Perhaps the most tragic thing about Brian Beckmann's racist rant.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

(Brian Beckmann is the fire captain from Miami Dade County who went on a facebook rant about the Trayvon Martin situation, calling parents of black teenagers like Martin "failed, sh-tbag, ignorant, pathetic, welfare dependent excuses of parents." The story is here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/16/miami-dade-fire-captain-brian-beckman-facebook-investigation-trayvon-martin_n_1428013.html )


Look at the screen capture here.




As you can probably see, Beckmann's profile picture is of a young child, who--knowing common Facebook behavior--is most likely Beckmann's child. The child probably is around the same age as my four year old daughter. My own Facebook profile picture is of me and my two daughters.

I don't think I would ever be as stupid to write something so foolish and offensive knowing how my words would reflect on my own children. Even if I thought similarly--which I most certainly do not--I would not want people to look at my children and have the first thought come to mind that they are the children of a racist. It's inconceivable to me that I would subject my children to that type of cruel judgment.

People should know that the things they post online reflect not only on themselves, but at times on the people they associate with.

I get it. Apparently Brian Beckmann did not.

I feel bad for the man's children, and I pity him for putting his children in such an unenviable position.

[LiberalLoner]

1. It is really sad but a person like him will probably never even think about that.

He sounds a lot like my father, an abusive, long-term alcoholic who is a teabagger.

People like my father never stop to consider how their behavior affects others. They are completely and totally self-centered in a way most normal people (like us) can't even begin to comprehend.

In his mind, most likely his children exist to serve HIS needs.

I've learned people like that - like my father - only look like human beings on the outside. It's as if they are pod people, not fully human, lacking a soul, unable to feel empathy for others or act as a decent person.

Yeah, this guy does an heroic job - but I'll bet you anything he does it not because he wants to help others, but solely for the money and glory.

[kimaka1981]

8. Fire him, sign the petition

[link:http://www.change.org/petitions/brian-beckmann-a-captain-in-the-miami-dade-fire-department-fire-him|


Erradicate Racism today, start with Public Officials.

[Becka2515]

10. Cant erradicate Racism this way.

If the man does his job to the best of his abilities I could care less what he thinks and I am not going to punish a person for his beliefs as long as he does his job up to standards.

[Becka2515]

9. And?

There is nothing wrong doing a job for money and/or glory. Sounds like you are slamming people just because they do jobs for things other then helping people.

[jobycom]

2. Might not be his kid. Might just represent his emotional maturity level. nt

[Slamdrive]

3. I bet barely any blackFire Fighters are hired in the Miami-Dade Fire dept.

That's part of white some Firemen, not accustomed to talking with people of other cultures and races, express these intolerant views.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

4. I can't speak for firefighters.

I do know, however, as to the City of Miami Police Department there was a lawsuit filed by a group of African American officers as it related to the lieutenant's exam testing procedures.

[EFerrari]

7. Here's their group shot on FB:

I think I see a black officer in the back row.

[GeorgeGist]

5. speaking of

shitbag parents.

[EFerrari]

6. Department's page at Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/MiamiDadeFireRescue

[Marrah_G]

12. The posts on that page are embarrassing

A bunch of little racist bastards, using nasty stereotypes while screaming "we are not racist".... if I were the fire chief the FB page would be down.

[savalez]

11. excellent comment from the article

"Enjoy your new career as a private fire fighter in the free market, unencumbered from the responsibility of government-funded employment nor mature representation of your city and staff."