Cable News Gives Us the White Point Of View On Violent Indiana Traffic Stop

Posted by | October 8, 2014 17:22 | Filed under: Contributors Opinion Politics Tommy Christopher Top Stories


On Tuesday, video emerged of Indiana police smashing a car window and tasing an unarmed black passenger, and Wednesday morning, cable news did an excellent job telling viewers what white people thought about it. Are you ready for a shock? You apparently have to “look at the whole story” to realize it was the black guy’s fault, while also not looking at the video evidence. Let’s see how they did.

Morning Joe kicked things off by getting a bunch of the facts wrong (I’ll get to those later), but what really sets them apart is their cluelessly white view of interactions with police:

Mike Barnicle: Thirteen minutes? I’m sorry, I got to go with the officers on the sceneThirteen Minutes? C’mon, get out of the car…

Joe Scarborough: When cops tell me to get out of the car, just get out of the car. It’s not like they always ask you politely to get out of the car.

Mika Brzezinski: If you feel like you’re in danger, and you’re in the car with the kids, I just know I would get out to get the danger away from the kids, even if it cost me.

Aside from the many other facts they get wrong (most glaringly, Scarborough’s assertion that “we can’t see” what passenger Jamal Jones is doing with his hands, which are visible in every frame of the video leading up to the window smashing), the Morning Joe crew fails to consider…READ MORE

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Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Tommy Christopher

Tommy Christopher is The Daily Banter's White House Correspondent and Political Analyst. He's been a political reporter and liberal commentator since 2007, and has covered the White House since the beginning of the Obama administration, first for PoliticsDaily, and then for Mediaite. Christopher is a frequent guest on a variety of television, radio, and online programs, and was the villain in the documentaries The Audacity of Democracy and Hating Breitbart. He's also That Guy Who Live-Tweeted His Own Heart Attack, and the only person to have ever received public apologies from both Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck.

121 responses to Cable News Gives Us the White Point Of View On Violent Indiana Traffic Stop

  1. R.J. Carter October 8th, 2014 at 17:29

    So how long do you wait before breaking the windows if the person won’t get out of the car? Do you tow the car to impound with them still in it?

    • jasperjava October 8th, 2014 at 19:01

      How long do you wait in the car, if you suspect that a racist cop is looking for an excuse to gun you down like a dog in the street in front of your children?

      Given recent events, it’s not an irrational fear.

      • Chinese Democracy October 9th, 2014 at 03:40

        she did call 911 to ask for a supervisor to come calm the situation down.

        Those cops where the wrong type of people to have a badge and a gun

        racist bullies, Im sure they had no idea a 14 yr old was recording everything they did. They probably would have taken the phone.

        Breaking the window and tazering him for offering to give them the papers they asked for? NO WONDER the people where afraid to get out of the car.

        and on and on and on… we got a cop problem in this country and we dont seem to want to own up to it.

    • Rusty Shackleford October 8th, 2014 at 19:13

      How many unarmed black men have to be shot by cops before you realize that fearing the police is a completely rational fear for unarmed black men?

      • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:16

        Exactly

      • Commodore October 8th, 2014 at 19:21

        Far less if they get out of the car like they were asked to…

        • Rusty Shackleford October 8th, 2014 at 20:01

          Asking them to negotiate with terrorists and obey their commands?

        • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 20:57

          Far more if the cops didn’t shoot without provocation.

    • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:20

      What right do the police have to demand you “GET OUT OF THE CAR RIGHT NOW” if you are not a suspect?
      especially on a simple traffic stop.

    • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 19:53

      I was speaking with an off-duty state cop at a picnic a few weeks ago. He told me that, after pulling someone over for a traffic violation, when he approaches the driver’s window they frequently ask him to wait indefinitely while they continue their cell phone conversation. My endodontist told me that he has had numerous patients answer cell phones and engage in conversations in the middle of procedures, while he and his assistant stood by twiddling their thumbs. These people have jobs to do. Their superiors and other patients have expectations of them that they have to meet. They can’t be spending all day dealing with one selfish person who has no respect for authority and no regard for other people’s time.

      • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:55

        False equivalence..

        • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 21:35

          Your mother wears combat boots.

      • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 20:56

        But, breaking windows and attacking a person with a taser, or any other weapons should not be an option.

        I suspect that threatening to impound the vehicle might be sufficient to end most of those issues. The tow truck companies that local police forces contract with would love the work.

        • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 21:34

          But do you think the people would exit the vehicle when the tow truck showed up? The towing company’s insurance would definitely not cover towing a vehicle with passengers inside. So the towing company would eventually have to abandon the call, and possibly not get paid a nickel for wasting their time.

          • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 21:53

            Well, two things occur to me. One is the police dial back the macho and show a little more restraint. Second, they could simply ask the occupants to follow them to a police station where they might feel safer when it’s clear that they are afraid of them.

            In the absence of the above, the threat of impounding and towing alone may very well solve the problem.

            • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 22:21

              I think we are living at a time when public trust in institutions is very low. This is probably a consequence of being constantly inundated with stories about people abusing their official powers. There are corrupt CEOs, corrupt police officers, and corrupt government officials. There are also corrupt nannies, corrupt priests, and corrupt teachers who physically or sexually abuse children. My neighbor is a cop, and even HE doesn’t trust cops.

              I understand the lack of trust. But we also have to bear in mind that the vast majority of CEOs, police officers, government officials, nannies, priests, and teachers are not evil. For the most part, they’re not out to get us. They’re just trying to do a job that is sometimes very frustrating.

              In my youth I was reckless, but today my daughter complains that I drive “like an old man”. So I don’t get pulled over very often. But when I do, I always use the word “sir” or “maam”, keep my hands where they can be seen, and do whatever I am asked to do. If I were asked to get out of my car in the middle of a downpour, I would do it immediately. No questions asked. Why? Because I choose to trust the cops, despite knowing that there are a few bad ones.

              • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:01

                There’s a big difference between existential angst and the real terror of an oppressive and overbearing police force. You and I may have no issues with being stopped by police for a minor infraction. We will likely get a fix it ticket or a warning or a ticket for some moving violation. It’s not confrontational, and while not pleasant, it does not feel threatening, because it isn’t.

                But, our experience is very different for the people in the video. It is very different from Michael Brown’s, and very different from John Crawford’s. We should listen to what these people are telling us about their experiences with police, and respect them, not blame them for overeager and scared cops who shoot first without provocation. At some point, in the dark, some cop may mistake your daughter, or my son, for as threat. And that day is the day that we understand the terror of a militarized and overeager police force.

                • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 23:33

                  Many years ago, when my son was in tenth grade, he came home from school one day, used his pocketknife for a project he was working on, and then went to an evening drama club rehearsal where he was part of the stage crew. When he discovered the pocketknife in his pocket, he made the mistake of showing it to some other students. The result was a six month expulsion and mandatory counseling. Apart from this, his entire HS record was blemish-free and all of his grades were A’s and B’s.

                  So I can relate to words like “oppressive”, “overbearing”, and “overeager”. Once people start to label you or categorize you, it seems as though you are guilty until proven innocent. A pocketknife that you use every day as a tool is suddenly classified as a “weapon”. It’s tough being on the wrong side of a label or a stereotype.

                  But when you’re in that situation, why on earth would you want to do anything to reinforce those perceptions?

                  • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:50

                    Too many bad experiences with police and city officials? A tenuous home or job situation? Family members who have been shot by police. Too much month at the end of the money?

                    Recent research has shown that PTSD symptoms are rife in low income neighborhoods, especially among the young men. So, expecting people under constant stress of a meager and unfulfilled life to behave as we would under similar circumstances may be asking more than is reasonable. Walk a mile in my shoes, and all that. Compassion.

                    Besides, we are discussing the video evidence of police misconduct. Blaming the victim is wrong, no matter the particulars.

                    • Robert M. Snyder October 9th, 2014 at 00:10

                      Another cop I know served in Iraq. A truck he was riding in was blown up by an IED. The projectile went right past his head and out through the roof. He was flown to Germany for treatment. He was awarded a purple heart.

                      Cops are people. They have their own issues to deal with. In my opinion, the window smashing and tasering seemed over the line. I agree that a more creative solution could have been found. And maybe the man in the vehicle had a mental illness, or is mildly mentally retarded. Maybe. Or maybe he over-reacted. Maybe everyone over-reacted.

                      I’ve never been black, and I’ve never been a cop. It’s commendable that we would try to understand the perspective of the black passengers. But in all fairness, shouldn’t we also try to understand the perspective of the cops? I am being serious. Who among us would consider doing that job? Can you imagine the amount of stress?

                    • tiredoftea October 9th, 2014 at 00:26

                      Yes, we should and I am trying to understand them, too. I agree it is a very stressful and mostly thankless job. If they cannot handle the stress, they have counseling, or should have.

                      The greater burden is on them, in my opinion, as they represent what we want in a lawful society. We should expect them to be careful for themselves and the people they approach, respect the limits of the law and behave civilly towards their citizens. The examples we see on these videos shows me that their management has failed them both in hiring them to begin with, or not supporting them when they are having stress attacks or personal problems.

                      I am an advocate of neighborhood policing and removing as much militarized policing as possible as is prudent. Too many SWAT tactics are used too often. Too few cops walk a beat or interact with the people they are charged with protecting. Read William’s post in this thread about his experience as a police officer. I want more of him in my neighborhood, and his female counterpart.

                    • Robert M. Snyder October 9th, 2014 at 00:57

                      William’s post was very illuminating, especially the part about if a child doesn’t feel comfortable approaching you, something’s wrong.

                      But it’s a two-way street. Is the cop comfortable approaching a child? Some kids are just awful in their behavior toward adults.

                      I wish more people taught their kids to respect adults. I could never be a cop, or even a high school teacher, because I would live in mortal fear of losing my temper and doing something I shouldn’t. Teachers take a lot of abuse. My sister burned out and retired from teaching in her late forties. She said that the kids are not learning self-discipline in the home, and when you try to correct them in school, the parents make your life miserable. So the kids treat you like dirt, and you just have to suck it up.

                      Life would be a lot better if we all showed a bit more respect for one another. It’s a habit that starts in childhood, if parents bother to teach (and model) it.

                    • tiredoftea October 9th, 2014 at 02:05

                      No real disagreement here, except that doing shtick as news is unworthy of us as a people, so none of those guys cross my TV.

                      You mentioned it before, the lawlessness of too many business leaders and public figures who have eroded the public’s confidence in our government and economy. The solution is to prosecute those people, harshly, if possible, publicly certainly, as a way of demonstrating that our system of laws works. We don’t have that now.

      • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 21:13

        the poor dear had to wait while a person is on the phone, lol. Puleeze

        • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 21:29

          Okay, so you’re ready to pay for your can of paint at the local hardware store. The checkout clerk is having a cell phone conversation. She says “Wait a sec” and continues talking for several more minutes. After she finally puts the phone away and rings up your purchase, you tell her that you didn’t appreciate having to wait.

          That evening, while discussing her day with a friend over dinner, she says “the poor dear had to wait while a person is on the phone, lol. Puleeze” (i.e. your exact words)

          Am I to believe that you would NOT be irritated by a checkout clerk who makes you wait? Wouldn’t you have a right to be irritated by such rude treatment?

          • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 21:47

            so then i should shot her?

            • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 23:53

              The point is that when people treat you rudely and waste your time, you are probably not going to feel all warm and fuzzy about them. Why would anyone want to antagonize a cop? It’s broad daylight. The kid is filming everything. There are three witnesses in the car. Yes, police brutality happens. But it works both ways. A cop I know was set upon by a group of people at a football game tailgate he was patrolling. He and his fellow officers were knocked to the ground, kicked, and punched. They responded with pepper spray. He told me he was very close to drawing his sidearm. All persons involved were white. Cops take a lot of crap, and they are human. Antagonizing them is not a wise move.

              • whatthe46 October 9th, 2014 at 04:28

                oh. and cops NEVER antagonize people? geez.

          • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:05

            Good point. Next time that happens I will totally taser the clerk.
            Thanks for putting it all in perspective.

            • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 23:37

              Dude, I would totally like to see that. Be sure to get a video!

          • fahvel October 9th, 2014 at 04:03

            that’s what open carry is for – shoot the check out person between the eyes, leave money on the counter and go home – you are a supreme dufus.

      • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 21:27

        Respect My Authority~!

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx4jn77VKlQ

    • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 20:11

      Good question…
      Except for the fact there was no “car impounding” in the works..
      It was a simple “seat belt violation”.

    • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 21:02

      They can dial down the macho and ask them to follow the police car to a police station?

      • R.J. Carter October 9th, 2014 at 07:25

        Maybe, after they tie up two other police cars to join the escort.

        • tiredoftea October 9th, 2014 at 12:11

          That seems like a small issue. Around here, we get four to six police cars gathered for stopping a homeless person.

    • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 21:12

      why did he have to get out of the car, contrary to what the right believes being black is not illegal and they are entitiled to all the rights and protections that white people have

      • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:03

        “why did he have to get out of the car?” Maryland v. Wilson, No. 95-1268

        • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 23:16

          state law says the cops have no right to harrass or arrest him during a traffic stop, period

          • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:45

            Well I am not at all familiar with other State laws, but I DO know the supreme court has ruled that a Police officer may compel a driver and passenger(s)out of a car in certain situations. If the driver and/or passengers refuse to cooperate, there is always that catch all “obstructing” thing. Like I said, we won’t know until all the facts are in and a court has it’s say.

      • R.J. Carter October 9th, 2014 at 07:25

        I’m not about to put my white privilege to the test by remaining in the car when the officer tells me to step out of it.

        • tracey marie October 10th, 2014 at 13:49

          you would never have been questioned or put in this situation

          • R.J. Carter October 10th, 2014 at 14:05

            White people don’t get pulled over and asked to step out of the car?

            • tracey marie October 10th, 2014 at 14:08

              he was not pulled over, he was a passenger, facts do matter

  2. R.J. Carter October 8th, 2014 at 17:29

    So how long do you wait before breaking the windows if the person won’t get out of the car? Do you tow the car to impound with them still in it?

    • jasperjava October 8th, 2014 at 19:01

      How long do you wait in the car, if you suspect that a racist cop is looking for an excuse to gun you down like a dog in the street in front of your children?

      Given recent events, it’s not an irrational fear.

      • Chinese Democracy October 9th, 2014 at 03:40

        she did call 911 to ask for a supervisor to come calm the situation down.

        Those cops where the wrong type of people to have a badge and a gun

        racist bullies, Im sure they had no idea a 14 yr old was recording everything they did. They probably would have taken the phone.

        Breaking the window and tazering him for offering to give them the papers they asked for? NO WONDER the people where afraid to get out of the car.

        and on and on and on… we got a cop problem in this country and we dont seem to want to own up to it.

    • Rusty Shackleford October 8th, 2014 at 19:13

      How many unarmed black men have to be shot by cops before you realize that fearing the police is a completely rational fear for unarmed black men?

      • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:16

        Exactly

      • TedT3289 October 8th, 2014 at 19:21

        Far less if they get out of the car like they were asked to…

        • Rusty Shackleford October 8th, 2014 at 20:01

          Asking them to negotiate with terrorists and obey their commands?

        • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 20:57

          Far more if the cops didn’t shoot without provocation.

    • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:20

      What right do the police have to demand you “GET OUT OF THE CAR RIGHT NOW” if you are not a suspect?
      especially on a simple traffic stop.

    • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 19:53

      I was speaking with an off-duty state cop at a picnic a few weeks ago. He told me that, after pulling someone over for a traffic violation, when he approaches the driver’s window they frequently ask him to wait indefinitely while they continue their cell phone conversation. My endodontist told me that he has had numerous patients answer cell phones and engage in conversations in the middle of procedures, while he and his assistant stood by twiddling their thumbs. These people have jobs to do. Their superiors and other patients have expectations of them that they have to meet. They can’t be spending all day dealing with one selfish person who has no respect for authority and no regard for other people’s time.

      • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:55

        False equivalence..
        And an ignorant comment to boot.

        • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 21:35

          Your mother wears combat boots.

      • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 20:56

        But, breaking windows and attacking a person with a taser, or any other weapons should not be an option.

        I suspect that threatening to impound the vehicle might be sufficient to end most of those issues. The tow truck companies that local police forces contract with would love the work.

        • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 21:34

          But do you think the people would exit the vehicle when the tow truck showed up? The towing company’s insurance would definitely not cover towing a vehicle with passengers inside. So the towing company would eventually have to abandon the call, and possibly not get paid a nickel for wasting their time.

          • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 21:53

            Well, two things occur to me. One is the police dial back the macho and show a little more restraint. Second, they could simply ask the occupants to follow them to a police station where they might feel safer when it’s clear that they are afraid of them.

            In the absence of the above, the threat of impounding and towing alone may very well solve the problem.

            • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 22:21

              I think we are living at a time when public trust in institutions is very low. This is probably a consequence of being constantly inundated with stories about people abusing their official powers. There are corrupt CEOs, corrupt police officers, and corrupt government officials. There are also corrupt nannies, corrupt priests, and corrupt teachers who physically or sexually abuse children. My neighbor is a cop, and even HE doesn’t trust cops.

              I understand the lack of trust. But we also have to bear in mind that the vast majority of CEOs, police officers, government officials, nannies, priests, and teachers are not evil. For the most part, they’re not out to get us. They’re just trying to do a job that is sometimes very frustrating.

              In my youth I was reckless, but today my daughter complains that I drive “like an old man”. So I don’t get pulled over very often. But when I do, I always use the word “sir” or “maam”, keep my hands where they can be seen, and do whatever I am asked to do. If I were asked to get out of my car in the middle of a downpour, I would do it immediately. No questions asked. Why? Because I choose to trust the cops, despite knowing that there are a few bad ones.

              • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:01

                There’s a big difference between existential angst and the real terror of an oppressive and overbearing police force. You and I may have no issues with being stopped by police for a minor infraction. We will likely get a fix it ticket or a warning or a ticket for some moving violation. It’s not confrontational, and while not pleasant, it does not feel threatening, because it isn’t.

                But, our experience is very different for the people in the video. It is very different from Michael Brown’s, and very different from John Crawford’s. We should listen to what these people are telling us about their experiences with police, and respect them, not blame them for overeager and scared cops who shoot first without provocation. At some point, in the dark, some cop may mistake your daughter, or my son, for as threat. And that day is the day that we understand the terror of a militarized and overeager police force.

                • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 23:33

                  Many years ago, when my son was in tenth grade, he came home from school one day, used his pocketknife for a project he was working on, and then went to an evening drama club rehearsal where he was part of the stage crew. When he discovered the pocketknife in his pocket, he made the mistake of showing it to some other students. The result was a six month expulsion and mandatory counseling. Apart from this, his entire HS record was blemish-free and all of his grades were A’s and B’s.

                  So I can relate to words like “oppressive”, “overbearing”, and “overeager”. Once people start to label you or categorize you, it seems as though you are guilty until proven innocent. A pocketknife that you use every day as a tool is suddenly classified as a “weapon”. It’s tough being on the wrong side of a label or a stereotype.

                  But when you’re in that situation, why on earth would you want to do anything to reinforce those perceptions?

                  • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:50

                    Too many bad experiences with police and city officials? A tenuous home or job situation? Family members who have been shot by police. Too much month at the end of the money?

                    Recent research has shown that PTSD symptoms are rife in low income neighborhoods, especially among the young men. So, expecting people under constant stress of a meager and unfulfilled life to behave as we would under similar circumstances may be asking more than is reasonable. Walk a mile in my shoes, and all that. Compassion.

                    Besides, we are discussing the video evidence of police misconduct. Blaming the victim is wrong, no matter the particulars.

                    • Robert M. Snyder October 9th, 2014 at 00:10

                      Another cop I know served in Iraq. A truck he was riding in was blown up by an IED. The projectile went right past his head and out through the roof. He was flown to Germany for treatment. He was awarded a purple heart.

                      Cops are people. They have their own issues to deal with. In my opinion, the window smashing and tasering seemed over the line. I agree that a more creative solution could have been found. And maybe the man in the vehicle had a mental illness, or is mildly mentally retarded. Maybe. Or maybe he over-reacted. Maybe everyone over-reacted.

                      I’ve never been black, and I’ve never been a cop. It’s commendable that we would try to understand the perspective of the black passengers. But in all fairness, shouldn’t we also try to understand the perspective of the cops? I am being serious. Who among us would consider doing that job? Can you imagine the amount of stress?

                    • tiredoftea October 9th, 2014 at 00:26

                      Yes, we should and I am trying to understand them, too. I agree it is a very stressful and mostly thankless job. If they cannot handle the stress, they have counseling, or should have.

                      The greater burden is on them, in my opinion, as they represent what we want in a lawful society. We should expect them to be careful for themselves and the people they approach, respect the limits of the law and behave civilly towards their citizens. The examples we see on these videos shows me that their management has failed them both in hiring them to begin with, or not supporting them when they are having stress attacks or personal problems.

                      I am an advocate of neighborhood policing and removing as much militarized policing as possible as is prudent. Too many SWAT tactics are used too often. Too few cops walk a beat or interact with the people they are charged with protecting. Read William’s post in this thread about his experience as a police officer. I want more of him in my neighborhood, and his female counterpart.

                    • Robert M. Snyder October 9th, 2014 at 00:57

                      William’s post was very illuminating, especially the part about if a child doesn’t feel comfortable approaching you, something’s wrong.

                      But it’s a two-way street. Is the cop comfortable approaching a child? Some kids are just awful in their behavior toward adults.

                      I wish more people taught their kids to respect adults. I could never be a cop, or even a high school teacher, because I would live in mortal fear of losing my temper and doing something I shouldn’t. Teachers take a lot of abuse. My sister burned out and retired from teaching in her late forties. She said that the kids are not learning self-discipline in the home, and when you try to correct them in school, the parents make your life miserable. So the kids treat you like dirt, and you just have to suck it up.

                      Life would be a lot better if we all showed a bit more respect for one another. It’s a habit that starts in childhood, if parents bother to teach (and model) it.

                      And let me add that O’Reilly and Hannity need some lessons in manners. This business of talking and shouting over people is setting a terrible example for any young person who is watching. We can do better. Shame on them for being so rude.

                    • tiredoftea October 9th, 2014 at 02:05

                      No real disagreement here, except that doing shtick as news is unworthy of us as a people, so none of those guys cross my TV.

                      You mentioned it before, the lawlessness of too many business leaders and public figures who have eroded the public’s confidence in our government and economy. The solution is to prosecute those people, harshly, if possible, publicly certainly, as a way of demonstrating that our system of laws works. We don’t have that now.

      • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 21:13

        the poor dear had to wait while a person is on the phone, lol. Puleeze

        • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 21:29

          Okay, so you’re ready to pay for your can of paint at the local hardware store. The checkout clerk is having a cell phone conversation. She says “Wait a sec” and continues talking for several more minutes. After she finally puts the phone away and rings up your purchase, you tell her that you didn’t appreciate having to wait.

          That evening, while discussing her day with a friend over dinner, she says “the poor dear had to wait while a person is on the phone, lol. Puleeze” (i.e. your exact words)

          Am I to believe that you would NOT be irritated by a checkout clerk who makes you wait? Wouldn’t you have a right to be irritated by such rude treatment?

          • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 21:47

            so then i should shot her?

            • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 23:53

              The point is that when people treat you rudely and waste your time, you are probably not going to feel all warm and fuzzy about them. Why would anyone want to antagonize a cop? It’s broad daylight. The kid is filming everything. There are three witnesses in the car. Yes, police brutality happens. But it works both ways. A cop I know was set upon by a group of people at a football game tailgate he was patrolling. He and his fellow officers were knocked to the ground, kicked, and punched. They responded with pepper spray. He told me he was very close to drawing his sidearm. All persons involved were white. Cops take a lot of crap, and they are human. Antagonizing them is not a wise move.

              • whatthe46 October 9th, 2014 at 04:28

                oh. and cops NEVER antagonize people? geez.

          • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:05

            Good point. Next time that happens I will totally taser the clerk.
            Thanks for putting it all in perspective.

            • Robert M. Snyder October 8th, 2014 at 23:37

              Dude, I would totally like to see that. Be sure to get a video!

          • fahvel October 9th, 2014 at 04:03

            that’s what open carry is for – shoot the check out person between the eyes, leave money on the counter and go home – you are a supreme dufus.

      • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 21:27

        Respect My Authority~!

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx4jn77VKlQ

    • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 20:11

      Good question…
      Except for the fact there was no “car impounding” in the works..
      It was a simple “seat belt violation”.

    • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 21:02

      They can dial down the macho and ask them to follow the police car to a police station?

      • R.J. Carter October 9th, 2014 at 07:25

        Maybe, after they tie up two other police cars to join the escort.

        • tiredoftea October 9th, 2014 at 12:11

          That seems like a small issue. Around here, we get four to six police cars gathered for stopping a homeless person.

    • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 21:12

      why did he have to get out of the car, contrary to what the right believes being black is not illegal and they are entitiled to all the rights and protections that white people have

      • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:03

        “why did he have to get out of the car?” Maryland v. Wilson, No. 95-1268

        • tracey marie October 8th, 2014 at 23:16

          state law says the cops have no right to harrass or arrest him during a traffic stop, period

          • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:45

            Well I am not at all familiar with other State laws, but I DO know the supreme court has ruled that a Police officer may compel a driver and passenger(s)out of a car in certain situations. If the driver and/or passengers refuse to cooperate, there is always that catch all “obstructing” thing. Like I said, we won’t know until all the facts are in and a court has it’s say.

      • R.J. Carter October 9th, 2014 at 07:25

        I’m not about to put my white privilege to the test by remaining in the car when the officer tells me to step out of it.

        • tracey marie October 10th, 2014 at 13:49

          you would never have been questioned or put in this situation

          • R.J. Carter October 10th, 2014 at 14:05

            White people don’t get pulled over and asked to step out of the car?

            • tracey marie October 10th, 2014 at 14:08

              he was not pulled over, he was a passenger, facts do matter

  3. StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:09

    13 mins…
    And no violation of any law was found after breaking the window, Tazing the passenger and freaking out children in the back seat…
    All over a “no seat belt violation”….
    These assholes on Morning Joe need to find another job.

  4. StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 19:09

    13 mins…
    And no violation of any law was found after breaking the window, Tazing the passenger and freaking out children in the back seat…
    All over a “no seat belt violation”….
    These assholes on Morning Joe need to find another job.
    And so do these police officers that pull a car over for no seat belt, and escalate it into a violent confrontation for failure to produce an ID from a passenger..

    if the police are so afraid of a traffic stop, “seat belt violation” that they have to become violent, they need to find another way to make a living..
    Because they are no longer serving and protecting the public.

    The police have become the menace to society.

    • pauly October 8th, 2014 at 20:11

      The Fourth Amendment to
      the United States Constitution is the part of the Bill of Rights that prohibits
      unreasonable searches and seizures and requires any warrant to be judicially
      sanctioned and supported by probable cause. To say that nothing was wrong after
      the breaking of the window is beyond moronic! Alsmo0st to the point of being
      unpatriotic. Hope they sue the fuck out of this cop and department!

  5. greenfyre October 8th, 2014 at 19:20

    Can’t help noticing the Energy East ad in the middle of this piece (don’t mean to distract from important article, but EE is one of the bad guys). Don’t know if you can filter ads or not, but thought you should know.

    http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/energy/Keystone+darned+Canada+finds+surprise+route+around/10273062/story.html

    • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 20:13

      If you see ads on your screen…
      You need to get Ad Blocker~!
      Or any number of other advertiser or tracker blocking apps.

      • greenfyre October 8th, 2014 at 21:31

        The issue is not that I see it, but that it’s there at all. Think of it as an ad for the Koch Bros, the NRA, or “Re-elect Mitch McConnell.” Does that help put it in perspective?

        • StoneyCurtisll October 9th, 2014 at 10:17

          yeah…
          but operating a web site isn’t free, advertisements pay the bills and staff..
          They have to come from somewhere.
          And might as well take Koch brothers money for ads on a site that is openly anti-Koch..(let’s hope so)

          I will take their money in a heart beat and ridicule them until the day I die.

          • greenfyre October 9th, 2014 at 12:21

            Fair enough; thought that might be the case. All the best.

  6. greenfyre October 8th, 2014 at 19:20

    Can’t help noticing the Energy East ad in the middle of this piece (don’t mean to distract from important article, but EE is one of the bad guys). Don’t know if you can filter ads or not, but thought you should know.

    http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/energy/Keystone+darned+Canada+finds+surprise+route+around/10273062/story.html

    • StoneyCurtisll October 8th, 2014 at 20:13

      If you see ads on your screen…
      You need to get Ad Blocker~!
      Or any number of other advertiser or tracker blocking apps.

      • greenfyre October 8th, 2014 at 21:31

        The issue is not that I see it, but that it’s there at all. Think of it as an ad for the Koch Bros, the NRA, or “Re-elect Mitch McConnell.” Does that help put it in perspective?

        • StoneyCurtisll October 9th, 2014 at 10:17

          yeah…
          but operating a web site isn’t free, advertisements pay the bills and staff..
          They have to come from somewhere.
          And might as well take Koch brothers money for ads on a site that is openly anti-Koch..(let’s hope so)

          I will take their money in a heart beat and ridicule them until the day I die.

          • greenfyre October 9th, 2014 at 12:21

            Fair enough; thought that might be the case. All the best.

  7. lois patuto October 8th, 2014 at 20:36

    the guy was a passenger why does he have to “show us your papers” ????

    • searambler October 8th, 2014 at 21:25

      He doesn’t, according to Indiana law. The cops acted illegally. Shocking, I know…..

  8. lois patuto October 8th, 2014 at 20:36

    the guy was a passenger why does he have to “show us your papers” ????

    • searambler October 8th, 2014 at 21:25

      He doesn’t, according to Indiana law. The cops acted illegally. Shocking, I know…..

  9. Tammy Minton Haley October 8th, 2014 at 22:49

    so…i was up this morning, performing the ritual “blood moon” sacrifices to my great master, The Obama, and i caught the “Joe” segment, in all its glorious caucasian awareness…oh, my–how proud i am of my people!

    geez…

  10. Tammy Minton Haley October 8th, 2014 at 22:49

    so…i was up this morning, performing the ritual “blood moon” sacrifices to my great master, The Obama, and i caught the “Joe” segment, in all its glorious caucasian awareness…oh, my–how proud i am of my people!

    geez…

  11. William October 8th, 2014 at 23:01

    In 1997 , Maryland v. Wilson, No. 95-1268 http://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/20/us/for-their-own-safety-police-can-order-people-cars-routine-stops-court-rules.html
    In short, the police can compel a passenger out of a vehicle.
    The alleged actions of the passenger gave the cops enough articulable suspicion to push case law to the extreme. I remember attending a class when this decision was handed down.

    • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:05

      William, as a former police officer, have you any light to shed on dealing with people who are afraid of you?

      • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:38

        Well, in all fairness, I have never dealt with a racially tense jurisdiction. If your community is afraid of you, then something is already wrong. I would get pretty irritated and vocal with a parent who would point to me and say to their kid “You better behave or he’ll take you to jail”. I worked for a Chief who didn’t like shaved heads, combat boots or tactical gear. His acid test was that you should appear in a manner that would not frighten a child. IE, if a lost kid won’t approach you then something’s wrong. About a third of cops killed in the line of duty happen during traffic stops. I recall a stop when the driver immediately stuck his left hand under his seat as I approached the vehicle. I placed my hand on my weapon and directed the driver to show me his hands. As it turns out the driver had a horribly deformed left hand and was very embarrassed by it. Cops are drilled over and over again to always keep the upper hand, and realistically, every confrontation is an armed confrontation because at least one of you have a gun. I laugh today about the time I dealt with a knife wielding lady (off her meds), by taking her cigarettes, then later trading the cigarettes for the knife, but the stark reality is that I could have been killed, and my method is not in any manual. That doesn’t make me smart, brave or even a good cop. I was lucky.
        I’m reluctant to back seat quarterback another cop until the fat lady sings, the gavel comes down and the facts are all in. If any good comes out of this, I think cops and communities are going to have a better and more open dialog. The us vs. them mentality is wrong.
        To sum it up? I guess I’m not a very scary guy.

        • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:43

          Thanks! There should be more of your type out there now!

  12. William October 8th, 2014 at 23:01

    In 1997 , Maryland v. Wilson, No. 95-1268 http://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/20/us/for-their-own-safety-police-can-order-people-cars-routine-stops-court-rules.html
    In short, the police can compel a passenger out of a vehicle.
    The alleged actions of the passenger gave the cops enough articulable suspicion to push case law to the extreme. I remember attending a class when this decision was handed down.

    • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:05

      William, as a former police officer, have you any light to shed on dealing with people who are afraid of you?

      • William October 8th, 2014 at 23:38

        Well, in all fairness, I have never dealt with a racially tense jurisdiction. If your community is afraid of you, then something is already wrong. I would get pretty irritated and vocal with a parent who would point to me and say to their kid “You better behave or he’ll take you to jail”. I worked for a Chief who didn’t like shaved heads, combat boots or tactical gear. His acid test was that you should appear in a manner that would not frighten a child. IE, if a lost kid won’t approach you then something’s wrong. About a third of cops killed in the line of duty happen during traffic stops. I recall a stop when the driver immediately stuck his left hand under his seat as I approached the vehicle. I placed my hand on my weapon and directed the driver to show me his hands. As it turns out the driver had a horribly deformed left hand and was very embarrassed by it. Cops are drilled over and over again to always keep the upper hand, and realistically, every confrontation is an armed confrontation because at least one of you have a gun. I laugh today about the time I dealt with a knife wielding lady (off her meds), by taking her cigarettes, then later trading the cigarettes for the knife, but the stark reality is that I could have been killed, and my method is not in any manual. That doesn’t make me smart, brave or even a good cop. I was lucky.
        I’m reluctant to back seat quarterback another cop until the fat lady sings, the gavel comes down and the facts are all in. If any good comes out of this, I think cops and communities are going to have a better and more open dialog. The us vs. them mentality is wrong.
        To sum it up? I guess I’m not a very scary guy.

        • tiredoftea October 8th, 2014 at 23:43

          Thanks! There should be more of your type out there now!

  13. whatthe46 October 9th, 2014 at 03:15

    i wonder what they have to say about this case: “An investigation is underway into allegations that an NYPD cop stole $1,300 from a man during a stop-and-frisk, and then pepper sprayed the man and a witness.” “I believe that this officer made an assumption that any money Mr. Joye possessed was obtained illegally and therefore he would not report the theft. This assumption was wrong, Mr. Joye is a hard-working taxpayer deserving respect,” said Marinelli. “Marinelli said Lamard is a construction worker who had withdrawn the cash a week earlier, as it was his 35th birthday and he was going to take his wife out on the town. The lawyer gave the video to the Brooklyn D.A.’s chief civil rights prosecutor and also provided pay stubs, visual evidence of Lamard cashing his paycheck at a check cashing store, and bank records documenting the cash withdrawal.”
    *******
    OOOOOPS!

  14. whatthe46 October 9th, 2014 at 03:15

    i wonder what they have to say about this case: “An investigation is underway into allegations that an NYPD cop stole $1,300 from a man during a stop-and-frisk, and then pepper sprayed the man and a witness.” “I believe that this officer made an assumption that any money Mr. Joye possessed was obtained illegally and therefore he would not report the theft. This assumption was wrong, Mr. Joye is a hard-working taxpayer deserving respect,” said Marinelli. “Marinelli said Lamard is a construction worker who had withdrawn the cash a week earlier, as it was his 35th birthday and he was going to take his wife out on the town. The lawyer gave the video to the Brooklyn D.A.’s chief civil rights prosecutor and also provided pay stubs, visual evidence of Lamard cashing his paycheck at a check cashing store, and bank records documenting the cash withdrawal.”
    *******
    OOOOOPS!

  15. Chinese Democracy October 9th, 2014 at 03:42

    The white perspective is the only perspective morning joe knows or cares about

  16. Chinese Democracy October 9th, 2014 at 03:42

    The white perspective is the only perspective morning joe knows or cares about

  17. fahvel October 9th, 2014 at 03:57

    the white perspective is one of fear – just plain fear. It’s uncanny how frightened the folks of the usa are deep down – L’il gearge did one fine job of destroying what pride so many americans once had.

  18. fahvel October 9th, 2014 at 03:57

    the white perspective is one of fear – just plain fear. It’s uncanny how frightened the folks of the usa are deep down – L’il gearge did one fine job of destroying what pride so many americans once had.

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