Oh Dear -Eric Matthew Frein is a member of a military simulation unit based in the eastern part

[malaise]

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/09/17/suspect-idd-in-pennsylvania-trooper-ambush-sharp-shooter-who-doesnt-miss/

of the state and, in his frame of mind, appears to have assumed that role in real life, authorities said at a Wednesday press conference.

Lt. Col. George Bivens said the suspect, Eric Matthew Frein, belongs to a unit that assumes the role of Eastern European soldiers. He did not name the specific group, but said other members are being interviewed by police.

Frein has also changed his hairstyle. He shaved his head on the sides and has long hair on top that Bivens described as "wider than a Mohawk."

Investigators believe the hair change was part of his preparations for the "cowardly" attack, Bivens said.

See how they frame it. He's a fugging terrorist but don't expect to read that anywhere.

[Mnemosyne]

1. K&R nt

[geek tragedy]

2. He thinks he's invading Ukraine. nt

[gratuitous]

3. We need to understand young Eric Matthew

This callow youth of a mere 31 years, alleged to have killed one cop and injured another, is merely assuming a real life role growing out of simulations he has participated in and enjoyed for many years. Please, people! Eric Matthew, who lives with his doting mother and father, needs to have his frame of mind understood before we can possibly begin judging him (if judge him we must).

Now, before we all jump the gun--er, that is, rush to a conclusion--we'll have to maintain the anonymity of the military simulation unit, lest they be subject to public approbation. After all, they haven't done anything wrong. While Eric Matthew's alleged victims in this matter will not be scrutinized, being law enforcement officers and as such above reproach, we must not make any hasty pre-judgment of Eric Matthews, either.

Your assignment, class, is simple: Compare and contrast the handling of this incident with the early handling of the Michael Brown incident in Missouri. Please pay particular attention to the comments and actions of law enforcement, the tone of media reporting, community reaction, and the opinions expressed by national media figures. You have 30 minutes, and your time starts . . . now.

[malaise]

4. You nailed it

[malaise]

6. Are you watching coverage?

Last edited Fri Sep 19, 2014, 02:32 PM - Edit history (1)

He's playing military - his dad taught him to shoot and he was living out his fantasy and suddenly he has gone bad.

Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! These 'defend the military at all cost hacks' are good.
He's just one more home grown terrorist - imagine the coverage if he were Michael Brown or some Muslim young man. Michael Brown didn't ven attempt to kill a cop. This scumbag killed one and has another one in hospital but there is no attempt to define him as anything but a good boy gone bad.

[gratuitous]

7. I've seen some coverage

What leaps out at me is the concern for Matthew Eric, the wayward 31-year-old, who seems to be alternately the nice young man living with his parents and the survivalist fire-eater who will single-handedly take down anyone who ventures too close. As you noted, the disparity in coverage between Frein and Michael Brown is startling. All the hand-wringing over the "giant" Brown and his "assault" on Policeman Wilson (but oddly, only one of them came out of the encounter with any visible injury), and barely a peep about the Frein and his actual violence.

[H2O Man]

8. This is a terrible situation.

It is the flowering of the paranoia that has been planed throughout the nation, and saturated with the constant violence in our communities' streets.

It is, of course, terrorism. From what I've seen reported by the SPLC, it is a type that we are unfortunately likely to see increase in the next few years.

Recommended.

[malaise]

9. You're correct WaterMan but part of the problem

is the narrative. The narrative is frighteningly sympathetic. SPLC is most visible of the groups that continues to present evidence about the level of hate promoted by these groups.
I remember the attacks on Janet Napolitano when that report about the danger of these militias was released.

[H2O Man]

10. Yes, definitely.

The militia geeks are far too often portrayed as confused, yet brave and patriotic folks who are supporting their interpretation of the Constitution. But they certainly pose a very real threat to the good people of this country. To a person, they are racist thugs.

I hope this freak is caught. Soon. And that any of his buddies who are providing support are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

[malaise]

11. Well said