How do we move forward on these issues? What is the next step that should happen?
There needs to be dialogue. People need to acknowledge each sides feelings and then there needs to be constructive dialogue to discuss ways to reduce the tension and the underlying issues that got us to this point. Not finger pointing, not placing blame on who caused this incident and that incident.
The two sides are dug in, though.
Someone black is killed, and the entire black community is behind him, regardless of any other circumstances.
Likewise, cops 100% stick together. Total "us against them", in all cases. You will never, ever hear a cop say "yea, that was wrong" in regards to another cop's actions.
Which is why I think it takes leaders to come together. I'm just sure who satisfy and command the respect of both sides enough to make it work. Obama would have been perfect since he is represents both blacks and government, but he is too politicized at this pointment. Anything he does will be instantly torn apart by politicization. There's no MLK out there today.
The big difference to me is, there is no real spokesperson for the civilian side that "everyone" will recognize - that's always going to be politically charged. I've seen plenty of blacks come out and say "stop being criminals". But since they are "right wing", they don't seem to count.
But there IS a clear leadership on the police side. It saddens me that cops - prettymuch all cops, everywhere - will always back their own, regardless of circumstance. It limits the conversation. The best you'll get from a cop, even when some cop shoots a defenseless dog, is "you don't understand the job".
The above may sound anti-police. it's really not, but I suppose I do expect "more" from them than I do the "community".