GUILTY OK - Christopher Lane, 22, Australian, slain in thrill killing, Duncan, 16 Aug 2013

[Softail]

The one who yelled "I'll kill ya'll" should be charged with making a terrorist threat. :twocents:

I totally agree!

Totally agree. A the least give h a warning, document, something. I still feel terrible for her though. She seems to be under such a great amount of distress. She was protecting her mom bc the media wouldn't get their cameras out of her mother's face.

I don't. Yelling "I'll kill y'all"? After what her brother just did? :waitasec: Nope, I just don't have any sympathy whatsoever. She should be charged with making a threat. :gavel:

And that my friends, is my opinion!

 

[revampz]

Hi guys...have just caught up again....I just wanted to clarify re my post way back about how the US "gangsta" scene is influencing our youth in Australia as well.

A few of you came on and said how you didn't like the gangsta influence etc. I hope you don't think I was condoning all of your society over there. Hell no!! I was shaking my head at how many youth, and both males and females, all over the world are influenced by this culture. I see it on facebook pages all the time. It mostly comes from the music scene, but even the youngins talking to each other in that stupid "gangsta" language. It really is a huge influence, especially on the youth that seem to be going down the wrong path or haven't had good parenting, it is glorifying crime and gang life.

What is even more worrying to me is that it just isn't even the youth either. I have friends of friends on my facebook page in their 30's and they are influenced by this "gangsta" crap, and most are parents.

And as someone so rightly posted, it really is influencing those that can not make it in mainstream life.

 

[Ausgirl]

I just have to say here -- I have never like Former Deputy PM Tim Fischer.

I think it's disgusting that he's basically standing on Chris' body for a soapbox.

I think his calls for boycotting tourism are a farce, and made to further his own agenda rather than out of any real concern for anyone. What a stupid thing to say.

I think he secretly turns into a lizard when nobody's looking. (I am half joking, here).

Please do not think of this fatmouthed, self-aggrandising fool as being representative of my nation. Anything he says is likely a mouthful of self-serving horse poo.

 

[LambChop]

I just have to say here -- I have never like Former Deputy PM Tim Fischer.

I think it's disgusting that he's basically standing on Chris' body for a soapbox.

I think his calls for boycotting tourism are a farce, and made to further his own agenda rather than out of any real concern for anyone. What a stupid thing to say.

I think he secretly turns into a lizard when nobody's looking. (I am half joking, here).

Please do not think of this fatmouthed, self-aggrandising fool as being representative of my nation. Anything he says is likely a mouthful of self-serving horse poo.

It's just his reaction to the situation and understandably. There is a problem with the gangs in this country plus other countries as well and it is time to get them cleaned up. But it has to start within the neighborhoods because only the residents know where their problems lie. Kids get involved in gangs for a number of reasons and one of the biggest reasons is they have nothing to do but get into trouble. jmo

 

[TheDuchess]

Haven't posted in a while but saw this story and felt the need to say something. I think this whole "boredom as a motive" thing is absolutely bogus. It is quite obvious when looking into these thugs lives, that they are trying to get in good with the gangs. But they would NEVER say that as they know they would get their butts kicked inside. They need to investigate their associates just a bit more and find out who might have put them up to it and what the gain was going to be.

The media is playing this off like these are just a bunch of "bored" teenaged kids, when nothing is further from the truth. They didn't do this for the thrill, all though I'm sure they all got one of doing it. They did it for the street cred and for what it could get them in terms of cash, drugs and power.

And this story is not about gun violence. This story is about the fact that people have been pussy-footing around the issue of the lifestyle and afraid to confront it for what it is-a way to keep the black man down. Any parent who allows their children to get involved with gangs like this and this kind of lifestyle is out of their minds.

These kids have tattoos, flash gang signs on the social media and hang with some of the biggest thugs in town. These aren't "babies" as their parents put it. They haven't been babies since their parents stopped paying attention to them!

So take away the cell phones, the computers, the iPods with the violent songs on them and actually spend some time with your children. Trust me. I work too and know it's hard. But you find yourself a good group of friends and trade off who is keeping an eye on the kids-even if they are teenagers!

This goes far deeper than boredom. Standing up against the lifestyle doesn't make you a racist, it doesn't make you "uncool" and shouldn't care what anyone says.

I heard a story a while back that was what they call a "blind item" in the gossip world. But it talked about how a group of wealthy businessmen who owned jails and powerful music insiders made a pact to push the violent gansta rap lifestyle so that they can always keep their jails filled to capacity. Perhaps this story isn't exactly true, but it sure sounds possible, because that is exactly what is happening to our young kids, especially our young African American boys. As the mother of an African American daughter, this really scares me.

 

[defense101]

Where does that come from, that arrogance of James Edwards? I don't know how a 15 year old could be that completely arrogant that he is dancing around in the courthouse parking lot while being arrested.

As much pain as Lane's dear family and friends must be feeling, I'd rather be in their place than in the places of the family of these thugs.

Looking at the pain in Edward's senior's face, Jennifer Luna's heartbreak, the sister's heartbreak, are these boys so dead inside that it doesn't bother them that they've broken their parent's hearts and ruined their parent's lives? Will they ever "get it"?

On the other hand, interesting that Edwards made sure - even during a murder spree - that he kept his probation appointment. So on some level in there beneath his crust he did care whether he goes to jail or not.

Awful, awful story.

Sorry, I feel nothing for these kids or their families at this moment. IMO

 

[Sonya610]

I want to know where in the hell these thugs got those guns!!! That is a rifle! I hope they thoroughly investigate, and go after whoever they got those guns from! :maddening:

You think it is a rifle? The barrel is huge, I assumed a shotgun.

Regardless I bet the guns were stolen or a "straw purchase" and those little darlings don't end up facing much of a penalty, cause the gov isn't trying to restrict the rights of those that lie to purchase firearms for criminals.

But most likely stolen. Straw purchases for shotguns aren't likely that common.

 

[defense101]

And three thugs do not make a gang IMO these were what they said bored teenagers looking for a thrill IMO

 

[Cappuccino]

I just have to say here -- I have never like Former Deputy PM Tim Fischer.

I think it's disgusting that he's basically standing on Chris' body for a soapbox.

I think his calls for boycotting tourism are a farce, and made to further his own agenda rather than out of any real concern for anyone. What a stupid thing to say.

I think he secretly turns into a lizard when nobody's looking. (I am half joking, here).

Please do not think of this fatmouthed, self-aggrandising fool as being representative of my nation. Anything he says is likely a mouthful of self-serving horse poo.

Politicians in all countries behave like that. They see an issue with populist, publicity maximising potential and they jump on it to say whatever they think will be most popular. They do it over there in Australia, they do it over here in Ireland, and I've little faith in the idea that American politicians have a soul above such tactics either.

Don't worry, nobody's judging Australia on the grounds of one politician giving one soundbite.

 

[Sonya610]

I think this whole "boredom as a motive" thing is absolutely bogus. It is quite obvious when looking into these thugs lives, that they are trying to get in good with the gangs. But they would NEVER say that as they know they would get their butts kicked inside.

Yeah I think you are right. First they killed a helpless animal to "build their courage" and then they shot the random jogger (who didn't look like a Crips member) and then they supposedly started after someone the gang didn't like.

But they want to live, and they are scared, so one is saying it was just for a thrill (nothing gang related!!!!) and the other is dancing and prancing away likely in an effort to act bold.

That Michael kid is going to have an especially rough time on the inside, I suspect that boy won't fit in with any of the prison gangs and if any accept him he will pay a very steep price for that acceptance.

 

[Ausgirl]

It's just his reaction to the situation and understandably. There is a problem with the gangs in this country plus other countries as well and it is time to get them cleaned up. But it has to start within the neighborhoods because only the residents know where their problems lie. Kids get involved in gangs for a number of reasons and one of the biggest reasons is they have nothing to do but get into trouble. jmo

All respect to you, Lamy. But I can't agree with you, re Fischer's intentions. I think his timing and comments are a disgrace and I don't like that he's being viewed as the 'voice' of this country right now.

I do agree with you, re the gang problem, however. We have them here, too - nothing like the scale Americans have to deal with, but they do contribute to drugs and violent crime.

They're really a lot like cults - I don't know a lot about gangs, but I do know about cults, and from what I can see, they operate much the same way to coerce kids into joining and staying.

I do think this murder was not 'random' in that these boys were looking for approval from a gang, and chose a target they thought would get them more points. Of course, they won't mention this, because -- well. prisons are pretty much run by the gangs inside, right? They'd last about a minute.

 

[defense101]

Politicians in all countries behave like that. They see an issue with populist, publicity maximising potential and they jump on it to say whatever they think will be most popular. They do it over there in Australia, they do it over here in Ireland, and I've little faith in the idea that American politicians have a soul above such tactics either.

Don't worry, nobody's judging Australia on the grounds of one politician giving one soundbite.

Any air time given to this man is a sad day IMO

 

[ArianeEmory]

The disconnect that occurs for me is this: You have the typical gang mentality that is born out of a lot of angry males living in poverty and crime who don't see another way out besides living like animals...ok, I get it. Civilization failure. What I don't get is why suburban kids with cellphones and advantages and opportunities want to emulate it.

I saw this 20 years ago in South Florida. High crime area...but then the suburban kids of the wealthy yuppies out in Wellington (you know, where the famous Polo fields are) would run in packs and vandalize things because they idolized the rap and gangster culture that got going in the 80s and 90s. They were wealthy white kids that played at being in gangs. I didn't get it when I saw my peers starting to do it in the late 80s and I don't get it now.

 

[Sonya610]

The disconnect that occurs for me is this: You have the typical gang mentality that is born out of a lot of angry males living in poverty and crime who don't see another way out besides living like animals...ok, I get it. Civilization failure. What I don't get is why suburban kids with cellphones and advantages and opportunities want to emulate it.

I read a theory a while back that seems sound. It has to do with strong male role models for male offspring.

Basics were...if a male child grows up without a male role model they tend to "make up" their ideas of what masculine behavior is. And that can mean going hyper masculine and joining gangs for the sense of family etc....

If a male child grows up with strong male role models (i.e. Dad is a strong calm male) they internalize that, and they want to be like Dad...because Dad/Grandpa etc...is a "man" and the young males see that as what the want to aspire to. If Dad is responsible, non-violent during conflicts, self assured, etc...then that is how "real men" behave.

Now in the case of privileged white youth that act like that, Dad is NOT a strong role model. In the case of inner city youth, often Dad isn't around at all.

Young males need that role model to pattern themselves and learn male behavior.

 

[defense101]

Haven't posted in a while but saw this story and felt the need to say something. I think this whole "boredom as a motive" thing is absolutely bogus. It is quite obvious when looking into these thugs lives, that they are trying to get in good with the gangs. But they would NEVER say that as they know they would get their butts kicked inside. They need to investigate their associates just a bit more and find out who might have put them up to it and what the gain was going to be.

The media is playing this off like these are just a bunch of "bored" teenaged kids, when nothing is further from the truth. They didn't do this for the thrill, all though I'm sure they all got one of doing it. They did it for the street cred and for what it could get them in terms of cash, drugs and power.

And this story is not about gun violence. This story is about the fact that people have been pussy-footing around the issue of the lifestyle and afraid to confront it for what it is-a way to keep the black man down. Any parent who allows their children to get involved with gangs like this and this kind of lifestyle is out of their minds.

These kids have tattoos, flash gang signs on the social media and hang with some of the biggest thugs in town. These aren't "babies" as their parents put it. They haven't been babies since their parents stopped paying attention to them!

So take away the cell phones, the computers, the iPods with the violent songs on them and actually spend some time with your children. Trust me. I work too and know it's hard. But you find yourself a good group of friends and trade off who is keeping an eye on the kids-even if they are teenagers!

This goes far deeper than boredom. Standing up against the lifestyle doesn't make you a racist, it doesn't make you "uncool" and shouldn't care what anyone says.

I heard a story a while back that was what they call a "blind item" in the gossip world. But it talked about how a group of wealthy businessmen who owned jails and powerful music insiders made a pact to push the violent gansta rap lifestyle so that they can always keep their jails filled to capacity. Perhaps this story isn't exactly true, but it sure sounds possible, because that is exactly what is happening to our young kids, especially our young African American boys. As the mother of an African American daughter, this really scares me.

Where is the proof of these flash gang signs? People may wish this was more than what it was but it wasn't, try to blame it on gangsta, but it wasn't, try to blame it on keeping the jails filled, but it wasn't, it was a sad day in America where kids had nothing better to do but go out and kill someone. Think about that while everyone raises their kids. If I ever got out of my dads sight I better be able to explain why while growing up, and it wasn't fun in if couldn't, not that that was right but look where we are now. Bored kids... we used to go see if we could steal some of my dad dandelion wine lol, go to river and meet a boy that if we got caught got a royal whooping, that was boredom. We have to re teach our kids IMO

 

[Elley Mae]

Sonya, You are right about the male role model, influence. Years ago I worked at westinghouse and at the elementary school that my then young daughter attended I would see some of the professional males(engineers mostly) from work at the school at lunch, (yeah I was one of the mom's that took their child something to eat besides the crap at the cafeteria). They would go to the school and help the boys that needed help with school/home work. I asked the office one day about it and was informed that the company had a program that allowed these men to meet with these boys on school property (cafeteria) and work with them. I also can say that there were boys that would wait in the office for their (helper) to arrive. Thinking back now I do remember some were very excited to see these guys show up.

 

[defense101]

Where is the proof of these flash gang signs? People may wish this was more than what it was but it wasn't, try to blame it on gangsta, but it wasn't, try to blame it on keeping the jails filled, but it wasn't, it was a sad day in America where kids had nothing better to do but go out and kill someone. Think about that while everyone raises their kids. If I ever got out of my dads sight I better be able to explain why while growing up, and it wasn't fun in if couldn't, not that that was right but look where we are now. Bored kids... we used to go see if we could steal some of my dad dandelion wine lol, go to river and meet a boy that if we got caught got a royal whooping, that was boredom. We have to re teach our kids IMO

OH and this is Canada lol

 

[Ausgirl]

There's some pretty clear evidence that these kids identified strongly with the Crips.

http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/08/2...r-suspect-james-edwards-appears-to-be-a-crip/

 

[Jersey*Girl]

There's some pretty clear evidence that these kids identified strongly with the Crips.

http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/08/2...r-suspect-james-edwards-appears-to-be-a-crip/

Have you been through their Twitter profiles and their other social media including FB? They have been using crip hash tags for awhile. Also take a look at all their acquaintances. Then there's the fact that Mr Johnson - the guy that called the police to report these thugs were across the street in a church parking lot getting ready to come kill his son - came right out and said they wanted to kill his son C***s bc Edwards was trying to talk C***s in joining the Crips but C***s' dad was absolutely against it. Then there's the pictures of several kids - not just these 3 - all sitting around giving those signals. Then of course there's the fact that some of their known associates flat out come right out on their profiles saying they're a Crip.

So I'm going with Crips. Yeah, I believe it's quite possible.

 

[Jersey*Girl]

Omg Ausgirl! I didn't even click on your link & they see the same stuff I do re the hash tags, etc. Did you see the variations? Jesus!