Peter Schorsch
Authorities said three teenagers – one 14-year-old and two 16-year-olds – stole a sport utility vehicle, sped away from officers and died in a fiery, violent crash early Sunday morning.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a news conference Sunday morning that a fourth teen in the SUV, who is 14, survived and is hospitalized. He said all the teens all had criminal histories – including one who had gotten out of jail on July 31.
Among the deceased: 16-year-olds Keontae Brown and Dejarae Thomas, and 14-year-old Jimmie Goshey.
You would think the unnecessary deaths of three teenagers — even those who had engaged in grand theft auto — would prompt the Tampa Bay community to think long and hard about the forces at work behind this senseless tragedy.
Unfortunately, if you assumed this, you are wrong.
The racist vitriol in the the comments section accompanying the Tampa Bay Times story about the crash is so horrible that moderators disabled commenting.
Times readers can still click on a bar that allows them to express their emotions about the story. They can choose to describe the story as “Important,” “Inspiring,” “Sad,” “Angry,” or “Happy.”
Sixty eight readers think this story is “Important,” while another 98 think its “Sad.” Another 86 are “Angry” about what happened. Yet 358 readers, presumably human beings like you and I, indicated that they were “Happy” about what happened Sunday morning.
358 readers are happy that three teenagers are dead.
Undoubtedly, the neanderthals who expressed their happiness with the death of three teenagers are rejoicing because the three teens are black.
Others will say that society is and will be better off because three kids who were well on their way to becoming serious criminals are no longer of this world.
You can go f*ck yourself if that’s how you think. I don’t even want to breathe the same air as you.
These were still children. Their lives could have improved. If nothing else, that 14-year-old still had years to go before his life was decided for him.
But that isn’t the point here, which is, even if you are relieved to see three people you view as menaces to society no longer committing crimes, how can anyone be “Happy” about the death of three kids? How do you have it in your heart to be happy that three children in the eyes of the law, however long their rap sheets, are dead?
Lock those kids up, sure. Punish them to the fullest extent of the law, undoubtedly. But a death sentence for stealing car? And 358 people are happy about that?
What the f*ck is the matter with you all?
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Material from the Associated Press was used in this post.
14 comments
Dan
August 7, 2017 at 11:08 am
I don’t remember the media calling out race or names… but does it matter? Something is very wrong with kids thinking it is acceptable to steal and disrespect the property of others. Where are their parents and friends? They have to be heart broken, but where were they when the kids needed direction? Teaching them to be Entitled or Respectful and Responsible? Reflection should be taken, to avoid replicating results.
R. Bruce Anderson, Ph.D.
August 7, 2017 at 11:13 am
Sick, sick, sick… you are so right. All lives matter. This reminds of those other teenagers, who stood by and laughed and videoed a disabled man drowning.
R. Bruce Anderson, Ph.D.
August 7, 2017 at 11:14 am
These people are “adults”. What in Hades are they thinking? Do they have kids of their own? The tragedy for the parents of these children … and then to read that?
Tim
August 7, 2017 at 1:17 pm
WTF is a matter with you? I am neither happy or Sad. Blame is not on society nor should it be. Oh, very convenient, you only mention the stolen vehicle (s). Did they not strike another vehicle causing injuries. Oops, forgot about those felonies. People are sick and tired of the news full of crime. So you in fact are a part of the problem. Ask the parents of the so called children..WTF is the matter.
Ray Roberts
August 7, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Low empathy and low intelligence… the new conservative mantra and the force behind Trump. The celebration of ignorance as a virtue.
Tim
August 7, 2017 at 4:27 pm
Wow, some of you need to find Jesus or some humanity. Your joyous reaction over dead kids, no matter the reason, is indicative of something poisonous and disgusting in our society.
victor peel
August 7, 2017 at 5:22 pm
How would the cops know the ages of the criminals who stool the car they were doing their job
Sandy Doulas
August 7, 2017 at 5:35 pm
Plus one of teens’ family set up a gofundme acct. Why would anyone give to that? So they go buy some drugs or whatever
Fred
August 7, 2017 at 11:06 pm
Suck a dick you whiny liberal cunt. Trash got taken out by their own actions. Fuck them. They absolutely deserved it.
Ray Roberts
August 8, 2017 at 11:53 am
Fred, another example of what’s wrong with this country. Hopefully you’re old and will die soon.
Christina Bullins
August 7, 2017 at 11:17 pm
I think it’s a tragedy that at some point 3 babies were brought into this world and had the potential to great things in this country of opportunity. I thinks it’s tragic for whatever happened or failed to happen to make these teens turn out the way they did. So overall it’s tragic however I’m more pissed off at the parents and the culture that are raising kids like this. There are times when rehabilitation doesn’t work on certain teens and they make terrible choices that hurt others and in this case, hurt themselves. So I’m not happy however I can’t seem to find any heartbreak other than the factors involved that are part of the culture that is too PC to blame for so many teens turning out like this and most of the time just hurt people and rack up victims.
jim mccabe
August 8, 2017 at 9:57 am
peter, you and your bleeding heart liberal ass is what’s wrong with America today. I would be embarrassed and ashamed to have the communist Washington post endorse me, as for the 3 blacks who died just thugs who won’t be stealing any more. fuck you too.
Ray Roberts
August 8, 2017 at 11:50 am
Well Jim, thank you for self identifying as a racist
Susan Smith
August 8, 2017 at 12:18 pm
Thanks for posting this, Peter.
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