Ill wishes and name-calling: Channel 10 News.

There is no question that the “the Bikes Up, Guns Down” Ride Out does nothing to solve or curtail violence in Miami-Dade and Broward County inner-cities.

But the wild sideswipes, sucker punches, tirade, and potshots lobbed at these youngsters by Channel 10 News reporters Jeff Weinsier, Michael Putney and lesser notables was a clear-cut indicator of how white rage sometimes seeps into everyday news reporting that involves African Americans.

On Sunday, January 19, 2020, one day before the riders hit the streets to carry on with their parade of stunting across Dade and Broward Counties, WPLG Channel 10’s Michael Putney went on a wild tirade disparaging all of the riders.

Putney used the word (Banchee) when referencing the group. The term has different meanings in different circles. Putney, as a wordsmith more or less, is aware of this plurality. Of course, he will argue that he meant it in a vehicular manner as in the Banshee 350 (YFZ350) was an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

Or Putney could say he meant Banchee as in a (derogatory) noisy or ill-tempered woman. It is not likely that is what Putney meant when he used the word.

But there is also a third meaning that bigots use mockingly to describe black athletes who are fast and aggressive when playing sports, and it has to do with monkeys.

While it is not 100 percent clear what Putney meant, it is not advisable words to come from the mouth of a reporter.

The song that bears the name speaks of death and ill-will.

Loud was the sound of the birds when they landed in spite of
Noise from the boys with the rocks in their fists
Looking to bring a man down to the bottom of a thousand ton well
One tiny push send that man into hell
He hit with a thud there’ll be no work tomorrow
Just a funeral for a guy with the time that he borrowed
Isn’t it crazy?
Ode to the one that’ll drag you down
Isn’t it crazy?
Ode to the one that’ll let you drown

Wait for the call it’ll come by tomorrow
Your banshee, your lust, indifferent sorrow

Kendra Morris

Channel 10 Jeff Weinseir on the day of the ride out says nothing good can come of it and he lamented and wailed about the police not showing to arrests the riders.

Lieutenant Jeffrey Millies of BSO referenced the riders a pack of 50 to 100… it is not clear if he meant dogs or wolves. But what is clear is that he sees them as animals.

BSO could have met with the riders and agree to monitor and escort them for a set time frame, then have them return to their bases — instead of name-calling and making threats of imprisonment.

Police and motorists block streets are inconvenienced several times each year (for bikers and runners doing Toys for Tots Mercedes Benz events) in Dade and Broward counties.

Why not do the same for these youngsters and have them work within the law? They are just out to show-off and have fun for a few minutes — work with them.