Cosby marching in Philadelphia

[dennis in se pa]

Marching against gun violence. Does he really think this will do some good? How? Seems like grandstanding to me.
And all the money wasted on huge billboards against gun violence - do those people think that money is well spent? Are you kidding me?
Those types of people look at those signs and laugh.

[legion]

It's amazing to me that a man that is generally in the corner of personal responsibility cannot see how this particular cause is at odds with personal responsibility.

[red-beard]

I am all for a reduction in gun violence. What I am usually against is the methods tried.

BTW, nice standing wave!

[red-beard]

Originally posted by dennis in se pa
Those types of people look at those signs and laugh.

Assuming they can read...

[notfarnow]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/celebrities/4862220.html

PHILADELPHIA — Bill Cosby called on parents and community elders to communicate with their children to help stop a wave of violence that has plagued the city for more than a year.

Cosby spoke Monday to a crowd of several hundred people after joining an anti-violence group on an hour-long march through West Philadelphia.

A prominent resident speak against violence, and urges parents and the larger community to be more involved with their children.
What is it we're criticizing here?

[MRM]

When I was in college at the height of the Reagan administration in the 80s, my fellow College Republics and I would periodically dedicate crossing the street to world peace. We figured it did at least as much good as the stupid peace marches.

I like Bill a lot but I can't see what good a protest march against gun violence is going to do. Is there anyone who is in favor of gun violence that a protest march might convince otherwise? How about a protest march against trans fats? Teenage obesity? A march showing solidarity with homeless Ukranian puppies?

[dennis in se pa]

re: "What is it we're criticizing here?"

Misdirected effort and money. If the parents don't get involved with their children this march is not going to change that.

This is like the pied piper. Lots of song and dance. Many following. Nothing accomplished.

It is not required that you agree.

[Rick Lee]

If the Million Mom March doesn't reduce gun violence in DC, where guns are banned, nothing will.

[notfarnow]

Jeeze.. I would have though a lot of you would agree with what he's saying.

He is isn't blaming the gov't, he isn't blaming gun manufacturers.

He's telling the community that they bear a lot of responsibility for the way they raise their kids, and for glorifying gang lifestyle

The man lost his son to a violent crime. I admire him for trying to do something positive.

[scottmandue]

You mean like a protest march to allow twelve million illegal aliens to stay here?

Yeah, that would never work.

[Rick Lee]

Originally posted by notfarnow
Jeeze the guy is saying stuff I would have though a lot of you would agree with.

The guy is isn't blaming the gov't, he isn't blaming gun manufacturers.

He's telling the community that they bear a lot of responsibility for the way they raise their kids, and for glorifying gang lifestyle

The man lost his son to a violent crime. I admire him for trying to do something positive.

Jake, I understand what you're saying and perhaps Cosby is unaware of this, but just about all protests concerning gun violence lead back to the Brady Center and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. They are prohibitionist groups who have no concern at all for personal responsibility, but rather just want to ban guns and sue gun makers and store owners. I've never met anyone who was "pro" gun violence. So why protest it? Protests are usually relief valves for pent up frustration and, at best, may lead to a change in gov't. policy. They do not change individual behavior. If threat of death or imprisonment does not intimidate thugs, peaceful marches surely won't.

[stevepaa]

Originally posted by MRM
When I was in college at the height of the Reagan administration in the 80s, my fellow College Republics and I would periodically dedicate crossing the street to world peace. We figured it did at least as much good as the stupid peace marches.

I think you figured wrong. "stupid" peace marches. I can not understand how anyone could argue that people marching for peace is stupid.


"The event was the fourth of seven anti-violence appearances that Cosby, a Philadelphia native, has pledged to take part in with Men United for a Better Philadelphia, which organized the march."

[red-beard]

Why didn't the million moms march in the area of DC where the gun violence was occuring?

[notfarnow]

The event was the fourth of seven anti-violence appearances that Cosby, a Philadelphia native, has pledged to take part in with Men United for a Better Philadelphia, which organized the march.

Do they have an affiliation with the Brady Center or the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence?

Looking past the words "protest" and "march"...

What if he was interviewed on TV for saying this:

"It's the fact that you haven't taught your child. This is not the way to settle something. You (got to) teach your young boys what manhood is," said Cosby.

"You've got to teach your children how to think," he said. "You watch one blow the other one's head off and how can you feel good about yourself?"

"Why should the drug dealer be the king of our neighborhood?

I think you'd nod your head and agree. The guy's not a flakey leftist... he's telling his community to take responsibility for the problem.

If I took the time, I'm sure I could dig up posts on this forum where people have criticized certain African American "leaders" for NOT having the backbone to say these things.

[Rick Lee]

Cosby is at the bottom of my list of folks to criticize for being lazy or not putting his money where his mouth is. I'll be watching my company's wire feed for a release from Brady or the other gun grabbers trumpeting this event. I guarantee it will come or at least be on one of their websites.

And Steve, I'd be happy to argue that marching for peace is stupid. Show me one instance in history where it stopped an aggressor.

[notfarnow]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
Cosby is at the bottom of my list of folks to criticize for being lazy or not putting his money where his mouth is. I'll be watching my company's wire feed for a release from Brady or the other gun grabbers trumpeting this event.

I don't think Cosby is affiliated with gun lobbies, but maybe I've misread. Most of his attention seems to focus on the community itself. He's drawn a lot of criticism from some members of the black community for telling them to stop blaming whites for their problems.

You ever heard his "Pound Cake" speech at the NAACP?
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/billcosbypoundcakespeech.htm

[stevepaa]

Well Rick, the intent of peace marches is to push public opinion away from support of war. It is effective, it shortens war. A desire for peace and to promote peace in place of war just seems to be one of the better ideas one could have.

[Rick Lee]

Originally posted by notfarnow
I don't think Cosby is affiliated with gun lobbies, but maybe I've misread. Most of his attention seems to focus on the community itself. He's drawn a lot of criticism from some members of the black community for telling them to stop blaming whites for their problems.

You ever heard his "Pound Cake" speech at the NAACP?
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/billcosbypoundcakespeech.htm

I don't believe Cosby would have anything to do with a gun-grabber group. But they will milk his name in every way possible. Just wait.

[notfarnow]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
I don't believe Cosby would have anything to do with a gun-grabber group. But they will milk his name in every way possible. Just wait.

Could be. All I'm saying is he shouldn't be pre-emptively dismissed for associations that may or may not be there, or because it was a "march" or a "protest".

I'd just as soon judge him on his words and on his actions.

[legion]

The original post gave me the impression that he was advocating the seizure of private citizens firearms. If this is not the case, then I have nothing to criticize.