This Shocking New York Daily News Cover of Alton Sterling Is Drawing Heavy Responses

[DonViejo]

by J.D. Durkin | 8:44 am, July 7th, 2016


One of the areas of media commentary we’ve been featuring heavily as of late as the tabloids right here in New York City: the conservative New York Post, and the left-leaning New York Daily News, each of whom use their 12?x10? real estate to ridicule, mock, or slam the story of the day.

Thursday morning’s edition of the Daily News unsurprisingly put the emphasis on the tragic shooting death of 37-year-old Alton Sterling, the Baton Rouge native who was killed by two white police officers Tuesday. The death in a convenience store parking lot set off a wave of protests; the leader of the local NAACP called on the police chief and mayor both to resign.

Never one to shy away from the controversial and declarative front cover, the Daily News depicted the image of Sterling’s body for all to see:

[image][/image]

Reaction from social media was as swift as it was mixed. While many feel that the cover is an unfortunately appropriate way to convey the tragedy, others questioned — as they have in the past — if the New York Daily News took things a step too far:

-snip-

[auntpurl]

1. Let people see what racist violence looks like.

I see nothing wrong with this NYDN cover. Shove it in the faces of people who think we've "solved" the racism problem in America or that "SJWs" are blowing everything out of proportion.

[MadDAsHell]

10. I haven't seen any evidence that the cops involved had a racist history?

I don't need any history to show that they're stupid. But racist? What make you immediately teleport to that conclusion?

[JNelson6563]

12. lol. Good one!

[MadDAsHell]

20. Seriously, we don't even know the name of the cops yet? How did you figure out they're racist?

Because they're white males?

[eShirl]

22. see above photo

[Person 2713]

30. Both cops have been ID 'd . One has been involved in another death

[7962]

50. Yes. These days thats all it takes.

Sad, but thats where we are. Ignoring all the white people who get abused or killed by cops of all colors. Look at Baltimore, 1/2 those charged were black
Its not always a RACE problem as much as it is a BAD COP problem.

[AllTooEasy]

67. The other half were Latinos

...but I get your point. Stupid is worse than Racist to me.

[1StrongBlackMan]

89. Don't know much about racism, huh?

[Entheory]

109. Yeah

Black cops can be just as if not more racist than white cops. If they keep the system in place they are racist...

[1StrongBlackMan]

111. That IS how racism/white supremacy works.

[awoke_in_2003]

240. Like Ice Cube said...

"black police showing out for the white cop"

[7962]

206. Enough to know it exists among ALL races.

In most of these cases its more a BLUE problem. Black/white/latino/asian cops are killing & abusing Blacks/whites/latinos/asians.

[1StrongBlackMan]

210. I suspect you are right, for the wrong reason ...

members of all races can be agents of racism/white supremacy; but, I doubt that's what you meant.

[7962]

248. No, not "agents of racism". Actual RACISTS.

With racist opinions and actions. Not someone who facilitates another racist's opinions or acts.
It doesnt f'king matter WHAT COLOR you are, if you believe racist dogma, you ARE a racist.
The constant need to find a sliver of excuse for some people as opposed to others has gotten ridiculous.
"Oh, he's not a racist, he just hates all white people". Horseshit.

[1StrongBlackMan]

249. He was bigoted against white people ...

I so wish progressives (of DU) would learn the academic definition of racism and join the rest of the anti-racist/racism world.

[7962]

250. Yes, keep segregating us by using excuses of "academics". GREAT idea.

I remember learning in school about the days when "academics" used to consider black people as intellectually inferior to other races. They had plenty of "studies" to support them, too. So today, they bend over backwards to invent any excuse to remove the stain of racism from someone who just happens to be black. No matter that the person may have the exact same views of whites as a white racist does about blacks. Nope, he's "just" a bigot.
If we are all to be viewed as equal, then our actions should all be judged equally as well.
Trying to excuse black racism will only serve to further the views & opinions racist whites have. "See, they wont even admit they have them in their community"
Good luck with that. It will only serve to slide us BACKWARDS. Unbelievable. And only in America. Other countries seem to be quite adept at calling out racists no matter what color they come in.

[1StrongBlackMan]

253. Why do I try to educate people that claim to be progressives; but, will brook no progress ...

unless it serves their purpose, i.e., the racial status quo?

I think I'm done trying.

[7962]

254. You're welcome to your opinions, of course.

But continuing to go down the road you seem insistent on traveling will only result in more division. The proof is already out there.
No, I'll never understand why anyone cannot accept the fact that a black man's views can be just as vile as a white mans & call it what it is. The effect on society is exactly the same
It just enables the points that white racists always try to make. Thats NOT "racial status quo". I've said the same to people I know who ALWAYS take the side of the police; you cannot expect things to improve if you cannot look at video of an unarmed man running away from a cop being shot in the back and say "Thats wrong". All it does is further the opinions of those who view ALL cops as bad ones.
As I said before, if you want to be treated equally then you have to be equally critical of the bad seeds. Because they're equally as sick.

[1StrongBlackMan]

255. The academics are not my opinion.

As I said before, if you want to be treated equally then you have to be equally critical of the bad seeds. Because they're equally as sick.

LOL ... Really? since you've written that twice, you must really believe that. Here's a self-reflection project: "What is your "equality" dependent on?"

[7962]

257. Its sad that you find that funny. When we all should feel the same way.

If a black man expresses hatred for all whites & kills 5, and a white man expresses hatred for all blacks and goes out & kills 5, the result is the same; you end up with more people of each race having a worse view of the other race. For some reason you have a need to split hairs over "bigot" & "racist". To refuse to call the same acts & opinions the same thing just makes it look like you're trying to excuse the views of one compared to the other. God help us if that view becomes the norm; racial division will only get worse.
It really is that simple. But when we see people of different races helping each other, the urge to be a part of THAT spreads as well. Look at the immediate aftermath of 9/11; crime went way down for some time as everyone knew we were in it TOGETHER.

[1StrongBlackMan]

258. Is being a racist worse than being a bigot? ... The academics would argue, "No" ...

the proper use of the term racism is not "splitting hairs", it is describes how a particular type of bigotry operates.

Its sad that you find that funny. When we all should feel the same way.

...

racial division will only get worse

I really think you should answer my self reflection question ... My equality is dependent on my feeling like you, or the racial divide will worsen; what is your equality dependent on; what must you do to improve the racial division?

[adigal]

244. Here's the difference: I got in a cop's face recently. And actually drove to find them

And knocked on their window where they were parked and laughing after the assholes gave me a ticket for no insurance because I wasn't "respectful" enough to them. I had insurance and showed it to them. At no time, did I think they would kill me, shoot me or even arrest me. Why? I'm white, 54 years old and blonde. I can do things like that and not get killed, so I do when cops act like assholes.

[MynameisBlarney]

28. Are you serious?

You have got to be kidding.

[MadDAsHell]

40. It's a legitimate question. Cops kill a lot of people; more than 1000 last year in the US...

More than half of the victims were white.

If we're going to default to assuming that any white-on-black killing is racist, even in cases where there is no evidence/history to support that kind of motivation by the cop, we then must be defaulting to assuming that all 500 killings of whites last year were legitimate and justified?

[Lottie5]

45. Cops killed 1000 last year and half the victims were white?

White Americans are the racial majority. African Americans are the largest racial minority, amounting to 13.2% of the population.

[cagefreesoylentgreen]

171. Latinos are the largest minority at 17%

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanic_and_Latino_Americans

This still doesn't change the proportional death ratio of black Americans to white when dealing with LEO.

[bettyellen]

46. You didn't realize how very disproportionate it is to kill blacks almost 50% of the time?

Seriously sounds like you need a history lesson. Shit like this is all too common because racism is built into te criminal justice system from start to finish. There are always unequal outcomes for POC, in arrests, sentencing and brutality.

[MadDAsHell]

48. Ok, but the poster I was replying to didn't make a point about the system.

They said this particular incident was racist violence, but gave no indication what led them to believe that.

Are you saying we should start with the premise that all police killings of persons of color are racially motivated, and then work our way backwards from there and eventually (maybe) exonerate the police officer from those accusations, but only if there is absolutely no evidence that the officer was racially motivated? Otherwise they're a bigot by default?

If so, should we likewise start with the premise that all police killings of white people are not only not racially motivated, but are justified?

There is NOONE on DU saying this was a justified killing. But you (and many DUers) seem to be having trouble separating (as always occurs with these stories) an unjustified police killing from a racially motivated police killing, and seem to assume that an unjustified killing of a person of color is ALWAYS racially motivated (regardless of whether there is any evidence, such as the perpetrator's background/work history, to support that assertion). And that is why we are painted as "not caring about facts."

You can have a stupid cop perform an entirely unjustified killing, on any individual of any race, for no other reason than it was a stupid cop; in fact, it happens hundreds of times a year.

[bettyellen]

49. We should acknowledge the greater likelihood that this man is a victim of racist attitudes that make

It more normal and safer to kill a black suspect. That IS the way the system works and all who work within it are all to aware of that. Absolutely that needs to be knowledged instead of denied- or minimized with misleading stats as you did.

[jtuck004]

60. "...a stupid cop perform an entirely unjustified killing, on any individual of any race" - -You are

minimizing the extent to which this happens to black folk, all the time.

According to wiki, black folks make up 12.2% of the population. According to you, they account for 50% of the deaths by police bullets, sprays, batons, choke holds, being run over, etc.

That doesn't account for the millions of extra stops and imprisonments of people who are black, in extraordinarily high proportions to those who are white.

We have an entire country built on racism and the free labor of millions of people for over 200 years, something we ALL still profit from. People, simply because of their skin color, weren't guaranteed the right to vote until 1965, and since then people have been working day and night to take it away again. We have whole towns (Ferguson) whose racist attitudes caused the Federal government to nearly have to assume control, until they changed some things. You literally cannot find a town in this entire country where there won't be a racist or xenophobic or bigoted behavior every day.

You asked your question, now let me ask mine.

Why don't you see the racism inherent in every confrontation with the evidence so clear and compelling?

[MadDAsHell]

64. I'm not minimizing, I'm asking: What is the "clear and compelling evidence"...

that you are citing that this was a racially motivated killing (as opposed to only a completely unjustified killing)? Is your clear and compelling evidence the fact that the perpetrator was white and the victim was a person of color? That's what defines "racially motivated" in 2016?

It isn't minimizing the existence of racially-motivated killings to ask that we not automatically ASSUME every killing IS a racially motivated killing. It's asking that we be rational.

Hillary Clinton had an unsecure email server in her home. An unsecure email server in her home made it easier to for to hide/delete emails that she didn't want publicly available (if she wanted to do that). If the presence of white and black automatically makes something racially motivated, does the presence of an unsecure email server automatically mean Hillary intended to hide/delete emails? You're drawing some dangerous conclusions here...

[jtuck004]

68. You are minimizing it - it is racially offensive and dishonest to not acknowledge that we live

in a racist country.

Given that, what other explanation is there for the large discrepancy in the number of black folks killed, and by cops, for doing nothing more than white folks do every day?

Wanna know what's really dangerous? Being black in America.

How about I don't waste any more time with your denials and excuses. You suggestion that all killings are racially motivated, as well as deliberately ignoring the racism that everything we do is steeped in is, at best, nothing but an attempt to deflect. At it's worst, well.. I haven't the time to waste with such low-level ideas.

Enjoy yourself at the meetings.


-

[MadDAsHell]

70. In which post did I deny that we live in a racist country?

What I'm denying is the assertion by so many here that NO ONE out there is good anymore, that NO ONE out there can speak, act or do anything without "racial motivations." That if an altercation occurred in which more than one race was represented, that all actions therein were absolutely, unequivocally, undeniably racially motivated. Why? Because they just were. Because if a cop in one state killed a person of color because they were a person of color, then every person of color that ever dies from here forward died because they're a person of color.

[clarice]

125. "You are minimizing it - it is racially offensive and dishonest to not acknowledge that we

live in a racist country."

That's a pretty broad brush. Sit back and analyze your comment objectively.

[bettyellen]

135. By throwing out deceptive stats that betray the posters ignorance.....

They are minimizing it- whether it is intentional or not, it shows a willingness to use a "little knowledge" to deny racism could have played a part in it. There is a problem with saying "prove it" every damned time when you know that there are systemic problems you are sweeping under the rug- with bulbs it stats that do not even help their case.

[clarice]

139. With all respect.. which deceptives stats did the poster state?....

did I miss something? Please be specific.

[bettyellen]

153. They unthinkingly said that only less than half the time it's a Black person the cop shoots....

And I have never seen anyone but RW racist apologists use that line- because when you realize that POC are 1/8.... It shows there's a systemic problem. The opposite of what the poster was trying to say. That kind of mindless parroting of deceptive stats- is part of the problem.

[clarice]

155. Thanks Betty... are there hard stats that reflect those statistics?nt

[bettyellen]

161. Obama gave a nice little summary today... But there have been studies for years about LEO targeting

Black folks in far greater percentages, of longer sentences and more violent outcomes. Knowing the numbers means it is always more often than not another case of "over policing the black community" - which is how racism becomes not just an individual choice but a part of the system.

[clarice]

175. I would love to see hard statistics. nt

[bettyellen]

179. But not love it enough to do the research or even listen to Obama? Sounds like you don't care.

[clarice]

181. I care very DEEPLY.... but unfortunately... our feelings often lead us into the...

realm of the irrational.

[bettyellen]

182. Then google it yourself and stop being so darned uninformed.

[clarice]

184. I'm sorry that you feel that way. But you still haven't given me any hard statistics. Only feelings.

[bettyellen]

186. If you actually wanted stats- you'd find them. Enough of your games. Enjoy the ignorant state....

That you wrongly try to blame on others. It's ugly to witness the ignorant flailing for links.

[clarice]

190. I'll say it one more time..... I came here looking for unvarnished facts, devoid of media spin..

Perhaps we can discuss this later, on a less emotional level... Be well, and the best to you and your's

[etherealtruth]

169. Here is a good place to start

Over the past year, The Post found that the vast majority of those shot and killed by police were armed and half of them were white. Still, police killed blacks at three times the rate of whites when adjusted for the populations where these shootings occurred. And although black men represent 6 percent of the U.S. population, they made up nearly 40 percent of those who were killed while unarmed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/final-tally-police-shot-and-killed-984-people-in-2015/2016/01/05/3ec7a404-b3c5-11e5-a76a-0b5145e8679a_story.html

this article is consistent with the information available (google is your friend)

[clarice]

178. Washington Post? nuff said. nt

[etherealtruth]

200. it was a very clear and SIMPLE presentation ....

I wanted to make sure you were able to understand it.

Google is your friend ... the facts are easily verifiable.

If you need help with search terms, let me know

[clarice]

202. Yayyys.. thank you SOOO much Miss Etthreel. nt

[etherealtruth]

203. Here is more information showing PoC are disproportionately targeted (and killed) ...

... by law enforcement in the US

You seem to dismiss this ... with nothing but snide remarks

The disproportionate attacks on PoC (significantly the AA community) by individual LEO and the criminal justice sytem is verifable and horrific ...regrdless of how snidely you wish to dismiss it

http://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/criminal-justice/police-reasonable-force-brutality-race-research-review-statistics

http://cjp.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/07/18/0887403412452424.abstract

https://www.propublica.org/article/deadly-force-in-black-and-white

[clarice]

147. Waiting. nt

[brush]

226. Why the smart-ass remarks? You've been provided with several links. You're making yourself look bad.

[etherealtruth]

204. I am reasonably sure everyone recognizes the disparity ...

.... the question is why do some have no problem with it and will irrationally deny every statistic compiled

[cheapdate]

216. There wasn't any deception whatsoever

in the stat that was used. The point wasn't 'Hey, look. Whites get killed by police in the same proportion as blacks.'

The point was that a significant number of whites are also killed by police. What do we make of that?

I'm not minimizing the problem of ongoing oppression and violence facing black Americans and neither was the poster.

[jtuck004]

174. Too much sitting back. Objectively, too fucking many black people are being murdered.

Too many white people see them as a source of profit, still, and not victims.

That objective enough for you?

What a stupid conversation. No more.

[clarice]

187. As I previously posted... perhaps this isn't the time for rational debate. Be well my friend. nt

[smirkymonkey]

151. +1000

I am listening to Obama on the news right now rattling off statistics on how African-Americans and Latinos fare under the criminal justice system compared to whites and it's shocking. Anyone who doesn't think that this was a racist incident has their head up their ass.

[LanternWaste]

84. Are the shooting you reference a sum total, thus lacking the relevant information of victim's action

Are the shooting you reference a sum total, thus lacking the relevant information of victim's action?

Lies, damned lies and...

[mrsv]

39. How many

white folks have been killed for selling cds?

[clarice]

97. Vanilla Ice should have been...just sayin. nt

[awoke_in_2003]

241. I shouldn't have...

but I laughed

[downeastdaniel]

54. How many white guys did he shoot, let alone shoot SIX times...of course is was racist. Come on!

[Jazzgirl]

55. Think about it.

And I get damn tired of someone posting a "you can't prove its racist" meme. Shot for selling CD's? Seriously? Prove that it wasn't racist.

[MadDAsHell]

66. I wasn't aware that the only unique thing about Alton Sterling as a person was his skin hue? nt

[uppityperson]

76. Who is saying that? Link? Thankyou.

[MadDAsHell]

88. "Shot for selling CD's? Seriously? Prove that it wasn't racist." nt

[uppityperson]

108. Nope. Doesn't show your claim that "the only unique thing about Alton Sterling as a person was his

"the only unique thing about Alton Sterling as a person was his skin hue".

[pangaia]

197. You will never win this.

I do understand what you are saying.
And you are right. And you are going about it in the right way.
You are using your intellectual brain. However, others are using their feeling brains.

Any activity requires the use of the correct brain or brains.
Playing a Mahler Symphony requires the use of all three brains - intellectual, feeling and moving( physical).
Typing requires the intellectual brain and the moving brain.

You are using the correct brain, in this case.

[7962]

207. Thats a nice way to put it. And you're right

And unlikely to be hidden. Although these days who knows. Its getting back to 8th grade around here!
There's a racist behind EVERY tree and EVERY bush. You'd think it was 1850 around here

[pangaia]

209. Thanks.

You know, I have only discovered later in life that there can very well be a racism in ..almost all of us... or maybe I should say most of us... perhaps unseen by ourselves, invisible.. No. It couldn't be me, now could it.

Maybe racism isn't even the right word. I am no sociologist. Maybe a separation....But, something that often will see something in certain others as ...different....

I find this really interesting in myself as I have had 2 wives, The first, many years ago, was black. The second was Chinese. I am Hungarian....

And so.......

[subject]

234. Racism is fear in it's origin.

It begins as the fear of things and ppl who are different from one's self.

[pangaia]

239. I think ignorance or 'the unknown,' perhaps comes before the fear.

[LanternWaste]

85. It's cute how you argue against points no one is making.

It's cute how you argue against points no one is making. There's a compound word for that...

[obamanut2012]

71. lolz

wut

[1StrongBlackMan]

86. History ... Both, past and current.

[giftedgirl77]

105. What the ever loving fuck? You think it's just a coinkydink

that this shit keeps happening to Black people particularly black men. Lucky for you that you don't have to worry about it being your kin then huh?

[clarice]

127. And you are 100% positive that it is NOT his kin? I wish I could do that trick. nt

[giftedgirl77]

189. Yes, I fucking am.

As I am also sure you are lilly white & basking in that privilege every damn day.

[clarice]

191. Wow !!!!! that was GREAT !!! I LOVE these sort of irrational retorts..........

Luckily for you... I don't believe in alerting on ANYBODY ! That is the cowards way out.
So if you want to bring it..... I'm your Huckleberry.

[clarice]

192. And in addition..... Sister.... If you want to take the gloves off...all you have to do is DU mail

me... let's see what your made of. You picked the wrong lilly white girl this time.

attention DU jury... i know that this is getting ugly... that's why I offered to take it private. Please consider the previous post that warranted my harsh rebuttal.

[giftedgirl77]

224. Lol, you're not worth the time.

[clarice]

227. uh-huh....that's what I thought. nt

[giftedgirl77]

232. What would I want with an over privileged white person

that has absolutely nothing of value to add to a conversation regarding yet another homicide of a black man by a cop?

[clarice]

235. You are certainly hung up on race. May I suggest that you read the writings of Dr. King?

And one more thing SISTER.... you don't know me ! But you seem to have a lot of words for me.
As I mentioned before, I never alert on anyone because I don't believe in it... but if you throw your weak ass "race card" at me
one more time...you and I will have some bidness to settle. It's not my fault that you are so filled with hate. I would suggest counseling.

[giftedgirl77]

236. Lol, don't refer to me as sister first of all.

Secondly, no surprise you threw out the good old "race card" canard. Very typical of folks in your position.

[clarice]

237. And as always..... your the one who played the race card first...typical of

someone in YOUR position. Don't bother replying. My work here is done.

[giftedgirl77]

238. Lol, by bringing up the fact that black men are disproportionately

murdered by cops is the race card????? Aren't you a special little character?

[MadDAsHell]

132. Happened to 500 whites last year too. And hundreds of latinos. Cops suck. nt

[uhnope]

170. inconvenient truth

[giftedgirl77]

188. Nobody is saying it doesn't happen to other people too.

but it happens at a lot greater rate to people of color. But thanks for playing.

[MadDAsHell]

214. No, but what they are loudly saying is that when it happens to persons of color, IT'S ALWAYS RACIAL.

And that's just plain factually incorrect.

One person being black and one person being white DOES NOT equate to racial motivation as much as so many here want to automatically draw that conclusion.

[7962]

252. Apparently a black person can no longer be a racist. At all. Anywhere.

because some educated folks have come to that conclusion. They can only be a bigot. Like theres a HUGE difference.

[adigal]

246. Even here, there is denial

I'm so pissed, I'm going to go find a protest. At least the protests tonight are peaceful.

[Maraya1969]

215. We don't know their particular history but we know the history of white cops killing black men

Try picturing a young white girls lying there dead, with holes in her chest that the cop just put in her AFTER they had her pinned on the ground.

Put the young white girl in the photo and then tell me you don't see anything wrong!

[MadDAsHell]

221. You're, once again, automatically correlating UNJUSTIFIED KILLING with RACIALLY MOTIVATED KILLING.

Who, on the entirety of DU, has argued that these killings weren't wrong?? Noone.

What is being argued, and rightly so, is that it's wrong to leapfrog to the conclusion that any altercation involving 2 or more races must have been racially motivated.

Isn't it entirely possible, if we calm down enough to let the federal investigators do their job, that we'll find out the shooting police officer was a completely decent human being who just did something stupid (something that he should still pay the price for), and that race played absolutely no role in his actions whatsoever?

[Lunabell]

218. Because of history

"These police shootings disproportionately affect black men. The Washington Post’s review found that of the unarmed men shot and killed by police last year, 40 percent were black ― even though black men only make up 6 percent of the population. The Guardian, also looking at 2015 data, found that young black men were nine times more likely than other Americans to be killed by police officers." Huffington Post

[Chemisse]

219. They didn't have to be overtly racist.

And it doesn't have to be a conscious reaction.

When they have a white man pinned to the ground it just feels less scary or dangerous to them than when a black man is in that position.

In addition, the white man could be their cousin or neighbor, but they don't relate to the black man. They don't have the same compassion for him and concern for his life, because he is 'different' from them.

It's human nature to have these feelings. The more enlightened among us make the effort to exhume those tendencies, look them over, and manipulate them so that we can have compassion for all sorts of people who are dissimilar to us.

[MadDAsHell]

222. "but they don't relate to the black man." - How does that explain multiple officers of color...

involved in the Freddie Gray case?

[Chemisse]

231. Good question. I would suggest their alliance to the 'blue' is more important to them.

Considering the racism within many police departments, black officers must feel a need to prove themselves as being more loyal to the job.

Have we seen any black cops going rogue on their own, or taking the lead role in a shooting, rather as part of a group of officers, such as in the Freddie Gray case? I can't recall any.

[msanthrope]

220. You have white cops standing next to a lynching they performed.

If you can't see that, I seriously doubt anything will convince you.

[still_one]

126. I agree

[47of74]

129. And I think they should post the image on electronic billboards

[auntpurl]

2. PS. You should probably put a graphic image warning in the title

I was expecting it based on the title, but others might not.

[KMOD]

6. +1

It definitely needs a graphic image warning.

[calimary]

38. Graphic. But necessary.

[Brickbat]

3. We don't often see white bodies on newspaper covers.

[LuvNewcastle]

69. Good point.

One reason, of course, is lurid scenes sell. I think another reason is to intimidate the black population. It says, 'this is what happens when you step out of line.' Reminds me very much of old pictures I've seen of lynchings.

[Brickbat]

92. Exactly right.

[fullautohotdog]

119. I really doubt that's why it ran...

I think another reason is to intimidate the black population. It says, 'this is what happens when you step out of line.' Reminds me very much of old pictures I've seen of lynchings.

Yeah, no. The accompanying text makes it pretty darn clear it's not meant to intimidate the black community. To get people pissed off? Yeah. Intimidate them? No.

[LuvNewcastle]

123. Okay then.

[yuiyoshida]

201. ^this^

[Laughing Mirror]

4. Their questions about a newspaper taking things too far are misplaced

It is not the Daily News they should be questioning about taking things too far. How about questioning the police, once again, taking things many steps too far.

[sarae]

29. +1

So true...

[lostnfound]

41. Or "why don't other newspapers take it far enough?"

I'm not fond of graphic journalism but when society has a dark illness it needs to be exposed to the list of day to get the attention it deserves.

[malaise]

5. The cops took it too far

Time to show the truth

[uponit7771]

7. Nah, let folk see what this kind of scary cop shit does to people

[clarice]

199. Yes...and I would like to get rid of cops all together....

Then I could call YOU to help me.

[Surya Gayatri]

8. Well done, Daily News. It's time that the general public LEARNS what their militarized,

racist police are up to. If they don't like looking at it, they should make it stop.

[Fast Walker 52]

27. yeah, if this doesn't wake people up, what will?

of course conservatives will reflexively defend the police

[awoke_in_2003]

242. It won't wake many up...

and if it does, it won't last. I thought Sandy Hook would wake us the hell up.

[mcar]

9. I think it's time people see exactly what is happening here

[stevenleser]

11. Malaise, Surya, Mcar and others beat me to it. Sometimes the ugly brutal truth must be shown.nt

[Blue_Tires]

101. I at least hope some consideration was given to the Sterling family

They're entitled to some respect

[stevenleser]

116. I hear you, but sometimes the interest in justice outweighs the desires of anyone else including the

family. People have to see what is happening.

[LostOne4Ever]

13. Cover got it right! They killed an unarmed man! nt

[TCJ70]

14. Maybe this is what's necessary?

The past two days have seen some really awful stuff from police. Regardless of anyone's record, possessing a gun, or anything else...if someone is restrained on the ground, there is no reason for them to end up dead with two cops on them.

The more recent one is even worse! He apparently did what everyone says you should do when a police officer pulls you over and you have a gun. You tell them. The cop then escalated that situation until it spun out of control. Terrible.

[reflection]

15. Wow, even though the OP title said it was "shocking"

I wasn't prepared for that. Not sure what to think about this cover, so I'll step back and reserve judgment until I've thought about it further. I will say this is very unlike anything I recall seeing in mainstream print.

[Stuart G]

16. k and r..........nt

[boston bean]

17. People need to see this.

[alcibiades_mystery]

18. When they still point a gun at a dying man

Good God.

[betsuni]

19. Show it. This is an American story that happens every day. Show it.

[closeupready]

21. I support the NYDN showing the ugly reality of American life today.

It's shocking, outrageous, and everyone OUGHT to be motivated to put an end to this violence. We'll see if that happens, though.

I see little difference between this photo, and that familiar b/w one of the black boys who were lynched and hung from a tree in front of a crowd, in Indiana I think.

[IronLionZion]

23. The 2 videos I saw did not show a gun in his hands

Did anyone see a gun? There were several witnesses.

This shooting seems sketchy as hell.

[Nevernose]

36. They took a gun out of his pocket

After he was shot. It's in the newest video.

[calimary]

37. The information we have so far is that the gun was IN HIS POCKET.

NOT in play, in any way. WASN'T in his hand. WASN'T immediately visible, until they had him down on the ground, pinned, arms and hands immobilized and not within reach of WHATEVER might have been in his pocket.

Unbelievable.

This is just an upside-down day in SO many ways.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

24. So heartbreaking.

This is a clear case of police misconduct that rises to the level of a crime, imo. This man was murdered.

[redwitch]

25. Murder SHOULD be shocking!

Enough. I think the Daily News did the right thing here. Time to end the police state.

[Calculating]

26. Totally the right thing

Horrifying events like this need to be shown to the public.

[47of74]

32. At the end of World War II Germans were made to go see Nazi death camps.

To show them what their hatred of others led too. Needs to happen in this country too where we force people to confront the end results of their hatred laid bare in front of them.

[uponit7771]

47. +1

[FighttheFuture]

137. Exactly!! Great point.

[stage left]

229. +1

[awoke_in_2003]

243. And people started turning against the VietNam war...

when the images were streamed across the TV during dinner time. This is why the military only allows the press to see what it wants them to see.

[NoMoreRepugs]

31. only when people SEE what is going on will they pay any attention to it....

print and spoken reporting goes over most 'Mericans heads I'm afraid....

[Igel]

106. But people also only pay attention to what they SEE is going on.

It's a problem, both ways.

[tclambert]

33. My only problem with it is the victim's 15-year-old son will see that picture.

Hard not to.

[PeoViejo]

34. Some get a thrill in killing

to the point of Orgasm.

For them, it's like a drug.

[packman]

35. HAS to be shown

I am not one for sensationalism - but, this type of sanctioned killing has to be accountable to someone.

[Blue_Tires]

42. I know it's their job to shock people and sell newspapers

Last edited Thu Jul 7, 2016, 01:00 PM - Edit history (1)

but I can't imagine the Sterling family is pleased about this...

If the DN had the Sterling family's blessing, then more power to them... I hope to god they at least had the common decency to ask first.


This also sets a really ugly precedent -- Are we going to see graphic photos of the body of a rape/stabbing victim next to prove a point?

[arcane1]

43. But Black Lives Matter are called "thugs" on DU for their inconvenient protesting.

[Hoppy]

51. Do you think the extortion in Toronto was thuggery?

[arcane1]

52. The definition of thug is "A violent criminal"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thug

[Bradical79]

83. Good God no.

It was a sit in. Since when do we classify a peaceful protest as "thugery"?

[Hoppy]

110. When the sit-in will only end when the victim agrees to the perpetrator's terms.

That is the definition of extortion. Extortion is a crime.

[Bradical79]

128. So sit-ins are just thugs extorting people now? -nt

[Travis_0004]

130. When you obtain something through force or threats, its extortion.

[Bradical79]

134. Ridiculous

and kind of insulting to people who have actually been threatened and extorted. Don't think I've ever heard someone called a thug for using MLK's non-violent tactics (outside of a few racists of course).

[Hoppy]

167. I suggest you re-read the extortion that took place in Toronto.

None of M.L.K.'s tactic even bordered on this kind of action. M.L.K. boycotted and marched.

He did not prevent others from carrying on with their intended actions until they capitulated to his demands.

[Bradical79]

172. He didn't engage in sit-ins?

The nonviolent protests that you call thuggery and extortion didn't aim to get anything? Come on.

[TacoD]

162. Are filibusters extortion? (the talking kind) (nt)

[Hoppy]

166. Fiibusters are a practice that was agreed upon by both parties.

[Bradical79]

173. Or, the Congressional sit-in...

Aparently John Lewis and house Democrats are thugs too for trying to get something through non-violent protest.

[Hoppy]

211. Valid point, there. ut I guess your point here doesn't matter because Congress hasn't passed

meaningful legislation in God knows how many years. So Lewis and company didn't stop anyone from taking any action on anything.

[Lizzie Poppet]

44. Good for them.

Yes, it's an awful image...of a horrible, pointless, murderous act. The kind of image that should produce outrage (and nausea)...and therein lies the value of publishing it.

[Agschmid]

53. Good lord.

This is NOT okay, and this what congress should be talking about today.

[Quantess]

56. That is horrible for my eyes. And it's just a photo...

So, so wrong.

[clarice]

57. Does anyone know about Alton's history? nt

[MFM008]

73. It doesn't matter

Cops should be able to attempt to disarm a suspect without shooting then front and back.
Even if he was armed.
Even if he was a serial killer.
Cops in my small town always said ' Watch the hands'.
This guy's hands were empty.

[uppityperson]

78. What does it matter? nt

[clarice]

80. I like to get my facts straight....and you? nt

[uppityperson]

82. Prior record doesn't matter, still should not be shot multiple times like he was. nt

[Bradical79]

90. What facts?

Did he have one parent or two? What was his gpa? Did he have a pet? Was he single? How much money did he make?

Are you writing a Eulogy or biography? Not sure what you want or why a bunch of random people on a message board would be able to give you a full profile of the victim.

[1StrongBlackMan]

91. LOL ...

Are you writing a Eulogy or biography?

Just looking for a way to Michael Brown the situation.

[clarice]

94. Honestly SBM...I'm a little disappointed. I've always enjoyed your intelligent rational posts.nt

[1StrongBlackMan]

99. History has shown that those "waiting for the victim's 'background' ...

are doing so to justify the killing of/demonize the victim.

We have seen it at least 10 times on this site.

[clarice]

102. And you automatically assumed that I was doing the same? nt

[1StrongBlackMan]

107. Believe it or not ...

1) I do not look at the screen names of those I respond to;
2) I would not recognize your posting history, to change my response, if I did

3) my point about the history of such "let's wait for (the victim's) background crew is an observation of the collective, not individual members.

[clarice]

117. It's all good my friend...these are terrible times. nt

[clarice]

93. I thought that there might be additional facts.....your snarkieness aside. As I..

mentioned, I do not trust most news outlets.

[Bradical79]

113. Since you think that was snarky

I assume you are not writing a tribute. Are you asking if he had a criminal background? Is that what you want to know?

[clarice]

118. Yes... that's all I wanted to know... sorry for the misunderstanding. nt

[Bradical79]

131. It's not a misunderstanding

It's just irrelevent to the facts surounding an extrajudicial killing. A man went from selling cds to being pinned to the ground empty handed then straight up executed. Just take a look at the video and image of the empty handed dead man and ask yourself what facts about the man's history could possibly change how sick and wrong that is?

[clarice]

143. Because I abhor violence in every form......I am very loath to become judge , jury, and ....

executioner, in a matter that I was not there to witness....are you saying that the proper forms
of juris- prudence should not apply in this particular matter?

[Bradical79]

156. Do you know what jurisprudence is?

Your line of inquiry certainly does not have anything to do with proper jurisprudence. If we're talking about jurisprudence, his background is completely irrelevant. It's a question of if their killing of him was justified. Pinning a man down and unloading multiple rounds into his chest from point blank range is not going to become more legal or illegal no matter what his background is.

[clarice]

157. I did not say that it was justified... please control your emotions. nt

[Bradical79]

168. Do you know what jurisprudence is?

Your line of inquiry certainly does not have anything to do with proper jurisprudence. If we're talking about jurisprudence, his background is completely irrelevant. It's a question of if their killing of him was justified. Pinning a man down and unloading multiple rounds into his chest from point blank range is not going to become more legal or illegal no matter what his background is.

[1StrongBlackMan]

225. Wow ... +1 ...

they talk of jurisprudence (where, as you correctly mention, criminal history has no relevance) ... in a case of an extra-judicial killing?

No ... I suspect the poster has no idea what the word jurisprudence means ... But I bet it looked important in the "let's wait to see if the ... erm ... guy was a thug" talking points website!

But in my benevolence, I will offer this: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/jurisprudence

So they don't get fooled again.

[clarice]

148. Waiting. nt

[uppityperson]

114. Those are good questions about him, would help us learn more about him

However, I assume that the person you are replying to wanted criminal history because for some reason that matters the most.

[clarice]

122. I think that you nailed it. nt

[1StrongBlackMan]

223. Thought I'd put this ...

Here.

[awoke_in_2003]

245. No matter how many black men the cops kill

just for the fuck of it, you will still be defending them.

[clarice]

58. Horrible....does anyone know for a fact whether he did or did not have a gun?

[druidity33]

138. Believe it or not...

that's irrelevant. "Did he have a gun in his hands?" is the relevant question. The answer to the relevant question is NO. Our police forces (given the amount of training received) should be the best, most competent in the world. The sad fact is they are not even close. If this had happened in England (heck, i'm pretty sure they probably have busted someone selling CDs there... probably even with a gun in their pocket) there's no way the victim would've been shot. You know why? Because the regular police forces do not carry firearms.

Maybe we should try that? It would probably make our officers better negotiators if nothing else. Also, it would eliminate the pricks who want to be cops just so they can carry guns around...

[clarice]

141. I hear you... but if I call in a burglery at my home....

I hope the cops don't show up with string cheese.

[clarice]

59. Sorry.... I don't have the stomach to watch the video....was Mr. Sterling resisting arrest? nt

[uponit7771]

62. They tased him and then wrestled him to the ground, the store clerk said he didn't know what was

... happening

[clarice]

63. Did he have a gun?

[uponit7771]

65. yes, they only got it after he was killed.. he didn't have it in his hands

[clarice]

72. I also heard that he had a long police record. Any truth to that? As you....

can tell... I don't trust most news sources.

[ecstatic]

74. Why does that matter? They had no idea who he was before murdering him!

He could have been a monk for all they fucking knew. The media (and others) have a pattern of trying to criminalize and dehumanize black victims of police brutality / thuggery, and I'm sick of it!

[clarice]

75. Relax.....I wasn't IMPLYING anything.... in fact.. I resent your tone.. I was only....

looking for un-varnished facts...sheeeeesh.

[ecstatic]

77. Whatever. I made a general statement, did not call you out

specifically, but as they say, a hit dog will holler.

[clarice]

79. Yes...you did... you IMPLIED that by my asking a question about the victim's background,

that I was somehow trying to assign responsibility. I will forgive you however...these are troubling times.

[Kingofalldems]

96. I resent your tone.

[clarice]

98. I resent your quick alert button finger. nt

[uppityperson]

81. Regarding why he had a gun, and about his sex offender issue, a bit and a link

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027984323


http://heavy.com/news/2016/07/alton-sterling-baton-rouge-louisiana-police-shooting-victim-suspect-video-photos-facebook-family-protests-officers-names/

(clip)
Muflahi told The Advocate that Sterling began carrying a gun after he was mugged.
(clip)

But Sterling was also a registered sex offender, state records show. He was convicted in 2000 of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and was released from prison in 2004. According to court documents, Sterling, then 20, was arrested after he impregnated a 14-year-old girl. The girl’s mother reported him to police.

The victim, Quinyetta McMillon, is the mother of Sterling’s oldest son, the family’s attorney told CNN. The family’s attorney, Edmond Jordan, told CNN that Sterling and the victim continued to have a relationship and co-parented their son until Sterling’s death.
(clip)

[Hortensis]

87. This story just becomes sadder and more tragic.

I turned off the TV last night as the boy started sobbing uncontrollably.

[clarice]

95. Thank you... that's what I was looking for. nt

[uppityperson]

115. Ah, you were seeking prior criminal history. Gotcha. I'd like to know more about him as a person

like that other person asked, which you said was snarky.

[boston bean]

100. I wonder why this matters in this instance.

Obviously he wasn't threatening them with a gun.

[clarice]

103. As I mentioned.... just looking for the facts. nt

[boston bean]

104. Even if it is a fact, why would it matter?

[clarice]

120. When trying to formulate a rational opinion..... I've learned to collect all of the facts. nt

[boston bean]

121. They had no idea at the time. So, IMHO it is completely irrelevant to the circumstances.

[clarice]

124. And these are the facts that I am trying to assimilate. Thanks BB. nt

[Bradical79]

140. No, you haven't

My post further up thread may have been "snarky" because it was pretty easy to deduce what you were after, but I think the point still stands. The point some are making is that you are not looking to get all the facts. You are looking for specific facts that would only cast a negative light on his character, and are completely irrelevant considering the way he was killed. Whatever criminal record he may have in no way qualifies as all the facts. Talking about it as if it has some relevence to police executing him in the street serves only to build a very limited profile of a dead man based only on the most negative aspect of his life previously. It sheds no light on the killing, and is only useful as ammunition to assisinate his character.

[clarice]

142. I can only wish that I was as clairvoyant as you are. nt

[Bradical79]

144. Clairvoiance? It's your claims vs. your actions

Your inqueries don't match your claimed intentions. It's really that simple.

[clarice]

145. To a simple mind perhaps. I tried to be nice... but you refused. nt

[Bradical79]

163. You did no such thing

You were simply dense. Not quite the same thing as being nice.

[clarice]

177. I can see that this is no time for a clear headed discussion... emotions are running too high...

Perhaps we could adjourn this for a later.. more sane moment.

[Bradical79]

194. No thanks

I've been plenty clear. And in the interest of clarity, I honestly believe there's just not a constructive conversation to be had with you since you ignore most of the content of replies. Engaging with you is just a further waste of time. I'm just going to add you to my ignore list so your posts no longer take up space on my screen.

[clarice]

195. Well....it's a shame.. you have to live in that head....glad I don't. Peace and love. nt

[clarice]

180. And in addition... I will leave you with this quote....

"It's ironic that our manners leave us in times of crisis....which is often when we need them most"

[Nevernose]

149. Felons can own guns in Louisiana

So his criminal record is irrelevant for that reason, too. As long as you're not actively on parole or probation, there's no prohibition against owning guns (although he should have had a CCW to carry concealed).

[clarice]

152. Yes... that would have been a good start. nt

[awoke_in_2003]

247. But up thread you said you want to see the facts...

so now you will depend on others to watch the video, and when they tell you what they saw, you will demand facts.

[clarice]

259. Something like that... you're pretty sharp. nt

[awoke_in_2003]

260. And you manage

to defend every action by police, no matter how heinous.

[clarice]

261. ummmmm ok. nt

[heaven05]

61. yeah the 'good' americans

need to see this although it won't change a goddamn thing about this ever increasingly racist society. Legions of people are drinking champagne and celebrating this murder. And they'll be voting in both Party's. I know this by some of the comments here.

[MFM008]

112. They need to rub this in their faces

good and hard.
This is mind blowing.
The killing of the hospital worker
Sure the racists will celebrate but the rest of us will
work together.

[benld74]

133. I will post what I posted in another magazine forum on this same photo below

I believe there are SOME individuals who are police that are AFRAID to perform their jobs. They are afraid for their own lives. THis does not help the public they server NOR the people they may stop. These individuals ALSO believe they have a RIGHT to shoot first AND they will be exonerated based upon PAST happenings in the country.
1) THese people should be weeded out during training, IF they even get training. The public doesn't need these individuals out on the streets. THey are causing MORE harm than good, in more ways that can be counted.
2) The police departments who hire they people, NEED to CUT THEM LOOSE, after whatever FINDING come out. PERIOD. Police departments do not need this type of media attention. Police departments should NOT be protecting them.

[clarice]

146. And whom would you replace them with? nt

[uppityperson]

183. People who are not afraid to do their job. Better cops who can deal with people without the continua

fear that makes them shoot first. Or makes them want to shoot first.

[clarice]

185. Perhaps it is an issue of increasing their salary to attract better candidates? nt

[uppityperson]

193. I thought of going into law enforcement but realized I'd burn out due to the culture

Increase salaries, screen better. Screen more. Train a shitload more. Have no tolerance for this shit including those who hide bad cops because of the blue line effect.

[clarice]

196. I do know one thing... I could NEVER do that job. nt

[liberalmuse]

136. If you can say...

that this cold-blooded execution was justified, you have no soul. If you could watch this man's 15 year old son break down in tears, and you did not want to scream to the heavens about the injustice of what happened, then you are dead inside. This man should still be alive, selling his CD's, but two scared white men decided to harass him for no good reason, and it ended as expected. Fuck anyone who isn't outraged by this. Fuck anyone who doesn't see this as a serious problem that all of us need to stand up and ensure never happens again.

[smirkymonkey]

160. Thank YOU!

This is just absolutely horrifying on so many levels and to hear people try to justify any part of it makes me physically ill. We have a serious problem with racism and with a trigger-happy law enforcement system in this country. It's time to face it squarely and stop making excuses.

[CanonRay]

150. I do not see a weapon anywhere near him

except the one the cop is holding. Am I missing something?

[clarice]

158. I believe it was in his pocket. nt

[WinkyDink]

154. As Jackie said of her bloodied pink suit: "Let them see what they've done."

[clarice]

159. Wow... THERE'S a stretch. nt

[WinkyDink]

164. I don't think so. BTW: I hope you know that every h.s. kid in the US is shown the ACTUAL ASSASSINA-

TION of JFK, aka the Zapruder film.

So maybe it's time the public sees what our police are doing.

[clarice]

176. Do you think that the police killed JFK ? nt

[MirrorAshes]

228. I don't believe that for a second.

No one I know was ever "shown" that video. And, honestly, I don't see why people have to be shown something so gruesome to learn about the event.

This, on the other hand, is something everyone should see.

[raven mad]

165. It's sad, but shocking headlines may wake SOME people up.

[riversedge]

198. What I do not understand is why did the police shoot him 3-4 times in the

heart??

Horrible. I actually wish I had not scrolled down.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

205. This is supposed to upset people....

That's the point.

People need to be upset.

[Beacool]

208. Graphic photo, but people need to see what happens when cops overstep their authority.

How many people were shot unlawfully in the past by cops, but there was no video or photo proof? That's how they got away with murder for many decades. Technology has changed their world. They now have to face the consequences of their actions.

On the other hand, technology will help exonerate them when they do act lawfully.

It's a win-win for everyone.

May justice be done and may Mr. Sterling rest in peace.

[angrychair]

212. It is what it is

Murder of an innocent man.

[OldRedneck]

213. One big reason the public turned against the Vietnam War . . .

. . . was the wall-to-wall TV coverage. When the exposure the public has to war is through history books and flag-waving celebrations, that's one thing. When war with all its carnage and blood and guts is running across the TV screen during dinner time, that's another thing.

Show the bodies and the blood, the empty hands, and the car with all taillights working.

[ut oh]

217. I don't think they took it too far...

People need to see the end result. Not for shits and giggles, but for the brutality...

Most people try to ignore this kind of stuff (it's not affecting them directly, right???). This is going to be one of the only ways to make people see what's really going on.

[Faux pas]

230. No words

just

[KamaAina]

233. I would hardly describe the News as "left-leaning".

The only parts of it that swing left are the recent series of front pages and Shaun King. The rest of it is pretty centrist. It only looks "left-leaning" in comparison to Murdreck's Post.

[LonePirate]

251. Every newspaper in America should have printed this photo or one like it.

[marble falls]

256. The truth on these racist murders committed by cops is shocking.