I am worried about police officers everywhere

[graciegirl]

Florida police officer killed; shooting suspect in custody (http://news.yahoo.com/florida-police-officer-killed-suspect-custody-155058593.html?.tsrc=mtk)


This happened Sunday morning. In Tarpon Springs about 20 miles North of Tampa.
. A 17 year veteran called to a place and gunned down.

[Rags123]

Florida police officer killed; shooting suspect in custody (http://news.yahoo.com/florida-police-officer-killed-suspect-custody-155058593.html?.tsrc=mtk)


This happened this morning. In Tarpon Springs. A 17 year veteran called to a place and gunned down.

Good reason to worry !!!

The atmosphere has been set; there will be those who will consider this a calling because of the rhetoric.

One of the cable news channels had a guest who was very upset because the NYPD over reacted. Yeah, you read that right...THEY, the police, over reacted

[Bonnevie]

it's horrible and will just perpetuate the cycle. police will be accused of over-reacting but if they are not careful, they risk being shot.

[gerryann]

We may end up with "blue flu" all over the country....and I wouldn't blame them a bit!!!
You're right Gracie...I'm very frightened for all of them and their families.

[kcrazorbackfan]

GG, people here in TV that never have had the experience of being a LEO, married to a LEO or never had a dad, mom, brother or sister as a LEO, do not know the pressure, scrutiny and now, the unbelievable everyday danger that a LEO is experiencing.

Most Villagers experience with LEO's are being ****ed off at them because they drove through a stoplight/sign and got a ticket, was in an accident and got a ticket, got stopped for speeding and got a ticket, seeing them running radar and thinking they should be patrolling their neighborhood more and then my favorite - making fun of them eating doughnuts.

They're not with us when we're first on the scene of a fatality and have to pull a 6 month old deceased baby out of a car, they're not with us when we have to go to a home in the middle of the night to notify a next of kin, they're not with us when we're a sniper and sit in a car for 4 hours in the hot July sun with our scope aimed at two armed hi-jackers knowing what the outcome will be, they're not with us when we get in pursuit of a prison escapee and get our car shot up stopping the suspect. They're not with us when we walk into a place to get a quick bite and you hear a parent tell their child that they are going to be arrested if they don't eat their food.

Thank you, GracieGirl for your concern. My wife, my son and I really appreciate people like you. I wish we had 100,000 more like you in The Villages that appreciates LEO's instead of the ones that smirk at, cuss at and make fun of LEO's.

[tippyclubb]

GG, people here in TV that never have had the experience of being a LEO, married to a LEO or never had a dad, mom, brother or sister as a LEO, do not know the pressure, scrutiny and now, the unbelievable everyday danger that a LEO is experiencing.

Most Villagers experience with LEO's are being ****ed off at them because they drove through a stoplight/sign and got a ticket, was in an accident and got a ticket, got stopped for speeding and got a ticket, seeing them running radar and thinking they should be patrolling their neighborhood more and then my favorite - making fun of them eating doughnuts.

They're not with us when we're first on the scene of a fatality and have to pull a 6 month old deceased baby out of a car, they're not with us when we have to go to a home in the middle of the night to notify a next of kin, they're not with us when we're a sniper and sit in a car for 4 hours in the hot July sun with our scope aimed at two armed hi-jackers knowing what the outcome will be, they're not with us when we get in pursuit of a prison escapee and get our car shot up stopping the suspect. They're not with us when we walk into a place to get a quick bite and you hear a parent tell their child that they are going to be arrested if they don't eat their food.

Thank you, GracieGirl for your concern. My wife, my son and I really appreciate people like you. I wish we had 100,000 more like you in The Villages that appreciates LEO's instead of the ones that smirk at, cuss at and make fun of LEO's.


Tom and I appreciate all you do and thank you for protecting our communities. We thank you for putting your life at risk to keep us safe.

[Pointer]

I am worried about all people everywhere. Especially the children who don't feel safe even at school. We must pray for peace and do what we can to de-escalate by a show of restraint and love.

[Rags123]

And Mr Sharpton has received threats on his phone as a result of NYC killings and once again plays himself as THE VICTIM. Those threats to others, he downplayed and mocked.

They, and we all know who THEY are....already making the police the bad guys. As I said, on a cable news channel....NYPD over reacted.....Sharpton plays a threat he got.....no connection from others ignoring the atmosphere set by professional athletes, etc demonstrating ANTI POLICE.



To kcrazorbackfan and any other police or ex police officers. The minority of people now have the megaphone. The very large majority know and respect law officers, who by the way never to my knowledge claimed perfection, and abide by the law. You should always be in our prayers and now more than ever. The office in Tampa area had 5 kids and that family and the two in NY will always remember Christmas for the wrong reasons.

How do we get that megaphone back and begin to talk about the LAW, which I was always taught was the foundation of my country. Someone has to speak out. As I said, it is all over athletic fields and courts...streets in so many cities. And the deaths do not even incude the police officers attacked in NY during the demonstrations.

The atmosphere has been set in this country for this. Now someone, somehow has to step up to the plate.

[Polar Bear]

Just one more word of support for all LEO's everywhere.

[Bonnevie]

I, too, come from a family of police officers...father, brother, uncle. It was not an easy childhood. Seeing other peoples children get in trouble, we were ruled with an iron fist lest we turn out that way. I have seen how police officers have gone from being respected and obeyed to being mocked and accused of treating people unfairly just by doing their jobs. I honestly don't know why people would still go into the profession. I am most appreciative to them, though.

[Happinow]

It would be nice to know what LEO stood for. Last word, I Expect is officer but the first two I have no clue. I, too fear that policemen will no longer be respected and fear they will put their lives in more danger as they will no longer be able to defend themselves without some of the public putting them on trial for shooting someone.

[Nightengale212]

I too am very concerned for the safety of police officers especially for the 4 officers and their families that live in my neighborhood. One of these fine officers plays the bagpipes and as I was walking past his home this morning I could hear him playing Amazing Grace which I am sure was in honor of his fallen brothers. Needless to say I cried all the way home :(

[Cisco Kid]

It would be nice to know what LEO stood for. Last word, I Expect is officer but the first two I have no clue. I, too fear that policemen will no longer be respected and fear they will put their lives in more danger as they will no longer be able to defend themselves without some of the public putting them on trial for shooting someone.

I think
Law Enforcement Officer

[Rags123]

And others fear different things....

"Civil rights leaders Sunday condemned the ambush killings of two New York police officers and expressed fear that the backlash over the bloodshed could derail the protest movement that has grown out of the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.

Killings of 2 New York officers trigger backlash (http://news.yahoo.com/killings-2-york-officers-trigger-backlash-201106309.html)

[graciegirl]

And others fear different things....

"Civil rights leaders Sunday condemned the ambush killings of two New York police officers and expressed fear that the backlash over the bloodshed could derail the protest movement that has grown out of the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.

Killings of 2 New York officers trigger backlash (http://news.yahoo.com/killings-2-york-officers-trigger-backlash-201106309.html)


Before another thread closed on this subject, someone said that they felt the shootings were not because of a group, but because the man was sick.

Sometimes hatred is a sickness. We were doing so much better getting along racially ....and now this.

[cromlich]

We respect and praise the job our Law Enforcement Officers do everyday, everywhere. They're loved when they are needed and disrespected by those who want everything for nothing and love chaos. It's a hard job and a very dangerous job. God Bless all of you! It's time that we stop letting these bullies in Washington and elsewhere dictate to us and demand that criminals have the upper hand.

[Rags123]

Before another thread closed on this subject, someone said that they felt the shootings were not because of a group, but because the man was sick.

Sometimes hatred is a sickness. We were doing so much better getting along racially ....and now this.

It is NOT because of some group and it WAS an individual for sure, but would not have happened if not for the atmosphere set unfettered by anyone in the last weeks.

And to your point, during the last weeks has anyone had a presser to talk about all the positives in race relations or the positives with police or had an interview to discuss all the good things done by police ??????

[ugotme]

Before another thread closed on this subject, someone said that they felt the shootings were not because of a group, but because the man was sick.

Sometimes hatred is a sickness. We were doing so much better getting along racially ....and now this.

Unfortunately if the Sharptons of the world continue to spew hatred and bigotry, and have followers that actually believe them, there will always be racial issues.

[Rags123]

Unfortunately if the Sharptons of the world continue to spew hatred and bigotry, and have followers that actually believe them, there will always be racial issues.

His influence just seems to grow and grow ! He would be a gopher for Dr King.

[Boudicca]

My dear husband retired from the Richmond VA PD after a 25 year long career. He also served ten years on the SWAT team and acted in the most honorable, and un reproachable manner in all those years. He no longer wears any type of signifying memorabilia as he feels it is no longer safe to do so. How sad is that.

[Average Guy]

///

[janmcn]

The shooting of the two police officers in NYC yesterday was very similar to the shooting of the two state police officers in PA two months ago by the survivalist, in that the police officers in both cases were hunted down like animals for no other reason than they had on police uniforms.

The alleged shooter in PA just showed up at the police barracks and waited until he found his targets leaving work after their shift, killing one and wounding the other. He then was able to avoid capture for over a month, because he was a survivalist, all the while keeping a large area of the state in fear and lock-down.

After he was captured on Halloween, it was never reported what his motive was, but the DA is seeking the death penalty.

[graciegirl]

The shooting of the two police officers in NYC yesterday was very similar to the shooting of the two state police officers in PA two months ago by the survivalist, in that the police officers in both cases were hunted down like animals for no other reason than they had on police uniforms.

The alleged shooter in PA just showed up at the police barracks and waited until he found his targets leaving work after their shift, killing one and wounding the other. He then was able to avoid capture for over a month, because he was a survivalist, all the while keeping a large area of the state in fear and lock-down.

After he was captured on Halloween, it was never reported what his motive was, but the DA is seeking the death penalty.


I really, really, don't think the two are alike. I think one was racially motivated. The police officers are dead but the motivation for killing the ones in PA was different in my opinion than the motivation for the killings in Brooklyn..

[Average Guy]

Not sure where you are going with this either.

I simply met he could not shine Rev Kings shoes. Rev King is in another atmosphere from Sharpton.

Not sure where you even came up with the P word....not in the discussion nor even implied at any time

OK, sorry I misunderstood your post. My bad.

[Rags123]

The shooting of the two police officers in NYC yesterday was very similar to the shooting of the two state police officers in PA two months ago by the survivalist, in that the police officers in both cases were hunted down like animals for no other reason than they had on police uniforms.

The alleged shooter in PA just showed up at the police barracks and waited until he found his targets leaving work after their shift, killing one and wounding the other. He then was able to avoid capture for over a month, because he was a survivalist, all the while keeping a large area of the state in fear and lock-down.

After he was captured on Halloween, it was never reported what his motive was, but the DA is seeking the death penalty.

I do not recall any postings by the killer in Pennsylvania citing specific reasons for the killings, and if he did can you enlighten us ?

What else is similiar except a guy took out cops like a coward. In one case I recall a long time hatred for law enforcement....in New York , the shooter was VERY SPECIFIC.

[graciegirl]

Not sure where you are going with this either.

I simply met he could not shine Rev Kings shoes. Rev King is in another atmosphere from Sharpton.

Not sure where you even came up with the P word....not in the discussion nor even implied at any time

I have listened to Rags and know that he admires Dr. King as most humans do. Dr. King would be so sad if he were alive. His daughter spoke out on chanting Death to cops, Death to cops.

Her words...
"My goodness what is this world coming to."

[Rags123]

My dear husband retired from the Richmond VA PD after a 25 year long career. He also served ten years on the SWAT team and acted in the most honorable, and un reproachable manner in all those years. He no longer wears any type of signifying memorabilia as he feels it is no longer safe to do so. How sad is that.


THAT is very sad indeed. I can only imagine his feelings watching what is happening in this country right now and specifically in the last few days.

I know that most do not want to discuss this...the preference is to discuss riots and marches and the wrongs committed to a few. To discuss police officers being killed is just not exciting enough.

I get emotional and I admit that....I can not understand one single american being proud of what is happening. I can not understand the reaction to Ferguson and then saying that the NYPD over reacted. I can not understand people saying that it makes no difference if some of these people did not listen to and follow police commands.

So much of this is just not even sensible. Talk excitedly, on here and otherwise, about the burning of a city BEFORE any facts come out and when two cops are not even in their grave say the police are over reacting and there is worry about THEIR movement.

As someone said....Dr King would be so upset, but he would not act like a child as these folks are. He had respect, he gave respect.

To you husband many thanks for his years and maybe some day he can wear evidence of his service and have folks shake his hand and thank him. I pray for that.

[janmcn]

I do not recall any postings by the killer in Pennsylvania citing specific reasons for the killings, and if he did can you enlighten us ?

What else is similiar except a guy took out cops like a coward. In one case I recall a long time hatred for law enforcement....in New York , the shooter was VERY SPECIFIC.

Official: Penn. police shooting suspect left notes - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/justice/pennsylvania-trooper-shooting/)


The state police spokesman read excerpts of handwritten notes by Eric Matthew Frein which he called chilling.

[Rags123]

Official: Penn. police shooting suspect left notes - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/justice/pennsylvania-trooper-shooting/)


The state police spokesman read excerpts of handwritten notes by Eric Matthew Frein which he called chilling.

Not sure what your point is. The assassination of two policemen in New York was clearly what the killer said it was. It was not, according to the killer, a innate hatred but revenge for specific events that he chronicled.

[janmcn]

Not sure what your point is. The assassination of two policemen in New York was clearly what the killer said it was. It was not, according to the killer, a innate hatred but revenge for specific events that he chronicled.

My point is these police officers are being hunted down like animals by deranged individuals. It doesn't matter what the color of their skin is.

[Rags123]

My point is these police officers are being hunted down like animals by deranged individuals. It doesn't matter what the color of their skin is.

NOT in New York....the skin color was the entire basis of the killings. IT WAS THE REASON ! Unless the killer lied but he made it clear the motive and it was skin color. I think he used the terms "them" and "us" to designate it.....ACTUALLY

"They take 1 of ours, let's take 2 of theirs," AND was very specific about who he was referring to

What did you think the motive for this was ????

[dplars]

My point is that leaders set the tone of events, either positive or negatively and the results are evident.

[Rags123]

Personally, after reading some of the questions that "appear" to be trying to steer the murder of two police in NY from the recent happenings in NYC and Ferguson.

I have NO doubt that the murderer and future killers and there will be more, are nut cases with records who were not involved in the recent demonstrations all over the country or the burning of Ferguson MO.

HOWEVER, the atmosphere that has been created in this country since the incident in Ferguson is poison and anyone looking for an excuse will use this atmosphere to kill. Those leaders who have been inciting people to demonstrate, not talk, demonstrate. And those who did not condemn any of the actions of those attacking police in New York during the demonstrations. Those who have been talking and quoting WELL BEFORE ANY EVIDENCE OR FACTS WERE KNOWN have poisoned the well so to speak.

So, the fact that these killers are not "directly" associated with this means nothing to me nor most sane people. To have people saying that the NYPD over reacted today just galled me to no end.

Thus, the environment of all negative and no positive exists now. It will not go away anytime soon and that is a shame. I recall Dr King believing in the rule of law......the new leaders appear not to. If they did, they would have waited until they had all the facts before destroying a city and so it goes.

[Buffalo Jim]

Check out Mr. Sharpton`s Bio . I say Mr. Sharpton because from what I can determine he never completed Divinity School or College . It appears that he attended for about 1 year or less but never completed his studies
Try to determine which Denomination actually installed him as a Reverend . I`ve spent some time checking and double checking . I can not help but come to the conclusion that he is a " self-appointed / self-proclaimed " Rev .
Plus he has had a very long history with IRS problems . Why does any major news outlet give this guy any air-time ?

[redwitch]

I've tried to respond to this post three times now. To murder any human is wrong. To murder a human because they have a certain job is obscene. I hope no one is making these cowards out to be heroes. At best, they are delusional young men trying to make a statement in all the wrong ways. At worst, they are cowardly animals who deserve the derision of their entire community.

I do understand the need for demonstrations and marches. I do not understand the need for rioting, the need to destroy, the desire to hurt. I agree with so little that Sharpton says. He is someone I would like to see with duct tape permanently slapped across his mouth.

I sincerely hope and pray that some honest dialogue comes out of all of this pain. Young men should not be harassed because of their skin color. Police officers deserve to be shown respect for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for civilians.

[Rags123]

I've tried to respond to this post three times now. To murder any human is wrong. To murder a human because they have a certain job is obscene. I hope no one is making these cowards out to be heroes. At best, they are delusional young men trying to make a statement in all the wrong ways. At worst, they are cowardly animals who deserve the derision of their entire community.

I do understand the need for demonstrations and marches. I do not understand the need for rioting, the need to destroy, the desire to hurt. I agree with so little that Sharpton says. He is someone I would like to see with duct tape permanently slapped across his mouth.

I sincerely hope and pray that some honest dialogue comes out of all of this pain. Young men should not be harassed because of their skin color. Police officers deserve to be shown respect for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for civilians.

I would love to see that honest dialogue, but I am afraid it is too late. While two white officers were NOT indicted, a few months ago, all white police officers were publicly indicted and have been continually indicted almost daily.

The environment that set will not simply dissolve away with a meeting or two.

WORDS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. There are many who hear these daily indictments and take them to heart.

Suggest if you want disgusting things, you should read some of the articles on the tweets being sent out, making heros of all the criminals and lauding these killings. I was going to cut and paste and post some of them, but they are truely disgusting and on each you can see the amount of times they are being retweeted......no, I hope you are right, but this environment set in Ferguson with no facts is now out of control.

As I said, already the leaders of the march's and demonstrations are lamenting that this might put a crimp in their plans. They have not even buried the two policemen yet.

Since you mentioned Sharpton, I just wanted to add this PS. I never respected this man for so many reasons, but today he tried to make this all about HIM again, playing a message he received which was a threat and lamenting his need to update his protection. Did anyone even hear on the news at anytime about the 100's of threats made to Officer Wilson even before anyone even knew fact one.

And add this....heard David Gergen ask on TV late this afternoon "With all the progress we have made, how did we get to this point?" My response is...look at the last 3 to 4 months and what EVERYBOY said..nothing positive...nothing supportiv...and WORDS HAVE CONSEQUENCES

This country was founded as and has been a country of LAWS. Dr Martin Luther King understood that.

[graciegirl]

To me, Law Enforcement Officers are the good guys, hired and dedicated to catching the bad guys.


Eric Garner and Michael Brown were breaking the law.
Eric Garner and Michael Brown were breaking the law.
Eric Garner and Michael Brown were breaking the law.

If they had followed directions, If they had stayed inside the law, they would be alive today.

If our leaders had stood up in complete support of law enforcement, the climate of hatred we now have would not have gone out of control.

The only line of defense we have in this country against chaos are our law enforcement people.

And now a whole bunch of angry people feel they are justified to hate police officers. They would have been better counseled to not break the law and to respect law enforcement. Inappropriate sympathy for their troubles by our national leaders is not working here.

More wrongs don't make anything right.

[ugotme]

Geez, I wonder,

WHERE IS SHARPTON NOW????


Sorry - had to !

[JGVillages]

Went to the Green Bay / Tampa Bay game today with our son, a Bradenton police officer. As much as we wanted the day to be about the game and holiday season discussion regarding the NY and Tarpon Springs ambushes could not be avoided. We need, as I believe the majority of law abiding Americans of ALL RACES do, to stand up to this minority (a quantity/not race) and support the law. That means when an officer asks you to stop, get on your knees, etc., you DO IT and sort out your innocence or guilt later. Both of the young men in Ferguson and NY would still be with us if they obeyed their initial police contact.

[Jdmiata]

Just "googled" this............there have been almost 50 police killed by gunfire in the line of duty this year.

[CFrance]

Went to the Green Bay / Tampa Bay game today with our son, a Bradenton police officer. As much as we wanted the day to be about the game and holiday season discussion regarding the NY and Tarpon Springs ambushes could not be avoided. We need, as I believe the majority of law abiding Americans of ALL RACES do, to stand up to this minority (a quantity/not race) and support the law. That means when an officer asks you to stop, get on your knees, etc., you DO IT and sort out your innocence or guilt later. Both of the young men in Ferguson and NY would still be with us if they obeyed their initial police contact.
The problem is if you're doing something so wrong that you are told to get on your knees, you probably aren't the type of person who has any respect for the law to begin with.

[Taltarzac725]

I've tried to respond to this post three times now. To murder any human is wrong. To murder a human because they have a certain job is obscene. I hope no one is making these cowards out to be heroes. At best, they are delusional young men trying to make a statement in all the wrong ways. At worst, they are cowardly animals who deserve the derision of their entire community.

I do understand the need for demonstrations and marches. I do not understand the need for rioting, the need to destroy, the desire to hurt. I agree with so little that Sharpton says. He is someone I would like to see with duct tape permanently slapped across his mouth.

I sincerely hope and pray that some honest dialogue comes out of all of this pain. Young men should not be harassed because of their skin color. Police officers deserve to be shown respect for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for civilians.

Thanks for your usual common sense filled, logical and practical point of view.

[CFrance]

I've tried to respond to this post three times now. To murder any human is wrong. To murder a human because they have a certain job is obscene. I hope no one is making these cowards out to be heroes. At best, they are delusional young men trying to make a statement in all the wrong ways. At worst, they are cowardly animals who deserve the derision of their entire community.

I do understand the need for demonstrations and marches. I do not understand the need for rioting, the need to destroy, the desire to hurt. I agree with so little that Sharpton says. He is someone I would like to see with duct tape permanently slapped across his mouth.

I sincerely hope and pray that some honest dialogue comes out of all of this pain. Young men should not be harassed because of their skin color. Police officers deserve to be shown respect for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for civilians.
If I were a moderator (which I'm not), I would say that this post says everything that needs to be said perfectly, and close the thread!

You are one smart cookie, Dee.

[Villages PL]

It's very emotionally satisfying to make assumptions and then let off steam, but I think it may be too early for that because we don't have all the facts yet.

[sunnyatlast]

I've tried to respond to this post three times now. To murder any human is wrong. To murder a human because they have a certain job is obscene. I hope no one is making these cowards out to be heroes. At best, they are delusional young men trying to make a statement in all the wrong ways. At worst, they are cowardly animals who deserve the derision of their entire community.

I do understand the need for demonstrations and marches. I do not understand the need for rioting, the need to destroy, the desire to hurt. I agree with so little that Sharpton says. He is someone I would like to see with duct tape permanently slapped across his mouth.

I sincerely hope and pray that some honest dialogue comes out of all of this pain. Young men should not be harassed because of their skin color. Police officers deserve to be shown respect for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for civilians.

If I were a moderator (which I'm not), I would say that this post says everything that needs to be said perfectly, and close the thread!

You are one smart cookie, Dee.

I don't think this is all wrapped up and put away in a file or closed thread, yet. I think it needs to be said that:

Sharpton should not only be slapped across the mouth, but also slapped with PRISON sentencing and completion, too!! And he should not have been allowed 93 White House visits as such a perpetrator, either.


"According to The New York Times, Sharpton and his for-profit businesses owe $4.5 million in state and federal taxes as of November 2014.[122]
(Wikipedia)

He has NO credibility while owing millions in tax debts WHILE throwing gasoline on the fire of everything from Tawanna Brawley to Treyvon Martin to (video recorded grand larceny and strong arm robbery perpetrator in convenience store) Michael Brown to Garner who resisted arrest when other MINORITY business owners called police on his constant law-breaking and menacing at their businesses.

[samhass]

I've tried to respond to this post three times now. To murder any human is wrong. To murder a human because they have a certain job is obscene. I hope no one is making these cowards out to be heroes. At best, they are delusional young men trying to make a statement in all the wrong ways. At worst, they are cowardly animals who deserve the derision of their entire community.

I do understand the need for demonstrations and marches. I do not understand the need for rioting, the need to destroy, the desire to hurt. I agree with so little that Sharpton says. He is someone I would like to see with duct tape permanently slapped across his mouth.

I sincerely hope and pray that some honest dialogue comes out of all of this pain. Young men should not be harassed because of their skin color. Police officers deserve to be shown respect for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for civilians.

Well said, Redwitch.

[Tennisnut]

The only good thing is that this gang banger committed suicide and and his ex girl friend survived. Any remote connection of these murders as retribution for disturbing deaths of Trayvon and others is the murder taking advantage of those troubling act(s). I believe he had very little emotional investment in that piece of history and just wanted to kill for the sake of killing. If is was retribution, why were the victims a girl fiend, a Asian and Hispanic police officer?

[graciegirl]

The only good thing is that this gang banger committed suicide and and his ex girl friend survived. Any remote connection of these murders as retribution for disturbing deaths of Trayvon and others is the murder taking advantage of those troubling act(s). I believe he had very little emotional investment in that piece of history and just wanted to kill for the sake of killing. If is was retribution, why were the victims a girl fiend, a Asian and Hispanic police officer?


Here is what he posted on Instagram just moments before he killed them.

""I'm Putting Wings On Pigs Today. They Take 1 Of Ours…Let's Take 2 of Theirs #ShootThePolice #RIPErivGardner #RIPMikeBrown This May Be My Final Post I'm Putting Pigs In A Blanket"

[CFrance]

The only good thing is that this gang banger committed suicide and and his ex girl friend survived. Any remote connection of these murders as retribution for disturbing deaths of Trayvon and others is the murder taking advantage of those troubling act(s). I believe he had very little emotional investment in that piece of history and just wanted to kill for the sake of killing. If is was retribution, why were the victims a girl fiend, a Asian and Hispanic police officer?
I agree with you. He was a mentally disturbed criminal who from inner rage or for whatever reason, felt like killing someone. I believe he was using current events as a convenient excuse to go on a rampage.

[rubicon]

Do you really believe that everything was honky dory before Martin,Brown, Garner. Politicians associated with a certain party have for political gain pandered to minorities supporting and reinforcing the belief that they have been and continue to be victims. Some like Sharpton and de Blasio capitalize on this myth. Some who have been told that their whole lives will always be left with that perception and hence its always going to be the other guys fault.
Those with this perception will react in the manner that fits their emotional state. One hope is that we have intelligent people like Thomas Sowell and Jason Riley.

[graciegirl]

I agree with you. He was a mentally disturbed criminal who from inner rage or for whatever reason, felt like killing someone. I believe he was using current events as a convenient excuse to go on a rampage.


I think he was enraged. I think that our leaders encouraged the climate of justifiable anger against law enforcement.

He may be sick....but those police officers would be alive today if the leadership of this country made it clear they stand by the enforcement of the law, for black and white and chartreuse and polka dot people in THIS country.

[CFrance]

Here is what he posted on Instagram just moments before he killed them.

""I'm Putting Wings On Pigs Today. They Take 1 Of Ours…Let's Take 2 of Theirs #ShootThePolice #RIPErivGardner #RIPMikeBrown This May Be My Final Post I'm Putting Pigs In A Blanket"
I still think he was using this as an outlet for some deep-seated anger issues. Otherwise, why shoot his girlfriend? What did she have to do with the "pigs" he referred to in instagram.

I believe he was just out to kill someone. The instagram thing was his "fun" little warning. He wasn't going for righting some social injustice, IMO. He was going on a kill thrill.

[Tennisnut]

I guess we have a difference of opinion. Some believe this gang banger was actually responding to some perceived idea of social injustice and sacrificed his life to bring awareness to society. I would not give him least bit of credit to some higher idealism. I think he was just piece crap that tried to kill three innocent people with a long history of violence.

[Chi-Town]

The unthinkable thing is that ambush killings aren't all that uncommon.

http://usat.ly/1AUOs1r

[Rags123]

I guess we have a difference of opinion. Some believe this gang banger was actually responding to some perceived idea of social injustice and sacrificed his life to bring awareness to society. I would not give him least bit of credit to some higher idealism. I think he was just piece crap that tried to kill three innocent people with a long history of violence.

I do not think ANYONE believes or even hinted that this killer was associated with or even cared about what has happened the last few months. I think the thread dealt with the atmosphere that has been created in the last few months by the insinuations, statements and lack of support. It allows folks like this to have a cause (in their mind) and in their mind a justification.

I, for one, certainly do not believe that idealism played any part. I DO believe the current atmosphere contributed, although I cannot read his mind, only read his statements which I do understand could be just his insane reason, and maybe had this atmosphere not existed it could have been something else, or maybe it would not have happened. I just pray it is the last.

[Rags123]

I think YOU must be ME. I believe this murderer had long history of hatred and disrespect for everyone which has not been encouraged by the leaders of this country. I believe it is disrespectful to those leaders to insinuate that have added to the climate where gang bangers are encouraged to kill someone. However, these leaders are taking the steps to investigate and try to improve the performance of those who are here to protect and serve.

I do not believe anyone encouraged anyone to kill anyone (although some of the chants in DC were specific)

I do know that a town in Missouri would not have been burned to the ground if they had not been encouraged, or better said perhaps.....if they had been discouraged and asked to wait for facts and use the law to find solutions. THAT I believe.

Dr King certainly would have done that loudly. Instead there was encouragement.

All of this sets a tone for sure.