The last couple of years has revealed the manner in which some police departments have treated black individuals in stressful confrontational encounters. Overt, covert or unconscious bias has resulted in injury or loss of life. The Black Lives Matter Movement (BLMM) appropriately calls out for change. The BLMM should continue to work with churches, political and social justice organizations. Demonstrations are helpful in generating attention from the general public.
The BLMM should stop trying to put public officials on the spot in public settings. You will hear something like “all lives matter.” It misses the point, doesn’t it? The BLMM does itself a disservice when interrupting and insulting the very people who are most likely to be supportive of the movement. These unpleasant events occurred in Phoenix and Seattle at Bernie Sanders gatherings. Basic rule of politics: Don’t antagonize people if you want their support. We need a BLMM that welcomes people to be involved and supportive. We need a BLMM that introduces thoughtful proposals to mayors and police departments. On the flip side, the government needs to make every effort to put into practice good ideas presented by the BLMM.