Re: crash of two helicopters in Phoenix covering police chase: It was bound to happen sooner or late

[WI_DEM]

It is a tragedy for the family and friends of the reporters and helicopter drivers who died, and it's a terrible loss of life, but this thing was bound to happen sooner or later. These local news outlets (and even cable news stations) which try to sensationalize news these days by covering live police chases. It is nothing but a ratings gambit--something to titillate viewers. This is becoming a common practice in places like LA to cut into broadcasting to televise these chases, and now, unfortunately--it has caused four people their lives.

I hope these stations will begin to reconsider this kind of coverage.

[KittyWampus]

1. so unnecessary.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

2. I Ask Again: Where The Hell Has The Decency Gone Of Some DU'ers?

Such a petty thing to bitch about right after a tragedy.

My thoughts and prayers are truly with the family and friends of this.

[WI_DEM]

4. it is a tragedy as I pointed out, but one which could be avoided

and it isn't too early to decry such a thing. What happened after the crash? stations sent more helicopters to cover it.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

6. Have You Read This Yet?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1455154&mesg_id=1455201

[Sonicmedusa]

7. So the OP has no decency because he pointed out how pointless

These deaths were?

This accident happened very near to downtown- it is a wonder many more were not killed.

And for WHAT?

When I lived in Phoenix, anytime anything happened, there would be several helicopters in the air overhead. The OP is right, it was an accident waiting to happen.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

11. I know, what's next?

Are those of us who point out the futility of the illegal war in Iraq going to be accused of not honoring the deaths of soldiers?

[WI_DEM]

12. Thank you and the helicopters crashed into a park and children could have, but

thankfully were not injured or killed.

[devilgrrl]

13. You should see the skies of Los Angeles when something happens! :-0

Hopefully, there will be a crack down on news helicopters so something like this never happens again. How awful. :-(

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

14. In My Eyes, It Shows A Lack Of Decency. Yes.

I can't stand when people use tragedies to immediately jump on some petty pet issue. It shows a total lack of respect in my opinion.

[WI_DEM]

17. sorry you feel that way because it wasn't the intention with this thread

to exploit anything.

[Sonicmedusa]

18. Sometimes things don't become a petty pet issue until there is a tragedy.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

15. I don't see anything wrong with the OP

It's not denigrating the victims, it's simply pointing out that bloodthirsty competitive newscasting is bound to lead to this type of thing. The minute I found out Princess Di had been killed I said the same thing about the celebrity paparrazzi.

[SteveM]

3. They will reconsider -- and add more helicopters.

Do you know what the sentencing practices are for those who evade police in these types of chases? Is it more or less than simple possession of marijuana? For the average blow hole, starting a chase may be the cheapest way to get on teeeee veeeee, and get interviewed -- or, or even get on COPS!

[ThoughtCriminal]

5. Sensationalism aside - I'm glad somebody is watching the police

Some of these chases have ended with police beating the hell out of the suspect(s). Being taped is an incentive to behave professionally.

[Ian David]

9. There certainly is THAT! n/t

[WI_DEM]

10. This is the age of sensationalism--not only with these car chases but with the predator show

In the end I'm not sure it's worth it. But you do have a good point of keeping an eye on the police because, yes, they do get frustrated after a long chase and could overreact.

[Ian David]

8. One word: Dirigibles. n/t

[Swamp Rat]

16. k&r

I am sick of sensationalized car chases on TV.

It's down right indecent!

[ChairmanAgnostic]

19. not until some even worse accident, involving kids,

or worse, a puppy-filled dog pound, will they change their ways.

give them a car chase, a blond besotted bimbo, or a democrat in trouble.

[Peregrine Took]

20. I refuse to watch any American news station. Only BBC -USA for me.

[Stinky The Clown]

21. A related tale ......

Our county constabulary (the local cops) were in the habit of doing 'step and stops' on a few of our local freeways. They'd set up a single car, with a radar gun, and watch people coming over hills or around curves, see speeders, and the lone cop of the detail would step out into traffic to flag them down. Of course they always wore bright, reflective vests, etc. But one day, for still unclear reasons, a driver didn't see the cop and didn't stop. He ran the guy down and killed him. He was in his early thirties with a wife and kids.

Now, across the state, all jurisdictions have banned this practice.

It always takes a tragedy to end stupidity.

I hope to never see on of these car chases on teevee again.

My condolences to the families and co workers of those who lost their lives today.