Oops! Pow! Suprise!

C:\>java
Registry key 'Software\JavaSoft\Java Runtime Environment\CurrentVersion'
has value '1.5', but '1.3' is required.
Error: could not find java.dll
Error: could not find Java 2 Runtime Environment.

Conduct Unbecoming

Recently, a video taken from the dashboard camera of a South Carolina State Trooper captured a disturbing incident. After a traffic stop and a rudimentary car search, a trooper found an open container and firearm in the backseat of a vehicle. When he instructed one of the three suspects to place his hands on the car, the suspect fled on foot. During the ensuing chase, the trooper yelled, “You better run, nigger, because I’m fixin’ to kill you.” [Article from The State] Now, there are two key problems with he trooper's outburst: One, there is no place in law enforcement for derogatory racial epithets; two, there is no place in law enforcement for death threats.

The use of a racial epithet by a law enforcement agent while in uniform doing official business is deplorable. It reflects poorly on the organization, the political entities they represent, and most importantly the judiciary. Even if an incident like this is handled summarily by supervision, damage is done to anyone who wears the uniform of the agency in question. Put into question is their ability enforce the law without regard to race, class, religion, etc.

Furthermore, a death threat made to a suspect during the course of an investigation is absolutely unacceptable. Citizens need to able to trust and respect law enforcement. Without that trust and respect how are citizens expected to pull over for a blue light and cooperate with authorities? How can citizens be expected to trust that law enforcement has the greater good in mind during the carrying out of their duties?

The fallout from this incident demonstrates impact of one trooper in uniform with blue lights flashing saying, “You better run, nigger, because I’m fixin’ to kill you.” First, the governor, Mark Sanford, has replaced the top two officials responsible for the South Carolina State Highway Patrol. This move was applauded by current and former troopers of both races who were tired of the nepotism and corruption they perceived as infesting state law enforcement.

Subsequently, since the poor actions of one trooper in uniform reflect poorly on the entire agency, all the practices of the Highway Patrol have come into question. Video of troopers using their vehicles to chase suspect who are on foot have surfaced. While this may be standard procedure of many law enforcement agencies, an agency where a trooper says, “You better run, nigger, because I’m fixin’ to kill you,” this practice begins to look like a human rights violation. As a result, the state senate and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has become involved. [Article; Article; Article]

Ultimately, the South Carolina State Department of Public Safety and its subdivision, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, have a lot of work to do to clean up after this, but this incident is not endemic to the highways of South Carolina. Law enforcement everywhere has to understand that while there are many good men and women with uniforms and badges the sinister proclivities of a few tarnishes the image of the majority who perform their duties with professionalism and respect.

sans nostalgia

There is some music for which I have no nostalgia: