The idea that the City and County of Honolulu taxpayers will be on the hook for a reported $1 million settlement in the death of Iremamber Sycap is outrageous, but not for the reasons you may expect.
Most media coverage frames this story as an egregious example of police brutality and abuse of power.
I mean, the victim was a kid, and the cops decided to serve as jury, judge, and executioner in unnecessarily taking his life. It's yet again an example of reckless behavior of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), either due to lack of training, ignorance of the rules of engagement, or worse. Their actions that day are steeped in sadistic tendencies that come with the badge and more than a tinge of racism against Pacific Islanders.
The statements I made are stereotypical folly, and if you're nodding your head in agreement with the aforementioned statements, you are part of this growing schism between a society that not only believes in the rule of law but also celebrates it and those who view our officers as the enemy and criminals themselves.
Which side are you on?
The fact that a 16-year-old young man was commandeering a verifiably stolen car, committing criminal activity, including armed robbery, eluding officers while recklessly speeding on public roadways, placing innocents in harm's way, defying police orders to STOP and pull over, and then refusing to surrender when caught is the outrage. Just how many laws were broken with his conduct and apparent support of the five other young men in the stolen car at the time? Sorry, I don't do math.
Let's be clear.
None of this would have happened if Sycap had simply obeyed police orders to pull over. If he had immediately complied with a lawful, legal order, this tragedy affecting so many would never have occurred.
But he didn't, and it did.
And it's completely and totally his, Sycap Remamber's, fault.
Or is it?
Again, he was a 16-year-old perpetrator. He is a child in the eyes of the law. Age does not exonerate is actions but a demand for an explanation is required.
I want to ensure there is no misunderstanding. Yes, Sycap's role is unmistakable. But there is no celebration on any front that this young man lost his life and that his family and friends have suffered insurmountable grief at his passing. As a father myself, I can empathize wholeheartedly, and there is nothing more grievous than a parent outliving a child, at any age.
That said, the search for an explanation.
Children are born into this world with a pure soul. Their innocence is undeniable, and their entire developmental being is a clean canvas on which loving and caring parents can impart character, knowledge, and the basic standards of right and wrong.
During these learning stages, it's not only words but the actions of those in their lives during those growing years that will influence and impact their lives the most, setting the foundation for when they become adults and/or parents.
If you agree, then what happened?
In seeking an explanation, one must examine the home lives of youngsters who embark on a life of crime. In this case, a series of serious crimes led to the death of a 16-year-old boy. This is necessary to repeat because everyone laments that crimes are more frequent, more brazen, and more violent. Are we doing everything we can (legally) to provide for, educate, and advocate for our children? And yes, that includes structure, discipline, and accountability for actions when needed. You are the parent. You are not a friend. And if you can't provide this to your children then you should never have had children to begin with.
Until we understand and accept that what happens in the home affects what happens outside, our community will be subject to criminals who pose a greater threat to all.
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