Unethical Reporting  

The headlines read, “Israel Strikes Again.”  How about a little ethical unbiased reporting here?  Although the article admits Israel retaliated against rocket fire from Gaza the headline is biased.  According to the New York Times, “it’s not certain who was behind the latest rocket attacks.” Notwithstanding that the rockets came from Gaza.

An honest unbiased headline would have read, “Gaza violates ceasefire. Israel retaliates.”  In other biased news Christians are being killed in Iraq by ISIS for being Christian. Where are the headlines? Where is the outrage? Where are the politically correct people who believe everyone who is not a Christian has the right to worship or not as they please? Where is the truth?

I just watched a news clip of the protestors in Ferguson, Mo. protecting local stores from the looters. That is another clip that should have been published everywhere. I’m really proud that there are some people who are not only willing to stand up and peacefully protest when there is a perceived wrong but also to do the right thing when others will object.

This brings me to the subject of looting during a protest. How, by any stretch of the imagination, could stealing a television help resolve the issue of a teenager being shot? These thieves are degrading the mission of the protestors.

On the other hand, I have a major problem with the over reaction of the police force. Bringing in police in riot gear INCLUDING big machine guns aimed at peaceful protestors was way over the top. This was simply a case of “we’ve got the toys so we have to use them.”

In the case of a real riot the response would have been appropriate but not in this case especially when the issue was a possible overreaction by a police officer.

I am pleased the issue is being investigated an outside agency instead of people who know the officer involved. I believe justice will be served.

On another subject of overreaction. Nationwide there are almost daily reports of police officers who have shot dogs. I will be the first to say that an officer has the right to protect him or herself against any danger. That includes dogs.

On the other hand, my dog and I have a right to protect our property. Unless the officer is in the process of arresting a dangerous individual it is possible to avoid dogs.  Every day millions of packages are delivered to homes in America by postal workers, UPS and Fed Ex drivers and although dog bites are one of the top injuries in the delivery profession so far there has never been a report of any of them shooting a dog.

If my dog growls at an officer or approaches in a threatening manner my dog is doing his job. Many delivery drivers carry dog biscuits to prevent conflicts. Others use pepper spray. With the exception of a trained attack dog I can see few situations that would require an officer to shoot a dog. My golden retriever always greets guests with a growl. In fact, most Goldens growl when they are happy.

In the interest of accuracy I will add that I am no longer a dog lover. I like my dog and few others.  Years of having my pets, chickens and livestock killed by neighbors “pets” and after having my delivery driver wife bitten several times changed my opinion of dogs.

I certainly understand the situation faced by police officers but I believe an appropriate reaction is the key. The overuse of force in any situation is always the wrong decision.