Black Lives Matter Activists Disrupt Sanders Rally
The incident happened yesterday at Seattle’s Westlake Park:
A Seattle speech by Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders was pre-empted in a chaotic confrontation Saturday afternoon with a pair of Black Lives Matter protesters, who took the stage and refused to let him speak.
The Vermont senator, who has drawn huge crowds around the country, was to be the star attraction and final speaker for a rally at Westlake Park to celebrate the 80th birthday of Social Security and the success of other anti-poverty programs.
But his afternoon plans were scuttled by protesters determined to turn attention instead to Sunday’s anniversary of the shooting by a white police officer of Michael Brown, an unarmed black man in Ferguson, Mo.
Later in the evening, Sanders received the reception he’d expected from the Seattle area as the progressive alternative to Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton.
An eyewitness detailed the disruption at Daily Kos:
While giving a speech on Social Security in Seattle, Bernie Sanders was again shouted down by Black Lives Matter activists.
Bernie’s response? He stood by and let them take the microphone. He waited patiently while activists demanded a four and a half minute moment of silence for Michael Brown. Bernie gives them their four and a half minutes, but the activists continued to refuse to relinquish the microphone. One memorable quote was the activists claiming the entire crowd were “white supremacist liberals”. Activists also demanded that Bernie apologize for the fiasco at Netroots Nation some weeks back.
In the end, Bernie Sanders was unable to make his remarks, and he left the stage after negotiations with the activists failed.
A second witness added:
Click here for reuse options!Bernie didn’t get three words out before the women from BLM started demanding the opportunity to speak. [Rally organizer Robby Stern] tried to reason with them to wait their turn, but they became verbally abusive, so he gave them the mic. Bernie and his wife stepped to the side while one woman spoke. When [Stern] tried to get the mic back, she insisted that everyone stop for a moment of silence in memory of Michael Brown, which she explained meant 4 1/2 minutes, to represent the 4 1/2 hours Michael Brown’s body lay in the street. Initially, the crowd protested, but eventually did as she requested. After that, she demanded that Bernie come over to her, speaking to him as if speaking to a dog. He stayed where he was. Then a woman who I think was part of the program began to explain that the program was about Social Security and Medicare and tried to make the connection between those programs and PoC. Then the man in charge spoke with Bernie, and Bernie and his wife made their way through the crowd, shaking hands with people along the way. Presented without commentary.
Copyright 2015 Liberaland
By: dave-dr-gonzo
David Hirsch, a.k.a. Dave "Doctor" Gonzo*, is a renegade record producer, video producer, writer, reformed corporate shill, and still-registered lobbyist for non-one-percenter performing artists and musicians. He lives in a heavily fortified compound in one of Manhattan's less trendy neighborhoods.
* Hirsch is the third person to use the pseudonym, a not-so-veiled tribute to journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson, with the permission of his predecessors Gene Gaudette of American Politics Journal (currently webmaster and chief bottlewasher at Liberaland) and Stephen Meese at Smashmouth Politics.
106 responses to Black Lives Matter Activists Disrupt Sanders Rally
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mea_mark August 9th, 2015 at 10:43
” One memorable quote was the activists claiming the entire crowd were “white supremacist liberals”.” — Sounds pretty racist to me. Is that what the #BlacklivesMatter movement wants to be about, racism? Shooting one’s self in the foot is the image that is coming to my mind.
ohpaleasegivemeabreak August 9th, 2015 at 10:55
I saw some info yesterday that accused these protesters of being BLM shills who are only interested in disrupting the world.
They seem more revengeful than people wanting to change the world for the better. They seem only to want retribution and do not care you they insult to get what they want.
I HOPE this is not how this movement is going to move forward.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 10:57
this is one person. not an organization of bat quano idiots.
ohpaleasegivemeabreak August 9th, 2015 at 12:28
That’s what was put forward yesterday – there were 2 that I saw and they were NOT doing their movement even the tiniest bit of good.
SO SAD – it is such a worthy movement and the timing on it could make a huge difference for a lot of people if they do not use militant methodology to bully the people they falsely perceive are their bullies. They were there belittling people who are trying to help them – it’s nitwittery at a very high level.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 14:08
it’s because these 2 are uneducated. hopefully someone straightened them out after her ignorance was portrayed in such a bad light.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 10:56
this really pisses me off.
mea_mark August 9th, 2015 at 11:05
The BLM movement needs to police itself better. Inflammatory rhetoric isn’t going to help a whole lot.
Suzanne McFly August 9th, 2015 at 12:38
Seems like they are using the republican playbook.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 15:07
that playbook keeps the repukes on a losing streak. if that’s what they are going by, then the movement will be screwed.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:33
I do remember those days.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:32
Maybe they need Trump as their leader ?
Suzanne McFly August 10th, 2015 at 11:28
Thats just mean lol
The Original Just Me August 10th, 2015 at 12:22
Yup, I agree, interrupting a speaker, that thousands came to listen to, is really mean.
dave-dr-gonzo August 9th, 2015 at 11:40
Waaaaaay off message.
StoneyCurtisll August 9th, 2015 at 21:38
I have to wonder if they were agent provocateurs operating under orders of high ranking operatives in the committee to elect Dr. Carson syndicate….:)
Budda August 9th, 2015 at 11:03
As others have said, this is the last person (Bernie ) they should be interrupting.
Show some real bravery and commitment to the cause and demonstrate/interrupt Republicans.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 11:07
exactly.
Tommie August 9th, 2015 at 11:45
Please, Please, Please think about what you are doing, the Republicans and a few Democrats already do not like us as it is! Bernie is on our side and been trying to help us! Stop interrupting his time on stage and calling out people who wants change like we do! This is making me sad, we already have a uphill battle, now you just added grease on the hill! SMH!
jasperjava August 9th, 2015 at 11:46
I am sympathetic to Blacklivesmatter, but this is no way to build more sympathy for the cause.
Folks need to understand that racism is inextricably bound up with economic issues. Always has been.
Police get away with brutality and murder against people of color precisely because the African-american community is marginalized politically and economically.
Things will improve not only by uprooting white supremacists out of police forces, but by changing the socio-economic conditions that allow racism to thrive.
mea_mark August 9th, 2015 at 11:54
Exactly. Inequality is a root problem, it needs to be addressed to rectify the problem.
Sabrina Levy August 9th, 2015 at 18:55
Racism is only about hating some one because they are of a different race. Any person can be Racist regardless of their economic status.
mea_mark August 9th, 2015 at 19:53
Yeah, but it thrives and becomes a greater problem when there is great disparity of wealth and inequality is beat the general populace down, especially minorities. It gives the rich ample opportunity to express their racism toward those that are beaten down by a rigged system. Change the system, quit beating people down and return the wealth of the nation to the economy and it won’t be as easy to be racist and those victimised will have the resources to fight back when it does happen.
Economic policy that ends inequality can also happen fairly quickly. Racism that is institutionalized into a culture can take a long time to get rid of. How long should we wait for results? Years, or generations?
StoneyCurtisll August 9th, 2015 at 21:22
Derp…
greenfloyd August 9th, 2015 at 23:26
I think the only kind of racism we can actually prevent is institutional racism. No legislation can change what is in an individual’s heart and mind. But peace and prosperity instead of drug war and prisons would certainly help. When people are doing well they tend to need less scapegoats.
Anomaly 100 August 9th, 2015 at 11:54
They’re doing it wrong. Bernie has been a civil rights activist since he was in his 20s. They are diminishing the BLM movement by using these tactics *on an ally*.
dewired4u August 9th, 2015 at 13:29
They’re losing me…..
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 14:06
well, to be fair, this was one person and i didn’t see where it was 100’s of them. hopefully someone in the crowd who knows bernie, as apparently she doesn’t, spoke to her about how wrong she was. hope.
dewired4u August 9th, 2015 at 15:17
this isn’t the first time it looks like they’re following him around why didn’t they try this at the gop debate?.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 15:21
they need to be educated i’m telling you. and why didn’t they show up at the GOP debate? well, do you really think they could have made it into the parking lot?
dewired4u August 9th, 2015 at 16:37
That says a lot right there hey Carson made in but maybe they only let one or two blacks in ………………..
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:30
Ya just gotta show yar friendly face.
Dwendt44 August 11th, 2015 at 12:46
That will last only as long as he keeps spouting right wing nonsense. As soon as, if he ever does, starts thinking and gets a rational idea, he’s back to the back of the bus.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:30
Carson made it inside.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 20:29
big difference. besides, he was allowed to go in through the back entrance. a first for everything.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 23:08
That reminds me of the stories about Sammie Davis Jr. and how he was treated by the Hotels in Las Vegas when he was a member of the Rat Pack. Talk about double standards.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 23:26
“When Sammy Davis Jr. Took a swim in the pool at the New Frontier hotel casino in Las Vegas in 1952, they drained the pool when he was done.” and that very same thing happened to Josephine Baker.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 23:43
Mostly, he had to stay in Hotels in North Las Vegas and then brought by Limousine to the back stage door just prior to the performance. After the show he was taken immediately back out and to N. Vegas. He was never allowed to enter the casino’s main floor, dining area, or stay at the Hotel where he was preforming.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:29
Interesting
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:29
What was the reaction from the crowd to her ? Just asking .
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 19:30
don’t know.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:36
I gotta run to town right now but I will look around later tonight. It would be interesting.
Anomaly 100 August 9th, 2015 at 16:11
I’ve heard this from a few people.
dave-dr-gonzo August 9th, 2015 at 14:04
Bernie’s disruptors look to be outliers in the movement.
Anomaly 100 August 9th, 2015 at 16:11
They aren’t helping the credibility of the movement. This is why we can’t have nice things.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:28
Republican Plant ??????
Anomaly 100 August 10th, 2015 at 12:05
It’s possible
The Original Just Me August 10th, 2015 at 12:27
That’s why I left the Democrat Party in Idaho years ago, was because the Younger Democrats weren’t smart enough to recognize the Republican Plants and Infiltrators. But they were so Rich, Powerful and Handsome. Now, Idaho has no True Democrat Party.
Katie August 9th, 2015 at 12:13
I’m glad Bernie just let them have their moment. But those women would not have gained my respect with how aggressive they were acting. I support the BLM movement and I do want this country to change and I feel like Bernie is one of our best chances. But right now he isn’t as politically strong (or well, financially) and he stands a good chance at getting overlooked in the primaries. Right now what our country needs is to unite us once and for all and he knows that we are still on our road there. Racism isn’t over, it may never end but those of color need to be protected by people who want to protect them. There are many rights to be fought for for many other demographics, and maybe then when everyone gets that we are all meant to be equal and we all have certain rights, then maybe we can strengthen our country as a whole. And become a respectable one at that! Or reputation as a country is probably at an all time low.
Tommie August 9th, 2015 at 13:03
Nicely said!
lamia jawad malik August 9th, 2015 at 13:19
hola
how r you realy sorry but have no idea what im doing here u r the first person who follow me so realy sorry its the only way to talk sorry
Tommie August 9th, 2015 at 13:49
No worries i understand you!
lamia jawad malik August 9th, 2015 at 13:55
like a gmail there is my name
lamia jawad malik August 10th, 2015 at 06:45
heyyyyy
dave-dr-gonzo August 9th, 2015 at 14:02
I don’t think the women involved are in any way representative of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. They seemed to make a point of criminalizing “white liberals,” a view very much outside the movement’s mainstrean that has made real efforts to explain their position to liberals and progressives, and push for not mere support but alliance.
mea_mark August 9th, 2015 at 14:36
They do seem to be getting a fair amount of support on twitter though. They keep trying to say Bernie is not listening to them and doesn’t empathize with them and that’s why they’re mad. I am beginning to think there is a movement within the movement to hijack it, to radicalize it. I hope not.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 15:06
i hope not as well. they will only hurt and undo what has been done in any positive way.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:25
One bad apple can ruin the barrel.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:25
Okay
Katie August 10th, 2015 at 10:47
Well I certainly wouldn’t let them spoil my view of the movement. But if those women were in my presence and yelling at me and insinuating I was a white supremacist they’d lose a lot of my respect. You do not bring people down to empower another.
whatthe46 August 10th, 2015 at 10:57
good for you. and if they were in your face, it should be “those” women, that you have lost respect for and not subject the whole because of a few.
fedupmd August 9th, 2015 at 12:35
#liberallivesmatter
What a joke liberals are.
Suzanne McFly August 9th, 2015 at 12:50
Project much?
http://www.salon.com/2015/04/24/marco_rubio_is_for_sale_the_gops_epic_money_groveling_campaign_has_officially_begun/
http://www.salon.com/2015/07/05/the_gops_pathetic_crybaby_agenda_trump_scalia_and_the_whiny_paranoid_new_face_of_the_right/
http://theweek.com/articles/540221/gops-scramble-stupid-vote
Tommie August 9th, 2015 at 13:05
What a joke your comment was, the Republicans are the ones being laughed at!
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:23
Yup !
William August 9th, 2015 at 13:24
Poor you. I bet you want your country back huh?
dewired4u August 9th, 2015 at 13:27
why ain’t ya laughing? all you cons are so bitter what’s up with that?
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:22
ALL parties have their misfits.
CandideThirtythree August 9th, 2015 at 12:58
The reason they do this to Sanders is because they know if they did it to a republican they would be arrested and end up mysteriously dead in a jail cell.
azeyote August 9th, 2015 at 13:00
his economic plans would help all poor people no matter their color – I think that lady should pick her fights better –
Robert M. Snyder August 9th, 2015 at 18:59
I watched the video of the two BLM women. I don’t recall them saying anything about poverty. A lot of people automatically assume that if you’re black you must be poor, or that poverty is the main issue on the minds of blacks.
My daughter just bought a nice townhouse in the suburbs from a young black couple. One of them is a marketing director for a major corporation.
Census data indicates that between 2000 and 2010 the number of blacks living in the largest 100 metro areas dropped by several hundred thousand, while the number living in suburbs increases by 3.5 million.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/120372/white-suburbs-are-more-and-more-thing-past
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 25% of black wage earners (third quartile) earn more than $997/week. That compares with $1313 for whites, $1538 for Asians, and $918 for Hispanics. So a black couple who both work as professionals would have a gross income of about $100K/year.
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/wkyeng.t05.htm
As the census data show, a lot of blacks are moving out of the inner cities and into suburbs where their children are attending good schools along with white, Asian, and Hispanic children. I am not suggesting that race is not an issue. But we need to stop assuming that all blacks are poor and living in crime-infested, segregated neighborhoods. Blacks are increasingly solving these problems themselves by taking advantage of educational opportunities, getting professional jobs, and moving into more affluent and diverse communities. It’s a slow process, but it is happening.
The census data also show that the increases in urban population between 2000 and 2010 consisted mainly of Asians and Hispanics. So what we have are black families selling their inner city homes to Asian families and Hispanic families. And of course cities like Baltimore and Detroit are simply shrinking because people just don’t want to live there.
http://cdps.chicagofedblogs.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Population-Final.png
greenfloyd August 10th, 2015 at 00:58
What’s left in those places “people don’t want to live…” is where you find Gangsta-culture crime and violence. It’s the same reason why so many people want to get out of Mexico and Central America.
Robert M. Snyder August 10th, 2015 at 01:41
…and Syria, and Iraq, and…
greenfloyd August 10th, 2015 at 01:56
Except we don’t have a nearly 2,000 mile land border with either of those countries. And, for volume of people and commerce, the U.S. Mexico crossing is the busiest in the world and essential to the economies of both countries.
anothertoothpick August 9th, 2015 at 14:56
Perhaps the women from BLM should find their way over to the Ben Carson camp. A
I am sure he is sympathetic to their cause, after all he lived the life. At least that is what he tells us.
And they certainly would not have to worry about any white supremacist liberals in the crowd.
Sabrina Levy August 9th, 2015 at 18:51
Black Lives matter is a joke. Where are these BLM people when a small black child is killed by a black gang member in a major US city. I never hear how appalled they are that black men are killing other black men over money and drugs.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 20:32
your post is a joke.
dave-dr-gonzo August 9th, 2015 at 20:50
“When a small black child is killed by a black gang member in a major US city…”
If you had actually bothered to pull your head out of your waxed, bleached sphincter, you would see that black community leaders have been outspoken about this very issue for decades. Perhaps you consciously choose to ignore this fact – along with the fact that this is more a failure to properly apply law enforcement, racketeering, and antiterrorism laws to this actually very small fraction of gun killings in the USA. Cheap labor confederat… er, excuse me, conservatives are unwilling to pay for the manpower to go after gangs.
The bigger question is: Where is Sabrina Levy when a small white child is killed by a gun wielded by or belonging to a white “real American” in the American heartland, an exurb, or a rural community? White-on-white violence is by percentage of population about the same as black-on-black violence according to Justice Department and academic statistics (84-86 percent of white people killed every year are killed by other whites).
greenfloyd August 9th, 2015 at 23:04
I think all lives matter and BLM is no “joke.” It least it wasn’t until these so-called “activist” highjacked the name. Of course it’s not helping that the senator and his crew does not put an end to it, he looks pathetic, cowardly.
You did put your finger on something that receives far too little attention, black on black crime and violence. I call it Gangsta-culture, Drug War’s ugly off-spring.
dave-dr-gonzo August 9th, 2015 at 23:24
White-on-white crime as a proportion of population is pretty close to black-on-black crime. Even the Wall Street Journal has picked up on this and effectively neutralized a dishonest race-baiting trope. At least two conservative think tanks have advised their media and pol clients to drop the black-on-black violence thing now that media are picking up on its statistical phoniness. Maybe you didn’t get the memo.
You’re welcome, by the way.
greenfloyd August 9th, 2015 at 23:38
Please post a link, I’d like to read the WSJ article.
Are you suggesting we ignore black on black crime and violence?
tracey marie August 10th, 2015 at 14:12
are you suggesting we ignore white on white crime and white cops on blacks crime?
greenfloyd August 10th, 2015 at 21:51
No. Does discussing black on black crime and violence make you uncomfortable?
tracey marie August 10th, 2015 at 22:05
no, your racism and race baiting is wrong, period
greenfloyd August 10th, 2015 at 22:20
I suspect you are… uncomfortable. That’s okay, I am too. Nonetheless we should not ignore black on black crime and violence or Gangasta-culture.
greenfloyd August 10th, 2015 at 21:56
While I appreciate your contributions to discussion, I see no reason to express gratitude for a request unfulfilled.
Are you, like so many liberals, uncomfortable discussing black on black crime and violence, or Gangsta-culture when it relates to black people?
Bunya August 10th, 2015 at 14:01
“black on black crime and violence. I call it Gangsta-culture”. You sure do.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 19:19
I believe Black Lives Matter is a worthy and needed cause. BUT, today, they LOST IT ! It is just filthy IGNORANT to take the stage from another speaker, no matter who they are. Sanders is the one who was invited to speak and to SO RUDLY interrupt him just BLEW their whole program. I will never again support Black Lives Matter again. If they want to make their point, DO IT, but don’t take other peoples time. That is Criminal Robbery.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 20:31
don’t let 2 idiots take away from a worthy cause. it was a terrible disruption and a disgrace, and hopefully they’ll see what they did didn’t help in any way, shape, form or fashion.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 22:59
I agree that these two are not the norm. But, they will be used as the example. I grew up in Idaho and in the 50’s, I had no idea what discrimination was. In the 60’s I saw for the first time on TV how people of color were being treated and I hated it. The 70’s started the riots and Black back lash and that went way too far. The young militant Blacks actually set the race relations back and destroyed a lot of good work. I see in this incident the same thing happening. A Good Positive Movement being torn apart by over zealous individuals that think they can set the world straight by being loud mouthed idiots. People are just people in my world and I look at the individual and not the group. What I see here is a lack of self policing by the Good Majority of BLM. This movement needs to self police the overzealous idiots and prevent them from destroying a Good Thing.
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 23:27
i like to think and actually believe that, there will be backlash from within. when they see how they are being portrayed, hopefully they’ll get their shit together and distance themselves from anyone who wants to act a fool.
The Original Just Me August 9th, 2015 at 23:48
We agree. This is exactly what I mean by self policing.
Bunya August 9th, 2015 at 20:22
These people are an embarrassment to the BLM movement. They were just showboating.
StoneyCurtisll August 9th, 2015 at 21:54
The sad thing is..
The right wing crazies are using this to bash Bernie Sanders, and as extra bonus, they get their racist jollies on as well..(look at those BLM militants they will say), and (“white supremacist liberals”) will be the new right wing hate radio talking point,..
The right wing noise machine will be in high gear Monday saying, “we told you all along that the “Liberals are the real white supremacist”…(even those two colored women with BLM agree with us)..<<<Rush Limbaugh voice..:)
whatthe46 August 9th, 2015 at 21:57
makes me wanna fk’n throw-up!!!
amongoose August 10th, 2015 at 11:41
Actually after years of speakers being shouted down on college campuses it is entertaining.
So how does the shoe fit?
greenfloyd August 9th, 2015 at 22:37
Third-time in as many weeks, this is getting old! Why doesn’t someone simply turn-off the microphone? These girls are having a temper-tantrum, the adults need to step in and put these truculent children to bed.
This lack of a civil, yet firm response to BWC (bullies with a cause) is reflecting poorly on the senator. I will not vote for someone so easily cowed!
dave-dr-gonzo August 9th, 2015 at 23:21
It’s beginning to look like the disruptors in question were acting outside of the national #BlackLivesMatter organization’s purview and guidelines.
greenfloyd August 9th, 2015 at 23:30
Well I would think so! At least someone’s got the guts to stand up to these bullies.
rg9rts August 10th, 2015 at 10:55
Way to go troops…denigrate and insult those that would be your base support..
burqa August 10th, 2015 at 22:25
The notion is growing in my thinking that these people are not interested so much in social change as in getting on TV and playing the nonprofit game to sponsor their travel around the country so they don’t have to get a real job.
rg9rts August 10th, 2015 at 22:49
15 seconds of fame
illinoisboy1977 August 10th, 2015 at 11:42
Where the hell was security? If someone is disrupting an organized rally and you’ve got the proper permits, you order them to leave the stage. If they don’t, you have them arrested for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass, and continue with your function. No muss, no fuss. I’m sure the organizers of this function spent quite a bit of money on it, so they would have been well within their rights to have the protestors forcibly removed from the stage.
burqa August 10th, 2015 at 22:25
I imagine from here on in they’ll have goons at the ready…….
eyelashviper August 10th, 2015 at 16:01
It is curious that these few people pick out the very candidate who has been a fighter for the cause of all people, the middle class, and has supported all civil rights issues.
Any reason they can’t find their way to a CPAC event, and RNC event, Trump’s buildings, and a wide variety of people and groups who have NOT supported them or their causes????
jwong318 August 11th, 2015 at 12:22
All lives matter, not only black people. Go Bernie! This is showing these pathetic idiots try to ruin Bernie’s campaign. Somebody paid them to disrupting his campaign.
CandideThirtythree August 11th, 2015 at 13:18
The woman leading that is a Sarah Palin fan and a christian extremist and quite possibly mentally ill.
http://reverbpress.com/politics/black-lives-matter-seattle-protestor-is-a-former-tea-party-palin-fan/