Looting in Missouri after cops shoot 18 year old (5 Viewers)

[Henry Ford]

Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree?

Police sources tell us Brown`s Grandmother, Pearlie Gordon, along with Brown`s Cousin Tony Petty, were selling t-shirts and other Michael Brown merchandise.

A police report describes a car pulling up and several people getting out. One of those people, was reported to be Michael Brown`s Mom, Lesley McSpadden. A witness described McSpadden yelling ‘You can`t sell this s%$&” One of the relatives, who was selling, reportedly demanded McSpadden show a document proving she had a patent.

The police report says that`s when an unidentified person with McSpadden assaulted Petty so violently that it resulted in a 911 call. A witness tells Fox 2 that the weapon was a metal pipe or pole. The suspect reportedly struck Petty in the face. Medics then took him to Christian Northeast Hospital. The witness said the assault suspect grabbed merchandise and a box of cash believed to contain about $1,400.

It appears surveillance cameras could have captured the fight and be part of police evidence. Police report no arrests at this time.

http://fox2now.com/2014/10/22/police-investigating-assault-and-theft-following-argument-between-brown-family-relatives/

WTF is wrong with people?

That does seem like a hard request to comply with.

 

[Mark Davis]

Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree?

Police sources tell us Brown`s Grandmother, Pearlie Gordon, along with Brown`s Cousin Tony Petty, were selling t-shirts and other Michael Brown merchandise.

A police report describes a car pulling up and several people getting out. One of those people, was reported to be Michael Brown`s Mom, Lesley McSpadden. A witness described McSpadden yelling ‘You can`t sell this s%$&” One of the relatives, who was selling, reportedly demanded McSpadden show a document proving she had a patent.

The police report says that`s when an unidentified person with McSpadden assaulted Petty so violently that it resulted in a 911 call. A witness tells Fox 2 that the weapon was a metal pipe or pole. The suspect reportedly struck Petty in the face. Medics then took him to Christian Northeast Hospital. The witness said the assault suspect grabbed merchandise and a box of cash believed to contain about $1,400.

It appears surveillance cameras could have captured the fight and be part of police evidence. Police report no arrests at this time.

http://fox2now.com/2014/10/22/police-investigating-assault-and-theft-following-argument-between-brown-family-relatives/

That's ####### beautiful. Way to go Pearlie.

Pearlie getting her capitalism on.

 

[dschuler]

If these witnesses were lying, which is very likely, they should be held accountable. Sickening that people would possibly lie when it comes to matters like this.

 

[Stinger Ray]

Yes, I'm sure there are idiots out there somewhere who believe that any fact that comes out that is against Michael Brown is racist. Just as there are some idiots out there who believe that any fact that comes out against Officer Wilson is leftist and anti-police. I'm not one of those people and I don't think there have been any of those people, on either side, in this thread. (With the possible exception of GrandpaRox.) I'm sick and tired of being shoehorned by those who disagree with me as somebody who sees racism under every crevice. I'm sick and tired of others being accused of the same. I'm sick and tired of conservatives around here being painted as racists all the time, when almost none of them are. These straw men serve no purpose other than halt discussion and debate.

First, you earned your reputation of your own accord, now live with it.Second, if you don't want people making things about you, then stop making posts like this where you make it all about you.

I probably should have added you along with Grandpa Rox in the bolded. I apologize. I have no reputation of calling people racist who disagree with me. In fact, I challenge you to link one time, in this or any thread in the FFA, when I have ever done that.

You often state that people that disagree with you about issues with Obama do it because they hate him and are racist. And of course your rants about the Tea Party.

1. Link to the bolded?2. Link to when I ever wrote that Tea Party was racist? Stinger Ray, I will send you $100 today if you can find a post in which I state that the Tea Party is a racist organization, or comprised of racists, or that the majority of Tea Party members are racist. You find that quote, and I'll send it to you by Paypal today.

BS! There are many instances where you have said people that disagree with Obama hate him in threads where people disagree with you and you imply often that there are many racists in the Tea Party. You are so delusional it's pathetic.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Oh, come on. Tim has over 79,000 posts. Surely you have the time to dig through all of those posts to find the quote he claims you'll never find.

 

[timschochet]

Yes, I'm sure there are idiots out there somewhere who believe that any fact that comes out that is against Michael Brown is racist. Just as there are some idiots out there who believe that any fact that comes out against Officer Wilson is leftist and anti-police. I'm not one of those people and I don't think there have been any of those people, on either side, in this thread. (With the possible exception of GrandpaRox.) I'm sick and tired of being shoehorned by those who disagree with me as somebody who sees racism under every crevice. I'm sick and tired of others being accused of the same. I'm sick and tired of conservatives around here being painted as racists all the time, when almost none of them are. These straw men serve no purpose other than halt discussion and debate.

First, you earned your reputation of your own accord, now live with it.Second, if you don't want people making things about you, then stop making posts like this where you make it all about you.

I probably should have added you along with Grandpa Rox in the bolded. I apologize. I have no reputation of calling people racist who disagree with me. In fact, I challenge you to link one time, in this or any thread in the FFA, when I have ever done that.

You often state that people that disagree with you about issues with Obama do it because they hate him and are racist. And of course your rants about the Tea Party.

1. Link to the bolded?2. Link to when I ever wrote that Tea Party was racist? Stinger Ray, I will send you $100 today if you can find a post in which I state that the Tea Party is a racist organization, or comprised of racists, or that the majority of Tea Party members are racist. You find that quote, and I'll send it to you by Paypal today.

BS! There are many instances where you have said people that disagree with Obama hate him in threads where people disagree with you and you imply often that there are many racists in the Tea Party. You are so delusional it's pathetic.

There are certainly haters of Obama. I've never stated that anyone who disagreed with him hated him. I disagree with him a lot, but I don't hate him.

As to the bolded, my challenge to you stands. Show me a link. Let's see who's the delusional one here.

 

[[icon]]

I'm buying into the reports that there was a 3rd shooter behind the grassy knoll in klan garb, as reported by the Brown family.

 

[mcintyre1]

I wasn't there and you weren't there. Somehow, Brown ended up leaning into the car and fighting with Wilson. You can laugh all you want, but I don't think its out of the realm of possibility that Wilson grabbed Brown through the window (while not necessarily trying to pull him into the car).


I already said it isn't reasonable for Brown to rush Wilson. Same way it isn't reasonable for Wilson to shoot at Brown when he wasn't likely an imminent threat. I am not on the side of Brown. I am waiting for all the evidence to be presented. Hopefully justice will prevail.

It's totally out of the realm of possibilities. A cop sitting in a vehicle and a guy standing. Who has the upper hand? Answer the question. But before you do, understand that he's not going to try and grab the guy and drive off. The guy is 6'4 and 250 or so. Wilson is totally vulnerable in that situation. The guy would have to be an idiot and there is no past events on his record to point to that.

You are simply clinging to a bunch of so called witness who are liars.

Guess we'll just agree to disagree. One last thing I would say is that neither Wilson or Brown appear to have been overly bright in their actions.

Brown was a thug. Wilson dealt with the thug the way thug's need dealt with. You need to understand that Brown just robbed a store and had no idea if Wilson had knowledge of the theft yet or the description. Wilson had no idea he was dealing with a flat out moron even if he had just received the description. He is certainly not going to simply radio in for backup like 'I have the perp in my sights.' He checked them out like he was trained to do and the moron went nuts on him thinking Wilson was onto the robbery he just committed.

Attention Ditkaless Wonders: Iodo1 is presuming to speak for Wilson. He is also making presumptions about Brown. He never bothers to write, "Here's what I think", or "based on the information we have, my feeling is". He simply makes these statements as if they were undisputed facts, which of course they're not. Tell me, Ditkaless Wonders, does this offend you to your core?

Yet once the facts come out, I'm always right and you are usually wrong. There is a reason the results favor me. I use logic, you use emotion.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Good lord. I forgot what thread I was in. Doesn't matter, they're all about the same thing.

 

[StrikeS2k]

Good lord. I forgot what thread I was in. Doesn't matter, they're all about the same thing.

Tim?

 

[Sinn Fein]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

 

[timschochet]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

of course. Cops must be held to a higher standard.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

of course. Cops must be held to a higher standard.

I get the sense it works in reverse in reality - cops are given more leeway, and are more trusted.

I don't think police officers should have any more or less rights to defend themselves, but we seem to grant them this rights expressly or implicitly.

 

[avoiding injuries]

It changes everything if he's not...but, if Wilson isn't a cop I think he's charged immediately.

 

[Rayderr]

It changes everything if he's not...but, if Wilson isn't a cop I think he's charged immediately.

Oh definitely. He can't be in uniform and driving a squad car if he's not a cop. Impersonating a police officer is a serious offense.

 

[matttyl]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

What does that training involve? I would be surprised if more than 5% of police officers receive enough on-going training for dealing with belligerent citizens.

Also, and more to the point, how did the training help in this situation? And, do you think its a good policy to encourage police officers to shoot unarmed citizens, simply because they have more training for such instances?

 

[Jim11]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

What does that training involve? I would be surprised if more than 5% of police officers receive enough on-going training for dealing with belligerent citizens.

Also, and more to the point, how did the training help in this situation? And, do you think its a good policy to encourage police officers to shoot unarmed citizens, simply because they have more training for such instances?

Who encourages police officers to shoot unarmed citizens?

 

[Rayderr]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

What does that training involve? I would be surprised if more than 5% of police officers receive enough on-going training for dealing with belligerent citizens.

Also, and more to the point, how did the training help in this situation? And, do you think its a good policy to encourage police officers to shoot unarmed citizens, simply because they have more training for such instances?

Who encourages police officers to shoot unarmed citizens?

The Man.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

What does that training involve? I would be surprised if more than 5% of police officers receive enough on-going training for dealing with belligerent citizens.

Also, and more to the point, how did the training help in this situation? And, do you think its a good policy to encourage police officers to shoot unarmed citizens, simply because they have more training for such instances?

Who encourages police officers to shoot unarmed citizens?

You, and your ilk - who encourage laws allowing police to shoot citizens.

See a fleeing felon - shoot to kill.

Are you afraid? - shoot to kill.

Can't subdue an unruly citizen - shoot to kill.

Think someone poses a threat? Shoot to kill.

What if I am not sure - shoot to kill, ask questions later.

 

[lod01]

When the grand jury hands down their decision, do the names of those that testified on Wilson's half become public info? I would think they do. If so, it will be good to see them go on national TV and explain what really happened and then get some feedback from the Brown family and attorney Crumb as they try and pick up the pieces of their failed lynching.

I also want to see the face of that stupid radio host/attorney that refused to accept the truth when it doesn't go her way.

 

[lod01]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

What does that training involve? I would be surprised if more than 5% of police officers receive enough on-going training for dealing with belligerent citizens.

Also, and more to the point, how did the training help in this situation? And, do you think its a good policy to encourage police officers to shoot unarmed citizens, simply because they have more training for such instances?

Who encourages police officers to shoot unarmed citizens?

You, and your ilk - who encourage laws allowing police to shoot citizens.

See a fleeing felon - shoot to kill.

Are you afraid? - shoot to kill.

Can't subdue an unruly citizen - shoot to kill.

Think someone poses a threat? Shoot to kill.

What if I am not sure - shoot to kill, ask questions later.

So clueless.

 

[GrandpaRox]

Sad that these witnesses who are standing up for the officer will probably have to leave the area once they are identified. If they could have come out right away in defense of the officer, none of this current BS would even be going on. They know it but are also smart enough to know what happens when they are identified.

Your a racist implying that vengeance will be the outcome of the judicial process.

 

[lod01]

Sad that these witnesses who are standing up for the officer will probably have to leave the area once they are identified. If they could have come out right away in defense of the officer, none of this current BS would even be going on. They know it but are also smart enough to know what happens when they are identified.

Your a racist implying that vengeance will be the outcome of the judicial process.

Simply using thewitnesses own concerns as stated to the grand jury, pal. You would be the racist by proclaiming my statement is because I'm racist.

Also, you are way overmatched against me. You'd be best just fading into the background.

 

[timschochet]

I wish I had an ilk.

 

[timschochet]

Sad that these witnesses who are standing up for the officer will probably have to leave the area once they are identified. If they could have come out right away in defense of the officer, none of this current BS would even be going on. They know it but are also smart enough to know what happens when they are identified.

Your a racist implying that vengeance will be the outcome of the judicial process.

Simply using thewitnesses own concerns as stated to the grand jury, pal. You would be the racist by proclaiming my statement is because I'm racist.

Also, you are way overmatched against me. You'd be best just fading into the background.

He's being sarcastic.

 

[lod01]

Sad that these witnesses who are standing up for the officer will probably have to leave the area once they are identified. If they could have come out right away in defense of the officer, none of this current BS would even be going on. They know it but are also smart enough to know what happens when they are identified.

Your a racist implying that vengeance will be the outcome of the judicial process.

Simply using thewitnesses own concerns as stated to the grand jury, pal. You would be the racist by proclaiming my statement is because I'm racist.

Also, you are way overmatched against me. You'd be best just fading into the background.

He's being sarcastic.

oh...then it's funny.

 

[timschochet]

Sad that these witnesses who are standing up for the officer will probably have to leave the area once they are identified. If they could have come out right away in defense of the officer, none of this current BS would even be going on. They know it but are also smart enough to know what happens when they are identified.

Your a racist implying that vengeance will be the outcome of the judicial process.

Simply using thewitnesses own concerns as stated to the grand jury, pal. You would be the racist by proclaiming my statement is because I'm racist.

Also, you are way overmatched against me. You'd be best just fading into the background.

He's being sarcastic.

oh...then it's funny.

Not from him it's not.

While I disagree with you on several points regarding this issue, Iod01, never once did I believe you to be racist in any way. The same cannot be said for GrandpaRox.

 

[GrandpaRox]

Sad that these witnesses who are standing up for the officer will probably have to leave the area once they are identified. If they could have come out right away in defense of the officer, none of this current BS would even be going on. They know it but are also smart enough to know what happens when they are identified.

Your a racist implying that vengeance will be the outcome of the judicial process.

Simply using thewitnesses own concerns as stated to the grand jury, pal. You would be the racist by proclaiming my statement is because I'm racist.

Also, you are way overmatched against me. You'd be best just fading into the background.

Your funny and wrong. You make me feel so small,

 

[matttyl]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

What does that training involve? I would be surprised if more than 5% of police officers receive enough on-going training for dealing with belligerent citizens.

Also, and more to the point, how did the training help in this situation? And, do you think its a good policy to encourage police officers to shoot unarmed citizens, simply because they have more training for such instances?

For all we know it saved an officer's life.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I have no reputation of calling people racist who disagree with me. In fact, I challenge you to link one time, in this or any thread in the FFA, when I have ever done that.

While I disagree with you on several points regarding this issue, Iod01, never once did I believe you to be racist in any way. The same cannot be said for GrandpaRox.

Do you have paypal?

 

[timschochet]

Apparently you guys don't read very well.

 

[Jim11]

Would your opinion of the events change, if Wilson was not a cop?

Should that matter?

Yes and yes. Cops are trained for these types of situations as well as are given firearms training. That training, as far as I know, it's just a one time thing either.

What does that training involve? I would be surprised if more than 5% of police officers receive enough on-going training for dealing with belligerent citizens.

Also, and more to the point, how did the training help in this situation? And, do you think its a good policy to encourage police officers to shoot unarmed citizens, simply because they have more training for such instances?

Who encourages police officers to shoot unarmed citizens?

You, and your ilk - who encourage laws allowing police to shoot citizens.

See a fleeing felon - shoot to kill.

Are you afraid? - shoot to kill.

Can't subdue an unruly citizen - shoot to kill.

Think someone poses a threat? Shoot to kill.

What if I am not sure - shoot to kill, ask questions later.

Trolling, I see.

 

[kentric]

Apparently you guys don't read very well.

Of course not, they're racists.

 

[timschochet]

Apparently you guys don't read very well.

Apparenetly you don't write well, homeboy. Here's what you wrote:

I have no reputation of calling people racist who disagree with me. In fact, I challenge you to link one time, in this or any thread in the FFA, when I have ever done that.







There are two elements to meet the criteria:

1) The person has to disagree with you; and

2) You call the person racist.

Here:

1) Grandpa disagrees with you; and

2) You called him racist.

If you were as smart as you think you are you would have wrote:

I have no reputation of calling people racist solely because they disagree with me.

Now live up to the terms of your challenge and give yourself the self-imposed thirty day ban. Shocker, that you didn't even last twenty-four hours to call someone racist after you claimed you never do that.

Try reading it again, Sparky.

 

[timschochet]

Olaf, it's insulting that I should have to explain this to you. Not insulting to me, but insulting to YOU. You seem like an intelligent guy, so I can't fathom how you couldn't understand what I wrote, because it was very clear. But since you appear befuddled, I will explain it again.

I don't call people racist because they disagree with me. If that were so, I'd be calling you, and Avoiding Injuries, and Iod01, and all the rest of you who disagree with me on this subject racist. In fact, I don't consider any of you to be racist. You disagree with me on several points regarding this issue, and that stems, I suspect, from a larger disagreement on the overall relationship between white policeman and young black males in this country. That's fine, it's a legitimate disagreement, and both sides have their respectful point of views. I disagree with you, but I respect your POV and I do not consider you racist.

Grandpa Rox made comments that make me think he is a racist. That has NOTHING to do with my disagreement with him on this issue. I wrote earlier:

I have no reputation of calling people racist solely because they disagree with me.

This statement stands, there is no contradiction. Got it now?

 

[timschochet]

Olaf, you just admitted that you knew exactly what I meant. Furthermore, in the same paragraph in which I wrote that GrandpaRox was racist, I also wrote that Iod01 was NOT racist. So my meaning was clear. You're just playing with word games, and being a ####. Hope you are enjoying yourself.

 

[lod01]

Let's get this thread back on track people. Countdown to phase two of the Ferguson riots. Wilson not indicted, commence 'burn it all down to the ground'.

 

[timschochet]

Let's get this thread back on track people. Countdown to phase two of the Ferguson riots. Wilson not indicted, commence 'burn it all down to the ground'.

How sure are you that Wilson won't be indicted? Based on what we know, I don't believe he should be, but

1. I have no idea if I know everything the grand jury knows.

2. Just because you and I have logical reasons for not indicting Wilson, that doesn't mean the GJ won't follow a different line of reasoning.

 

[lod01]

Let's get this thread back on track people. Countdown to phase two of the Ferguson riots. Wilson not indicted, commence 'burn it all down to the ground'.

How sure are you that Wilson won't be indicted? Based on what we know, I don't believe he should be, but

1. I have no idea if I know everything the grand jury knows.

2. Just because you and I have logical reasons for not indicting Wilson, that doesn't mean the GJ won't follow a different line of reasoning.

Right now, I am 100% sure. I am basing that on those 'leaks' being true that there are witness supporting Wilson's side. If you have 7-8 people testifying that his side of the story is what they saw, you can just toss out the friend's story and those people who blabbered on TV.

 

[Jim11]

Let's get this thread back on track people. Countdown to phase two of the Ferguson riots. Wilson not indicted, commence 'burn it all down to the ground'.

How sure are you that Wilson won't be indicted? Based on what we know, I don't believe he should be, but

1. I have no idea if I know everything the grand jury knows.

2. Just because you and I have logical reasons for not indicting Wilson, that doesn't mean the GJ won't follow a different line of reasoning.

The only way he would be indicted is if they make him a sacrificial lamb to appease the protestors.

 

[Gary Coal Man]

Amnesty International Releases New Ferguson Report Documenting Human Rights Abuses

October 24, 2014; Amnesty USA

Following the initial protests in Ferguson, Missouri sparked by the shooting death of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown, Amnesty International USA dispatched a human rights delegation which included observers to monitor the protests and police response. Today, the human rights organization has released a new report, On the Streets of America: Human Rights Abuses in Ferguson, documenting the human rights concerns witnessed first-hand by Amnesty International while in Ferguson from August 14-22, 2014. The report also outlines a series of recommendations that need to be implemented with regards to the use of force by law enforcement officers and the policing of protests.

This weekend, human rights activists are gathering in St. Louis for Amnesty International USA’s 2014 Midwest Regional Conference.

“What Amnesty International witnessed in Missouri on the ground this summer underscored that human rights abuses do not just happen across borders and oceans,” said Steven W. Hawkins, executive director of Amnesty International USA. “No matter where you live in the world, everyone is entitled to the same basic rights as a human being – and one of those rights is the freedom to peacefully protest.

Standing on W. Florissant Avenue with my colleagues, I saw a police force, armed to the teeth, with military-grade weapons. I saw a crowd that included the elderly and young children fighting the effects of tear gas. There must be accountability and systemic change that follows this excessive force.”

What happened between Michael Brown and Officer Darren Wilson remains uncertain, due to conflicting reports. Michael Brown was unarmed and as such, it calls into question whether the use of lethal force was justified. The circumstances of the killing must be urgently clarified. Investigations must be concluded as soon as possible and must be transparent, as this case merits public scrutiny. Amnesty International’s report urges the Missouri Legislature to amend the Missouri statute that authorizes the use of lethal force, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 563.046, to ensure that the use of lethal force by law enforcement would be limited to those instances in which it is necessary to protect life.

The report also details the impact of city, county and state law enforcement and officials’ responses on the rights of individuals in Ferguson to participate in peaceful protest. Amnesty International documented a number of restrictions placed on protestors, including the imposition of curfews, designated protest areas and a “five-second” keep walking rule. Intimidation of protesters is also included in the report, which details the use of heavy-duty riot gear and military-grade weapons as well as questionable protest dispersal practices, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and long range acoustic devices.

“This is about accountability,” added Hawkins. “The events in Ferguson sparked a much-needed and long-overdue conversation on race and policing in America. That conversation cannot stop. In order to restore justice to Ferguson, and every community afflicted by police brutality, we must both document the injustices committed and fight to prevent them from happening again. There is a path forward, but it requires substantive actions on the local, state and federal levels.”

The mistreatment of journalists and observers is another area of focus highlighted in the report. Between August 13 and October 2, at least 19 journalists and members of the media were arrested by law enforcement while others were subjected to tear gas and the use of rubber bullets. Reporters for CNN, Al Jazeera America and other outlets report being harassed or physically threatened. Likewise, legal and human rights observers have also faced arrest for carrying out their roles.

Amnesty International makes several recommendations to local, state and federal authorities regarding both the use of lethal force and the policing of protests. The organization also renews its recommendation that the Department of Justice (DOJ) conduct an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the death of Michael Brown; promptly implement a DOJ-led review of police tactics and practices nationwide, and release nationwide data on police shootings. Finally, the report calls for the United States Congress to pass the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act.

 

[Mark Davis]

Let's get this thread back on track people. Countdown to phase two of the Ferguson riots. Wilson not indicted, commence 'burn it all down to the ground'.

I think it's the local shop owners that need to be practicing "Hands Up, Don't Shoot"

 

[humpback]

Incidents like this aren't going to help things.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

FERGUSON, Mo. – Missouri police have been brushing up on constitutional rights and stocking up on riot gear to prepare for a grand jury's decision about whether to charge a white police officer who fatally shot a black 18-year-old in suburban St. Louis.

Don't think I've read those words before. This indictment suggest this is a bit late, but this article is what I was looking for when I found those. I know nothing about the author other than the brief bio presented, but I was not expecting this last paragraph.

The lesson from Los Angeles is this: Public and political pressure has the power to transform a local agency with a deeply troubled history. Community members in Ferguson and other jurisdictions, where the police are less sympathetic to the needs of minorities, should use every civic means to push their police toward community-based policing. If that requires protesting for weeks or months and involving the federal agencies, there should be no letup in pressure until meaningful changes are seen. This is about the cops and the people they have sworn to protect and serve, not just about Wilson and Brown.

 

[Widbil83]

Let's get this thread back on track people. Countdown to phase two of the Ferguson riots. Wilson not indicted, commence 'burn it all down to the ground'.

How sure are you that Wilson won't be indicted? Based on what we know, I don't believe he should be, but1. I have no idea if I know everything the grand jury knows.

2. Just because you and I have logical reasons for not indicting Wilson, that doesn't mean the GJ won't follow a different line of reasoning.

Right now, I am 100% sure. I am basing that on those 'leaks' being true that there are witness supporting Wilson's side. If you have 7-8 people testifying that his side of the story is what they saw, you can just toss out the friend's story and those people who blabbered on TV.

I am very curious about his friend Johnson. I heard he is in protective custody (twitter reports so take it for what it's worth). That leads me to believe he told the GJ a very different story than he told the media at first.

 

[Todd Andrews]

Serpico speaks out.

 

[msommer]

Is Wilson left handed?

 

[Gary Coal Man]

Operation Ferguson posted the following on Twitter yesterday along with many more subsequent tweets on the topic. Interesting Twitter feed, but I'm not sure how reliable it is. Take it with a grain of salt.

Operation Ferguson @OpFerguson · 13 hrs13 hours ago
LEAKED: Based on 2 reliable confidential sources we now confirm an imminent announcement that the Grand Jury will NOT indict Darren Wilson.
Operation Ferguson @OpFerguson · 13 hrs13 hours ago
LEAKED: Our sources indicate that virtually every local police agency as well as the National Guard and all local jails are on high alert.


Operation Ferguson @OpFerguson · 13 hrs13 hours ago Our best theory based on the data is some short time after Election Day. | @darlenemcki
https://twitter.com/OpFerguson

 

[Henry Ford]

Oops.

If you listened to the media reports this past week, it would appear that evidence had come forward to exonerate Officer Darren Wilson in the death of teen Michael Brown in August. It began when the St. Louis Dispatch ran an article titled “Official autopsy shows Michael Brown had close-range wound to his hand, marijuana in system” and quickly propagated throughout the net. If you read it, or the articles based on it, the impression was that the coroner who handled the autopsy had found that Michael Brown had attempted to grab Officer Wilson’s gun, and in so doing the officer was justified in the use of force which resulted in Michael’s death. They even included quotes from a forensics expert, Dr, Judy Melinek, which appeared to indicate familiarity with the case, and justification of the teens untimely death.

Problem is, the autopsy report says nothing of the sort.

Instead, the story as put down in the report damns Officer Wilson. In the report, the evidence fit with Officer Wilson having unholstered his weapon and discharge it, still in the car, against an unarmed teen. It did find that Michael Brown had been exposed to cannabis at least 24 hours earlier, based on his blood and urine toxicology. The amount found, 12 nanograms of delta-9-thc in his blood along with over 150 nanograms of 11-Nor-Delta-9-THC-cooh, at his BMI of over 34, denoted someone who had smoked two cannabis blunts the day before, and at least 4 more over the prior week. Not exactly someone who was a hard core drug offender. But it was above the point of impairment for driving. Thankfully, Michael Brown was walking that day.

Now, many news sites ran with the claim that Michael Brown reached for officer Wilson’s gun. But the autopsy report tells a very different story. The only shot which indicated it was close to Officer Wilson, by having a powder burn or residue, was a burn on the inside of Michael Brown’s thumb, along with a bullet graze, which ran straight down the inside, across his thumbprint. Visualize just a moment, a bullet, in close proximity, so close that it could burn your thumb just below the knuckle, with the bullet heading straight out, away from the hand. A bullet coming out of a barrel likely touching the thumb at the knuckle joint, based on the description.

A thumb attached to a hand which had to be underneath the gun, pushing it upward, for the bullet to travel along that path.


That is not a hand placement for reaching into a car to grab a gun at all. That is not a hand position for wrestling a gun away from someone. That is a hand placement for pushing an already drawn sidearm up and out-of-the-way – a defensive move as someone is attempting to level it at you in order to kill you. It is unknown if Michael Brown had taken any self-defense classes, but this is a valid defensive response when ones life is in danger – to defend against the aggressor as best they can. This means however that Officer Wilson had drawn his sidearm against an unarmed teen before the situation had escalated, something also mentioned directly in the autopsy report. This would imply that Officer Wilson purposefully and willfully engaged with Michael Brown, with the result that the 18-year-old lost his life.

Every other injury to Michael Brown lacked any trace of firearm residue, meaning that they all happened at distance – away from the vehicle. The defenders of Darren Wilson therefore are defending the officers rights to engage in murder, so long as they can come up with a justification post-mortem.

As for the forensics expert, turned out that the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had completely misrepresented her in their piece. On “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnel” Dr. Melinek blasted the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for their complete misrepresentation of her statements and went on the record with her findings based on the autopsy report.

At this time, no apology from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch over their gross misrepresentation of the statements given has been released, and it is quite probable that none will be. As for Officer Wilson, he now has even more to explain, such as why he was aiming a loaded firearm at an unarmed teenager through his patrol car window. There is no plausible explanation for such an action that anyone is yet aware of. It is now on Officer Wilson to explain his actions that afternoon in August.