43 years ago. description follows.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the historical event of the Kent State shooting, reflecting on its implications and the responses of those involved, including the legal outcomes for the guardsmen. Participants express personal memories and emotional reactions to the event, as well as draw parallels to psychological experiments on authority.

Discussion Character

  • Historical, Meta-discussion, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recall the Kent State shooting as a vivid memory, highlighting its emotional impact.
  • Questions are raised regarding the legal accountability of the guardsmen involved, with references to their indictment and subsequent dismissal of charges.
  • There is a critique of the criminal justice system's handling of the case, suggesting a broader commentary on justice and authority.
  • Some participants draw comparisons to the Milgram experiments, discussing the influence of authority on individual actions, particularly in the context of the soldiers' decisions during the event.
  • One participant reflects on the poignant lyrics of Neil Young, emphasizing the personal loss and tragedy associated with the event.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a shared emotional response to the event, but there are differing views on the implications of the legal outcomes and the role of authority in the actions taken by the guardsmen. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of these themes.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific historical and psychological contexts, but there are limitations in the discussion regarding the depth of legal analysis and the complexities of authority dynamics.

dlgoff
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This is still a vivid memory for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkg-bzTHeAk
 
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Did those murderers ever end up getting any jail time? The event is blood boiling and depressing at the same time even if personally taught about through photographs and textbook accounts.
 
WannabeNewton said:
Did those murderers ever end up getting any jail time? The event is blood boiling and depressing at the same time even if personally taught about through photographs and textbook accounts.

More boiling than you know.

Eight of the guardsmen were indicted by a grand jury. The guardsmen claimed to have fired in self-defense, a claim that was generally accepted by the criminal justice system. In 1974 U.S. District Judge Frank Battisti dismissed charges against all eight on the basis that the prosecution's case was too weak to warrant a trial.[7]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_state_shooting#Legal_action_against_the_guardsmen_and_others
 
Gives a new meaning to the word "criminal justice".
 
A meaning that is not so new to much of the population.
 
Yet this is not as incredible as it looks. Why didn't the soldiers refuse to shoot? It's the power of authority. Compare this to the Milgram experiments where an incredible amount of people were prepared to administer a lethal electric shock to another person ("despite violating their deepest moral beliefs"), just because they were told to do so by an authority.
 
Last edited:
Kent State is a vivid memory for me, too. Neil nailed it - "what if you knew her and saw her dead on the ground?"
 

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