I hope this has not already been posted. I find it very disturbing

[piece-itpete]

That I'm beginning to understand.

Pete

[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

This thing is ugly all around, and my heart goes out to the poor kids parents and family. But it's become a much bogger thing, an indictment on much bogger issues. Look at what ccw guys are being called and accused of.

Pete

Pete

Well Pete, this really is a booger of an issue.

IMHO, the rhetoric here has become more polarized than necessary. FWIW, here's what I think.

The circumstances here do present an opportunity for discussion of concealed carry, and legitimate restrictions on gun ownership. That's a difficult discussion to have without charged rhetoric, but the issue is relevant.

When the evidence comes out in dribs and drabs, it is difficult to make a coherent analysis of the circumstances. I've seen enough evidence to think that a judicial officer or grand jury should hear all of the evidence to make a determination. When there has been a homicide - and this clearly comes within the definition of a homicide - a determination whether a crime has been committed should not rest within the sole discretion of the police or prosecuting attorney. That the shooter is connected is reason for particular scrutiny of the decision-making process.

The circumstances are sufficient to raise a real question whether race was a factor here. That a black kid in a gated community is deemed suspicious at least raises an inference of racial profiling. It is a legitimate question, but I agree with many here that we need more evidence to see if an answer to the question is even possible.

Our society is still far from free of racial bias. Undoubtedly racism has greatly diminished over the past few decades, but it is naive to suggest that is is gone. Even among those who would not be perceived as racist, subtle biases can exist. One need not conclude that the shooter is racist to believe that the data set that motivated him included some pre-conceived notions. The jury is still out, so to speak.

Regards,

D-Ray

[Zeke]

Good stuff, D-Ray.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Good stuff, D-Ray.

I agree.

It's like he saved it up for a few days, and then it just came flowing out of him in a singular wave of scholarly wisdom, overwhelming yet genteel.

Dave

[piece-itpete]

Agreed, the gentle D. Thanks for the levelheadedness. I like 'subtle biases' and agree wholeheartedly. We are all 'guilty' of it.

Pete

[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

I agree.

It's like he saved it up for a few days, and then it just came flowing out of him in a singular wave of scholarly wisdom, overwhelming yet genteel.

Dave

Finally wrapped up a case at that last minute - around 10:30 last night. My mind is free from full-scale battle mode.

Besides, if you throw in enough educated-sounding words, even BS can sound like it makes sense. Even if you start off talking about boogers.

Regards,

D-Ray

[Charles]

Originally Posted by noonereal

Because of the damned fat man that lives in my mirror here at home.

That fat sumbitch is hiding in my mirror too. He's so fat that the lard pushed all of the hair out of the top of his head.

He doesn't look very smart either.

Chas

[BlueStreak]

I figured you were immersed in your work. Hope everything came out well.

Dave

[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

I figured you were immersed in your work. Hope everything came out well.

Dave

We'll be able to keep the lights on. But I'm not planning to go out and buy some some of them blue meters.

Regards,

D-Ray

[noonereal]

Originally Posted by Charles

That fat sumbitch is hiding in my mirror too. He's so fat that the lard pushed all of the hair out of the top of his head.

He doesn't look very smart either.

Chas

Nah, different fat man in this mirror

this one has a full head of hair... it's just that it's ghost like white

Mine does look like a dumb ass also though

he don't even dress very well and generally needs a shave

not a pretty picture

think I'll get a new mirror