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> I really do not get all the celebration and back-patting, it's disturbing. This is way less about a real accomplishment, and more about what people need to f
by grinich 14y ago
> I really do not get all the celebration and back-patting, it's disturbing.
This is way less about a real accomplishment, and more about what people need to feel. After the bombings, people felt vulnerable and scared. And for the police, I'm sure also embarrassed and angry. Catching this kid is the vindication they all needed emotionally. I'm just glad they didn't get overzealous and kill him, as most manhunts end.
Cops were sending around a photo of the first suspect after he died, saying that seeing it was "cathartic." Apparently another is circulating of the second captured suspect, with the caption "WE GOT HIM." It's like a locker room after winning a football game.
It's true there was danger and violence here, and the death of innocent good people. But the response today was largely about ego and fear of vulnerability. There were literally thousands of SWAT units in Watertown today, going from door to door, publicly demonstrating America's reaction to terrorist attacks. It was about sending a message to the citizens and police of Boston, as well as the rest of the country.
- ihsw 14y agoI think it's an odd coincidence this happens immediately following my comment six days ago: > Law enforcement agencies are being lambasted time and again (whether it's valid criticism or not is irrelevant), and they continue to ignore claims of how ineffectual they are. Someone needs to stand up and say "We are here for you and we support you" otherwise it stands to reason that there are dangerous undertones forming. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5544924 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5544924 It's exactly what that younger gentleman demonstrated -- the police will go above and beyond for you, even to the point of actively impeding normal functions of society.
- cinquemb 14y agoBut when hear people cheering "USA" in the after math, it makes you think in a couple years we will be having our own Nuremberg Rallies. Questioning the State™? Thats a no-no. But then again, i'm just a lowly peasant, what could i possibly know about anything?
- zobzu 14y agoI'm also a little surprised at the "WE GOT HIM" and the "its the suspect". Pretty obviously everyone behave with this as 'hes guilty', so he's not a suspect anymore. While he very well may be, everyone is supposed to be innocent til proved otherwise by trial and judgement. That goes for everyone. Murderers, thieves, rapists, politicians and rich dudes alike. Oh, and you and I. Hopefully.
- illuminate 14y agoYou're confusing law for the court of public opinion. They are two entirely separate (and mostly unrelated) things.
- waps 14y agoThere's also another aspect. The security services has now effectively publicly declared that the chance for a repeat has gone down significantly, at least in the short term. Of course that's a good thing.
- zobzu 14y agopretty sure the police is not public opinion - also happens to pretty much related Note also that the general public should also know better - there is in fact, no confusion. You're simply disagreeing - part of the people I criticize, in fact, then.