New Video of Bart Shooting Is Clearest Yet

Thanks to my Good Friend without a Blog for the heads up. Via Photography is Not a Crime:

You know, I haven’t said much about this shooting other than it happened, it sickens me, and here’s what you can do about it, but this has really been upsetting the hell out me. I don’t give a shit if the cop quit his job. You don’t get to execute someone and just find yourself on the job market again. And I really don’t care if it was an accident or not. There was absolutely no need for him to pull out a gun, or anything else other than handcuffs, when Grant was obviously not going anywhere. This incident is symbolic of the attitude that black men are inherently a threat and must be put down at all costs. What the hell did this cop think? That Grant was going to all of the sudden summon his super-human negro strength ala Hancock and suddenly toss the cop with his knee on his neck a good 200 yards and go flying away? It really is just sick.

That said, people, the answer to these tragedies is not to go around burning everything down! Haven’t we learned that yet? And why on Earth did these fools attack an African hair braiding salon for chrissakes? What could make anyone think that the answer to the problems of police brutality, murder, and racism is to go and fuck up a black-owned business? That makes no sense. You’re anger at the situation is justified, but your reaction is not. You’re not looking much better than that cop right now. I’m just saying.

5 Things You Can Do Right Now About the Oscar Grant Shooting

Via RaceWire

1. Digg the story so that the national media can pick up on it

2. Contact BART Director Carole Ward Allen and demand that 1) the officers involved be taken off duty without pay and charged and fully prosecuted; 2) there be an independent investigation of the shooting that includes a review of training and hiring practices; and 3) BART establish an independent residents’ review board for the police Call her at 510-464-6095 or email the BART Directors at BoardofDirectors@bart.gov

3. Call the BART police to complain about the officers’ conduct and demand immediate action: Internal Affairs: Sergeant David Chlebowski 510.464.7029,dchlebo@bart.gov; Chief of Police: Gary Gee 510.464.7022, ggee@bart.gov

Call them toll free at 877.679.7000 and press the last four digits of the phone number you wish to reach.

4. Talk it up on your blogs, networks and talk radio shows (call Michael Baisden 877-6BADBOY or Rev. Al, etc. to get this on the national radar)

5. Stay tuned for other actions, protests, etc., especially if you are in the Bay.

Video of the Day – Watch This!

Tip o’ the fedora to Sparkle Buckwild (via Twitter) and Dawson’s Ink:

I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak from Stacey Muhammad on Vimeo.

Did I Really Just Read This?

I can’t read any more about Gaza. The “Hamas ‘thugs’ to Blame for Violence” article pushed me over the edge. And no, I’m not linking to it. You can Google it with ease.

Why is it so easy to rationalize away the killing. I hate it.

Leaves me speechless.

I’m just going to go and find a bunch of youtube videos to post, because this shit is too much. I’ll come back to it tomorrow, or after I’ve finished moving, or after I’ve finally got my mind back in a good place, whichever.

Race War in Katrina

The Nation and Color of Change are bringing this important and deeply troubling story:

Below the fold: from Color of Change:
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Another Trans Woman Killed

*Sigh.* So soon in the wake of Duanna Johnson’s murder; so soon in the wake of feeling joy at the thought of people coming together and helping out their fellow humans, I learn that another trans woman of color has been brutally murdered.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is Wednesday.

I’m too sick and tired for words, but might I add a hearty screw you along with others to the media for refusing to respect her identity and referring to her as a him.

Let’s all send our thoughts to her family and friends.