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Preventing the Inevitable
Author: BobR    Date: 02/15/2013 14:01:00

On Tues evening, overshadowed by the State of the Union speech, was the sad end to a sad story that was playing out like a latter-day Rambo movie. LAPD officer Christopher Dorner died in a mountain cabin in Big Bear California either by fire or gunfire - likely self-inflicted. There are many who say this tragedy was only a matter of time. The difference was that Dorner had the training to actually carry it out.

His "manifesto" was a diatribe against the entrenched racism and bigotry that sits like a cancer in the heart of the LAPD. He set out to target those he felt wronged him when tried to report it and fight it. He is certainly no hero, but more a symptom of a dysfunctional organization that needs to be sanitized with sunlight from top to bottom.

Despite obviously carefully planning his actions, a series of mistakes and unplanned problems led to the unravelling of his plan: The boat he hijacjked got a rope tangled in the propeller, his truck axle broke, the couple he tied up when they found him in their house was able to call 911 anyway. Had any of these misfortunes not occurred, he would likely still be a story. It was apparently not meant to be.

It's impossible to feel any sympathy for a murderer, especially one who killed the innocent daughter and fiance of a police captain. There have been some "supporters" on Facebook and online who have been on the wrong side of the LAPD's rampant racism. There was also the outrage over the alleged use of a drone to look for him - wasted energy went it turned out to be untrue.

Regardless, it is important to set aside the cinema verite sensationalism, and try to understand what led him to change from a "good guy with a gun" to a "bad guy with a gun". In his maifesto, he relates that he lost his job for reporting the actions of a fellow officer. Instead of being honest about the abuse the other officer inflicted, they attempted to trump up allegations against Dorner. He eventually lost his job, and because of the reasons given, he also lost his good military standing from his previous service. The LAPD really screwed him, and he apparently snapped, feeling he had only one option.

Other former black LAPD officers have come forward sharing similar stories to Dorner's. Brian Bently was a cop who simply wanted to make a difference in his neighborhood:
For his “rookie year” Bentley was assigned to West L.A. and worked alongside former LAPD detective Mark Furman best known for his part in the investigation of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman and his subsequent felony conviction for perjury.

When trying to figure out where he wanted to work permanently, Brian reflects in his book, that he eliminated 77th division after speaking to Black officers with seniority. These officers told him that 77th division had the most outwardly racist officers of all of South Central Los Angeles along with white and Hispanic officers who went out of their way to make Black officers feel uncomfortable.

Brian settled on the LAPD’s Southwest division which was at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Denker Avenue in South Los Angeles.

At the time, Southwest had the second largest population of Black officers next to the Wilshire division which had been nicknamed “the plantation.”

(much more at the link)

Sargeant Cheryl Dorsey ran into problems as well. Being a woman and being black meant she had two strikes against her in the white male dominated world of the LAPD:
Married to another LAPD officer at the time, Dorsey says she was a victim of domestic violence and after details of incidents at her home found their way into the department, she was charged with six counts of unnecessarily causing the response of an outside agency for the six calls she made to the sheriff’s department from her home in Altadena. The charge of giving false and misleading statements was tacked on when questioned by Internal Affairs.
[..]
Cheryl says that she doesn’t agree with what Dorner did but believes the claims of racism in the department made by Dorner in his manifesto and agrees with other African-American ex-LAPD officers who have come forward in the recent days to speak out. She says that she felt compelled to tell her story after reading comments on the Internet that her one-time colleagues brave enough to come forward were nothing more than “bitter former employees.”

“I believe the charges made in the manifesto,” she says. “I retired from the department in good-standing as a sergeant with my pension and I co-sign everything my colleagues have said about the racism because I experienced it as well. I don’t have a beef with the department because it did afford me the opportunity to eat and take care of my children, but that doesn’t mean LAPD doesn’t have its problems internally and race is a big issue.”

There are numerous other untold stories out there of officers who only wanted to do what was right and ran into an entrenched club of corruption and hate that forced them to bite their tongues and go along rather than risk jeopardizing their livelihoods, and possibly even their lives and freedom. Dorner said "no more" and - rather than go the MLK route - decided violence was the answer. It never is.

In a scene eerily reminiscent of Waco, Dorner met his end when a tear gas canister set the cabin in which he was holed up on fire. The police deny intentionally setting the blaze. Considering the conversations overheard on the police scanners and the LAPD's track record, there's no reason to believe what they say about anything. Dorner was not going to be taken alive and given the opportunity to force a court case where officers would be required to testify - the LAPD was certainly intent on that.

The other officers coming forward with their stories lend credence to the notion that this was inevitable, that something was going to break at some point. It didn't have to. It is way past time for the city of LA and the state of California to bring some sunshine into the LAPD and let the light cleanse away the scum that resides there.

Let this also be a lesson to the 2nd Amendment supporters who believe we need guns to protect ourselves against tyranny. Christopher Dorner saw tyranny and used his weapons to fight it. That's the inevitable problem with tyranny - it's all in the eyes of the beholder.
 

52 comments (Latest Comment: 02/16/2013 02:46:52 by TriSec)
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Comments:

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Comment by BobR on 02/15/2013 14:24:37
bloggie is up

Comment by wickedpam on 02/15/2013 14:46:23
Morning


Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 14:52:55
Good morning! Bob thank you for writing this blog.



Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 14:58:34
Comment by wickedpam on 02/15/2013 15:00:56
Running out for errands, I'll check it later

Comment by BobR on 02/15/2013 15:12:41
oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALA!



Comment by TriSec on 02/15/2013 15:19:03
Morning, comrades.

TriSec has been busy this morning. I've disjointed a chicken, cut lardons of lean bacon, and there is bread dough rising in the oven.

I had a late OT appointment yesterday, so we didn't do anything fancy for heart day. We'll be working on that all afternoon. (Plus, it's Friday - bring on the wine!)



Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 15:21:50


Happy Birthday Mala!



Comment by TriSec on 02/15/2013 15:36:15
If that stupid meteor had taken out Texas, I think we'd all be better off.




Comment by TriSec on 02/15/2013 16:04:58
Random Blackhawk flying around the neighborhood...



Comment by Scoopster on 02/15/2013 16:35:07
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!!!

Comment by livingonli on 02/15/2013 16:49:12
Good morning folks. And a happy birthday to Mala.

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 17:15:30
These people just can't catch a break.
Stepping off the Carnival Triumph -- the filthy, sweltering cruise ship that was stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for five days after an engine fire knocked out power -- wasn't the end of the travel nightmare for some passengers.

A bus carrying Triumph passengers from Mobile, Ala., where the ship docked late Thursday, to New Orleans broke down Friday, Carnival Cruise Lines confirmed to NBC News. The company said that another bus picked up the passengers and they continued toward New Orleans.


Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 17:27:44
Where is Mondo?

Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/15/2013 17:29:39
Quote by TriSec:
If that stupid meteor had taken out Texas, I think we'd all be better off.



But Texas has the possibility of going Blue soon.

A lost cause like Kansas or Kentucky on the other hand.....

Comment by wickedpam on 02/15/2013 17:32:45
Awwww thanks you guys



Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/15/2013 17:43:32
Happy Birthday Mala




Comment by wickedpam on 02/15/2013 17:55:11
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Happy Birthday Mala





Thanks

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 17:56:38
I wonder how long it will take for the video surface. These people are really sick POS'



Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 19:16:18
:warbles off key:

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birth to you!
Happy birthday Miss Mala!
Happy birthday to you!

:confetti:



Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 19:20:28
Quote by Raine:
Where is Mondo?



Mondo has been at the doctors paying out the ass for shit that should be fucking covered. $104.63 copay for a fucking stress test? The last time I had one done, which was a much fancier version, I paid $45.00 for it. My company''s insurance plan sucks donkey. When I pay a hundred bucks for a half hour's worth of work, there should be a happy fucking ending!


Comment by Scoopster on 02/15/2013 19:23:50
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Where is Mondo?



Mondo has been at the doctors paying out the ass for shit that should be fucking covered. $104.63 copay for a fucking stress test? The last time I had one done, which was a much fancier version, I paid $45.00 for it. My company''s insurance plan sucks donkey. When I pay a hundred bucks for a half hour's worth of work, there should be a happy fucking ending!

I've been paying $30 for 2-minute specialist visits at the pulmonary/sleep clinic, and we don't even go over my progress report in detail. It really is a fucking scam, and I can't wait until the ACA kicks into full effect and my boss can shop this bullshit plan to the garbage heap.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 19:42:30
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Where is Mondo?



Mondo has been at the doctors paying out the ass for shit that should be fucking covered. $104.63 copay for a fucking stress test? The last time I had one done, which was a much fancier version, I paid $45.00 for it. My company''s insurance plan sucks donkey. When I pay a hundred bucks for a half hour's worth of work, there should be a happy fucking ending!

I've been paying $30 for 2-minute specialist visits at the pulmonary/sleep clinic, and we don't even go over my progress report in detail. It really is a fucking scam, and I can't wait until the ACA kicks into full effect and my boss can shop this bullshit plan to the garbage heap.



I work for a company that has over 1500 employees across all the business that make it up. This is the best they can do? My co-pay of regular office visit it 30 to see a specialist, 60. This is one of the reasons I've not started to see my shrink again.

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 19:54:31
Ahhh... I am feeling better now that the Acerbicness has returned. Welcome back Mondo.

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 19:56:46
Comment by livingonli on 02/15/2013 19:57:07
I haven't been to my shrink since I was unemployed because I could no longer afford it. If I could swing it, I might get a new one a little closer to me so I don't have to trek to Western Nassau all the time as I do when I go to my doctor and eye doctor.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 19:58:17
Quote by Raine:
Ahhh... I am feeling better now that the Acerbicness has returned. Welcome back Mondo.



I would have checked in before I left the house this morning, but my drunk ass landlord apparently ran over the phone/DSL junction in the yard again. The DSL service should be back by today.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 20:04:21



Raine y Bobber. y Mala. You need to go to this show at the Corcoran, Pump Me Up

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:05:48
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Ahhh... I am feeling better now that the Acerbicness has returned. Welcome back Mondo.



I would have checked in before I left the house this morning, but my drunk ass landlord apparently ran over the phone/DSL junction in the yard again. The DSL service should be back by today.
AGAIN?!


Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:06:24
Quote by Mondobubba:



Raine y Bobber. y Mala. You need to go to this show at the Corcoran, Pump Me Up
It has already been put on my to do list. It looks awesome.


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 20:10:08
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:



Raine y Bobber. y Mala. You need to go to this show at the Corcoran, Pump Me Up
It has already been put on my to do list. It looks awesome.



The display of the go go show posters alone would be worth it. The graphic design and colors of them are just awesome. They would be everywhere in DC. I used to have a reasonable collection of them. Removed from many a construction fence in the dead of night. :sigh: I really wish I still had the Chuck Brown one. :sniffle:

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:10:49
Speaking of the Corcoran, this was in the WaPo Magazine a few weeks ago. Facinating read.

This would make a really good movie in the right hands.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 20:10:58
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Ahhh... I am feeling better now that the Acerbicness has returned. Welcome back Mondo.



I would have checked in before I left the house this morning, but my drunk ass landlord apparently ran over the phone/DSL junction in the yard again. The DSL service should be back by today.
AGAIN?!


Yes, again! I am deeply annoyed.

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:12:02
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:



Raine y Bobber. y Mala. You need to go to this show at the Corcoran, Pump Me Up
It has already been put on my to do list. It looks awesome.



The display of the go go show posters alone would be worth it. The graphic design and colors of them are just awesome. They would be everywhere in DC. I used to have a reasonable collection of them. Removed from many a construction fence in the dead of night. :sigh: I really wish I still had the Chuck Brown one. :sniffle:

Well you know, if you can get here, you have a place to stay -- free room and food -- and we could go to the show together. JUst saying.


Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:12:46
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Ahhh... I am feeling better now that the Acerbicness has returned. Welcome back Mondo.



I would have checked in before I left the house this morning, but my drunk ass landlord apparently ran over the phone/DSL junction in the yard again. The DSL service should be back by today.
AGAIN?!


Yes, again! I am deeply annoyed.
You haven't had a very good run of luck with roomies/landlords.




Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 20:12:47
Alrighty mon peeps, I need to motor. I am off the Beach to meet up with my cousin Karen and her huppy Jeff. I not seen her in waaaay too long. I've not met him and I am looking forward to it. It'll be fun!

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 20:13:27
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Ahhh... I am feeling better now that the Acerbicness has returned. Welcome back Mondo.



I would have checked in before I left the house this morning, but my drunk ass landlord apparently ran over the phone/DSL junction in the yard again. The DSL service should be back by today.
AGAIN?!


Yes, again! I am deeply annoyed.
You haven't had a very good run of luck with roomies/landlords.




drunk running over the phone junction beats the crap out of Cletus and Jolene hands down.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/15/2013 20:15:24
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:



Raine y Bobber. y Mala. You need to go to this show at the Corcoran, Pump Me Up
It has already been put on my to do list. It looks awesome.



The display of the go go show posters alone would be worth it. The graphic design and colors of them are just awesome. They would be everywhere in DC. I used to have a reasonable collection of them. Removed from many a construction fence in the dead of night. :sigh: I really wish I still had the Chuck Brown one. :sniffle:

Well you know, if you can get here, you have a place to stay -- free room and food -- and we could go to the show together. JUst saying.



True dat! If I visit, day trip to Baltimore, Fayette street in West Baltimore and the Aunt Treezy's house in Federal Hill by the Sugar House and Fort McHenry?

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:17:22
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:



Raine y Bobber. y Mala. You need to go to this show at the Corcoran, Pump Me Up
It has already been put on my to do list. It looks awesome.



The display of the go go show posters alone would be worth it. The graphic design and colors of them are just awesome. They would be everywhere in DC. I used to have a reasonable collection of them. Removed from many a construction fence in the dead of night. :sigh: I really wish I still had the Chuck Brown one. :sniffle:

Well you know, if you can get here, you have a place to stay -- free room and food -- and we could go to the show together. JUst saying.



True dat! If I visit, day trip to Baltimore, Fayette street in West Baltimore and the Aunt Treezy's house in Federal Hill by the Sugar House and Fort McHenry?

That sounds awesome to me. I'd love to go back to Baltimore!

Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:18:50
Quote by Mondobubba:

drunk running over the phone junction beats the crap out of Cletus and Jolene hands down.



Comment by TriSec on 02/15/2013 20:28:43
Jeez, and I'm having both Physical and Occupational therapy (two different people) for a whopping copay of $0. I do have a $20 for "Specialist Office", but evidently FCHP does not consider this under that category.



Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 20:34:23
Comment by clintster on 02/15/2013 21:27:20
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALA!



Comment by TriSec on 02/15/2013 21:43:38
Speaking of occupational therapy, I've already renamed it "Die horribly, you fascist bastard!!"

'scuse me.


Comment by wickedpam on 02/15/2013 22:03:24
Quote by Mondobubba:
:warbles off key:

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birth to you!
Happy birthday Miss Mala!
Happy birthday to you!

:confetti:



Thanks Mondo :D




Comment by wickedpam on 02/15/2013 22:07:33
Quote by clintster:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALA!



Thanks Clint


Comment by Raine on 02/15/2013 22:44:28
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/15/2013 23:43:27
The Radio Geek in me haz a sad.

The sports talk show that kept me in stitches on my long commutes for 17 years is no more.

It is very unusual that someone gets the axe on Tuesday and gets to finish out the week. Because everyone knew it would be handled with class.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/16/2013 00:25:19
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MALA!!!!!



Comment by wickedpam on 02/16/2013 00:38:29
Quote by Will in Chicago:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MALA!!!!!




Thanks Will

Comment by TriSec on 02/16/2013 01:56:15
Quote by trojanrabbit:
The Radio Geek in me haz a sad.

The sports talk show that kept me in stitches on my long commutes for 17 years is no more.

It is very unusual that someone gets the axe on Tuesday and gets to finish out the week. Because everyone knew it would be handled with class.


This is unfortunate. Somewhere in my cellar is a completely autographed 1986 Celtics Yearbook, and that includes Red, Johnny, and Glenn Ordway. I also have Larry's signature, but not on that program - he's the only one that I'm missing.




Comment by TriSec on 02/16/2013 02:46:52


MERLIN! It does an aircraft good....