
A gathering of those who value human life at Kelly’s Corner near the spot where Kelly Thomas was sacrificed.
So says one of those gathered tonight, bewildered and outraged at the news that officers on trial in the death of Kelly Thomas have been found not guilty, and now, that charges against another have been dropped.
Dozens have lined up to sign their names and write messages in a book for the family of Kelly Thomas, beaten in the street until he pleaded for his life and called for his father to help him, until his life was taken by the madness of others.
News vans are here to record the reactions of people trying to make sense of the jury’s decision. “I just feel they this is going to enable them to be worse, ” said one, referring to the police. And who can argue with her? What training is a more powerful message to police officers than this verdict?
People are here to share their thoughts, and ultimately, their humanity with one another, because it is now the only defense against brutality in a place where those charged to protect us can instead kill us without being held responsible.
I am truly sickened at this verdict. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kelly’s family. And many thanks to Tony Bushala for helping to bring this crime to the public’s attention.
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There will come a day, when these rampant abuses by the law enforcement community will come to a halt. Of course, it will never be soon enough.
What, exactly, gives them the right, to treat people this way, and then be free of punishment when they take their lives? Enough is enough.
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The thin blue line just got thinner. How can the defense attorney claim, that there is “no malice in their hearts” after watching the video and Ramos saying, “these fists are going to f*** you up” while Kelly sits on the sidewalk? What is that? Is that the best our cops are? This is what America is defending? “These fists are gonna f*** you up?”, while sitting on the sidewalk? Time to wake up and smell the police state.
Yup, being a cop is a tough job. Ramos was simply a bully, not a cop. Glad these two are no longer cops, and I hope that the FBI keeps these guys sweating bullets.
My sympathy to the Thomas family. Kelly’s crying for his Dad was a lucid, fearful, tearful moment for me. What a vicious and brutal way for your life to end. I will forever hesitate with any interaction with the Police for he rest of my life, as will many other Americans, because of this video. You would think that as tough as the job of being a cop is, cops would learn that by protecting bully cops, that only make it worse for themselves. So what did the average American learn from this? ANY encounter with a police officer may END YOUR LIFE. Say your prayers and think carefully before answering. Being respectful and having a video camera rolling SHOULD help you. Obviously not answering, or being evasive, like Kelly was, will get you killed. That what Americans learned from this!
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I have no words. We “see” with our eyes – we interpret information and we accept or reject it. We all “saw” equally with our eyes that Kelly was murdered. We all saw who did it. It is up to Fullerton residents and their allays to do “whatever is necessary” to redeem out lost justice system. Very grateful I don’t have to live there anymore.
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ABSOLUTELY SICKENED at the outcome of this trial!! It’s Quite Obvious when you watch the video….He’s PLEADING for them to STOP!! He’s Down and Cops are all Over him Violently Beating on him?!! The after photo of his beating…..What? Didn’t the Jury see that photo? Come on People What part of all the evidence presented did Everyone shut their eyes to? Kelly did Nothing wrong that would warrant Such a Beating!!! Where were the “Good” Cops?? if watching this horrific beating then Their guilty too!! I used to like going out to Downtown Fullerton… However, I Will Not return to that city until Justice is Served for Kelly. No Malice? REALLY? DISGUSTING!!!! Prayers for Kelly’s Family
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Police have rights that normal citizens do not. The news mentioned that they were in line with their training. As a Marine and veteran of Iraq, I know what my training did, but it was “all right” because it was within my Rules of Engagement to kill. When the difference between what is legal and what is right, allows for death of someone that does not deserve it, something needs to change. Usually this means the people that created that difference are punished. Since this did not happen, we ought to look higher. This “training” that allowed someone to die, in the way Thomas did, is horrible and wrong and should change. I am curious and hopeful the FBI investigation proves fruitful.
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If POBOR is state law I would be most curious to know how Sharon quirk-silva feels. Could she do something in this area?
Sure would show leadership that I haven’t seen yet. I would probably vote for her in Nov if she acted.
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Yes, she could. She’s a key vote in the “Super majority” in the CA legislature.
If our elected representative had the courage to broker a deal on POBAR reform, she could do it. She’s connected well enough to the issue to explain its complexity, she carries the moral authority to frame the case for change properly . . . all that is lacking is the conviction to see it through.
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This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks!
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