Let's talk about Chauvin, conviction, contradiction, and compromise....

[@tomtrask_YT]

Hard time would have been excessive punishment for Chauvin maybe 15 complaints ago. But they didn't do anything meaningful, he got emboldened and he murdered a man. If the police could actually police their own, we wouldn't be here. Great video, Beau

[@The_Opinion_of_Matt]

I'm not disagreeing with you, nor making excuses. Just sharing a story. My brother is a cop in a large department near Richmond, Va. He went to college and got a degree in criminal science and is one of the few officers in te county that does have a bachelor's degree. He has been a cop close to 20 years now. I heard my brother mention once about 15 years ago that he turned another officer in for something and then he didn't get backup for two months. He would call for backup. Dispatch would request backup, but the other officers simply wouldn't show up. Cops have one of the hardest jobs in the world and most of the ones in the U.S. don't get enough initial training (compounded by the fact that most of the training seems to be based on fear). I think most of the changes in the past month or two, minor as they have been, are because the cops are starting to have more fear for the consequences of not turning in bad officers, than they fear holding bad officers accountable.

[@Cisco31]

@@The_Opinion_of_Matt That sucks man. I definitely feel really bad 4 the cops out there that r trying 2 make a difference. It's a lose, lose 4 them.

[@paulstallings1177]

@@The_Opinion_of_Matt -Your brother is a voluntary participant in a rotten culture of policing in this country, who learned 15 years ago he had to put aside actual justice to survive within his chosen career. ACAB isn't a truism because all cops are racist murderers in waiting, ACAB is true because all cops keep quiet, and the ones who don't, don't remain cops for long. That was the lesson your brother learned 15 years ago, he sacrificed his convictions to maintain his career, he can rationalize it however he'd like, but if he wants to be part of the solution he has 15 years of silence to atone for.

[@Proud-pop]

The problem is there is no one to police the police...yet.

[@DiamondRH1]

@@Proud-pop We've tried that with civilian oversight councils. The issue there was that they had their teeth pulled by police unions and it made them ineffectual at best. I'm normally one to applaud collective bargaining and unionization. However, I dont think that a job that monopolizes the use of violence and already holds a huge amount of power (like policing) should be allowed to add to that power through collective bargaining.

[@zepfan74]

For the people complaining about the protesters, this would have never went to court without them. Everything that was progressive change in America began with people taking to the streets to protest and help make that change happen

[@TSZatoichi]

Boston massacre comes to mind.

[@rawbhonn5491]

Well said.

[@julioperez1850]

Without Darnella Frazier's video to get people to rise up against injustice worldwide, none of this would've happened since black/brown people getting killed by the police has gone on for so long on America unaccounted for but, it was never captured like this. In the act. I still can't watch that video after the first time. Rest in Power George Floyd

[@tombrown8800]

Nothing moves the needle toward justice, fairness, equality without mass public protest. Get some rest today, a lot more is needed.

[@ColbyWanShinobi]

@John Smith 🤣😂

[@pastrie42]

You can be happy about a small victory that matters but still upset about the overall system.

[@cadebritt8001]

Hi, That is so very much true. I speak to the truths laid out by Beau and Glenn Kirchner to people who have no mind to facts. They allwise stop speaking on subject or no longer speak to me. I have challenged their concept of reality. But they were forced into doubts. A very minor victory. Live and let die !

[@markhackett2302]

When the victory was so hard fought when it should never even have been a thought to do otherwise means it isn't something to be happy about. If this effects change and the police stop murdering people, THEN we can be happy.

[@cadebritt8001]

@@markhackett2302 👏 Wow ! That is poetry. Do you know that ? We do need to get more poetry. Write on !

[@jackpippenstock1104]

Well said.

[@candacecasey5634]

exactly it is called " nuance".

[@tacobreather]

Beau, you are so thoughtful. You, along with many others keep my hopes high for the future of humanity. THANK YOU !!🙏🏽

[@elyshadawson7517]

Agreed-Beau is great!

[@domorehilton5476]

True human

[@50shefli]

I'm sitting here wondering if he's a genius 🤔, all I really know for sure is that he gets my thoughts working in ways they never have before.

[@domorehilton5476]

@@50shefli amen

[@SineEyed]

And because you and so many others here aren't smart enough to see through this dude's bullshit, that you embrace his divisionist propaganda with loving smiles, seriously makes me lose faith in humanity. Not that I had much to go on.. 😒

[@Rolatii]

I love the term "amateur pharmacist". It is just too damn perfect.

[@JagerLange]

Came to say the same thing.

[@jveebklyn1644]

I'll bet the guy that sold George Floyd methamphetamines and Fentanyl thought it was an amusing term also.

[@PhoenyxAshe]

@@jveebklyn1644 One can be amused by the term while still understanding the gravity of the issue. I do prefer a change of terminology, when possible. Tossing the term "drug dealer" into a conversation is at best a distraction from the point, and at worst, a way to thoroughly derail the conversation... as you seemed to have tried to do.

[@MikeBrown-ex9nh]

Actually, that term has been around for decades. You just don't hear it very often anymore.

[@66impala71]

During 35 years of healthcare, I have never heard the term "amateur pharmacist" but I find it apropos. Beau is always on point and this is a powerful message.

[@krisfrederick5001]

When System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine were speaking truth to me as a kid, I foolishly believed everyone was listening to the point and they would no longer be necessary. Now they're more relevant than ever.

[@timross5351]

There'll be no shelter here. The front line is everywhere.

[@SanguineThor]

@John Smith lol the music industry? Capitalism? You're literally doing the meme "hmm you criticize society yet live in it? CURIOUS"

[@rorycallaghan5719]

Unfortunately, words can get twisted in meaning, especially lyrics. For example; I was utterly stunned the first time I heard someone claim that Orwell's 1984 was a scathing critique on socialism. Confirmation bias can be a strong influence on how people perceive the world.

[@dontcare3430]

@John Smith are you listening to the video? I didn't think so.

[@dontcare3430]

Reo speedwagon. Climax blues band. Them and others in my generation. Even ted nugent had his moment, until he want gonzo.

[@why-even-try-brotendo]

In the current system Chauvin must go to prison. If we reform the system we wouldn't have been in this position in the first place.

[@Vsmug]

Reform doesn’t fix anything we need to abolish it

[@greatcesari]

@@Vsmug Abolition requires small steps.I’d say it’s better to move towards rehab criminal institutions. Also, I don’t know if it’s possible to rehabilitate people like serial killers, and we can’t have them in society. Abolishing prisons over night would be idiotic. We need to first address the reason for crime. For example, legalize/decriminalize all/most drugs, firearm possession should require a strict frequently renewed license that requires psychiatric evaluation, healthcare should be far more accessible, poverty should be addressed head on so we don’t have people dangerously resorting to survival instincts, education needs serious work, prison sentences need to be reduced and prisons need to be less retributive and more rehabilitating, police institutions need to be cleansed of Nazis and need more peace/negotiation training. These things listed *can* be done over night without consequences, and once these things are fixed, crime rate will inevitably decrease and then we can talk about abolition of prison. Also, right wing or hate media needs to get shutdown. Not by cancellation or censorship, but by making their ill voices irrelevant. That should slowly solve the issue of domestic terrorism. There’s plenty more types of criminals such as domestic abusers, but like everything, you need to address the causes/sources of these criminal actions. Also, getting rid of all tools that allow people to act out crimes.

[@fungdark8270]

@@Vsmug Abolish what? And replace it with what?

[@William-Morey-Baker]

@@Vsmug after we abolish capitalism and eliminate poverty in all forms... Sure... Untill then you're beyond unrealistic. This world as it is cannot be cured with good vibes and a positive attitude. Punishment as prevention is far from ideal, but in our society as it exists if you simply remove the punishment without replacing it with a superior form of prevention all that ensues is chaos... There's also the fact that those who commit heinous acts aren't always to be rehabilitated, and some genuinely don't deserve it... There's a honest disconnect from reality that happens when your real issue is with the violence of the state, and not the underlying concept of consequences for ones actions... It's incredibly intuitive to understand how a mass murderer shouldn't be allowed to live a long and healthy life, and there is no amount of philosophizing that will change that. I've heard all the examples of how some indigenous peoples made murderers assume the roles of those they killed, providing for the families of their victims, without any of the inherent benefits that person might have been entitled to in their tribe... An interesting concept... But it's not exactly a functioning method of dealing with modern society and our rampent mass murder or terroism. Granted, neither is our current system...

[@Vsmug]

@@fungdark8270 abolish prisons. not sure what we would replace it with but I’m sure we can come up with creative ways to deal with “criminals” instead of violence

[@pgrosebud2012]

I was going to comment how difficult it is to solve the homeless problem [in LA] that you spoke about earlier today- but I restrained myself. Then you posted this video about how nothing is hardly ever black and white. Thanks for the balance. I have been a positive pessimist for 71 years, knowing change is hard, and but hoping we can make it. Please keep up the in depth reviews of current topics. I do hope many more people would try to join a conversation that will go somewhere productive.

[@paulgodlewski957]

Yes.

[@PhoenyxAshe]

"Positive Pessimist"... Another wonderful term to add to my personal lexicon. It should a great one to put to use, right next to "Skeptical Believer".

[@CeeJMantis]

Your term "positive pessimist" and the topic reminds me of a way I describe myself. I say that I'm a "pragmatic idealist". I have strong desires for how things should be, but understand that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and advocate for practical solutions.

[@nikkic2682]

I think that most things in life that seem black and white only seem that way when you view them from a distance. Once you get closer you can see the different shades of grey, or nuances, that make them up.

[@NWPaul72]

Everything's easy 'til it matters. A forest is simple 'til you get up close.

[@rachelleyeaman9783]

I wrestle with this exact thing in my social justice work. Thank you for breaking it down so simply. If I wait for a perfect solution, I'll just waste a lifetime of good opportunities. The pain of it is that, when I eff up, I have to live with that, too.

[@jackpippenstock1104]

The point of life in my experience is to not be afraid to try for something better. Eventually, one will fail; it's OK to fail. Learn. Improvise, adapt, overcome. Try better again. Rinse and repeat. Best of luck in your endeavors towards social justice.

[@gelbadayah.sneach579]

The first steps towards the world we want must be taken in the world we currently live. Those steps might not be exactly the ones we want to take, but they might be the steps we need.

[@rorycallaghan5719]

Yes, those steps of progress are always met by resistance from those enjoying the fruits of the status quo, therefore, naturally uncomfortable steps many of us do not want to take. You are absolutely right again about those steps being ones we need to take in the ongoing class war.

[@JMM33RanMA]

Those steps, like electing Joe Biden, that are resisted by the "Purity of Doctrine Cult" because they are not in perfect alignment with their Holy Plan, are often just what is necessary for final victory. This kind of "my way or the highway" and no compromise almost always either leads to defeat or a victory that is more of a disaster in the making than real victory [for examples the French Revolution and Russian Revolution come to mind].

[@tombrown8800]

@@JMM33RanMA Jay I immediately thought of the French revolution before I read down to it. Hope you are having a good day.

[@JMM33RanMA]

@@tombrown8800 Thanks. I sometimes get too academic and was barely able to restrain myself from going into the twists and turns of that revolution. Have a good day yourself!

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Quotably apropos. That was my rationale for Biden. I would've preferred Bernie or a progressive, but we didn't get that choice. Now, we're fighting to move to a system where the people have voice, away from the corporate machine. I do wish we could make faster progress, though. May we have the resilience and fortitude to see this through 💜✊

[@lynneperg6853]

I had a mentor who was totally colorblind. The world existed in shades of grey. This person painted watercolors with beautiful colors in them. I asked how and was told that her pallet was arranged in a specific way so she could choose which shades of which colors she would use. She belonged to that rare group of totally color blind artists. She never let that hold her back from becoming a wonderful artist. Her name was Hazel Paden, look her up on google. She rarely talked about her visual challenge. That she could break through from living in gray to lovely color gives me hope for all of us.

[@ExkupidsMom]

Cool story! Thank you for sharing. I always say that everyone is an artist; this is more proof.

[@tuttt99]

Wow, it's even rarer for a woman to be colorblind. Most forms of color blindness are x-linked recessive, which means that both parents have to carry the gene on their x chromosome.

[@Mtnsunshine]

Thank you for this. I have not heard of Hazel Paden, but will now look her up. Her story sounds like a wonderful and amazing one.👍

[@crhu319]

Not seeing the point. She could still see luminosity differences

[@Justin.Martyr]

*The Word Nxxxxxr shouLd be ReDeFined as someOne Like: Rand PauL or Matt Gaetz!!!!*

[@SirWasedOne]

Problem with the "Chauvin shouldn't go to prison because you want to change the system anyway" crowd is that it's a bad faith argument and they know it.

[@markhackett2302]

They could change the system, closing down prisons, then suddenly Chauvin isn't in prison. That crowd is hypocritial: they want lawbreakers in prison, being punished, but they don't want Chauvin in prison for breaking the law, because he'll be punished.

[@ComradeOgilvy1984]

It is disingenuous because it is lying about Restorative Justice actually means. Restorative Justice would be, in some situations, replacing one coherent but imperfect system with another coherent (and surely imperfect) system that emphasizes helping the community hurt by the crime. If we had such a system in place and Chauvin were eligible to partake, I am neither for nor against it. What it does not mean is "hey, let's just make up new rules so the laws on the books do not apply to the white guy!" That kind of thinking is why Chauvin is in prison, right now. That kind of thinking is why Chauvin murdered Floyd.

[@americanartist6485]

And Chauvin going to prison is the beginning of change.

[@americanartist6485]

@@markhackett2302 I agree with the way you said that. These people exist in an oxymoron.

[@matthewgagnon9426]

@@markhackett2302 That's the bad faith argument the person you were replying to was talking about, bro.

[@OhWellWhatTheHell1]

"amateur pharmacist" is such a good turn of phrase. i'm using it from now on

[@amandalynn7063]

My new thing to do with these videos is listen to "What we're going to talk about today," pause the video, think about the answer I have, and later, listen to what Beau says. It's a fun mental exercise.

[@paulgodlewski957]

I'm going to try that. Thank you for the tip

[@evee8462]

Dude! That’s a great thought exercise! I’m borrowing

[@shawnr771]

Great idea. Going to get a notebook and write down my thoughts. Some videos it is difficult for me because without the videos I am under or uninformed on the subject to start with.

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

Cool idea. Gonnay try that.

[@michaelmantinaos8330]

I loved seeing him get put in cuffs and getting sent back to prison like the criminal he is

[@douglashughes2331]

A warning shot across the bow to other rogue cops. Being a cop is hard enough without the public thinking they are all like Chauven. Too many are like him but not all.

[@therugburnz]

I'm glad he got his day in court unlike the human being whose life he stole forever. He not only thought he was a cop and a good one at that, he also thought he was a judge and an executioner. Him Was Wrong. Have fun with your new friends with names like Big Dick Bubba, Chiller Cop Killer and Gator Whitey Hater, or spend all your time in solitary sole confinement for as long as you want.

[@paleggett1897]

He got justice, but a victim, their family and friends are still without the victim. Make policing fully accountable by outside representative boards comprised of 80% that mirror the community. Proper, timely, appropriate curriculum and trainings by certified and policing board approved trainers with at least Masters Degree in social work, counseling, criminal justice, theological studies, etc

[@lynnevenables7193]

Me too, I was shouting at the Tv saying, lay down on the floor and let 3 full grown men lean on you for 10 minutes, see how you fair!

[@yt.personal.identification]

A little part of me, was hoping he would resist.

[@cheriann6461]

That was truly thought-provoking (and seemingly self-reflective, as well). It feels great to hear someone acknowledge how messy and complex people and our world are. For me, this video has somehow relieved some unspecified psychological burden.

[@GladysAmelia]

“Unspecified psychological burden” sounds appropriate lately. Things are quite messy.

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Definitely! Thanks for the comment (the replies, as well). Beau has been a model of how to think things through. 💜✊

[@cf453]

Well said, ma'am.

[@charleswolfman]

It is entirely possible to be in favor of justice but also be in favor of fair treatment and rehabilitation of prisoners.

[@PooNinja]

Compromise and cooperation are not bad things!!!!!

[@rorycallaghan5719]

Wise observation, overall, those are the main reasons us humans have made it this far in our evolution. Despite the greedy and/or antisocial segments in every society.

[@andybeans5790]

Exactly, compromise and cooperation gets the job done

[@shawnr771]

@@andybeans5790 We need to agree on the basics and then work on the advanced topics.

[@dianeshelton9592]

No indeed , compromise and co operation are great, however there has to be a basic aim you need to keep in mind. Beyond that you will not go. For example Biden stimulus bill, it had to pass, he was elected on a promise to pass it. work with the Republicans to try to get it done but if they won’t pass it anyway, co operate s do compromise where you can but if that can’t happen pass it anyway. The fight for the infrastructure bill is going that way. It is extremely popular with the electorate including republican voters but the republicans politicians have decided for their own reasons to fight it. The only reason to fight it is for them to get their donors money. A couple of hundred peoples selfish money grubbing cannot stand in the way of what the majority of citizens want. Compromise and cooperate with them when you can but there is an ultimate aim that cannot be lost so it will get passed anyway. THATS the are Republican problem they are not understanding that Biden is not Obama and he won’t take years trying to make things bipartisan. He will get passed what he sets out to do and if they want to have any influence at all they have to understand their role is only to try and change what is in the bill not whether or not it will pass. He has had years to decide right this is going to happen, they have to accept that and actually come up with plans they want to happen, just fighting the inevitable when it’s what the majority of voters want anyway looks stupid and puts off voters. If asked Republican voters want their politicians to work for them, not talk incessantly about Mr Potato head. The bill provides money for bridges so their senators should be working to get their bridges mended not working to get a Dr Suess book reprinted ! One that had not been in print in any event for a good few years.

[@alansmith4655]

Greetings from Ireland Beau 🇮🇪🇺🇸🤘🏻

[@pattoneill2402]

Nuanced and systemic thinking. Very good analysis.

[@imperialspectre]

Seems to me that when we condemn the prison system and work to end it, we can also recognize that the state only abandoned Chauvin and portrayed him as a bad apple because of months and years of organizing and collective action. That's a win that we can celebrate and take into the next struggle.

[@catherinekenny3926]

Good evening from Scotland again Beau

[@kelleyshippeygilbert2865]

Real life is a whole lot more complicated than the internet would lead one to believe. Who woulda thunk it? Poetic justice resonates with many. Thanks again Beau. So nice to hear messages that provoke thought and eschew bs.

[@tigq1430]

I own a business where sometimes the client is home & they want to tell me there views, like "there's no racism" or , watch **x all day & spew nonsense. I have to decide on feeding my family, keeping a roof over our head or walking out & telling them their part of the problem. A very different environment than in my cozy corner of utube.

[@denisemcdougal6445]

If that exhausting, imagine being the objective of the racism everyday

[@davidcat1455]

I took a big risk in early 2020 and told customers they needed to leave their political views at the door. That included their MAGA hat. A few wanted to argue but most of them complied. A funny thing happened, my business picked up considerably. About 30%. The ones that argued? I just smiled and added 5% to their bill that they never knew about. I then donated that to our volunteer bushfire brigade. It worked for me.

[@tigq1430]

@@davidcat1455 thank you for giving me an idea👍✌😷

[@cf453]

Beau, you're a subtle and thoughtful man, and yet you speak with great clarity. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@pookah9938]

Excellent, Beau. This is more than just complex and the number of people who have become engaged is probably at an all time high...and change is a process, not a photo op.

[@badmandansanchez1823]

Thank you for your insight. You continue to be a voice of reason. "We" are the gray. It's murky waters.

[@kerethp]

Accountability + Justice

[@Ijustworkthere]

Thank you for speaking with nuance and respecting reality, and I almost broke when you said "because that's the easiest link in the chain to break." Thanks again.

[@keen-eyehawker1553]

I just bought a big monitor for my tiny laptop because my eyes are getting older and the laptop just doesn't work for me anymore. So, fo the first time, I watched a Beau of the Fifth Column video where you were almost life size. I am moving around in my kitchen, watching and listening and it's like you're right here in my cabin in Alaska talking to me about how life really is. You're younger than me, but tonight it felt like my dad was here, just talking through you about the way life really works. You have 600k followers now so I'm sure you"ll never see this, but that's ok. I'm just throwing it out there. Maybe my Dad in heaven will read this and smile.

[@calabamian]

He sure looks good in that orange jumper.

[@jasontutorials4809]

Agreed.

[@kelleyshippeygilbert2865]

I'm pretty sure his bunk mates will agree (realizing he is probably in PC, but he has to be on everyone's radar)

[@michaelmartinez3674]

Waiting for geatz, t***p,cruz,hawley, and everyone else involved with 1-6-21, to try their's on as well.

[@carolharris2401]

"Amateur Pharmacist" I like that. I think I will use that from now on

[@dominicg11]

Thank you Beau from England - this is one of my favourite videos seen recently. It's clear, thoughtful and really makes the point. I particularly liked the recognition of the value of the 'idealogically consistent' as a lighthouse because compromise, while necessary to accomplish things in the real (grey and dirty) world, can lead to an erosion of the values you are trying to protect or support.

[@cuckoophendula8211]

Love how this video is essentially talking about linear versus systematic thinking. The latter unfortunately is much tougher to fathom, and usually requires a longer time to absorb, experience, and accept. Meanwhile, surface level linear thinking is so much easier to manipulate people to bat for since it's easier to understand and sensationalize.

[@erinmcdonald7781]

OMG! Yet another application of that math that so many in this country don't understand and think we don't need! Sincere thanks, a teacher!!! 🍎💚✌️😸

[@gpsxsirus]

Bringing that point full circle at the very end, well done.

[@rayjellis92]

Been waiting to hear your thoughts on Chauvin

[@saxyrep1]

That verdict is one small good step in the right direction vs countless ones in the wrong direction. Also, note that it took, activism, intense scrutiny and international outrage to barely get to the bare minimum. I want to be glad or relieved by this verdict but sthg in me doubts it'll bring about change. Hope I'm wrong though...

[@saxyrep1]

Also, some like Brett Favre still question Chauvin culpability.

[@ecchidragon8038]

_I want to be glad or relieved by this verdict but sthg in me doubts it'll bring about change. Hope I'm wrong though..._ Same here.

[@hazellove2144]

We have to do the best we can. Sometimes we fail miserably. The world is complicated. When it comes to jails there is a big difference between murder and a $50 bucks worth of weed. We seem to focus on the low hanging fruit. Lots of grey.

[@shawnr771]

The need for 20 dollars worth of addictive drugs has led to murder. The people on the US southern border are the ones paying the price with their lives. 22,000 plus last year. Including facilitating corruption, kidnapping and a number of other crimes. Every $50 bag adds up. What we see as a victimless crime is not.

[@whatoh3407]

Violence has decreased but incarceration has increased. How.

[@mschaseste]

I live in this quagmire of battling ideological conflicts. Just saying I’m glad to see Beau describing what I struggle with every day.

[@lisabaldwin657]

You've nailed why systemic change feels impossible and how good intentioned people feel like giving up. This is an uncomfortable step towards a better future, but with folks like you keeping it real and being open, honest and heartfelt, I believe we can and will do it. 💗💓💗

[@TheSuzberry]

If the solution was simple, it would be fixed already.

[@nebulousvoid]

Evil people have been undermining real solutions for centuries. Maybe this is why it is so difficult...

[@crowfoot7355]

Thanks again Beau.

[@medowbailey8730]

It was great news to hear a guilty verdict

[@semperfi818]

Indeed so -- but this can't be one and done, but the first of many steps in a better direction.

[@medowbailey8730]

@@semperfi818 absolutely

[@tombrown8800]

I have been against the death penalty for over 45 years. That doesn't prevent me from saying certain political leaders should be hanged. I'm not kidding about either position. The world is a big GRAY place, no ideology survives unscathed.

[@rockinchild234]

why you gotta by so thought provoking on a thursday afternoon Beau? got us contemplating all these concepts lol. So glad I found your channel.

[@karenjohannessen8987]

That's his job, man! And he does such a good job of it :) Yay, Beau!

[@michel3691]

Go elephants!!!🌍💚☘ Protect the rangers too. They are also teaching the elephants bring tourism.

[@nc8507]

Never been anticipating a video from Beau as much as I have been with this one. Always love to hear your take on things.

[@SilverLaBelle]

I've been waiting for this one. And I'm hoping for one on Ahmad aubery and Pervis Payne Edit: I believe in innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For everyone. And that until you commit a crime you deserve a benefit of the doubt. Freedom is filled with contradictions. Beau does a wonderful job of dissecting what happened and what's in the midst of happening. It helps to hear what I've deduced on my own is rational and echoed in a face that doesn't look like mine. I know it sounds backward, but I'm constantly trying to make sure I am not being biased when I see all the atrocious things happening. It is the first thing that people will argue with me, that because I'm black I'm biased toward them. Having Beau echo my thoughts, is another tool in my toolkit. I hope he will forgive me for that.

[@lilac408]

And Elijah McClain and many more.

[@jimmiet1988]

Tamir rice as well

[@fungdark8270]

Pervis Payne? You disagree with the death penalty for him or you think he was innocent?

[@fungdark8270]

@@jimmiet1988 He was pointing a gun that appeared real at people... that’s just a tragedy, not emblematic of problems with police

[@paulgodlewski957]

The list of offenders is far larger then we will ever know

[@swgeek4310]

I appreciate how you approach issues and delve into the why, how and who and really problem solve to understand and look at an issue

[@victorf8301]

Very well said Beau!

[@AsiniusNaso]

Shockingly, you can participate in a system while trying to improve that same system.

[@GearGeekB]

Such a great perspective, thank you!

[@benslightom2601]

I love the way you break things down. I always feel like I took a masterclass in perspective after watching your videos. Thank you for being you!

[@reszolve3685]

Wow well explained, as always you strike the right cords I’m always learning when I watch you’re videos

[@jannepeltonen2036]

And what a thought that was. Once again, I'm impressed by your capability to put complicated issues into words, of choosing appropriate examples to explain your idea. You managed to acknowledge *both* the need to accept compromises / gray areas / contradictions *and* the need to stay ideologically consistent in the same train of thought. You showed that those approaches complement each other, instead of fighting each other. Thank you. This really gave me food for thought.

[@davidcelona8167]

I am against pot smokers being in prison, not the concept of prisons in general. So it is not a contradiction

[@Mizzy3030]

Agreed. I can't foresee any system in which murderers can avoid prison time. Taking another human's life *is* the most heinous crime there is, unless of course you do it in self-defense. But, locking up drug users is just cruel and unusual punishment.

[@richardhoward2701]

Once again beau on point!!..keep speaking your truth BEAU....

[@d123mahesh2]

👋🏾Add: Simple problems require simple solutions. These are far from simple problems. A multiprong approach that addresses both immediate, short, mid and long term goals is always. ALWAYS needed. Now if we could only figure out a way to work together to address complex problems.

[@d123mahesh2]

@hognoxious Isn’t that the truth?

[@vickim8836]

Congratulations on over 600 thousand subscribers Beau!! A million is right around the corner.

[@GunnarLof]

A sentence should not be a punishment, but a possible solution on how to avoid this crime again. Jail may be a a part of this solution sure, but not the only part.

[@timross5351]

Ideally, every prison sentence would include rehabilitation.

[@grmpEqweer]

Our prisons kind of have to be hellholes. Reason? We have such a lack of social support services that if our prisons were humane places where offenders could get help and rehabilitation, more people would commit crimes to get in there. ...That does happen, there are people who become institutionalized and do not know how to function outside anymore. None of that is good, or has my approval.

[@timross5351]

@@grmpEqweer , an excellent point, but it also recurses onto itself. If prisons are better than society for some people, then those people are indeed better off away from society and vice versa. However, allowing prisons to be hellholes does not keep those people out of prison, it just makes them suffer while they are there.

[@grmpEqweer]

@@timross5351 Well, I'd rather we fix the outside as well. I was going to comment on that, but I'd wind up writing an op-ed piece. It's an exceedingly big mess.

[@timross5351]

@@grmpEqweer What if prisons were places where you could get help to prevent becoming a criminal, and you could check yourself in without committing a crime?

[@catalinacurio]

It’s the people who fight for change who make America feel safer to visit, never let up.

[@dalysea26]

Happy Earth Day! 🌍

[@MrKurtank]

Beautifully phrased. I wish I could subscribe twice!!

[@heavymetalhillbillyhippiew8746]

Such a great video. Thanks, man.

[@dianaguenette8702]

Hi from Alberta Canada. Found your program on KZbin and love your rational opinions on items you present. Thank you for some sane reasoning in a very unreasonable world right now.

[@ajferraro320]

love the board in the bag easter egg lol

[@Val_Emrys]

Thank you for verbalizing some of the nuances of the fight for justice, kindness, and fairness.

[@TheBlackstarrt]

That was a good one.

[@louloy5272]

Beau you are a real wise man. Keep your ideas alive on this forum.

[@TelfordO]

Love the Tshirt Beau. Greetings from across the pond, love you channel.

[@Armaggedon185]

Good insights.

[@matthewdunham1689]

Hey Beau!

[@snowissj]

Everything is contradicting everything else, so stay calm, carry on.

[@nevermanishere]

@3:00 in my many years of study I've been able to pull off only one instance of what you're talking about and it wasn't even against a governmental entity. I managed to get about 40-50 people (families) to show up at Westborough Baptist Church in Gainesville FL with water balloons when the church said it was going to burn a Quran.

[@Circlewisewoman01]

Bloody brilliant! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@nevermanishere]

@@Circlewisewoman01 I'd like to take credit but I think the phone call from Obama might have had more to do with the cancellation of the burning lol. And thanks to Randi Rhodes for letting use her call in line to put out the message.

[@simonjanosi4796]

As cogent arguments go, that was up there with the very best. I wouldn't have edited a single word. Chapeau, Beau!

[@KnutFan]

I really, really, really, really, really appreciate your bringing up the concept of black and white thinking. Most of us are engaging in that to such a degree that we don’t even realize it. However it is contributing to a lot of the chaos these days. It takes a lot of personal development to learn to step out of that type of thinking. It is not talked about him enough and I truly am glad to see someone like you with some influence bringing it up

[@FallenRingbearer]

This is exactly why I prefer the term ideology over "morality".

[@crimsonhalo13]

As the saying goes, *"No plan ever survives first contact."* Taking in new information and adapting to a changing situation is not only necessary, it should be expected.

[@jeffreyestahl]

Unfortunately, too many people (of all ideological ilks) believe we live in a deterministic universe. We don't. It's statistical. There is simply no way to determine the outcome for all incidents. It's best to do your best and adjust.

[@documentthedrama8279]

Beau is the best voice on the left.

[@kimwarton4894]

The more you learn the more you realize you don't know. The Oracle of Delphi said Socrates was the wisest man. He claimed the Oracle knew he knew nothing. Nothing more terrifying than those of us claiming to know everything.

[@margaretmanz2030]

It seems to me that you have clearly defined, by example, what 'systemic' means with regard to any issue. I wish that some of our members of Congress could hear and understand what you have said here.

[@lucaskrisjim]

Love the shirt, I live in Folsom.

[@naomibee8881]

Explained well. Thank you Beau.

[@Comradedad933]

Beau, as a Columbus native, id appreciate an analysis on Ma'Khia Bryants shooting.

[@Jay-ho9io]

Despite being poorly trained within a historically and presently institutionally racist department, a human acted in a tragic way to protect the life of another resulting in the death of her attacker, who was herself the victim of a life time of social, racial, gender, health and economic discrimination. I mean I'm not sure how else to say it. I cannot call a dead 16-year-old right, but the broken clock was not wrong at least one time that day. A person with a knife intent on attacking another who is within arms length of them is about as close to a textbook example of a case where you have a very, very limited amount of time and basically no non lethal options that don't put the victim of the knife wielder at greater risk. It's a nightmare. It's fucking awful. I pray I never end up in one of those situations. I feel if I am I will find myself either constantly wondering if I could have done something different, or feeling more terribly certain that I couldn't which in its own way will be worse? Any place you find yourself where the least bad option is shooting child is a nightmare of a place to be. I wish every and any single thing could have gone differently in that kid's life. And the lack of culpability on the officer changes nothing about the institution which employs them. Everyday in the United States, there are individual instances of legitimate use of force, just like there are legitimate instances of truly terrible people being locked up for having done truly terrible things, for which they have no remorse and had no need to do. And neither of those things changes the facts of the system, it's fundamental discrimination, and the absolute need for it to be replaced with something that functions from a different DNA.

[@amandaperry660]

Good stuff

[@richardcutts196]

From what I've seen progress seems to be three steps forward then two steps back. Then things settle down for a while. Then the process repeats.

[@rexsmith9074]

Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison Tee for the win.

[@jinxkrug7000]

The same issue existed with the Blood diamonds. Americans are the largest buyers of diamonds, and for good money. As you said, the problems are very complex and there's a lot of gray areas, and where do the solutions start, just as with the prisons and the Ivory trade that you talked about?

[@karenl7786]

Really appreciate the nuanced discussion, you don't get that often out there in the grey world.

[@tonyjones1560]

"Amateur pharmacist..." sounds better than "street-corner commodities broker/dealer?"

[@carmenbell77]

Stealing it. 🤣🤣

[@BeauoftheFifthColumn]

Love it

[@tonyjones1560]

@@carmenbell77 With my compliments, 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@mr.e8561]

Outstanding....

[@tiffanykrieger5035]

Eat the rich, the rest will fall in line

[@Andrea.1tree]

😂🤣😂🤣 Probably their worst fears. “ The natives are angry!!” Lol.

[@robinhansler5458]

How is it that Beau is so rational and logical and others are so friggin crazy ? Wondering from Toronto Canada

[@undivided_unified]

Watch the Tyrell WIlson video tape and then ask yourself, how is that not abuse of power and murder. We are at the start of an exhaustingly long road of change... stay strong ya'll

[@elizabethsullivan7176]

Moments after I heard the guilty verdict, on that same news channel (a local channel, neither CNN nor Faux) I learned about a teenage girl in Ohio who was shot dead by a cop. That is the perfect example of just how far America has to go before REAL change will happen. In order for things to change the police will have to be held accountable for their actions. Tuesday's verdict is but one tiny step on the long, long road to change.

[@reXdownhamOG]

As always, thanks Beau.

[@LaundryFaerie]

I like "amateur pharmacist." I've used the term "recreational pharmaceutical retailer" for a while, but that's snappier.

[@shawnr771]

Goes along with amatuer chemist.

[@jh9667]

A very apt t-shirt.

[@northernwitch3626]

It's got me schitzing out. I'm not happy anyone is in prison, but I'm glad he's not free.

[@PhoenyxAshe]

I look at is as the first step in complete accountability. Justice must be the same for everyone, or it isn't justice. It's still a pretty dark shade of grey, but it's a start.

[@shawnr771]

He has yet to be sentenced.

[@northernwitch3626]

8 weeks is a long time, it's certainly not over yet.

[@carolbulmer8253]

You have good thoughts, Beau! Some issues are more multi-faceted than they seem😔