That’s nice and rationalizing, Diogenes. But you’re still blaming the victim.
Dio, I really starting to think you are the stupid one. She was not on on a fucking crusade. She was trying to make her neighborhood safer for her family. She had courage. She loved and cared about her children. She made a mistake by not accepting protection. I might too if I were her. She was phoning in on the anonymous hotline. Do you know what the police did? They’d come and sit in front of her house. How hard is it, even for drug addled idiots, to figure out who was calling the police? Then she was supposed to trust them to keep her safe?
And again, she didn’t make them firebomb her house. He did it of his own violition. He murdered her and five of her children. You are saying it was her fault. You are blaming the victim.
Diogenes the Cynic
Do you like living near drug dealers? If not, why not follow your own suggestion :
People sometimes get “stuck” in bad neighborhoods where drugs are sold and other crimes are committed. Most of the time, most people would like to either get rid of the crime or move to a safer neighborhood. However, moving can be quite expensive and nicer neighborhoods are generally more expensive. People “narc” out their neighbors because drug dealing is illegal, brings in other crime and more criminals. This is unsafe and it brings property values down. I believe a person is within their rights when they report criminal activity. I think there could even be an obligation, not legal, to report criminal activity. I am not talking about somebody smoking a joint in their back yard. But, if there is dealing going on, I think it should be reported.
OK, ok, you guys have beaten me down you’ve convinced me. My first reaction to the story was “what a stupid woman,” but as this thread proceeds, I find that my arguments are getting weaker and I’m thinking maybe I was wrong. So I asked my wife, who is always the best arbiter for me of when I am or am not being an asshole, and she assured me that I am being a dick. So, there you go. I’m going do something rarely seen in an internet debate. I’m going to change my mind and say that I was wrong.
I feel bad for that family, I truly do. And I hope the scumbag who killed them gets cornholed until he’s dead.
(BTW Luna, the term “crusader” is from the NYT excerpt in your own OP)
Well, you’ve redeemed yourself in my eyes then! I know I know, your life is now complete… 
I shall apologize for calling you stupid. I’m sorry. I look forward to reading your posts in the future. 
Wow. I’m impressed. Your standing goes up Diogenes.
mouthbreather,
True, my opinions on this are just as arbitrary as yours, and I certainly don’t fall into the “all life is precious” category of thinking, more the “all life has no inherent worth in and of itself” philosophy of thought.
Therefore, yes, he killed 5 people in what ended up being a grusome way. Yes he committed a crime, and should pay according to the law, (which is in place, IMO, not because murder is grusome, but because it helps insure the lives of the people who support the law against murder), but no more. The particular circumstances, or how particularly painful their deaths were are of no consequence to me.
You said:
Which isn’t quite true, because I instead ascribe no value on either life. But, I do see where you’re coming from as well, and the :rolleyes: weren’t meant as an insult, more as an indicator of sarcasm.
Fair enough. I’m the first one to admit that I can overreact when it comes to punishing violent crime, as I’m very vindictive by nature.
I just think it’s not asking too much of people to respect others and their property. People who can’t abide by that simple rule (a number of laws cover this idea, obviously) get nothing but contempt from me and it leads to me seriously disconnecting from the idea that they still need to be treated like humans. Is this a healthy way of thinking? Maybe not, I don’t know.
In any case, I don’t see my views catapulting me into public office anytime soon, so we likely have nothing to worry about.
You married a smart woman, Dio. I’m glad you took the time to review your argument with your spouse.
I had to take a break from this thread because I couldn’t believe a person could truly think what you posted in this thread. I, too, talked to my husband just to make sure I wasn’t deluding myself regarding this woman’s actions. He read this thread and, well, let’s just say he and your wife agreed on your stance.
Thank you for your last post.
Wow…where does one begin?
Diogenes, you said: “This woman has to take some blame too.”
ummm…huh?? So anybody that ever stands up to murderers, rapists, thugs, bullies, et al ad nauseum is somehow to blame for those asshole’s activities?!?!
……“an irresponsible, self-righteous crusade…”
And why is protecting your children irresponsible?? Good God, my parents would have willingly died for me, as would, I hope, yours. Just as I will willingly die for my children and grandchildren, as well as any child I happen to know and come into contact with. It’s part of my responsibility as a functioning adult human being.
…“It was stupid to deliberately enrage dangerous people.” It’s also very stupid to let people like that get away with selling drugs. To let rapists get away with rape. To let murderers get away with murder. (Talk about dangerous people!)
And I cannot believe that you say you hear gunfire outside your window, and not worry about the future your kids are going to be living in, and not do anything about it…'cause it’s dangerous.
???
To my cynical mind, it seems to me that your entire position is: “Drugs should be made legal…therefore we shouldn’t be resisting the drug pushers.” The best way to get drugs off the street is to legalize them., as you said.
"Who gives a shit if the “bad guys win?”
Jesus Fucking Christ, if you were a functioning human being, YOU would!!!
Toaster, please scroll up and read my last post. It may defuse some of your anger.
[Public Service Announcement]Please remember to finish reading the thread before you post, folks![/Public Service Announcement]