Why Baltimore Will Matter in 2016

[Purveyor]

Apr 29, 2015 11:03 AM EDT
By Jonathan Bernstein

If you think democracy is something America needs only occasionally, you can complain about the endless presidential election. But if you want a strong democracy, then frequent and continuing U.S. campaigns are an excellent innovation.

Think about it. Just this week, the unrest in Baltimore raised questions about policing, urban government, race and social inequality. The Supreme Court is considering same-sex marriage. The Senate is discussing U.S. policy on Iran, while the Barack Obama administration is dealing with Iranian interference in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a six-week campaign, many such issues wouldn’t bubble up to the surface. In a four-year effort, however, candidates either have to address them as they come up or risk the wrath of the press (and perhaps their parties) if they duck them. This has been a general problem for Hillary Clinton, one she is trying to address today in a speech on criminal justice reform.

When asked about the Baltimore riots, Rand Paul cited "the breakdown of the family structure" as a cause, and also said "this isn't just a racial thing, it goes across racial boundaries.” Jeb Bush and other Republicans were asked if they would attend same-sex weddings (Bush and Marco Rubio would, and Scott Walker already had). Rubio is pushing an amendment to the Senate resolution on Iran.

If the campaign didn't start until next fall, it's possible that all those issues would fade from the headlines and the candidates would never say anything about them.

more...

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-04-29/why-baltimore-will-matter-in-2016

[1StrongBlackMan]

1. Posted to for later. n/t

[qwlauren35]

2. Baltimore will be forgotten by next month. Guaranteed.

Walter Scott is already forgotten. In fact, I didn't hear politicians lining up to talk about HIS murder.

[libdem4life]

3. I'm counting on the Black Community and their White Supporters to continue this.

I'm going to continue to believe that with social media and white folk being forced to become aware...most of us are Non Bigots...just haven't experienced it and are uncomfortable and incensed with what we see now, via cell phones.

Things have irrevocably changed and I'm going to say charged up. And yes, it took violence to bring up violence...i.e. the "riots vs. the police murder justification and immunity". I had absolutely No Idea until I watched it with my own eyes, through the brave cell phone of Someone.

I and many like me will have none of this. Note the "increased racial mix" among new protestors. This is leaving the remains of the veneer of minority civil rights into the arena of Human Rights...real anti-racism. Whites marching with their brothers and sisters who just happen to be Black or Hispanic.

[quadrature]

4. wrongo. how much money do/did Baltmore residents pay ...

to the Clinton foundation.

answer.) Little to none.