I'm wondering whether the right to kill can become the reason to kill. And, I'm looking at breaking news and sifting the thought that it might be evidence.
You know the Danielle Willard case. Isn't she the one whose family brought in the big attorney from Los Angeles? Anyway, today Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced the police shooting was not justified, that the officers' lives were not in jeopardy, that they were not in the path of the car, and while the car brushed one, there was no imminent danger of the car killing them.
More may yet come out. The defense attorney seems flabbergasted. Who knows but what she will prove right.
But, for the moment, I find sense in what Gill has concluded.
And, I sit wondering, wondering if our society often justifies a killing with a quick jump to the mantra of self defense. If you are but defending yourself, the killing is justified. And, indeed, if your life is in jeopardy, you should be allowed to defend yourself.
But, do we sometimes jump too quick? Does a touch of anger and the knowledge that we are allowed to defend ourselves sometimes result in a rash pulling of the trigger?
Was the thought in the officer's mind: How dare you come so close to me with your car? I'm an officer! Or maybe it was: Don't you think you are going to get away. I have the right to shoot you to stop you!
And, the officers pull their triggers. And a life is lost.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865584323/DA-to-announce-findings-of-West-Valley-police-shooting.html
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56708974-78/cowley-willard-vehicle-salmon.html.csp?page=2
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