Group wants racism probeNAACP pushes for inquiry after Highway Patrol videos surface By Yvonne Wenger (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
COLUMBIA — Racism in the state Highway Patrol doesn't come as a shock, black leaders say, but now the NAACP says it's time to find just how widespread it is. The call for a state Senate investigation comes Monday as the fallout from two recently surfaced videos involving white troopers and black residents continued to send ripples through the state. Meanwhile, more joined the chorus of voices calling for the troopers involved to hand in their resignations or be fired. Video
Warning: This video contains a racial epithet and may not be suitable for all viewers. Watch » "Folks like that should not be out there at night with a gun," said Dot Scott, president the Charleston branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. One video shows a trooper in Greenwood shouting, "You better stop or I'll shoot you," followed by, "You better run, (n-word), because I'm fixin' to kill you," after a suspect ran from a 2004 traffic stop. A second video catches a trooper in Manning handcuffing a woman to the front bumper of his patrol car without explanation in an October stop. Both videos were filmed by cameras in the troopers' cars. Video
This video shows officers leaving a woman by the side of the road after they had her car towed. Watch » As of late Monday, the troopers were still on the job and Sid Gaulden, director of the Office of Executive Affairs for the Public Safety Department, said no further disciplinary actions are being considered. The troopers, neither of whom work in the Charleston area, were given 12-hour suspensions without pay. Under pressure by Gov. Mark Sanford, James K. Schweitzer, director of the Public Safety Department, and Col. Russell Roark, head of the state Highway Patrol, resigned Friday. The videos were made public last week by the Legislative Black Caucus as the Senate was considering reconfirming Schweitzer's appointment to the position. Schweitzer was Roark's boss. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said he wants to help the NAACP get to the bottom of the matter. He said he thinks details will be uncovered as the Senate holds a series of hearings to confirm Sanford's forthcoming nominee for the vacant position. At this point, though, McConnell said he is left with more questions than answers. 
Lonnie Randolph "How much does the director know or not know? What is the latitude of the colonel, or head of patrol?" said McConnell, R-Charleston. "How is the new director going to prevent these things from happening?" While McConnell said the state must move forward with prudence, he fell short of calling for the troopers' resignations. "If I had been the director, I would have acted much more sternly — I would have probably fired them," McConnell said. Dr. Lonnie Randolph, president of the state NAACP, said he wants victims of racism to have the opportunity to stand before the Senate — where, he said, they will not have to fear retribution — and testify with the eyes of the state watching. "Whenever a plane crashes or any type of natural disaster happens, there are hearings to determine what happened and what we can do to prevent it," Randolph said. "To me, this is a tragedy." Randolph also pointed to remarks Berkeley County sheriff's deputies made about two Egyptians last summer at the start of a traffic stop that later revealed that the men were carrying explosive materials in the trunk of their car. "We say racial profiling doesn't exist and in the first thing out of his mouth, they became the 'Taliban boys.' That tells you something about the mind-set," Randolph said. Randolph and McConnell, however, both noted the high level of professionalism among the vast majority of the state's law enforcement. Reach Yvonne Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051. |
Article toolsSponsored Links |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 92 comment(s)
Posted by BillytheKid on March 4, 2008 at 1:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They are still on the job? This state is living in the 1850’s, most of it is anyway. Why the hell can’t we get some leadership? Glenn McConnell is a putz. He never comes up with an answer, just some bullcrap investigation that they may do and the governor is not any better with his cuts and veto’s of programs that will make him look less conservative(for his run for president). Sanford, the other 49 states will not buy your crap.
I am a retired white man and I moved here in 1989. I am very close to moving again, even though I like it here, but the crap that goes on in this state is horrible. Why are we always last in about everything you would want to be first at? Why won’t we spend the money to fix the schools, not the buildings the system? Why do we keep electing the same people, that do such a horrible job, over and over again?
It is not too late to do the right thing Governor!
Posted by lloyd007 on March 4, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just watched, with utter disbelief,the sheer lack of
professionalism displayed by these officers in your city
and/or state.WHY in heavens name are these BOYS ( By no means would I ever call them MEN )still on the job ? Plain
and simple. THEY SHOULD BE FIRED!!!.How dare would you all have such disgusting "BOYS" in uniform working in positions
that requires them to "UPHOLD" the law ? NO one is above
the law,and certainly not these two ignorant idiots.Further
more,I am most taken aback by the response of your governmental officials,local and state.GOOD GOD!! does anyone in South Carrolina have a shred of human decency
to stand up for the basic respect of PERSON ? South Carolinians from top to bottom ought to be ashamed.You all
label yourselves everything from "THE HOLY CITY" to the
best town for tourism.Well any city or state to have such a weak response to something of this nature,would never have me as a visitor.Man oh man, talk about your good old bottom
of the barrel south...SOUTH CAROLINA..you all do the good LORD proud.....
Posted by ColdBeer on March 4, 2008 at 4:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These officers should be fired. If they worked in corporate America, they'd have already been fired. The lack of action by the state has justified the call for an investigation. I never thought I'd see the day when I agreed with the NAACP, but they are right in these cases.
Posted by CRJ101 on March 4, 2008 at 4:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If anyone in the NAACP or Senate reads this; this is what to do. Get the video tapes of the ACE team drug interdiction troopers and watch them. I think Sanford will turn them over. I don't think you will have to file a federal civil rights suit to get them to give them up. They keep them for a while after all cases on the tape are done in case of appeal. Act fast, because there made be a move to erase them now because of the situation. They "pad" their stats by using the other elements of the team, the motorcycle unit and the work zone unit which are assigned to the ACE team to cover racial profiling. What they do is to sent out the stats for the team as a whole and not as separate elements. The other elements stop enough non-minorities to make it look like there is not an unequal number of blacks being stopped. What you want to investigate is the drug team. Then when you see the profiling you will need to investigate why the leadership let it happen. Most particularly the supervisors of the ACE team.
Posted by Substrate on March 4, 2008 at 5:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe we are asking for the jobs of these troopers, no one died. In Charleston we have lost nine firefighters and no one was fired. It included two black men, although that should not matter because a life is a life no matter the color.
It's just unbelievable the slip of one word and we are calling for someone's job, kill nine men oh we'll fix it.
Posted by laine61 on March 4, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Substrate,
Does someone have to die before these officers are dealt with appropriately? I can almost guarantee that that wasn't a slip. If he can say it so quickly, he says it all of the time. He was doing his job, but he stopped doing it the minute the racial slur came out of his mouth. That's what's wrong with society today. If nobody gets killed, then no foul, no harm! As for the woman being left on the side of the road...What if something had happened to her? Would the officers be responsible then? They need to take responsibility for their actions just like we have to. Open your eyes!!!!
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
billythekid,
we didn't ask for you to move here. if you don't like the way sc does it, leave. we will not miss you!
LLoyd007,
you act as if these suspects were model citizens. they had a gun and dope in the car. they lied to the police. they put these officers life in danger. as far as all the other crap you stated about SC. SC natives don't care what you think.
Coldbeer,
you must be drunk!!! go have another one and shut up.
LAINE61 and all others,
The N word is no longer a racist word. Not when the blacks say it in videos, movies, and on the streets to each other. If blacks are offended by the word to the point the NAACP states then stop the people that are offended from saying it. If not then don't come down on the whites and all other non black races that say it. If it's a racial word then it's racial no matter who says it. Once it becomes an acceptable part of the culture it suppose to offend then it's no longer racists. If you don't want to be called it or hear it then blacks need to stop saying it.
Posted by hairy1663 on March 4, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
True, these officers are only human, but because of their training & position in society they should be held to higher standards. This sort of conduct should never be tolerated or condoned. If working for a civilian company they would both be looking at immediate termination which I believe would be the proper action in both of these cases.
Billy, if you don't love it, leave it! need help packing?
lloyd007, Don't plan to visit! Good! Make sure you tell your friends too! Maybe y'all can vacation in sunny Maine this year.
Posted by Missthang on March 4, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scnative, I'm so proud of you today for not refering to black people as "you people". Good job.
Posted by bubbbie on March 4, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scnative4ever, I think I just heard dueling banjos, can I hear you say "you sure do have a purdy mouth"??? When the "N" word is used in a hateful way, it's racist. No amount of ignorance can change that.
How would you like it if your mother, wife or sister was handcuffed to a bumper of a car for no reason or left on the side of a dark road at night? Come on, give me a break, these cops were way out of line!
Posted by ln1959 on March 4, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SC Native,
I really don't know where you get that the N-word is no longer a racist word. Please don't ever use that in the face of a black person, it would not be a nice scene.
Yes, the word is used in the black circles, but not all black people uses it and many of us are very offended when its used in our presents. For years we have been begging the rappers and the un-parented kids to stop using it, because all there doing is insulting our people.
Now back to the issue at hand. Where did it say they found a gun and drugs in this story, or is it that I missed that part in the article.
Thats trooper shouldn't have left that female on side of the highway like that. If he didn't wont to put her in the car, then wait until a cab or someone came to pick her up.
For the young men's, I still don't know what they found in the car, but if he can say the word that easily, then its in his vocabulary at least once a week.
Oh, and maddiebandme, I see that you know the word very well.
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
channel 2 in charleston reported yesterday that marijuana and a gun was found in the car. the first young man tells the cops no guns, no dope, no alcohol, nothing illegal in the car. liar. why did the suspect run? one of the suspects mother that was interviewed also admitted there was drugs and a gun.
Of course once the N word was spoken, all suspects automatically become innocent. right?
anyone of any color that is carring a gun and drugs, runs from the cops and resist arrest is a N. it's how you act that gets you the label, not color you are.
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
raregar67,
why don't you hitch a ride with LLOYD out of town. keep the south beautiful, put a yankee on a bus. lol hahahah
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
with a name like bubbie I'm sure you know all the words to the song.
Posted by Missthang on March 4, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
maddiebandme or whatever I'm glad you find your ignorant comment funny.
Posted by lloyd007 on March 4, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Scnative4ever:
hairy1663:
Thank you so much for your SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, or
should I say HOSTILITY. You both just proved, or should
I say, made my point. Take care and "YA'LL COME BACK NOW,
YA HEAR ?...
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
all you yankees and blacks that are offended by the word, it originated in the north in the 1600's with the slave trade. it's a latin word meaning black. it became a slang when it began being used by blacks on plantations to put other blacks down that were considered lazy and didn't work as hard as others. Some of you need to educate yourself before you speak.
Posted by AMAZING on March 4, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Govendevelopnor Sandfraud
"D" is for ?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=...
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lloyd.
when you come to the south and act and say things as you do then you are no longer welcomed and the respect stops when the disrespect starts. if you need help packing i'd be glad to assist. how about that hospitality?
Posted by beenya_toolong on March 4, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't see what the big deal is. I was expecting something much worse from the videos. The officer's do not owe you any niceties when you are endangering their lives. Words are just words and no matter how "offensive" one might perceive them, they are still better than bullets. If you don't want to subject yourself to "offensive language" don't break the law and put yourself in that situation. After all, I'm sure you are going to be called a lot worse in prison. I don't think this sort of situation is unique to this state either. I guarantee you if that if this arrest situation was going down in Boston or elsewhere in the wonderful politically perfect northern states, the tape would reveal much of the same type dialog. So stop beating up on SC as being so backwards and awful, just because of it's geographic location and it's racial ratio. If you think we are all so ignorant and this state is so awful.. seriously. please leave.
Posted by AMAZING on March 4, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CHECK THIS OUT, THIS IS AMAZING!
Mark Sanford avoiding the topic of illegal immigration
Sanford was asked, "why are public funds being used to for private communities which use illegal immigrant labor." Watch as he never actually answers the question.
VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch...
and here's another one...
Senator Jake Knotts on Governor Sanford's State of the State
VIDEO LINK
http://www.youtube.com/watch...
MORE AMAZING VIDEO:
RE: Mark Sanford
John Land on Worker's Comp
http://www.youtube.com/watch...
Posted by desspec on March 4, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's just awful that an officer of the law practice his First Amendment right to freedom of speech and call a potentially violent criminal a bad name! Mmm, Mmm, Mmm.
Posted by Girleygirl on March 4, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I got a solution for everyone that wants to say the "n" word. When you hear a black person say it then go ahead and throw in your two cents and say it then see what happens.
I don't like the word and do not use it so when you group me together with others just because of the color of my skin I have a problem with that.
SCnative why do you comment on every article that has something to do with black people but when a meth lab story pops up, you are no where to be found, when a child predator pops up, where are you? Folks popping up dead because they are overdosing on prescription medicine...nothing from you. Your solution for everything is to go home or where ever "they" came from if no ones agress with you. What is wrong with you really?
Maddie- no the difference is that I don't say the word just you and SCnative from what you all posted. So you can keep the word "we" and "they". I can only speak for me, myself, and I.
Posted by MooMoo on March 4, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Those officers acted unprofessionally - although in the case of suspect who fled the scene, he clearly had something to hide.
But, with that being said: the NAAACP is not the least bit interested in the advancement of colored people. Where are they on issues of black on black crime? Single mother hood? Poverty? Taking responsibility? Where's the community outreach? Their MO is to perpetuate a victim mentality among their followers.
Posted by whome on March 4, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
desspec: state employees do not have first amendment protections when acting in their official capacities.
Posted by MooMoo on March 4, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NAACP - one A too many!
Posted by ColdBeer on March 4, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Substrate, I've been calling for Rusty to be fired since the fire. That's an entirely different issue though.
These policemen acted like buffoons. They are an embarrassment to the state and to other police officers. They should have been fired as soon as the tapes were reviewed.
scnative4ever, you're correct that, if the men had drugs and guns in the car, they are dirt bags. The police should have maintained some level of professionalism though. They didn't have to, in turn, act like dirt bags them selves. Anyone with any level of intelligence knows you cannot use the "n" word in a work place environment. I fired a manager for the same thing last month and there weren't even any black people present when he said it. If they are not fired, you open yourself up to law suits that you will lose.
Actually, after rereading your post scnative4ever, I doubt you'd understand this. You too, are an embarrassment to our fine state. As someone already mentioned, I can hear the stands of the Deliverance Dueling Banjos being plucked as you type.
Posted by bubbbie on March 4, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SCnative and all the others looking to move the yankees out of SC- Here's the thing, cops can't call suspects the "n" word and to run because they are going to kill them. Don't you think we should hold law enforcement to a higher degree of profesionalism than the criminals?
Seriously, would any of you that support the cops using "N" bombs condone there actions if it were your mother, sister, wife handcuffed to the bumper of the car or left on the side of a dark road at night? Tell you what, if they called your mother, sister or wife a "whore" and did this you'd be crying about it to the world.
Posted by hairy1663 on March 4, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
raregar67, Evidently you have a comprehension problem. I did address the article, you were just to blinded by your prejudice to comprehend my post. Reverse discrimination has nothing to do with the article. Arguing it would be a cop out, (no pun intended) & a poor argument that only someone of your character would try.
lloyd007, I’ve proved nothing except my tiring of rude, stereotyping, hypocritical, know it all individuals, such as yourself, that continually invade my home state. I welcome anyone who would like to visit or even become part of this community, except close minded folks such as yourself that want to criticize it from a far with little or no experience to what it has to offer.
Posted by preachlove on March 4, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scnative4ever - man, you must be one of the most ignorant people to walk the face of the earth. This is not the 60's anymore, where you can lynch blacks and get away with it. If you think it's so acceptable to call someone a "N", I wish you would say that to a black person's face. As for me and my house, WE DON'T ALLOW THE USE OF THE WORD!
Posted by hairy1663 on March 4, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bubbbie, that is exactly what I was trying to say, but you gave a very good analogy to go along with it.
The conduct in itself is wrong, even if the "n" word wasn't used.
Posted by ln1959 on March 4, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scnative:
Thanks for the information on what was found in the car, I didn't know about the gun and drugs, but I still feel the same about the N word being used by anyone. Believe me, if it was a black cop calling me the N word, I would turn him in also. I don't allow if from my kids and I don't allow it in my house. My mother and father did not allow it either.
Posted by MooMoo on March 4, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hairy and Bubbie , you have hit on an important point. The issue of concern is the conduct of the officers, especially in the cae of the woman being tethered to the bumper, rather than the use of the n word in and of itself. You could take the n word out entirely and it the conduct is still unacceptable. Yet, the main focus of outrage seems to be the use of the n word. Sticks and stones...
Posted by brutus on March 4, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
To lloyd007: You stated, "South Carolinians from top to bottom ought to be ashamed.You all
label yourselves everything from "THE HOLY CITY" to the
best town for tourism.Well any city or state to have such a weak response to something of this nature,would never have me as a visitor.Man oh man, talk about your good old bottom
of the barrel south...SOUTH CAROLINA..you all do the good LORD proud....."
lloyd007,
We don't even need your sarcastic remarks about us "South Carolinians". Most of the people in the Lowcountry are transplants or visitors that has came here and stayed. We don't need you as a visitor or a next door neighbor. Get a life.
Posted by MooMoo on March 4, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Loyd2007 would do well to note that the legislative black caucus lauded Governor Sanford's response to these incidents.
Posted by Roger1978 on March 4, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I find it interesting that lloyd007 can use the word "boys" but heaven help us if a white person were to refer to a black person as a "boy", that would be racist.
I second the motion for A) you yankees that don't like it here feel free to reinvade the north and B) you yankees thinking of invading the south, don't we have a enough 'occupation troops' left over from the war of northern aggression.
Ok now on to the topic, SCUMBAG #1, there is more to the story than todays article to all you rocket scientists out there. If you've been following the story which you obviously haven't and just believe little snippets of video and a P&C article you'd know that a gun and drugs, etc were found. Plus that was in 2004, GIVE ME A BREAK, DID THE LITTLE DIRTBAG CALL IN A COMPLAINT AND GO TO THE MEDIA?? NO HE WAS PROBABLY IN JAIL WHERE HE BELONGS.
SCUMBAG #2, she didn't ask for a ride. She had a cell phone and could have had a friend there in the amount of time it took the wrecker to get called and pick the car up. DID SHE? OBVIOUSLY NOT, she didn't seem too concerned about her situtation, she just wanted "everything, give me everything" meaning his name and badge number, blah blah blah, write it down and frame it lady your still a dirtbag like the guy in the backseat.
The problem here is these guys need to remember the tape is rolling is all. How about research the times the Patrol was rude and insulting to whites. You got a video from 2004 and 2007, the Patrol has been around for A LONG TIME, if ya got just two incidents that ain't bad.
Oh and by the way to the MORON that made the Taliban comment concerning the deputies. ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE SAME GUYS BEING TRIED IN FEDERAL COURT RIGHT NOW IN FLORIDA AS POSSIBLE TERRORIST?? I can't say I CARE what they were called, they were found with explosives in their car very near a US MILITARY INSTALLATION, so who cares if their feelings were hurt, I hope they land in GITMO along with the other terrorists.
Posted by jrobinson on March 4, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scnative
If you think the N word is not a racist word, why don't you just walk up to the next black man you see, and say good morning Mr. Ni-ger, how are you today. I pray that by chance, that black man is me. Stop hiding behind your keyboard. As far as the videos, the trooper that chased the young man got pissed off, and just like everyone of us, what was in his heart came out of his mouth. If it were a woman, he might have said bi_ ch. He should be punished, I don't know about fired. The trooper that left the woman on the side of the road was just an azz. I don't think he should leave any female on the side of the road, regardless of race. But if you listen carefully to the tape, he is saying that he was told before he got there that she was being unreasonable, which may explains why he had a pissy attitude towards her. But he still should have made sure that she was safe before he left her. These articles on race really bring the idiots out.
Posted by AMAZING on March 4, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Caucus Chairman Leon Howard says it was not the original intention of his organization for the DPS director and deputy director to leave their jobs"...
READ THAT AGAIN...
"Caucus Chairman Leon Howard says it was not the original intention of his organization for the DPS director and deputy director to leave their jobs"...
IT'S ABUSE OF POWER BY SANFRAUD
Posted by DenmarkVesey1822 on March 4, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCNative....You must be inbred, cornfed & braindead. The latin word that you referenced is NEGRO, not the ugly mispronounciation. I'm not particularly fond of being called a Negro, but if you uttered the other one to my face, I'm sure that you'd lose the one tooth you had left. You probably couldn't pour water oout of a boot with instructions on the heel. These Troopers at least need to be suspended without pay. Let's see how quick our resident racist talk-radio host Rocky "Caveman" D spins it.
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.scocr.org/Photos02/07-25Hunle...
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/27/...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sons_of_con...
Research and Read About your Candidates and their Associations.
Posted by jrobinson on March 4, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Roger1978
Incoming!!!
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.petitiononline.com/cripps/pet...
Read The statements and view the signatures.
Posted by Substrate on March 4, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Laine61,
You are saddly mistaken there were nine men killed! I am not trying to cloud the issues here but this is an event that causes the microscope to evaluate the way things are handled in this area.
I will never say what the troopers did is okay, but to ignore what has happened in Charleston to the Fire Department is nothing but a cover up!
Just as there are Federal regulations governing the treatment of a prisoner there are regulations on the policies that a Fire Department shall follow in the event of a response to a fire.
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Bottom Line is there is no need for this to be in law enforcement.Hopefully these cases will not be thrown out because of them being unprofessional...Officers Should hold themselves to Higher standards. This Stuff Affects the hard working dedicated officers out there each day doing a great job Nationwide.To The Good Ones"Stand Tall, Stand Proud, and Thank You"
Posted by eyfigueroa on March 4, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
“all you yankees and blacks that are offended by the word, it originated in the north in the 1600's with the slave trade. it's a latin word meaning black. it became a slang when it began being used by blacks on plantations to put other blacks down that were considered lazy and didn't work as hard as others. Some of you need to educate yourself before you speak.”
The word n***** is a pejorative derivation of the latin word ‘nigrum’. As far as the word originating from the North that may very well be, considering the very first port that imported slaves was in the North. Slaves often pandered to racist assumptions by using the word n***** to their advantage in the self-deprecatory artifice of ‘tomming’. It was an unspoken reminder that a presumably inferior person or subhuman could not reasonably be held responsible for work performed incorrectly, a fire in the kitchen, or any similar offense. It was a means of deflecting responsibility in the hope of escaping the wrath of an overseer or master. Its use as a self-referential term was also a way to avoid suspicion and put whites at ease. A slave who referred to himself or another black as a "n*****" presumably accepted his subordinate role and posed no threat to white authority.
The term also harkened back to a time whereby whites thought of blacks as subhuman and inherently didn’t think of calling a slave or former slave a name being prejudicial.
Raregar: because you don’t find it offensive doesn’t mean that the trooper’s behavior wasn’t deplorably unprofessional. It would not have mattered if they said ‘sp*c’, ‘ch*nk’, or any other pejorative used to insult people of color. Also unprofessional was the leaving a citizen, especially a lone female on the side of the road at night.
Seems you should also be “educating yourself” on fully vetting your information before throwing it somewhere and claiming it as completely factual.
Posted by GG on March 4, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MOVE ON, BILLY, MOVE ON.......
This officer treated these thugs with respect in the beginning of the video. Then these freak criminals lied to the officer, were caught with a weapon and drugs, and one resisted arrest. Nice law-abiding guys, right?
My daughter was an officer once. I can tell you that if she ran into this trio, I wouldn't give a ---- what she said after what they did.
Try risking your life like these officers everyday. Today's criminals have absolutely no respect for the law or its officers. Most would sooner kill a policeman if given the opportunity, and this trio had the gun to do it.
Posted by eyfigueroa on March 4, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In my opinion a 12 hour suspension is by far too lenient. I’m against firing the troopers as well; I believe a week’s unpaid suspension would guarantee the troopers’ understanding of professionalism in and out of uniform. Also a ‘lessons learned’ memo should be distributed to all employees reinforcing the department’s stance on such behaviors.
As far as the young man is concerned, his criminal behavior is by no means a license for a State Trooper to embarrass himself, his uniform or the State. And believe me him uttering that one small word did just that. All he had to do was what he did, sans the use of the n-word.
As far as the young lady is concerned, if she was being insolent, then by all means handle yourself accordingly, but do not let anger at someone’s attitude put you in a position of blame. ‘IF’ something untoward had happened to that woman, the liability would have been enormous for the state, and I for one, as a taxpaying citizen, would rather not have to pay for the impetuous mistake of a state employee.
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coldbeer,
you are too stupid to debate. if your only position is to recite the words to a song then you are pretty week and i don't need to embarrass you any further. have a good day!
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
girlygirl,
I comment on what is the number one problem in our community. Obviously you to are part of the problem since you condone everything that is wrong and blame everyone else for the problems....and pick my post to make your defense. You are pitiful.
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bubbie,
i don't think he should have called him the name. I think he should have shot him. He did the boy a favor by not shooting him. The boy should be thankful he caught a offensive word and not a bullet.
Posted by MinoritySouth on March 4, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually Eyfigueroa, the original translation of Negro in its first form is "those that are preoccupied with death". I know some wise guys will turn that into a joke but when the Greeks visited the land of Nubians (Egypt (black land) and Ethiopia (Cush one of the first countries mentioned in the Bible)) to learn various things like trigonometry and philosophy, they gave the Africans that name because of the preparation they put into the after life, pyramids, etc. etc.
Posted by 512c on March 4, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like some Sodomizin goin on there off camera....
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm done for the day....most of you folks would rather hold one officer more accountable for saying the n word once in the heat of chasing a guy that has just took off when the officer found a gun and drugs. If he had shot him the same argument would be going on on this site saying he was a racist for shooting the boy. Black folks have learned something from this event. if you get the cop to call you a N, then the naacp and the black community will rally around you to get the charges dropped.
Posted by scott68111 on March 4, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First video, speaks for itself. 2nd video has absolutely nothing to do about racism, that performance by the trooper was completely out of line and he should be dealt with accordingly but to make it a racist statement, that is grasping at straws, totally unprofessional conduct, if she was being that unruly, then arrest her for disorderly conduct, if not, ensure her safety
Posted by buttercup on March 4, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChrisPia I always thought the police officers where parts of a brotherhood...guess I must be wrong since you are supposedly a retired Police Officer. I believe retired Police Officers should hold themselves to high standards and uphold the law.
Do you seriously think your statements and everything you copy and paste does not affect the morale of the hard working dedicated officers who are doing a wonderful job trying to protect all of us? Shame on you
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most Police Departments have strict guidelines about putting Females in their autos because of Allegations.
Posted by georgebushsux on March 4, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All those who posted a blog in support of the officer in video #1 are so utterly stupid beyond any kind of description. It is embarrassing that a "white" person is in favor of any kind slurs towards a black person. I would like to remind those it's 2008 and not 1960. SCnative please please do all of us a favor and not have any children for the good of our society to move forward. If you are white and allow and accept the "N" word to be spoken then you are by all measures an idiot and a racist. Period.
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No,Whats Right is Right and Wrong is Wrong, Buttercup. I know as a Ray Nash and Terry Boatwright supporter You Can't Understand this!......The Brotherhood does not condone this!
Ray Nash Staying in his position is a great Morale Booster wouldn't you say, Buttercup!
I hope The Agents Removing boxes from the Sheriffs Office yesterday are trying to Boost Morale.
Posted by Girleygirl on March 4, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCnative tell me or show me one of my post where I blamed anyone else other than the perp for their actions...please tell me....please show me. Also show or tell me where I have ever picked away any of your posts to make you sound worse, better, or less than a person. Trust me I don't think I need any help in that department, you do a good job at picking yourself apart your damn self!
You don't think any of the things that I named our problems of OUR community as well? I'm happy you like to share the problem now since you are so bent into telling everyone what they need to do in "our" community.
Do me a favor and show me the way to better our community instead of putting it down. Can you do that? I bet you are ready to call me names huh? I K_K_Know thats what you want to do go ahead I'm a big grown girleygirl and I can take it.
"girlygirl,
I comment on what is the number one problem in our community."
I'm happy that YOU want to take a stand against everything wrong in OUR community. I'm happy that YOU realized that its an OUR problem and not a you or me thing. That's step #1. Thank you for your continued support!!!
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Allwoman, I am sure this happens alot.. Sometimes Manpower is not available to do these things while other emergencies exist..Could He have been going to an Emergency?
Posted by CarolinaWren on March 4, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here everyone is once again throwing up racial trash and worrying about a stupid word instead of directing their time and energy to more important issues such as maybe uniting and looking for solutions … I laugh when I am called a honky, red neck, whitie, Etc. What is a word?? It is Nothing but a word. I can not help but wonder why everyone is not more concerned about what is happening around us today. Crime is out of hand, gas is over $3.00 a gallon, food cost are up, jobs are lost, people are loosing their homes, cars are being repossessed, our youth are killing each other, illegal immigration is out of hand, and the world around us is in turmoil. I could go on and on but that does appear to be more important as a stupid six letter word.
Posted by 2001to5930 on March 4, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You think there are yankees in SC!!! Been to Florida lately? Those folks (FL natives) are absolutely EAT-UP (southern terminology) with transplants. Their sense of culture and community have been devastated...it's a crying shame. And not that the yankees are bad human beings (not all anyway)...they're just everywhere, and they bring bad attitudes.
Posted by buttercup on March 4, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChrisPia Go ahead and do what you are doing. You are so bitter you can not see pass your nose. So by all means have fun.*LOL*
Posted by jrobinson on March 4, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scnative
You'll be back the next time you have an opportunity to show your stupidity. But hey, its a free country.
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
here is my post on the NC Police chief article in the paper today.
They need to stop worrying about pay and make the officers do there job in NC. If more were doing what they are suppose to be doing the city would not need more officers. Zumalt blames everything on anything else. He needs to take a look at himself and how he leads. He needs to change the way he runs a dept and what he accepts as good work. All he knows how to do is make excuses, put the blame back on parents and kiss sumney's big fat butt. get your officers off the cell phones, sitting in parking lots, and improve their social skills with the public......and eyfigueroa posted a reply agreeing with me.
so see i give everyone hmy opinion of themself, not just the blacks, yankees and idiots. I'm an equal opportunity critic. hahahahah
Posted by AMAZING on March 4, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
by Carroll Campbell III
Sanford Hiding True Agenda on Ports
http://www.theconservativevoice.com/arti...
Posted by ColdBeer on March 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by scnative4ever (anonymous) on March 4, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coldbeer,
you are too stupid to debate. if your only position is to recite the words to a song then you are pretty week and i don't need to embarrass you any further. have a good day!
Um, my bad scnative4ever. I should have known my post was beyond your level of comprehension... you see... I didn't quote the words to any song. I did use a couple of three syllable words those and I'm sure that's where the confusion came in. My bad. I'll dumb it down for you next time.
Just to clarify my stance on this article: I support our police officers 100%. I understand they have a tough and dangerous job protecting the public. I could not do that job. The people stopped by the police in these videos are all dirt bags. The two young men need to go to prison for a long time. Having said that, I believe the policemen in the first video should have been fired as soon as the video was reviewed. I think the policeman in the second video should have asked her how she was going to get home and waited until her ride appeared (assuming she was being half way civil) but I don’t think his actions warrant firing. A lesser punitive action should be taken in that case.
Posted by Jules110 on March 4, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe that cop is still employed in SC. what an embarrasment to society. I think its high time we pull our heads out of you know what and get these people that the public looks up to and leans on for safety out of the system. this kind of behavior is unexceptable. You can tell this cop was just looking for a reason.......Its just not right.
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coldbeer and raregar67... do you two guys smoke crack?
coldbeer, it only took a few syllables to tell you are dumber than dirt.
raregar67, if you are a yankee I'm saying to you..GO HOME. I guess i was suppose to be scared. what a joke!!!
Posted by nenna_45 on March 4, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Carolinawren
AMEN!
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by buttercup (anonymous) on March 4, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChrisPia I always thought the police officers where parts of a brotherhood...guess I must be wrong since you are supposedly a retired Police Officer. I believe retired Police Officers should hold themselves to high standards and uphold the law.
Do you seriously think your statements and everything you copy and paste does not affect the morale of the hard working dedicated officers who are doing a wonderful job trying to protect all of us? Shame on you
BUT I"M BITTER! YOU MISSED THIS FACT LOL!
Posted by scnative4ever on March 4, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
as I said before....the officer was wrong for saying N, and the fleeing, resisting arrest criminal with the gun and dope is innocent because he was black and the officer was white. If the officer was black no one would have said a word. This is the problem with you bleeding heart liberals white and black. You're always ready to excuse the behavior of the criminal because the system did him wrong, the police officer was a racists, he was disadvantaged...and on and on. Your way is not working, it continues to breed these animals.
Posted by moonpie on March 4, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What would have happened if they were black officers? NOTHING! Knee jerk reaction by the govenor.
Posted by greenram1996 on March 4, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This reminds me of what happened to me in December of 2005. I was arrested by a trooper in Florence county for asking him for his name and badge number. He jerked me out of my truck, handcuffed me without even telling me why and took me to jail. Then on the day of court I told him that I was going to file a complaint against him. He went BALLISTIC.
He came screaming at me across the lobby of the court room with his hand in the air and the blood about to pop out of his face. If a friend hadn't stepped in front of this trooper, I'm sure he would have assaulted me right there. I've never witnessed that kind of anger coming from someone whose job is to protect and serve.
I did file a complaint with his superiors, with Colonel Roark and with Director Schweitzer. I wrote Governor Sanford about the incident as well. And guess what...nothing was done. The trooper lied about it and they covered his butt. And this isnt' racial because I'm white and the arresting trooper was white too. So it's not just the black people who are being mistreaded.
Director Schweitzer and Colonel Roark should have been fired a long time ago. They shouldn't be allowed to retire and live off the government pensions they'll be getting. Pensions that the we the taxpayers will be providing for them.
Posted by LowCountryCrime on March 4, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmm.....after watching the videos, I've changed my mind. The first trooper probably got what he deserved. The second trooper was very polite. I don't think he deserved any type of punishment.
Hey, here's a novel idea......Let's start a probe to see if there's any racism in the NAACP!! Things that make ya go hmmm.....
Posted by buttercup on March 4, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChirsPia I am sorry if I offended you. I was raised to treat people the way I want to be treated. No matter their color or religion.
Posted by hairy1663 on March 4, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
raregar67, I was right you do have a comprehension problem. Like I said before I don't have a problem with Yankee's, I have lots of friends & family from the north & even married a northerner. My problem is with anybody like yourself that feels the need to stereo type people from the south, black or white. Lets see..how did you phrase it "Why don't u go polish your 1 tooth, or put fatback on your corn flakes?"
You only prove your ignorance of the south & it's people. If you are so distraught by us, you should either go back home or seek counseling.
Posted by buttercup on March 4, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChirsPia I am sorry if I offended you. I was raised to treat people the way I want to be treated. No matter their color or religion
Posted by ChrisPia on March 4, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Buttercup I wasn't Offended.I appreciate your apology though.
Can you tell me Why you Hate me so Much?
Posted by preachlove on March 4, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lowcountrycrime - How can you possibly say in your right mind that the second trooper didn't deserve any type of punishment. Maybe some sensitivity training at the least would have been warranted in this situation. What if your daughter, mother, sister, etc. were left on a dark road at night? I sense your lack of compassion is because the woman left on the side of the road is black?
Posted by buttercup on March 4, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChrisPia I don't hate you.
Posted by LowCountryCrime on March 4, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Preachlove.......you know what they say when one decides to ass-u-me???? It's hair-trigger assumptions like yours that keep the rift open when it comes to race relations. That, and the race baiters like Sharpton, Jackson, et al. But, I've run into your attitude a lot in my business. It used to bother me, but not any more. You live in your world, I'll live in mine.
I'll bet that trooper was out on that stop for at least 1.5 hours. The woman was yakkin' it up on the cell phone and had already given the wrecker driver a hard time (as evidenced by his comments to the trooper.) We don't see the first part of the stop....we only see the trooper leaving with his arrestee.
She didn't seem too concerned, which implies she had a ride coming to her. One should also note that troopers don't have cages in their cars. I wouldn't put a confrontational person in my backseat either.
Posted by LowCountryCrime on March 4, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love the P&C "not suitable for all viewers" warning. hehehe...Spend some time in the mall, or any Lowcountry school and you'll hear that "despicable" word hundreds of times a day.
The main problem I have with the first video is the utter disregard for standard officer safety practices. The trooper AND the deputy backing him up should receive severe reprimands for those lapses.
Posted by woodrob12 on March 4, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yet another reason for northern secession.
Posted by blk_avenger on March 4, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all of you people that talk of reverse discrimination do we all remember what happened to the black Charleston officer who pushed the skateboarder into the bushes,she got suspended after public outcry. No one commented on what the young men did,just that she was wrong. Oh,forgive me, the cops are only right when the abusive treatment is done to blacks. Can anyone give me another incident when a black officer mistreated a white person in this area.
Posted by buff_o_rilla on March 4, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Damn name calling by the police, save your breath and shoot the next that takes off and runs!!!
Posted by buff_o_rilla on March 4, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
But leaving anyone stranded beside the road in inexcusable!!!
Posted by kerwin1959 on March 4, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've read the comments on and off all day. Lots of opinions, lots of trash talking.
Seriously, is anyone willing to be a highway patrolman/woman for what they get paid? I'm sorry, but unless I'm willing to do the job, I don't feel like I can pass judgment on them -- I have friends who are HP officers, and the horror stories are unbelievable. They've lost friends and/or loved ones due to situations that are not too off base from the "name calling" incident.
I do believe that leaving the woman on the side of the road was deplorable, I don't care what race you are. As for the earlier traffic stop with the 3 men, the troopers were outnumbered 3:2, and if the 3rd guy hadn't tried to flee, none of this would have happened.
Posted by YankeeLiberal on March 4, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Two Cents from a Liberal Yankee:
1. As I watched the first video, I went from concern for the safety of the officers to disbelief and outrage at his use of the N word. And no, don't tell me it was a "slip" - you either use it or you don't, and the fact that the kid ran doesn't justify it. it it racism pure and simple. The confederate flags we see displayed proudly on bumper stickers, yards, in the backs of trucks, etc., leave one to believe that alot of the good folks here refuse to acknowlege that the Confederate Army fought for an immoral, unjust, inhumane cause (and of course I refer to slavery). If I hear either of my two young daughters EVER use that word or any other racial epithet, they've got a talking-to coming to them until I am satisfied that they understand what racist remarks are. I sure hope that the cop in question doesn't say that around his kids, if he has any. If hearing that word used does not cause any outrage in a person, they need to take a look inside themselves.
2. I don't think it's appropriate to leave a female or any race or age on the side of the road, in the dark. The
video showed the woman and the officer getting testy with each other, but no excuses there. Not appropriate for an
officer to leave a woman alone, for any reason. He should have at least sat in his car and waited until he saw her
safely on her way.
3. There seems to be a backlash here, a "Yankees go home" theme. Just keep in mind that us Yankees, for all of
brusque, fast talking, obnoxious, politically-correct, politically liberal, fast driving mannerisms, have also
brought businesses, technically proficient employees, buying power, friendship, volunteerism, and ideas. Do you really want us all to move back north and take all of those benefits
with us along with the attitude? I know what some are thinking, "You Yankee, we were doing fine before y'all got
here," but you could argue that transplants have improved the standard of living, and provided more diverse viewpoints...
4. Native born people that we've met, for the most part, are friendly (albeit a bit wary) folks, with interesting
mannerisms, a slower pace of life, love of family, wonderful cuisine, and more kids calling me "sir" than I've
ever heard before (and yes, it is sunny alot of the time!). But the issues of racism, overcrowded and
inadequate early childhood education systems, crime, lower pay scales, and out of control growth leave this Yankee keeping his options open over the medium and long term.
Bottom line? There is no excuse for racism or discrimination in any form, especially coming out of the mouth of a person who's salary is paid by the citizens in exchange for protection and trust.
Posted by AMAZING on March 4, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCDP Chair Says Sanford Should Be Investigated
Columbia, SC- South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement in response to the call for an investigation into Gov. Mark Sanford’s role in the Port Royal deal.
“There should be an investigation into Mark Sanford’s shady deal. South Carolina residents don’t need politicians who use their power and influence for their own and their friends’ personal interests.
This type of cash-for-favors politics is better suited for mafia movies and crime dramas than real life. It hurts our state more than it helps,” said Fowler. “From John McCain’s ties to corporate lobbyists to Mark Sanford’s cash-for-favors scheme, Democrats are ready to change how business is done in Washington and Columbia.”
http://blogs.thestate.com/bradwarthensbl...
South Carolina Democratic Party
1529 Hampton St. Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone 803-799-7798
info@scdp.org
The operative words are MAFIA and CRIME………….”cash-for-favors politics is better suited for MAFIA movies and CRIME dramas”
Posted by burton on March 4, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! It is absolutely amazing that people on this site are defending an officer of the law calling someone the N-word and saying "I'm fixin to kill you." The other has a billy bad ass attitude and leaves a woman on the side of the road late at night. How can you fire the Public Safety Director and the Colonel and not these officers?
Most of the cops that I work with are good people who put their lives on the line everyday for us. It is a slap in their face to have officers like this still on the force. They do not deserve to be lumped into the same category with these officers. Fire them immediately!!! SC, we have got to do better! Incidents like these continues the perception that many around the country have of our state of still being in the 60's.
Posted by laine61 on March 5, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Substrate,
Yes, nine FIREMEN were killed doing the job they loved. But that has nothing to do with the fact that the highway patrolmen were wrong. Leaving a woman on the side of the road, using a racial slur, come on. One has nothing to do with the other!