True Detective: Binghamton

[H2O Man]

https://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/public-safety/2021/12/11/binghamton-restaurant-colonial-dos-rios-stone-fox-police-investigation/6469303001/


This is an outrageous local news story that my son is keeping me updated on. It has to do with the systematic sexual assault of young women in the work force. The facebook group, my son has told me, is accurate in its reporting about the three related businesses. He calls it "True Detective Binghamton."

I'm too angry to write too much here. I'll leave it at this: back in the early 1970s, there was a local businessman who engaged in repeatted assaults upon the young women in his pizza joint. It was apparent the guy was "connected," as local police never charged him. Late one night, when he was walking to his car, someone stepped out from between two buildings and threw a blanket over him from behind. He was thus pulled into the alley, and was subjected to a beating.

As I am older now, I recognize that it is better for the legal system to handle cases such as this.

H2O Man

[MagickMuffin]

1. Ya know it's getting to the point where women WILL fight back

At some point we have to do something.

The justice system has failed women. And of course not just women, but women do have a lot of men dictating what we as women should be doing or not doing.


I do agree that the legal system should handle such cases, but like you pointed out in your 70's story the Enforcers did nothing and thus allowed the abuse to continue until the breaking point and they took out their own justice. I wonder if Mr.
pizzeria ever accosted women again.

[H2O Man]

4. Not for some time.

I heard similar stories a few years later, but I wasn't living in the area. These days, if anyone were to do this, I'd advise making sure to take the blanket after administering the beating. This DNA business has changed things since I was young.

One of the few things I find encouraging -- I watch a number of trials on tv -- is the number of women in powerful positions in the legal system. I find Karen McDonald, for example, to be outstanding. But we are witnessing a definite increase in the war on women in our society. I'm reminded of lessons that Chief Waterman taught me about the Iroquois' history, when women's roles changed dramatically (though over a period of time, of course) and the tensions that resulted. This is especially true when a centralized power is crumbling.

Oh, there are times I wish I could be young for a day. Or night.

[malaise]

2. The old boys club does not see rape as a serious problem

They are way more concerned about ruining a nice white boy's future.
The sad truth is that this is also true in non-white societies where the sons of the connected are protected. And they all blame the women.

[H2O Man]

6. Exactly!

Sometimes I think of that old saying, the more things change, the more they stay the same. I could puke when I hear those connected to the crimes saying the response is "cancel culture."

I know that Binghamton is just a small city in NYS's Southern Tier. And that this series of crimes -- there is more, much more, not being reported yet -- is but part and parcel of what is happening in the larger society. But I am encouraged by the grassroots' response. This won't "go away" until the guilty ones are safely incarcerated.

[malaise]

8. Glad to hear that

[malaise]

9. Glad to hear that

[Hugh_Lebowski]

5. Binghamton is a college town, right?

Reading the article and trying to put 2+2 together here, and it sounds like it may be a case where the problem is mainly between employees (possible mostly or all college students) ... and the ownership may be accused of 'looking the other way' kind of thing?

But I'm sure you've heard a lot more if you have a son keeping you updated, I'm just reading this one article.

Also, note to the protesters ... when planning a march against sexual assault ... finishing it up at "XTASY Lounge" is probably really not the best choice. Just saying.

[H2O Man]

7. Yes, it is.

There is a community college, plus the state university. In recent years, Binghamton University is recognized as being, along with SUNY-Albany, the best in the state. (It's where my son got his degree.) But there is a history of hate crimes there, including back when a member of the hate group that assaulted my nephew in 1998 viciously attacked Asian-American students there. He was caught after fracturing a victim's skull. Although I provided the DA with documentation of the thug's previous involvement in hate crimes, he was sentenced to community service.

I hear you on the march.

[Iggo]

10. But the legal system didn't handle it.

And so we were treated to street justice instead. Street justice is an ugly and disgusting thing. The people who did it should be charged and punished. And so should the people and institutions whose inaction made it seem necessary. We have a legal system precisely so that we don’t resort to mob justice. The legal system, and the people entrusted to uphold it, failed everyone in this case, including the perpetrators of this particular blanket party.

(By the way, I’m reading up on it right now. And you’re right. It ain’t right. But it’s hard to find any history on it other than what’s happened in the last week or so, for which there are a TON of articles saying pretty much the same thing: Allegations. We’re closing. We’re not commenting. Oh yeah we are commenting. It’s baseless and it’s cancel culture. But we’re not commenting. And oh yeah, we’re not closing. Protest planned for today….)

[H2O Man]

11. I agree 100%.

As a teen, I didn't understand society as I do today. "Street justice" generally results in the opposite side taking a violent action, and creates a most dangerous cycle. It is always found in a deteriorating culture, and is a clear sign that a society is faultering.

From what I've heard, the police and prosecutors are taking this case very seriously. I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd wager that their investigation will uncover a heck of a lot more.

[Iggo]

12. Eyes are on 'em now.

Which is good. Instead of looking for things to hide, they’ll be looking for things to show. Hopefully.

[Beastly Boy]

13. Agreed, the legal system has its place in settling disputes.

Having said this, my hat is off to the reckless young man who taught the jerk a lesson.

[H2O Man]

14. In this case,

there will be a need for outside law enforcement to investigate and prosecute. The amount of connections between corrupt officials makes it impossible for any serious local investigation. At some future point, I will outline those corrupt connections. Right now, I am preparing it for the state Attorney General's office.

I am under the impression that the old man that reckless youngster has morphed into over the decades has times where he hears that young man inside him.