I couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact, I think having a grasp of the English language should be a requirement for entry into this country.quote:Originally posted by njauto:
Maybe you should learn the English language if you are going to live here.
quote:Originally posted by GregY:quote:Originally posted by parabellum:Well, video of the incident would be most helpful, but just how much physical strength does your average 87 year old woman have?quote:Originally posted by jljones:So, just out of curiosity, what is it?quote:Originally posted by Warhorse:
I was not there, but I have to believe there was a better way to handle an 87 YO woman.
If she's ambling up towards three officers, what's to stop one office from flanking her, coming up behind her and grabbing her wrist? Or are we assuming that these three officer have equal or less strength than this old woman?
It seems to me that the idea that you never approach someone holding a knife is the issue. What if it were a six year old child holding the knife? Would the police tased a six year old? Or would they have walked up and taken charge of the tyke? How about a woman in a motorized wheelchair? She's got a knife and she's rolling up at maximum speed. Unless she has arms six feet long and has eyes in the back of her head, she could be flanked and have her arms pinned by one officer while another officer removes the knife from her hand.
How do we apply "never approach a knife" to these scenarios? My point is that unless the police are mindless and incapable of thinking on the fly, there are limits to this policy.
One officer alone? Yeah, he might have to tase her. Two officers? I'm not so certain. Three officers? Three men in the full of life, trained and physically strong? Against a very old woman? Really? Yeah, I don't think so.
This seems to have a lot in common with open carry hysteria.
If I'm in the woods near my house foraging mushrooms or something (which I have done) and I'm using a little knife.... And someone sees me and calls the cops...
What is the expectation there? Not threatening anyone, not even *near* anyone (til the cops come up to take charge of the situation), but I (dear sweet Jesus save us) HAVE A KNIFE. Do I need to be made to drop the knife or be made to comply? Why, exactly?
quote:Originally posted by cyberiad:
Because when you are told to comply you must. Period, end of story. There is no 'why.'
Case in point my buddy's mother. My buddy's Dad earned his US citizenship by serving in the US Army, and his Mom became a US citizen after moving to Houston after their marriage. My buddy was born in Houston and is 52 years old, but his mother cannot speak English despite being here for 52+ years.quote:Originally posted by parabellum:I couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact, I think having a grasp of the English language should be a requirement for entry into this country.quote:Originally posted by njauto:
Maybe you should learn the English language if you are going to live here.
However, that's not the case and you know that many people who immigrate to the US never learn English. This is the reality.
quote:Originally posted by parabellum:I couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact, I think having a grasp of the English language should be a requirement for entry into this country.quote:Originally posted by njauto:
Maybe you should learn the English language if you are going to live here.
However, that's not the case and you know that many people who immigrate to the US never learn English. This is the reality.