http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 2:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
This is disgusting and it makes me embarrassed about being an American.]]>Nov 28th 2008 2:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
This is captialism at its finest (read: worst) and it's quite sad.

What's also quite sad is that you can also bet on the family suing Wal-mart for a bundle, because suing people is what Americans do.

What a world we live in.

]]>Nov 28th 2008 3:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 3:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 4:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
]]>Nov 28th 2008 4:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
Kimberly Cribbs, who witnessed the stampede, said shoppers were acting like "savages.... When they were saying they had to leave, that an employee got killed, people were yelling 'I've been on line since yesterday morning. They kept shopping."]]>Nov 28th 2008 4:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
Here's how it was described on Bloomberg:

"About 2,000 people had gathered outside the store as it prepared to open, Newsday reported, citing police Detective Lieutenant Michael Fleming, who spoke at a briefing. Shoppers in the back of the line pushed those in the front into the doors, which then came off their hinges, the newspaper said.

Hundreds of people then surged into the store, knocking over the worker and trampling him, Newsday said, citing Fleming."

This guy's death was the result of a stupid accident. It's very unfortunate, and I feel sorry for the family, but that's all I have to say about it.

What really bothers me are the holier-than-thou douchebags on this site (and nearly every other one) who post their moralizing, pseudo-philosophical bullshit whenever they get the chance. They're not actually interested in right and wrong; they're just desperately trying to prove that they're better than everyone else. ]]>Nov 28th 2008 5:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 6:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
Your supposition the store did not ask shoppers to leave after the incident is incorrect. From the news article:

"Shoppers who surged past the fallen Walmart worker into the store were asked to leave by other store workers, some of them crying and visibly upset, said one shopper, Kimberly Cribbs, of Far Rockaway.

Though rumors circulated among the shoppers that someone had been badly injured, people ignored the Walmart workers' requests that they stop shopping, move to the front of the store and exit, Cribbs said."

This store and many others may be guilty of poor crowd control. These stampedes and deaths occur at sporting events and other places with crowds are not adequately prepared for.

It might be that a tragedy caused by poor decisionmaking of shoppers and store management does not need to be considered a referendum to bash Americans, capitalism, and Christianity. Shameful behavior of a few does not transfer onto the other 300 million+. We are all fallible human beings. One does hope that retailers will learn to roll out their sales in a fashion that ensures the safety of everyone involved.]]>Nov 28th 2008 6:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
As for this being "American" consumerism, think again. This is global consumerism, exacerbated by companies with ridiculous business models that depend on one day to get them into the black for the year (If they had a black friday in Canada, Germany, France, or Japan, you know that this kind of crap would happen). When a business can't stay in the black from the day to day sales...there is something wrong. Not that the people camped out in the cold to save a few bucks on a shitty TV aren't just as much to blame as the store. I would say the store is more to blame for advertising ridiculous prices on items they won't have in stock five minutes past the opening. That only creates an atmosphere of competition where it is you against everyone else in line. It's no surprise that idiots would push and shove and blow the damn door down.

I hope the deceased has family, and that they get a gigantic sum out of Wal-Mart for their negligence. Not that any amount of money could ever make up for the loss....]]>Nov 28th 2008 6:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
You're exactly right. This is not about consumerism or America. This is just "normal" human behaviour.

Before the rest of you get started, shit LIKE this was happening all over for thousand's of years. It is why the Coliseum was designed the way it is. The Romans were smart enough to figure out that to keep people safe and get people in and out quickly they designed the whole place to fill up and empty in just minutes. That design lives on to this day in just about every modern stadium, although to a lesser degree.

This is also why hundreds and thousands of people die each year being trampled to death during their pilgrimages for Islam. Try reading about that. It happens in India too, so it's not an "Islamic" thing.

There have been great tragedies in this country where people have died trying to escape fires. Most of the smart fire codes in NY, and other cities have come about after horrific tragedies and great loss of life.

In other words, this is Mob Mentality. Nobody at the back pushing wanted someone to die. Nobody started out that morning as an "American" saying I am going to buy some shit cheap today even it KILLS somebody.

Now the douche-bags that refused to leave after hearing somebody died in the building are just assholes. I bet what the article does not mention is that most people that knew, did leave. I would be surprised otherwise. The assholes are just representative of the probability that in 2,000 people there are going to be at least 50 intractable assholes, 150 douche-bags, and a smattering of buttheads, jerks, and bitches.

So I agree with you (redringofdeath), the holier than though assholes need to shut up and start saying something intelligent or compassionate for the family instead of taking the opportunity to bash Americans, Consumerism, Capitalism, in whatever ways their ideology demands them too.]]>Nov 29th 2008 9:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 29th 2008 1:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
They value nothing - not even the very life God has given - they only care about themselves and the crap they lust after which will only break and die a short time after they've bought it.

I realize these people are broken inside, which is why they behave like they do - so although I'm always disgusted and ANGRY at their behavior, I feel sad for them, too, because they're lost and irreverent and often times don't know it or don't care. They're completely dead inside. It's a sad (and pathetic) state of affairs.

It's alright to shop, but people need to wake up and see that "things" and "crap" and "stuff" will NEVER fill the emptiness they have inside. But they medicate with materialism thinking they'll be satisfied. And they never are. You can't medicate with products, alcohol, drugs, activities, relationships, whatever. Does NOT work. I have no desire to get into some stupid fight with a fool who only wants to circular argue for the sake of arguing, but in my experience, only Jesus Christ provides people with the healing, purpose, and contentment they truly need in life. And I'm not talking about religion.

This death is the perfect example of why Black Friday needs to be banned altogether, all across the country. It's an appropriate yet sickening name for a day like this. A black day, indeed.

Until people can stop behaving like stupid, senseless animals and control themselves, Black Friday should NOT be allowed. Period. Life is more important than a couple of bucks and a bunch of meaningless crap.]]>Nov 29th 2008 2:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
The employee was "stepped on by hundreds of people" as other workers attempted to fight their way through the crowd, Fleming said.

"Several minutes" passed before others were able to clear space around the man and attempt to render aid. Police arrived, and "as they were giving first aid, those police officers were also jostled and pushed," he said.
Don't Miss

"Shoppers ... were on a full-out run into the store," he said.

The crowd had begun forming outside the store by 9 p.m. Thursday, Fleming said. By 5 a.m. Friday, when the doors were unlocked, there were 2,000 or so shoppers, many of whom "surged forward," breaking the doors, he said.]]>Nov 29th 2008 8:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 29th 2008 2:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 29th 2008 2:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
"It's alright to shop, but people need to wake up and see that "things" and "crap" and "stuff" will NEVER fill the emptiness they have inside."

A gadget blog probably isn't the right place to post that, but I agree to some extent. Having a daughter with the woman I love filled that emptiness for me.]]>Nov 30th 2008 5:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
You're free to have your opinion, naturally, but I disagree with you because what I wrote is the truth (and gadget blog or not - it's not going to prevent me from writing about what is very real and true when appropriate); besides, we're not discussing gadgets in this particular thread - we're discussing the inexcusable behavior of people who care more about "things" and "crap" and "stuff", than human life. So why on earth shouldn't I address that behavior? Am I the only here who is? And if we're going to preserve one of two things, which should we preserve?... Truth, or the emotions of those who think empty materialism is the answer to life?

If killing someone to save a few bucks isn't extreme enough to warrant the courage to speak out what is true, then what would warrant it? I mean, I enjoy technology, too, and wouldn't be here if I didn't, but my priorities are in order... if people are offended at what you quoted me saying, then either they're fearful and deluded and not being honest with themselves, or they simply have not learned what life is about (because it's not about buying "stuff"). Either way, God help them. People should be supported, not criticized, for having the courage to speak truth.]]>Dec 1st 2008 2:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
I forgot to add, I didn't mean to come across argumentative with you... just addressing your comment about posting in a gadget blog.

These types of horrific events fire me up, ya know?]]>Dec 1st 2008 2:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
I love how professed christians will throw all that 'goodwill towards men' "stuff" out the window when it comes to saving the almightly dollar, or in some people's case to charge the almighty dollar on a credit card.

May the ghosts of Christmas visit EVERYONE that acts that way this year.]]>Nov 28th 2008 2:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
HUH?? You sure do spew a whole lot of horse shit with your comment.

These people are probably the kind of people who don't even go to church in the first place, yet you use this story to push your "this is what's wrong with America..." speech

You obviously have issues that go farther and deeper than your supposed empathy for this victim, of which you have none or in the very least, you show none for.

If you wanna bash on people fine, but do it the right way and bash the people who deserve it, the crazy crackheads on long island who would just assume step on or over you than to help pick you up.

and where do you come up with crap like "professed christians" when crazy shoppers have nothing to do with jesus? I mean come oooon...... you're stretching it there bud....]]>Nov 28th 2008 2:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 3:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
BTW - I don't have a problem with Christians, I am one, if you read my point, it's the duality of people who say they believe in the book and what the man taught and choose to do something else when it comes to their wants, needs or desires. Black Friday shoppers I feel the most part fit in the 'wants or desires' category.

As having been a person who's lost someone on Christmas day as I did when I was 8 years old, I already said my prayer for the repose of the soul who died doing their job, and that the loss their family is going to feel this Christmas. Last time I checked not all Christians are bad, and I didn't say that, but it certainly appears you took it that way, so this is my chance to explain.

If you don't think any of those people at the front of the line were there for Christmas presents, I have some wool to give you free of charge to pull over your eyes. BTW- make sure to comment on anyone saying those people sucked, or retards, or worse, to be consistent.]]>Nov 28th 2008 5:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
so the fact that probably 99% of the people there were shopping for xmas gifts... doesnt automatically make them hypocritical christians. in fact 99% of the people there were probably on welfare and dont even know the TRUE meaning of CHRISTMAS.]]>Nov 28th 2008 5:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 7:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 8:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 2:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
$1.80 a gallon gas for a couple thousand soldiers' lives]]>Nov 28th 2008 4:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
i get what you were trying to say... we're appalled at this but no one seems to mind that our troops are dying so long as we have our cheap gas.

right on the money]]>Nov 29th 2008 3:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 29th 2008 6:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
Man,that must really suck.

Being trampled to death and all.]]>Nov 28th 2008 1:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 2:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/And this one fat ass bitch got pissed at me when I told her the sale started at 5 AM, she told me "The paper says Friday sale, so it obviously starts at midnight".

I'm like "Well, actually, everything will start being sold at 5 AM because..." she cut me off and says "ACTUALLY, The paper SAYS Friday, so it goes on sale at MIDNIGHT", I just told her, "OK", and watched her stupid ass wait. Once 12 came, I was leaving, and heard her talking to the manager about how it was false advertising bullshit or something, the funniest thing, she called 1-800-Wal-Mart on us.

Fat ass bitch.]]>Nov 29th 2008 11:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
Such a tragedy =(]]>Nov 28th 2008 3:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 7:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 1:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 28th 2008 5:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/Nov 29th 2008 12:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/doorbusting-at-long-island-walmart-leads-to-workers-death/
If I was a worker there at Wal-Mart and the crowd was growing dangerously restless, I'd probably call law enforcement for assistance. These days you can't mess around with people. Especially Wal-Mart shoppers.. ]]>Nov 28th 2008 1:13PM