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Frm SEC Player Ben Watson's Post on Ferguson
Posted on 11/26/14 at 7:41 pm
Posted on 11/26/14 at 7:41 pm
First, I would prefer this not become a debate thread. I just want to give props to a former SEC player for such a well-thought out and balanced response. Debates can be done on the OT or Poli boards
Here's the Facebook LINK
quote:
At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:
I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.
I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.
I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.
I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.
I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.
I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.
I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.
I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.
I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.
I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.
I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.
I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope.
Here's the Facebook LINK
This post was edited on 11/26/14 at 8:05 pm
Posted on 11/26/14 at 7:46 pm to undecided
Dude I'm not reading all that the parts I did read though sounded level-headed
Posted on 11/26/14 at 7:49 pm to Rig
Yeah I shoulda added a tl/dr in the OP
Posted on 11/26/14 at 7:52 pm to undecided
Good stuff and great guy, but I don't remember him playing at Auburn....
Posted on 11/26/14 at 7:55 pm to undecided
Dude are you high?!? Watson is a former UGA dawg!
Posted on 11/26/14 at 7:56 pm to gsm1060
quote:hahahahaha total undecided move
Watson is a former UGA dawg!
This post was edited on 11/26/14 at 7:57 pm
Posted on 11/26/14 at 8:03 pm to AUtigerNOLA
Dammit R_O_Y
Who's the Auburn O-lineman that plays for the Saints then????? Ben Grubs, Ben Watson same thing
Who's the Auburn O-lineman that plays for the Saints then????? Ben Grubs, Ben Watson same thing
This post was edited on 11/26/14 at 8:06 pm
Posted on 11/26/14 at 9:28 pm to undecided
Get this unrelated shite off this board. TIA.
This post was edited on 11/26/14 at 9:29 pm
Posted on 11/26/14 at 10:19 pm to diddydirtyAubie
quote:this
Get this unrelated shite off this board. TIA.
Posted on 11/27/14 at 10:18 am to undecided
frick you man I spent forever stressing over not knowing who Ben Watson was and contemplating if that made me a bad fan.
Posted on 11/27/14 at 2:20 pm to Swoopin
Well written and thought out. Frick you incompetent and narrow minded jerks for not being able to appreciate a well balanced thought considering all of the alternatives out there.
Posted on 11/27/14 at 3:06 pm to Bow to Auburn
quote:I agree 100%
Well written and thought out.
But it has nothing to do with "Auburn," nor "Auburn Sports," and therefore does not belong on this board.
Posted on 11/27/14 at 7:27 pm to undecided
Stopped reading at "I'm Angry." It's obvious this guy doesn't want to believe the facts.
How does this have anything to do with Auburn?
How does this have anything to do with Auburn?
Posted on 11/28/14 at 8:23 pm to undecided
Seriously, why is this still here? This is poli board stuff if anything ever was.
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