I went to the protests in Detroit last night and wrote down some of what I saw before I went to sleep. Here it is:
There were maybe a thousand protestors just kind of chilling around city hall when riot police started slowly pushing the crowds back with tear gas, shields and mace. I didn't see anyone rioting but there were a few people who were obviously trying to provoke a bigger confrontation with the police.
Occasionally the police would charge crowds without their shields and arrest whoever didn't get out of the street fast enough. I saw about five or six unarmed people with their hands in the air get thrown to the ground and beaten during these charges. I saw one police officer fire some sort of tear gas cannon directly into a girl's back from about 3 feet away as she was walking away. I also saw police beat and arrest numerous people who's only crime was shit talking them.
A teenager was shot in the head about 50 feet away from me. The sound of the shot started a small stampede. I saw his feet as the body was loaded into the ambulance a few minutes later.
Some videos I took before and during the initial riot police push:
On May 31 2020 04:55 PassiveAce wrote: A teenager was shot in the head about 50 feet away from me. The sound of the shot started a small stampede. I saw his feet as the body was loaded into the ambulance a few minutes later.
Shot in the head with a tear gas canister I hope you mean? Frightening to watch...
I think it was a Dodge Durango. It was only a single gunshot though. If he had fired a bunch of shots off instead of just the one than I would have joined the stampede.
What are they protesting against in Detroit? I read about protests in Minneapolis over the death of a black man. Is this the reason elsewhere? If so, I must praise the US society.
On May 31 2020 20:27 JoinTheRain wrote: What are they protesting against in Detroit? I read about protests in Minneapolis over the death of a black man. Is this the reason elsewhere? If so, I must praise the US society.
From what I saw in our city last night, it is more like... the straw that broke the camels back.
I feel bad for what's coming. White America didnt give a shit when police tortured and beat people in every major city back in Occupy.
This is a protest-rebellion-riotus mix.
I think the next week there will be more videos of police brutality than the year 2020 has seen to date.
The riots got a few blocks from my appt and destroyed basically 15 blocks on the Northside of J st.
The hood showed up as the actual protest ended and... the group of geniuses I was near conscripted the group I was in to break into a bevmo. I left.
Just saw bevmo got pummeled.
Be safe and if you are going out. Please, consciously decide what you will be involved in. Dont fall for groupthink. Make your own choices.
AttackZerg wrote: From what I saw in our city last night, it is more like... the straw that broke the camels back.
Oh, I see. But if they don't have cohesion they will amount to nothing. I mean, protesting points to some high level of disturbance in the society but without a cause protests are like droplets of water in a hot pan.
AttackZerg wrote: This is a protest-rebellion-riotus mix.
People have to have a cause to stand behind. Anti police brutality rally - I can get that anytime. Abuse of power from governing officers is no doubt repulsive and should not be tolerated. But to just go out and vandalize a bevmo or whatever, this smacks on criminal activity that needs severe punishing, arrests and interrogations at the least and prison time is highly possible.
Whatever the case is, I hope things get settled for the good of all involved parties, change laws or something, I don't know. Certainly the world as a whole needs all the tranquillity it can get in order to recover from CoViD-2019. And the USA are like a barometer for the world, when things mess up there, all the nations soon feel the shock.
AttackZerg wrote: From what I saw in our city last night, it is more like... the straw that broke the camels back.
Oh, I see. But if they don't have cohesion they will amount to nothing. I mean, protesting points to some high level of disturbance in the society but without a cause protests are like droplets of water in a hot pan.
AttackZerg wrote: This is a protest-rebellion-riotus mix.
People have to have a cause to stand behind. Anti police brutality rally - I can get that anytime. Abuse of power from governing officers is no doubt repulsive and should not be tolerated. But to just go out and vandalize a bevmo or whatever, this smacks on criminal activity that needs severe punishing, arrests and interrogations at the least and prison time is highly possible.
Whatever the case is, I hope things get settled for the good of all involved parties, change laws or something, I don't know. Certainly the world as a whole needs all the tranquillity it can get in order to recover from CoViD-2019. And the USA are like a barometer for the world, when things mess up there, all the nations soon feel the shock.
I completely agree with you. But I feel like a member of my society.
Many of the people doing criminal or anti-social things do not feel apart of the social contract that I agree to.
To be more accurate then before, during the day well over 90%+ of the people are protesting cruelty and violence from police as night falls hundreds and hundreds of poor 11-16 years old flooded into the city to specifically rob and vandalize.
I stand 5'6 and most of these kids were shoulder level to me.
It never occurred to be how bad it is in other communities. I am getting my unemployment and a stimulus. I feel safe.
From what I gathered last night. Selling drugs and stolen goods is the only way for people to make money right now. I dont know
I am still in pandemic response mode. I cannot imagine how bad coronavirus is going to get now.
My prediction has been 560,000 - 620,000 dead by Jan 1st. Between the reopen crowd and the dont-murder-blacks crowds.... we have undone all we worked for.
just like black america doesn't care that 4% of the U.S. population commits 50% of the homicides.
because according to the media, white on black hate crimes are rampant...in actuality, the opposite is true.
according to FBI statistics, 90% of violent interracial crime is black on white.
enjoy your unemployment and stimulus...as a truck driver, a lot of us are out here still working, and not sitting at home under a blanket worrying. you're welcome
On May 31 2020 20:27 JoinTheRain wrote: What are they protesting against in Detroit? I read about protests in Minneapolis over the death of a black man. Is this the reason elsewhere? If so, I must praise the US society.
From what I saw in our city last night, it is more like... the straw that broke the camels back.
I feel bad for what's coming. White America didnt give a shit when police tortured and beat people in every major city back in Occupy.
On June 01 2020 20:34 LtCalley wrote: I'm retarded
Very cool man
be better to directly address the points made 1 by 1. All this does is continue the cycle of non-communication.
On May 31 2020 04:55 PassiveAce wrote: I also saw police beat and arrest numerous people who's only crime was shit talking them.
A proper outcome in this example depends upon the precise meaning of "shit talking". At Yonge//Dundas Square in downtown Toronto this morning I saw a guy mouthing off to a police officer for at least ten minutes. What a moron.
Protest during the day and then run around my city putting out fires at night. I am both for and opposed to the same thing. What truly confusing times.
i just saw about the riot on the news, i was wishing to find news about this on tl since i dont really care about medias opinion on this kind of shit.
thanks.
gl.
On June 02 2020 05:02 AttackZerg wrote: Last night was surreal.
Protest during the day and then run around my city putting out fires at night. I am both for and opposed to the same thing. What truly confusing times.
well, u can actually meet people at barricades. see whats up.
On June 02 2020 10:54 XenOsky wrote: i just saw about the riot on the news, i was wishing to find news about this on tl since i dont really care about medias opinion on this kind of shit.
On June 02 2020 05:02 AttackZerg wrote: Last night was surreal.
Protest during the day and then run around my city putting out fires at night. I am both for and opposed to the same thing. What truly confusing times.
well, u can actually meat people at barricades. see whats up.
I meant, I was protesting actively for the cause during the day, and that at night I had to run around my community putting out fires and this morning I helped clean up glass.
On June 02 2020 12:02 Bagration wrote: Stay safe out there man - I fear the worst is yet to come. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say a 1989 Tiananmen situation is very possible
Tomorrow is June 4th, which was a day of infamy. Hopefully America doesn't do a re-enactment.
Curfew. National Guard. More protesters, less 'criminal' or anarchist (or whatever) behavior.
Everyone in my community is very stressed and uncomfortable with Humvee's and Soldiers paroling our block.
I didn't realize I hate the American military, until they entered my community. I thought because I have friends that are soldiers, my first job was on an air force base, I always thought I had some.... respect or whatever.... Nope.
Seeing that stupid american flag on those camo wearing idiots in my community made me realize, I fucking hate them.
Sorry good soldiers, too many of your peers are rapist and murders .... and not to mention your flag is nothing but a bunch of welfare, theocracies supported by a few states, like mine, who actually produce and contribute.
I doubt anyone cares about my anti-military feelings but I wanted to share my agitation and anxiety, because if I feel distressed... then I am very worried that other people are feeling the same.
To be clear, I am following curfew and staying away from protests until I feel ... safer to be around authorities. This is not okay. This is not normal.
Not acab but some are nazi's.
Be safe in Detroit op. Your city fought for like 9 months last night things got serious. Be careful.
I doubt anyone cares about my anti-military feelings but I wanted to share my agitation and anxiety, because if I feel distressed... then I am very worried that other people are feeling the same.
It's an absolutely appropriate time to have anti military feelings. Using the military against our own citizens is such an egregious overstepping of power. I guess we are getting a taste of what it feels like for all those other countries we have illegally invaded.
I doubt anyone cares about my anti-military feelings but I wanted to share my agitation and anxiety, because if I feel distressed... then I am very worried that other people are feeling the same.
It's an absolutely appropriate time to have anti military feelings. Using the military against our own citizens is such an egregious overstepping of power. I guess we are getting a taste of what it feels like for all those other countries we have illegally invaded.
I cried last night thinking about how many South americans, Afghani's and Iraq's have seen the same column of Humvee's shortly before they died.
I have paid for these forces to kill with every tax dollar I have ever earned. And now, I may be paying them to shoot me or my neighbors.
Thanks for saying it is appropriate, in RL, I am not talking about how upset I am. I am not trying to spread my fear. You acknowledging it strangely helped. Thanks.
On June 04 2020 08:06 AttackZerg wrote: Just an update, on Sacramento, California.
Curfew. National Guard. More protesters, less 'criminal' or anarchist (or whatever) behavior.
Everyone in my community is very stressed and uncomfortable with Humvee's and Soldiers paroling our block.
I didn't realize I hate the American military, until they entered my community. I thought because I have friends that are soldiers, my first job was on an air force base, I always thought I had some.... respect or whatever.... Nope.
Seeing that stupid american flag on those camo wearing idiots in my community made me realize, I fucking hate them.
Sorry good soldiers, too many of your peers are rapist and murders .... and not to mention your flag is nothing but a bunch of welfare, theocracies supported by a few states, like mine, who actually produce and contribute.
I doubt anyone cares about my anti-military feelings but I wanted to share my agitation and anxiety, because if I feel distressed... then I am very worried that other people are feeling the same.
To be clear, I am following curfew and staying away from protests until I feel ... safer to be around authorities. This is not okay. This is not normal.
Not acab but some are nazi's.
Be safe in Detroit op. Your city fought for like 9 months last night things got serious. Be careful.
Thank you, I hope you stay safe too. Last night was bad here but things seem to be very calm in the daytime.
Iv been thinking about how difficult it will be for the USA to condemn mass police actions in other countries from now on.
I saw sec. of state pompeo condemn crackdowns in Hong Kong. Lol. Zero credibility now.
On June 04 2020 08:06 AttackZerg wrote: Just an update, on Sacramento, California.
Curfew. National Guard. More protesters, less 'criminal' or anarchist (or whatever) behavior.
Everyone in my community is very stressed and uncomfortable with Humvee's and Soldiers paroling our block.
I didn't realize I hate the American military, until they entered my community. I thought because I have friends that are soldiers, my first job was on an air force base, I always thought I had some.... respect or whatever.... Nope.
Seeing that stupid american flag on those camo wearing idiots in my community made me realize, I fucking hate them.
Sorry good soldiers, too many of your peers are rapist and murders .... and not to mention your flag is nothing but a bunch of welfare, theocracies supported by a few states, like mine, who actually produce and contribute.
I doubt anyone cares about my anti-military feelings but I wanted to share my agitation and anxiety, because if I feel distressed... then I am very worried that other people are feeling the same.
To be clear, I am following curfew and staying away from protests until I feel ... safer to be around authorities. This is not okay. This is not normal.
Not acab but some are nazi's.
Be safe in Detroit op. Your city fought for like 9 months last night things got serious. Be careful.
If you left it at acab it might be up there for my favorite post of 2020, still, good show old chap.
Please clear this for me - is it the actual US army on the streets or is it the National guard? As far as I know it is unconstitutional to use the army in domestic issues but that's what the National guard is used for. Am I wrong?
As far as distaste for armed forces, I also share it. I understand that to have some army is useful but when it's used like it is today in the USA, as a hammer to smash this state or that or as means to secure oilfields somewhere, it's rather repulsive. What's worst is that the soldier boys are the least to blame, they are but tools in the hands of legislators and investors. There are deep problems in the society in the US, it needs to change and this has to come from within. USA's one of the states where outside "help" is not possible even if needed, namely because of this huge army and the interest behind it. As it is now, I am just observing to see what's going to happen but we're surely living in turbulent and troubling times. Will the USA collapse under its weight, much like the Soviets did merely 30 years ago? Time will tell, as usual. I only hope for a peaceful resolution in a short amount of time.
On June 04 2020 22:50 JoinTheRain wrote: Please clear this for me - is it the actual US army on the streets or is it the National guard? As far as I know it is unconstitutional to use the army in domestic issues but that's what the National guard is used for. Am I wrong?
As far as distaste for armed forces, I also share it. I understand that to have some army is useful but when it's used like it is today in the USA, as a hammer to smash this state or that or as means to secure oilfields somewhere, it's rather repulsive. What's worst is that the soldier boys are the least to blame, they are but tools in the hands of legislators and investors. There are deep problems in the society in the US, it needs to change and this has to come from within. USA's one of the states where outside "help" is not possible even if needed, namely because of this huge army and the interest behind it. As it is now, I am just observing to see what's going to happen but we're surely living in turbulent and troubling times. Will the USA collapse under its weight, much like the Soviets did merely 30 years ago? Time will tell, as usual. I only hope for a peaceful resolution in a short amount of time.
In my community, the Soldiers are National Guard.
The president has activated National Gaurd from multiple states to head to D.C since they are not a state and have no gaurd.
The marine-drone-murderee military can only be legally deployed on American soil in three situations.
War - Authorized by congress. Insurrection or rebellion - authorized by the 1907 insurrection act
Or in emergencies, also authorized by Congress.
All the information, I have about active duty being deployed is from word of mouth at protests and online. So, I havent found any source... showing like.. the 82nd is deploying to X. I think it is possible but not happening yet.
That said, at the DOJ 3 blocks from my house, there are 6 18 year old men holding assault rifles. If they fire at someone, my appt is the back drop and each bullet can penetrate up to 2000+ feet after fires.
I am about 900 ft away (or 300m to my non-americans)
(edit: Hasan on the Patriot Act covered this issue in a way that is in line with my viewpoint, here is a link - www.youtube.com )
(edit 2: There is confirmation that paramilitary far worse then our military has been deployed in at least one city, in white cars simple labeled "United States Police", the CIA has deployed officers with ZERO legal authority except to quote one of their agents, “We can’t arrest you, but we can kill you.”. www.politico.com. This is an even worse precedent than military occupation. The C.I.A is and has been the words premier terror organization since the late 70's, and an equal only to the KGB in terms of global damage and horrible anti-democratic actions. They are the only documented non-military western organization to conduct torture sites around the world in recent decades. Few people are more murderous then Navy seals, these guys at "The Agency" are them.)
It feels surreal scrolling thrue blogs like this. It reads pretty similar like last summer with the HongKong protests as well. I hope you re actually going to change something now. From an European point of view, all of this sounds pretty alien. In Germany the militarry is pretty much never used in case of interior affairs (maybe appart from helping with floodings). Also the entire Police <-> Citizen exchange is quite different, way less fear on both ends.
EPT
