1115.org

So is this who we now are as a country?

A shooting inside a home killed six people, and a toddler was found in a nearby vehicle with a gunshot to the chest, the police chief said Sunday.
[…]
Police cordoned off a two-block area around the crime scene Sunday morning as neighbors gathered on the sidewalks to watch the investigation.

One of the spectators was next-door neighbor Jesus Valadez, 27, who said he was outside in spite of police telling him to stay indoors and keep his doors locked.

“It’s kind of scary,” Valadez said. “Exciting, don’t get me wrong. Better than watching TV.“

Jesus H. Christ!

Maye this is the only logical outcome of the race to the bottom that started with O.J. Simpson in the white van on the freeway, and has only gathered strength since, through thousands of car chases and hostage situations, through saturation coverage of the Paris Hiltons and Michael Jacksons and Anna Nicole Smiths of the world?

Maybe that ugly face in the mirror is indeed us?

(My quote is from an AP story timestamped 7:25 am Pacific. For some reason Mr. Valadez may have been bowdlerized from updated AP reports, as witness this 7:41 am Pacific update.)

*** Update 8:20 am ***

My bowdlerism accusation seems to be reinforced by additional research. Googling “Jesus Valadez” produced this list. The blurb for the Kansas City Star entry reads:

One of the spectators was next-door neighbor Jesus Valadez, 27, who said he was outside in spite of police telling him to stay indoors and keep his doors …

But clicking on the Kansas City Star link produces this story, where Valadez is conspicuous by his absence.

Just like magic. Now you see him, now you don’t. So let’s offer up a nice round of applause for AP. Good work, guys. Way to pull your punches.

*** Update #2, 10:10 am ***
Not just bowdlerized, but sanitized for your protection. Here’s the neighbor quote you find in the latest incarnation of AP’s story:

Tina McKinnon, 37, who lives down the street and around the corner, said she saw the family in the neighborhood but did not know them.

“It was a very quiet house,” McKinnon said. “Never had any commotion whatsoever. The children were very pleasant.”

Okay, it’s all good. That’s what neighbors are supposed to say to the national press. We’re back to apple pie and Mom now. That ugly face in the mirror was just a nightmare. We can go back to sleep now.