What are your thoughts on Black Lives Matter?

If you take a step back and look at the movement in its entirety I'd say it's highly unproductive. The motivations (if not the name) of BLM initially made a strong point. But what was blatantly clear from the start, outside of the lack of leadership, is that they were playing a blame game. Not saying some of it wasn't justified. But it sure as hell doesn't serve the bigger goal.

It's akin to reparations. If I was a black man I'd be pissed if someone was trying to buy me off for a few bucks over something I had nothing to do with. It's an insult. "Here's a few bucks because we don't think you can make it on your own because, you know, you're black." Screw that.

As I see it, what BLM did was to drive another wedge in to race relations. You CAN'T expect inclusion while purposefully excluding or demonizing. That's true in anything. But it's a very American way of dealing with big issues. We don't treat the cause in this country. We put band aids on the symptoms after the fact. And way too often it's way too late.

What BLM should have been doing is demanding that city and rural governments work to subsidize supermarkets and banks coming to to black areas. Expand work programs where they're needed. Push the message that there are FAR more African Americans working their asses off and doing it the right way than there are gutless bangers on the street.

The reality is the 'good kids' in the inner cities get bullied for trying to get an education. The reality is that hip hop freaks with chains are the heroes. That "baby daddy" has become and accepted phrase. It's a vicious cycle that can ONLY be changed from the inside out.

My take? Most all of "white America" would want to see that happen. I don't think the dudes climbing off the tractor care as much about race as they do culture. What those cats don't understand is nuance. "Fuck the man" is a direct attack on them. And they'll very quickly lump everyone in to the same box. All the while, those of us who have lived in black neighborhoods understand how the few dictate life for the many. It's not fair. It should piss people off. But apathy or blaming is easier.

As an example. The only way the prison population of African Americans decreases is if African Americans stop committing crimes. The law is the law for everyone. It's not that complicated. So until the "black community leaders" start to hold up a mirror to, particularly, urban black society, and turn criminals in to pariahs, then it'll be a never-ending conveyor belt. I don't know anyone who wants that to be the case.

I just remember when the criminal Bill Cosby, who at the time was very popular with white and black audiences, came out and said black kids need to start using proper language and "pull their pants up." He was vilified. He sold out his race. Really? Is that what he did?

I think it's naive to think that all black leaders truly want what's best for 'their people.' I think there's plenty who profit from the anger and disenfranchisement. Kind of pisses me off when I consider how many have fallen through the cracks with nowhere to turn.

So I applaud BLM for creating a voice. But I do not agree in how that voice is being used.