Soldiers are too stupid to know not to drink and drive.

**polis** · June 16th, 2008, 02:33 AM

Fort Bliss soldier still jailed in death of pedestrian
By Erica Molina Johnson / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 06/16/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT

The four women who were struck by the driver of a pickup as they crossed Dyer Street early Saturday morning were identified by police Sunday.
Claudia Lopez, 28, died from her injuries at Beaumont Army Medical Center. She was a teacher and lived at the 12000 block of Saint Laurence Avenue in far East El Paso.

Her friends, who were recovering from their injuries Sunday, were identified as 26-year-old Erika James, of the 12000 block of Road House Drive, 28-year-old Licia Kim, of the 1900 block of Ratner Circle, and Lashanda Delaney, of the 10000 block of Bob Stone Drive. Delaney's age was not available.

The four had been friends for about 10 years, Kim's father, Hyun Kim, said.

They had gone to the Chit-Chat Lounge on Friday night, he said.

Police said the four were crossing east to west on Dyer Street shortly after 2 a.m. when they were struck by a 2001 Ford F-150.

Fort Bliss soldier Deron Kemp Rodriguez, 19, was charged with intoxicated manslaughter and two counts of intoxicated assault. Rodriguez on Sunday remained at the county jail on a $150,000 bond and two $50,000 bonds, according to jail records. Police originally had identified him as Rodriguez Kemp.

The women were not crossing in a crosswalk, but police said the area was well lighted.

Since December, there have been seven fatal accidents involving Fort Bliss soldiers.

Read the entire article

**Rob Taylor** · June 16th, 2008, 01:34 PM

Title's a little harsh no? This is about one soldier, who's 19, drinking and driving. Saying "Soldiers" ate too stupid to know this is wrong is a little much.

There are probably dozens of news stories about drunk drivers today where the perps are construction workers, teachers, coffee baristas etc. Would you write the same title with some other profession?

**Lizard** · June 16th, 2008, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Rob Taylor

Title's a little harsh no? This is about one soldier, who's 19, drinking and driving. Saying "Soldiers" ate too stupid to know this is wrong is a little much.

There are probably dozens of news stories about drunk drivers today where the perps are construction workers, teachers, coffee baristas etc. Would you write the same title with some other profession?

That was my first thought, until I read further:

Since December, there have been seven fatal accidents involving Fort Bliss soldiers

**w8ng4msrgt** · June 16th, 2008, 01:56 PM

I was reading the other day that they allow 18-20 yo's to drink on base so they don't go over to Juarez. I will have to try to find that reference again.

**mo.armymom** · June 16th, 2008, 01:56 PM

Thank you Rob. I felt a bit put off by the title too. My son is a good soldier, and he is not stupid. People from all walks of life drink and drive.

**carol13** · June 16th, 2008, 01:57 PM

Thanks rob, so Polis, if it had been a mexican who killed someone while drinking and driving, would your title have said, "Mexicans are too stupid to know not to drink and drive." I sincerely doubt it. Your title sucks Polis, have a little fucking respect for the good soldiers.

**CorruptedMistress** · June 16th, 2008, 02:09 PM

My boyfriend is a soldier, who doesn't even drink because his aunt was killed by a drunk driver.

I at first was offended by the title but as Lizard pointed out already, multiple different soldiers on this base have done this. She isn't say ALL soldiers are stupid, but using it plurally in the title represents that more then one soldier has done this.

**impqueen** · June 16th, 2008, 02:10 PM

I can understand the frustration given the number of drunken driving injury accidents in and around Ft. Bliss.

But i have to admit i was a little stung by the title. I passed it off because my brother landed in Iraq over the weekend with his unit and will be there, while his wife and infant son are in Germany. And the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan can't drink while they're in those countries. So when they get home, yeah, they do overindulge, some of them. Some of them, like my daughter's friend, come home in a box so they can't drink ever again.

What happened to the women in this case is a senseless tragedy and should not have happened. Soldiers, like anyone else, should not be drinking and driving. But it's just my opinion that if anyone has a right to be stinking drunk, it's a young person who is expected to die, if necessary, for his or her country.

That said, Deron Kemp Rodriguez was absolutely wrong and must pay for his crime just like any civilian who kills someone. It's not about the stupidity of all soldiers - it's about the very bad decision of one soldier, in this case. I can understand the title. There's no real politically correct way to put it - Ft. Bliss needs to get its soldiers' drunken driving under control.

**Morbid** · June 16th, 2008, 02:20 PM

I would like to take the time to stress that our members please do not copy and paste entire news articles from other sites. We can get in trouble for that and it is just an all around bad practice. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but in actuality, it is theft.

Post part of it and a link to the original, or give a summary and post to the original, but please, please do not post the entire thing with no link back to the original source. Me and Imp have written a few articles ourselves that were ripped off, both intentionally and unintentionally, it is a bit aggravating. Thanks!

**mo.armymom** · June 16th, 2008, 02:25 PM

Ft. Campbell is very strict on drinking and driving. If you are drunk, you call a cab. No money, no problem. They will pay the cabby at the gate, then the Army will deduct it from your pay.

**SoUncool** · June 16th, 2008, 02:28 PM

I do think you're new right, Polis?

I did find the title harsh too but since I'm still a little new and not quite so brave yet, I just figured Imp, Morbid or a more "seasoned" member would say something. Thanks for the reminder about not posting entire articles. I do that sometimes in a hurry but will make sure I summarize from now on.

My suggestion to Polis, from one newbie to another, is to READ all the "how-tos" and watch how other people post. I asked for help in how to post pics and several posters were kind enough to walk me through it.

Good luck and welcome!

**Morbid** · June 16th, 2008, 02:39 PM

Wasn't trying to be harsh as much as I was trying to reflect how serious I am about it. You guys do a great job at posting stories, and although I have the rules posted, I don't have the time or resources to check every single post to make sure they are being followed.

A summary is not needed, unless you just want to write one (which could be a way to let me and Imp see some of your writings) but just a partial of the article with the obligatory link back to the source is all that is needed.

But this particular post got my attention because of the title and the fact that it still had the ADVERTISEMENT portion intact. :) So, it wasn't that I singled this post out as much as I just happened to stumble into it.

No harm done.

**Countess Olenska** · June 16th, 2008, 03:12 PM

Off topic but Morbid. I'm a bitch. Will you smack me?

On the ass please and make it worth it...

**Morbid** · June 16th, 2008, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by mammasweets

Off topic but Morbid. I'm a bitch. Will you smack me?

On the ass please and make it worth it...

*SMACK*

**polis** · June 16th, 2008, 03:45 PM

First of all, there have been seven deaths involving soldiers since december. Last year had another slew of incidents. Most of our drunk driving deaths involves soldiers. This number does not include the crotch rocket deaths or other accidents not involving alochol but speed that involve soldiers. Sadly, most soldiers that die here, is because of speeding.

I have family in the military and I was not intended to implicate ALL soldiers, just the ones stationed at fort bliss. i didnt say ALL soldiers, i said soldiers so it was up to your thinking process to acess the amount (7 who have killed others by D&D), and i assumed that most wouldn't think all soldiers since i had not said all...or every soldier...so forth.

second, i would have said mexicans as the other person indicated... only if they were mexicans but they weren't they were soldiers. Going by how the syntax was structured...also i'm not mexican but thanks for assuming i was, simply by my location.

also, fort bliss does not allow 19 and under to drink on base anymore. They decided to end that because no soldier is allowed in mexico anymore under any circumstances because of the drug war. Also soldiers were only allowed to drink on base and that is it when this was allowed.

as for posting the whole content, my apologies.

**polis** · June 16th, 2008, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by CorruptedMistress

My boyfriend is a soldier, who doesn't even drink because his aunt was killed by a drunk driver.

I at first was offended by the title but as Lizard pointed out already, multiple different soldiers on this base have done this. She isn't say ALL soldiers are stupid, but using it plurally in the title represents that more then one soldier has done this.

this was exactly my intention. i was talking about all the soldiers who have killed someone by drinking and driving here since december. they were stupid. i don't think anyone else can contest that, and if they tried, that's really insulting for those that they killed.

**Athena** · June 16th, 2008, 03:51 PM

See? And to think, I would have titled this thread, "Women are too stupid to know not to cross outside crosswalks". Actually, that's a little lengthy, so it might have just been, "Crosswalks, idiots!" :p

As someone who has hit a pedestrian who was not crossing at a crosswalk, I would like to note that how "well-lit" an area is can be pretty subjective. Even if it is well-lit, people do all sorts of two-second things that draw their attention away from what's directly in front of them, be it changing the radio, looking at a passenger or even checking mirrors. Drivers are much more likely to know when they are approaching a crosswalk and may slow down whether there are people in the crosswalk or not. This protection isn't provided you if you choose to cross elsewhere.

Incidentally, the guy I nailed didn't get a dime out of my insurance. In fact, the officer on the scene informed me that, should I choose to do so, I could've sued the pedestrian for damages to my car (a shattered windshield; a dented right-front quarter panel). Oh, and I was as sober at the day I was born. While the guy in the article may have been drinking, I have a hard time automatically blaming that for this accident, given my experience. It could have had little, if anything, to do with his intoxication level. Of course, it could have had everything to do with the fact that he was a drunk douche, but that shouldn't take away from the safety and importance of crossing at a crosswalk.

There's a reason jaywalking is illegal.

**Rob Taylor** · June 16th, 2008, 03:56 PM

Not to be an English Nazi (since being from Jersey I barely speak it) but even without an "all" or "every" the sentence literally encompasses all soldiers unless you qualify it. If you said "Ft. Bliss soldiers" then it would have been clearer, but to expect that people would understand that the title only applied to a few soldiers would be like if saying "Rob Taylors are assholes" then saying that only applied to the lazy crime/political bloggers who spend time watching tv and commenting on Dreamin' Demon rather than working on his site.

You're taking about a discrete sub-category of people but using a term that applies to every member of the larger category.

But I take your point.

**polis** · June 16th, 2008, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

See? And to think, I would have titled this thread, "Women are too stupid to know not to cross outside crosswalks". Actually, that's a little lengthy, so it might have just been, "Crosswalks, idiots!" :p

As someone who has hit a pedestrian who was not crossing at a crosswalk, I would like to note that how "well-lit" an area is can be pretty subjective. Even if it is well-lit, people do all sorts of two-second things that draw their attention away from what's directly in front of them, be it changing the radio, looking at a passenger or even checking mirrors. Drivers are much more likely to know when they are approaching a crosswalk and may slow down whether there are people in the crosswalk or not. This protection isn't provided you if you choose to cross elsewhere.

Incidentally, the guy I nailed didn't get a dime out of my insurance. In fact, the officer on the scene informed me that, should I choose to do so, I could've sued the pedestrian for damages to my car (a shattered windshield; a dented right-front quarter panel). Oh, and I was as sober at the day I was born. While the guy in the article may have been drinking, I have a hard time automatically blaming that for this accident, given my experience. It could have had little, if anything, to do with his intoxication level. Of course, it could have had everything to do with the fact that he was a drunk douche, but that shouldn't take away from the safety and importance of crossing at a crosswalk.

There's a reason jaywalking is illegal.

I found your story pretty funny because how you went about explaining. I know it's not funny to hit a person...but I guess you're a good storyteller.

I guess I should illustrate dyer. The street is well lit up. If i dropped my contact at 2 a.m in the street, I could see it. lol. (that's how bright it is out there) :P Yeah they should have crossed at a cross walk, but dyer doesn't have crosswalks. I personally cross at the lights (most don't have those walking lights (the name of those evades me right now)). Also, it's very rare people drive out past 2.am on dyer..you can actually see tumbleweeds tumbling across the street at night. He was alone, and he was drunk. Dyer has four lanes, and from what local people are saying (those who knew the girls) he hit them in the lanes he shouldn't have been in.

luckily the rest survived. I don't think the need to mention that she shouldn't have been jay-walking because it almost gives the impression she asked to be killed, and in my mindset (with all those who i've known died because of drunk driving not only those caused by soldiers) she was murdered. It was his intention to drive regardless of the risk.

As for you and your driving experience, it makes me wish we had pillows around our cars. in texas, pedestrians always have the right of way... instances such as yours.. you at least wouldn't have been at fault... but you couldn't sue if you were here. :P

happy safe driving.

**CorruptedMistress** · June 16th, 2008, 04:03 PM

Yes, I think just about everyone who did see the thread title automatically assumed she was referring to every single soldier but for me, reading the article did clear it up. It was like a "could've had a V8" moment for me, and it just became obvious that she didn't post it in an offensive manner, just to make it plurally.

I think "Ft Bliss Soldiers are too stupid to know not to drink and drive" would've been one helluva long title. Would it even fit?

**Mom of 4** · June 16th, 2008, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

See? And to think, I would have titled this thread, "Women are too stupid to know not to cross outside crosswalks". Actually, that's a little lengthy, so it might have just been, "Crosswalks, idiots!" :p

As someone who has hit a pedestrian who was not crossing at a crosswalk, I would like to note that how "well-lit" an area is can be pretty subjective. Even if it is well-lit, people do all sorts of two-second things that draw their attention away from what's directly in front of them, be it changing the radio, looking at a passenger or even checking mirrors. Drivers are much more likely to know when they are approaching a crosswalk and may slow down whether there are people in the crosswalk or not. This protection isn't provided you if you choose to cross elsewhere.

Incidentally, the guy I nailed didn't get a dime out of my insurance. In fact, the officer on the scene informed me that, should I choose to do so, I could've sued the pedestrian for damages to my car (a shattered windshield; a dented right-front quarter panel). Oh, and I was as sober at the day I was born. While the guy in the article may have been drinking, I have a hard time automatically blaming that for this accident, given my experience. It could have had little, if anything, to do with his intoxication level. Of course, it could have had everything to do with the fact that he was a drunk douche, but that shouldn't take away from the safety and importance of crossing at a crosswalk.

There's a reason jaywalking is illegal.

Except there was no designated crosswalk according to the article.

He said the bar does not have adequate parking for its patrons, forcing them to park across a

busy road if they want to visit.
He said the city also should have made the area safer by designating a crosswalk.

Also there is no excuse for drunk driving, it is illegal every time and he should not have been behind the wheel of the car in the first place.

**Mom of 4** · June 16th, 2008, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by CorruptedMistress

Yes, I think just about everyone who did see the thread title automatically assumed she was referring to every single soldier but for me, reading the article did clear it up. It was like a "could've had a V8" moment for me, and it just became obvious that she didn't post it in an offensive manner, just to make it plurally.

I think "Ft Bliss Soldiers are too stupid to know not to drink and drive" would've been one helluva long title. Would it even fit?

LOL I didn't for even a second think she was saying "All soldiers" or "Every soldier". It's the same as saying "Cops arrest man for drunk driving". Who in the world would think that means "All cops" or "Every cop" arrested him?

**Lizard** · June 16th, 2008, 04:11 PM

Note to self: after reading alarming-sounding title, be sure to read entire post to which it is attached.

**Athena** · June 16th, 2008, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by polis

I found your story pretty funny because how you went about explaining. I know it's not funny to hit a person...but I guess you're a good storyteller.

The post above, or my blog about it over at MySpace? Either way, I do try to infuse it with a bit of humor, as it's a pretty morbid and depressing story, otherwise.

I guess I should illustrate dyer. The street is well lit up. If i dropped my contact at 2 a.m in the street, I could see it. lol. (that's how bright it is out there) :P Yeah they should have crossed at a cross walk, but dyer doesn't have crosswalks. I personally cross at the lights (most don't have those walking lights (the name of those evades me right now)). Also, it's very rare people drive out past 2.am on dyer..you can actually see tumbleweeds tumbling across the street at night. He was alone, and he was drunk. Dyer has four lanes, and from what local people are saying (those who knew the girls) he hit them in the lanes he shouldn't have been in.

And if all that is the case, then yes, the women's behavior didn't play into it.

luckily the rest survived. I don't think the need to mention that she shouldn't have been jay-walking because it almost gives the impression she asked to be killed, and in my mindset (with all those who i've known died because of drunk driving not only those caused by soldiers) she was murdered. It was his intention to drive regardless of the risk.

As for you and your driving experience, it makes me wish we had pillows around our cars. in texas, pedestrians always have the right of way... instances such as yours.. you at least wouldn't have been at fault... but you couldn't sue if you were here. :P

happy safe driving.

People who don't cross at crosswalks (or the natural crosswalks - intersections) should bear some responsibility for being hit, in my opinion, in most situations. They are playing loose and fast with their own safety and the safety of drivers. It is inconsiderate and reckless.

As far as the whole "pedestrian always has the right of way" thing, I have no problem with that in theory, but in practice, it is faulty legislation. When I hit the pedestrian, there was absolutely no way I could have avoided it. He was drunk; he thought he could beat my car and was wearing dark clothing. Not only was I financially impacted, I was emotionally impacted. I couldn't drive normally at night for months. I'd think I saw people and slam on the breaks out of the blue, etc. He was acting recklessly and I was victimized as a result. Why shouldn't I be able to recover damages?

**Athena** · June 16th, 2008, 04:34 PM

Is there not a traffic light in the vicinity of this bar? Intersections are legally recognized crosswalks. The fact that there isn't a "designated" crosswalk does not mean you get to cross where ever you want. At least, not in Washington, it doesn't.

As for the thread title, the use of "are" is the fault. "Soldiers are too stupid..." as opposed to the more typical (in journalism) "Soldiers too stupid..." The lack of the "are" in the second example carries an implied "[These] Soldiers [are] too stupid..." :)

Ahhhh...Semantics.

My rule of thumb - If a statement doesn't apply to the <Mexican, soldier, woman, etc.> I know, I don't take it personally.

**Nell** · June 16th, 2008, 04:40 PM

ROB TAYLORS ARE ASSHOLES!!!!!

I had to do it. I am a brat. Just joking Rob, I loves you!!!

**TheLittleFriend** · June 16th, 2008, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by Nell

ALL ROB TAYLORS ARE ASSHOLES!!!!!

I had to do it. I am a brat. Just joking Rob, I loves you!!!

I almost choke on m-m's. That's reason why I love trashcat!

**TheLittleFriend** · June 16th, 2008, 04:58 PM

I'm sure Polis doesn't mean ALL soldiers. It is just a title error. Relax, people.

**polis** · June 16th, 2008, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

The post above, or my blog about it over at MySpace? Either way, I do try to infuse it with a bit of humor, as it's a pretty morbid and depressing story, otherwise.

And if all that is the case, then yes, the women's behavior didn't play into it.

People who don't cross at crosswalks (or the natural crosswalks - intersections) should bear some responsibility for being hit, in my opinion, in most situations. They are playing loose and fast with their own safety and the safety of drivers. It is inconsiderate and reckless.

As far as the whole "pedestrian always has the right of way" thing, I have no problem with that in theory, but in practice, it is faulty legislation. When I hit the pedestrian, there was absolutely no way I could have avoided it. He was drunk; he thought he could beat my car and was wearing dark clothing. Not only was I financially impacted, I was emotionally impacted. I couldn't drive normally at night for months. I'd think I saw people and slam on the breaks out of the blue, etc. He was acting recklessly and I was victimized as a result. Why shouldn't I be able to recover damages?

sorry i have to laugh.. you got hit by a drunk walker. ha ha ha ha. how often is that an occurrence. "officer he walked right into me" :P

and the semantics... ap style writing tends to go against proper writing and rhetoric. :P

**carol13** · June 16th, 2008, 05:03 PM

I never assumed you were Mexican Polis, I don't really care if you are or not, I'm not sure how you got that. But I think the other members did a great job of illustrating how it could have been titled to be more accurate. I can admit I get touchy over things like this, I still don't agree with the way it was worded, but I now know you didn't intend to offend. Sorry I jumped on you so hard when it was not your intention to use what I took as fighting words.