Yesterday I was overwhelmed with the negative feedback regarding the verdict. Yes, I too wonder how in the world three men vs one teenage boy, did not equate to very little, if any, force being needed. I, too, wondered how in the world did that small amount of money seem to send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated? $6,000 for punitive damages?!?! And $101,000 in compensatory damages?!?! For the brutal beating that Jordan suffered? But, I also recalled how so many said that the officers would get off without anything. How that there was no way a jury, especially an all white jury would find them guilty of anything. I recalled conversations that I had with people who stated that accountability in the city of Pittsburgh has never happened on such a scale. I realized that everyone noticed what didnt happen yesterday, but I wondered if anyone noticed what DID. I received several calls and texts from Pittsburgh police officers yesterday. My position has never been F the police. And for those of you that attempt to make it such, shame on you. I do understand why some do have that attitude and I may also, if I experienced what they have. I received two new cases of brutality today alone(NOT PGH PD). And I say all of this to say...systemic change takes time and WORK!! You cannot sit home, not register to vote, not volunteer your time to help, not give monetarily to support the movements and expect change. In this microwave generation we seem to expect something quick, with little effort, and get mad when its not what we want. The gentrification that you see taking place, the plan to move African Americans to the suburbs, was planned decades ago. The change you see today, started many, many years ago. I remember when I graduated from real estate school 12 years ago, they said to invest in property in Hazelwood, Homestead and Braddock. That was TWELVE years ago and now I see the development happening. The Waterfront is already here. So whether you like politics or not. Whether you think it counts who is in office or not...you have a choice. You can get involved in the process or allow yourself to be left out of it completely!! SN: Voter registration lists are used as the primary source of jury pools in addition to a list of licensed drivers. Also, a criminal history can disqualify you from being able to serve on a jury.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 20:09:16 +0000
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