2014-01-14

Prosecutor screws up on Kelly Thomas case #KellyThomasOver

( update .... I learned the officers have been fired )      #99guspuppetTag

All or Nothing
The prosecutor ( Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas ) seems to have conducted an *all or nothing* trial.  I can imagine that the officers did not intend to kill KT.  It is clear from the video that they were poorly trained ( or ignored their training ) .  They badgered KT , threatened him , assaulted him with overwhelming force.  Possibly they would have been found guilty of assault, etc.  They should be banned from police work and injunctioned against using physical violence against humans.  I wonder if the prosecutor was *playing a game* with the jury.  Very strange.

No Double Jeopardy
Many are calling for Federal charges.   No.... There should be no more criminal charges against the two officers.  The remaining officer still remains at risk..... I do NOT think the Feds should intervene.  Civil action against the officers seems possible.  Suitable results would have the officers pay the civil damages.... not the taxpayers.  Can civil action include firing the officers ?  Banning them from police work ?  Can the authors of the police training be sued ?  I hope so.
Jacob Sullum agrees .....

Any response to government violence should be measured against morality.  *Going over the top* does the cause of freedom for the individual great harm. ( Freedom to pursue happiness, freedom to own property , freedom from interference )

Interestingly , I just re-stumbled over an old decision to allow police departments to hire dull applicants. Makes sense.... yes ?   #dullcops
http://abcnews.go.com/US/court-oks-barring-high-iqs-cops/story?id=95836#.UYEkw7XU-Sq

author: 99guspuppet    777KellyThomas   #sophont2