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Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a fan of the US 24-hour Media outlets. I try my best not to watch their relentless propaganda extravaganzas. But, I happened to be awake last night at 1:30 am, when news about the shoot-out was breaking and I did get sucked into the drama of it all. As it played out in real time from 1:30 to 4:30, it became obvious that we were looking at crimes committed by the bombers. I must say that MSNBC did a credible job of coverage, controlling most of their speculation. There were one or two guys who had obvious agendas...one that kept going on about Al-Queda connections, and one that kept insisting the police would shoot the suspect in the head with a firestorm of bullets as soon as they found him.
But mostly this was an efficient operation, carried out on two suspects who have, as yet, unknown motives. And mostly, the news shows reported actual news. Due process is going to be circumnavigated briefly, it appears. I am torn about that. On the one hand, I think there could well be reasons to question someone like this without a lawyer present. On the other hand, as an American, I firmly believe in due process for every criminal under the law. Even those criminals that are so warped by evil that they commit horrendous acts. My understanding is that the waiving of Miranda rights is temporary and that everything will be admissible in court, but anytime we try someone in the media, I do lament the loss of American values. And on that point, kudos to the officer at the press conference who said "It is always our goal to take suspects in alive." That, to my way of thinking, is a true American.
But mostly this was an efficient operation, carried out on two suspects who have, as yet, unknown motives. And mostly, the news shows reported actual news. Due process is going to be circumnavigated briefly, it appears. I am torn about that. On the one hand, I think there could well be reasons to question someone like this without a lawyer present. On the other hand, as an American, I firmly believe in due process for every criminal under the law. Even those criminals that are so warped by evil that they commit horrendous acts. My understanding is that the waiving of Miranda rights is temporary and that everything will be admissible in court, but anytime we try someone in the media, I do lament the loss of American values. And on that point, kudos to the officer at the press conference who said "It is always our goal to take suspects in alive." That, to my way of thinking, is a true American.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-04-20 07:13 am (UTC)On the other hand, I admit to being disturbed about martial law being enforced while searching for the suspect. People and businesses told to remain at home with the doors locked, no traffic in or out of the area, home and vehicle searches, etc. The times have definitely changed in our country! It goes to show the impact 9/11 has had on our overall consciousness. It still disturbs me none the less. I feel like the terrorists have won despite our government trying to convince the world they haven't.
My two cents.
Edit: Sleep posting originally, but now I am fully awake! Ha! Link to article here (http://willyloman.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/boston-bombing-fathers-interview-on-video/).
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
Date: 2013-04-20 09:27 am (UTC)(no subject)
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