Links2k

He gifted me and his mother his stole after the ceremony for all we’ve done for him. I’m still fighting back tears.

My son graduated with his Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida yesterday. Pictured with us is his advisor Mark who has been mentoring my son since he was a young pup in the STEM program at the University of Alabama. Next stop PhD. Roll Tide, Go Gators!

There are simply too many variables to consider before injecting oneself into a potentially deadly situation. What if the guy swinging the machete is a store clerk defending himself against a flash mob? You just walked up and placed yourself in a position of potentially killing an innocent person defending himself. This thread is about changing times and mindsets. A lot of people better start thinking about what Ken said in the video. Good intentions may cost you your life or your freedom.

At the end of day, the dead man was still the victim in THIS situation regardless of his past. I can’t argue with your expertise. I simply hope if I’m gunned down in a similar situation no one brings up the sh*t I did as a teen, in my early twenties or while serving in the army to justify my death. I agree that the three murderers didn’t think about the consequences of their actions. The guy who made the video stopped working on his porch, walked inside his home to retrieve his truck keys to follow the pursuit. He could just as easily called 911, and perhaps he would be enjoying the holidays with his family.

The local prosecutor in this town had pretty much swept this case under the rug. An attorney friend of one of the killers leaked the video. As @Erik88said, without the video these guys would still be at home potentially playing super cop in their neighborhood.

All I know is there are three guys in Georgia who just got convicted of murder while having illusions of being “good samaritans” when they should have minded their business and called the cops. I am not law enforcement. Living in Memphis has taught me to mind my own business. I’ll leave the hero stuff to the cops and people wishing to be killed, jailed and/or financially ruined. I’m middle aged, and don’t want to ruin my comfortable life playing Charles Bronson.

could easily get you locked away forever if you fit a certain demonized stereotype. For some this may feel like the new reality (Ken mentioned the white male and the police), but imagine a lifetime of feeling like this on a daily basis. Sucks a** doesn’t it? You just have to suck it up. Life goes on. I do agree that avoidance is always the answer. To a scared witness/bystander, you may be the only person they see with a weapon. I don’t want to be that guy. I also no longer plan to be a good eyewitness. My priority is my safety and the the safety of my family. The cops will get whatever information I gather while leaving the area.

Not that I agree with Newsom’s proposal, but it’s a very good strategy. Some of these governors and lawmakers have to realize that once you open that door, it may swing both ways.

All very good and reasoned points, but it doesn’t diminish the fact that Americans are taught an extremely sanitized version of history. As long as this is allowed people will continue to scream instead of having productive dialogue, because their voices and existence will consistently be minimized. I could support an interactive national museum for the statues and artifacts that tells the thorough history or our nation. It should also be free online. Currently there is so much left out of our narrative that when one looks at our nations history they may as well be reading a fictional novel.

I agree. Teach all of American history from EVERY perspective, not just the one that makes one group of people feel good. The statues need to remain so that dialogue will continue.

I once read or was told that you can take the lowest bottom of the pond scum denominator of man and give him something or someone to look down upon and he’ll still feel good about himself. It may be an old saying or it may be the truth. Who knows?

My kids never missed out on anything. As I mentioned, we exchanged gifts, spent time with family and did decorations. We just made sure they knew that the gifts were symbolic and they were provided by their loving family and not Santa. We had a large family gathering for thanksgiving that I attended. Again, for me symbolic and a opportunity spend time with my family, but I don’t subscribe to the lie about the first thanksgiving either. We’ll all be together again to celebrate in a couple of weeks without one mention of Santa and I doubt there will be any resentment by anyone. It’s the time that’s invested more so than the sentiments of the warm of fuzzies gained from passing on generation after generations of lies. I invested lots of time in my kids, that’s why as adults they can laugh with me about the Santa fiasco as opposed to resenting me. People like to call millennials snowflakes, but never take the responsibility for creating those snowflakes. You fill a kid’s head with lies and half truths for eighteen years then expect them to go out and deal with reality. They are not like us or our ancestors, because they’ve never had to be. I think you can raise well adjusted human being without lying to them. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

You did not. That’s why I stated it was not a good place for me to voice my opinion.

He continues to impress me. I hope he continues to drown out the noise and follow his dreams.

Commie #1 checking in. I never liked the idea of Santa. I never liked the idea of lying to kids about Santa. I taught my kids what I had learned about Jesus and Christianity while growing up, and explained to them they were given gifts out of love. They excepted my explanation pretty well. The decorations and gifts were still coming. The only issue we had concerning Santa was one year during the holidays at the Christian school they were attending they decided to tell their classmates that their father said Santa didn’t exist. Lots of sad kids, angry parents and administrators. Whenever we run into one of my kids former classmates we all have a laugh over how everyone overreacted to my decision not to lie to my kids. We didn’t do the Easter bunny thing either. They were taught about the resurrection. The eggs, games and candy were perks of playing with their cousins and friends after church. This isn’t a knock on those who choose to do otherwise. It was just my thing with my kids. Edit- I didn’t want to put this in charity challenge thread, because I didn’t want to seem like I was thread crapping the op’s post. Reading that post validates the unnecessary pressure people feel during the holidays. If Jesus is the reason for the season, that should be emphasized more than the receiving of gifts. I know that gift giving is symbolic, but corporations could care less about your feelings. SHOW THEM THE MONEY! No parent or child should feel depressed because they aren’t in a position to observe what has become a commercialized holiday.

The mom’s text messages to the son before the shooting and other social media could very likely harm the parents. The prosecutor seems to be ready to throw everything against the wall.

Yep! It’ll disturb the peace.

I got my booster about a week ago. I’m willing to take another if needed simply because people are nasty.

The video shown in court shows the home security camera video of the cameraman working on his porch when Ahmaud ran past the cameraman’s home. The cameraman calmly walked inside to retrieve his truck keys. The cameraman entered his truck and joined the pursuit. This event took 19 seconds according to the evidence. Sometimes it’s best to mind your business, especially when you’re not an actual witness to a transgression.

I agree. Once the shooter went inside the house he could have armed himself and called the cops to report a trespass situation. If the big loudmouth enters the home, then all bets are off. This entire situation is shady.

I’m glad you’re back up to speed. Congratulations on the kids. Stay safe.

I like the policing idea that we saw on 60 Minutes. The police chief said it saved his officers over 3600 calls so far. I do think the social workers should have a taser, pepper spray, radio and a baton just in case. Not every 911 call should require a police presence. Having someone respond to traffic accidents like the Memphis PST’s and others to respond to potential mental health issues without escalating the situation is a win in my book.

I’ve been reading, but not responding to your post since you’ve been a member. Judging by the adjectives you like to use to describe people, I would NEVER attend a party with you. If you were paying attention, my response was to another member. I’ll continue to disregard you, and I hope you’ll do the same regarding me. Good day!

Agreed, besides it’s petty, immature and stupid.

I have to agree. He was very composed and believable.