Tomorrow afternoon I take the bus a dozen miles or so out to Windycon. I'll be on three panels, will join a book discussion, but mostly will be sitting at a table selling memberships to the 2015 World Science Fiction Convention. I thought there was going to be a couple of other people helping me, but at the last minute they decided they couldn't afford the trip from Toronto.
Angel is failing. She has hardly eaten anything for two days now. She remains in good spirits, though, and as plucky as ever. She has been drinking water and walking around a bit. And she purrs when you pat her.
Aw, Cat. Keep patting Angel. My last memory of our kitty, Mittens, who lived to age 16.5 yrs, is that when I picked her up and cuddled her, she purred! ♥
Well, I learned today that I was not selected to fill the vacant Justice of the Peace position. I actually feel a little more relieved than disappointed.
A man with mental health issues was acting erratically and somewhat destructively, so his parents called the police. When they got there he had a shovel which he wouldn't put down, so they shot him, and he died.
This happened in Burlington, Vermont yesterday. My son is the second witness in the article...
The police officers responsible should be relieved of duty, soundly disciplined and made to undergo training in how to handle such situations. but I doubt anything will be done. So, innocent but troubled people will continue to die at the hands of impatient, insensitive cowboys. Will the police department at least pay for the victim's funeral expenses?
Yes, I know I sound calm. It's an act. I'm trying not to throw up, this sinario is so revolting!!!
What I find particularly disturbing is that Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling said (according to the Free Press): “the forklore of ‘shoot for the leg’ or ‘shoot the gun out of someone’s hand’ — that is not the reality of law enforcement either in Burlington, in Vermont or anywhere else in the nation.” Schirling said officers nationwide are taught in the event they have to shoot their weapon, “you are shooting for the center of visible mass.”
Maybe this needs to change? Hallo?
Maybe we will learn that someone at the house was being threatened or was in imminent danger, and that prompted the swift response. I'd want to hear more. Even so...
Well, my son tells me that there hasn't been a situation like this with the local police in 16years. He also agrees there were probably two shots, which he heard as four due to an echo effect.
The police shot the man 2 min and 31 seconds after arriving on the scene. Seems awfully fast to make a decision of that magnitude. I hope we hear there was some compelling reason and not just an over-reaction.
Howard is first, yes he is.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow afternoon I take the bus a dozen miles or so out to Windycon. I'll be on three panels, will join a book discussion, but mostly will be sitting at a table selling memberships to the 2015 World Science Fiction Convention. I thought there was going to be a couple of other people helping me, but at the last minute they decided they couldn't afford the trip from Toronto.
Have a good time, Bill.
DeleteWow, they're lucky to have you Bill! May it all go great for you. Hurry back!
DeleteThanks muchly.
DeleteAngel is failing. She has hardly eaten anything for two days now. She remains in good spirits, though, and as plucky as ever. She has been drinking water and walking around a bit. And she purrs when you pat her.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Angel.
DeleteThanks, Bill.
DeleteAw, Cat. Keep patting Angel. My last memory of our kitty, Mittens, who lived to age 16.5 yrs, is that when I picked her up and cuddled her, she purred! ♥
ReplyDeleteWell, I learned today that I was not selected to fill the vacant Justice of the Peace position. I actually feel a little more relieved than disappointed.
ReplyDeleteA man with mental health issues was acting erratically and somewhat destructively, so his parents called the police. When they got there he had a shovel which he wouldn't put down, so they shot him, and he died.
ReplyDeleteThis happened in Burlington, Vermont yesterday. My son is the second witness in the article...
A man with mental health issues was acting erratically and somewhat destructively, so his parents called the police. When they got there he had a shovel which he wouldn't put down, so they shot him, and he died.
My son is the second witness in the article. They moved to their new abode this past Summer, expressly to be away from shootings in Burlington, as several had taken place near their former apartment...!
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20131107/NEWS02/311070048/Witness-recalls-fatal-Burlington-Vermont-police-shooting-Wayne-Brunette
I feel so badly for the parents of the man killed, who surely did not envision this outcome.
Sorry so much of that was bolded. Only they link should have been.
DeleteThe police officers responsible should be relieved of duty, soundly disciplined and made to undergo training in how to handle such situations. but I doubt anything will be done. So, innocent but troubled people will continue to die at the hands of impatient, insensitive cowboys. Will the police department at least pay for the victim's funeral expenses?
DeleteYes, I know I sound calm. It's an act. I'm trying not to throw up, this sinario is so revolting!!!
What I find particularly disturbing is that Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling said (according to the Free Press):
Delete“the forklore of ‘shoot for the leg’ or ‘shoot the gun out of someone’s hand’ — that is not the reality of law enforcement either in Burlington, in Vermont or anywhere else in the nation.”
Schirling said officers nationwide are taught in the event they have to shoot their weapon, “you are shooting for the center of visible mass.”
Maybe this needs to change? Hallo?
Maybe we will learn that someone at the house was being threatened or was in imminent danger, and that prompted the swift response. I'd want to hear more. Even so...
Well, my son tells me that there hasn't been a situation like this with the local police in 16years. He also agrees there were probably two shots, which he heard as four due to an echo effect.
The police shot the man 2 min and 31 seconds after arriving on the scene. Seems awfully fast to make a decision of that magnitude. I hope we hear there was some compelling reason and not just an over-reaction.
Delete