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    Ep. 528 - When The Media Says An "Unarmed" Man Was Shot By Cops, It's Usually A Lie

    enJuly 24, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Disproportionate number of unarmed black men being killed by police is misleadingIn 2019, only 0.0004% of all black arrests and 0.0003% of all white arrests resulted in an unjustified killing while unarmed.

      The claim of a disproportionate number of unarmed black men being killed by police each year is misleading. According to data from the Department of Justice, police make approximately 10,000,000 arrests annually, with about 7,000,000 of those being white suspects and 3,000,000 being black suspects. In 2019, there were 1,000 people who were shot and killed by police, the vast majority of whom were armed. Out of these arrests and shootings, only a very small percentage resulted in the killing of unarmed individuals. In 2019, 14 unarmed black men and 25 unarmed white men were killed by police. This equates to 0.0004% of all black arrests and 0.0003% of all white arrests resulting in an unjustified killing while unarmed. It's important to note that these numbers can vary depending on the source, but the overall percentage remains consistent. A closer examination of the individual cases reveals that the number of uniformed police officers shooting unarmed black people in the line of duty is even lower than reported. The media can easily mislead us by not focusing on these specific cases when discussing systemic racism in law enforcement.

    • Unarmed police shootings and systemic racismWhile there are instances of unjustified police shootings, the majority are complex cases with questionable actions by officers. Only 2 out of 3M+ arrests of black suspects resulted in absolutely unjustified shootings. Half of officers involved have been charged with crimes.

      The category of unarmed shootings by police is often misleading and may be intentionally so. While there are clear-cut cases of unjustified shootings, such as the one involving Atatiana Jefferson, these instances do not equate to systemic racism. The majority of the cases in the 2019 database were not as clear-cut, with some involving questionable actions by officers. However, it's important to note that in the approximately 3,000,000 arrests of black suspects in 2019, only 2 were found to be absolutely unjustified. Additionally, half of the officers involved in these shootings have been charged with crimes. This suggests that the criminal justice system does not give police free rein to kill on a whim. The complexities of these cases underscore the importance of thorough investigations and transparent reporting.

    • Many 'unarmed' police shooting victims were not completely unarmed14 cases of alleged 'unarmed' police shootings revealed complex circumstances, including individuals carrying weapons or assaulting officers before being shot

      The term "unarmed" in relation to people killed by police is often misleading. Of the 14 unarmed shootings discussed in the text, it was revealed that in many cases, the individuals were not completely unarmed. For instance, Melvin Watkins was attempting to enter a home with a screwdriver, and Channera Fiep assaulted an officer and grabbed his taser before being shot. These cases, along with the other two discussed, suggest that the circumstances surrounding these shootings were more complex than they initially seemed. It's important to consider all available evidence when evaluating such incidents. Additionally, it's worth noting that during the same year, 48 police officers were felony murder victims in the line of duty.

    • Media portrayal of police killings of unarmed black men is misleadingMedia often sensationalizes police killings of black men as unjustified, but most were violent criminals resisting arrest or threatening officers, and most were not truly unarmed.

      The media portrayal of an epidemic of unarmed black men being killed by police is misleading. The cases discussed involved violent criminals who were physically attacking or threatening officers, and most were not truly unarmed. Police officers showed incredible restraint in attempting to apprehend these individuals before resorting to lethal force. It's important to remember that a very small percentage of black people arrested by police are killed, and an even smaller percentage are unarmed at the time. The majority of those labeled as "unarmed" had weapons or used other means to resist arrest. This perspective offers a more balanced understanding of the situation and highlights the risks police officers face while keeping communities safe.

    • The restraint of police officers vs violent criminalsPolice officers show restraint in dangerous situations, while the leftist call to defund police and replace them with social workers is not backed by facts, as violent criminal encounters can lead to deadly outcomes.

      The restraint shown by police officers in potentially dangerous situations is impressive and rare when compared to the extreme lack of restraint exhibited by violent criminals. The leftist narrative of defunding the police and replacing them with social workers in response to crime calls is not supported by the facts, as these situations can quickly escalate into deadly encounters. In the recent incident involving Representative Yoho and Representative Ocasio-Cortez, while Yoho's use of offensive language was inappropriate, it does not compare to the potential for harm and even death that can result from violent criminal encounters with police. It's important to acknowledge the complexities of these situations and the crucial role that law enforcement plays in maintaining public safety.

    • Personal Attacks and ChoicesRecognize personal attacks and make individual choices, rather than generalizing issues as cultural or societal problems.

      The focus should be on addressing personal issues and matters of importance, rather than making them into larger cultural issues that do not concern everyone. In the first part of the discussion, Representative Cortes spent time on the house floor complaining about being called a bad word by a colleague, leading some to view it as a cultural issue. However, it is essential to recognize that this was a personal attack and not an attack on all women. In the second part, President Trump suggested that funding for education should go to parents if schools do not reopen, which is a matter of personal choice and not something that should be funded if the government refuses to provide the service. This principle can be applied to various situations, emphasizing the importance of dealing with personal matters on an individual level.

    • Criminals with Extensive Records Still Commit Heinous CrimesDangerous criminals, despite extensive records and convictions, can still commit violent crimes without warning, emphasizing the importance of criminal justice reform to protect society.

      Dangerous criminals with extensive criminal records, like Tony Wiggins who had 230 felonies and 15 convictions, can still commit heinous crimes despite being released from prison. Wiggins had a friendly conversation with one of his victims at a convenience store before murdering him and two friends in cold blood. The conversation did not indicate any sign of conflict or argument. This tragic incident underscores the need for criminal justice reform that focuses on keeping dangerous criminals in prison to protect society. Meanwhile, an article in America Magazine, a Jesuit publication, drew a controversial comparison between the crucifixion of Jesus and the death of George Floyd. While there are some similarities, such as both being laid down and mocked before their deaths, the comparisons are not exact, and the article's argument has been met with criticism.

    • Understanding the Significance of George Floyd and Jesus Christ's DeathsGeorge Floyd's death was a tragic event, but it's crucial to remember his past actions and not memorialize him in a way that celebrates his life. Jesus Christ's death marked the completion of his saving act. Bees swarm when their hive is overcrowded and are searching for a new home, not attacking.

      While the deaths of George Floyd and Jesus Christ share the commonality of being fatal events, they hold vastly different meanings and contexts. George Floyd's death was a tragic and unjust event, but it's important to remember his past actions and not memorialize him in a way that celebrates his life. Meanwhile, Jesus Christ's death marked the completion of his saving act. A recent news story involved a swarm of bees on a New Jersey beach, which serves as a reminder of the essential role beekeepers play as first responders. Despite some misconceptions, bees swarm when their hive is overcrowded and are simply searching for a new home. It's crucial to separate the facts from misinformation and appreciate the unique aspects of each situation. Remember, dailywire.com is an essential resource for getting the real story without the left spin.

    • Washington Football Team's New Name and Logo Sparks ControversyThe Washington Football Team's new name and logo have been criticized for their potential to be offensive and erase the experiences of marginalized groups, including those related to slavery, ableism, anti-trans stereotypes, sexism, cultural appropriation, and colonization.

      The Washington Football Team's new name and logo have sparked controversy due to their potential to be offensive and erase the experiences of various marginalized groups. The team's decision to call itself "Washington Football Team" and use a red background with yellow letters has been criticized for its connection to slavery, ableism, anti-trans stereotypes, sexism, and cultural appropriation. The year 1932, which is featured prominently in the logo, has also been criticized for its associations with colonization, violence against black and brown bodies, and the erasure of Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. The team could have avoided these issues by choosing a name that does not minimize, marginalize, or dehumanize any protected class or minority group. Instead, they have sparked controversy and backlash.

    • Considering a name change? An incomprehensible name might be better than a controversial one.When facing public backlash, an unpronounceable or meaningless name could help mitigate emotional damage caused by negative connotations.

      When a company faces public backlash and is considering a name change, an incomprehensible name may be a better option than one that is controversial or associated with negative connotations. During a podcast discussion, Matt Walsh suggested names like "afushmyglanders" or "Flindershins" as examples. The reasoning behind this is that people can create their own associations with the new name, which may help to mitigate the emotional damage caused by the controversy surrounding the old name. However, Walsh also acknowledged that whatever name the company ultimately chooses, the damage may already have been done. The podcast ended with a call to action for listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and check out other Daily Wire podcasts. The Matt Walsh Show is produced by a team and is available on various podcast platforms.

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