Shooting starving citizens not murder in US

Posted by: JamieL_v2 on 05 August 2011

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14426813

So five police officers involved in the shooting of those looking for food in post hurricane Katrina New Orleans by attemptping to cross a bridge are not convicted of murder. Basically they have got a slap no the wrist for falsifying reports.

I might be bias through wathching the work of David Simon and Spike Lee, but frankly this supports everything they have said, or dramtized.

Posted on: 05 August 2011 by Don Atkinson

I think you have over-reacted with your headline.

It is right and proper that the police are investigated for corruption and in this case an attempted cover-up. That seems to have been done.

It is not made clear in the BBC report that you listed, whether there was a curfew in place or some other restraining order to prevent looting etc after the hurricane or whether those people who were shot were violating any laws.

It would be helpful if the BBC and other news agencies could present a fuller picture of events and the underlying circumstances.

Cheers

Don

Posted on: 05 August 2011 by JamieL_v2

Better to over-react than not react at all like a former US President did.

Worth watching 'When the Levees Broke' to hear from those who were starving, trying to find food and medicine.

A curfew may be acceptable if basic needs are met by the authorities, when people have nothing and are shot for simply doing their best to survive then there is something seriously worng.