Sam Keats on July 9, 2016 at 11:25 pm
"Hey, I live here and I know this guy. Phil had traffic stops only. A lot of them–people of color get profiled. The most he was ever convicted of were Misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors–driving without his seatbelt. Not having proof of registration in his car. Also, it is now confirmed that he was licensed to carry in the city of Robbinsdale. (A suburb of Minneapolis, sister city to St. Paul, where Philando worked.) He worked in our school’s cafeteria, as the supervisor, a job that is far more complicated than you might realize. He ordered food, supervised and worked on meal prep, and fed 520 kids two meals a day–kids with special needs, kids with behavioral issues, kids with food allergies that could kill them if they came in contact with a certain food. We’re talking little ones, from four through eleven. And he knew the name of every one. He gave extra food to kids who were hungry. He checked food choices and encouraged healthy ones. He helped the kids with special needs transition from breakfast to the classroom. He’d stand there–he never missed a day–his dreads in a silly bun covered with a hair net–and when you asked him how he was, he’d smile–a real smile–and say, “Just another day in Paradise.” Please look in the mirror and understand that he was a better man than most, a kinder man than most. He knew that strong could be gentle. Our school–our parents, our staff, and all of our children–are devastated by his death. And our little vigil for him on Thursday turned into a calm protest march thousands strong. When you slander this man, when you libel this man, realize that–if you believe in God–someday, you will have to face your maker about your choice. I know Phil will be there, and I’ll bet he’ll ask God to be merciful to you."
I think history will show this to be an accurate representation of the deceased. A good guy.
He was pulled over 53 times in 14 years. 86 citations issued. 1/2 of the charges were dropped. I read he currently did not have a license to drive a car. He had to know the drill... hands on wheel, follow instructions. He could have had his info out before the cop got the car. What share of the responsibility did he hold?