tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post4444863872834341089..comments2024-03-27T16:21:32.302-04:00Comments on Being Ron: How A Philadelphia Protest Went From A Protest To A RiotRonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15977027331657615697noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-83856602707055209422020-06-05T17:41:41.417-04:002020-06-05T17:41:41.417-04:00Hellooooooooo there Lisa!
Thank you, yes, I survi...Hellooooooooo there Lisa!<br /><br />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. <br /><br /><i>"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."</i><br /><br />Yes, it's a total crime, absolutely! To see all the businesses destroyed is so heartbreaking to look at. <br /><br /><i>"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."</i><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. I hope you and your family are safe and well in your area.<br /><br />Have a peaceful weekend!<br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-83726855405857324382020-06-05T17:18:27.809-04:002020-06-05T17:18:27.809-04:00Hey there Rob!
You know, I was SO thinking of you...Hey there Rob!<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />"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."<br /><br />Yes, you're absolute right man! I mean Philly (and New York) haven't even fully opened yet and now this!<br /><br />You take care, buddy! Stay safe and well. <br /><br />Hope you have a peaceful weekend!<br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-36405210140890558202020-06-05T15:08:51.052-04:002020-06-05T15:08:51.052-04:00Ron, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this t...Ron, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this terrible series of events. <br /><br />Your insights and observations are greatly appreciated. And I'm glad you came home when you did.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Take care, buddy, and stay safe!Rob Lenihannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-8072990026538576702020-06-05T10:28:04.951-04:002020-06-05T10:28:04.951-04:00Amen to all you've spoken with this post. Firs...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.Lisahttps://peripheralperceptions.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-20069952304855170782020-06-03T14:48:32.977-04:002020-06-03T14:48:32.977-04:00Thank you for clarifying. It's just that for t...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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Ronhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-50429073171005717642020-06-03T13:51:23.385-04:002020-06-03T13:51:23.385-04:00Oh, I'm not justifying the rioting and looting...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. <br /><br />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!Secret Agent Womanhttp://biredux.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-1526184181769688392020-06-03T12:50:09.216-04:002020-06-03T12:50:09.216-04:00"And when you push people to that point, rati...<i>"And when you push people to that point, rationality goes out the window. "</i><br /><br />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.<br /><br />Gay people have had their heavy share of injustice and have rebelled.<br /><br />The <i>"Stonewall Riots" </i>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. <b><i>"We will not stand for this any longer. Don't fuck with us."</i></b><br /><br />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...<i>the police.</i> They didn't scatter all over New York City, destroying the businesses and lives of everyone else.<br /><br />Yes, get pissed off. Yes, have your protests/riots. Yes, be forceful to get your point across.<br /><br />But I'm sorry, what is happening right now (and the degree to which it's happening) is not productive. Nor is it justifiable. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />What happened to George Loyd was horrendous and it should <i>never</i> happen again. And all four of those policemen need to be sentenced. NOW.<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!Ronhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-40599771643165173962020-06-03T11:10:15.301-04:002020-06-03T11:10:15.301-04:00Hey there Mary!
I look forward to reading your th...Hey there Mary!<br /><br />I look forward to reading your thoughts on your post about looting. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Much thanks for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great rest of your week!!!<br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-55259694082195034602020-06-03T11:08:52.646-04:002020-06-03T11:08:52.646-04:00I can't disagree with any thing you've wri...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. <br /><br /> 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."Secret Agent Womanhttp://biredux.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-61161067416177401522020-06-03T10:43:36.401-04:002020-06-03T10:43:36.401-04:00Good morning, Ron! What a very heartfelt post, I...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 <br />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. <br />Have a great day. xoMarynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-52111825707830409202020-06-02T21:07:15.537-04:002020-06-02T21:07:15.537-04:00Hey Daniel, nice to see you!
You are spot on in ...Hey Daniel, nice to see you!<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><i>"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."</i><br /><br />Yes! Yes! and Yes!<br /><br />I watched his brother talk and it brought tears to my eyes.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Hope you're having a good week, my friend!<br /><br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-39880093573747959882020-06-02T20:54:48.398-04:002020-06-02T20:54:48.398-04:00Ron, thank you for sharing your story. Well writte...Ron, thank you for sharing your story. Well written! And I'm glad to hear that you're well. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Danielnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-42193551411830571152020-06-02T12:22:19.861-04:002020-06-02T12:22:19.861-04:00"It is a f--ing disgrace that all four police...<i>"It is a f--ing disgrace that all four policemen have not been charged with murder/accessory to murder."</i><br /><br />YES!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! And what the HELL is taking them so long to do that?!?<br /><br /><i>"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><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by, my friend. XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-90329912258743256012020-06-02T11:56:22.652-04:002020-06-02T11:56:22.652-04:00It is a f--ing disgrace that all four policemen ha...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.http://ladyfi.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-10546551137916731792020-06-02T06:35:59.724-04:002020-06-02T06:35:59.724-04:00Hey there Valerie!
I knew that our news must be a...Hey there Valerie!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Hope you're having a great week!<br /><br />Miss you!<br /><br />X to you and CharlieRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-83325920000869926162020-06-02T04:28:17.607-04:002020-06-02T04:28:17.607-04:00Thank you for explaining in more detail what was s...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. <br />Hope you are well.Valerie Daggattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-9974511126595795562020-06-01T21:33:02.672-04:002020-06-01T21:33:02.672-04:00Denise, you're right, it does seem to be prima...Denise, you're right, it does seem to be primarily cities. Happy to hear you haven't been affected by it.<br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-90085914113005132762020-06-01T21:30:41.772-04:002020-06-01T21:30:41.772-04:00Miami, Ron. But so far not where I am. Thank god! ...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.Denisenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-17449092862582597792020-06-01T21:13:19.992-04:002020-06-01T21:13:19.992-04:00Hola Denise!
"Racism should not be tolerated...Hola Denise!<br /><br /><i>"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."</i><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by, girl. Have a great week! Has there been any of this stuff going on where you're at?<br /><br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-26055644395063035712020-06-01T21:00:54.608-04:002020-06-01T21:00:54.608-04:00Ron, my girlfriend and I were talking about this e...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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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? <br /><br />Please stay safe, Ron! xoDenisenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-32718044781947724502020-06-01T16:21:30.056-04:002020-06-01T16:21:30.056-04:00Hellooooooooo there Elaine!
Thanks. I wrote this...Hellooooooooo there Elaine! <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><i>"I like Danielle Outlaw too. She was my favorite speaker at all the briefings. She's a sharp cookie!"</i><br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by, and have great week! Be safe too!<br /><br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-72921705629792510002020-06-01T16:07:08.681-04:002020-06-01T16:07:08.681-04:00Ron, I agree with Debbie, this is a very well-thou...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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />I like Danielle Outlaw too. She was my favorite speaker at all the briefings. She's a sharp cookie!<br /><br />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! xoElainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-1865873350235764702020-06-01T12:23:43.034-04:002020-06-01T12:23:43.034-04:00Hey there Matt!
Yes...can you believe that....SEV...Hey there Matt!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a mos excellent week!<br /><br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-12185752738233898232020-06-01T12:17:57.128-04:002020-06-01T12:17:57.128-04:00Yes, Mark, I know...this is happening EVERYWHERE a...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.<br /><br />Thankfully, for now anyway, the city has calmed down. We now have military enforcement all around the city.<br /><br />Have a great week, my friend. And thanks for stopping by.<br /><br />X to you and TaraRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092603952139807812.post-46251063690140863402020-06-01T12:14:04.777-04:002020-06-01T12:14:04.777-04:00Hey there DA!
"These so-called protestors ar...Hey there DA!<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I was so very impressed and deeply touched by the citizens of this city on Sunday morning. It made me feel hopeful and happy.<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrreaat week!<br /><br />XRonhttp://www.triloquist.netnoreply@blogger.com