Wal-Mart incited this tragedy all on it's own by publicizing greedy deals and hyping the day after Thanksgiving as a "doorbuster" event.That is a fact.
You can't blame the stampede of customers any more than you can blame Damour for being there, making minimum wage or better as a security guard on black Friday.
We should start to remember this so-called "black Friday" for the dark and sad exhibit it has become. Why not call it what it usually turns out to be at big box retailers across the country: a chaotic and dangerous stampede of people that can lead to injury or death Friday.
The store closed, then opened less than 3 hours after the incident. Meanwhile, you probably heard about similar incidents, stampedes and even shootings at other store opening events across the country.
Police are looking over the store security tapes to see if they can identify the person who knocked down Damour. But what about the hundreds of people behind that suspect, pushing and walking over him? Are they not guilty?
Police wanting a suspect should look no further than the big blue sign on the front of the building where the mayhem took place.
Damour does not have to die in vein. And shopping for holiday gifts should never be dangerous. ...
A solution is simple. If this one important sales day is so precious and beloved, just keep your doors open all night. No stampedes. No 5 a.m. opening. No doors to be busted. No more holiday tragedy.
If Wal-Mart or other retailers want to sell off a limited supply of super-cheap merchandise to grab consumers' attention, hold a dang raffle! Or here's a brilliant idea: make the deals available online.
Busting doors is bad for business.
Comments: (172)
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By: ROZI on 12/01/2008 1:01PM
THIS IS A SAD STORY IS A FEW DOLLARS DISCOUNTED WORTH TAKING SOMEONE'S LIFE
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By: KIMM on 12/01/2008 1:10PM
This is truly a sad story.If these stores are going to have these doorbusters than it should be the law, that they have at ten to twelve police officers and have enough merchandise for everyone. I love the great sales that the stores offer but it is not worth someones life. Wal-Mart should be held accountable, and the court system should make them pay dearly, and hit their pockets real hard. I know money is not the important issue here but, maybe walmart and the like will learn an important lesson. To the family you are in my prayers.
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By: amanda young on 12/01/2008 1:10PM
i think it is crazy that someone had to die cause everyone act so crazy at this time of yr i think they just need to stop all the sales and not one could stop to help this man
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By: Belinda L on 12/01/2008 1:13PM
I don't blame Wal-Mart. I blame the customers who acted like savages. People have control over their behavior. Even if Wal-Mart were giving away free items, that doesn't justify people acting wild.
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By: PATTY on 12/01/2008 1:13PM
I THINK THIS IS A TRAGEDY. I USE TO WORK FOR A COMPANY WITH THE BLACK OUT SALES AND I SEE NO SENSE IN THE EVENT. THE MERCHANDICE IS OFTEN IN THE STORE AT THE SAME PRICE AFTER THE SALE. SO WHY MAKE A BIG DEAL AND HAVE SOMEONE LIFE TAKEN OVER 5 TO 199 DOLLARS.IT JUST SHOWING HOW GREEDY PEOPLE ARE IN THE MIGHTY DOLLAR. MY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILIES THAT LOST SOMEONE IN THIS BRUTAL WAY.
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By: Betty Merritt on 12/01/2008 1:25PM
I belive we have forgotten what Christmans is all about. Its not the cheap items we can purchase, but the Life of Christ. This should never have happen.
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By: sandra on 12/01/2008 1:28PM
I think they need to stop black friday all together.
This is not the first time this has happen. Or either they need to only allow so many in at a time. maybe like 50 people. it is not that serious. maybe people need to think about what thanksgiving is all about.
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By: Rico on 12/01/2008 1:29PM
I think the answer is...There should be a LIMIT by store security to only allow thirty customers in at a time, wait 2 minutes then allow another thirty customers in to locate bargains. Each store security should have two qualified safety employees posted at the store opening on Black Friday,this will ELIMINATE a stampede of customers. Everyone should keep this gentleman in their prayers and pray for a solution that the government would set a guideline for safety!
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By: AURBERY COLON on 12/01/2008 1:52PM
THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT THIS UGLY
MATTER BUT NONE OF THE THINGS SAID WOULD BRING THE YOUNG MAN BACK. HOWEVER THE ONES WHO RUSH IN,IN SUCH A MAD WAY, THEY ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD HOLD THIER HEAD IN SHAME, THERE WAS NOTHING, AND THERE IS NOTHING IN WALMART THAT IS THAT IMPORTANT TO HAVE, THAT ONE SHOULD LOSE HIS LIFE OVER, BECAUSE THEY HAD TO RUSH IN AND GET THAT THING OR THINGS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY WHO LOST THIS YOUNG MAN.
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By: Peaches on 12/01/2008 1:49PM
I don't think Wal-mart is to blame at all; I blame those responsible for knocking that gentleman down. What was so important? Saving a few dollars? A man was knocked to the ground and in a sale driven frenzy, people forgot to be human. How sad that a sale will bring out the very worst in some. I pray his family has peace & strength during this sorrowful time.
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