100 Comments
Feb 18, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Thoughtful and so very on-point commentary on a deadly practice that will only become more abused if police are allowed to continue in their unchecked (and usually unwarranted - no pun intended) and often reckless use of this practice that is turning into something more akin to a license to murder just because they can.

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I always thought Gil Scot-Heron was a genius. I am not sure if he was clairvoyant. Rather he understood the nature of white America and no knock warrants were just another feature of maintaining white supremacy. He was willing to say it loud and proud; no knock warrants do not serve the citizens white or black. I don’t understand why we as a society won’t end an arcane institution for oppression. Great conversation Ari as always. Maybe a worthwhile candidate will make this a campaign promise

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Wow!!! I listened to "No Knock", and it's so disturbing that after 50 years it still resonates with what is happening today. If our lawmakers are not making an effort to change the laws, what can we as American citizens do at this point. After the 2020 protests, I sincerely had hope for change. My family has been very blessed that this type of racism hasn't affected us. But the tragic stories of so many innocent people getting killed by police is heartbreaking. Thanks Ari for another great essay!!!🙏🎤🎹🎼

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Hi there Ari! In my opinion, the "no knock warrant" is dangerous for citizens and police, and should be banned; especially since it's only being used on us, blacks. It is just wrong the way my race is treated because of the color of our skin. Hate me if you must, but don't mistreat me because i;m different. God said we are to love one another, as HE has loved us."

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Feb 18, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

You are the best Ari! I’m a Gil Scott-Heron fan from way back

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Thanks for keeping this issue on the front burner. It’s discouraging that so little progress is made and that the majority of the country seems so indifferent. Like gun violence in general, what has to happen for the majority to say “enough.” Your journalism helps, every effort helps. Maybe highlighting a community which has made some progress with addressing the no knock policy would be helpful to your audience and would get picked up by other media.

Thank you for saying, in last Friday’s newsletter, that you find the dialogue with us constructive. It was nice to hear. And, my recommendation for a comedian and rapper match would be Kenan Thompson and Baby Keem. Finally, the full interview with Floyd Abrams was so enlightening and uplifting, I loved it. Keep on fighting the good fight, Ari, you are making a difference.

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'Where police create the danger' and 80% no-knock warrants are for blacks are two of the many good aspects of your article that resonated with me the most. What saddens and angers me is how many people have been killed and/or injured from this asinine practice and will be killed before this changes. Hopefully your and others spotlight on this needless and horrific practice will shorten the timeline when this practice is abolished. Thank you Ari.

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founding

"...communities are asking police the same question: Who is going to protect me from you?" I think of the way 14-year old Z'Kye Husain was manhandled and detained by the police, and I wonder when/if things will ever change. #blacklivesmatter #blackboysmatter

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Hi Ari,

When are you going to run for president? Our country needs a leader like you!

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The self-perceived absolute authority is so ingrained in some police departments and policymakers that only a honest reckoning with accountability, punishment, applied research studies could bring needed and overdue changes.

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What crime could anyone commit that deserves that response? Osama bin Laden got his doors blown in and major assault weapons, helicopters, etc, aimed against him and I believe it was warranted. "No knock" should be illegal. There is so many ways that you can arrest a suspect without murdering him or her first.

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Love the show Ari > Keep them honest!

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Hello Ari and Happy Fri-YAY!

Today’s newsletter is definitely on point about no knock which leads to the police killings of African Americans. It’s like a vicious and perpetual cycle of the same issue over and over again. Gil Scott-Heron’s lyrics spoke about this issue then and still holds true to today’s events - very sad.

BTW, I enjoyed today’s Fallback Fri-YAY (Bobbito and David Corn).

Have a nice weekend, Ari😄

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Who’s going to protect me from you? The likes of you/the nerve of you? I had to gasp at this line for it’s poignancy. Gil Scott Heron was truly a poet, songwriter and artist. The new Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu will be forming an independent, civilian review board with subpoena power to investigate police misconduct. Maybe, now the artist’s original message has a chance to be heard.

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I have been trying to contact you without subscribing but when I saw you reference Gil Scot-Heron yet again today, I just had to subscribe to comment!! Gil is my fav from way, way back in the day- from my college rathskeller days- where I first heard him perform with Brian Jackson. I have all their albums! When I saw you first reference Gil on one of your previous shows- 'the revolution will not be televised' I sad,' What?? Ari knows about Gil?!' You are an old soul Ari! Thank you for always keeping it real and holding those who need to be held, accountable. You are truly the best!

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Sunlight is probably the best weapon we have. Smart journalists like Ari Melber are a rarity. We must fight the forces that intend to shut down the First Amendment at the local, state, and federal levels. And the Supreme Court is a huge enemy of the First Amendment, except when it applies to corporate personhood and unlimited money in elections.

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