Tony At 10: RESOLVED?? BLOG # 2224; FRI FEB 21, 2020

THE COMEBACK:

SAY YOU’RE SORRY.

THE MESSAGE:

Revenge is a 2-way bullet! For some, it can be all consuming. In some cases the feelings are understandable. We can all relate to the overwhelming emotional reactions experienced by the family of Sammy Yatim who was gunned down and killed by a police officer out of control.

On July 27, 2013, Officer James Forcillo shot SammyYatim eight times, with six of the shots hitting Yatim as he allegedly fell to the floor. Yatim was in an empty streetcar and was brandishing a three-inch knife. (Does a 3 inch knife present a credible threat to an armed police officer?)

A bystander's video of the shooting sparked widespread public outrage. James Forcillo, was charged with second-degree murder one month after Yatim's death. He was convicted by a jury for the offence of attempted murder and sentenced to a term of 6 years. Forcillo was granted day parole after serving 21 months of the six-year sentence.

The family lawyer says they were never notified of the parole hearings. The family is shocked and upset at the Parole Board’s decision.

Sammy’s sister, Sara Ann said, “Whomever was responsible for notifying us that Forcillo applied for day parole failed to do their job. I’ve been fighting this for over six years. It is very disappointing to see this outcome. It’s exhausting how unfair the system is. He [Forcillo] got charged, he belongs behind bars. I shouldn’t have to be worried about having a killer on the streets,”.

TONY TODAY:

I received the following script from an acquaintance. I assume it represents a New Year’s Resolution. It may represent a reasonable solution to the concept of revenge vis a vis forgiveness. I must add that the undeserved and careless loss of a loved one certainly does not lend itself to forgiveness.