Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
sarisataka
sarisataka's Journal
sarisataka's Journal
January 21, 2015
On stopping a legal activity
Is it ever acceptable to use force to stop a person who is doing something legal- even if it is disruptive, offensive or has some potential of danger to person or property?
January 21, 2015
"a well-intentioned vigilante"
Man shopping for coffee creamer at Walmart attacked by vigilante for carrying gun he was legally per
Source: Tampa Bay Times
BRANDON — Clarence Daniels had just crossed the threshold of Walmart's front doors on Tuesday, in search of coffee creamer for his wife, when the gun in hip holster gave a well-intentioned vigilante the idea he was up to something more sinister.
From the Walmart parking lot at 11110 Causeway Boulevard, Michael Foster, 43, of Lithia had watched Daniels, 62, take from his car the handgun — for which he holds a concealed carry permit — and place it on his hip underneath his coat, Hillsborough sheriff's deputies reported.
As Daniels entered the store, a label for the coffee creamer in his pocket in case he forgot the brand, Foster tackled him to the ground and placed him in a choke hold, sheriff's spokesman Larry McKinnon said.
"He's got a gun!" deputies said Foster shouted
Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/man-shopping-for-coffee-creamer-at-walmart-attacked-by-vigilante-for/2214432
"a well-intentioned vigilante"
January 19, 2015
http://m.localnews8.com/news/thomas-receives-sentence-in-attempted-murder-trial/30737472
Does anyone think this could have ended differently?
Video of assault-
Man sentenced for attempted murder
POCATELLO, Idaho -
A man who broke into a Pocatello apartment with a machete and was shot was sentenced for attempted murder on Thursday.
On Thursday morning 6th District Court Judge Robert Naftz sentenced Twain Thomas, 54, to a five-year fixed sentence in the state penitentiary, and 10 years indeterminate on several counts of aggravated assault and attempted murder in the second degree.
On Feb. 22, police were called to the 200 block of South Garfield, where Thomas had been threatening neighbors that apartment complex with a machete.
When Thomas broke into the downstairs apartment of James Cvengros and his girlfriend Kaila Gearhart, Cvengros shot Thomas.
A man who broke into a Pocatello apartment with a machete and was shot was sentenced for attempted murder on Thursday.
On Thursday morning 6th District Court Judge Robert Naftz sentenced Twain Thomas, 54, to a five-year fixed sentence in the state penitentiary, and 10 years indeterminate on several counts of aggravated assault and attempted murder in the second degree.
On Feb. 22, police were called to the 200 block of South Garfield, where Thomas had been threatening neighbors that apartment complex with a machete.
When Thomas broke into the downstairs apartment of James Cvengros and his girlfriend Kaila Gearhart, Cvengros shot Thomas.
http://m.localnews8.com/news/thomas-receives-sentence-in-attempted-murder-trial/30737472
Does anyone think this could have ended differently?
Video of assault-
January 16, 2015
First off- I despise the wolf-sheep-sheepdog analogy. We are all humans, some good, some bad most of us a mix of both trying to be better. If foe the sake of debate we wish to use the analogy- I'm no sheepdog. It is the sheepdog's job to protect the flock- that isn't my job anymore. I'm just an old ram- if I see a wolf I will bleat a warning and if confronted will fight back.
Second, this author needs a life... I do keep up on issues of terrorism and insurgency as it was my job for a long time and it truly interests me. Occasionally an old friend might contact me for my thoughts on a real or imagined scenario but it is more a bull session than professional analysis. Those topics do overlap with general crime so I do watch some videos of crime and defense but I don't stay up at night looking for them or watching self-defense expert videos; Xbox is too much fun.
Lastly, I am aware of people around me and what they are doing, as I alluded in the other OP. I call it living life. I get a smile from the antics of children, notice a pretty lady (ok- they all are in one way or another), see a gentleman who could use a hand carrying something... and sometime a person acting out of the ordinary. I'm not going to approach them, give them the eye or act all sheepdoggie- just note it and continue about my business. Some of my attention will remain on the person and 99.99% of the time it is nothing. .01% of the time it is something to bring to the attention of someone else- be it a store manager or a call to police.
I am not the Lone Ranger preparing for the day I need to save the day. The author of the article has confused taking simple measures to avoid be a victim of a crime with some duty to be a community protector.
I carry a gun every day
it was pointed out I did not cover the counter opinion to the article I criticized here http://www.democraticunderground.com/1172159159
I shall correct that oversight,
Every day I get up and put on a gun. It’s part of my daily routine. No different from making coffee or feeding the dogs before I leave for work.
There is so much misinformation about who that makes me. I’m a “gun nut.” I’m one of “those right-wing Second Amendment people.” I’m the scourge of the earth to some.
Funny how that works.
They don’t even know me but they are worried that I’m what’s wrong with this country, this state and this city I call home. I walk among them and they don’t even know it. I’m the guy in the jeans and Under Armour shirt, the guy in the $200 sport coat and $125 shoes, the guy in Nike pants and a hoodie, and some days I’m the guy with dirty hands from working in the yard, but most of all I’m the guy they never see.
http://thegazette.com/subject/opinion/guest-columnists/i-carry-a-gun-every-day-20150104
There is so much misinformation about who that makes me. I’m a “gun nut.” I’m one of “those right-wing Second Amendment people.” I’m the scourge of the earth to some.
Funny how that works.
They don’t even know me but they are worried that I’m what’s wrong with this country, this state and this city I call home. I walk among them and they don’t even know it. I’m the guy in the jeans and Under Armour shirt, the guy in the $200 sport coat and $125 shoes, the guy in Nike pants and a hoodie, and some days I’m the guy with dirty hands from working in the yard, but most of all I’m the guy they never see.
First off- I despise the wolf-sheep-sheepdog analogy. We are all humans, some good, some bad most of us a mix of both trying to be better. If foe the sake of debate we wish to use the analogy- I'm no sheepdog. It is the sheepdog's job to protect the flock- that isn't my job anymore. I'm just an old ram- if I see a wolf I will bleat a warning and if confronted will fight back.
Second, this author needs a life... I do keep up on issues of terrorism and insurgency as it was my job for a long time and it truly interests me. Occasionally an old friend might contact me for my thoughts on a real or imagined scenario but it is more a bull session than professional analysis. Those topics do overlap with general crime so I do watch some videos of crime and defense but I don't stay up at night looking for them or watching self-defense expert videos; Xbox is too much fun.
Lastly, I am aware of people around me and what they are doing, as I alluded in the other OP. I call it living life. I get a smile from the antics of children, notice a pretty lady (ok- they all are in one way or another), see a gentleman who could use a hand carrying something... and sometime a person acting out of the ordinary. I'm not going to approach them, give them the eye or act all sheepdoggie- just note it and continue about my business. Some of my attention will remain on the person and 99.99% of the time it is nothing. .01% of the time it is something to bring to the attention of someone else- be it a store manager or a call to police.
I am not the Lone Ranger preparing for the day I need to save the day. The author of the article has confused taking simple measures to avoid be a victim of a crime with some duty to be a community protector.
January 16, 2015
The answer seems to be- because it exists, even if only in the writer's mind. At no point does she actually view any portion of this gun/holster- she just knows.
If that man's actions make her unnerved I would likely make her manic. When out I always look at my fellow shoppers. I make eye contact and sometimes *gasp* greet them with a hello. I am neither a fugitive, a drug dealer, a rapist nor the owner of a sporting goods store.
Why your gun makes me nervous
There’s a mantra quickly repeating in my head: “Please have a badge. Please have a badge. Please have a badge.” It’s a steady heartbeat as I begin a conversation with a shop clerk and reposition myself so I can peer over her shoulder.
I’ve already seen the bulge in his jacket, and it’s clear from the size and shape that he has a holstered gun. Now my eyes are quickly scanning, hoping to find a law enforcement badge clipped to his belt.
I’m in a local bookstore and there’s a sticker near the door asking patrons not to carry weapons on the premises. My two children scurried off the moment we entered, each in search of their own treasures.
The man with the weapon is as interested with the bookstore patrons as he is with the books on display. I’ve watched him watch others. The way he tracks them is unnerving.
http://thegazette.com/subject/opinion/blogs/lynda-waddington/why-your-gun-makes-me-nervous-20150110?fb_action_ids=916845454992771&fb_action_types=og.comments
I’ve already seen the bulge in his jacket, and it’s clear from the size and shape that he has a holstered gun. Now my eyes are quickly scanning, hoping to find a law enforcement badge clipped to his belt.
I’m in a local bookstore and there’s a sticker near the door asking patrons not to carry weapons on the premises. My two children scurried off the moment we entered, each in search of their own treasures.
The man with the weapon is as interested with the bookstore patrons as he is with the books on display. I’ve watched him watch others. The way he tracks them is unnerving.
The answer seems to be- because it exists, even if only in the writer's mind. At no point does she actually view any portion of this gun/holster- she just knows.
If that man's actions make her unnerved I would likely make her manic. When out I always look at my fellow shoppers. I make eye contact and sometimes *gasp* greet them with a hello. I am neither a fugitive, a drug dealer, a rapist nor the owner of a sporting goods store.
January 8, 2015
So much wrong in this story...
While murdering the brother was unacceptable, it seems the abuse is not really being taken into account by the DA.
Documents: Girl, 15, Who Shot Brother, 16, Suffered Abuse
Documents: Girl, 15, Who Shot Brother, 16, Suffered Abuse
WHITE SPRINGS, Fla. — Jan 7, 2015, 8:17 PM ET
By JASON DEAREN Associated Press
A 15-year-old girl who fatally shot her 16-year-old brother suffered years of abuse, including being locked in a room for weeks at a time with only a blanket and a bucket to use the bathroom, according to police reports and interviews.
The shooting at a small white house off a dirt road in rural north Florida happened Monday while the children's parents were away for work. The father, a truck driver, and his wife, who often goes with him, left the 16-year-old boy to watch over the 15-year-old, her 11-year-old sister and their 3-year-old sister, police said. The parents left Sunday and were due back Tuesday.
Sometime Monday, the 15-year-old girl was locked in her room by her brother, police said. After the boy fell asleep, she talked her 11-year-old sister into unlocking her door.
The older girl knew her parents kept a pistol in their room, but they had locked their door. So the girl went outside and used a knife to remove an air conditioner from her parents' bedroom window. She climbed in while her 11-year-old sister kept watch and grabbed the gun out of a pink bag and loaded it, police said.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/sheriff-florida-sisters-15-11-fatally-shoot-brother-28050408
WHITE SPRINGS, Fla. — Jan 7, 2015, 8:17 PM ET
By JASON DEAREN Associated Press
A 15-year-old girl who fatally shot her 16-year-old brother suffered years of abuse, including being locked in a room for weeks at a time with only a blanket and a bucket to use the bathroom, according to police reports and interviews.
The shooting at a small white house off a dirt road in rural north Florida happened Monday while the children's parents were away for work. The father, a truck driver, and his wife, who often goes with him, left the 16-year-old boy to watch over the 15-year-old, her 11-year-old sister and their 3-year-old sister, police said. The parents left Sunday and were due back Tuesday.
Sometime Monday, the 15-year-old girl was locked in her room by her brother, police said. After the boy fell asleep, she talked her 11-year-old sister into unlocking her door.
The older girl knew her parents kept a pistol in their room, but they had locked their door. So the girl went outside and used a knife to remove an air conditioner from her parents' bedroom window. She climbed in while her 11-year-old sister kept watch and grabbed the gun out of a pink bag and loaded it, police said.
So much wrong in this story...
While murdering the brother was unacceptable, it seems the abuse is not really being taken into account by the DA.
January 3, 2015
17. See, here we go. First call me a liar because I "seem like a person who owns guns" when I bare my
soul about my personal armory.
There are a number of proposals for real life legislation both from posters to the group and in links to actual proposed legislation.
You're not banned so I welcome hearing about your efforts to curb gun violence. Why didn't you post about your lobby for removing guns from domestic violence situations?
Reply to flamin lib from GD
The thread closed while I was replying. I like to be able to respond to accusations of lying-
17. See, here we go. First call me a liar because I "seem like a person who owns guns" when I bare my
soul about my personal armory.
There are a number of proposals for real life legislation both from posters to the group and in links to actual proposed legislation.
You're not banned so I welcome hearing about your efforts to curb gun violence. Why didn't you post about your lobby for removing guns from domestic violence situations?
??
called you a liar? No I acknowledged that you own guns.
The collection I share with my brother is much larger, from an inheritance; you would probably be quite interested in it as the vast majority is over 100 years old or replicas. Our prize piece is a 1873 Winchester in 32 - 20 Winchester. It is in mint condition so I do not even think of shooting it.
And actually if you check the banned list you will see I am on it. I had the temerity to ask a former host a question regarding the SOP.
If you care to check my posting history in the gungeon you will see that I have proposed legislation and mentioned some upcoming gun control votes that should be supported by those who own guns as well as those who favor gun control.
January 2, 2015
the superintendent does say shootings are up overall but I wonder if there's any break out for self defense or is every shooting incident lumped into a total?
It is far too early to leap to any conclusion or one factor for the low numbers, at least for most people, but I do notice something that definitely did not happen.
So, how about them Cubs?
Chicago crime and murders at historic lows
Chicago police say 2014 ended with historic lows in crime and murders.
Police said they recorded the fewest murders since 1965.
Still, the last murder of the year was recorded yesterday, when a masked gunman followed a tow truck driver into a tire shop office and fatally shot him on the South Side.
The man, identified as Reginald Jones, was taken to Jackson Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
http://wgntv.com/2015/01/01/chicago-crime-and-murders-at-historic-lows/
Chicago police say 2014 ended with historic lows in crime and murders.
Police said they recorded the fewest murders since 1965.
Still, the last murder of the year was recorded yesterday, when a masked gunman followed a tow truck driver into a tire shop office and fatally shot him on the South Side.
The man, identified as Reginald Jones, was taken to Jackson Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
the superintendent does say shootings are up overall but I wonder if there's any break out for self defense or is every shooting incident lumped into a total?
It is far too early to leap to any conclusion or one factor for the low numbers, at least for most people, but I do notice something that definitely did not happen.
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: St Paul MN
Home country: USA
Current location: Here
Member since: Wed Mar 21, 2012, 10:41 PM
Number of posts: 18,570