I'm friends with the family, they are filing suit against the "officer who killed him. http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1332114&srvc=rss
There is no amount of money that take away the grief felt by the family for such a crime, and it's cruel aftermath. It's unfortunate that often the only way to change the actions of those acting in official capacities is to affect the coffers of the community. Amazingly, the threat of big payouts for civil suits forces changes that should have always been in place long before.
Taxpayers are slapped with the bill when cities/states/counties have to pay settlements for the rogue pigs they employ. The police departments don't have to pay squat...so it's hurting them at all.
I agree with you 100%, which is why I didn't say that it hurt the policemen. I suggested that it would bring about changes in procedures, like taking a closer look at the circumstances under which it's appropriate to use deadly force. The result is that citizens indirectly drive the changes. Once those changes are part of the way the police departments operate, then the rogue cops either have to change their ways, or they become more liable for their actions.
This is so sad. The idea that cops are always right and their victims brought their own death upon themselves, is strongly engrained into the hearts and minds of most Americans. Thus, most juries will almost always find the cop...not guilty. Idiotic mindsets like, "Well he shouldn't have resisted." or "He should have stopped." gives rogue cops a lot of leeway to purposely abuse citizens at a whim...specifically minorities. And because most don't give a damn about people of color these cop crimes often are rewarded with paid vacations and a pat on the back of encouragment.
A couple of days ago, I watched on the news of how a cop stopped a man who not only took a man hostage but then this man proceeded to try to commit suicide. The police officer not only saved the hostage but he prevented the suicide. All of this was done with beanbag gun! I said that man should have gotten an award. He proved that you don't need a gun with bullets to stop a person. I can't take sides on this but I think this situation could have been handled without the lost of a life.
There are honorable cops out there. This one was not one of those people. How about just shooting out the damn tires?
But where is the fun in shooting out the tires? That will only make the car stop and then they would have to make an arrest rather than kill. The thrill is in the kill...not the blowing out of tires.:smt092
Just wanted to share an essay written by a football player at DJ's former high school about him.... ***********000000]In October of 2010, the community of Easton lost a beautiful soul in an unspeakable tragedy. What if I told you that a bond between common people could result in the formation of men and strong spirits? Through adversity, the Oliver Ames Tigers football team exhibited courage and determination in playing for a fallen angel, maintaining his competitive spirit on the gridiron and his compassion off of it. Read more: Guest column: Our angel wears number 12 - Easton, MA - Easton Journal http://www.wickedlocal.com/easton/a...olumn-Our-angel-wears-number-12#ixzz1KMZiF023[/color] ***********000000] [/color] ***********000000] I NEVER spam or push anything, but the family and friends of DJ have started a scholarship foundation in his name. If anyone is interested, here is a link:http://www.djdreamfund.org/[/color] These are good people trying to make something positive happen.
