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ANDERSON — A recent incident on Anderson’s east side has prompted talks with residents, police officers and city officials to ease tensions in the neighborhood.
The incident started when the Anderson police received a 911 call about a disturbance at a home along Jefferson Avenue and Railroad Street.
Anderson police officer Barrett Ryan responded around 11:30 p.m. Monday to a call of a disturbance and ended up at a residence on Jefferson Avenue, where a group of people had gathered.
Ryan tried to guide the crowd to go inside the residence, he wrote in his report, and was told he could “not make anybody leave, and that I was just there harassing them because I saw a lot of black people standing outside.” Ryan said there were roughly 40 people at the scene.
Anderson City Council member Tony Stewart said the officer actually arrived at the wrong address. The actual disturbance was several blocks away. And there were about 20 people, not 40, at the address where Ryan stopped, Stewart said Wednesday.
Stewart said he was at home when one of the people in the crowd at the scene where Ryan stopped called Stewart around 11:45 p.m. and asked him to come and help diffuse the situation. The crowd was part of a family gathering for NFL player Raphael Little, Stewart said.
Six officers responded to the scene, Stewart said, and told those gathered that if they didn’t move “their butts inside they would be arrested.”
That is why, Stewart said, he suggested to those in the crowd that they comply with the officers and then take the issue to the police department and try to meet with the city officials.
One initial meeting took place Tuesday between city officials and residents to talk about the incident, Stewart said. On Monday starting at 11 a.m., there will be a larger meeting between Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts, Stewart, City Council member Tom Dunaway, Anderson City Manager John Moore, Anderson Police Chief Martin Brown and four east side residents, Stewart said.
“There’s a bigger issue here,” Stewart said. “A lot of people feel like they are being unjustly profiled. Why are they being forced inside their home? There were no curfews posted there. We need to come to some kind of equal resolve.”
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"When asked to disburse"? Since the primary meaning of "disburse" is "to pay out," it is understandable that a crowd would be upset if police officers asked them to disburse. Perhaps the officer(s) intended for the crowd to "disperse"?
Oh, great, if this wasn't an area with such a horrible reputation of crime, the police wouldn't need to come. Make up your minds people, do you want the police to look after you or what? It is not your color that makes the police come, it is the reputation of having to clean up so much mess over there. Stop using the color card, and I bet if something did happen over there and the police were somewhere else, it would be said by the citizens that the police weren't there because of color. Again, make up your minds. And, if you want to have large gatherings of people, get a permit from the City. I think it is required anyway. Then, the police will know what is going on :)
this is just strange... all the way around..
not one bit of this makes sense.
I am not playing devils advocate here, but there are more than 40 people that live in that area, and most of them were probably inside, but the ones who were out "gathering" at that time were probably up to no good and obviously don't have any respect for the "black people" who do live over there and have to work. If it weren't for the citizens that are law abiding in the area, I would suggest that the police stop going over there all together.
Agree w/ UseCommonSense -- Working folks are in bed or at least inside at 11:30. If you can but dont work and are living off of those of us that do, you dont deserve any respect.... Thanks to the Anderson PD for showing restraint... Tear gas and tasers could (perhaps should) have been used.....
why is there not a curfew for gathering?
Thank you to "UseCommonSense" - I couldn't have said it better. Thank you to our police department for being there to do their job - What do these people need to be gathering for at 11:30 at night? Voters need to remember Tony Stewart's actions when voting.
The ones voting for him are the ones who are the "victims" he leads. He'll probably be walking around City "counseling" them for a long time :)
I'm confused also.The article said it was a "peaceful crowd of about 40 people including children".
Why were they gathered? If they were so peaceful why were the police there?
It would be nice if the reporter could write a complete story.
I see some ignorant comments above, but what else can I expect of you people. In America people have the right to assemble, there is no martial law in Anderson, SC for this right to be revoked. Maybe you should spend some time reading the constitution instead of perpetuating racist stereotypes. You see in case you forgot, black people are entitled to rights in this country. (faieriesfun, dadof5, usecommonsense, andtiger, songbird, and cwilson4)
in response to jayson_704
I have read the constitution and there is a right to assemble, but there are rules about how to legally do so. Also, I am not responsible for what others think, but I will say this, (as I pointed out above), there are people in the area that may have to work and regardless of color, people don't need to be disruptive to them (there or anywhere else). Furthermore, stereotypes are purpetuated by those stereotyped (a few bad apples continually do this and brand the entire group). That makes those in the stereotyped groups have to go above and beyond to beat the stereotype.
in response to jayson_704
In addition, maybe you should read this article again. A female citizen said that the police were there because of black people standing around. Just so ya know, I see both black and white people standing around quite frequently with no police. This incident was past 11 p.m. on a work night and the female citizen pointed out that the reason the police were there was because of black people. There had to be more to it than that or do you think that someone called the police and said "there are black people out here gathering" and the police said, "well, we better take care of that". Really, this is like a parody on SNL if you want to run with that...
How ignorant is that?
in response to jayson_704
To paraphrase: "...they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Number 1, jayson, who said that? And Number 2: If people would not get hostile when they are being checked on or start telling police that they can't tell them what to do, they wouldn't get judged. My opinion, based solely on this article and not on anyone's race, is that the female in question, lacks character and that if anyone feels sensitive about this issue, it is she that was ignorant by being disorderly and defensive if she did nothing wrong. BTW, the paraphrased quote is from MLK,Jr.
Have character and do right, and people tend to leave you alone.
i think we should get rid of tony stewart and mr. brown. tony stewart should be asked the question what was he doing in that area at that time and mr. brown should be asked why he only makes his officers work when he wants them to. i think it is sad that our officers are put in situations like this and nothing is done about it. only people that are up to no good would be out that late at night with small children with them in that area.
this whole situation should make people see the real mr. brown and mr. stewart.
what is up with all the racists leaving comments on here. you might not think you are, but you are. there is no curfew in this county, so if they want to hang out, let them. mr. stewart is an employ, of sorts, for his constituents. he has the right to help them if the need it. you dont see cindy wilson stand up for anyone but the rich and her self. grow up people.
in response to you_people_think_you_r_better_than_everyone_else
Where do you get off calling people who post on here racist. You don't know these people. They have an opinion just like you. Just because someone doesn't share your same view doesn't make them a racist. You probably don't even know the definition of a racist. Stewart shouldn't be out interfering with police on an active call. If he has a problem with the police on the call then he should contact the chief. If his constituents have a problem with the way things were handled then they should contact him and complain. None of them apparently have a complaint, because they haven't complained. There are proper channels to resolve a complaint if you have one with the police. Having a councilman referee the police call is not one of them. Don't pull this racism card. You need to grow up, if that's the only resolution to this issue that you can think of.
Quote from the article:
"By 10 a.m. Tuesday, Randall Williams, spokesman for the city police, said no complaints had been received at the department's office of internal affairs."
10 a.m??? Those folks were all still in bed at that time of morning!
These people were not imposing on anyone's life, liberty, or their pursuit of happiness.
And as long as they weren't disturbing the peace, they should be able to do whatever they want.
Tony was just advising the people that he represents on the best way to handle the situation, it's not like he was telling them to break the law.
Also, I don' think these people should just stand in a street, if you are going to meet up that late, have an area that is suitable that is not going to cause problems.
in response to 8000milesfromhome
have you read what these people write? i am glad i dont know them. if he was in the way of the police then they should arrest him. you dont know what it is like being black. you can trust just anyone. as for the resolution, i dont see what the problem was. no gun fire. no fighting. no burglary. just people hanging out. maybe they work second shift and dont get to go to the bar at the chiquola at five o'clock. Racist: person with a prejudiced belief that one race is superior to others.
my comment was removed by staff for saying basically the same thing you said common sense so it guess they will remove you too. but the truth is the truth no matter what or who it is saying it.
I am also wondering what Tony Stewart was doing out there that time of night...and what the assembly was for...why were there children out and about at that hour?
Also, I guess if no one was willing to make a formal complaint, it wasn't that big a deal.
First of all standing in the street, in any street any time of day is illegal.
Second some of the government housing in the city does have a curfew.
Third the guy that stopped the officer from arresting the loud mouth disorderly conduct girl should have been arrested for interfering and assault on a police officer.
Fourth the councilman always showing up for police calls in his district needs to either get an application and go to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and get a police job. Or maybe he just doesn’t have what it takes to go to unknown risk calls in HIGH CRIME areas of the city all hours of the night and asses what or if any problems might be occurring. Then make a decision in a moment and live with that decision for the rest of his life.
God bless the Police and all first responders for dealing with the problems of this or any city every day. Tony go home leave the Policing to the “POLICE”.
in response to mi5terscratch
how can u say that! you don't know that person. you know some people in this world are actual law abiding citizens and believe in what the officers do. not everyone thinks police are bad or "pigs" as you say. only people like you, who must have had run ins with the "pigs" think like that. Who do you call when someone breaks into your house, or steals something of yours?
I just wish everyone would stop and think about all the first responders out there that put their lives on the line everyday. How many people out there have been in situations where you have a split second to make a decision that could affect many people the rest of their lives. There aren't any second or third readings, like the council gets to do before they decide on something. How many people go to work get spit on, hit, cussed out, shot at everyday? How many out there would take that before they quit? These officers aren't in it for the money, as a previous story in the independent has stated. I think every council person needs to go ride along with these officers, at night not during the day, and see what these officers see every night. How many times has Tony Stewart done that? Who does he call when someone tries to break into his house, or steal his car?
Posted by The_Sundance_Kid on July 16, 2008 at 4:26 p.m.
These people were not imposing on anyone's life, liberty, or their pursuit of happiness.
And as long as they weren't disturbing the peace, they should be able to do whatever they want.
Apparently someone's peace was disturbed if they called the police. Did Tony think about that? What purpose was served by Tony going out there? What was accomplished? Reading the story it sounds to me like the crowd was about to ambush the officer. Did Tony do anything about that? or would that have been okay? How does Tony know it was a "peaceable assembly" if he was called after the fact? Apparently Tony didn't get his invite to the "peaceable assembly". Next time just assemble in front of Tony Stewart's house.
Wow.^^
The only thing that Tony did was to tell everyone to listen to the officer and to take the proper action to voice there concerns.
The article states, "at a residence" without the homeowner giving instructions(assuming he didn't) to the officer he was out of line. No matter what the color of a person that person has more freedom on private property. If a crime is being commited charge them, but don't treat them like children when there is no crime. Look out Sheriff's Office, they all will be there come January.
I have a friend that is familiar with this situation and he told me the officer was responding to-go figure- a group of BLACK males in an area they weren't suppose to be, being loud...The first officer there had to confront 40+ irritated people, and had to ask for more officers. I don't know where Mr Stewart got 6 officer from, the city doesn't have that many on any given night that can go to one call. But it goes to show you though that Mr. Stewart is more concerned about his late night parting friends than his hard working constituents that called in the complaint to begin with because they could'nt get to sleep at 11:30 at night! Where is his respect and professional curtesy to his police dept??
Please refrain from typing in Ebonics.lol
Also, mi5terscratch, I'm on your side with this one, but I don't think you will do your cause any good.
And how can you come on here and have a name that tells anyone that knows about gangs that your in one?
I've been to prison and know how to identify gang members.
I know that members of the Blood gang often replace there S's with 5's and would be really upset if I crossed out a 5 or drew on upside down.
So please just stop posting while your ahead, and I'll make all the points you are trying to make but don't have the necessary tools to get them across in a way that people will actually listen too.
O, and get out of the gang, have your 5 pointed star Tattoo removed, and stop praying to Solomon.
To mi5terscratch your either very ignorant, a worse speller than I; or pretending to be someone or something that you’re not. Or could you be on the city council?? I’m just glad that I don’t live in that neighborhood. Oh, and look at the time, I have a job to get to tomorrow…….DO YOU?
in response to mi5terscratch
Yes, I can read and write. Just because I graduated high school, learned to read and write, and don't belong to a gang doesn't mean I have to be a cop. At least if you want to post, post in a way where other people understand you. You won't ever be taken seriously talking like that.
Is it just me or what? What I read was that the cop went to the wrong address where he saw "40" people, then it turned out to be 20. They weren't comitting any crime. They were at a gathering in which I am assuming they were invited to. Evidently they weren't disturbing anyone seeing how the police weren't called to them but to a disturbance elsewhere and this cop went to the wrong place. He could've been the reason for the people in need of police assisstance to have been hurt. Simply because he got it wrong. And Tony Stewart was called to come over by someone there. And he done right by telling them to comlpy with the officer,,,,who happened to be in the wrong place, and they did. So what exactly did these folks do wrong. We have gatherings all the time and never have the cops called on us. People can get together without a big ruckus. Yep even black folk in low income areas know how to behave. Keep in mind the cops were not called on these folks. He just got the wrong address,,,, which shouldn't be taken so lightly. Someone could have been in serious trouble and he sees a "crowd" and decides this must be were the distubance is. So instead of making sure he is where he needed to be first,(which I thought that everytime a cop arrived on scene, they radioed their location immediately, evidently he didn't or I'm sure dispatch would have informed him that he was at the wrong address) he just starts spitting out orders and expects them to understand when they have no clue why he's even there. Meanwhile the person who called 911 is going through whatever and wandering where the police are. I could be wrong and I do have respect for all first responders deserving of it,,, Maybe it's poor jounalism. This article believe it or not seems to actually have vivid details though. Maybe I'm missing something.
Has anyone ever checked Tony Stewart out? Is he so perfect he is above the law? Are councilmen allowed to interfere with police investigations? Just because Tony says it was 20 people not 40, which was stated in an offical report, we are just suppose to believe him. Because Tony says it, makes it so?
Has anyone thought to let the governor's office know that a councilman, an elected offical is going around interfereing with police investigatons? And yes, if you do your research Tony Stewart has been involved with other situations and the police. Is that what he was elected for, to follow the police? Maybe he should have applied for the Chief of Police job.
in response to oldgoatdw
Not me....I'm not saying Tony Stewart is a saint. You are right to some degree,,, being a city employ does not make him right... but that is a double edged sword. The cop is also a city employ, does this make him right? Sure there are tons of good cops out here but for every 1 good cop there is 1 bad. Being in an authoritative position does not make you right. Everyone is always quick to believe a cop simply because he's a cop. To heck with him being a human he's a cop and cops don't lie....pssh... yeah right! I know I'm gonna' get a lot of people upset with my opinion,,,, but hey, that's the great thing about being an American, we all have opinions and are allowed to express them. Just know this, I am in no way a cop hater. I really do respect the ones who perform their jobs to the best of their ability and not take advantage of their positions.
in response to lynfo25
"The incident started when the Anderson police received a 911 call about a disturbance at a home along Jefferson Avenue and Railroad Street.
Anderson police officer Barrett Ryan responded around 11:30 p.m. Monday to a call of a disturbance and ended up at a residence on Jefferson Avenue, where a group of people had gathered."
For one thing this article has changed. This isn't the original article that the comments started on.
Second, it does have in the article that they received a disturbance call along Jefferson and Railroad. Some people want to remain anonoymous and not give their name or address. If the only information the dispatcher had was a disturbance along that street and he ended up at a house on Jefferson, and saw the crowd, then yes he probably thought he was at the right place.
I'm not saying all police officers are perfect either, and yes we are all human and we do make mistakes. It is what we learn from our mistakes that makes the difference.
in response to The_Shark
Perfect!!!!
in response to oldgoatdw
Unless made by a cell phone, calls made to 911 automatically show dispatch exactly where the call was coming from. And the article,,, at least what I read,,, said that he was at the wrong address.
in response to oldgoatdw
"Anderson City Council member Tony Stewart said the officer actually arrived at the wrong address. The actual disturbance was several blocks away. And there were about 20 people, not 40, at the address where Ryan stopped, Stewart said Wednesday."
in response to oldgoatdw
"""Ryan tried to guide the crowd to go inside the residence, he wrote in his report, and was told he could “not make anybody leave, and that I was just there harassing them because I saw a lot of black people standing outside.” Ryan said there were roughly 40 people at the scene"""
This does sound truthful...
I've actually heard that line said to cops many times and I do agree that whether a cop is dispatched to a place or not,,, you should compose yourself in a respectful manner. They shouldn't have gave him such a hard time. You can get to the bottom line of matters much quicker when you behave in a respectful manner. To start a fuss over a misunderstanding with a cop never gets you anywhere,, except in trouble for being disorderly.
in response to oldgoatdw
Tony Stewart drives the #20 Home Depot car for Joe Gibbs racing. Next year he is starting up his own team.
I think several years ago he slapped a repoter and had to take some anger management classes. Overall he's a great driver and has won several championships. I hope this helps!
Would the residents be saying anything about RACE if the officer was Black? Why do we always use the Race Card? Are we looking for a Law Suit? A big check so we can sit on our porch and watch life go by? The rule of thumb when it comes to Law Enforcement is, Do what they say when they say it!! You have to stop crying sooooo much people.
Clean up your reputation and your neighborhood and you will not have this problem? No! This has happened in other neighborhoods, it actually happened in one that I lived in. Very upscale neighborhood, people gathering on a Friday night in a cul-de-sac and someone called the Police. They asked what we were doing, we said a neighborhood get together, they said we were not allowed out gathering late, somone called in a complaint of "a bunch of people gathering in the street". We informed them that we all lived in these houses, they said we had to disburse. We said a few things and went to our houses.
We then went to the Police department the next day and asked to see the Chief. Leave the ball in their court. It is not a Race Thing and if it is treated as one, the City is WRONG!!!
Black people aren't the only ones who get treated unfairly. The city police were called to an apartment because of a disturbance but when they arrived the tenants had quietened down .
Instead of leaving the cops saw some people who were just standing and talking in the parking lot and they starting questioning them,asking for their names , if they lived there,etc. Next thing you know the people were being patted down and searched . This happened to a group of white people so obviously you don't have to be black to be harrassed by some of the city police.
I meant "started questioning"
in response to lynfo25
And we should believe Tony Stewart over the officers who actually received the call??
In response to cindy wilson... I cannot believe you said what you did... dont expect any votes from black people after this.. Yanno there are a lot of white people who stand around in big groups and do stupid stuff too.. drive through the mill hill once in awhile.. its not just black people.. you are in NO position to be spouting out racist comments.. or have you not learned anything about politics.
this whole situation is nuts... and yes i know you can violate a noise ordinance after 10 pm anywhere in the city i believe.. so 11:30 at night is a bit late to be out being loud in the streets. But people have the right to have fun and enjoy life.. just because they are black doesnt mean that they cant socialize... not everyone is in a gang in this town and trying to be idiots. Way to many people ARE... but not everyone..
this is all insane.. i swear.
1) Get a job and you wont be out at 11:30 at night just waiting on trouble to happen.
2) Get a job and you wont have to be supported by the rest of us that do work.
3) Get a job and you wont be totally dependent on a government hand-out.
4) Get a job and perhaps your children that getting a welfare check is not normal...
Next thing that will happen is Brother Jessie Jackson and the Naacp will be down here in Anderson to Protest and March. The Naacp is already boycotting SC. over the Confederate Flag.You know the race card is being played here again and if White people wanted to play the race card, we could too for instance, The Miss Black America Pageant, Bet - Black Entertainment Television, The Naacp- Advancement of Colored people. Look at the voting Poll numbers for Barack Obama, wasn't it like 83% -87% of Blacks voted for him in SC. I'm sure the staggering voter turnout was coincidental and because he's the better candidate and not because they want a Black man to be President. The race card is old and has lost Credibility as has Jessie Jackson and the racist organization the NAACP.
most people should be in there house at 11:30 on a monday night and if not you should have enough of respect for your neighbors than to be out making lots of noice at that time of night. it does not matter what color you are or who you are. some people do have to work, they can't wait by the mail box for a check. tony stewart should have let the police handle the call. someone had to call 911 and report the noise or else the officers would not have been there in the first place. tony needs to keep his noise from where it does not belong and try to make a better place out of the city instead of trying to stop our officers from trying to make it better.
this article would nothave received so many comments if it had not been for the statement made by the trouble maker. and i quote "its because we are black" .it is time to put away the pity me status.
Wow! There is a lot of HATE in Anderson County- both from Black and White people, that's sad!!! Most carry it from blog to blog NO MATTER what the topic is! When are people going to learn, not ALL people in ANY race are the same!!! Labeling people shows your ignorance!!!
One post said, "do as the cops say and follow up with a complaint the next day"- sounds like the right thing to do.
.... Let me say this first off, my father is white(he didn't raise us to hate!)! I notice some people are bringing into this blog - low income, welfare checks, etc. the government does not just serve Black people only, it serves people of ALL races- some need assistance and some do not- The System decides that. Some of you people obviously forget you are NOT the only race that pay taxes, ALL working people do. Stop and think somtimes before you hit the SEND button......
Tony Stewart need to do the job he was hired for and not stick his nose into police work where he has no business being.
in response to SayWhat
SURE, THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE AND BAD PEOPLE IN ALL RACES, BUT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH TROUBLE DON'T FELLOWSHIP WITH TROUBLE!!! IF YOU DON'T WANT THE REP THAT THIS NEIGHBORHOOD HAS THEN MOVE! THIS NEIGHBORHOOD HAS THIS REP FOR A REASON, AND IF I WAS AN INNOCENT BY STANDER IN AN AREA SUCH AS THIS I WOULD BE CONCERNED FOR MY OWN SELF AND WOULD THINK OF RELOCATING. JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO WHEN A 16 YR OLD WAS SHOT AND KILLED (LATE AT NIGHT JUST HANGING OUT CAUSING NO TROUBLE) PEOPLE STARTED CRYING OUT THAT THEY NEED MORE POLICE PROTECTION, NOW THE POLICE ARE TRYING TO DO THERE JOB AND THEY ARE BEING CONDEMNED FOR IT! MAKE UP YOUR MIND DO NEED THEIR HELP OR NOT? NEXT TIME THEY SHOULD JUST STOP TAKING CALLS FROM THESE AREAS AND LET THEM ALL ROB STEAL & KILL AS THEY PLEASE. NO MATTER WHICH WAY YOU GO SOMEONE IS ALWAYS GONNA COMPLAIN! SO TO THE CITY POLICE JUST IGNORE THOSE CALLS AND HAVE A PEACEFUL & ENJOYABLE NIGHT SHIFT!
in response to UseCommonSense
Just so ya' know,,, I am white and I had a gathering this past Monday night. Lasted til almost 3am. Reason? Because the guest of honor was only off work this one night and wouldn't have another for 2 weeks. Most of the others didn't get off 'til midnight cuz they work second shift. There was about 16 of us just hanging out at my house playing games and chit chatting. Every now and then some of us would step out to smoke. But we weren't bothering a soul. So see sometimes there are reasons for doing things like this. We were a mixed group of ethinic background. No law was called or showed up. And everyone at my gathering, except me, has full time jobs. It was the only time we could all get together to honor our guest. Working or not, people are entitled to have parties when they want. As long as they aren't disturbing the neighbors, I don't see the big deal. Grown folk can stay up as late as they want to. Doesn't mean they are getting into mischief. Oh by the way I happen to live on the eastside. Guess I' ll get profiled as a up to no gooder for having a party on a weeknight.. Uh Oh!!!
in response to grits
WHO IS FELLOWSHIPPING WITH TROUBLE?? WAS ANYONE ARRESTED? JUST BECAUSE CRIME HAPPENS THERE, DO YOU ACTUALLY THINK ALL THOSE PEOPLE THAT LIVE THERE ARE CRIMINALS? SOME PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE OLDER PEOPLE MAY BE THERE BECAUSE THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO LIVE ELSEWHERE. YES YOU ARE RIGHT, PEOPLE COMPLAIN ALL THE TIME, HMMMM. I'M GLAD THAT CALL WASN'T FOR A SHOOTING, DRUG DEAL GONE BAD, ROBBERY, ETC. NO CRIME WAS COMMITTED....
in response to Scrotch
LoL
in response to Scrotch
Assault does not involving physically touching someone. That is battery by definition in the SC code. Be careful when you speak so condescendingly to others. It's better to let someone think you are ignorant than to open you mouth and prove it.
Assuming that the officer did arrive at the correct address of the reported "disturbance", maybe the person that called it in just worried about their safety after seeing a large group of people assembled outside at that time of night. Maybe they did not accuse them of being unruly. And that group of people had to know that they would appear suspicious given the number of people (whether it was 20 or 40)and the time of night.
in response to ConcernedCitizen25
Your response to "scrotch"- on point!!!
These comments could go on for days. There is never going to be a solution to the problem, there will always be that one (black, white, purple or green) in the crowd. There are wonderful black people in the world, just as there are wonderful white people in the world not to mention Hispanics, Asians, Indians, etc. On the flip side there are also some sorry white, black, etc. people in this world. The comments about gov't assisted could go toward people of any race. There are many people (any color) that know how to work the system and can sit back and wait on their check every month, while others (of any color) get up and go to work everyday trying to keep food on the table, roof over their head, and GAS in their car.
As far as the race card, yes it has been overplayed. I am real sorry for what happened during slavery and the 60's. I am actually ashamed at some of what I have seen and read, but I wasn't alive then. Why should I be punished for something I didn't do? What about the Indians? We came and took their land from them.
The problem today is this is a generation of "very impatient, something for nothing, got to have it now, I didn't do it attitude". A generation of where spanking, not abusing, your child is unheard of. Mothers and fathers not wanting to raise their kids, leaving it up to the grandparents parents to raise, instead of taking responsiblity for their own actions. Years ago if you misbehaved away from home your friends parents got you, then when you got home you picked out your own switch and got it again.
in response to Scratch_posted
You are right Scratch, cwilson4, is not man enough to be the real Cindy Wilson.
Well, I see Tony Stewart hasn't changed a bit since his days in high school with his "wanting to act and talk" like he was black. Nothing wrong with that if you are black, but Tony isn't, last time I saw him. And you can't tell me that 40, or even 20, persons gathered on the sidewalks and street late at night were being quiet and peaceful. Tony Stewart is a damn poor excuse for an elected official and is no better at trying to act like a police officer. Hopefully, the people in his district will vote him out next election.
in response to Scrotch
Many people I know, and myself included, go out of our way to watch how we treat and act around black people because we just expect them to take anything we say or do the wrong way.
in response to mommy08
The solution to you having to "act" a certain way is- treat others just like you want to be treated- it doesn't take any extra effort- try it. People just want to be treated with respect and not labeled.
in response to Scrotch
They do lay their lives on the line everyday, trying to protect and keep the peace even for people like you. There are some who can admit they are wrong and do. Who do you call whenever your house or car gets broken into, your child is missing, your neighbor is playing loud music, you get shot or have a heart attack, or if your house is on fire? Tony?
How about the black police officers, women police officers haven't they walked in your shoes? How come a black man can become an officer of the law only to be shunned by other black people. They don't want to associate with him, because he wears the uniform.
Yes we are all citizens, and if I walked around with Blue hair, piercings everywere, or my underwear hanging out then yes I would be looked at differently, no matter what color. I don't go around looking to boss anyone around. I give respect to anyone of any color who can respect me, if you can't show me respect as a person, why should I respect you as a person?