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founding

Ari, your coverage the last few days has been solid and so important…your segments, guests and questions and pauses add up to must see tv…a public service, par excellence. Thank you for your heart, your wisdom, composure, and your thoughtful, caring reporting and storytelling….you are THE BEST!!!!

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Thank you

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Tricia DITTO from me too.......Can't say enough, it's what people want to hear/see.

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Comparing the actions of police in a place like Ferguson, Missouri to those under more strict rules regarding protests is comparing apples and oranges. A better comparison would be the treatment of black and white protesters under the same administrative unit. For instance, the way George Floyd protestors were treated in DC before Trump decided to cross the street compared to the protesters on 1/6 would be a better comparison. I think it might be worth noting that the Capitol police had already lost control of the insurrection by the time the insurrectionists were inside the capitol. The police were outnumbered and had little recourse except to use deadly force (not used in the George Floyd protest in DC).

I take your point regarding unequal treatment of whites and blacks. I saw this first hand when I appeared in court to answer a speeding charge in Goldsboro, NC. A 15 year old black girl was sentenced by the white judge to 2 years on a youthful offenders farm for driving without a license (no other laws were broken) while a white girl was let off with a warning for doing 70 mph in a 35mph zone because her daddy took the blame for a non-working speedometer. Jurisdictions like this need to be set straight. However, not all jurisdictions are the same.

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 8, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Happy Fri-YAY, Ari!

What a week it has been (the wild interview with Peter Navarro and the commemoration of the January 6th insurrection)…whew! It is interesting how you linked the lyrics of Jay-Z and the late Nipsey Hussle to Robert Barnett, the insurrectionist. He will forever be remembered as the rioter who had no business being at the U.S. Capitol but went there and put up his feet on Nancy Pelosi’s desk.

I need to watch the movie, Judas and the Black Messiah…still on my HBO Max list. I didn’t know that Jay-Z was born the same day that Fred Hampton was killed.

Enjoy your weekend, Ari!

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Judas and the Black Messiah is riveting and very informative about how "our" government reacts to people who pose the "threat"of actual, systemic change . . .

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😢😢

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I love that you always supply facts about the differentiation between white and black justice in America. It’s an unassailable truth. You are relentless in your coverage and then you weave hip hop lyrics and bring it to life in the here and now. 👏👍

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Jan 8, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

As Americans we are so divided, and I honestly don't see any resolution coming anytime soon. But I will remain hopeful that certain lawmakers will have the courage to do the right thing for our country. At this point we are: "Livin' On A Prayer" and trying to "Keep The Faith" (Bon Jovi)🙏🎼

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Jan 8, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Fred Hampton was feared because he was able to unite Black and white people, possibly even more than Malcolm X was, who was also assassinated as he evolved from separatism to universal human liberation as a goal.

This I think explains the increasingly fervent attacks on what arose during the BLM demonstrations that shook not only our country, but much of the world.

Full court press now against "woke-ism" and "cancel culture" -- from the right as well as collaborational liberals. People like Bill Maher and John McWhorter serving as salve for liberals who want a way not to look racist while pulling away from substantive change.

"Oh, it's a free speech issue," say Mr. and Ms. NIMBY.

The stark contrast you drew between the force used against BLM and the DC insurrectionists was very helpful and illustrative of how "the law" is skewed here.

That was a clear answer to the efforts to muddle things by both the right and the faux left.

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Most certainly, Ari. Richard Barnett represented the epitome of arrogance and entitlement on J6. One can hardly remember that day, without seeing his cruddy face. I’m excited every time I hear of an elevated sentence. If it is true, that they’re going up the ladder of offenses, then his punishment should be an exuberant day for me.

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I'm quite certain there are hundreds, (if not thousands) that agree w/this statement....

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Great analysis of Jay z’s spirit!!!

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Thanks for essay Ari. I had no idea Jay-Z is involved and willing to commit to fighting injustice. I am extremely proud of him.

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Solid reporting on the anniversary of the Jan. 6th insurrection. Has all of this really made the next generation stronger? Or are they getting weary of the centuries long struggle? To see the juxtaposition of this day & protests by people of color for their civil rights(fighting for simple human freedoms) is nauseating!🤢 The audacity for these folks that stormed the Capital to think they had the right to be violent based on a lie & their feelings(no fear) that their entitlement of the so called majority was being taken from them. I hope what we all witnessed makes us all stronger, wakes us all up, & helps us all understand the struggle is still real for our nation.

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Thanks for explaining the lyrics. I realized racism in this country when I was five. Visiting relatives in Alabama, I drank from the colored water fountain by MISTAKE. A sales person pulled me away and told me what I had done. My response was"why are these people so special, they get their own water fountain". We really haven't come very far, have we.

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I wonder about the kids coming up today. How has the insurrection been explained to them? How have they processed it? What kind of art and protest anthems will *they* be making in twenty years or so? Do they understand why this was so wrong, and that there are adults out here trying to hold on, trying to change things? Which brings me back to the music. That's one way to influence and get the message out.

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author

How history records all this, across culture, will certainly be important and inform whether it's remembered factually, if at all.

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Can I be honest? My subscription IS the best choice I've made ALL THIS YEAR of 2022....

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What a week! Excellent journalism Monday thru Friday with Tuesday being the hi-light. You have absolutely been on fire Mr Ari Melber!! No-one on the planet can give us the honest, factual and unbiased news like you can. Don't ever change your approach and keep doing you. We need you to help us trhu these difficult times. Have a great week-end and stay safe.

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tricia k,"you said it so well!,dblAA

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founding

What a whirlwind of a week it’s been, so I appreciate ending it with a great read on Jay Z’s lyrics and resilient spirit. Let’s end the week with hope!

I started with hope (Merrick Garland and possible accountability up the food chain along with his linking the insurrection to voters’ rights out loud). It continued with disgust and frustration (backlash to above). And it all ended with sadness and reflection on 1/6.

Music is what’s helped me through - songs to sing to, songs to dance to, songs to reflect on. I love that you chose to explore Jay Z’s “What It Feels Like” while processing the events of this week. One song I’ve been listening to a lot through this time is also from Judas - H.E.R.’s “Fight For You,” also with a message of resilience.

Thanks for continuously teaching us!

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Joanie, I thought I was the ONLY one singing/dancing..Glad I'm not alone lol

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Music is our therapy!🎹🎤🎼

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Isn't it a GREAT therapy too?

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founding

😉

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I feel people should be judged by their character, not by the color of their skin!! ✌🏽

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Jan 9, 2022·edited Jan 9, 2022

I've ALL kinds of friends, but the ONE thing I don't notice @ all is.....skin!

Unless they have dry skin, then I'd buy some moisturizer (as I did for my

sweet, Neighbor this past Xmas)....I believe she's Polynesian, or from an

Asian country. Frankly, I've never really thought enough about that... to ask!

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