Leonard Pitts Jr.: America has gone mad and there’s no place to hide

[babylonsister]

Leonard Pitts Jr.: America has gone mad and there’s no place to hide

By Leonard Pitts Jr. Miami Herald (TNS)
Jul 9, 2016


“What sort of people are we, we Americans? … Today, we are the most frightening people on this planet.”

— Historian Arthur Schlesinger

snip//

Two more black men shot down for no good reason in a country that still insists – with righteous indignation, yet – upon equating black men with danger.

That’s madness.

Last night, I called my sons and grandson to tell them I love them, explain to them yet again that they terrorize people simply by being and plead with them to be careful. I am required to fear what might happen to my children when they encounter those who are supposed to serve and protect them.

That’s madness.

Eleven police officers shot by sniper fire, five fatally, while guarding a peaceful demonstration against police brutality.

That’s madness.

The usual loud voices of acrimony and confusion are already using this act of despicable evil to delegitimize legitimate protest by conflating it with terrorism, asking us to believe that speaking out against bad cops is the same as shooting cops indiscriminately.

That is madness.

snip//

There is a sickness afoot in our country, my friends, a putrefaction of the soul, a rottenness in the spirit. Consider our politics. Consider the way we talk about one another – and to one another. Consider those two dead black men. Consider those five massacred cops.

Deny it if you can. I sure can’t. Something is wrong with us. And I don’t mind telling you that I fear for my country.

more...

http://pilotonline.com/opinion/columnist/guest/leonard-pitts-jr-america-has-gone-mad-and-there-s/article_30e49fe7-248e-5f37-bca0-95da6dfe02e0.html

[mcar]

1. I'm in tears reading this

Pitts is an amazing writer. So beautifully stated, so freaking sad. The RFK quote just did me in.

[HipChick]

2. If this was another country...the US would be outraged..

thug Police State, oppressed minorities..

[lindysalsagal]

3. And the madness is personified by a lying, raving, lunatic child-man crook.

And 30%+ of us are falling for it.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

4. And Congress still refuses to study 30,000 gun deaths a year.

[humbled_opinion]

5. Except...

From Ferguson MS to Baton Rouge LA, and the dozens more in between no one is held accountable, jury's acquit in Freddie Gray trial, no indictment in Tamir Rice case Cops cleared in Eric Garner death.... So why all the outrage?

[Pinkflamingo]

6. Right once again Babylonsister

Glad to see you here