Ferguson, MO

[ZetaPhi708.20]

This is way too surrealistic: seeing/hearing the riot on one side of the screen and President Obama on the other.

Now, MSNBC has switched to Pres. Obama only.

There goes the tear gas. Well the media is stating smoke but Twitter feed states tear gas and smoke.

[Nanners52674]

The giant neon Seasons Greetings light is just a very depressing juxtaposition.

[aephi alum]

I don't agree with the decision (I think the cop should have been indicted on involuntary manslaughter - he did kill someone, after all, albeit in the line of duty). But it's made.

Let the riots begin...

If you're in the area - or any areas where there are protests - stay safe.

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by aephi alum

I don't agree with the decision (I think the cop should have been indicted on involuntary manslaughter - he did kill someone, after all, albeit in the line of duty).

Involuntary manslaughter? How? He wasn't speeding and then hit someone riding a bike. He discharged his weapon in self defense while conducting official police business. Whether you feel it was justified or not, involuntary manslaughter is a charge that can't be brought up given the circumstances.

[honeychile]

I purposely haven't posted anything about Ferguson, but I do have a somewhat slanted view. My daddy was a police commissioner for a short time. I also feel a lot of sympathy for anyone who loses a child, especially violently.

One of the most valuable lessons that ANY child needs to learn in school is WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE!! First and foremost: the police, no matter how corrupt you may think they are, are entitled to the respect of their badge. Keep cool. Say yes, sir, yes, ma'am. Keep your hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel. Shut up and lawyer up. I firmly feel that this should be taught from kindergarten and repeated every year.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by honeychile

One of the most valuable lessons that ANY child needs to learn in school is WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE!! First and foremost: the police, no matter how corrupt you may think they are, are entitled to the respect of their badge. Keep cool. Say yes, sir, yes, ma'am. Keep your hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel. Shut up and lawyer up. I firmly feel that this should be taught from kindergarten and repeated every year.

It's really not Michael Brown's fault that Darren Wilson shot him.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by spuds

Brown got what he deserved. He is a thug who robbed a store and then attacked a cop.

Yes, because we know that a 5 dollar box of cigars is worth more then a black life. Don't you have anything better to do with your time then spread your racist nonsense here Max?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by spuds

YOu have it wrong. The life of an honest hard working cop or honest hard working ANYONE is worth more than the life of a violent thug. Why didn't Brown get a job at MacDonalds and work for ONE hour to buy the cigars?

Can you tell me ANY education, economic, or legal system where the majority of blacks are successful? Pick one and I will support it as long as you take full responsiblity for your results from here on. The reality is you fail with every system because of the content of your character.

PS. Since YOU are trying to attach a dollar amount to the lives then the cops should be able to shoot all the protestors doing MILLIONS of dollars in damage. That seems to be your logic.

And any doubt that this is max is removed.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by spuds

PS. Since YOU are trying to attach a dollar amount to the lives then the cops should be able to shoot all the protestors doing MILLIONS of dollars in damage. That seems to be your logic.

*sigh* Actually my point was that the life of anybody is more important then protecting property rights.

[aephi alum]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

Involuntary manslaughter? How? He wasn't speeding and then hit someone riding a bike. He discharged his weapon in self defense while conducting official police business. Whether you feel it was justified or not, involuntary manslaughter is a charge that can't be brought up given the circumstances.

Per findlaw.com:

Three elements must be satisfied in order for someone to be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter:

- Someone was killed as a result of act by the defendant.
- The act either was inherently dangerous to others or done with reckless disregard for human life.
- The defendant knew or should have known his or her conduct was a threat to the lives of others.

Points 1 and 3 are clear: Someone was killed, and the defendant knew that firing his gun was a threat to someone's life. Point 2 is a bit hazier. Wilson didn't shoot with "reckless disregard for human life", but his actions could be considered "inherently dangerous".

That said, I don't know why the grand jury was even asked to consider Murder 1. That is "an unlawful killing that is both willful and premeditated" - again per findlaw.com.