I just read online that that police are claiming that the deceased and his witness friend allegedly stole a box of cigars the morning of the shooting valued at 48.99 from a local store. Even if this is true - that is what probation is for for first time offenders - that is what fines and restitution are for. ...
ack!!!!!!!!
I edtied this in error!!!!! So sorry! Iris lily
This is why I don't log into my account with powers!
"supposed to be?" I never said that it was.Originally Posted by gimmethesimplelife
Sigh. I've been nothing but supportive of you leaving the U.,S.
Where the rubber meets the road is that, umm, how to put this gently, those other developed countries don't want you. But do not mistake their sentiment for mine.
Interestingly enough, DH's family is investigating Swiss citizenship or some version of citizenship. According to our Swiss relatives, it's doable for DH and his siblings because their mother was born in Switzerland. According to one foray into Swiss bureaucrat-land, it's not doable. But they are continuing to investigate. For us, at this late date, there's not much advantage, but we've got a nephew who aould love to work in the EU. Even if there would be a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency for DH and I, we'd have to look at how much the U.S. would confiscate before we leave, as pointed out by bae.
No problem, IL, I'll come back later in the day and repost. Rob
My point above was that even if the police's side of the story is true - what consequences do we face as a nation due to this death over a mere 48.99? Don't the police understand that their actions have Internet consequences, and that stories like this go viral across the world in mere minutes? How much tourism revenue for example is the US going to lose now due to this incident and international perceptions of the police? Seriously, for 48.99? Not even the cost of a hotel room? Losing all that tourism revenue over the death of someone with no prior record? Much much much wiser in this case - if the police story is true - to arrest, have court dates, and then sentence probation with whatever fines and/or community service the court deems appropriate.
It amazes me that many Americans look down at Mexico as corrupt - and it is, I'll admit it - but after this incident, might we want to pick up the broom and sweep our side of the street a tad? Had people above the local police - people who understand such concepts as this story going viral affecting spending and international reputation - not gotten involved, how long would it have taken for the police side of the story to be released, along with the officer's name? It sure seems to me pressure had to be applied to get even their side of the story summarized, let alone the officer's name. As if the police are automatically innocent and above the law - this is how this has come across to me and people I have talked to in my neighborhood. And what of the officer involved? What kind of life is he going to have going forward? Can he expect to keep his pension and his job, now that people far above the local police have gotten involved - people who understand the concept of perceptions and how they can work against you?
I'm hoping that some good comes of this - people standing up more to the police and demanding accountability. And less police militarization. I love the quote Ron Johnson made recently - the head of Missouri's Highway Patrol that has taken over security in Ferguson - We are here to serve and protect, not instill fear. I LOVE this quote. I just wish it were true in more cases. I definitely have fear of the police - I didn't used to - but I do now. I can't see it going away given current conditions, either. Rob
Now that is useful information. Perhaps you've changed my mind some today.
did you you see the pictures? It was a strong arm robbery, and that 18yr old was a big guy. And how do you know that was his first time in trouble? Do they release the juvenal records?
I'm not saying what happened was right, but I don't believe the kid was just walking down the road and this cop decided to shoot him in the middle of the day. I imagine the cops story is closer to the truth, that Brown attracted him and tried to take his gun. Then in a rage from being attacked he emptied his gun into him.
But i I wasn't there so it's just a guess. And Browns buddy is not a reliable witness.
It's very hard to tell, often violence is reported when little actually exists (yea it's where filming comes in to collaborate reports, and even then you need the full footage to see if anything incited it or not). Since protests are often infiltrated, it could just be provacators inciting violence (most protestors expect the possibility of infiltration). And it also could be da da dum: some random no-goodnics who have decided to come to the protest (no I'm not going to call them "the protestors") getting violent. But it would seem to me if one wanted to confront violent people (which is what your arguing protestors somehow have a responsibility to do, even though most probably have no training in doing so) one would have to know what they were doing - are they likely to listen? Are they even there for "the cause" in some sense or for their own purposes? So I'm saying even if it's nogoodnicks, it actually in NO WAY takes credibility away from the protest and all the peaceful protestors that are there. It's irrelevant to that.I think it's very unfortunate that it started out as a peaceful protest and got violent. Seems like the peaceful protestors would try to put pressure on those of them who take advantage of the moment to plunder and destroy.
It just takes credibility away from their protest.
Trees don't grow on money
Criminals, in the course of a Robbery involving small sums like $48, have killed innocent people many times. So, why--based on that fact(only $48) alone-- minimize his actions, while nominating this "young boy" for Martyrdom?
Last edited by Packy; 8-15-14 at 3:32pm.
In many cases, it satisfies an itch.
"Things should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler." ~ Albert Einstein
I did see the released photos after I had posted, yes, and I though I am no expert on Missouri State Law, perhaps this is a felony now. Though it seems that US law is getting so over the top that sneezing too loud may get you arrested these days. Not to take from this situation here. My point is this - robbery with no weapon, possible altercation with police with no weapon, very very very stupid to gun him down. Very stupid. And I'm afraid that I'm not the only one you are going to find out there that would agree with this.
It does now appear that this young guy was a bit unsavory, but I'd almost bet money that details will continue to emerge from the Ferguson police that are less than savory. Just five years ago the Ferguson police arrested a black man, threw him in a cell, beat him, and then charged him for bleeding on their uniforms. It's on the Huffington Post today. Thank God the African American victim sued in civil court is all I can say - and victim is way too weak of a word for what this man endured at the hands of the Ferguson Police. Based on their past actions, I'm thinking they are less than savory, too. So who does one side with? Based on my life experiences, I'm going to side with the deceased (so far) due to the fact that he had no weapon, though it now appears he was less than innocent, I'll give you that. YMMV and I realize not all will agree with me. Rob
PS I do agree with you, based on the emerging evidence, that Brown's friend is not the most reliable of witnesses. Granted. I also believe that due to past actions, such as the above mentioned total behavior as if the law didn't apply to them in 2009 in the above referenced situation, that the Ferguson police are less then reliable witnesses, too. It may be that large settlements may need to be doled out if only to keep the calm and keep similar from spreading through the US.
We have had discussions on this board regarding social class before and the one thing I can share with you'all that are better set than me - beware of how much the lower classes hate/fear/distrust the police. This Ferguson situation could take place in many other places, too, it just doesn't have to be the US Midwest. Rob
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