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Yes. Multiple. It was a serial thing. </p>
<p>The loaded gun was more powerful. That’s why cops have loaded guns. They are trained to use them and shoot to kill when necessary. Aiming for center mass is the goal. Now, this kid was apparently crouched over and moving fast but unfortunately for everyone multiple shots did not stop him. So, the takeaway is; if a police officer points a gun at you and shouts stop, you should stop. I thought people knew this already. </p>
<p>And Michael Brown wasn’t shot during a traffic stop, either.</p>
<p>The fact that I do not believe this officer should be held responsible for the sins of the mitreatment of African Americans by law enforcement does not mean I do not think it is a problem.that needs a remedy.>>>>>>></p>
<p>Exactly.</p>
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<p>Well, I was pulled over once and, without thinking, I left my foot on the brake. The officer demanded that I take my foot off the brake and he shined that blinding light on my car as he approached. I think I was in park, but to the officer it may have looked like I could have taken off.</p>
<p>Of course, I immediately complied with his request so nothing happened after that. And that’s the key thing. If the police officer tells you to do something and you don’t do it, that is a big red flag to the officer. It’s not so much what you are doing but that you are not cooperating, which is a sign you could be about to do anything.</p>
<p>^^^Yes. Zoosermom and other New Yorkers probably remember the cop on Long Island a few years ago who pulled over females, concocted a tale of speeding, improper lane-change, etc. and then either molested or RAPED them. He denied the complaint of the first woman, but when others heard the story and recognized him from their own encounters, the poop hit the fan.</p>
<p>There are actually many reports of policemen assaulting/raping women during or after traffic stops:</p>
<p>in Oklahoma: <a href=“http://whotv.com/2014/08/22/police-officer-accused-of-sexual-assaults-during-traffic-stops/”>http://whotv.com/2014/08/22/police-officer-accused-of-sexual-assaults-during-traffic-stops/</a>
in LA: <a href=“Former Irwindale police sergeant convicted of sexually assaulting woman during traffic stop – San Gabriel Valley Tribune”>http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20141003/former-irwindale-police-sergeant-convicted-of-sexually-assaulting-woman-during-traffic-stop</a>
in San Diego: <a href=“http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-san-diego-cop-20140925-story.htm”>http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-san-diego-cop-20140925-story.htm</a></p>
<p>Looks like the guy in Oklahoma City was a serial offender - most (if not all) of his victims appear to be women he pulled over during traffic stops.</p>
<p>I want to back up zoosermom about the stories about women being mistreated by cops at traffic stops. There are multiple stories of attractive women being stopped, for real violations or phantom violations, and then being offered the chance to avoid a ticket by offering sexual services to the cop. Those stories are not from zoosermom’s imagination.</p>
<p>We’ve got to figure that rogue cops abuse the kind of women they think they won’t get caught abusing, in areas where they won’t get caught abusing women. So this kind of abuse is less likely to happen to high status women living or driving in areas where high-status people live. A cop is less likely demand a blow job from a CFO, more likely to demand a blow job from a waitress or a hotel maid.</p>
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<p>There was also a few cases in New Mexico not that long ago. From the reports and some pictures of the victims, they were all racial minorities and/or from lower SES backgrounds, not upper/upper-middle class White. </p>
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<p>In other words, one could easily believe that the prosecutors relied on the most adverse “tool” at their disposal by using a grand jury, but that the lack of indictment of a police officer is a sign of mishandling the case? Is it an important distinction that police forces are authorized to … used their weapons in most cases? </p>
<p>Statistics remain the most lethal weapon in the hands of subjective observers. </p>
<p>People aren’t in the streets all over the country protesting because one kid was shot to death, people are protesting because they believe the system is rigged against them and the vast majority of the population either doesn’t believe them or is okay with it that way.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></p>
<p>Unfortunately, the wrong victim was chosen to become the poster child. It makes the protesters look not terribly bright and leaves white folks shaking their heads and being deemed racist and unconcerned. Sorry, but true. I’ll be right there with any of them when a wrong has occurred. Geo. Zimmerman should be in prison. The NYC cop doing the headlock, oh yeah, he killed that man, plain as day. The one in SC I referenced earlier…wrong, wrong, wrong,misusing his authority and killing an innocent man and yes, it would seem to be just because he was black. My God, he was unarmed, had his hands up and the guy flat out shot him. </p>
<p>cross examination?>>>>>>>>>></p>
<p>A prosecutor simply presents the evidence and asks for a decision as to whether there is enough evidence to go to trial. As part of the presentation, Wilson appeared to give his account. There is no cross examination as in a TRIAL.</p>
<p>I wish someone would put up billboards in the riot areas saying something like “We have the right to peacefully protest, but some went too far and selfishly opted for riots, property damage and injuries. Because of this, the local businesses, local government and our neighbors are on the hook for some big $$$$ amount. This $$$$ could have bought our neighborhood a new community center, child care programs, mentor programs, Christmas gifts for children, etc. Next time, please chose wisely.” </p>
<p>Normally, the prosecutor presents only the case for the prosecution to the grand jury. It’s very strange for so much exculpating or conflicting evidence to be seen by the grand jury-- normally, their job is to see if the accused person committed a crime if the case for the prosecution is true. This prosecutor seemed to have presented the grand jury with the case for the defense, instead of the case for the prosecution. </p>
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<p>Ahh yes, more “Let them eat cake” type patronizing lecturing from supposedly “better” people who are ignorant/in deep denial of the systemic issues and abuses of process/power by local/state government with a decades-long history of doing so which lead to this mess. </p>
<p>Same people are also saying “have faith” in a justice system which is controlled by the local/state governments with such serious issues and history of dubiousness. Interesting how some don’t seem to realize such lectures only further undermine the credibility of the person giving it…and those of the group(s) he/she is associated with. </p>
<p>Love Saints tight end, Ben Watson’s eloquent statement on the swirl of emotions this whole situation is stirring in us:</p>
<p>At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down," he said in the post made to his verified Facebook page.</p>
<p>Watson continues to write about his anger, frustration, embarrassment, sadness and fear, among other feelings.</p>
<p>"I’M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.</p>
<p>"I’M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.</p>
<p>"I’M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I’m a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a ‘threat’ to those who don’t know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.</p>
<p>“I’M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment,” the post read in part.</p>
<p>I’M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.</p>
<p>I’M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn’t there so I don’t know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.</p>
<p>I’M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I’ve seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.</p>
<p>I’M CONFUSED, because I don’t know why it’s so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don’t know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.</p>
<p>I’M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take “our” side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it’s us against them. Sometimes I’m just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that’s not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That’s not right.</p>
<p>I’M HOPELESS, because I’ve lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I’m not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails…</p>
<p>"I’M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it’s a beautiful thing.</p>
<p>“I’M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I’M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that’s capable of looking past the outward and seeing what’s truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It’s the Gospel. So, finally, I’M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope.”</p>
<p>“I want to back up zoosermom about the stories about women being mistreated by cops at traffic stops. There are multiple stories of attractive women being stopped, for real violations or phantom violations, and then being offered the chance to avoid a ticket by offering sexual services to the cop. Those stories are not from zoosermom’s imagination.”</p>
<p>But those instances are not the same as a cop pulling someone over for a traffic stop and being treated like a criminal. In these cases there was nothing the women did which might provoke the officer (like reaching into glove compartment to comply with officer request for registration.) </p>
<p>Those are cases in which the police officers were sex offenders. </p>
<p>"In other words, one could easily believe that the prosecutors relied on the most adverse “tool” at their disposal by using a grand jury, but that the lack of indictment of a police officer is a sign of mishandling the case? Is it an important distinction that police forces are authorized to … used their weapons in most cases?</p>
<p>Statistics remain the most lethal weapon in the hands of subjective observers."</p>
<p>Except it’s very interesting that cases where there is video it very often contradicts the officers explanation. </p>
<p>I will wait until the civil trial to see what evidence holds up under cross examination to make my determination on the veracity of the officer’s testimony and those of other witnesses. </p>
<p>And more commentary about the dubiousness of the prosecuting attorney involved:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-bob-mccullochs-pathetic-prosecution-of-darren-wilson/2014/11/25/a8459e16-74d5-11e4-a755-e32227229e7b_story.html”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-bob-mccullochs-pathetic-prosecution-of-darren-wilson/2014/11/25/a8459e16-74d5-11e4-a755-e32227229e7b_story.html</a></p>
<p>I agree with Vabluebird. Though I am saddened, very deeply so, of another young man dying, everything I have read about Michael Brown right down to his being shot multiple times by the officer, does not paint a picture of someone who an innocent. He was a bully and a scoff law. From the info I have read, I would not have voted for charges to be filed. I support the officer and am appalled at the pressure put on the grand jury to charge. I also believe Michael Brown is absolutely the wrong choice for the abused citizen. </p>
<p>However, the situation in Ferguson, has so many issues that need to be addressed and it’s a crime things got to that point. That’s really more the issue than the shooting of a thug, which I believe Michael Brown was. </p>
<p>An article which provides much good food for thought…especially it encapsulates the focus on issues such as the rioting while denying/refusing to acknowledge larger issues/causes:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.salon.com/2014/11/26/the_rights_vile_ferguson_ploy_why_they_really_want_to_focus_on_riots/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow”>http://www.salon.com/2014/11/26/the_rights_vile_ferguson_ploy_why_they_really_want_to_focus_on_riots/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow</a></p>