No, not really. You can stay. (I want you to stay).
But, apparently, that statement makes me guilty of the crimes of “bias” and “intimidation and harassment” in the state of New Jersey.
A 16 year old boy grabbed a public address system microphone at a New Jersey Wal-Mart store and said “Attention, Wal-Mart shoppers: Will all the black people please leave the store. Thank you.” (source) He and his friends then ran out of the store, and were off to more of whatever it is 16 year old dipshits do.
For some reason, this incident sparked an investigation that finally led to this dangerous scofflaw being apprehended.
The boy, from Atlantic County, was charged by Gloucester County authorities with bias and intimidation and harassment in connection with the episode last Sunday. If convicted, he could face up to a year in a juvenile detention center, officials said. His name was not released because he is a minor. (source)
This was, of course, learned at a press conference that Police Chief Rafael Muniz and Prosecutor Sean Dalton held about the incident. (source)
Just to get this out of the way: I don’t support what he did.
But, that doesn’t change the fact that I find the arrest to be very disturbing. “Bias” is a crime? I may have chosen to be open to people of all races and creeds, but would I not have the right to make that my personal choice if I lived in New Jersey? Is this what we have come to? A 16 year old kid engages in a stupid prank. Everyone knew it was a prank. “Witnesses said store officials took about 5 minutes before announcing that the statement was a prank and apologizing.” (source)
Instead of that being the end of it, there was a police investigation, and a police press conference, and this 16 year old moron has to face the possibility of a year in jail?
In my opinion, the only person in this equation who belongs in jail is the dipshit cop who decided that this incident required not only a police investigation, but an actual arrest.
