The rallying cry of “Black Lives Matter” has struck fear and loathing in some White people in America. The non-violent movement with a simple message has been countered by rival slogans such as “All Lives Matter” and the pro-police “Blue Lives Matter.” The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is the country’s largest police union and they have taken their hatred of the phrase to a new level. The mega-retail giant Walmart was selling hooded sweatshirts and t-shirts with the words “Bulletproof. Black Lives Matter” online. In an article published on the alt-right website Breitbart, it was noted that Walmart stopped selling Confederate flags but it sells “Black Lives Matter” merchandise. The asinine commentary comparing the BLM movement to the traitorous, rebellious, violent and racist legacy of the Confederacy was ludicrous. However, it caused national FOP President Chuck Canterbury to send a letter to Walmart CEO Douglas McMillon. The letter states, “I urge you to prohibit the use of the Walmart name and website for the retail sale of these products,” calling the merchandise offensive.
The BLM merchandise is provided by the clothing company Old Glory, which is a third party supplier that also makes “Blues Lives Matter” merchandise. Canterbury goes on to state in the letter, “I am concerned that allowing these articles to be sold in this way will damage your company’s good name amongst FOP members and other active and retired law enforcement officers.” Canterbury added, “Commercializing our differences will not help our local police and communities to build greater trust and respect for one another.”
Apparently, Walmart caved and issued the following statement “Like other online retailers, we have a marketplace with millions of items offered by third parties that includes Blue Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter merchandise. After hearing concerns from customers, we are removing the specific item with the ‘bulletproof’ reference.”
Jim Pasco, the executive director of the police union in Washington, is quoted as stating that the merchandise issue was raised by union members who felt Walmart was selling anti-police items. “There are a lot of people who feel too many guns are sold” Pasco said. “Why not speak out against things that might be seen as fomenting violence, rather than things that commit violence?”
The Black Lives Matter movement has not called for violence at any of its rallies. It is a lie that continues to be spread by those who wish to silence the voice of protest from the Black community.
