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Just a heads up to let you guys and gals know that today's post is going to be serious, lengthy, and contains a lot of photographs.

I have a lot to vent.

And a lot to show you.

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My personal opinion:

I want to start by saying that what occurred in Minnesota pertaining to the death of George Floyd was not only heartbreaking, but also a disgrace in every sense of the word.

It's no wonder that people are angry. They want justice.

Because it's so blatantly obvious.

Floyd wasn't killed.

He was murdered.

Murdered.

Derek Chauvin, along with the other three policemen who casually stood by and watched should have all been arrested the very next day after viewing the video proof, and then individually convicted.

PERIOD.

The way in which the state of Minnesota handled this whole tragic ordeal would be laughable if it weren't so disgraceful. I've never seen people run a state at the speed of a sloth. They all stood around picking lint out of their navels while pondering what they should do before they finally arrested Chauvin, as well as pondering what they should do about all the violent protesters that destroyed their cities and businesses for FOUR days.

And lets not talk about how even after many complaints were made about Chauvin over the years, they still kept him on the force.

My advice to Minnesota leaders?

Grow a set of balls and learn how to make decisions for the safety of your citizens!

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Philadelphia's Protest

Saturday (5/30/20) at 12:00 PM was when Philadelphia had their protest.

Now, I'm all for protesting because I believe "we the people" have the right to have our voices heard.

Amen!

However...

I think there is a huge difference between protesting to have your voice heard, and using a protest as a smoke screen to cause destruction and looting because you feel justified to destroy and loot for no other reason than to destroy and loot. These people are not protesters, they're vicious opportunists getting in on the action.

Days ago, I watched on the news what has been going on in many of the cities here in America and couldn't believe my eyes.

Well, I got to see it firsthand on Saturday night.

What started out as an organized and peaceful protest turned lethal at about 4:15 PM, when the chaos and madness began. I'm so grateful that I had enough sense to come home after I had been out all morning and afternoon. My intuition told me to stay in and not leave my apartment.

So I sat at home, looking out my windows from 4:15 PM Saturday until 12:30 AM Sunday. It felt as though I was watching a movie about the apocalypse. I literally saw it unfold before my eyes. I heard screaming, gun shots, helicopters, and sirens. I witnessed mobs of people (that resembled locusts) running through the streets below me, smashing store windows, laughing, and looting. And they worked in pairs because I noticed that they had people waiting in cars so that they could make a quick getaway. I have to say, they were very calculated in their destruction. As if they had a lot of practice.

But I have to tell you in all honesty, I wasn't afraid. I got to a point in which I stood back and just watched it play out; knowing I had nothing to fear.

Here are images (screenshots) I took from various news stations Saturday night during the riot...

(and keep in mind that all of this transpired only 2-6 city blocks from where I live)



Seven police vehicles were torched. SEVEN...




Thank GOD for our brave firefighters...


This was a brand new free-standing Starbucks at City Hall where I used to get my coffee...


This is a photo I took from my apartment window of the smoke that came from the burning Starbucks and the burning vehicles...


The looting that night was insane..




Everything they did was with a sense of casual entitlement...



An areal view of Chestnut Street...


This is a fire that occurred five blocks from my apartment. The smoke from the fire covered the city in a thick fog. The smell was horrendous. In fact, I can still smell it. It took the fire department SIX hours to extinguish the flames...






Sunday morning photographs of Walnut Street, on which every retailer was destroyed...




These are a few photographs I took when I walked outside Sunday morning so that I could see some of the damage with my own eyes...





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Ending on a positive note:

The upside to this was that I was extremely touched and impressed by how the people of this city came together on Sunday morning and all pitched in to help with the cleanup.

This gentleman (wearing all black) who runs the The Cheesecake Factory on Walnut Street went out and purchased $600.00 worth of trash bags, brooms, shovels, masks, and food to give to anyone who wanted to help with the cleanup.

Once again, kindness prevailed...


And this sweet, young man was out there first thing in the morning with his own trash bag, helping to clean up the streets. And as he spoke, he was in tears because he could not comprehend how anyone could do something like this. Listening to him made me tear up because I also couldn't comprehend how anyone could do something like this...


And lastly, I wish to give praise and admiration to the firefighters and law enforcement for their unending work, helping to keep the riot as minimal as possible Yes, we had tremendous damage done to this city on Saturday night. However, I could tell just by watching the streets from my apartment window that our law enforcement worked wisely and swiftly to do everything in their power to disburse the riot and keep us safe.

Overall, our law enforcement made 207 arrests Saturday night. 

Again, what Derek Chauvin did is despicable. And it is inexcusable.

However, I've met many policemen and policewomen in both Philadelphia and New York City who are genuinely good people, and take their job seriously in wanting to help and protect us.

As I shared at the start of this post, I am 100% behind citizens who protest to speak their mind. But what I am not behind are the destroyers whose actions cause a tremendous setback in what hundreds before them worked so hard for in their civil rights.

I leave you with a photograph of Philadelphia Police Commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, who recently moved here from California.

She worked tirelessly all day Saturday and Sunday to organize things before, during, and after the protest.

I love to hear her talk because she's smart, to the point, and inspiring.

And just a fabulous lady with a wonderful energy...


Be well, everyone!
💗

36 comments:

  1. Ron, I agree with you, the people who are invoking these riots are not protesters, they are opportunists. They are using these protests as a cover up for their own agenda. I saw on the news Saturday evening into Sunday what was going on in Philadelphia and thought of you with concern. I am so happy to hear that you're unharmed, but it's sad the destruction they did to your city, particularly while we're all still coping with the pandemic. It touched me to hear that your community came together to assist in the cleanup.

    Thank you for sharing your voice and ending it on a positive note, Ron. Stay safe! x

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  2. Ron, I'm so glad you wrote this and I'm glad to know you are safe. As I'm sure you've heard, Cleveland had the same senseless destruction. I spent yesterday in tears, just looking at the photos of all the small businesses that were looted and destroyed. Between Covid and now this, I'm afraid our downtown will become a ghost town. I don't see how some of these small retailers and restaurants will survive. And the ignorant comments I've read about insurance covering the damages. Who the hell do they think is really paying for this? ALL of us, in higher premiums and taxes! Unfortunately, the majority of Americans think that our government has money trees growing somewhere.

    I'm glad to hear that Philly cops have a good reputation. Unfortunately, the CPD does not. And, our mayor is known as a do-nothing. He spends all his time and effort keeping his grandson out of jail. Don't get me started. And now, no sooner does my husband go back to work, but now he's back home again because of the curfew and the only folks allowed downtown are those who live there. We're a damn mess here.

    Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but I'm at the end of my rope these days.

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  3. Dear friend, you are not a Debbie Downer, you're just being real and expressing how you feel. I mean, so am I as you can tell from this post. I think we're all at the end of our ropes, frustrated, angry, and saddened by what's going on right now all over the US.

    And yes, no sooner do things start to go back to normal from the pandemic does this happen, which puts everything back to start of the pandemic.

    " I spent yesterday in tears, just looking at the photos of all the small businesses that were looted and destroyed. Between Covid and now this, I'm afraid our downtown will become a ghost town. I don't see how some of these small retailers and restaurants will survive."

    Me too! I honestly haven't stopped crying since the beginning of last week. I've been forcing myself to get out everyday and still in the park, just to get a break and feel some peace. I have no idea how these retailers are going to survive. The store where I used to work last year was totally destroyed on Saturday night. And this is just around the time they were getting ready to reopen.

    I have say that I've been very impressed by how the city of Philadelphia has been handling this whole ordeal. They've worked swiftly and very consciously to work through this. In fact, today we now have military armed guards at City Hall and surrounding area for protection.

    You stay well, dear friend. And know that as bad as it seems right now, I know that we will all get through this.

    Have a great week!

    Much X

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  4. Hello there Candice!

    Yes, these people who are rioting are not legit protesters, they're extremists who are using this for their own agenda. And you can tell because they have a systematic way of how they execute these riots. And I witness that on Saturday night because I SAW it happening from above.

    I know, the sad thing about all these riots is that we're simultaneously trying to recover from the pandemic.

    I have to say that I've been very impressed by the way this city has worked together to protect it's citizens. Our law enforcement is amazing! As well as our firefighters! They're heroes!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Stay safe and have a great week!

    X

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  5. Ron, this was a very well-thought-out post, and I find myself adding a loud AMEN to your words! Incidents like that mess in Minneapolis grab us by our throats and tap deep into our beings a cry for justice, a hope for peace, and a desire for love. Sadly, these sorts of things have happened far too often in the past ... and if they'd been swiftly resolved then, with proper change implemented, we wouldn't keep revisiting them. Sweeping them under the rug only prolongs the misery. Has nobody heard the adage "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it"??



    As for the looters, you're spot-on: "These people are not protesters, they're vicious opportunists getting in on the action." I can't watch too much of the news coverage of these riots; it makes me want to put my fist through somebody's face, ha! What are they thinking?? Don't they realize that trashing police cars is only going to cost ALL of us money through higher taxes? Don't they realize small businesses (and even big chain stores) had ZERO to do with Mr. Floyd's death?? Don't they realize they're putting themselves and others in danger when we haven't resolved this pandemic crisis yet??


    I'm glad you're safe, my friend. You had a bird's eye view of what must have looked at times like the end of the world. I don't envy you that. Sometimes, it's nice to live in a small town!! xx

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  6. sup, ron.

    the world is a hot mess! there is so much injustice going on that i can't focus. i want to put my head in the sand like some people and ignore it, but i can't look away.

    floyd was murdered and i'm tired of cops being able to kill Black people and get away with it.

    some people say well black people kill black people. this is true. but white people kill white people, mexicans kills mexicans, etc. no sh*t sherlock.

    when cops kill black people, they get away with it. if there are good cops out there and they need to step in and and speak up against the cop doing bad, but they don't. they lookout or cover up for the bad cop. they are responsible too.

    i've seen too many videos of cops bringing in a white person who just murdered 100 people with respect and dignity. they value that person's life. that's all black people are asking. treat us like you would treat a white person. treat our lives with the same value. wrong is wrong no matter the color of a person's skin.

    then people say, why don't black people just cooperate with the police. people should cooperate, but even when we do, we still get shot. when white people don't cooperate with police, police have more patience. their first reaction is NOT to grab their gun. when the person is black their first reaction IS to grab their gun.

    i get it. people are afraid of black people, black men, black women because they have no relationships with black people. their only relationship is what they are shown on the news, so we are all looked at the same. we're all violent and should be feared. that's not true. we are judged before even knowing who we are.

    i don't agree with burning down businesses, looting (stealing), that's a freaking waste of time and serves no real purpose. i understand, it's years of pent up angry. still it's wrong. i saw this quote on twitter and it was also in the black panther movie:

    The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth. — Ethiopian Proverb

    people are angry and tired. nobody values life any more and it's horrible. black people are valued even less. do you want to know a fact. if that cop was kneeling on the neck of a dog until it died, he would have been arrested sooner. why is that?

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  7. So sad, Ron, to see the overall destruction caused in so many cities by what was definitely a murderous act and it would still be called murder no matter what race the person was. There is no disagreement that this was the murder of a human being, not a racist issue. These so-called protestors are rioters plain and simple who are using this act for their own agendas which seem to be senseless destruction and looting. How sad that now they can "hide" and be masked up due to coronavirus. The media replays of Mr. Floyd's murder didn't help either and I could no longer stand to see anymore after 1 partial viewing. It was disgusting and upsetting to see others standing by.

    Sorry to be ranting on but like yourself I am saddened to see the aftermath of so many businesses and people's livelihoods being destroyed. There was a peaceful protest (no rioting) here in nashua, NH over the weekend, nothing like what I've been seeing in larger metropolitan cities. The destruction you showed along Walnut St had me so sad as I recalled time spent years ago along that street, happier days for sure. That said, I am glad to read that you were safe in your apt although watching the destruction unfold and then walking along the street afterwards was surely so hard. Kudos to those citizens for pitching in to help with the cleanup too.

    As you said, there are good police officers in so many cities and countries. It's unfortunate that there are many "bad" apples too but one bad apples does NOT spoil all.

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  8. I think these violent protests are absolutely ridiculous. Shame on everybody who participated. Those photos are heartbreaking. WTF is wrong with people?? And not just in your city. This has happened in dozens around the country. Thankfully, not in my smallish South Dakota town. Keep safe, Ron...and thanks for always having a positive attitude!

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  9. "if that cop was kneeling on the neck of a dog until it died, he would have been arrested sooner. why is that?"

    Yes....THANK YOU, VAL!!!!! It's disgrace how that man was treated. And what's even more of a disgrace is the way it was handle by the leaders of Minnesota. They should be ashamed of themselves. I could barely listen to them on the news because it was all bullshit.

    I also want to thank you for sharing all that have in your comment because it's the truth.

    "...that's all black people are asking. treat us like you would treat a white person. treat our lives with the same value. wrong is wrong no matter the color of a person's skin."

    A-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't something how people label people (white, black, male, female, gay, straight, etc.) Yes, we are all different, HOWEVER...we are all EQUAL!!!

    Another thing that pisses me off is how women are treated, as if they're steps below a man.

    Again, my friend. Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by and adding your voice to this post.

    And please know that you are loved and valued! You know, I miss our visits to New York City. We have got to go again after all this shit calms down.

    X ya!

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  10. Ron, thank you for sharing this. Wow, the photographs of what went on in Philadelphia are like you said, apocalyptic! Seven cop cars torched? I would have been scared shitless watching all this happen. We haven't had to deal with where I live but I know it's only a matter of time. People have gone completely insane. And I agree, the way the Govenor of Minnesota handled this when it first happened is pretty lame. Do you see any of the press conferences he gave? I couldn't understand a thing he or the lawyers were talking about. They talked in circles.

    Have things calmed down in your city or are there still riots?

    Stay safe, dude!

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  11. Thank you, Debbie. I thought very long about how I wanted to express this post without it coming off totally angry.

    " ... and if they'd been swiftly resolved then, with proper change implemented, we wouldn't keep revisiting them. Sweeping them under the rug only prolongs the misery. Has nobody heard the adage "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it"??"

    A-MEN! My sentiments exactly! And I hate to say this, but if Minneapolis had acted with a swift resolve (because it was so obvious that it was murder), we wouldn't been dealing with the intensity of the mess we're all in now. This whole thing was handled so poorly.

    " I can't watch too much of the news coverage of these riots; it makes me want to put my fist through somebody's face, ha! What are they thinking?? Don't they realize that trashing police cars is only going to cost ALL of us money through higher taxes? Don't they realize small businesses (and even big chain stores) had ZERO to do with Mr. Floyd's death??"

    I feel exactly the same way. I have to pull myself away from the news because it makes me so mad and so sad. And you're right....this had ZERO to do with Mr. Floyd's death. That's why I believe these riots are all being orchestrated by something else and USING this issue for their own agenda. Even black people are saying the same thing. These destructive riots are NOT how they feel. And if anything, the riots are taking away from the reason why they're protesting in the first place.

    "You had a bird's eye view of what must have looked at times like the end of the world. I don't envy you that."

    It's odd because I was able to look at what was happening with a sense of detachment so that I could actually watch it and then write about it later. I felt like a reporter. LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome week!
    X

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  12. Hey there DA!

    "These so-called protestors are rioters plain and simple who are using this act for their own agendas which seem to be senseless destruction and looting. How sad that now they can "hide" and be masked up due to coronavirus."

    You're so right! And I've heard other say the same thing. The fact that we're all required to wear a mask made it much easier for them to do what they're doing. Which, I feel, is another thing they knew would be a PLUS for them.

    And I agree, the media replays of Mr. Floyd's death was like adding wood to the fire. It was so obvious what the media was/is doing. And all for more traffic and clicks. Have they do conscious?

    As you said, it's so sad to see the aftermath of these riots because people's livelihoods are being destroyed. It was surreal walking up Walnut Street and seeing all the stores destroyed.

    I was so very impressed and deeply touched by the citizens of this city on Sunday morning. It made me feel hopeful and happy.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrreaat week!

    X

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  13. Yes, Mark, I know...this is happening EVERYWHERE around the country. Yet, watching it unfold below you on the streets was truly like watching a movie about the apocalypse.

    Thankfully, for now anyway, the city has calmed down. We now have military enforcement all around the city.

    Have a great week, my friend. And thanks for stopping by.

    X to you and Tara

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  14. Hey there Matt!

    Yes...can you believe that....SEVEN vehicles! I knew that eventually it would happen in Philly, but I didn't think it would be these severe. But I must say, the people here are keeping it together and joining hands to repair, which is so heartwarming at a time like this.

    OMG yes...I watched those press briefings and felt the same way. They ALL talked and said NOTHING. I especially couldn't stand the lawyer who acted as cold as ice. They also talked so damn slow I thought I was going to scream.

    Yes, things have calmed down, however, we the city is still on alert and have brought in armed military in Center City. We also have an 8 PM curfew. At night, the streets are covered with law enforcement.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a mos excellent week!

    X

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  15. Ron, I agree with Debbie, this is a very well-thought-out post! You expressed your thoughts and feelings clearly, but without yelling at the top of your voice. You're a very good writer. You should be a reporter, the way you documenting your Saturday night experience. You guys had it much more intense than we did in South Philly. My husband and I were watching it all night long and were shaking our heads with disbelief. The city lookded like a war zone on Sunday after a bomb landed. So glad (and relieved) to hear you're okay. I was telling my husband all night that I hoped your were safe and unharmed.

    What happened to George Floyd was a disgrace indeed. And you're right, the state handled it so poorly. It seemed as thought they didn't know what the hell they were going to do after such an atrocity. I also think the each one of them needs to be convicted because they are as much to blame as Chauvin.

    I like Danielle Outlaw too. She was my favorite speaker at all the briefings. She's a sharp cookie!

    Have you been out and about today? I see there is going to be another protest this afternoon and I hope we don't have a repeat of Saturday night. Be safe, neighbor! xo

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  16. Hellooooooooo there Elaine!

    Thanks. I wrote this starting on Saturday night and then finished it Sunday. I only got about 3 hours of sleep on Saturday because I my mind was thinking about so many things. I finally got up at like 6 AM, made coffee, and then headed outside. No, I wasn't afraid to go out there at all. I don't allow things like that to frighten be into be paralyzed because then it wins. Besides, it was very peaceful Sunday morning.

    I know, didn't the city look like a bomb hit it? The rioters really went after all the retail stores and restaurants. I actually watched them smash the windows of a Dunkin' Donuts by my apartment and then go through the window and steal stuff. All night I heard glass breaking. But I will tell you that the Philadelphia police were ON IT. The second something happened, the police came in droves and went after them on foot, bike, and car. They arrested 207 that night.

    "I like Danielle Outlaw too. She was my favorite speaker at all the briefings. She's a sharp cookie!"

    Isn't she the best? I didn't even know who she was until this happened. You're right, she was the most articulate speaker. She has a wonderful energy about her. She's very nice, but also very strong and direct. I like that!

    Yes, the protest is going on as I type this comment. All I hear are helicopter's flying above. And the city streets are filled with law enforcement. But hey, that's awesome! I'm glad they're there.

    Thank you for stopping by, and have great week! Be safe too!

    X

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  17. Ron, my girlfriend and I were talking about this exact topic last night. It's ludicrous how the killing, or rather homicide of George Floyd was handled. Derek Chauvin should have be charged with first-degree murder right after the viewing the tapes.

    You put into words so many of the things I've been thinking and feeling about all this, so thank you. Racism should not be tolerated. EVER. And like you said, people have every right to protest. But that doesn't include the people who are causing these riots because they are distracting from the protest and making the legitimate protesters look bad.

    Damn, the photos you shared about what went on in Philadelphia Saturday are scary. And did you see the news this morning about what went on last night in Soho, NY? They tore that whole area up and destroyed all the retail stores. It's so sad. What the hell is going to happen to all these retailers that no longer have stores?

    Please stay safe, Ron! xo

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  18. Hola Denise!

    "Racism should not be tolerated. EVER. And like you said, people have every right to protest. But that doesn't include the people who are causing these riots because they are distracting from the protest and making the legitimate protesters look bad."

    Yes, you're absolutely right. Racism should not be tolerated whatsoever. But what I witnessed on Saturday night was not protesting, it was something completely different.

    You know, I don't think I would have really seen behind-the-scenes of these riots had I not seen it firsthand because I could actually notice how they were working all the destruction they caused. They had it all synchronized. Some of them would distract the police officers while others would do all the looting so without the police there. And they also had cars that they put all the loot in and then drive away.

    OMG...yes! When I turned on the news this morning I immediately saw what had happened in SoHo the night before. Holy shit....they destroyed that place BIG TIME!!! And one of the new anchors who was there said that the people who were looting didn't even care that the news cameras were on them.

    Thank you for stopping by, girl. Have a great week! Has there been any of this stuff going on where you're at?

    X

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  19. Miami, Ron. But so far not where I am. Thank god! It seems as though this happening in urban surroundings because they can destroy and loot a lot of places all close together.

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  20. Denise, you're right, it does seem to be primarily cities. Happy to hear you haven't been affected by it.
    X

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  21. Valerie DaggattTuesday, June 02, 2020

    Thank you for explaining in more detail what was shown on UK television sets. I could see it all but never heard the reason for it.
    Hope you are well.

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  22. Hey there Valerie!

    I knew that our news must be all over the world, but wasn't sure how it was being shown. Yes, it's a mess here. Just taking one day at a time and staying positive.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Hope you're having a great week!

    Miss you!

    X to you and Charlie

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  23. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, June 02, 2020

    It is a f--ing disgrace that all four policemen have not been charged with murder/accessory to murder. I'm totally behind the protestors - they have had centuries of systemic racism and they have had enough. The looting is something else - and here I find it hard to get a clear picture. I've seen film clips of cops shooting tear gas at peaceful protestors. And I've heard countless reports of the looters being from out of town. It saddens me that white supremacists are taking the opportunity of all the chaos to start a race war. It's the last thing anyone needs right now.

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  24. "It is a f--ing disgrace that all four policemen have not been charged with murder/accessory to murder."

    YES!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! And what the HELL is taking them so long to do that?!?

    "The looting is something else - and here I find it hard to get a clear picture. I've seen film clips of cops shooting tear gas at peaceful protesters. And I've heard countless reports of the looters being from out of town."

    I'll tell you, if I hadn't seen this with my own eyes going on for over EIGHT hours, I wouldn't have been able to a clear picture either. It was like watching something that you only see in movies. It looked unreal. And yes, it was also clear to me that all the destruction and looting were done from outside, because one of my close friends and her boyfriend were at the protest that was earlier that day and said it was calm and peaceful. Then, at 4:15 PM all hell broke loose.

    As I shared, the people doing this are opportunists who are using this protesting cause for their own agenda and it's so disrespectful to the memory of George Floyd who was such peaceful, kind, and loving man.

    Thank you for stopping by, my friend. X

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  25. Ron, thank you for sharing your story. Well written! And I'm glad to hear that you're well.

    Here is my take on what I think is happening with all this craziness. There are two things happening at once. There are the protesters who have every right to protest because of what happened with George Floyd. Which in my opinion was disgusting, and those policemen need to be convicted. And I feel the same as you about the state of Minnesota and how they handled it. They DIDN'T handle it. Then, there are those people who are rioting and causing all this chaotic destruction and looting because this is the perfect storm in which to include their own agenda, which is to destroy and steal. This is all being executed from an outside force, and I think you know what I'm talking about.

    Protesting should be allowed. But this rioting which is totally out of control should not, because it has nothing to do with the injustice of racism. Even George Floyds brother said it himself.

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  26. Hey Daniel, nice to see you!

    You are spot on in your take about what is happening. I feel the exact same way. And yes, I do know what your are talking about. The people who are rioting are using this as a cover up to do what they came to do, which is to cause all this havoc of destruction and looting, making it appear as if they are angry about what happened to George Floyd. But it's a scam. And I could so clearly see that as I watched from my apartment window that night and saw the whole thing play out. They were very well-rehearsed in their actions, as if they had practiced it many times before. And I could literally see that as I watched.

    "Protesting should be allowed. But this rioting which is totally out of control should not, because it has nothing to do with the injustice of racism. Even George Floyds brother said it himself."

    Yes! Yes! and Yes!

    I watched his brother talk and it brought tears to my eyes.

    Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Hope you're having a good week, my friend!

    X

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  27. Good morning, Ron! What a very heartfelt post, I can surely appreciate it and value your opinion. Of course, it's terribly sad and horrific that George Floyd was murdered and we all witnessed it. Makes me want to cry with every replay. Without saying too much that might lead you or your friends here to believe I condone looting... you know me, right? lol... I have a bit of a different thought on part of it, I guess. Certainly not that I'd ever do it, or ever tell anyone else to, absolutely not! Just that as with many things... the deeper reason/meaning behind some of it, I see as more complicated. And yes, it was curious to me that some of it did seem calculated, in addition to those just on a wild rampage. Seriously, I'm still in the process of trying to figure some things out so maybe I'll just do that on my own page. LOL
    Just wanted to stop by really and say hello and acknowledge your detailed post of current events. I'm glad you're safe and well.
    Have a great day. xo

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  28. I can't disagree with any thing you've written here. First, my God - what have we come to? It should not be a death sentence to be a Black man. This HAS to change. And it doesn't help that the people in power appear to be actively condoning it.

    I also hate when looting and rioting occur. I suspect, as you do, that that was largely the work of opportunists and probably also racists try to stir up the far Right. But then, I try to imagine how I'd be feeling if I were Black - all the peaceful protests haven't worked. Not kneeling at football games, not peaceful gatherings. In fact, not only have those protests not changed anything, but often people participating in them get teargassed and shot with rubber bullets. The President is running roughshod over the Constitution. So people are hurting and enraged. And when you push people to that point, rationality goes out the window. It reminds me of the line from a Mamas and Papas song: "With a bottle in each hand, to late to try to understand, we don't care where it lands, we just throw it."

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  29. Hey there Mary!

    I look forward to reading your thoughts on your post about looting.

    Hope all is well where you are. We're still having protests, however, without any destruction or looting. They've been very organized, calm, but very effective. Also, Philadelphia has taken many great steps in preventing what happened on Saturday night to ever happen again.

    Much thanks for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great rest of your week!!!
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  30. "And when you push people to that point, rationality goes out the window. "

    Yes, I understand and have compassion for how they feel because gay people have had injustices for centuries, including imprisonment and physical abuse. Even to this day (at 64 years old) I still have verbal abuse thrown at me while walking down the street.

    Gay people have had their heavy share of injustice and have rebelled.

    The "Stonewall Riots" were the start of when gay people got sick and tired of being verbally and physically abused (and arrested) by the police. So, on June 28, 1969 they finally had enough and rebelled. And it wasn't a pretty sight because homosexuals were pissed off from years and years of being repressed and not being heard or valued as homosexuals. They rioted against the police for two nights until the police finally got the message. "We will not stand for this any longer. Don't fuck with us."

    Yes, homosexuals violently rioted against the police brutality. However, what they didn't do was run all over Manhattan and destroy and loot. Those homosexuals took their frustration and anger out on who it should have been directed to...the police. They didn't scatter all over New York City, destroying the businesses and lives of everyone else.

    Yes, get pissed off. Yes, have your protests/riots. Yes, be forceful to get your point across.

    But I'm sorry, what is happening right now (and the degree to which it's happening) is not productive. Nor is it justifiable.

    And I know many black people here in Philadelphia who feel the same. They want it to stop because it's distracting their true cause.

    What happened to George Loyd was horrendous and it should never happen again. And all four of those policemen need to be sentenced. NOW.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

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  31. Oh, I'm not justifying the rioting and looting, only saying I understand the despair behind it. But you know, I'm not convinced at all that it is being done by the BLM movement. Or at least, not exclusively. I think there are people with a racist agenda stirring things up, hoping to create an even bigger racial divide.

    And, given how long it took women to get the vote, how we never could get the ERA passed, how we still don't get paid equally, and how we still have a rape culture - trust me, I totally understand feeling repressed and under-valued!

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  32. Thank you for clarifying. It's just that for the past two days I've had so many people telling me that all this destruction and looting is justifiable, and that America had this coming to them.

    And I too understand the despair. I think anyone who has been treated as a minority (an unequal) especially identifies with that feeling of injustice.

    Absolutely! I understand about women's rights as well. And I am totally for equal everything for women. If a woman does the job of a man (regardless of whether she's married and has children to support) she should get the EXACT salary as a man. I cannot comprehend how that is not just a given!?! You do the job, you get the same salary.

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  33. Amen to all you've spoken with this post. First, I'm happy you are safe and were not caught up in the senseless violence. I agree protesting against what you believe is wrong is necessary and it keeps out country from becoming a bunch of blind followers to the government. But this is not a protest....this is crime. It's been documented that some are "professional protesters" and come from outside the areas just to incite the violence. I do believe what was done to Mr. Floyd was murder and should be dealt with according to the law. Every one of those officers will be tried and convicted of this crime. I hope those who are legitimately fighting for a change in protocol will succeed because this should not happen to anyone. What is happening in our streets is street punk vengeance and opportunists who think this is as good a reason as any to take what is not theirs and leave a trail of destruction. if they truly cared about the cause, they would not be ruining the livelihoods of so many people they supposedly care about. My heart aches about what is going on in our country now. Your pictures are horrifying. It's a testament to your city that so many came out in the true spirit of cooperation, solidarity and friendship to clean up what was torn apart.

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  34. Ron, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this terrible series of events.

    Your insights and observations are greatly appreciated. And I'm glad you came home when you did.

    The murder of George Floyd was a vile, despicable, and racist act and everyone responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extend of the law.

    However, looting and other crimes are completely unacceptable. These acts are disgraceful, they desecrate the memory of George Floyd, and the severely damage the efforts of peaceful protestors.

    We're going through a bad time with the coronavirus, George Floyd's murder, and a dangerous swing toward fascism. Let's hope like hell that things turn around soon.

    Take care, buddy, and stay safe!

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  35. Hey there Rob!

    You know, I was SO thinking of you all week because two days after all this happened here in Philly, I saw on the news what happened in SoHo on Monday and then in Brooklyn throughout this whole week. OMG...it broke my heart to see all that destruction going on in "my" city.

    I saw last night that things have calmed down a bit in NY. We're still having protests here almost every day at around 3-4 in the afternoon.

    "We're going through a bad time with the coronavirus, George Floyd's murder, and a dangerous swing toward fascism. Let's hope like hell that things turn around soon."

    Yes, you're absolute right man! I mean Philly (and New York) haven't even fully opened yet and now this!

    You take care, buddy! Stay safe and well.

    Hope you have a peaceful weekend!
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  36. Hellooooooooo there Lisa!

    Thank you, yes, I survived Saturday night and was able to actually see it all play out from my windows. Thank God, I have my apartment is high above the ground because it's all the lower buildings that were getting all the damage. The rioters were mainly destroying stores and restaurants.

    "I agree protesting against what you believe is wrong is necessary and it keeps out country from becoming a bunch of blind followers to the government. But this is not a protest....this is crime."

    Yes, it's a total crime, absolutely! To see all the businesses destroyed is so heartbreaking to look at.

    "It's been documented that some are "professional protesters" and come from outside the areas just to incite the violence. If they truly cared about the cause, they would not be ruining the livelihoods of so many people they supposedly care about."

    Yes...each and everyday I'm seeing more and more of WHO is actually doing this and it's pretty damn scary how manipulative and how long they've been planning it, just waiting for the right moment to add fire to any already fiery topic. It's sick.

    Philly is still repairing itself and it's going to take a long time. And it's sad because we were just getting ready to open after the pandemic, so now everything is on hold. We're still having protests every day, however, they've been peaceful. We also have military armed guards all around City Hall.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. I hope you and your family are safe and well in your area.

    Have a peaceful weekend!
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