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Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: thundley4 on April 27, 2009, 07:38:44 PM

Title: Confederate flag spurs argument that led to shooting
Post by: thundley4 on April 27, 2009, 07:38:44 PM
Quote
SARASOTA - A Friday-night argument between two teenagers -- one white and one black -- over the Confederate flag ended with one in the hospital with a gunshot wound and the other in jail, facing felony charges.

 
(http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=SH&Date=20090426&Category=ARTICLE&ArtNo=904261055&Ref=AR)
Michael J. Mitchell, 18, left, and Dan A. Azeff, 18.

The shooting occurred about 10:30 p.m. in downtown Sarasota near Links and Main streets. The site is across from the Hollywood 20 movie theater and is a popular nighttime gathering spot for teenagers.

According to police and eyewitness reports:

Michael J. Mitchell, 18, a student at the Sarasota Military Academy, was with a group of friends when Dan A. Azeff, also 18 and a student at Sarasota High School and Sarasota County Technical Institute, walked by with another group.

Azeff wore a hat with the Confederate symbol and carried a Confederate flag measuring about 5 feet by 3 feet.
Link (http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090426/ARTICLE/904261055#) 

Hate crime, or just a violation of civil rights?  :fuelfire:
Title: Re: Confederate flag spurs argument that led to shooting
Post by: Chris on April 27, 2009, 07:44:24 PM
Quote
The fight escalated and the groups exchanged racial slurs. Mitchell reportedly pulled out a handgun and shot Azeff once in the chest, then ran off.

Mitchell was arrested early Saturday at his home in the 5300 block of Southerly Way. He faces a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm.

How does attempted murder change to "aggravated battery"?
Title: Re: Confederate flag spurs argument that led to shooting
Post by: Hawkgirl on April 27, 2009, 07:47:51 PM
So if someone perceives you to be a racist, you can shoot them and only be charged with aggravated battery????  wtf is this world coming to?
Title: Re: Confederate flag spurs argument that led to shooting
Post by: MrsSmith on April 27, 2009, 08:16:47 PM
You have to wonder what the charges would be if the bullet had gone the other direction... 
Title: Re: Confederate flag spurs argument that led to shooting
Post by: Chris_ on April 27, 2009, 08:56:30 PM
IMO, they're both DUmba$$es.

Just because I can wave a red flag anytime I want doesn't mean I'm stupid enough to do so in front of a bull.   :whatever:
Title: Re: Confederate flag spurs argument that led to shooting
Post by: thundley4 on April 27, 2009, 09:02:37 PM
Quote from: lug-nut on April 27, 2009, 08:56:30 PM
IMO, they're both DUmba$$es.

Just because I can wave a red flag anytime I want doesn't mean I'm stupid enough to do so in front of a bull.   :whatever:

This was Floriduh, remember.
Title: Re: Confederate flag spurs argument that led to shooting
Post by: Thor on April 27, 2009, 11:04:01 PM
Florida does not allow a concealed carry for those under 21 (in re: comments), so this black kid was illegally carrying a handgun.  http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/weapons/eligible.html

 Secondly, it IS Confederate History Month. Freedom of speech, no matter how offensive, is still allowed per the Bill of Rights.

So, why wasn't Mitchell charged with Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or similar charges?? Reverse racism?? What about an illegally possessed weapon??  Mitchell had NO right or REASON to shoot Azeff. Shooting a person in the chest sure seems to me as an intent to kill.

 
If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all- Noam Chomsky