We are not the Wild, Wild West!
Dear Editor,
I’m sorry, but, I’m not one of the gullible ones who believe in the “gunman engaging the cops in a shootout” theory. This happens far too often to be believable, and with the all-too-familiar ending of two gunmen dead with a third escaping into nearby bushes.
Gunmen may be barefaced, but they’re not stupid. They would realise by now that the odds are definitely against them, so why would they initiate, or want to be involved in a shootout with a passing patrol? If they were stupid that way, then most would be in prison or be dead. But alas, they are still among us, and murders in Jamaica continue unabated.
Gunmen may be barefaced, but they’re not stupid. They would realise by now that the odds are definitely against them, so why would they initiate, or want to be involved in a shootout with a passing patrol? If they were stupid that way, then most would be in prison or be dead. But alas, they are still among us, and murders in Jamaica continue unabated.
If the stats are correct, there are about 400+ yearly killings by cops, compared to maybe three cops killed by gunmen. Common sense dictates that it should be the other way around if “gunmen” were deliberately targeting passing patrols. I’m saying this because that is what the police report.
We do not need wanton killings from criminals, or from the police in the name of the State. Contrary to what some might believe, Jamaica is not be the “Wild, Wild West” with hundreds of murderous gunmen running rampant. Rather, I believe it is the same handful of thugs responsible every time. They just move around and are the first to buy the Observer a day later to read of their deeds and to learn that the cops have arrested two men — the usual suspects, I suppose — while seeking a third. A week or so later, a man is killed in a “shootout” with cops. And guess what? That man killed, conveniently becomes that third suspect who was wanted for the murder. Tada!…Murder case solved! Real murderer laughs, and it’s business as usual for him.
Errol Gager
Toronto, Canada
egager25@gmail.com
