The Lord of the Flies Scenario By Charles Taylor (Florida)

As a former US Marine, back in the day, I was disturbed by the report of a group of teenage punks beating up some of my younger brothers in arms. I read the report extracted below, and viewed the video. While this is a local issue, here are ramifications for other jurisdictions, and rule of law issues too. The Marines asked the punks to behave in a civil manner. Perhaps they made the mistake of saying that they were Marines, as they were vastly outnumbered. We never said anything like this when we visited bars, where there would always be drunks wanting to test us out. Thus, seeing their advantage and the social media millage of beating up service men, including Black guys, who they cussed with racist slurs, they struck out, injuring a couple of Marines.  There were probably around 40 of these ferals.

The wider significance of this is that these sorts of youth attacks are getting common, leading to a Lord of the Flies scenario where youths, who have become feral due to economic breakdown and lack of opportunities run rogue. The media report on the most sensational events, but this is happening in most cities across the West. It is probably wise for us older people to exercise discretion in going out to town at night, sadly.

https://nypost.com/2023/05/30/video-shows-off-duty-marines-beaten-by-mob-of-up-to-40-teens/

“Shocking video has captured a mob of up to 40 teens viciously beating a trio of off-duty Marines who say they’d merely asked them to stop lighting fireworks on a California beach.

The now-viral footage shows the Marines — enjoying time off for Memorial Day weekend — being followed by the baying mob while walking toward San Clemente Pier Bowl late Friday.

“We told them we were Marines so they would leave — but they didn’t. They just kept going at it,” one of the attacked servicemen, Hunter Antonino, told KCAL News.

As they start walking up some steps, some in the group behind yell for them to “get the f–k outta here” — before one runs up from behind and sucker-punches the trailing serviceman.

After a brief hesitation, the Marine drops what’s in his hand and charges at his attacker, knocking him down.

Instantly, the mob swarms around him, throwing wild punches and screaming abuse. “Get that f—er! Get that f—er! F–k that f—er up!” one repeatedly shouts.

The attacked Marine and one of his pals are left crunched into the fetal position on the ground, their hands and arms covering their heads as the mob continues to kick, punch and stomp them.

“What’s good n–ger,” one of the group asks, as others call them “p—ies” and the initial sucker-punching thug pours a drink over one of them.

The nearly minute-long clip shows the attack only ending when a man and woman rush in and scream at them to stop.

At least one other Marine was also attacked, although he was not seen in the clip.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department initially estimated 10 to 30 teens and young adults were involved — but footage from afar suggested way more, with seemingly at least 40 swarming the men on the beach.

The department vowed to investigate the attack “until all individuals responsible are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This is considered an assault with a deadly weapon because of the amount of suspects,” Sgt. Frank Gonzalez also told KCAL News.

Despite the apparent savagery of the attack, the victims all refused medical treatment, the sheriff’s department said, confirming the other men were Marines.

However, Antonino told KCAL that he fears he may have suffered a concussion after being “stomped on.” 

“My face still has, like, blood all over it,” he said. “It wasn’t cool at all.””