I witnessed the video of the officer slamming the little girl earlier today at West Charlotte High. I’d be lying if I said my first reaction wasn’t revulsion and an immediate impulse to throw the cop completely under the bus.
He certainly doesn’t make a strong case for himself on the video. That slam was excessively violent by any objective standard. It’s illegal in college wrestling. Further, from the vantage point on the video, the fight had mostly broken up.
I also acknowledge there is always potential for context of which I’m unaware that could shed things in a new light. That’s why we don’t rush to judgement in this country, we’re supposed to trust the system.
When the system prioritizes “rehabilitative” programs that fail every place they’re tried, rolling out the recidivism red carpet for violent criminals, it creates tension at the lowest level of the system, where you, me, and the cops on the street all interact.
Constant failure by our city to separate criminals from dumbasses, and unwillingness to prioritize victims over perpetrators… It’s no surprise that cops are demoralized.
Of course, if the story matches the video, being demoralized is no excuse for what happened there. I am going to withhold judgement, and at least give the system a chance to do its thing. The police have already announced an investigation, and that’s where they have to start. We can get worked up when we have an outcome to react to.
But I don’t want to live in a city where things like that happen, regardless. I don’t want to live in a city where girls get stabbed on trains, or 4-year olds get shot, or people get kidnapped.
The good news is, we don’t have to. It’s up to y’all. Arguably Vi’s biggest shortcoming has been public safety. If you think ours is good, vote for her. Terrie is saying the right things, but “pay police more” isn’t really a panacea for murder. If you trust her, vote for her.
I have a detailed plan, laid out and evidence backed, that benefits both the police and the public. It incentivizes cooperation in reducing crime. It pays police more, while reducing police budget. It helps build strong neighborhoods. it keeps people safe. If you want a plan that you can see for yourself will work, vote for me.
-Rob Yates, Libertarian Candidate for Mayor of Charlotte
