You're correct, GP. It sure is. The stupidity of the comments in this discussion defending this career criminal and encouraging a protest is unbelievable. Total barbarism.
Best line I have read so far on this matter...
"I didn't see a thing."
The video raises questions, but to me, doesn't prove anything either way.
It's good and healthy to ask questions. They guy is probably scum, but that doesn't mean the law shouldn't protect him.
For me, the biggest eyebrow raiser is the knee he gets when he's cuffed any laying there. I don't think it's a huge deal, but the cop should probably get a slap on the wrist for that, or if he has a history, something worse.
The perspective of the video isn't the best, it blocks a lot of what the bad guy is doing.
Also take note of what this guy is accused of, that certainly give credibility that he may not have been the most cooperative subject.
I have to wonder how many of the responders here have ever struggled attempting to arrest someone. That person does not want to be arrested and will end your life if they get the chance.
Something to consider.
The stupidity is on your part. What you can't seem to comprehend is this has nothing to do with the carjacking. When the carjacker is arrested, that whole situation is over. Okay? Done. The victims get closure in having the criminal caught. The situation AFTER the guy is in cuffs is totally irrelevant to the situation BEFORE he is in cuffs.
The severity of the crime does not make a difference in what the police are supposed to do AFTER the criminal is arrested. Even if he is a convicted murdered, rapist, terrorist, whatever... that doesn't give the police justification to use force when it's unnecessary such as when he's lying down on the ground in cuffs. That is true EVERY TIME someone is arrested no matter the situation.
It is not a defense of the criminal, it's a restraint on police force.
If the cop did anything wrong, he should be prosecuted, and if found guilty, fired and jailed. That doesn't excuse anything from the carjacker's perspective, though.
I do find it sad that the African American community [[generally speaking) doesn't seem to care about rampant violence in the community, and only seems to get outraged and organized when there's an allegation of a white officer doing something wrong to a black criminal, but, in any case, there should be no excuses for officers. They don't get a "free punch", even if the criminal is struggling.
If you don't hear the protests by Black Americans about violence in Black communities, it isn't because they're not happening -- it's because you're not paying attention.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ta Nehisi Coates @ that second link
Where are these protests? There was a big group of people protesting in the Pointes yesterday, over a possible punch given to a carjacker.
There are murders almost every day in Detroit, almost always an African American, yet I don't see any protests. Doesn't excuse police misconduct, but I really don't think people care about the daily carnage in the hood.
People rally against police misconduct, but what I think they're really mad about is the drug war, private prisons, and the erosion of our civil liberties. These incidents are just the proverbial smoking gun protesters need to get people fired up.
Doesn't follow link. Doesn't read stories about protests. Continues asking questions that are by now clearly seen as right-wing talking points and not actual questions.
Here's another link to not follow nor read.
http://www.alternet.org/5-reasons-pe...ck-black-crime
The kicks and the smack after the cuffs are on were a bit much, but probably only deserving of minor repercussions. This certainly isn't a case of criminal charges or firing, but I think some discipline is probably deserved [[suspension, fine, etc.). The cop's history of issues could affect how severe that is.
Yes, there were protests in Grosse Pointe Park today.
Meanwhile, south of the border, there was some rioting, but not race-related.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/...ticle_20150113
Be careful what you wish for Detroit boy. I still have fresh memories of the good old days of the Big 4 in Detroit. I've been knocked around, dragged out of vehicles, punched in the gut and had loaded guns stuck in my face by those guys without ever uttering a word to them. I was never arrested by them for anything in Detroit. They might have been a deterrent to crimes but their actions were unwarranted. Hell, I was robbed 3 or 4 times in Detroit and the people that robbed me were more pleasant than those cops.
I don't really feel one way or the other about that video because I wasn't there and obviously, like you, don't know the entire story. I have to say it doesn't look very good.
I think most cops do a decent job and I like to feel safe on the streets. But when you say they should be able to do anything they need to do, you merely create a greater divide between the police and the citizens. I don't think that's fair for either party.
I agree completely. I am also sick of the looser rules that prosecutors apply when analyzing a case of police brutality, which informed the insane grand jury presentation in St. Louis and probably Staten Island too.
The protesters are being matter of fact though-- they simply want action against the officer. The extra punches and the knee warrant a disciplinary proceeding and probably suspension, IMO. On the one hand, there is the fact that making an arrest of a dangerous suspect is dangerous, until he's frisked and in custody. e.g., http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/20...brooklyn/?_r=1 On the other hand, this situation here was pretty much in control, and I think what we are seeing is officers get carried away with a perhaps natural 'rush' that they felt upon apprehending someone dangerous. Even a real pro's heart would be pounding, but that cannot translate into unjustified physical abuse of someone rendered helpless. Restraint sufficient to overcome ones urges is required, and in this regard I think the citizen's video and the news coverage is helpful.
And by the way, most of us were too busy WORKING to attend the protests.
Everyone has their button of what disturbs them, I get it, this is mine todays paper:
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/new...home/21797595/
http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...llet/21807841/
Kids, even toddlers over and over...It makes my stomach roll every time I read this and trust, I've read a hundred different versions over the years. Personally I don't care how many times a 51 year old gets slapped around by the cops for pointing a gun at women and CHILDREN. Call me whatever you want, I know what I am and what I'm not and it isn't going to change my mind one bit.
The Free Press had a much different MO than the Detroit News.
Since no one has mentioned the victim's perspective today, here's what she thinks while people are busy marching to protect another Detroit thug from coming to justice:
Check out this article from Detroit Free Press:
Carjacking victim: 'We're backing the cops'
http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...rest/21781937/
Carjacking victim of suspect beaten by cops, calls it justified
http://wjbk.m0bl.net/r/22jcqm
Yes! This is the time on DetroitYES! when we watch protesters begin to protest protesting! Attachment 25552