How much is a human life worth?
Posted on July 28th, 2007 by ecthompson
Helicopter crash in Phoenix. What the hell? So, 2 news copters are covering a police car chase. Why? That’s where I’ll start. Why? Who has ever gotten any good information about crime, security or anything by watching a car chase? So, what was the point? 4 people were killed. 4!! Over a non-story!! I have no idea what the driver did besides run from the police. I feel pretty confident that the driver wasn’t Clyde of Bonnie and Clyde or Machine Gun Kelly or Osama Bin Laden, now, that would have been a story. It is all so sad.
If you would like to read more - here.
Honestly, I’m surprised it hadn’t happened before now. From what I understand, there were at least *5* news choppers covering the chase, PLUS a police helicopter keeping tabs on it - so there were 6 copters total in the vicinity.
I have no idea what the guy did that made this chase so special, but I’ve heard talk (and had wondered if this might happen) of seeing if they can charge the guy with the deaths under a felony murder-type of law. While some may argue that the guy on the run couldn’t have foreseen that his method of resisting arrest would lead to two helicopters crashing into each other, the idea that he *could* have foreseen that his actions were reckless enough that *someone* could be killed. I think it’s worth a shot, but I don’t know how well it’ll go over. Then again, IANAL, so my legal insight may not be all that great
Personally, I think covering these chases is a waste of time - not just the time of the people involved in following the cars, reporting on them or the folks at home watching, but also in terms of what *other* news could be being covered during that time - maybe even some that might be (gasp!) important!
If they’re going to cover these chases, though, I think they should set it up so that anytime a chase like this happens, ONE and ONLY ONE TV copter will go up, and they’ll provide a pool-type feed that all of the area stations can then broadcast. The name and logo of the channel can even be superimposed in one of the corners, if desired. Then the next time something like this happens, a different station provides the pool feed, and so on. That would significantly reduce the possibility of a tragedy like this happening again just by cutting down on the air clutter, and as they take turns providing the feeds, they’ll also get a bit of advertising on their competitors screens. Since everyone gets to have that benefit, it would still keep it fair.
I dunno - just some of the things rattling around in the brain box…
There are some great thoughts rattling around in your brain box. Cooperation. What a concept!!
Kriselda, thanks for your comments. They make too much sense.
BS if he get’s charged….
It’s there dumb a$$es that dont know how to fly
(occupational hazard ????)
F! Phoenix for even thinking about charging him.
What the heck is that? WhereRmyRights? what are you saying or not saying.
[...] not even sure where to begin with this one, but E hit on my main questions in his initial posting. Why? Why do there even need to be five helicopters flying around taking pictures of a police [...]
The duma$$es who didn’t know how to fly? That is a complete insult to the people who lost their lives.
I grew up pilot Craig Smith landing his helicopter practically in my backyard. He was a GREAT man and someone who will definitely be missed, because he will never be forgotten. My parents were good friends with him growing up and they stayed in touch with him. He is a man with many talents and even though he died doing something that he loved, he shouldn’t have been taken from us the way he did. So sad. R.I.P.
The criminal should be held accountable. Without helicopters in the air, the man could get away. They were only trying to help. I agree there does not need to be 5-6 helicopters, but things happen.
R.I.P. to all of the victims.