Ruflossn
"Silence is the most perfect expression of scorn."
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2008
- Messages
- 1,024
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I just composed a lengthy comment criticizing that press conference, but hey - who needs in-depth negativity. Just let me say that, as usual, I was disappointed.
The info given about contacting LE was confusing - three different phone numbers in addition to mumbo-jumbo about LE doing everything it can to protect your rights, the latter serving only to remind a potential caller of the trouble they're into if they participated in the crime or aftermath - as would almost certainly be the case if someone has actionable info about the matter.
Keep it simple, stress the reward, tug on the heartstrings.
Prayer is a fine thing, but this one took up about 40% of the presser, at the expense of people asking questions. It's fine as a private matter but this was a state press conference and it came across as using God to block criticism of LE non-performance in this case.
And if Miss Jessica calls them "my agents" one more time, I'm going to scream!
Hi wfgodot~
I had a different take on the PC. I think if one pays close attention to the PC you can begin to see the OSBI is handling the case in a new / different manner. First of all, it is no longer just the OSBI that was running the PC. The DA was also involved. I think they brought him in because they have a more targeted suspect pool and are trying to assure them of the following:
- they will get legal representation if they desire it.
- they would be kept safe.
- any viable info would lead to the reward money.
Many people are leary of law enforcement. They may not be comfortable talking to the OSBI. By assuring them they would be given legal counsel, it assures them they will not be taken advantage of by LEO's.
By telling people they will be kept safe, it lets people know that even if they are involved with unsavory characters, LE will offer them protection. Regardless of the lifestyle they lead or the company they keep.
$163,000.00 is a lot of money. Who wouldn't want the reward money?
Reminding people of 1) the reward, 2) they are able to obtain legal representation and 3) be kept safe, was the direction the OSBI / DA was leading the PC. I think they were talking not just to a potential witness but also to the family of the potential witness.
The prayer at the PC was offered by a member of the school. Her prayer was a bit lenghthy but, I can assure you, it was heart felt.
The prayer did not hamper the time the reporters were given to ask questions. The prayer and balloons were a part of the PC that occurred after the reporters had finished questioning the authorities.
I did not think the prayer came across as "using God to block criticism of LE non-performance in this case". The OSBI and other authorities had no idea the local people were going to say a prayer. In fact, before the PC began, the locals who were involved with the prayer / balloons asked permission of the OSBI and other authorities permission to pray and release balloons. Their exact concern was "Do you think anyone will be offended if we say a prayer and then release the balloons"?
Overall, I thought the PC went well. I pray that someone will call the DA's office or the OSBI and give them the information they need to make an arrest in this case and achieve a conviction in a criminal court of law.
As usual, all of the above are simply my opinion.
Ruflossn