When Reality Isn't Real - Painful Truth About Race In America Pt. 1

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

Agitator In Chief 

On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 

"No notice is taken of a little evil, but when it increases it strikes the eye." ~ Aristotle 

We've never had such a high volume of reporting on police brutality and misconduct in the mainstream media. Particularly the kind directed towards black people. Yes, it really does happen at a disproportionate rate. Yet many are still unwilling to acknowledge this. Truth hurts!

For decades incidents of crimes committed by cops and the ensuing cover ups that almost always comes with them, were largely relegated to the realm of urban legend and oral history in the black community. Everyone knew it happened on a frequent basis. If you were black and didn't find yourself on the receiving end, you probably were an eye witness. If not, you certainly knew others that were. America has a rich tradition of racist policing.

Many more faces could be added to this list. 

For a black person in America, there's just simply no escape of this painful fact. 

Most people are unaware the first forces resembling an organized police department were actually slave patrols. Their purpose was never public safety, but rather to keep the niggers [escaped slaves] in their place. Back on the plantation. Just like it is now with the projects and other "black neighborhoods" of today.

The very roots of this country was built on an inherently racist foundation. The so-called majority [white people] never had a problem with their ilk enslaving and brutalizing black people. They didn't then and they sure as hell don't now.

It is for this reason all of the racial disparities, so well studied and documented, persisted for so long in America'a so called judicial system. And to this day continues to happen at a disturbing rate, and doesn't seem like it's going to stop.

Despite increased awareness and the ability to instantaneously search and find tons of examples, despite all the social media sharing, a lot of folk would be surprised to learn a majority of white Americans still believe there isn't racism anymore. They think discrimination in law enforcement and the courts is made up, make believe complaint.  They say we're just whining.

Don't believe me? Take an informal poll of ALL of your white friends and family. Ask this simple question; do you believe black people are treated worse than white people by the police? If they're being honest, you'll see for yourself.

In my decades of keenly observing the American people, I've discovered for many, this country's racism is so prevalent, so deeply ingrained in the very fabric of our society, it seems normal. They've grown so used to it, they don't even realize it for what it is.

It's hard to say which is more troubling; the openly racist, backwards bigot, or the folk so conditioned they sincerely feel racism is no longer an issue.

Another category are those who find any discussion of race at all to be "racist." I find these most amusing.

Deep in their hearts, white Americans know black people have long been exploited, brutalized and abused. It's systemic. It's institutional. But thinking about this is very uncomfortable, much less having a frank, honest conversation about it.

It's for this reason, a person attempting to have an honest conversation on the subject is often met with harsh derision.

They come face to face with a reflexive, instinctive, knee jerk reaction of defensive deflection.

Our lack of the ability to keep it real with each other instead of insulting, invalidating or shutting each other down is at the heart of why we're not nearly as far as we should be by now.

Liberty and justice for all? Where? Here??? Sounds good. Maybe one day. I'm still waiting...

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"As long as I continue to breathe, as long as there's injustice in this world, I will use the voice that God has given me to speak against it."

-- James MacArthur

Occasional media critic, researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media

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Mayor: Body Cameras For Baltimore Police By Years End -- #SeeingIsBelieving

Filed by A.F. James MacArthur
17 February 2015
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

BALTIMORE -- (MINS) In 2013, Baltimore Police paid $285,000 to consultant to figure out where they've gone astray. In the report the consultant recommended initiating a body camera program.

More than a year has passed and no such program has begun.

In 2014, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake vetoed a bill requiring body cameras for all officers on patrol.

Instead of moving forward with implementing the high paid consultants recommendations, Blake put together a 16-member body camera "task force."

Since the initial recommendation, several incidents of violent police brutality against Baltimore citizens have been caught on cell phone and surveillance cameras. There is evidence the department attempted suppressing the information and delaying it's release to the public.

The Baltimore Sun reports Blake stated “We will have a body camera program — at least a pilot program — in place this year." No dates or time frame was given for when, within the 10 months left of this year, residents could expect to see it.

After officers began wearing body cameras in Rialto, CA, complaints of excessive force against officers were “drastically reduced.”

The task force will release its recommendations Wednesday evening.

Not All Cops Are Bad -- Your Point?

10 January 2015, 0146
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator

 The issue isn't whether all cops are bad. The problem is the ones that are. And there are far too many.

Apologists are always so quick to inappropriately change the subject while ignoring the root cause of  disdain and disgust. It's as if there suddenly ceases to exist any forms of police misconduct.

Saying "all cops aren't bad" as a reaction to documented cases of brutality and excessive force is more inappropriate than you might realize. Particularly when you quickly gloss over damage done and present human suffering caused by cops behaving badly.. It's just bad  timing.

If I'd just gotten bitten from a venomous snake and I lay there writhing in pain, fearing for the future, in fear of my life, do you really think that would be the best time to point out that not all snakes are venomous? Or that you've had plenty of encounters with snakes where nothing happened?

These may be factually accurate statements, but is the timing of their utterance tactful or respectful?

We know not all snakes bite either. But tell me, how is that relevant to the present suffering? How does that remedy the current problem of having actually been bit by a snake and being placed in danger of death? Not just any snake, but the kind who's venom has a lethal track record.
 

How about as I lay there in pain you decide lecture me about if I'd only followed the instructions of the snake or showed him respect I wouldn't be in my predicament?
Of course you weren't present when the attack took place, but you assume I did something to cause it, removing all blame and responsibility from the snake, the once who did the attacking in the first place.

Back to the current situation? What have you to say about out of control police misconduct, brutality and excessive force? Ignore it and hope the problem corrects itself? Or acknowledge that the snake that bit me is still loose out there and if not caught, will likely bite again? If there's one displaying this sort of behavior, is it so outlandish to assume there may be more where it came from?

So are all cops bad? The answer to that question is actually irrelevant to the realities we're faced with everyday. Because whether all are bad or not, there's enough destruction being caused to the community by the ones that are.

This is a problem. A very big problem. One needing to be addressed. Immediately.

Rather than spending time debating the answer, or going out of your way to declare "not all cops are bad,"you should join in the effort to sound the alarm about the deadly venomous snakes in our midst, and take part in the effort to eradicate them from our immediate habitat. Our very survival depends on it.

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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. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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UNBLOCKED - Baltimore Police Grows Up On Twitter

Baltimore Police Decide To Abandon Ethically Questionable Practice

8 January 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
 
In a shocking and unexpected announcement Wednesday, Baltimore Police decided on a reversal of one of the most controversial and ethically challenged social media policies a government agency could have. Blocking citizens on Twitter. Long known for their thin skinned, immature, extreme reaction to criticism on social media, the department has repeatedly claimed their reasons for blocking individuals was limited to users who've expressed profanity.

@LEOHallOfShame @justin_fenton @BaltoSpectator I believe he was blocked a year ago for using profanity. Keep it clean
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) September 30, 2014

Of course, considering the way Baltimore Police often addresses citizens, one wonders if theirs was not a hypocritical position.

On one hand the department states their support of free speech. Particularly in response to mass demonstrations against police brutality. The department permits officers to address citizens in derogatory, disrespectful terms. So to attempt to silence citizens, claiming they've uttered profanity -- when in many cases there doesn't appear to be any evidence of such -- calls into question the integrity of an organization who's actions often betray it's words.

The truth is, a quick survey of many individuals blocked by Baltimore Police on Twitter, reveal the only offense being that of asking critical questions of the agency. It is a well established fact that this agency just doesn't respond well to being called out. Ask me how I know?




Persistent Public Pressure Brings Results

.@BaltimorePolice unblock all blocked citizens of baltimore now
— Ellis Anders Sr. (@bmoreconnected) December 26, 2014

Although we know they'd never admit it, we know the continual onslaught of criticism for the decision to block users has taken it's toll on Baltimore Police. Some users haven't been too kind in their criticism.

From the time it began to become well known that Baltimore Police adopted the cowardly strategy to respond to critics, an ad hoc Twitter People's Resistance Movement formed. Not a day could pass without legions of individuals decrying the stupidity of a public agency, blocking members of the public, from it's social media feed. How unsociable.

Are you blocked by the @BaltimorePolice ? Let me know your story!
— Ellis Anders Sr. (@bmoreconnected) December 14, 2014

I can now reveal to you that there has been active planning, of soon to be launched, direct action against the police department and it's social media accounts, should the policy not have been revised. A dry run was briefly launched several months ago, but few noticed.

Could it be, that fearing the potential embarrassing and irreversible outcomes of an attack, Baltimore Police decided to come out in front of a potentially looming public relations crisis and reverse course?

Any modern cooperation, or organization should know, there are individuals and collectives out there, far more powerful and agile in the cyber world, than they are even remotely prepared to defend against. Ask Sony Pictures.

After a great piece on local media blowhard Dan Rodricks and his infamous Twitter block list, it seemed the Baltimore City Paper was poised to take on the police department in the same way. An article published Wednesday was a bit off-putting in it's notable omissions however. My response to it can be seen here.

We are glad the Baltimore Police Department has decided to fully embrace a more enlightened and mature social media strategy in dealing with critics and dissenters. They chose the less offensive "mute" option over the draconian "block."

At least now users could actually readily view and retweet timely, useful, relevant public safety information. Now if only Baltimore Police would actually use Twitter and provide more of that. They could be of inestimable value to their over 65,000 followers, and perhaps be seen as a source, not just a sore source of mostly meaningless trivial tweets.

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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. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel

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NYPD Turned Their Backs, But Opened Our Eyes

By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator

 When the members of the New York Police Department decided to take the somber, solemn occasion of saying farewell to a fallen comrade, as an opportunity to make a political statement, their actions placed them in strange company. Whether or not the officers have legitimate grievances is not the issue. The problem is the time and place chosen has pretty well been universally condemned with good reason. It was just plain wrong.

This was supposed to be about Officer Rafael Ramos. Not creating a public spectacle.

Showing poor discipline and gross insubordination, in most countries, armed civil servants turning their back on a leader is considered a coup, mutiny, even treason and worthy of the most severe punishments, up to and including jail or worse.

On fundamental principle there are no similarities between the Westboro Baptist Church and the NYPD, however their recent actions are of the same vein.

Typically a funeral is a time to mourn. A time to celebrate. A time to remember the departed. NOT a time to make a political statement. Even if one agrees with the sentiment, there are better ways to voice dissatisfaction in a leader and not appear like a spoiled brats in the process. It is their absolute right to do this, but it is also our right to view them the way we now do. Insubordinate and undisciplined.
 

Dissent Without Disrespect Possible

Better ways exists for public safety employees wanting to be called "officer" to express discontent. There are op eds, letters to the editor, social media campaigns, press releases or even writing a blog piece such as this.

In Baltimore the Fraternal Order of Police once took out a huge billboard in a prominent spot downtown. It declared the mayor and city council had turned their backs on police and firefighters. It was bold. It was shocking. It jarred the conscious of many. I fully supported this. 
 
I supported them and the pension issue they felt they were cheated and double crossed on. But what NYPD did, I cannot have even an iota of respect for. I shudder to think what would have happened if my Marine Corps platoon did something like this.

As if things weren't already embarrassing enough, the NYPD continues to dig themselves into an ever deepening hole, losing legitimacy and credibility with the American public, as they unwittingly construct a public relations nightmare.

It has been confirmed that their officers are now actively engaging in a work slow down. Shirking responsibility and being derelict of duty in order to make a political statement. This now trumps doing your damn job. Only in America!


Incidentally, the NYPD is made up of a majority of white men, many of Irish and Italian descent. I could only imagine the outrage and uproar had a majority black police force (are there any?) taken similar actions against a white elected official. What would Rush Limbaugh say?

Sitting at the center of all the controversy is police union leader Pat Lynch. A man who responded to the brutal ambush, double murder of two police officers, by casting blame on seemingly everyone imaginable except the one most responsible. A psychotic, deranged mentally ill man.

Lynch took the opportunity and stage given to him during a tragedy, to drive a huge wedge, further worsening already abysmal conditions between law enforcement and many Americans. Supposedly all of this immature, infantile, temper-tantrum-like behavior is over statements the Mayor of New York made concerning warnings he gave his biracial son. The mayor urged his son to be cautious when dealing with police.

As a middle aged black man, I can tell you, I'd been given similar warning in my youth and still hear it today from concerned friends and family.

But why all the controversy? Why do so many officers and their blind supporters feel Mayor de Blasio turned his back on the police? Did he say anything that was wrong?

I've found Americans have turned into a nation living off sound bites, headline links, Facebook posts, and 140 character tweets. This makes them easily manipulable, increasingly gullible and easily led (astray) in an age of information. Few take the time to dig deeper and find true meaning and comprehension of an issue.

The Talk

There is what Bill de Blasio ACTUALLY said, and what his statements are being misinterpreted and misconstrued to have been. I fear he may be unfairly judged as things have gotten blown way out of proportion.

Well known celebrity Mia Farrow - she's white - herself a New Yorker, gave her take on the controversy. Posting on her official Twitter account, Farrow stated:  "Here is what NYC's mayor said. Not disrespectful - true. I've said this to my own black son"

Courtesy of Mia Farrow via Twitter.

 
Black Men Face Continued Crisis From Police Encounters

The mayor was merely speaking out of an abundance of love, and an instinctive sense of protection and preservation for his son. He knows the truth of what happens in this country all too often, when the police come upon black men. Particularly young black men.

The sad reality is, black men, of all backgrounds, education and socio-economic status have a statistically proven, much greater chance of having negative, potentially lethal encounters with the police. Even when not involved in any criminal activity whatsoever. Look at what happened to Dr.Henry Louis Gates, esteemed Harvard professor, just merely trying to get into his own home.

Dr. Gates was lucky his encounter ended only with an arrest, eventually followed up with a Beer Summit with the president and the arresting officer. 

One wrong word, or perceived false move, and Dr. Gates could have easily been killed. It's happened before. His death would be somehow justified - as is typically the case when police kill, no matter what. When in truth, all that took place was a black man was simply trying to get in his own home.

In a recent article; the Daily Beast's Mike Tomasky shared the following:

Not long ago, ProPublica, the website that does hard-nosed, empirical investigative journalism, undertook an extensive study of federally collected crime data on 12,000 police homicides over 22 years. The site found that young black males are far more likely to be shot by cops than young white males. Four times more likely, or eight times, or 10 times? Try 21 times more likely—31 per million as opposed to 1.5 per million for whites. This isn’t some liberal conspiracy. These are the numbers as reported to the government by police departments themselves.

And now we can’t even acknowledge this plain truth? Astonishingly, it appears we can’t agree on it. Right around the time de Blasio spoke, Marist was in the field with a poll asking people whether they think police treat whites and blacks differently. Here are some answers. In each case, the “yes, differently” number comes first.

Overall: 47-44
Whites: 39-51
Blacks: 82-14
Latinos: 53-38
Democrats: 64-29
Independents: 44-48
Republicans: 26-64

So two decades’ worth of statistics tell us that black men are killed by police at 21 times the rate white men are, and yet half the public has persuaded itself that police treat blacks and whites no differently. And it’s controversial for a mayor with a black 16-year-old son to say something so obvious—indeed, what every parent of a black son has to say.

It is not easy for a majority of white men to put themselves in the shoes of black parents in America. Mayor de Blasio has a black son. Never mind he's technically biracial. That is not what he looks like. It's not what people see.

It shouldn't have to be pointed out, but if no one told you and you didn't know, seeing Dante de Blasio walking down the street, all you see is a young black man, with a huge 70's throwback afro

We're a very long way from living in a country where black men could expect truly equal treatment and respect from the law. In far too many cases, it just isn't happening.


Real Leadership Desperately Needed

Our country is currently in crisis. There is no doubt, confidence, trust and credibility in law enforcement is likely at historic all time lows. Instead of furthering the separation between the people and the police, Mr. Lynch has decided as a union leader to take the path of being a divisive figure. It is incredibly disappointing and sad to see the "us versus them" false narrative being promoted by a man in a senior leadership capacity.

His actions and that of the officers acting in insubordination only further bolster what protestors and those calling for police accountability have said all along. The police are out of control.

Mr. Lynch and his NYPD colleagues have provided the world with the perfect illustration of the entitlement, above-the-law, answering-to-no-one mentality so pervasive in American law enforcement. This is a very dangerous situation for a free republic hoping to preserve the liberty of the people.

We see you NYPD. We see your true colors.

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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. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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Is Baltimore Police Hiding Evidence On Shooting?

Listen to an astute analysis and commentary by James MacArthur in the podcast below.

By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator

UPDATE:  As of 1 January 2015, 4 days later, not a single shred of information has been released by Baltimore Police beyond the initial, sparsely detailed press briefing, which you can see in the video below.

Baltimore Police shot and wounded a man they say was a robbery suspect early Sunday morning. Police stated the incident took place in the 3000 block of E. Monument St., around 4:35 a.m., as the man exited a store that was closed for business.

Baltimore Police make it hard to believe them.

The yet-to-be-identified man is said to have had what appeared to be some sort of "shiny" object in his hands. Described as a white male in his 40's, with few further details given, police say they caught him in the act, still wearing a mask as officers surprised him outside the Patel Grocery Store.

Although no specifics on criminal charges were given, police referred to the man shot as a "burglary suspect." Over 36 hours later, no new details have been released, including the identity of the officer involved. The incident has many observers wondering why the department would leave the public with so many unanswered questions.

The attached video is the full, uncut statement made to media by Baltimore Police.

At issue is whether the suspect was actually armed. Were any weapons recovered from the suspect or the scene? Just what was the "shiny" object?

Police claim the man was given commands to release the "shiny" object, but failed to comply, resulting in his being shot. It is unclear how much time was given between police surprising the suspect, his ability to audibly hear and understand the command, and then actually getting a chance to comply, before the officer opened fire.

A wave of great suspicion and general distrust of police is currently sweeping the country. More and more people are starting to question the police version of events in use of force incidents. Withholding information seems counter intuitive.

Locally Baltimore Police have been the subject of numerous brutality and excessive complaints, and countless lawsuits.

While proper time is needed for an investigation, withholding basic, factual information has been proven to cause serious damage to public relations and leaded to endless speculation. It often has little actual impact on compromising an ongoing investigation. More typically it is used as a crutch, with little evidence to support any tangible benefit from being secretive.

The following request for information from Baltimore Police have yielded a negative response as of this writing.

To Whom It May Concern;

There are many details and unanswered questions regarding the police involved shooting taking place on 28 December, in the 3000 block of E. Monument St.

Of particular concern is department's refusal to give a definite answer as to whether or not the wounded suspect possessed a weapon, of if any was recovered from the scene.

It's been well over 24 hours since the incident occurred, but it appears the department has not released any new information.

Please provide an update on the case to include:

1) Name and age of the officer.

2) Length of service with the department.

3) Name and age of the suspect, along with current medical condition.

4) Charges filed against the suspect.

5) A list of evidence and or weapons recovered from the scene.

6) Photographs of evidence and or weapons found or recovered.

Any additional, pertinent information not specified in this request would be appreciated as well.

I thank you in advance!

Yours In Truth

James MacArthur

MacArthur Media

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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. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Get Better Connected With Me

Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

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