Donta Allen - man in police van with Mr Gray refutes WaPo story

So interesting in light of the events in Baltimore this week

I wonder what Rummy (a nod to The Boondocks) thinks of that CVS store that was all the rage at DU a few nights ago?

The Racial Divide inflamed to epic levels

No - the last gasp of white supremacy in the US.

I'm not talking about people on the Left - I'm not talking about US!

Those people over there on the right?

Been foaming at their mouths for 45 years now. This is their last stand. They are gonna lose. Because my 21 year old niece is the 'new' America - black, white/native father - puerto rican/dominican mother.

That's the new America - and they HAAAAAAAATE it. They created the divide - not Obama. If they weren't so filled with hate and misery about times that need to be soon forgotten well . . .

Should the US help Save These People? - Italy, Migrants, and Libya - some things to consider

I know we have Italian Nationals and American Expats in Italy at DU who are hip deep in the situation with the migrants every day - but I thought perhaps we could have a discussion regarding the Migrant situation apart from the emotional/silent threads.

A few things -

On February 15th Italy closed its embassy in Libya.

Italy has a long history with Libya - they were once an Italian colony (that adds layers to the relationship).

The Fed Gov is relatively filled with newbies - they are pretty much untested. And that was good thing for the people of Italy in terms of their internal interests.

Many of the mandatory military service era have recently 'aged' out. This leaves them with fewer soldiers and fewer soldiers with the experience in Africa - as it is now a volunteer service. In my husband's family - only one person is serving with 20 years - and he's Navy.

Renzi (the Prime Minister) initially called for a intervention in Libya - but then back tracked when no other country volunteered to lead the effort.

About two years ago - due to the Austerity - the Italian Military budget was cut by 40%. We can't think 'ground troops'and air force - we have to think Navy AND Coast Guard as well. There was supposed to be a large by of F-35 jets - that has not happened. They just aren't prepared to go in balls to the walls in Libya. On home turf yes - but abroad nope.

Where some of the migrant boats are sinking - it's about 70 miles off the coast of Libya. There was also an incident at the end of March where the Coast Guard was fired at by Traffickers trying to get back their cheap flimsy boat. It's assumed they hauled the non sea worthy vessel back to wherever they came from to reload it and try again. These traffickers are not in good faith people - they aren't nice guys and they don't play patty cake.

The "Northern League" (a far right political party) is spouting off nonsense about ISIS invading Italy and getting people worked up over that. They also have this approach of - We should be helping but not allowing them to disembark in Italy.

Finally this weekend France and several other countries leadership - Finally stepped up to the plate and at least said - we need a summit/meeting to discuss.

Doesn't mean the problem is going to get solved - seems like they want to just have a discussion about the problem without real solutions.

So what are the solutions? Would we as Americans be willing to send troops to Libya as part of a UN Mission? Or have we done enough damage in North Africa and the Middle East? If brought to the UN - would we be willing to fund a rescue mission that when it was effective cost Italy approximately 12 Million per month?

I'm trying to wrap my head around the concept that the internal issues of Libya are causing migrants from across that part of the world to flood Southern Europe's shores. One of the folks interviewed from last nights (4/19) disaster was from Bangladesh. Is the answer to only allow in minors and those who can prove persecution? That with the understanding that there will be a global financial initiative to assist the landing countries with the processing and more important . .. the basic needs of all human beings?


There is a great deal of hand wringing going on around the world (not DU focused). At some point we need to acknowledge the 'this is so sad' came from the Arab Spring.


Thoughts anyone? What would you call your Senators or Member of the House and say if you could?