Somerville News Coverage of MS-13 Arrest

[cemeterygates.livejournal.com]

I think that the Somerville News piece about the recent MS-13 arrest did an unusually good job depicting the grey area of morality that is so often ignored by the media in their coverage of criminals. I know that such an opinion is commonly viewed by the masses as bleeding-heart, or liberal-guilt, or what have you, but I can honestly say I am proud to be part of a community that recognizes the human side of all people, and I feel this article is an excellent example of that. I do not know specifically what actions Morales was responsible for as a gangster, and I do not question that MS-13 is a very powerful and dangerous entity; but because of this article perhaps a few more people also reflect on the fact that no-one is only a thug.

I would welcome your thoughts.

Comments

[dylanesque29.livejournal.com]

Seriously, fuck MS-13. Didn't they rape a deaf 13-year old in Foss PArk a few years ago? I have no sympathy for Morales whatsoever.

[ron_newman]

You are assuming that (a) this is the right person, and not a case of mistaken identity; (b) that Morales was one of the rapists -- this is not even alleged, to my knowledge.

The US has a judicial system that we can usually be proud of. Let's use it, not just round people up and disappear them.

[dylanesque29.livejournal.com]

A case of mistaken identity? Did you not read the part of the story where the large MS-13 tattoo on his chest is mentioned? There's a world of difference between federal agents arresting someone with more than obvious links to a violent criminal organisation, and throwing a doctor from Pakistan in jail without a trial via the Patriot Act because he made one of his overly white co-workers nervous with his somewhat-Middle-Eastern-ness.

But yeah, criminals can have human traits too, being human beings and all. I heard that John Dillinger got bent out of shape if his crew swore around women.

[ron_newman]

I'd like to know what, if anything, he will actually be charged with. Wearing an obnoxious tattoo should not by itself be grounds for arrest.

[dylanesque29.livejournal.com]

The tattoo is evidence. The report mentions that tattoo was instrumental in identifying him, since he lost a lot of weight in the process of being on the run from the law. It's not as if they singled out the people with MS-13 tattoos
for shits and giggles. And if somebody had said tattoo, they would be either a complete fucking idiot, or a member of MS-13 (or both.....).