I usually try not to ruffle too many feathers, but I'd wager that this one has rubbed me the wrong way as least as much as anybody reading my comment, and as I appear to not be alone in perhaps reading a bit into things, some further clarification may be in order as this is an issue I feel very strongly about:Quote:
Originally Posted by Squeeze
First, I made a conditional statement based on not only more than a few anecdotal observations, but extremely recent and direct experiences. I even clarified that if it was indeed something that happened while that individual was faithfully and ethically performing their duties in a security-related capacity, that it was a trajedy which most definately was not deserved and they had my fullest sympathies (particularly as I've worked physical security jobs in the past, albeit quite a long time ago).
HOWEVER, there are other possibilities (which we just don't have any background info for, or if so then I must have missed it). Was there video of the incident? Do we know what lead up to it? I'd have to reread the original story, but did this go down at a bar/club/etc., or some other business which was neither open to the public nor associated with the "party scene"? Was the individial in question acting to protect/defend others or defuse an altercation? If there were behavior/actions involved which may have instigated things (and believe me, I've seen some shit that goes way beyond just "crossing the line"), is that cool just because someone is on the clock? Is there anything one can think of which an individual in that type of job/role may do, in/at a public-venue and unprovoked, which might be considered unacceptable or even egregious from the perspective or a reasonable person?
I don't condone what happened to the victim, (even if there was a direct contribution to the incident), and nearly always advocate non-violence except in self defense, but damn if I haven't seen people, including those in some position of authority (whether real or imagined), practically beg to have a chip knocked off their shoulder, and not everyone has the ability or thickness of skin to deal with that in a civilized manner. Having had to swallow my pride and walk away from people/situations like that on more than one occasion, I have no sympathy for those who engage in that type of behavior when their chickens come home to roost. Regardless of who is signing their paychecks....
That may seem a bit callous to some, but there is a big difference between accepting/condoning behavior and not giving a shit if someone gets their comeuppance if deserved. Not going to fully quote Heinlein (something something polite society...something something), but there's something to be considered there.
Given the lack of contextual info, and for the sake of giving the benefit of the doubt, I'll give credit where due and recognize that perhaps I jumped a bit far initially and walk back my original comment regarding this 'specific' event unless/until more info is made available.
That said, while in retrospect I probably should have anticipated how this opinion might be received (given common confirmation-bias) and not said anything on the topic, I fully stand by my stated perspectives and general observations, the particulars of this specific instance notwithstanding.
