Michael Jordan: ‘I can no longer stay silent’

a reply to: supremecommander

That is kinda crazy, and when I say 'kinda', I mean, expletively so.
This whole thing has been driving me mad. This situation obviously needs attention. But because it's America, it's reaching around the world... as a result, here in South Africa the whole race problem has been trending quite well. Which is curious. I've heard first hand accounts of cops, black or white, breaking the law, bribing, being violent (I don't recall hearing about the type of cop-on-civilian violence that's reported in the US, but I'm sure it happens in SA more than we know, ya know), but I've heard about and dealt with many more cops that were professional, and down to earth.

More curious, and sad/strange, is that many black, many carrying a pan-afrikan-esc vibe, have been using what is happening in the US as a means to ridicule and even demonize white people in South Africa. Most curious of all with this tired reasoning is that white's are the minority amongst the mostly black african population (I know there be a couple black Jahmaican individuals here). I think us whites are about 7% of the whole population. I want people to live. And I'm glad our cops seem to be stepping up their game. Must be difficult with all the corruption.

(Sorry for the waffle. I was battered up and ready to go.)

I agree with MJ, because I also feel that there is more trouble within the police, or at least from certain individuals within the police force, than there are with black people and communities where minorities are not being treated equally, communities where social ills are rife.
There are of course other areas to focus on, but nailing charitable contributions and increasing public interest on two of those areas of focus is a job well done in my book.

I bring you, the tip of the iceberg.

a reply to: AmericanRealist

Worship Jordan? Wow.

So do you really believe that those who killed someone "for Jordans" is otherwise a model citizen and it was nothing more or less than those Jordans that turned him into a thief and a murderer?

And do you believe that stealing and killing for Jordans is only wrong because they were stealing and killing for Jordans?

And do you really believe that Michael Jordan has some kind of mystical magical power that somehow triggers others to become thieves and murderers?

If you don't answer yes to all three of those questions, then you're just creating a big bad boogeyman to fan the flames. No good can come of this. But much good can come from Mr. Jordan's actions.

If you can do better, do it. Show Jordan how it's done. Show us all how it's done.

a reply to: Boadicea

We are privileged to live in the world’s greatest country

Err, no Michael you don't.

The greatest country in the world would never allow the two clowns that are running for President to get anywere near politics.

a reply to: Jimjolnir

I agree with MJ, because I also feel that there is more trouble within the police, or at least from certain individuals within the police force, than there are with black people and communities were minorities are not being treated equally, communities were social ills are rife.

I have to agree! One of the things I've found interesting in my research is that only a handful of cops make up the vast majority of complaints and lawsuits for brutality in the department, and that only a handful of Blacks (mostly gang members) make up the vast majority of "Black crime." It also seems that departments with the most complaints have the most corrupt administrators as well.

There are of course other areas to focus on, but nailing charitable contributions and increasing public interest on two of those areas of focus is a job well done in my book.

Again, I have to agree!

a reply to: Boadicea

Those questions are too linear. Its very wrong, but even more so when done for the pursuit of a shoe with a limited release and clever marketing targeting the very demographic who is most represented in the victimization and criminality of stealing and killing for Jordans. Maybe listen to the guy in the last video as he open pleas to Jordan to give everyone a chance to get a pair and maybe do the limited releases at his home to see how it feels.

Your opinion of me does not really matter, because scores more of young minority teens and adults will still be killed or sent to prison in pursuit of these limited release of "to die for/to kill for" Jordans before years end, and he will still refuse to take any responsibility for the way they are marketed which enables this behavior.

a reply to: AmericanRealist

Please stop. Seriously. It wasn't enough to exploit these victims verbally, now you have to provide graphics? (I'm just hoping and praying there aren't any snuff films in there.)

This is sick and sadistic.

a reply to: AmericanRealist

I'm done with you. Have your say -- I cannot and would not stop you -- but I refuse to be part of it. I already feel icky enough.

a reply to: Boadicea

Yea, you should feel icky trying to defend this guy and his golden goose. he knows full well what it does. I apologize that the real world and corroboration are so disturbing. Perhaps you should show your support by... purchasing a pair of limited release Jordans during launch day???

what a great gesture. I can't disagree with anything he says. Not in the least.

Jordan was a childhood hero to me and millions of Americans. He was the only reason i watched the NBA (i stopped watching when he left the Bulls). I hope his leadership has a positive influence, because honestly....im pretty sick of everyone and their stupidity about now.

originally posted by: Boadicea
Classy move from a real class act.

Michael Jordan: ‘I can no longer stay silent’

Michael Jordan's statement in full:

As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.

I was raised by parents who taught me to love and respect people regardless of their race or background, so I am saddened and frustrated by the divisive rhetoric and racial tensions that seem to be getting worse as of late. I know this country is better than that, and I can no longer stay silent. We need to find solutions that ensure people of color receive fair and equal treatment AND that police officers – who put their lives on the line every day to protect us all – are respected and supported.

Over the past three decades I have seen up close the dedication of the law enforcement officers who protect me and my family. I have the greatest respect for their sacrifice and service. I also recognize that for many people of color their experiences with law enforcement have been different than mine. I have decided to speak out in the hope that we can come together as Americans, and through peaceful dialogue and education, achieve constructive change.

To support that effort, I am making contributions of $1 million each to two organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The Institute for Community-Police Relations’ policy and oversight work is focused on building trust and promoting best practices in community policing. My donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s oldest civil rights law organization, will support its ongoing work in support of reforms that will build trust and respect between communities and law enforcement. Although I know these contributions alone are not enough to solve the problem, I hope the resources will help both organizations make a positive difference.

We are privileged to live in the world’s greatest country – a country that has provided my family and me the greatest of opportunities. The problems we face didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved tomorrow, but if we all work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families and our communities.”

I wanted to let Mr. Jordan's words speak for themselves; but a little background information can be found in an accompanying article:

Jordan speaks out on shootings of African-Americans, police

Jordan’s commitment to diversity, his spokeswoman said, has been long established. “But he’s always been very private and personal about many of these things.”

Of the decision to speak out and contribute his voice and money now, she said: “Michael was tired of just talking. He wanted to do something about the issue. This was very important to him.”

I really don't have much more to say. Mr. Jordan said it all, much better than I can. So I'll just say, "Thank you, Mr. Jordan."

He also has shares in a couple prisons and has for a while which probably made him more than what's he's donating just saying.

Good gesture tho

a reply to: Boadicea

Because he made a speech? No wonder America is collapsing in on itself. Play basketball and make a good speech and people will let you run the country.

This may be exaggeration but it is also pretty true. Idiots were voted into power a while ago. The trend is still on going. If hilary gets voted in that pretty much confirms the citizens are brainwashed. II don't know if trump is much better either.

But as Carlin said "The American voters like their bulls--- out in the open so they can get a good strong whiff of it"

originally posted by: bigfatfurrytexan
what a great gesture. I can't disagree with anything he says. Not in the least.

I can't either. He seemed to have given this much thought. And he spoke from his heart and gave from his heart. I really hope others take his lead and do what they can to find solutions and help heal the divide.

Jordan was a childhood hero to me and millions of Americans. He was the only reason i watched the NBA (i stopped watching when he left the Bulls). I hope his leadership has a positive influence...

That's one reason I think this could have a really positive influence on others in a position to lead. We need new leaders. New ideas. New attitudes and approaches.

... because honestly....im pretty sick of everyone and their stupidity about now.

Yeah, I agree. (And I say that knowing you may be including me in there!) Let's hope MJ's heartfelt gesture is just the beginning of a fresh start.

a reply to: ssenerawa

He also has shares in a couple prisons and has for a while which probably made him more than what's he's donating just saying.

Oh no. I didn't know that -- and I don't like it. I don't like prisons-for-profit at all. Too much room and motive for abuse, and a host of other reasons.

Good gesture tho

Yes, it definitely is.

originally posted by: WhatGoldStandard
a reply to: Boadicea

Because he made a speech?

Oh dear... you didn't even read the OP or you would have known it was more than that. And even if it was simply a speech, the spirit behind his words is worthy of praise -- and it's more inspiring and heartfelt than I've heard from anyone else in the debate. Including yours. That's a whole lotta hate and ignorance for someone who didn't even bother to find out what he was ranting about.

No wonder America is collapsing in on itself.

Indeed.

a reply to: Boadicea

"everyone" is more of an abstract concept. No individual (on ATS, anyway) is included in my visualization of that abstract.

a reply to: Boadicea

The people that hate him the most are the families of the victims who were beaten and/or killed in pursuit of his shoes, also because he was such an inspiration to many of them in their childhood as well. At least he is returning some of that blood money , I suppose that deserves a mild, barely sincere clap of the hands.

This statement is eloquent and brilliant because it tells the truth about justice; that it’s a fact that something is wrong in America. Yet his words aren’t distorted to favor one group or another. It unites rather than divides.


We in this country have to learn that you can’t put truth in slogans and simple minded “solutions” when problems are so often complex.


Jordon doesn’t claim he knows all the answers but that it’s better to do this together not separate from each other.

If this country tries to heal in separation it won’t be real healing.

a reply to: Boadicea
Ain't that the truth. I see it as a fact that it is always the few that ruin it for the many.
Care should be taken in dealing with these kinds of issues. To paint with a broader brush for an instant, our civilization can only advance by tackling difficult issues, such as the social issues which are the main topic of this thread.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely, is the saying, I think... yet another issue that we gingerly pussy-foot around expelling, in my humble opinion
I couldn't help looking up the original quote; "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority; still more when you superadd the tendency of the certainty of corruption by authority."
And this shall suffice more than my meager inflection might have

a reply to: Boadicea

All well and good saying that he cannot keep silent but it is just nonsense yet again, as he said himself in your quote.

We need to find solutions

Well Woop-Ti-Do, he basically fixed nothing. Coming out of silence wit ha grand idea to fix things is what should occur not come out of silence to say, yep its still broke.