatment of a human being.

 

[moburg]

Is that supposed to be directed at me and how I'm living my life? I'm doing well. Nice house in the 'burbs, financially stable, frequently travel abroad. I'm fortunate to be in the position I'm in.

Or is it directed towards people who live in those poor, crime ridden neighborhoods in Baltimore? Those people don't have as many choices as you seem to think. If "make lots of money and move to a better place" was that simple most people would've already done it.

Are you "fortunate" to be in the position you are in, or did you make the right choices in life? Did you pay attention in school, get good grades, go to college, work hard in your jobs, get promotions, raises, etc? I imagine you did.

Everyone, with few exceptions, are where they are in life because of the sum of the choices they have made. The poor adults in crime ridden areas may not have as many choices now, but they had them in their youth. Everyone chooses to pay attention and learn while in school, or they chose to skip school, father children, get pregnant, join a gang, commit crimes, or in general become a juvenile delinquent. So now, their choices are more limited. That is not societies fault, that is their fault.

 

[Laura66]

They call for medical help and let the medical professionals determine whether or not there is a reason for them being there. I have the utmost respect for police officers, but they are human and they do make mistakes. Their badges shouldn't protect them if their mistake causes the death of someone.

But that is not always possible and what do you do in the meantime? Have medical professionals travel with police so when they are apprehending suspects they can offer medical advise?