orangeblossom - I'm catching up on it this morning. I haven't been following it closely just bc I haven't had time, but I have really wanted to make the time.
Edit - there should have been a second haven't in there...
orangeblossom - I'm catching up on it this morning. I haven't been following it closely just bc I have had time, but I have really wanted to make the time.
Yeah, I really need to catch up on it. It's disheartening, sad and scary all at once.
FWIW, H was called into work. He works across the street from police headquarters. Just texted to report there is a massive police presence downtown, both city and state troopers. And already shutting down streets (city hall rally is scheduled for 5pm). Selfishly, I hope he can get his work done quickly and get out of town. His last text was he wasn't sure he'd be able to.
FWIW, H was called into work. He works across the street from police headquarters. Just texted to report there is a massive police presence downtown, both city and state troopers. And already shutting down streets (city hall rally is scheduled for 5pm). Selfishly, I hope he can get his work done quickly and get out of town. His last text was he wasn't sure he'd be able to.
Yeah, I heard the protestors goal was to shut down the city.
Hopefully, your DH can get home before that happens.
FWIW, H was called into work. He works across the street from police headquarters. Just texted to report there is a massive police presence downtown, both city and state troopers. And already shutting down streets (city hall rally is scheduled for 5pm). Selfishly, I hope he can get his work done quickly and get out of town. His last text was he wasn't sure he'd be able to.
Yeah, I heard the protestors goal was to shut down the city.
Hopefully, your DH can get home before that happens.
I know. He was really annoyed, but is hoping he can get in and get out by 3.
I'm honestly really concerned about riots. Everyone has a really short fuse right now.
I'm reading and processing. I really have nothing articulate to say about this, other than when did we lose our humanity?
I'm struggling to articulate my thought here, but maybe it's always been tenuous at best. I'm thinking of the Holocaust thread. Something about putting a bunch of men in uniforms and they fall easily into the morals - or lack of morals of the group Or that those drawn to being in an organization like that are drawn are prone to falling in step with the climate.
It's not an excuse or justification - if it sounds like that at all. More like a defeated musing. I feel so hopeless regarding humanity and life in general lately. There's just too much awful in the world.
They don't even need uniforms. Think about how men in fraternities behave.
The mayor appeared to back the police commissioner at her own news conference, and Batts defended his record, saying he was brought on in 2012 to reform the department. Since then, he has fired 50 employees and reduced the number of officer-involved shootings and excessive force complaints.
Opinions on this? My gut reaction is that you don't push for the resignation of the Chief, since he seems to be having an impact. But I don't know if that's the right reaction.
I thought that was somewhat encouraging when I read it but then it goes on to say in this incident the officers were suspended WITH pay while they look into it further. I am not sure why that was the approach. They violated policy by not buckling him in. Not to mention there is nothing that justifies he should have been put in the van in the first place. Part of what is frustrating is that the police get the benefit of the doubt. Given the lack of punishment of officers for excessive force around the country, not taking more decisive action is going to put people on edge.
Post by AllieHound on Apr 25, 2015 14:49:02 GMT -5
This is disgusting. The...I don't even know what to call it. What makes people believe it's OK to behave this way? To be proud of it? How dare you able to function in normal society and have that little concern for other people?
I am not sick of this topic, but I am horrified every time another story comes out (knowing there are probably 100 more than aren't reported). I just...I just don't know what to do. It makes me feel so helpless.
"Not gonna lie; I kind of keep expecting you to post one day that you threw down on someone who clearly had no idea that today was NOT THEIR DAY." ~dontcallmeshirley
The mayor appeared to back the police commissioner at her own news conference, and Batts defended his record, saying he was brought on in 2012 to reform the department. Since then, he has fired 50 employees and reduced the number of officer-involved shootings and excessive force complaints.
Opinions on this? My gut reaction is that you don't push for the resignation of the Chief, since he seems to be having an impact. But I don't know if that's the right reaction.
This thing...again, I am at a loss. I don't know that you push the Chief out, either. I mean, I know change starts from the top down, but like you said, it seems like he's making a difference. It also seems....like something that would be done to make people feel better and like something big is being done about the problem, while leaving the real problem officers in place...the every day responders that give "rough rides" and worse.
"Not gonna lie; I kind of keep expecting you to post one day that you threw down on someone who clearly had no idea that today was NOT THEIR DAY." ~dontcallmeshirley
From what I have read, the results of the investigation will be released on May 1. The protest FB pages say that's the next day to watch. I wish they had responded as strongly as the incident in SC a few weeks ago, but everything is pointing to violating policies, refusing treatment, and the power tripping "rough ride" for no crime - there better be indictments coming.
As far as suspending with pay (vs without), but gut says that's internal policy and/or union agreement, and pay will end with indictments.
You can search Maryland court records online. And yes, he has a history of arrests. But keep in mind he was chased bc he "made eye contact" and then ran away. Is that probably cause? Perhaps in West Baltimore.
Post by meshaliuknits on Apr 25, 2015 16:09:18 GMT -5
Butterfly knives are frequently illegal too, no?
I've always wondered what it was about those types of knives that got them banned. Seems to me you're more likely to cut off yourself with them than anything.
Freddie was known for petty possession crap. Mostly pot and some herion (he was raised by a herion addict so...)
Irrelevant IMO.
I really was not trying to be insensitive. I'm sorry if it came out that way.
I definitely think these officers were wrong. I was just saying that I don't know what back history they may have had that would have possibly led them to think he doing something wrong. And I just can't jump to every cop is racist because every day I am shown that that is the minority and admittedly I am a little biased.
Have I told you lately that I love you? Because I totally do.
"Not gonna lie; I kind of keep expecting you to post one day that you threw down on someone who clearly had no idea that today was NOT THEIR DAY." ~dontcallmeshirley
Post by irishbride2 on Apr 25, 2015 16:20:50 GMT -5
I'm biased as well not only because I knew Freddie and his sister , but also because of all the racism I witnessed by Baltimore cops. It definitely popped the bubble I used to live in.
I know there are good ones too. But this is fucked up even if race wasn't an issue.
Post by NewOrleans on Apr 25, 2015 16:43:55 GMT -5
I know this isn't relevant, but really with the switchblade thing? Really? How is an AR legal and a switch isn't? How is an AR meant to do anything other than harm? I just do not understand.
I know this isn't relevant, but really with the switchblade thing? Really? How is an AR legal and a switch isn't? How is an AR meant to do anything other than harm? I just do not understand.
Maybe they did have reason to pursue him. Maybe he should have been arrested. I'll admit, I'm not sure of the facts there, just what I've read. Which is basically that he avoided some police, they chased him and found a knife. But there was no reason for him to die.
Also, reading comments on the local news FB postings makes me weep for humanity. Anyone who claims there is no racism needs to read that (not that anyone here is, or this statement is news to anyone, I just made the mistake of reading them and feel like I need to punch things).
Post by thejackpot on Apr 25, 2015 16:57:54 GMT -5
I am so sick of these cases. The fact that he made eye contact and ran off, even with a history of petty crimes, should not end with his death. Frankly finding the switchblade seems like luck if you consider his history is having small amounts of weed or other drugs. I am glad the protests are peaceful but damn I wish we never had to see another protest for this reason.
Here is the MD citation. Apparently it's only illegal if it's concealed. Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 4-101 (2012)
I will have to read again, but I thought it was legal in Maryland to own, but it was illegal to conceal or open carry. And if I am right, then why would you even want to own it if you can't carry it.
ETA: You are right. I am wrong. Open carry is legal; concealed carry illegal IN MARYLAND.
You can only open carry if you don't have intent to harm. So, umm, I guess you can walk around with it in your hand, and long as you don't get into a fight? It is a weird line, and I'm not sure why you'd want to own one. And yes, I'm learning along the way today...
(1) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon of any kind concealed on or about the person.
(2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner.