Ferguson / Staten Island Decisions -- No Indictments

Garner's guilt or innocence with regard to selling untaxed cigarettes has no bearing on whether the officer should have been indicted on criminal charges. None.

 

But what gives you the impression that Garner was not "presumed innocent"?

 

LOL. I had the same thought when I first read this.

 

Absolutely agree.

 

It's unclear that what was used on Garner, as defined by the NYPD guidelines, constitutes a chokehold.

The Commissioner isn't definitive when asked about it: http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/12/8557856/bratton-hedges-chokehold-vows-no-mass-arrests

And, the grand jury either found it not to be an illegal act, or that there was no intent.

The cop that took Garner down was taking down someone much larger than himself. He definitely has his arm around Garner's neck for a few seconds, but he never locks it in by grasping his other arm. And, as soon as he can, he lets go of the neck.

Now, the simple fact that Garner was able to say, "I can't breathe," 11 times is proof that, in fact, he could breathe. If your air is cut off, you can't talk.

I think Garner panicked. Instead of breathing, he panicked. This is a 350lb guy, with asthma, and a bad heart, thanks to his obesity, and lack of exercise. This was surly the most physical activity he had engaged in for quite some time.

And, it is sad. But, he didn't die "because he was a criminal". He was arrested in an aggressive manner because he resisted arrest. The physical nature of that arrest, combined with his health, led to his death.

It's sad, but it doesn't make the cop who took him down criminally responsible.

 

+2

 

It's not the cops on the beat's decision to enforce, or turn a blind eye to this activity.

It's been the NYPD's policy for two decades to crack down on petty crimes, and it's been extremely effective.

And, I challenge anyone here who mocks the enforcement of the law to tell me that they would have no problem with this kind of activity happening in their neighborhood.

Or, just for kicks, go try and sell loosies in front of your own neighborhood convenience store, and share your experiences with us.

 

Who has argued anything different?

 

Can we get back to whether cameras should be placed in all classrooms?

 

We should start in Staten Island as a pilot program. Sounds like a fucked up place.