After the Baltimore riots the start of a discussion for the 2016 campaign

[Rosa Luxemburg]

What does it take for politicians to do something about the poverty, unfairness and helplessness in this country?

Freddie Gray's death was largely unnoticed by the national media and it wasn't until people started to riot they got interested. As the family of Freddie Gray requested after the funeral that there would be no more protests, riots. I do not condone violence but the situation in Baltimore as in many cities is a like a tinderbox ready to ignite. The mayor of Baltimore was doing her best working hard not to escalate the situation. The governor acted to bring in the National Guard but although this should clear the streets it is not going to solve the real problem. Year after year the gap widens between the rich and the very poor but no one is ready to tackle this. Children in Baltimore like in many cities go to bed without food and the only food that they get is at school. Republican congress thinks it's cute to cut millions of funding. With all of this and the horrible relationship between police and the public this is not being addressed satisfactorily. People say we are not going to vote because politicians do nothing for us.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

1. And today the schools are closed, what do the kids do?

One day at a time as they say at AA

Clergy and leaders in MD are calling for peace and activism, which I hope they can get.

Maybe all those kids who are not in school can accomplish something, peacefully.

True, so far NOTHING peaceful has done a damn thing in some places, but in others I believe our marching in the streets has started some change.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

2. Parents were coming to get their kids yesterday

Many of the kids have to walk home though the riot areas.

[TBF]

3. And it should start with Angelo's statement -

Hillary needs to read that statement, reflect on it , and realize Bill may have made a few errors (Nafta, repeal of Glass Steagal portions etc). If she can do that & paint a picture going forward of how to right the wrongs, then I think she is capable of winning not only the nomination but the presidency. Just my two cents on how to go forward. And if she does that I think it could be a very good presidency.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

4. Plan

There needs to be a plan and the people need a champion, a 'mom' - someone not only to speak for them but to get the help they need so there are no more areas of poverty and dereliction in this country.

[TBF]

5. I agree - people want workable

Solutions they can understand. "Tax breaks for the middle class" doesn't work when the middle has been decimated.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

6. yes

and solutions that are realistic.

[qwlauren35]

7. What Black People Want: Respect (from Law Enforcement) and Good-paying Jobs

I think the candidate who has a plan for both would have my vote.

Do I want too much?

BTW: I shouldn't speak for all black people. But this would go a long way.