Black lives like my father’s should matter. That’s why I’m endorsing Bernie Sanders.

[Uncle Joe]

I want a leader who truly cares about justice for my family, for black people and for all Americans.

A year and a half ago, New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo barbarically choked my father, Eric Garner, on a Staten Island sidewalk in broad daylight. My father died that day. His death was ruled a homicide. Despite viral video footage of the incident, international media attention and widespread protests, our justice system failed to find Officer Pantaleo guilty of any crime. In fact, until a few weeks ago, the only person indicted in relation to the case was Ramsey Orta, the man who filmed it all.

As a daughter, I was devastated. As a citizen, I remain outraged — my father’s death was an absolute injustice, but not an uncommon one. By now, we know many of the other names all too well: Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray, Laquan McDonald, Tamir Rice, Mike Brown, Rekia Boyd. But it’s only thanks to the tireless work of organizers and protesters, who take to the streets and disrupt business as usual, that we know their names at all.

(snip)

The answer is someone who started this work well before campaign season, who understands our deaths as tragedies — not political talking points — and someone who will speak out against the wars being waged against our communities. Not someone who only pays attention to our concerns when it’s time to collect our votes. Not someone who gives us bread crumbs and expects us to be full.

Black Americans — all Americans — need a leader with a record that speaks for itself. And to me, it’s clear. Of all the presidential candidates, Sen. Bernie Sanders is our strongest ally.

(snip)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/01/29/black-lives-like-my-fathers-should-matter-in-america-thats-why-im-endorsing-bernie-sanders/?tid=sm_fb

[Uncle Joe]

1. Here is Nina Turner with Chuck Todd

[senz]

2. Erica Garner sounds like a very admirable young woman.

It must have been hard to work through the grief of her loss and rage at the injustice to reach such a calm, carefully reasoned conclusion.

Thanks for this, Uncle Joe.

[Uncle Joe]

3. I have no doubt.

Peace to you, senz.

[Uncle Joe]

4. P.S. Hey senz, did you have an opportunity to view the Nina Turner interview that I posted?

She is pretty amazing.

[senz]

5. It's incredible. She refutes many of the lies we hear around DU

like Bernie is somehow "against" President Obama and the AA vote is all locked up for Clinton. She blows holes in all of that. She noted that she is a strong Obama supporter and was an Ohio delegate for him. She even touched on Clinton's "no we can't" and made the valuable point that if you want to succeed a leader, you take what they've done and make it greater, you advance the cause. If it were possible to get a transcript or just jot down notes, I think it would make a strong, relevant OP.

I saw the video of her with Killer Mike, Cornel West and Bernie, talking about MLK's legacy. I was impressed with her grace and stature. She looked like a goddess and brought so much warmth to the conversation. I got the impression the men were glad she was there.

I have to tend to some things in RL now. Back later.

[Uncle Joe]

6. I agree, she is exceptionally sharp.

Take care of yourself, senz.