MO - Grief & protests follow shooting of teen Michael Brown #24

[Trident]

The bizarre just keeps getting more bizarre. In theory, I don't have a problem with the guy being given a chance, but in practicality, with that background, just leaves me scratching my head on what people are thinking.

In my opinion, he's no more bizarre than the protestors. At least he served his time. The protestors have a whole lifetime before them to show who they really are.

 

[DebinGA]

Those still pictures really do not tell the true story of what went on last night. A video of last night needs to be played instead. Let everyone hear how those NOT peaceful protesters were talking/yelling to police. Let everyone hear how those NOT peaceful protesters were threatening anyone and everyone that didn't go along with them. This carp needs to be stopped.

MOO

If we were watching, surely many people in the St Louis area were watching ... and hearing. I thought last night was a great night for LE. They showed tremendous restraint and accommodated the protesters beyond the call of duty while maintaining control the whole time. Chief Jackson was incredibly brave imo, and his experience as a negotiator showed.

 

[reedus23]

I read the article, and it does seem to be self defense. Sad that his life is ruined over this carp.

In my opinion

Apparently not in reality self defense. Having said that, I'm glad to see him getting his life together and making something of it.

 

[Klood-N]

Ironic: to have press and others continually minimize the crimes Michael committed and the crimes the rioters commit, but to jump on the crime the PR guy committed. Perhaps someone thought he'd speak the mob's language.

 

[Trident]

I don't think it's that easy. Do they have a message that needs to be heard? Absolutely. Do I think they are always going about getting the message out in an appropriate or even most effective way? Absolutely not.

And what message, EXACTLY, do you think they have to tell us?

 

[Lovejac]

And what message, EXACTLY, do you think they have to tell us?

They're young
They're strong
They're marching all night long....

:dunno:

 

[Lovejac]

And what message, EXACTLY, do you think they have to tell us?

They're young
They're strong
They're marching all night long....

:dunno:

 

[reedus23]

EXACTLY. Right in the beginning these pictures horrified me. There were shirtless, hands to the sky, seemingly howling at the moon.

This is America? If so, I want out.

There are plenty of countries that still do not allow for the freedom of expression and speech out there. Personally, I'll stay right here where people are free to say things even though I might not agree.

 

[DebinGA]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbwuRacRHHo&feature=youtu.be

anyone know who the AA man in the black suit jacket is?

I thought he might have been CRS/DOJ rep, but posters said no. Chief Jackson said the DOJ told him "today" the FPD needs to improve their "equipment violation system" ... Anyone know what that means?

 

[Trident]

:soldier:

They're young
They're strong
They're marching all night long....

:dunno:

If they're that young and strong, send 'em to Afganistan where they might do some good. :soldier:

 

[SnoopyDawgDawg]

Apparently not in reality self defense. Having said that, I'm glad to see him getting his life together and making something of it.

Yeah, I'm having a hard time equating chasing people into the yard and shooting "self defense." But then, we are talking about Memphis where:

A number of years ago (25 or so?) an elderly Caucasian man came out of a store in a strip mall to find an African American man stealing his white Cadillac. The Caucasian man pulled out a gun and shot the African American man dead...while the man was driving off in the car. Yet the incident was ruled "self-defense," the theory being that the elderly guy was still in fear for his life.

Not long after that incident I was at a fast food restaurant catty-corner to this strip mall. When I came out, someone had parked and left a white Cadillac right behind my car, blocking me in. You better believe I just sat and waited until the owner of that car came out and moved on his own!

 

[Trident]

I thought he might have been CRS/DOJ rep, but posters said no. Chief Jackson said the DOJ told him "today" the FPD needs to improve their "equipment violation system" ... Anyone know what that means?

Well, I can guess. Don't use riot gear, let 'em have a clear shot at you. This is the DOJ after all, and the AG is also a black man.

:cow:

 

[Klood-N]

I think it was a terrible idea for Chief Jackson to walk out amongst that angry mob calling for all the officers' deaths. It was very foreseeable that those in a murderous rage might try to reach him. He put himself and his officers in danger when they had to risk their lives and advance into that mob to protect him. That PR apology video spurred the Chief Jacka-- Resign riot last night. It was all over twitter - the apology was not enough. It fed their indignation. Him being so close to people who said they were willing to fight, die, and kill clearly proved too tempting. What if one of those officers who had to get in there was stabbed or shot? We've seen plenty of reports about rioters brandishing, shooting, knives confiscated, attacks on police. They know these people are out of control and committing crimes. Not a single head of LE should go march with them. Arrest them, disperse them, contain them.

 

[Trident]

There are plenty of countries that still do not allow for the freedom of expression and speech out there. Personally, I'll stay right here where people are free to say things even though I might not agree.

But only SOME people are free to threaten, not others. This sure isn't MY country any more.

 

[Klood-N]

I thought he might have been CRS/DOJ rep, but posters said no. Chief Jackson said the DOJ told him "today" the FPD needs to improve their "equipment violation system" ... Anyone know what that means?

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/chapters/chap307.htm

When people get tickets for their vehicles not being in proper working order.

 

[reedus23]

In my opinion, he's no more bizarre than the protestors. At least he served his time. The protestors have a whole lifetime before them to show who they really are.

Never said the protesting wasn't part of the bizarreness. Agree and hope that some of the protesters go on to bring about great change and contribute to society and I hope that MSM highlights those as much as those that undoubtedly end up in jail or dead.

Speaking of the good stories, finally had the chance to watch the ESPN E60 piece on Ferguson. Maybe it was a fluff piece, but it's a reason I love sports so much. Highlights how the team has dealt with the crisis while playing football. Sports offers so much structure, discipline and a sense of belonging that it seems so many up there lack. There has to be a way of using sports in the area to get more kids involved and off the streets and give them a sense of belonging to something. Obviously, also saw the part on the kid getting pulled over by DW the week before. The surface was barely scratched on that incident that it's impossible to make any assessment of how much of an impact, if any, it will have on DW's case, but it certainly gave enough information that I feel confident that LE and/or DOJ has followed up on it.

 

[Trident]

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/chapters/chap307.htm

When people get tickets for their vehicles not being in proper working order.

You mean the same as "I" do when my tires are bald, or my brakes don't work?

 

[Klood-N]

So, Umar Lee, the one who led the NoFootball distraction campaign, was one of several arrested last night.

 

[Klood-N]

An attempt to calm tensions in the wake of the fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown backfired spectacularly overnight when the police chief of Ferguson, Missouri, marched with protesters calling for his resignation.

By early Friday, police had declared the protests an "unlawful assembly" and ordered the crowd to leave.

At around 2 a.m. local time (3 a.m. ET), French said a crowd of protesters that had originally included hundreds of people had shrunk to about 100. More than 50 police officers stood in front of the police station.
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/mi...-chief-joins-michael-brown-protesters-n212076

 

[reedus23]

If we were watching, surely many people in the St Louis area were watching ... and hearing. I thought last night was a great night for LE. They showed tremendous restraint and accommodated the protesters beyond the call of duty while maintaining control the whole time. Chief Jackson was incredibly brave imo, and his experience as a negotiator showed.

You know what seems to actually be the prevailing theme in St. Louis from the people I talk to? No one cares. No one has paid attention to the protesting. No one cares if DW is charged or not charged. We get so caught up here following every little fact surrounding a case that I at least just assume everyone is. Then I will ask someone if they heard about how they were going to protest at the football and baseball games and people had never heard about it.

As for Chief Jackson, yes very brave. I don't know if it was the smartest decision by whoever told him to go out there last night. So what are the thoughts about Chief Jackson marching with the protesters briefly?