John, my hubby lived in this area for several years and so watched this entire case and was aghast that he was convicted.
Would you consider doing a break down of this case?
I'm of two minds on the case and would very much appreciate your sharing your thoughts.
I know you're not too busy doing anything else ( insert big laugh here as this is supposed to be funny)
Thank you
Sanders
It’s on the agenda but might take a week or two.
Chris Cecil
I see a self defense act on this one but , i would like to know more evidence on the following. Was there a way out before or even after pulling the knife and before using it…in other words was he chase down the River or was it a dead end.???? Who approach who.??? Got a few more ?? but i wait for someone response.
I've worked in mental health units, worked on the doors as bouncer and I've been a steward at football games. I'm English and a Londoner by birth. What we saw in this case is a classic case of someone being insulted, abused and goaded. He did not come from a background of dealing with that type of verbal aggression and he clearly became very stressed, his adrenaline pumping, fight or flight kicking in. It would have been a non-event if he had taken a breath, calmed himself and walked away. The actions of these other young people, really triggered him. If you have a good deal of real world experience in staying calm, managing the ' rush ' ( sometimes called the ' Red Mist ' in the UK ) and breathing, it's still no stroll in the park. It's a good lesson for all. Trouble will look for you. Hell is other people and humans when in a group can and do act like a pack of animals. Managing stress and staying in control of your emotions is 90% of dealing with people who are acting badly. Don't go down to their level.
I think reviewing such events, with wise narration, permits the opportunity for those with eyes to see and ears to hear to take it as a mental rep, and prepare themselves for mindset adjustment(s) needed to adopt the Defender lifestyle, which includes, as John exhorts ad infinitum, a lifestyle of De-escalation. A few short years ago I was highly susceptible to being baited into an ego fight of the type he faced in that river; I would like to think today I could find my ground and center, breathe, and let it go.
I pray I need never find out; but if I must, I pray I persevere in the prescribed manner.
Do the Work. (In this case, the mental reps.)
Steven K. Mariner
Troy Mason