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Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

Humpy Hap Day, Wheelizens!

I have never been more glad I no longer live in Chicago, L.A. or even S.F. than I am right now.

I think there’s a good likelihood that -- regardless of the outcome -- the balloon will go up as a result of the Chauvin trial.

With -- quite possibly -- the worst administration and most useless Congress in my lifetime running the show.

Sorry to be so negative, but I’m legit a-skeered.

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coca cola be less white.jpg
Just Sven
Editor
2 years ago

Good morning, Fatwa, and happy mid-week, GN!

The prosecution in the Chauvin trial has not made, so far, a compelling case that Derek Chauvin’s actions were illegal and led to the death of George Floyd. I expect their case may very well wrap up this week and from what I can tell the only bullet they have left to fire is medical testimony related to cause of death.

Contrary to media accounts, the prosecution’s witnesses have not provided “devastating” testimony against Chauvin -- that’s only maybe accurate if you only listen to the state’s side of things. Each and every prosecution witness has been effectively cross examined by the defense -- almost each time a witness says something that supports the prosecution, the defense will get them to say the opposite. Illegal use of force? Yes. Not an illegal use of force? Yes.

One thing I never considered in this whole mess is the role the crowd played during Floyd’s arrest, but it’s something that the defense has been hammering. A quote from trial observations over at Legal Insurrection: “We keep seeing Nelson circle back to this reality, and it’s a potent view of the events around Floyd’s death. It raises the legitimate question of whether it was, in fact, the angry bystanders who in effect “killed” Floyd by interfering with the officers’ ability to provide Floyd with the attention and care which he’d otherwise have received.” This narrative will not play well with the media or activists.

I don’t reflexively take the side of the police -- I don’t uncritically “back the blue” -- but in this case, there’s really no there there. Floyd’s death is sad -- you can’t not feel sympathy while watching him panic, cry, and die in front of your eyes. But like Michael Brown in Ferguson, Floyd did more to kill himself than anything the Minneapolis police did or didn’t do.

Being frightened of what may happen in a couple of weeks in response to any verdict is more than reasonable based on what happened last year. Preparing for riots is not unreasonable. More than likely it will happen regardless of outcome.

Just Sven
Editor
2 years ago

On another note, I got my first Moderna vaccine shot yesterday. No side effects to speak of. So far.

Just Sven
Editor
2 years ago

Just because.

Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

Hey, Sven --

Thanks for your Chauvin trial updates; I’ve had no time (nor much inclination) to follow it. It’s so politicized, and I have effectively zero faith in our judicial legal system under the best of circumstances.

Congratters on jab 1/2; hope you continue to have no discernible side effects.

Paddy O'Furnijur
Editor
2 years ago

Happy Wednesday, Gerbil Nation!
Good morning, Fatwa, and Sven!

Spring Break is half-way over, which means I’m half-way through a quiet week (teachers and students are off, but I’m not). It’s been good to clear out some of the to-do list.

Got a text from Teh Younger yesterday -- he’s landed a job and starts today. The manager understands that it’s just until something better comes along, so that’s good. He’s also got lines on a couple of better jobs in his field. All in all, it looks like this was the right move.

In re the Chauvin trial, my fear is that the jury will be afraid to return a not-guilty verdict because of threats of riots. Those riots are going to happen anyway -- the organizations pulling the strings won’t let this opportunity go to waste -- so why not vote your conscience?

Just Sven
Editor
2 years ago

Good morning, Paddy -- as far as the jury goes, I don’t have much faith in them. Given today’s climate, even if the facts show that this was clearly not a racist murder, they may very well decide to vote guilty for the greater good/BLM narrative, because even if Chauvin is innocent the police are still racist, still target blacks, and even if Chauvin is innocent, thousands of other cops weren’t and got off.

dv8
Editor
dv8
2 years ago

Hi from both of us.

My friend’s tree came and I planted it this morning.

Night GN.

Paddy O'Furnijur
Editor
2 years ago
Reply to  dv8

Congrats on getting the tree planted!
Sleep well!

Just Sven
Editor
2 years ago
Reply to  dv8

Good on you, Dv8!

Just Sven
Editor
2 years ago

Cleaning up my office, I cam across a box of Orange Crate Labels that I bought at the Gene Autry Western Museum like 20 years ago. I’ve always liked fruit crate label artwork, but looking though these, I have to wonder how long before cancel culture comes for them. There’s Miracle Brand oranges with an Arab looking guy in a turban and a lamp; Western Queen has an Indian squaw; Athlete shows three white guys at a track meet race; Blackhawk has an Indian warrior.

What stupid times we live in.