ANOTHER SCHOOL/PUBLIC SHOOTING

[Maggot]

When the crime involves a black man shooting white victims, whether one or several, it cannot be discussed that the motivation was or may have been racial, so it’s still entirely about the gun. The narrative fits in this case.

[Blindgreed1]

You say one thing, and then say that you said another.

I don't expect you to care whether I or anyone agrees or disagrees, especially when you can't decide if you agree or disagree with your own stated opinions (neither of which I thought sucked).

You know, you might have the makings of successful politician Gunnar (not that I'd vote for your trifling ass, or that you'd care).

Because saying more than one thing on the topic is impossible right? Gotcha. Both points I made pertain to my column of thought.

[Blindgreed1]

When the crime involves a black man shooting white victims, whether one or several, it cannot be discussed that the motivation was or may have been racial, so it’s still entirely about the gun. The narrative fits in this case.

It does bear asking...

[HairOfTheDog]

You say one thing, and then say that you said another.

I don't expect you to care whether I or anyone agrees or disagrees, especially when you can't decide if you agree or disagree with your own stated opinions (neither of which I thought sucked).

You know, you might have the makings of successful politician Gunnar (not that I'd vote for your trifling ass, or that you'd care).

Because saying more than one thing on the topic is impossible right? Gotcha. Both points I made pertain to my column of thought.

Well, your column is either very wide or broken.

You said that you think Facebook exposure increases the number of mass murders. Then you said that you didn't say Facebook increases the number of murders, just that it gives more people their 15 minutes on the way out.

I don't have evidence either way, but tend to think your latter contention is more likely true.

As for the lack of hate crime designation at this point, I think if Williams/Flanagan had shot three white strangers because they were white (which would be comparable to what Roof did at the black church), it would be labeled a "hate crime" quickly.

He instead shot dead 2 white former colleagues with whom he was familiar and with whom he claimed to have personal/professional beefs (hitting a bystander in the process). Based on what's known thus far, it looks to me like he went postal.

[Blindgreed1]

You say one thing, and then say that you said another.

I don't expect you to care whether I or anyone agrees or disagrees, especially when you can't decide if you agree or disagree with your own stated opinions (neither of which I thought sucked).

You know, you might have the makings of successful politician Gunnar (not that I'd vote for your trifling ass, or that you'd care).

Because saying more than one thing on the topic is impossible right? Gotcha. Both points I made pertain to my column of thought.

Well, your column is either very wide or broken.

You said that you think Facebook exposure increases the number of mass murders. Then you said that you didn't say Facebook increases the number of murders, just that it gives more people their 15 minutes on the way out.

I don't have evidence either way, but tend to think your latter contention is more likely true.

As for the lack of hate crime designation at this point, I think if Williams/Flanagan had shot three white strangers because they were white (which would be comparable to what Roof did at the black church), it would be labeled a "hate crime" quickly.

He instead shot dead 2 white former colleagues with whom he was familiar and with whom he claimed to have personal/professional beefs (hitting a bystander in the process). Based on what's known thus far, it looks to me like he went postal.

No I didn't. I said FB doesn't push anyone to do anything. I guess you're having a hard time wrapping your head around the fact that something can influence without pushing people to do things? It's not a difficult concept.

[HairOfTheDog]

"If people weren't looking for the next coolest/controversial thing to post in their FB feeds I don't think we'd see this phenomenon to the extent that we are seeing today."

^ That's exactly what you posted after the last mass shooting and what I thought you were still referring to about your "Facebook theory" yesterday.

I am, in fact, having a hard time understanding how stating your opinion that Facebook feeds lead to more mass murders (the phenomenon), isn't the same as saying that Facebook exposure has increased the number of mass murders today (in your opinion).

But, it doesn't really matter. Write it off to my inability to grasp the simple concept or follow your column of thought; it sometimes happens. No problema mi amigo.

[HairOfTheDog]

Why all the public mass shootings in America?

Here's what one expert has to say.


University of Alabama criminologist ^ Adam Lankford discovered The United States has experienced five times the number of mass shootings in the last 50 years than any other country - and says the 'cultural propensity for violence' is to blame.

The reality is that very few people achieve the wealth, fame and prestige that Americans are socialized to believe is our destiny. When the socially sanctioned path toward success doesn’t take people where they want to go, some resort to other means. Negative social interactions — lack of friends and mentors, failures in school — and mental illness can exacerbate the problem, making them believe that “their dreams are hopeless,” Lankford said.

The strain theory framework has traditionally been used to explain high rates of crime, particularly in poor and marginalized communities, but Lankford says it’s particularly apt to describe mass killings. Unlike most other offenders, shooters are likely to leave behind memos or manifestos purporting to explain their actions. And most of them, including Flanagan, cite negative social interactions and blocked goals as their primary motives. “They are in real pain, but they’re eager to blame that pain on those around them,” Lankford said.

America has the highest rate of mass shootings in the world. There were 291 documented mass shootings in the world between 1966 and 2012, with 90 (31 per cent) occurring in the United States (which has only 5% of the world's population). American mass shooters are also 3.6 times more likely to arm themselves with multiple weapons than mass shooters in other countries.

The Philippines, with 18 mass shootings between 1966 and 2012, was second, followed by Russia (15), Yemen (11), and France (10). America has had five times more mass shootings than any other country in the world in the last 50 years.

Lankford outlined several factors that he believes have caused this, including:
• America's high rate of gun ownership
• The idolization of fame among U.S. mass shooters
• And what Lankford calls the 'the dark side of American exceptionalism'

Lankford also believes the failure of the US health care system to treat mental illness is partly to blame, but is not a entirely a factor in itself.

'Because of its world-leading firearm ownership rate, America does stand apart and this appears connected to its high percentage of mass shootings.'

He added: 'Increasingly in America — perhaps more than in any other country on the globe — fame is revered as an end unto itself, some mass shooters succumb to terrible delusions of grandeur and seek fame and glory through killing.

'They accurately recognize that the only way they can guarantee that their names and faces adorn magazines, newspapers, and television is by slaughtering unarmed men, women, or children.'

Lankford concludes: 'Unfortunately, the most obvious step the United States could take to reduce mass shootings may also be the most politically challenging. Reduce firearms availability.'

Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morni...shootings/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...alism.html

[Midwest Spy]

Just watched a CNN excerpt with the father of the TV reporter slain yesterday.

He said he'll be taking on the NRA because 'something's got to change. crazy people have got to stop legally getting their hands on guns.'

Man, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but if nothing changed after Sandy Hook, nothing ever will.

It all comes down to fate; will you or a loved one be in the wrong place at the wrong time?

[Duchess]

It all comes down to fate; will you or a loved one be in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Just like flying and living life in general.

[Midwest Spy]

It all comes down to fate; will you or a loved one be in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Just like flying and living life in general.

You're equating being murdered to those other two?

[Duchess]

You're equating being murdered to those other two?

I'm talking about losing your life however that may come about. It's all a crap shoot.

[HairOfTheDog]

This is good news.



Despite having been shot in the back several times and having a kidney and part of her colon removed thereafter, Vicki Gardner (pictured above with husband Tim), is expected to make a slow but full recovery.

She is the executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and was being interviewed and filmed live by WDBJ reporter Alison Parker and camera man Adam Ward when they were shot dead.

Details of the account she told her husband here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...z3k8SjtQHq

[HairOfTheDog]

Follow Up to Post 151.


Jurors convicted ^ Frazier Glenn (Cross) Miller on Monday of capital murder and five other charges. The sentencing phase is underway now.

The murderous racist is representing himself; not a fun gig for the judge in the case. Miller - 74, who has Emphysema, is still big on screaming out the Nazi and KKK rhetoric he's been spewing for decades.


Miller's victims were ^ a 69-year old grandfather, the man's 14-year-old grandson, and a 53-year old wife and mother -- he picked them off at two nearby Jewish Centers back in August 2014.

Even though none of the three victims turned out to be Jewish, the dipshit told the jury that he couldn't know that, and anyway he doesn't regret his actions because Jews have committed genocide against white people (and Jews control both the media and Wall Street to the detriment of white Americans).

During his closing argument, Miller said he had been "floating on a cloud" since the killings. Earlier, he objected when District Attorney Steve Howe alleged that he wanted to kill as many people as possible. Miller interjected: "I wanted to kill Jews, not people."

In arguing that he shouldn't be sentenced to death, Miller told the court: "I had no criminal intent, I had a patriotic intent to stop genocide against my people. I hate Jews, they are the ones who destroy us." He also compared his killing spree to George Washington's fight for America's independence.

If he gets the death sentence, he'll die long before the state of Kansas could execute him anyway (but still not soon enough).

Refs:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jury-to-weig...-killings/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ex-k...c9f3537116

[BlueTiki]

What's more fucked up is they can't (won't) execute a physically ill inmate.

You can only kill healthy ones.

[HairOfTheDog]

Death Penalty Sought for South Carolina Mass Murderer


Court documents filed Thursday said prosecutors would pursue the death penalty against 21-year-old Dylann Roof (pictured above) because more than two people were killed, and that others' lives were put at risk.

"This was the ultimate crime and justice from our state calls for the ultimate punishment," South Carolina prosecutor Scarlett Wilson said at a press conference today.


^ Wilson told the press that some victims and some family members of victims of the shootings at the black church, because of their faith, do not believe in the death penalty under any circumstance. Others believe the death penalty is entirely appropriate.

But she said that forgiveness does not mean foregoing consequences.

Ref: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/charleston-c...utor-says/

[Blindgreed1]

Death Penalty Sought for South Carolina Mass Murderer


Court documents filed Thursday said prosecutors would pursue the death penalty against 21-year-old Dylann Roof (pictured above) because more than two people were killed, and that others' lives were put at risk.

"This was the ultimate crime and justice from our state calls for the ultimate punishment," South Carolina prosecutor Scarlett Wilson said at a press conference today.


^ Wilson told the press that some victims and some family members of victims of shootings at the black church, because of their faith, do not believe in the death penalty under any circumstance. Others believe the death penalty is entirely appropriate.

But she said that forgiveness does not mean foregoing consequences.

Ref: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/charleston-c...utor-says/

Of course the prosecutor in South Carolina's name is Scarlett.

[HairOfTheDog]

Of course the prosecutor in South Carolina's name is Scarlett.

Frankly, Gunnar, I don't give a damn.

So, this winner, Joey Meek, a friend of Dylann Roof, has just been hit with federal charges for lying to police and concealing information.



The indictment says 21-year-old Meek stated to an FBI agent that he did not know specifics about Roof's plan to shoot churchgoers during Bible study, but the FBI says that was a lie.

Authorities notified Meek last month that he was under investigation. He was arrested Thursday. Meek has said Roof stayed with him in Lexington County before the June 17 shootings.

Meek previously told The Associated Press that, before the shooting, Roof drunkenly complained that blacks were taking over the world."

Meek is expected to appear in court for arraignment today. It wasn't immediately clear whether he had an attorney to contact for comment on the case.

Ref: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/joey...e8b0cdd589
-------------------------

The three roommates of Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev faced similar charges in that case; they were all convicted and sentenced to prison.

[Blindgreed1]

Of course the prosecutor in South Carolina's name is Scarlett.

Frankly, Gunnar, I don't give a damn.

So, this winner, Joey Meek, a friend of Dylann Roof, has just been hit with federal charges for lying to police and concealing information.



The indictment says 21-year-old Meek stated to an FBI agent that he did not know specifics about Roof's plan to shoot churchgoers during Bible study, but the FBI says that was a lie.

Authorities notified Meek last month that he was under investigation. He was arrested Thursday. Meek has said Roof stayed with him in Lexington County before the June 17 shootings.

Meek previously told The Associated Press that, before the shooting, Roof drunkenly complained that blacks were taking over the world."

Meek is expected to appear in court for arraignment today. It wasn't immediately clear whether he had an attorney to contact for comment on the case.

Ref: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/joey...e8b0cdd589
-------------------------

The three roommates of Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev faced similar charges in that case; they were all convicted and sentenced to prison.

This one might be a bit of a stretch to convict. Based on what I saw on the news this morning, this dude keeps changing his story. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out he didn't know shit and just wanted to be on TV.

[HairOfTheDog]

This one might be a bit of a stretch to convict. Based on what I saw on the news this morning, this dude keeps changing his story. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out he didn't know shit and just wanted to be on TV.

Yeah, he doesn't seem like the sharpest tool in the shed - that's true. Still, stupidity and fame-whoring aren't defenses for lying to police and withholding information.

I saw that another Einstein, this one in your neck of the woods, was arrested last night. I'd read a couple of stories about the I-10 Arizona Sniper over the past few weeks and was glad to see that an arrest was made.

[HairOfTheDog]

ARIZONA 1-10 SNIPER SUSPECT ARRESTED

-Authorities arrested ^ Leslie (Les) Allen Merritt Jr., 21, at a Wal-Mart in a Glendale, Arizona on Friday night

-Officials say at the time of the arrest, Merritt Jr. was with a woman and a five-year-old child outside of the store.
- The Arizona Department of Public Safety said state troopers had stepped up patrols, while other agencies assisting in the investigation included Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa police as well as the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
-$50,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest (I don't know if anyone has claim to the reward).
-Like a true genius, Merritt Jr. reportedly pawned a 9mm handgun that officials confirmed was used in at least four of the shootings (they haven't ruled out copy-cat shooters in some of the shootings) - he is the same person on record as buying the gun.
-Since August 29 there have been 11 confirmed shootings of vehicles in the Phoenix area on or near the Interstate 10 freeway.
-There have been no serious injuries, though a 13-year-old girl's ear was cut by glass after a bullet shattered a window of a car.
-A judge ordered the release of Oscar Munoz who was arrested on Sept. 11^th and was questioned in relation to the shootings.

The local ABC affiliate broke the news to Merritt's father, Leslie Allan Merritt Sr. He became physically ill after learning about his son’s arrest. “Whoever said my son is the freeway shooter is a moron,” he said from his home in Mesa. “It’s got to be some sort of mistake or someone wanted the reward. This is just preposterous.”

Merritt Sr., who says he spent several years locked up when his son was growing up, said his son works as a landscaper, just as he does, and puts in 12 to 15 hours a day to support his family. “He has been raised with too much respect for life and too much for firearms” to have done this, he said.

Dad's a talker; video at second link below.

Refs:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...weeks.html
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loca.../72462172/