Kansas City: Trump Rally Descends into Chaos as Police Drench Protesters with Pepper Spray

[loyalsister]

I suppose we knew it was coming. It's like a hurricane of hate has hit the midwest.


http://usuncut.com/politics/trump-rally-pepper-spray/

[Old Codger]

1. He has tapped

Into the lowest most detestable dregs of our society and dragged them to even lower levels...

[loyalsister]

4. I never would have guessed so much existed 10 yrs. ago

I remember seeing American History X and the white supremacists seemed like fictional caricatures. Now, I know they are real, they support Trump, and they could be waiting in line with me at the store.

[Lodestar]

23. Here's the key to Trump...and his greatest weakness

if only we would STOP playing along!

At one of the rallies, after nearly 30 minutes of tossing single protesters
out with dramatic flair and inciting the crowd with angry, demeaning quips
about Bernie followers he says:

"Do we have a good time at Trump rallies?"

Then a few more protesters are ousted.

"Exciting though, right? Isn't it exciting? I mean, supposing this didn't happen? It
really wouldn't be the same thing. Don't we agree? It wouldn't be quite the same".

If people didn't protest he'd have to hire shills to play the role of antagonistic protesters
at his rallies because it's absolutely essential to the game.

[loyalsister]

24. One person's "playing along" is another person's standing up against hate

There is a context here that goes far beyond a single protest. For example, Ferguson is also in MO and protestors were treated with extreme measures there. Last fall were the Mizzou protests that were severely demonized despite the fact that they were peaceful and effective.

Awareness, outrage, and activism escalated fairly quickley in the fall. MU has finally begun to try to address systemic racism. It is only natural that bigotry is confronted as it has become common and acceptable among more people than we might have thought. We as a society have not shown the kind of outrage the racism generated by Trump deserves. Someone has to say no because the bigotry he is perpetuating interferes with efforts to address racism elsewhere.

COLUMBIA — The racial climate at MU has been tumultuous for months, but with recent events — including a hunger strike undertaken this week by a graduate student and campus activist — conversation and action have hastened. Here’s a chronological look at the key incidents since September that have led to an escalation of tension on campus:

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/racial-climate-at-mu-a-timeline-of-incidents-this-fall/article_0c96f986-84c6-11e5-a38f-2bd0aab0bf74.html

This needs to be addressed and we should be ashamed if we are not out there with them physically or in spirit.

[Lodestar]

29. Thank you for speaking up about this and providing info and insights

about the escalating situation at MU. It sounds like there are some very hard-earned
and positive outcomes beginning to happen as a result of the efforts being made there,
although it is hard (overwhelming and exhausting?) to establish change when someone like Trump keeps fanning the flames.

I'm wondering if you have been "out there with them" yourself and are speaking from
that perspective of direct involvement or are a bit more distant from events and just
feeling all the frustrated energy in your community, reading about it, etc.?

So let me know if I'm understanding what you're saying.
You are feeling surprise at what seems to be renewed or re-emerging racist anger in
your state and immediate environment (and around the country?).
As your own awareness has grown, you are feeling frightened, outraged and
concerned that others are not equally alarmed and prepared to act.
The protest efforts, (for instance in Mizzou) though peaceful AND effective were not portrayed as such by others and as a result there is even more frustration at not being seen/heard.

If that's accurate, is this leading to a 'what's the use' feeling, wondering whether a louder and more confrontational method is the only way to be seen and heard?

I'd also be curious to understand what your perspective is on why this escalation in racism
is happening? Trump may be throwing fuel on the fire (fires that have been stoked also by
many others on talk radio, msm, etc.) but do you think it is hate or something else at its roots?

[loyalsister]

37. Thanks for the questions

Not answered in order, but hopefully coherently.

You are feeling surprise at what seems to be renewed or re-emerging racist anger in your state and immediate environment (and around the country?)

I was caught off guard in 2009 when we saw the eruption of something that had been bubbling below the surface. Bigots suddenly felt comfortable with the hate I had believed had subsided. After all, a Black president had just been elected. Like a lot of folks, I was naive. I was an early Obama supporter and I remember a conversation with a friend during the primary who said she didn't think we were ready for a black president. I was hopeful and didn't think much about it at the time. She was right, though.

I think that what we have seen with Obama's presidency and how he has been treated in ways that have been openly and comfortably bigoted (even by members of congress!) has been very revealing for me. Those opened festering wounds combined with the technologically enabled exposes have revealed something that has been hiding in plain sight for a lot of us.

I'd also be curious to understand what your perspective is on why this escalation in racism is happening?

I think that a lot of white people feel threatened by suggestions that things are a little easier than for people of color. Those who have not benefitted from the economic recovery are falling into the trap Malcolm X and others warned us about "'If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."

Worse than the media Malcolm X referred to, we are living in the age of conflict driven infotainment that both reflects and influences our culture. Trump is a subject AND representative given his history of performing in the antagonistic reality TV arena.

Then there is citizen media that has revealed some hard truths. Like many other white people, I was not aware of what has been happening to people of color at the hands of police. I have been astounded by how many defend police even when their actions are caught on camera. It bothers me a great deal that more white people do not see the injustice. The thought that bothers me more is that there are also a number of people who intuitively get that there is potential for aggression among individuals whose jobs require a safety risk. They also understand that if things were to change, the targets who have been legitimized by white supremacy would disappear. Are they worried that without them would the fear and anger be distributed more evenly?

For example, in KC individuals spewing hate and bullying were protected while people of color were arrested....

Before I entered the rally, the first person was arrested: a young, black man for stepping off the sidewalk. The Trump crowd went wild. As the doors opened nearly thirty minutes later, the crowd was still praising how excellent it was for this protestor to have an arrest record and how it boded well for their candidate. They were elated with his misfortune.

http://usuncut.com/resistance/kansas-city-trump-rally/

Keep in mind, that the incident that led to Michael Brown's shooting was a cop confronting him over jaywalking.

is this leading to a 'what's the use' feeling, wondering whether a louder and more confrontational method is the only way to be seen and heard?

I wonder how someone who might have easily been one of the victims would not be enraged by the scene described and the ongoing history that predicts it and more to come.

I think it's possible that some people feel like it is futile. But, student and local activists, faculty, and members of the community are not giving up. I have gotten to know some of the student activists and I strongly support them. I have been working with a group that has been focused largely on addressing systemic racism in the city at large. Our belief is that the successful changes at MU are only possible if the city is unwilling to permit systemic racism in our town. Many of the people are working both angles.

We are also focused on educating the public more generally and I am very impressed with the people who are involved. We are not going to let this die without real progress.

[Lodestar]

44. Thanks so much for sharing this.

Sorry I'm just now getting back to you, but for some reason I couldn't log into Du for a few days. The admins finally got it fixed.
I'm really encouraged to hear what's happening there. It seems to me that prejudices of all kinds resurface when the country is in some kind of stressful transition and/or crisis. Scapegoating and divisiveness is an effective means of making certain that the masses are divided rather than united against the 1%. And there are all kinds of ways to create that environment through the media. Of course prejudice is also passed down through generations and is just another kind of conditioning through a family system. It takes time...
I'm not sure I agree that we weren't ready for Obama. I think many were. I think race became just one means to an end for the GOP, so they could apply their obstructionist ways and deflect blame for their failings to their constituency (which seems to have backfired). If their attitudes and propaganda hadn't been inflamatory, and they hadn't cultivated the hateful environment toward Obama, the Dems, Muslims, Mexicans, etc., race issues probably wouldn't have escalated the way they have. I don't know if the hate runs deep or is more superficial, expedient as the scapegoat-of-the-moment. I guess it doesn't matter much if you are on the receiving end of it.

At any rate I think this generation of youth are going to do well and are more comfortable with diversity, less idealistic and more pragmatic. So I hope that will translate into a more mature and measured approach to protest and participation in new methods/innovations to move us all along in constructive ways. I think our government itself is at a crossroads and will, in the near future, need to change many aspects of form and function. This current generation will probably be shaping that, so I hope they will step up to the plate and cultivate a long view of how their actions now are building toward that more distant reality that will impact generations to come.

[PearliePoo2]

33. ^This^

"Do we have a good time at Trump rallies?"

"Exciting though, right? Isn't it exciting? I mean, supposing this didn't happen? It
really wouldn't be the same thing. Don't we agree? It wouldn't be quite the same".

This is one sick, sick bastard. He's getting off on this shit, he really is.
Blood-thirsty fucker won't be happy until people are killing others on his behalf.

[Initech]

39. Exactly. This is the absolute worst thing to happen to our country.

I'm afraid that Donald Trump is going to be the catalyst that ignites World War 3. Or a second Civil War.

[Old Codger]

40. Regardless of how it looks

I do not think there are enough of that ilk to make a real difference in the GE. The only chance he has of winning the GE is if hill is the nominee,in that case between the angry racist bigots that are making a lot of noise for him now would be joined by the people that hate her so much they would vote for anyone but her.. If she is the nominee we will probably see trump presidency, if not it would be so close as to be a serious problem anyway.

[warrprayer]

2. He needs to be banned

By city governments

[ladjf]

30. Your idea has possibilities. nt

[LiberalElite]

3. When will they do something about this guy?

He is inciting riots. Any one else not a white billionaire would be behind bars already.

[jillan]

5. Shouldn't they be spraying Trump and not the protesters? It is Trump afterall that is causing

all this hatred.

just sayin'

[Quixote1818]

6. What the fuck??? Everyone was just standing there?

Then suddenly the police started spraying!

[loyalsister]

9. Politicians have been feeding this beast

Demonizing protesters is very popular right now. This is what happens when systemic racism and outright bigotry are challenged.

“From rioting at Ferguson to the unrest at the University of Missouri, to rising murder rates all around our state Missouri is facing an epidemic of lawlessness,” Hanaway said in a news release issued hours before the UM Board of Curators voted 4-2 to fire Click.

Asked to explain the connection between the three, Hanaway campaign manager Nick Maddux wrote that the demonstrations improperly upset operations at MU.

“The culture of lawlessness was on full display when” protesters “shut the university down,” Maddux wrote. “Catherine is running to restore law and order to Missouri including making sure our flagship university is doing what it exists to do.”

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/education/turmoil_at_mu/hanaway-ties-university-of-missouri-events-ferguson-and-murders-together/article_4393fc97-c382-54d3-9d1c-d8181fe64e60.html

[underpants]

35. My reaction too

It's actually getting worse on a daily basis and I didn't t think that could happen.

[loyalsister]

38. According to this individual it was worse than that

It really shook me up to read this.

As I arrived to the protest outside, my friends were trying to take the streets. These are people who are queer, immigrants, and some #feelthebern activists. They were united to stand against Trump and the notorious KCMO police force who were supporting him and his gang of bigots. They linked arms and walked toward the police. The police met them with their horses and cannoned pepper spray canisters. With mace fresh in the air, the crowd ran. Protesters came together and treated those attacked with a milk wash while a Trump supporter walked by with his middle finger held high. “You all are fucking idiots. You fuckers got what’s coming to you. Goddamn faggots.”

I’m living in the Bible Belt as a queer woman. I know how it feels to have to be cautious, and I definitely understand fear. While I know bigotry, I’ve never seen the kind of joy that was expressed by Trump supporters for the humiliation, pain, and wrongful incarceration of their opposition. I’ve never seen this kind of hate; the kind that fundamentally changes a group of rally goers into a mob. Encouraged by their shameless leader, these people are dangerous, and if tonight taught me anything, it’s that the police have no interest in disavowing this mob. It is up to everyday people to stand together against this rise in hate and bigotry. We must stand up. We must fight back.

http://usuncut.com/resistance/kansas-city-trump-rally/

[MFM008]

7. if this man IS elected

riots will break out and cities will burn across America. We HAVE to prevent this by voting for the democratic nominee.
Look I loathe Sanders. I think hes to damn old period. BUT I will take whatever PILLS I have to to mark my ballot for him before I will let this country become a Trump riot.
You had better get over your damn butt hurt if shes the nominee. Better think long and hard about your dumb ass logic that would allow a PRESIDENT TRUMP. (or Cruz) It will be an asteroid strike on this planet and if I can do it you had better do it as well. We have to stand together, candidates come and go, Trumps influence will be forever.
SO STOP. THINK. VOTE.

[Jackilope]

10. Stop. Think. Before you post.

Ageism doesn't become you.

[metalbot]

16. I feel for you

I mean, that six years of age difference over Hillary, it's fairly serious. That's like comparing the people who were born before Star Wars to the people who were born after Return of the Jedi. Totally different generations. I can see how that would be a serious issue for the presidency.

I feel like I need a sarcasm tag, but can't find one.

[pangaia]

18. BERNIE is....TOO OLD? FUCK THAT SHIT !!!

[Skittles]

21. question for you

you detest Sanders solely because of his age?

[Divernan]

26. How can anyone "loathe" Bernie?

I could understand someone expressing a preference for a younger candidate - if there was any history of Bernie having a serious health problem, like maybe repeatedly collapsing/fainting/passing out, i.e., Hillary, or having trouble remembering things, i.e., Hillary, who is repeatedly having to apologize for/walk back her pronouncements. But there's a world of difference about being concerned about someone's abilities and "loathing" someone.

To loathe is to hate or intensely dislike. What about Bernie do you so hate or intensely dislike?

Hillary often confused said Huma in emails (both before and after concussion)

Hillary is ‘often confused,’ says trusted aide Huma in fresh emails

https://theintercept.com/2016/01/16/in-1993-meeting-hillary-clinton-acknowledged-convincing-case-for-single-payer/

In one email exchange on Jan. 26, 2013, Abedin asks fellow staffer Monica Hanley whether Clinton knows to call Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Hanley replies: “She was in bed for a nap by the time I heard that she had an 8am call. Will go over with her.” Abedin stresses the importance of reviewing the schedule with Clinton: “Very imp to do that. She’s often confused.”

It’s not the first time the word “confused” has been used to describe the Democratic presidential front-runner and former top diplomat. Clinton herself admits she gets confused and even apologizes to her staff for mix-ups while she was secretary of state

On May 31, 2010, Clinton emailed Abedin on the timing of her meetings and travel schedule. After a back-and-forth over the time, she writes: “Ok but I’m confused since I remember talking w Lona about changing to 8 tonight.”

On Sept. 23, 2009, Clinton is emailing with chief of staff Cheryl Mills about an upcoming State Department senior leadership retreat. After reviewing the draft agenda, Clinton was thrown by whether Deputy Secretary of State Jim Steinberg would be there for an earlier presentation. “I’m confused–will he be there in am? Can he be urged to reschedule whatever else he has and come?”

“Huma Abedin’s description of Hillary Clinton as ‘easily confused’ tells you all you need to know why it took a federal lawsuit to get these government emails from Clinton’s illegal email server,” Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said in a statement.

In emails Clinton turned over herself to the State Department, she apologizes several times for confusing her staff. The emails show how Clinton, who is often perceived as polished and rehearsed, makes mistakes when emailing about foreign affairs.

A day earlier, Dec. 12, 2009, Clinton apologized for confusing Guinea and Morocco in an email. She sends a note to three staffers, including Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman. “Good catch, Jeff! Yes–two issues. there will be a contact group about Guinea that the French want us to be strong on too. Sorry for the confusion.”

[Maru Kitteh]

41. You know I agree - how could ANYONE "loathe" Bernie? I love him

I don't know why it was necessary to trash Secretary Clinton to make that point. We have awesome candidates, I wish more of us could act accordingly.

[SammyWinstonJack]

27. WTF...You LOATHE Sanders because he's to old period....?

[Bluenorthwest]

28. You loathe him because he's old? That is vile. He's 74 and she is 68.

I'm so sick of people like you who hate and loathe and demand we say Ron and Nancy cured AIDS to honor your liar candidate.

You hate the old, your candidate shits on LGBT. You are Trump. Same thing.

[ladjf]

31. You said some smart stuff in your post. However, your ageist view of Bernie seems

out of place with the rest of your good logic.

Bernie is too old to play in the NFL or to be an Olympic gymnast and other youth related activities.

The Presidency is mostly about good thinking and caring about people. Bernie is outstanding on those types of points. His health is good. He is energetic. He is up for the job physically and mentally.

Some people do their best thinking late in life. Don't worry about Bernie. He wouldn't have run had he not felt up to the task.


We all are in this together. Trump is a nightmare monster.

[Cobalt Violet]

36. Hillary is nearly as old. Don't be fooled by her haircolor. It's not real.

So shallow.

[romanic]

43. lmao

I needed a good laugh after rolling my eyes at the "he's too old" comment.

[Jackilope]

8. If opportunity to protest happens ...

I'd use Mylar reflective material on my poster so police spraying could see their reflections, so the Trump audience could view the hate in their faces.

[loyalsister]

11. That's a smart idea

I'll suggest it to folks I know who help plan protests.

[warrprayer]

12. Thanks and we all should get this word out

Don't let the MSM sweep this under the rug!

If you want a picture of a TRUMP PRESIDENCY...

[loyalsister]

13. I was reminded of this

[warrprayer]

15. It could get much worse

Than May 4th 1970.

And no sane person wants to relive that.

[loyalsister]

17. Truth

Nixon's soldiers would appear to exercise restraint in comparison to what is now possible due to US gun culture, stand your ground, etc.

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. I now that I will take all party flavors

if he shows up to have a rally in San Diego, with at least three egress routes. This is worst than covering other rallies.

[sadoldgirl]

19. Nadin, How would the State police handle

this in CA? I just remember scenes about the
treatment of the OWS protesters.

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. Why do you think I am planning on party flavors?

I expect the CHP to go to town, and don't get me started on local cops.

[REP]

22. Local coverage from the hometown rage

http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article65740747.html

Good to see lots of anti-Drumpf people and that many of the morons seem to be from out of town (I'm a native of KC; we have plenty of local idiots but usually not that many).

[loyalsister]

25. Seems like it's rippling from east to west with one incident after another

I'm in Columbia, and what happened last fall is not even close to being over. People in the community are working to build awareness among residents and hold people with power accountable. And people inside the university are working hard to address the demands of #concernedstudent1950

This anger is righteous and justified, especially because there isn't more outrage and people are actually endorsing hate in the voting booth.

I am hoping that it will turn out to be healthy.

[ladjf]

32. Somehow, we've got to think of some smarter type of voicing protest than

simply showing up and being "actors" in Trumps staged farce. I don't know exactly how we could do that but we have thousands of smart and imaginative young people ought to be able to
outsmart Trump, the ignorant, brutal megalomaniac.

[loyalsister]

34. I wasn't in KC, but this one was very well done....

These students interrupted the homecoming parade with a street teach- in. The former UM system president is sitting passively in the car that bumped up against the students about 10 minutes in. I'm not sure if this would work in another spacecontext, but I was very impressed by this action.

[Initech]

42. This is getting scary. Really scary.

[Delphinus]

45. Too true.