This is really the key point. Paul’s mention of “big government” as being behind police militarization is exactly wrong - that was driven by overspending on defense (something that even small-government libertarians think should be maintained), followed by trimming down supplies as the war winds down (undoubtedly with some sops to defense contractors who benefit from these materials being used and having to be maintained, as opposed to sitting in a parking lot on a military base; and which will have to be bought again with the next war).
When it comes to dealing with the situation on the ground in Ferguson, it’s the “big government” that Paul despises so much that is the only sane voice in the room right now. According to his philosophy, the county police should be the highest authorities in the situation - not the state, and certainly not the feds. And it should be obvious to everyone by now that if that had continued it would be an ongoing catastrophe.
Sure, it would be ideal if city, town, and county officials weren’t so often small-minded people with an eye more on their jobs and their prejudices than doing what’s right. But we’ve seen enough examples through the years to know that it’s quite often the case, and we need a check on them from higher up.
His point is not dumb, but his arguments are (though you’re right that wiscojoe isn’t arguing against the right one). If you ever want an example of “right for the wrong reason”, find pretty much anything Rand Paul (or his father) says that a liberal would agree with, and it’s pretty much guaranteed to be one.
Yes, Paul’s comments about over-militarization would receive much agreement. However, he recently endorsed that drone punishment for the “common criminal.” I think it is fair and appropriate to link those policies of his. The same Rand Paul articulated that, while federal buildings and programs should be subject to civil rights’ oversight, an individually-owned restaurant should still be able to refuse to sell a sandwich or allow the use of bathroom facilities to a black man or woman driving across the country.
I hope Holder can find a way to get an examination of the body as quickly as possible. There are many who believe the case is closed because of the robbery video, and the fact that the defendant, an upstanding officer who apprehended Brown (for reasons unclear), shot Brown as he was escaping. In their terms, it was a “good kill.”
Many of us also see a different side of the story, but we are more worried about the holes, literally and figuratively. Something is not right about this story. It beggars belief that Wilson came upon Brown coincidentally and killed Brown for walking leisurely in the middle of the street when Brown had just come from a robbery. And why let go of his accomplice Johnson, knowing he was involved as per Johnson’s confession. Maybe Johnson made a deal to save his life? It is curious he is a free man with no charges. And then there is the twitter pic of Wilson as he is approaching Brown. He is on foot with an AR-15 in his hand. He is walking straight ahead, not looking around. He just looks like he knows exactly where he is going. There is no mention of a police car in that first hand account.
Something is not right with this story, and with the police officer gone, it will be almost impossible to find out what happened. What about the grocery store staff and the customers? What did they see? I hope the federal government does a sharp investigation and moves quickly.
At this point, you really have to turn the Napoleonic maxim on its head and say that in Ferguson, one should never ascribe to incompetence that which is adequately explained by malice.
Michael Brown was shot 6 times. The last two shots were fatal head shots. No way he would’ve survived even if he had immediate medical attention. Either head shot was a fatal wound.
He was not shot in the back. Four bullets hit his arm and one bullet caused 5 wounds with entry, exit, reentry, exit, and reentry. Only 3 bullets were still in the body.
An interesting take from one comment in the NYT:
If as Dr. Baden described, a bullet shattered Michael Brown’s eye socket and then proceeded through his jaw into his collar bone, this suggests the shooter was above him shooting on a downward trajectory. Given his height is over 6 ft. Unless Darren Wilson is extremely tall, this is consistent with Mr. Brown being on his knees when shot and likely explains why the last bullet hit the top of his head. I can only describe this scenario as an execution
Myself, I think it’s best to wait for more details before jumping to conclusions
Given the other party to this incident is one very alive law enforcement officer, who will say he was charged, there is zero chance for a conviction, since juries almost always believe the word of law enforcement.
So another trial, another acquittal, more unrest. Seen this movie many, many times, it ends the same.
But we have multiple eye witnesses (some who did not know Michael Brown or the officer) this time - very different than the Trayvon Martin shooting. Their testimony has to at least be considered.
