Pregnant woman horribly attacked

"Police praise pregnant woman in Craigslist attack"

By: Andreas Preuss and Ed Payne

Source: CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/22/us/colorado-police-stabbed-woman-response/index.html

In a recent gruesome attack, seven months pregnant Longmont, Colorado woman Michelle Wilkins was stabbed and had her fetus ripped from her stomach. Responding officers, Billy Sawyer and Phil Piotrowski were completely unprepared for what they saw. Wilkins was covered from head to toe in blood. The attack took place after Wilkins replied to a Craigslist ad selling used baby clothes. After she was stabbed, Wilkins dialed 911 for help. The scene was too overwhelming for Officer Piotrowski whom had to step out for a minute to collect himself. The officer was impressed by Wilkins endurance, saying "she is probably one of the most strongest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet." The suspect was 34 year old former nurse aide, Dynel Lane. She has been arrested, under $2 million dollar bail. There is a pending murder charge on her, depending on if her killing the seven month old female fetus constituted murder. Wilkins family thanks the brave first responders whom saved Michelle's life. 

What happened in Longmont, Colorado and to the Wilkins family was an absolute tragedy. The unnecessary taking of life is unfathomable and it is hard to imagine what the Wilkins family, and especially Michelle are going through right now. I believe the American justice system will dispense a fair punishment on Dynel Lane for the crime she committed. I hope, that with time, Michelle Wilkins will be able to cope with what happened on that day.

Gender roles in society

           Today's world is more open minded than it used to be. For the most part, the issue of gay and lesbian rights has been tackled in most developed countries, but gender is still a controversial topic. In the world today, men are usually the more dominant sex. Men are expected to be both the protector and provider while women are expected to rear children and take care of the household. This mentality dates back to when males and females were defined as hunters and gatherers. One consequence of today's world being more open minded is that many people are speaking out about their feelings and what gender they define themselves as. One may be born in a male body, but considers himself a female, or vice versa. Society dictates that men are the strong protectors, while females take care of the home. Any deviation from this perceived stereotype will result in pain and ridicule. Instead of being more accepting, people who identify themselves as the opposite gender or maybe ambiguous are forced to conform to society's idea of gender. Biologically there are only two sexes; male and female. Mentally there many. People and society should understand that there are seven billion identical people on this planet. The world does not have to cater to every single person's beliefs or identity, but instead, at the very least, be understanding or tolerant of it. This is a new world. Only 20 years ago people were forced to hide the fact that they were homosexual. Today people have to be careful of what gender they identify themselves as, and this should change.

Another fatal shooting

"Wisconsin man killed by officer was not armed, police say"
By: Ralph Ellis, Joe Sutton, and Greg Bothelo
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/08/us/wisconsin-protests/index.html

             Another African American has been shot and killed by police, this time in the university town of Madison, Wisconsin. The victim was unarmed nineteen year old Tony Robinson. The responding officer, Matt Kenny was a 12 year veteran of the force with one other incident of lethal force on his record in which he killed a man in 2007. According to officials, Officer Kenny was responding to a disturbance call out of a Madison residence. At the scene, it was reported that Robinson attacked Kenny forcing him to use lethal force. Officer Kenny had a blow to the head. Responding paramedics attempted to use CPR on the dying Robinson, but to no avail. Nineteen year old Tony Robinson died a few short hours later at the hospital. Upon learning of the fatal shooting, protesters hit the streets chanting "Black lives matter". Madison Police Chief Mike Koval urged protesters to remain calm, while also acknowledging that Robinson's death and following protests were reminiscent to the Ferguson and Staten Island events. The town of Madison is devastated and continues to mourn the loss of Tony Robinson.

            This shooting was an unfortunate event. Tony Robinson was only nineteen years old and most importantly, he was unarmed throughout the entire encounter. Him attacking the officer was wrong in every way, but did his actions constitute lethal force on the officer's part? There is no footage of the altercation so it is impossible to tell the severity of Robinson's attack. Officer Kenny did have a blow to the head, but was killing an unarmed teen necessary?