21 January 2015
Staff Posting
Launching into a spontaneous, impromptu broadcast, James MacArthur plays music interspersed with his unique manner of doing news, giving views, and reviews.
Showing posts with label James MacArthur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James MacArthur. Show all posts
21 January 2015
13 February 2014
Police Blast Bad Guys With AND Without Guns - 3 Shot, 2 Dead
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Prior to harassing a Baltimore Spectator reporter,
Baltimore Police investigate a police involved shooting.
Photo by James MacArthur/MacArthur Media |
In most cities, two police involved shootings, just a couple hours apart would be major news. But in Baltimore, apparently we're easily impressed, so when it snows in winter, it's time to drop all real reporting, and pretend endless repetitive chatter about snow is insightful and informative.
Despite police clearly stating the robbery suspect at the 7-11 near Mondawmin on Liberty Rd did not have a gun, the fact that he was shot while posing no threat to safety, will likely be quickly overlooked and given a pass with the consent of the media.
After all, he was a criminal. This is Baltimore. Aren't we supposed to shoot them?
Meanwhile, in classic Baltimore Police fashion, everything came to a screeching halt once The Baltimore Spectator arrived on scene to cover the story. It is notable, no other journalists on location were harassed, intimidated, or threatened by Baltimore's gestapo, jackbooted thugs.
Agitator-In-Chief, James MacArthur, expressed his severe disappointment to Commissioner Batts in an open letter.
Briefing on shooting delayed because police are trying to calm down the Spectator, who is upset about being told not to stand on a hill
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) February 13, 2014
It would be nice to see more of the real police on our streets, the ones worthy of the title officer. The rest, best be gone. They continue to destroy all credibility and relationships with the community.
Despite the grossly inaccurate, cavalier downplaying and marginalizing by Baltimore Sun reporter Justin Fenton, of what was a very serious and unwarranted encroachment by police who should have been focused on investigating and incident, we remain undeterred..
As citizens and a journalists, there is no reason to sit quietly and take abuse from government official who are supposed to be serving us all.
A Crappy Ending... To A Life
No one envisions their expired earthly body being discovered in a place where human waste is deposited.
Like the day before, Wednesday started with a first-thing-in-the-morning bonus body. What is a bonus body you ask? It's when a random dead body is found, and there's no immediate connection to a known or reported crime.
A mans body was found in a porta potty in the 900 block of Thames St. near Wolfe St. Wednesday morning in the Fells Point community. Although we're told homicide detectives are investigating, there was no word on the circumstances or whether foul play was suspected. This being Baltimore, we're suspicious.
With over 30 murders, plus 4 police involved shootings this year, those homicide guys are really busy. Don't expect to hear much from them any time soon. After all, half of the murder happening here are never ever solved.
Perhaps dead bodies being found has become so routine (we've had three since last week), that's its no longer news here, but if you're looking for an article on this incident, good luck. There are none. Our initial searches indicate the Baltimore press corps has little interest in this one. For now. After all, it is winter, and it's snowing.
As we pointed out yesterday, when the day begins this way, lookout, it's a sure sign of oncoming chaos. And the day surely delivered.
Also on Wednesday...
BREAKING NEWS: White People Discover It's Dangerous In Baltimore
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An overcapacity crowd, filled with angry, pissed off people,
showed up to give the Mayor and Police Commissioner
a piece of their mind./Photo by Fern Shen, Baltimore Brew
|
Although crime has plagued this city for decades, and the police have never been real effective in dealing with it, it's now trendy to demand a more responsive and committed police force in the city.
Basically, the stuff that's been written about in these pages for the last five years is starting to catch on.
Highlights from the meeting:
Commissioner Batts: "Some of the things that are taking place in this community should not be happening."
For her part, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said "I am focused … on action and finding partners who are doing more than complain." Translation, I really don't want to hear about your problems so save it.
Of course, nothing was said about things happening in other communities in the city.
Kudos to Del. Luke Clippinger, who organized the meeting and said the area's problems reflect broader issues in a city with a climbing homicide rate. We're glad the delegate is paying attention and showing concern, but shouldn't this meeting have been called by a city council member? Make them earn their keep!
Related articles
18 January 2014
REPOST: Baltimore Journalist Arrested For Questioning Official - The Beginning
Originally published 20 January 2009
The first post on this blog. My what a journey it's been. - Ed.
The first post on this blog. My what a journey it's been. - Ed.
In a city riddled with allegations of government corruption, widespread incompetence, and an out of control crime problem, some police officers apparently have taken a novel approach to restoring peace and order to the slowly sinking ship that is Baltimore City; arrest law abiding citizens who aren't actually committing crimes. That way, when asked what is being done, they can point to numbers that don't tell the real story, then point out how many arrests have been made.
Remember how on the Titanic the musicians continued to play even as water filled the cabins and half the decks were already underwater? Well, in Baltimore the situation is similar. The truth is, things are far worse than anyone is willing to talk about, but meanwhile the masses live in a state of addled apathy.
“There are thousand of cases like this being thrown out every month,“In the month of February, we threw out 902 cases; in March, we threw out over 1,200 cases — that means 70 cases a day.” -- Margaret Burns, spokeswoman for the State’s Attorney’s Office
Baltimore Police have a history of locking folks up, just because. Sometimes merely asking a question of of an officer can land you in jail. Don't believe me, just check out this story from The Baltimore Examiner in 2006. In that story, a young couple, visiting from out of town was arrested for asking a cop for directions. Talk about rolling out the welcome mat. I wish I could tell you that this practice has stopped, but sadly, it is still going on, and apparently with a great degree of frequency.
"I Can Send Anyone To Prison Just Because I Don't Like Them"
Allow me to tell you the story of one James MacArthur. As a part time journalist with years of experience and a broad body of work in several fields, he is always on the lookout for story ideas. After learning his car was impounded and a trip to the Baltimore City impound lot would be necessary, he thought it would be a perfect chance for a story. After all this place is well known for lousy customer service. Of course, what he didn't know was, asking questions of Baltimore public officials is a jailable offense.
Never mind the First Amendment or anything like that, no, this is Baltimore City remember? It's the impound lot. The same place that is under ongoing investigation for all kinds of criminal activity. This place has been abusing the people of Baltimore for years. Thieves, liars and rude are just a few of the words that can be used to describe some of the folks working there.
Customer Service, Charm City Style
On 29 December 2008, MacArthur went to the impound lot for the purpose of retrieving his car. He felt the car was wrongfully impounded, and decided to document his experience for a future story. In the parking lot, while sitting in a car, using a cell phone camera, MacArthur began narrating.
Continuing to film,he walked into the lobby and was immediately met with loud protests from impound lot staff telling him he was not allowed to tape inside. MacArthur advised them he was an investigative journalist, and he was simply doing a story on Baltimore City government customer service. A staff member asked him for his name and contact information. MacArthur complied, giving them his cell phone number, and then took a number from a wall mounted dispenser, to be placed in que for customer service.
Waiting for his number to be called, he said there were several patrons in the lobby, some of them quite vocally agitated by the experience of dealing with the place. He told them he was a reporter and if they wanted to talk to him and share their experience, he'd be glad to meet them outside.
Suddenly a man from behind the counter came out and angrily confronted him. Never identifing himself as management, or an employee for that matter, and standing merely inches from MacArthur, he asked if there was a problem. Not knowing who the individual was, MacArthur asked him if he could identify himself. The man walked away disappearing back into the office.
At this point, MacArthur said he was there for no more than 5 minutes when his phone rang. On the line was Adrienne Barnes, Director of Communications for the Department Of Transportation, which the lot falls under. According to MacArthur, Barnes asked what was going on, and who he was working for. He told her he was doing a piece on customer service. She then asked how much longer he would be there taping, to which he replied, 10 minutes or so. Barnes said that would be fine, but the employees were kind of nervous and in the future she would appreciate being contacted in advance. MacArthur then told her, that as an investigative journalist, he prefers to show up unannounced, after all, it was a public building.
“Somewhere within the Police Department there is a policy or directive to increase the number of arrests..." -- Margaret Burns, spokeswoman for the State’s Attorney’s Office
While standing outside near the entrance, still on the phone with Barnes, four officers, one with a nightstick in his hand, marched past MacArthur and went inside. MacArthur ended the call with Barnes telling her the were police on scene. He then went back into the building at which point the officers immediately surrounded him. The lead officer, identified as Officer Michael Maurice, of the Baltimore Police asked him to step outside. MacArthur says he feared going outside with the four officers. Their aggressive posture and demeanor made him feel that he was in danger of bodily harm and therefore, would only be safe if he remained in view of other people.
Don't You Dare Question Me
Officer Maurice asked MacArthur a second time to step outside, to which MacArthur replied "why?" Maurice said he wanted to talk to him and there were too many people in the lobby for him to do so. MacArthur then suggested they could step to the side while remaining in the lobby to talk.
At that point, Officer Maurice handcuffed MacArthur and told him he was under arrest for disturbing the peace. It is interesting to note that on the charging the documents, the official charge is listed as trespassing. Trespassing in a public place no less.
While this sort of thing happens often in this city, it is not often we get to see video from a cell phone, of a journalist getting arrested simply for asking a question. This I suppose is the new strategy for fighting crime. Speaking about another incident Burns said “nuisance arrests” waste city resources that could be better used to fight violent crime.
Can anyone tell me where the life vests are? We're going down, and we're going down fast!
Troy Harris, spokesman for Baltimore City Police was contacted concerning this story, he declined to comment, stating that it is an open case and an ongoing investigation. Yeah, and I'm sure the investigation involves more police resources that could be better spent.
-- A big thank you to Adam Meister, from BaltimoreExaminer.com for helping with this story. We will continue to follow this with updates as needed.
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Researcher, independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government officials under the guise of law enforcement. He's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
24 August 2013
This Morning’s Message - still relevant!
Republishing this from my personal blog, originally posted July of 2009. Looking back, there's been so many vicious, savage attacks. But what has happened? I'm still here, many of my attackers and critics are now nowhere.
Governments continue only if they are fair. –Proverbs 16:12 (NCV)
By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
In a little while I will be headed back down to the courthouse for another round. Regular readers may have noticed my writing output has significantly decreased. For those close to me, this should come as no surprise. The tremendous weight and pressure that I've felt on my shoulders has been a great strain.
They've tried everything possible to drag me under, surely they must wonder how I’m still standing.
As much as my enemies wish to take me down, their efforts have not succeeded. Yes they've kicked me, yes they've knocked me down, but I continue to get up, and to their dismay, I am still around.
It is my hope to someday soon get back on track and return to a level of productivity that I could be pleased with. As a writer, I have suffered withdrawals from lack of output. The photographer and videographer in me yearns to capture the images all around. The inquisitive investigator that I am has so many questions I intend to ask. As tough as the situation is right now, I know that even this too will pass.
Early this morning while out for a walk. I couldn't help but reflect on the trials I've been through recently, and the anticipated challenges just ahead. Looking forward, I am not afraid facing the future. Seeking strength as I do often from the Holy Scriptures, this morning I was led to passages that were particularly encouraging, and perhaps even prophetic.
I've been summoned yet again and my presence is desired to grace the halls of justice so I will not be around today. That means no updates, no new stories, no rants for a while. As I head back down to the court for yet another full day of questioning, interrogation and examination, I leave you with this;
People may make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true. You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord will judge your reasons. Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The Lord makes everything go as he pleases. He even prepared a day of disaster for evil people.
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Researcher, independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government officials under the guise of law enforcement. He's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
04 August 2013
Unarmed, Yet Still Dangerous? Deliberate Misinformation, or Incompetent Journalism?
Words Vs. Weapons -- When Government Seeks Justification To Kill
Filed by A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Agitator-In-Chief
On 1 December 2012, the Baltimore Police were hoping to kill me and get away with it.
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| They came with one mission, to kill me. |
My home was surrounded by a full scale, military assault weapon equipped, death squad, SWAT team. There were even snipers on the roof.
Backed up by nearly 100 officers and a helicopter, the press and public were told it was because I issued "threats" to police via twitter and posted pictures of a weapon on this blog.
Looking back, I appreciate the lofty assessment of my writing given me by police and the State's Attorney. It's true, apparently my words are so powerful, so deadly, that the only effective retaliation requires lethal weapons. Lot's of them!
02 August 2013
Innocence Isn't Free -- How The Baltimore Spectator Was Betrayed By A System That Should Have Protected Him
In keeping with the mission of "Truth To The Masses," and in light of many of the mistruths and misinformation floating around on social media; portions of James MacArthur's upcoming book, Innocence Isn't Free, will be released in this space. Article below is a sampling of the widespread, popular support for MacArthur. Many in media choose to conveniently ignore this, as the campaign to minimize and malign one man continues. - Ed.
By Cindy Walsh,
Director, Citizens' Oversight Maryland---Maryland Progressives
I would like to add a few issues that are central to this case and never get addressed in the press. First, James is a well-respected journalist in Baltimore and provides a service that is found in no other media in Baltimore.....holds the police and City Hall responsible for what most people understand is criminal and corrupt behavior.
That is after all the mission of FREE PRESS.
What we do not hear in this case is that the police came to this man's door with no warrant or intent. They knocked on the door and James chose not to answer because.....and this is my assumption....he feared for his life. Remember, we have had in Baltimore 17 people killed by police that were later found to have no weapon or no criminal act.
By Cindy Walsh,
Director, Citizens' Oversight Maryland---Maryland Progressives
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Often first on scene, MacArthur has a long legacy of
breaking stories before mainstream mass media.
|
That is after all the mission of FREE PRESS.
What we do not hear in this case is that the police came to this man's door with no warrant or intent. They knocked on the door and James chose not to answer because.....and this is my assumption....he feared for his life. Remember, we have had in Baltimore 17 people killed by police that were later found to have no weapon or no criminal act.
20 July 2013
Better Police/Community Relations? Jack Young Responds
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Potential candidate for vacant Baltimore Police Training
Academy commander position.
|
For the last month, we've seen repeated cries and pleadings from police and city officials for increased "cooperation from the community." They say police desperately need our help in fighting out-of-control crime in Baltimore. To that, our response has been cooperation is indeed needed, but we must see the police extend a hand to the community as well.
Courtesy and professionalism, in our experience, is something sorely lacking among Baltimore Police.
We asked Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young for input. Originally published on North Baltimore Patch, here's how it went:
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Publisher A.F. James MacArthur, a "serious threat to
public safety."
(Larry "Celebrity Cab Driver" Wallace/Baltimore Spectator)
|
Dear President Young;
With the continued call for increased community cooperation with the police, what is being done by you and your colleagues to ensure people of protection when doing this?
Also, there's a well known, well deserved reputation in the community, that the police don't really care about us, and view [all] us (black men) as criminal suspects.
When they respond to a scene, they're often rude and condescending to all present, including potential vital witnesses. I've heard no elected official address working with the department to improve community relations from their end.
It's a two way street sir. If citizens are being called to cooperate, the police must be required to operate at a higher level of professionalism.
Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young's response:
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| Jack Young gets it. |
I for years have stressed to the leaders of BPD [Baltimore Police Department] the importance of customer service. And my very first conversation with Commissioner Batts centered on the absolute need to incorporate better customer service training into the teaching at the Academy.
I have also told Commissioner Batts that I'm willing to address recruits personally and implore them to become great communicators. I know that the majority of our officers are hard-working, great individuals.
But I've also witnessed officers being rude first-hand. I had a personal experience with this during a traffic stop years ago. I get it. It's something I talk about all the time. And whenever I encounter a police officer I make sure to let him/her know that treating people with respect (whether you think they're criminal or not) is a necessary part of their job.
18 July 2013
Beating A Dead Horse "For Trayvon" Pt. 1
Controversy continues over motive of Patterson Park beating
By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
In an interview with WMAR ABC 2's Brian Kuebler, Baltimore Police Detective Angela Carter-Watson said, "our investigation is basically saying that there is no Trayvon connection. This incident is again, an isolated incident."
Four days after first appearing on The Baltimore Spectator, three days after The Baltimore Sun reported it, and pretended not to have first heard of it from us, George reluctantly relents that the "for Trayvon" claim could be bogus.
If this whole episode was good for nothing else, at least it showed us what "real reporting" ought to look like.
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Involved in media since 1991, community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has grown used to getting no respect.
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Have you had enough of George Zimmerman or Trayvon Martin yet?
On Sunday when I wrote about a group of Baltimore teenagers who beat up a man in Patterson Park, I really didn't feel like doing another story about the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman trial aftermath. Not because I though there weren't important lessons to be learned, or meaningful discussions to be had. Because there actually are. But since virtually a million outlets already had stories about the case, out of respect to my readers, I figured I'd back off a bit.
After all, you didn't come here to read stuff stuff you can easily read anywhere else.
On Sunday when I wrote about a group of Baltimore teenagers who beat up a man in Patterson Park, I really didn't feel like doing another story about the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman trial aftermath. Not because I though there weren't important lessons to be learned, or meaningful discussions to be had. Because there actually are. But since virtually a million outlets already had stories about the case, out of respect to my readers, I figured I'd back off a bit.
After all, you didn't come here to read stuff stuff you can easily read anywhere else.
Open Source Intelligence
v. re·port·ed, re·port·ing, re·ports v.tr.1. To write or provide an account or summation of for publication or broadcast: report the news. 2. To relate or tell about; present: report one's findings. See Synonyms at describe.
3. To carry back and repeat to another: reported the rumor of a strike.
On Sunday night, a reader made me aware of a "reported" assault on a Hispanic man. The incident was supposedly in retaliation for the controversial Florida verdict. The initial claim was a group of Black teens in jumped the man, and as they beat him down, they told him "this is for Trayvon [Martin]."
After doing basic research a brief was filed. I attempted to outline, what seemed at the time, to be a pretty shocking story. In a city with hundreds of murders and shootings per year, for an assault to be considered newsworthy, there has to be something a bit unusual or different about it. A group of gang bangers delivering a racially motivated beating definitely fit this criteria.
Within 24 hours the story was seen by thousands of people from around the world. In fact, it quickly became the most read Baltimore Spectator piece, in a long, long time.
But it seemed as if the media might have missed it. A whole day passed before The Baltimore Sun decided to even acknowledge the incident having taken place. In their original article, crime reporter Justin George fills in many of the details missing from my initial account.
Eventually the story gained the attention of national media. But was it because it was first reported here on this blog? Not hardly. George's story quickly went viral, and he eventually wound up on national TV discussing it. It's too bad we've since learned the primary thrust of his story appears to be totally incorrect. But well get back to that later.
On Twitter, I expressed disappointment. George should have at least acknowledged that the story was first reported here. But according to reporter Carrie Wells, -- not the pretend TV detective -- of The Baltimore Sun, putting a story on an internationally recognized blog like The Baltimore Spectator, is not real 'reporting.'
After doing basic research a brief was filed. I attempted to outline, what seemed at the time, to be a pretty shocking story. In a city with hundreds of murders and shootings per year, for an assault to be considered newsworthy, there has to be something a bit unusual or different about it. A group of gang bangers delivering a racially motivated beating definitely fit this criteria.
Within 24 hours the story was seen by thousands of people from around the world. In fact, it quickly became the most read Baltimore Spectator piece, in a long, long time.
But it seemed as if the media might have missed it. A whole day passed before The Baltimore Sun decided to even acknowledge the incident having taken place. In their original article, crime reporter Justin George fills in many of the details missing from my initial account.
Eventually the story gained the attention of national media. But was it because it was first reported here on this blog? Not hardly. George's story quickly went viral, and he eventually wound up on national TV discussing it. It's too bad we've since learned the primary thrust of his story appears to be totally incorrect. But well get back to that later.
On Twitter, I expressed disappointment. George should have at least acknowledged that the story was first reported here. But according to reporter Carrie Wells, -- not the pretend TV detective -- of The Baltimore Sun, putting a story on an internationally recognized blog like The Baltimore Spectator, is not real 'reporting.'
Or is it?
Although now a well known reporter for a major metropolitan daily newspaper, Ms. Wells was once a novice journalist. Back when Wells was a journalism student at University of Maryland, and her current audience had no clue who she was, I actually followed a bit of her work.
Her zeal and excitement towards journalism encouraged me about the future of the craft. At a time when I'd just about lost all faith in the direction the press was going, Wells made me think there was hope.
It's kind of funny, but apparently as a student, Wells was well aware of my non-reporting at The Baltimore Spectator, as well.
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| The Baltimore Spectator, breaking news & first to cover stuff since 2009. Even novices noticed. |
Riding High On The Horse
At first, when none of mainstream media picked up, or even seemed to have an interest in the story, I honestly was a bit surprised. If for nothing else, the story (or what seemed to be the story), had all the appearances of the kind of sensational fodder media thrives on. But this would soon change.
Sun staffers gabbed with great glee and excitement about all the sudden attention "their story" gathered. First The Drudge Report picked it up, then George even got to be a guest on Fox news.
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| Baltimore Sun reporter Justin George, spreading truth to the masses. |
But as Baltimore Sun staff reveled in the recognition received for such a captivating story, their reported version of events began to slowly unravel.
Four days after first appearing on The Baltimore Spectator, three days after The Baltimore Sun reported it, and pretended not to have first heard of it from us, George reluctantly relents that the "for Trayvon" claim could be bogus.
If this whole episode was good for nothing else, at least it showed us what "real reporting" ought to look like.
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Involved in media since 1991, community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has grown used to getting no respect.
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
17 July 2013
COCKED AND LOCKED - Baltimore Police Open For Business?
Public Invitation Runs Contrary To Reality
By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Is it too much to expect accurate information from the official Twitter account, of the 8th largest police department in the country? When dealing with the Baltimore Police Department, I learned a long time ago to be careful in taking them at their word.
Anyone who's ever had the unfortunate experience of seeking help at one of Baltimore's police stations could tell you how uninviting they are. From hidden rear entrances (many front door are condemned), to unstaffed desks, the decrepit, run down appearances are not exactly a comforting sight for a citizen in distress. And that's before you have to deal with the cops themselves!
Batts And The Bishop
Baltimore mega-church, New Psalmist Baptist, led by Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr., decided they'd had enough of this embarrassment. Details aren't clear, but apparently they provided private funding and or other support, to renovate and reopen the front entrance of the police department's Northwestern District station.
With great fanfare and upbeat announcements echoed by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the general public was invited to come on down to check it out. In the spirit of hard-core investigative journalism and bringing you "Truth To The Masses," The Baltimore Spectator decided to check out the spectacle, so you wouldn't have to. What we discovered might surprise you.
In the graphic below, a friendly, open invitation is extended to the general public via twitter at 12:54 p.m. Less than an hour later when we showed up, apparently someone must have seen us coming, because the doors were definitely locked. A lone detective could be seen in the video, briefly peering through the large front window, that would be the only welcome or acknowledge we got. There was no inquiry of "may I help you?" No one asked, "is there something we can do for you?" Nope, not here.
The Baltimore Police Department was asked for clarification via Twitter (same venue as the invitation), but as of this writing (3:25 p.m.), there's been no response.
It should be pointed out, this incident is not the first time conflicting messages were delivered to the public by the police. We've had plenty experiences before.
Remember, if you're having an emergency, DO NOT go to your nearest neighborhood police station. That is, unless you don't mind being left on the outside looking in.
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Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
Anyone who's ever had the unfortunate experience of seeking help at one of Baltimore's police stations could tell you how uninviting they are. From hidden rear entrances (many front door are condemned), to unstaffed desks, the decrepit, run down appearances are not exactly a comforting sight for a citizen in distress. And that's before you have to deal with the cops themselves!
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| So a Bishop and a Police Chief walk into a bar... (A.F. James MacArthur, Baltimore Spectator) |
Baltimore mega-church, New Psalmist Baptist, led by Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr., decided they'd had enough of this embarrassment. Details aren't clear, but apparently they provided private funding and or other support, to renovate and reopen the front entrance of the police department's Northwestern District station.
With great fanfare and upbeat announcements echoed by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the general public was invited to come on down to check it out. In the spirit of hard-core investigative journalism and bringing you "Truth To The Masses," The Baltimore Spectator decided to check out the spectacle, so you wouldn't have to. What we discovered might surprise you.
In the graphic below, a friendly, open invitation is extended to the general public via twitter at 12:54 p.m. Less than an hour later when we showed up, apparently someone must have seen us coming, because the doors were definitely locked. A lone detective could be seen in the video, briefly peering through the large front window, that would be the only welcome or acknowledge we got. There was no inquiry of "may I help you?" No one asked, "is there something we can do for you?" Nope, not here.
The Baltimore Police Department was asked for clarification via Twitter (same venue as the invitation), but as of this writing (3:25 p.m.), there's been no response.
It should be pointed out, this incident is not the first time conflicting messages were delivered to the public by the police. We've had plenty experiences before.
Remember, if you're having an emergency, DO NOT go to your nearest neighborhood police station. That is, unless you don't mind being left on the outside looking in.
--------------------------------------------------
Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
15 July 2013
Zimmerman Is Innocent! - But We're All Guilty
Accepting Reality Not Always Easy
The jury has spoken. What you gonna do?
Every publicity seeking politician and pontificating, pimping-in-the-pulpit preacher who's suddenly seeking a soap box, needs to sit down and shut up! If you haven't been active in your community, making moves and taking substantive action, attempting to alleviate social and economic injustice, you look like nothing but an opportunist.
Young Black men continue to die violent deaths in numbers that are far too high. This didn't start yesterday. Will we rally, riot or protest about the conditions that contribute to this?
Poverty and joblessness, already disproportionately high in the Black community, has increased under Obama, but other than mostly outspoken, radical right wingers, how many will admit it?
All the protesting, marching and demonstrating in the world won't change the verdict. Meanwhile, grave institutional injustices continue, and they don't get one-tenth the attention the Zimmerman case has drawn.
There are those in power, having ulterior motives, who want to milk this situation for all it's worth. Meanwhile, our problems persist.
This is what they want. A big fat distraction, drawing your eyes, ears, your time and your mind astray. While inequities, oppression and violence continues to shatter and shear our community.
Life Isn't Fair
Am I pleased with the verdict? Not hardly.
Were I a kid, minding my own business, walking to my dad's house and some guy aggressively ran up on me
late at night, I'd probably be defensive. If I felt threatened, not wanting to give an assailant an advantage, I might even swing first.
If the so-called unidentified watchman -- not in a uniform -- were so closely invading my personal space, that I could actually connect with him, my assumption would be that this guy is up to no good. I'm about to become a crime victim. I'd be in fear of my life. I'd attempt to STAND MY GROUND.
Does this mean, being unarmed, I'd deserve to get shot? I've literally been Trayvon. I think of how many times as a young Black man, I've I had a nervous cop pull a gun on me. More times than any confrontation with criminals, that's for sure. For no good reason. Doing what? Walking home late at night after work, among other things. Yes white America, this really happens!
Funny thing is, the immediate reaction of some people would be, well I'm sure there were other factors to the circumstance. When a woman gets raped, is the immediate appropriate reaction; oh I'm sure there was something you were doing that contributed to this happening? Really? For too many, it truly is inconceivable, that law abiding, Black youth, doing nothing but just trying to get home are still often viewed with unwarranted suspicion.
The truth is, there are harsh realities faced by young Black men in this country every single day. Some of it is unfortunate with no easy solution, but what about the things we can actually do something about. The Black community has got to do a better job of addressing internal issues.
Baltimore City has one of the highest rates of, out-of-wedlock, teenage births in the country. Being a majority Black city, guess what, most of the pregnant girls are Black too. Anyone not thinking this has a direct long term link to increased suffering, crime and juvenile delinquency is in denial.
But on the other hand, despite the many difficulties of a downtrodden people, between societal injustice, and socio-economic inequalities, there's a part white people play too.
Far too many are too quick to instantly dismiss any cries of foul by a Black person. As if all unfairness has just magically disappeared, many whites have a knee jerk, negative reaction when a Black person complains of injustice.
We'd love to pretend 'post racialism' has meaningful significance, but depending on how you look at things, little progress has been made since America decided to face civil rights head on in the 1960's. We all have to stop pretending these problems don't exist. Internal issues within minority communities are real. So is mass denial of injustice by many. In this regard, we're all guilty. Yes, things are better in this country than they once were, but we still have a long way to go. Denial or grandstanding will never get us there. Let's stay focused.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur's roots run deep in the world of underground, alternative publications. First publishing a print newsletter with a small international following in 1991, his path has since taken him on a vast array of varied media projects.
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By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Agitator-In-Chief
 |
| You'd be smiling too if you just beat a murder rap. |
Every publicity seeking politician and pontificating, pimping-in-the-pulpit preacher who's suddenly seeking a soap box, needs to sit down and shut up! If you haven't been active in your community, making moves and taking substantive action, attempting to alleviate social and economic injustice, you look like nothing but an opportunist.
Young Black men continue to die violent deaths in numbers that are far too high. This didn't start yesterday. Will we rally, riot or protest about the conditions that contribute to this?
"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV
Poverty and joblessness, already disproportionately high in the Black community, has increased under Obama, but other than mostly outspoken, radical right wingers, how many will admit it?
All the protesting, marching and demonstrating in the world won't change the verdict. Meanwhile, grave institutional injustices continue, and they don't get one-tenth the attention the Zimmerman case has drawn.
There are those in power, having ulterior motives, who want to milk this situation for all it's worth. Meanwhile, our problems persist.
This is what they want. A big fat distraction, drawing your eyes, ears, your time and your mind astray. While inequities, oppression and violence continues to shatter and shear our community.
Life Isn't Fair
Am I pleased with the verdict? Not hardly.Were I a kid, minding my own business, walking to my dad's house and some guy aggressively ran up on me
late at night, I'd probably be defensive. If I felt threatened, not wanting to give an assailant an advantage, I might even swing first.
If the so-called unidentified watchman -- not in a uniform -- were so closely invading my personal space, that I could actually connect with him, my assumption would be that this guy is up to no good. I'm about to become a crime victim. I'd be in fear of my life. I'd attempt to STAND MY GROUND.
Does this mean, being unarmed, I'd deserve to get shot? I've literally been Trayvon. I think of how many times as a young Black man, I've I had a nervous cop pull a gun on me. More times than any confrontation with criminals, that's for sure. For no good reason. Doing what? Walking home late at night after work, among other things. Yes white America, this really happens!
Funny thing is, the immediate reaction of some people would be, well I'm sure there were other factors to the circumstance. When a woman gets raped, is the immediate appropriate reaction; oh I'm sure there was something you were doing that contributed to this happening? Really? For too many, it truly is inconceivable, that law abiding, Black youth, doing nothing but just trying to get home are still often viewed with unwarranted suspicion.
The truth is, there are harsh realities faced by young Black men in this country every single day. Some of it is unfortunate with no easy solution, but what about the things we can actually do something about. The Black community has got to do a better job of addressing internal issues.
Baltimore City has one of the highest rates of, out-of-wedlock, teenage births in the country. Being a majority Black city, guess what, most of the pregnant girls are Black too. Anyone not thinking this has a direct long term link to increased suffering, crime and juvenile delinquency is in denial.
But on the other hand, despite the many difficulties of a downtrodden people, between societal injustice, and socio-economic inequalities, there's a part white people play too.
Far too many are too quick to instantly dismiss any cries of foul by a Black person. As if all unfairness has just magically disappeared, many whites have a knee jerk, negative reaction when a Black person complains of injustice.
We'd love to pretend 'post racialism' has meaningful significance, but depending on how you look at things, little progress has been made since America decided to face civil rights head on in the 1960's. We all have to stop pretending these problems don't exist. Internal issues within minority communities are real. So is mass denial of injustice by many. In this regard, we're all guilty. Yes, things are better in this country than they once were, but we still have a long way to go. Denial or grandstanding will never get us there. Let's stay focused.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur's roots run deep in the world of underground, alternative publications. First publishing a print newsletter with a small international following in 1991, his path has since taken him on a vast array of varied media projects.
Related articles
By The Author
Outting Our Rage -- Moving Past The Zimmerman Verdict
A City For Citizens
"For Trayvon!" Patterson Park Resident Claim Man Beaten In Retaliation
Moving Forward Will Take More Than Marching
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