Black Lives Matter Movement is seemingly gaining ground and being heard....I think

Huffington Post Article Link

Ok, the "Black Life Matters" movement has been going on for just over a year now I believe, since the death of Michael Brown jr at the hands of police in Ferguson. The police officer was not charged, as the shooting was shown to be "justifiable homicide", and the grand jury chose not to bring him up on any other charges.  The police officer in question was not fired but chose to leave the police department under increasing pressure reportedly. Whether your on the side of the police or the killed young man it's a sad situation. Personally, I am white, I can't even imagine losing a member of my family, let alone at the hands of the police, but I am of the opinion that every situation is different and since this tragic event many others have occurred that many have some similarities but each one has its own specific circumstances. 

Being white I don't think I really can intelligently say how I would feel if I was part of the black community.  The history of atrocities against people of color is disgraceful. Slavery is long gone but who can really say when it's ok to move past that horrific time. If it were my relatives that were degraded and even murdered I can't say how I would feel today. I'd imagine that it would still haunt me, and for that it has to be understandable. 

My problem is with the people that want to lump anytime a black person is killed by law enforcement with the times that the police unjustly use deadly force. I can only imagine how hard it is when a family member is killed. The first thought that would probably go through any persons mind is who committed the act and wanting that person punished. I think we have to be understanding of the family and communities feelings but we all need to take a step back and listen to the facts carefully. 

The use of body cameras has to be implemented in as many departments as possible. Having all interactions recorded is a safety net against unjust accusations and unjust actions taken by both parties.  I can't imagine anyone being against getting to the absolute truth, and those cameras recording does just that.

Are there any other measures that you think are necessary???? How do you feel about the body cameras??

Movie icon Morgan Freeman has reportedly lost a loved one tragically

Gawker.com Article Link

Victim E'dena Hines was stabbed to death by her live in boyfriend while he was under some sort of drug induced rage.  Stabbed during an exorcism according to some police sources, the death is still under investigation. Anytime a 33 year old young women dies it is a tragedy. The epidemic of hard drugs still sweeping our country and the world really is sad. Drugs don't discriminate whether your black, white, blue or green, rich, poor or homeless, married single or divorced, anyone can fall victim to the horrors of drug abuse. 

What we need to provide is safe places that ppl can get the help they need to fight mental illness and problems with drugs. These problems sometimes run hand and hand. People are afraid to talk about family issues often and it's best to deal with these problems head on. While family can't deal with it alone, there are starting to be more and more resources adapted to help. 

Another place where these resources are sorely needed is our prison system. We do a hell of a job at punishment in our great country but have a startling reputation. We have nearly 25% of the worlds incarcerated with under 5% of the worlds population. THAT'S BOTH SAD AND SCARY.  We lock ppl up for months or years at a time and then release them back in society without giving them the tools necessary to survive.  If they were using when they went in odds are they are going to be using when they are released if they aren't shown another way to live. We need to provide services to help them heal while they are incarcerated so they can continue to work on their sobriety when they are released. If they continue to get help the recidivism rate will drop exponentially. 

What do you think we as a country should do about the drug problem???

Please, all comments are welcome!!