#culture

Hey You Can't Treat Criminals Like Criminals!

Howdy folks and greetings from the Great Plains of North Texas!

I'm sure some of you saw this story because it immediately went viral. This happened in Galveston, Texas. This guy was charged and arrested, after repeated warnings, for criminal trespassing.

The mounted officer's station was 2 blocks away so they escorted him over there on foot. So naturally, when a bystander saw what was going on and posted the images online...well, all hell broke loose. Activists went ballistic.

source

What year is this?! ..they screamed. And of course the Galveston police were accused of racism. The officers were actually following department policy and didn't think anything of it.

If the distance was 2 blocks and they're on horseback, because that's what the Mounted Patrol does, and a car wasn't available or they didn't want to wait on one, what other choices are there?

Since the officers had the lawbreaker's handcuffs attached to a rope, to keep him from running, the activists are saying they had a "leash" on him. lol.

Charges of racism of course

James Douglas, the president of Houston’s NAACP chapter, said that the photo shows a lack of respect for the black community and “poor judgment.”

“This is 2019 and not 1819,” he said in an email. “Even though the chief indicated that the technique would be discontinued, he failed to address the lack of respect demonstrated by the officers in the episode.”

The New York City Public Defender wrote: "Officers led him through the streets…on mounted horses. All as though they were slave masters, and he was their slave."

Criminals should be coddled?

So there you have it. You can't treat lawbreakers like lawbreakers, you have to treat them with the utmost respect.

Meanwhile police officers are assaulted by being drenched with buckets of water, yelled out, cursed out, pelted with debris, threatened, their families are threatened, called every name in the book and TOTALLY disrespected.

One of Mrs. J's friends from work(she works in the Criminal Justice system) said she saw a former inmate when she went to Walmart and the inmate saw her. When she came back out her tires were slashed!

Those heartless Texans!

Well, since it was such a bad look and terrible publicity... that policy has been abolished by the Galveston police.

I actually thought it was a great look for Texas. Afterall, this is Texas.

We take a hard stance against crime and criminals. If you want to be one, don't do it in Texas or there will be serious consequences. Ever hear of the Texas Rangers?

Signs of the breakdown of society?

It was also interesting that so many people were outraged and saying that the world was becoming lawless and asking how we got to this point that the police would be so disrespectful!

The officers doing their job is now the problem..according to the activists and liberals. But, the only thing standing between them and total chaos are the laws and law enforcement. So I don't know what they want.

Actually in most cases we could use some justice from 1819. It might send a message that crime doesn't pay.

What do you guys think, was this incident a case of cruel and unusual punishment?

Thanks for reading folks, God bless you all! -jonboy Texas

Comments · 46

@hangin(73)· 2641d
I believe you do the crime be prepared to pay for it but they didn't handle this one right because we are in 2019 and everyone has something to say to much social media out there these days you can't breath or fart without ending up on twitter...lol :)
@fotosdenada(67)· 2641d
There are a lot of different ways to view this one... More than enough to write a book on.

There's the optics, history (recent and not-so-recent), double-standards, racism, societal inequality... Lots going on there.

In this situation, it would have been wiser to have one officer hold the reigns while the other walked the guy. Of course, if the criminal were white, people would have cheered the same image and that's racism, too.
@anonymity5(50)· 2642d
It is a shame .... we treat most criminals with more respect than we do those that put their lives on the line to protect us .
@tryskele(65)· 2643d
As they say a picture is worth a 1000 words. In 100 years all there will be is the picture no one will care what actually happened. It looks bad. However there is always a story. People are too quick to judge too. So many are just looking for more reasons to justify their anger.

I think it's a perfectly Texan thing to do 😜. It has a rationale to it and I can see why no one at the time thought anything of it. I bet they even asked him if he minded the walk rather than sitting out the in the heat waiting for a car. I completely agree that most criminals are coddled.

When people contemplate going to jail vs. getting a job you have to start to look at the problems. Yes there is the drawback of being locked up and not being able to be on your computer all day or going out. Having your toilet where everyone can see you and of course the idiot who has the be the bad ass. It isn't great. When you get free work out facility, 3 square meals a day, a bed, air conditioning and heating, cable television (and get a say in what you watch), access to school and college oh yeah don't forget full medical, dental and vision coverage, it does make you wonder which way is the 'right' way.
@nurseanne84(69)· 2643d
At the end of the day, I think it all comes back to this: perception. When I saw the picture of the officers riding a horse, I think it was cool mainly because it would really be easier for them to pursue offenders in "tight" corners which might not be accessible by car.

Looking at the picture and, I am just wondering, will this same people be yelling injustice, racism and whatnots if the arrested person came from a white background?

I understand that it was necessary to ensure that the offender will not run away- thus the rope and the handcuffs were there.
@jayna(76)· 2644d
All I can say is that I am very impressed with the respectful and thoughtful conversation that has followed your post, @janton. Some of us will agree and some of us will disagree with your assessment, but regardless, we can discuss our thoughts and ideas in a way that doesn’t indicate there is only one right answer and anyone who thinks differently has a brain the size of a pea. That would not have accomplished a thing!
@angiemitchell(74)· 2644d
Hi janton, this is a most contentious post of yours, where there just has to be 2 sides to the argument. Of course the police need respect but public scrutiny is not such a bad thing either to make sure that people get a fair go because in some instances they do not.

There it is out --- a great post to write janton.
@toddrjohnson(54)· 2644d
I had seen this photo when it was first shown and thought long and hard about it. I believe that police here had no ill-intentions, however, they still made a big mistake and I am glad to see that this practice is ending. I will be honest, my gut dropped when I saw it, especially when learning that it was recent. This image is disturbing for several reasons. First, it reminds us of our country's unconscionable past of promoting and even fighting for slavery. This past is still with us today, in large part because even after emancipation, many in the US, including in government continued to discriminate against African Americans. For example, the National Housing Act of 1934 explicitly discriminated against African American communities and African Americans. Later, when African American veterans tried to use the GI Bill, realtors discriminated against them. Banks would not loan to people living in African American communities. This resulted in the terrible conditions of inner city slums. Of course, many blamed African Americans for this outcome, but it was really discrimination by those in power. Some of this discrimination continues, though now it is often directed at anyone who is poor (you know, they must be lazy, right?)

The second reason for the outcry over this image is due to Trump's divisive, hate-filled speech that is usually directed at "others" typically with dark skin, or anyone he can vilify to satisfy his base who seem incapable of separating fact from fiction. I have to honestly say that this is the first time in my 50+ years on this planet that I am truly ashamed to be an American. Our ideals are much higher than the photo above, much higher than Trump's hateful rhetoric, and the chants of those at his rallies. Yet it is clear that Trump is just a symptom and that that symptom has revealed that our racist past is still present in a rather large percentage of people today. We really have not come that far in the last 200 years.

In this context, the image above is indeed disturbing. And wanting 1819 justice is regressive thinking that fits the kind of hate-filled speech that Trump encourages. As a citizen of the world, the US (and a Texan) it saddens me to see the state that we are in.
@bearbear613(74)· 2644d
Superstar @janton
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@blockurator(65)· 2644d
Apparently, the Galveston police chief agreed the officers exercised poor judgement in this case.

https://www.newsweek.com/texas-galveston-police-suspect-horseback-donald-neely-vernon-hale-trained-technique-1452713
@ocdb(77)· 2644d
You got a 24.04% upvote from @ocdb courtesy of @janton! :)

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@arcange(79)· 2644d
Congratulations @janton! Your post was mentioned in the Steem Hit Parade in the following category:
- Comments - Ranked 7 with 59 comments
@fmbs25(79)· 2644d
As I see it, one of the big problems we have as a society is to judge without being judges, because that's why there are these accusations, the color of the skin I think is the least when it comes to a delinquent, because if it is being carried by two cops the way they do, it must be for some reason. But it's easier to make some stupid comment before you at least take the trouble to find out the reason for the action. I think that's where we're doing it wrong!
@nickyhavey(74)· 2645d
That would be a pretty unique arresting experience. Always makes me laugh when the Internet goes nuts. Like anyone in real life will actually care what is said by keyboard warriors! Just switch the TV or browser off and walk outside.

So are you changing your career path from Lord Fluffton to Lord Anchorton now?

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@wonderwop(67)· 2645d
A very good friend of mine has a brother that is incarcerated, everytime he gets released, he moves in with his mother for a couple months, after she gets tired of his bullshit, he goes back to stealing cars until he gets caught so he can get back into prison. His mom is dead now, so I doubt he'll get released again. It's all he knows.

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@blueeyes8960(71)· 2645d
Well, you certainly garnered some "interesting" comments here. I'm sure in hindsight the decision would be to have called for a transport car rather than that publicity inspiring walk on a leash.
@ireenchew(73)· 2645d
Sometimes, I pity the officials who is really doing their job to keep peace but because of society scrutiny, they are unable to do it as best as possible! Give them a break !
@wales(68)· 2645d
It'a appalling, and yet it's the mindset being handed down as acceptable to the masses, and I fear there is worse to come. Perhaps when the end of the year comes and Bernie and Corbyn are in power then this will change
@optout(59)· 2645d
Howdy Jonboy!

I saw this story, put in the context of awful racist police of course. I enjoyed your post clearing it up. It seems like the police did the right thing here in my opinion.

I used to be a big law enforcement supporter, but my views have changed. My personal bias is against the police these days. I don't use drugs, and I don't associate with people who do, but I can see that the drug war has been won by drugs and has caused devastation mostly due to the efforts of police, and DEA agents. Asset forfeiture laws are a disgrace to a free people. Since 9/11 the police have become increasingly militarized to fight a largely imaginary foe. Now they are pushing red flag laws that will strip Americans of the last true freedom we have, the right to bear arms. I don't agree with Black Lives Matter, but I'll side with them on taking the cops down a peg or two.
@tipu(68)· 2645d
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@dswigle(78)· 2645d
Obviously, nobody has met the County Sherrif in Maricopa, Arizona!

Joe Arpaio would never be confused with any Nancy-boy bleeding heart lawman, no sir.

The man who began his professional second act in the early 1990s as the Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff endeared himself to voters by not coddling thugs and criminals.

The former Drug Enforcement Agency agent made inmates sleep outdoors in tents, wear pink underwear and work on chain gangs. He served them two meals a day, which sometimes included in-date but green baloney sandwiches.

He said he wanted to make jail an inhospitable place so that criminals would never want to come back.

But Arizona voters just sent the long-time lawman packing after 24 years.

And so, even though he was doing what he thought would turn around crime, his actions were not humane enough and the let Joe go.

!tip
@fionasfavourites(77)· 2645d
@janton

Reminds me of a conversation with my mother about 30 years ago. She was an administrator at the university I attended and more and more black students were being admitted. The conversation when something like this:

These black students: they are so scruffy and dirty.

My response:

Mum, if you put those same clothes on a white student, what would you see?

She never made the remark again, bless her.

Fiona
@steem-plus(74)· 2645d
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@krazzytrukker(70)· 2645d
LISTEN HERE....!!!

@janton gets it..... The haters are the ones quickest to dial 911.

Hey HATERS...... The LAWLESS LOVE YOU.. !!!

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@enjar(79)· 2645d
I did not even know there where still horseback patrol that is just badass!
@joanstewart(75)· 2645d
Amazing people always only see what they want to see, if that was a white man being led down the road no one would have photographed it, it is not sensational reporting!

World has gone crazy, they wish to be safe, however everyone has to be Politically Correct all the time!

Teachers, Paramedics, Firemen, Police are expected to carry out their duties, even a gunpoint, being high-jacked, robbed on call-outs, yes it is a questionable world we live in.
@abitcoinskeptic(75)· 2645d
It would definitely be embarrassing and it is unusual, but I don't think it is cruel.

If I was the police, I would have called for a car. It looks like a bad Halloween stunt to be honest.
@brittandjosie(76)· 2645d
What do you guys think, was this incident a case of cruel and unusual punishment? Well i don know but its the fact that being a victim is like the first thing theses days but this time they did wrong and i feel it could have been done different
@julianhorack(76)· 2645d
Good that you have shed light on this action in a state known to be perhaps hard on black folks. Society is in a state of decay, civilization is not very civilized. it may be getting worse as the recession hits in coming days.
@steemitbloggers(69)· 2645d
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@redheadpei(72)· 2645d
Mornin’ Cowboy! I wonder if anything would have been said if it had been a white person they walked down the street?

I agree 100 % that these bleeding hearts want to coddle criminals and society is paying the spruce.
@sunlit7(64)· 2645d
A few months back there was a guy here who killed his girlfriend then once located led the police on a chase down a highway after him, he crashed then got out running across the highway while exchanging gun fire with the police, one cop in a cruiser coming upon the scene decided to take his cruiser and run the guy down, the guy went flying through the air...he suffered a whole lot of skin abrasions but in my opinion if he had been a minority instead of white all hell would have broke loose. Just as in my opinion if this man had been white led for two blocks attached with a rope it'd never got a mention.

https://www.woodtv.com/news/kent-county/homicide-suspect-hit-by-cruiser-on-us-131-in-hospital/
@lilacse(63)· 2645d
Possibly a photo taken at a right timing to cause the chaos...and the internet loves chaos. That's what makes it slightly self-contracting, humans should prefer a slightly calm and fun place, but the internet which is totally constructed by humans really love chaos.
@clitadias(59)· 2645d
@janton, insanity at its peak. Hope you are well.

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@smithlabs(70)· 2645d
Ignorance is rampant, if this Man were considered property, the restraints would have been one his neck.

IF THE arrested Man had not been trespassing and refused to leave when ordered, he would not have been cuffed! They would have arrested ANY Man in the same circumstance!

This actually had Nothing to do with his skin color, and everything to do with poor decisions....

The officer acted properly, and professtionally!

:)>
@glenalbrethsen(71)· 2645d
Hey, @janton.

Been turning up the controversy a notch on the old blog, have we? :)

I don't know much about Galveston's police procedure, and I don't know what's supposed to be better (waiting around for a squad car, however long that might take, maybe?), but I do know bad optics when I see it.

I'm not one who believes criminals should be treated with kids gloves. I don't know that the officers should need to walk just because the criminal would have to, nor do I think the criminal should get the horse ride. So, what else is there?

The pendulum has swung in the direction of identity, be it race, gender, sexual orientation, or based on something else. If the identity makeup is not in your favor, I guess this is what happens, regardless of who is the criminal and who is not.

That said, law enforcement in this day and age should be thinking about how things look, because others are. And they're on the spot with camera phone in hand to upload to social media.

And I wonder. Do these police officers ever arrest people who are not black, hispanic, or some other ethnic minority? Do they ever walk a white person like this a couple of blocks to the station? What would be the ratio? It can't be racism if it's race neutral—where all instances have followed the same protocol. I don't think we'll get that information, and even if we did, I don't think anyone is going to care because, as stated, this is 2019.
@keithboone(68)· 2645d
I think it looks terrible and they should have known better. One of the officers could have dismounted and walked the two blocks with the suspect instead of having fun treating him like an animal and leading him on a leash. Guess that makes me a liberal and an activist, huh? Damn straight.
@sk43(52)· 2645d
Evidently being a "victim" is the in thing now. It seems everybody wants to be one. It keeps them from facing the fact that their actions are the reason they are failing in society.
@doitvoluntarily(80)· 2645d
road pirates on horses just look utterly ridiculous 😂🤣
@lookplz(63)· 2645d
Well, all cops are bastards, so there ya go. I feel no pity for the pussies who wear a badge and kill/assault/kidnap my fellow citizens. Cops are one of the biggest fucking problems, but there are people like you who are too lazy or weak to defend yourselves, so you think we need them. It’s a sad state of affairs tbh. Honestly, I hope they wrongfully beat or maim you one day, so you can stop the bootlicking. There is nothing honorable about the police or the military here in the U.S. Just a bunch of over-glorified gang members. Get your head out of your ass.

You’re an idiot if you think we’d be in total chaos without laws or law enforcement. Obviously you’ve done no research into alternative forms of government or how they could be achieved, have no idea about private sector security, and are just all around too ignorant to see beyond your narrow minded beliefs. Just another mindless person who thinks that things are fine and thinks that police are any part of the solution. Smh.

I’ll be happy to laugh in your face and say I told you so when we’re all being corralled into cells because we gave our government too much power and they decided to enslave us. :) but hey, more police will solve that issue too, right? Oh wait, no it won’t. They’ll just be “following the law” at that point too. You gonna support them then? Dumbass.

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@papilloncharity(83)· 2645d
Howdy Sir @janton, so if you catch a politician that embezzled millions he pulls the race card, by blaming the explorer that discovered the country. If a white journalist writes any uncomfortable truth, he/she is called a racist. If a white judge passes a heavy sentence he is called a racist. What chance then do the cops have. Blessings!
@oldtimer(76)· 2645d
I like Texas.
@esteemapp(76)· 2645d
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@hebrewhousewife(57)· 2645d
Yikes! So much irony and hippocracy, I don't even know where to begin!
@nilpan(70)· 2645d
Crime in all countries increasingly affects our society. Many people are not aware that this can lead to chaos and civil war. It is necessary to create new jobs and give the opportunity to receive a decent education to all sectors of society. But instead, country governments spend taxpayer money on military spending. As a result, there are many homeless people prone to crimes and violations of the law.