Benton Harbor Riots
Maybe a few of you have read up or heard about the Benton Harbor riots through CNN or some newspaper. But me, I get it in the locals.
It's the usual case of "Nothing interesting happens around here... only other places", and then your area gets hit by semi-national news.
In case you didn't know, the situation started with a police chase in the slums of Benton Harbor (I've never been there... only the economically healthy sections). A motorcyclist apparantly had commited a crime or two (I hear it was drugs) and then fled from a police officer after speeding through a red. Going what was clocked at 100 mph, the motorcyclist lost control and crashed into a building, killing himself.
My initial response? "Had it coming... shouldn't run from the law." and "Learn how to control your vehicle".
However, Benton Harbor thought differently. They, being over 90% black, believed it was the white cop's fault. And, even though he was from around Benton Township, it sounds like their anger is toward St. Joseph, which is moreso a white city with a much better economy and schooling system (that same old story).
So, in retaliation to police beating down their black brothers for no reason... claiming that the officer made him crash, the locals gathered together and lit neighboring homes on fire. The riots continued for two days.
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My sister's boyfriend has a few close friends who live in the area of the riots. And, word on the street is that a shooting riot was about to go down a couple nights ago... but I guess it was cancelled due to a combination of masses of police and the rain. By the looks of it, I think something will go down tomorrow instead, because that's the day of the cyclist's funeral.
As well, not long ago Jesse Jackson came to town and gave a nice speach... which basically claimed that St. Joseph was the root of all Benton Harbor's problems. Heh, good ol' Reverend... just wants a spot on the camera.
Well, that's my inside scoop for GameTavern.
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