Well, since some have been banned from the online newspaper blogs, I have created this to see if we can start our own discussions based on the letters that appear in those papers. Not sure if this will work, but...what the heck!
First up; Using the "N" word in Corvallis
http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2009/07/27/news/opinion/7edi03_noblesletter072709.txt
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I find this to be outrageous! If the police actually said that they were "to make any threat he chose as well as hurling racial slurs." those Police would be incorrect. Using that kind of language, I believe, is illegal in Corvallis.
ReplyDeleteI agree Tom. Especially the way it was described by the woman...the slur was yelled at her husband and even the kids, I think. How this cannot be considered intimidation and illegal is beyond me. And I think JTB is cracked in his comment about African-Americans needing to stop calling each other the N word; that is a way for them to feel brotherhood against discrimination, IMO. Not the same as a white person saying it. I think JTB is trying to diminish the charge in this case
ReplyDeleteWoo, hoo! Great to be posting an opinion again.
Have you told Barefoot? He'll love the preview feature!
While I agree with the idea of what both of you are saying, I would also caution that if the police did not charge there may be more to the story than what's written. Looking at this from a law enforcement POV; I would say that the "suspect" needs to have acted, or threatened to have acted on three elements. Intent, Means, and opportunity. I think we all know those so I won't belabor them. I wasn't there, nor were either of you, so I do not know what happened. With that said, simply calling a person a name and saying I am going to kick your ass and your family afterwords isn't a crime on it's face. Bad form, and makes you a horrible human being yes, but not a crime. Here is the subsection to the Intimidation ORS statute that could apply: [Quote](c) Intentionally, because of the person's perception of race, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation of another or of a member of the other's family, subjects such other person to alarm by threatening:
ReplyDelete(A) To inflict serious physical injury upon or to commit a felony affecting such other person, or a member of the person's family.[End quote] The key words here are (With the three elements) "to inflict serious physical injury". Threats and blustering do not rise to serious physical injury. This is horrible, and the alleged threatener should be ashamed, but adsent the three elements to inflict the injury I don't see a crime. I have a feeling the officers who responded followed that reasoning as well. Without escalation the police are simply reactionary.
I would add that the public interest, and outrage is warranted. I would hopoe there is no further escalation!
ReplyDeleteShe said;
ReplyDelete"He yelled threats of physical violence as well as the “n” word"
Sounds like a threat to do physical injury to me! Also, isn't this a possible hate crime?
I agree, we don't know the whole story. But, based on the info provided, I think this incident should be looked in to....
Tom, Intimidation is Oregon's Hate crime statute. There are two distinctions, or subsections within the law. The above subsection "C" describes the Misdomeanor charge of Intimidation described above. The second and more serious charge (C felony) First degree intimidation; would be if there are two or more persons' who engage in causing an injury, or injuries... There is menacing, which is basically the same thing as Intimidation (Misdomeanor) only without the race aspect... There is also Disorderly conduct. Without being there and witnessing the incident I have no way of knowing what or if any of the elements were reached... Does that make any sense?
ReplyDeleteIs Tom ever coming back??
ReplyDeletetest
ReplyDeleteSweet it works.
ReplyDeleteI would add there are way too many racially charged incidents in this town and the majority, including the police, are way too quick to dismiss it.
The impression this give minorities is that they simply don't care, or are themselves prejudiced.
Have they found the culprit in the CROSS BURNING incident? No, and they never will. They are too busy giving tickets to bicyclists, and other such petty nonsense.
Oh and too busy coming to Neighborhood Watch parties for photo ops (that was my neighborhood's party on the front page of the GT and the cop literally stopped in for a photo op!).
ReplyDeletep.s. Ajai: I saw Chuck and Larry with my son. A bit silly being that Adam Sandler is in it, BUT I thought it a great movie for not only exposing the discrimination that gays experience, but to get to the heart of what their relationships are about...great for kids my son's age!
ReplyDelete(This is NOT off topic because the letter is about discrimination...:)
Ajai - I was concerned (that is putting it lightly) about the Cross Burning incident, and the official response to it.
ReplyDeleteTo state that there was no evidence that it was not racially motivated given the location (a residence where someone of a different race lives), and the action (BURNING A CROSS) - the press release should have stated that it had all the appearances of a racial motivation (because it did).
It is pretty difficult in a crime like this to "find" anyone involved unless someone comes forward with information concerning the incident, so for officers to carry on with other duties - that happens.
Whom ever is doing the press releases for Benton County and Corvallis Police (because like it or not, corvallisoreugene is right) should indicate that these agencies are very concerned about the incidents.
The Cross Burning should have been stated for what it was - not just an "illegal burn" or "criminal mischief" (I cannot remember now what minor title they issued the crime).
So, do you all want to continue with this? I was thinking I might start adding links to other letters, if think this is a good idea. I've been pretty busy and will be even busier next week, but I can add some more links, if you want.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I'll just add new subjects and not all the letters. So, as an example, we already have a link to a letter about bikes stopping at stop signs, so I don't think I'll add another link.
Oh, and I am not removing posts. I will if someone gets out of hand and starts using really fowl language, but I don't see that happening.
Love it.
ReplyDeleteEven if I do not post, I am still reading everyone's comments and taking it in.
Thank you Tom.
(have no clue how I comment as momofthree though...it's not allowing it.)
Tom, I think it would be great to continue this. I agree that not every letter on a new subject should be included...too cumbersome, not to mention more work for you. We can always refer to additional letters in our comments.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if more than one person could administer the site, but I don't see that possibility on a site like this, I don't think.
ds, to change your name on your posts:
ReplyDeleteLogin as if you are commenting, then click on your username on one of your posts. There is an 'Edit Profile' button on the left and within that menu is a 'Display Name' window, where you can change your name. The next time you post your new name will show up.
If anyone knows how to copy-and-paste on here, let me know...I tried it and it doesn't work.
Wow, Tom, I see you put up a bunch of new letters! Thanks and great job!
ReplyDeletetest
ReplyDeleteI'm not getting it Vicky
ReplyDeleteNOW I got it. Thanks Vicky =)
ReplyDeleteRight on, momofthree. Good to see you here.
ReplyDelete