[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by Major

So much to unpack.

Regarding Chauvin, watch the Fall of Minneapolis and watch the ENTIRE George Floyd video. Floyd was out of control and used the same (almost identical) tactics to get out of the situation that he used in 2018. Chauvin did his job by the book. His investigation and trial were a disgrace, but that shouldn't surprise us.

Regarding the Gilford situation, the policemen were placed on extended leave and were severely criticized in local and regional newspapers. Almost immediately, their motives and competency were placed into question. I am sure they went through hell, and the press and public opinion didn't help. They were not given the benefit of the doubt. At the end, they were just doing their job, and unfortunately, had to defend themselves and others on the scene.

And finally, regarding the homeless situation, I do not view throwing money and sympathy at the problem as compassion. I believe having a zero tolerance approach to the issue as the only way to solve it. That is the compassionate approach. We have spent more money than can be counted trying to solve this and other social issues, and things have become progressively worse.

Someone stated that it's always been this way, just that there is more coverage now. I respectfully disagree. Back in the day, there would be characters around Laconia. I remember Radar riding his tricycle to the Weirs, spinning stories of the CIA being after him. Notwithstanding, the level of degradation to where we are now is alarming. Ask a teacher what it is like in schools. In Meredith, a student identifying as a cat asked for a litter box. I was on the plane the other day, and a grown man had to have a plush toy to cope with flying. We are raising a generation of kids who unfortunately will be unable to cope with being an adult and doing adult things.

It's way worse now. The evidence is all around us. The only way we get back to where we were is adopting a conservative, traditionally American value system, where self-reliance, the value hard work and a having a strong family are taught. We've had 50+ years of liberal experimentation and all it's brought us is weakened family units, a lack of faith and a reliance of government to solve the problems it creates.

Just my 2 cents.

Chauvin had no chance. After the riots the judge and jury feared repercussions if they found him innocent. A later autopsy proved he did not die of asphyxiation ....Even the Minneapolis police chief threw him to the wolves when he testified that the knee maneuver was not part of police training when, in fact, it was. True that Chauvin was a tough cop but he was tough on white people as well. Absolutely nothing racial as the press played it up. So now a dedicated police officer is in prison fearing for his life every day for just doing his job.