Rouge California cop Christopher J. Dorner may or may not be dead. But his legacy will live on in a nation which reveres its outlaws. Unlike the ethos depicted on "Downton Abbey," values in America tilt toward taking on authority. And the more clever the outlaw the more compelling the story.
It could take weeks to determine if the body found in the cabin in the woods is Dorner's. But even if it is and his catch-me-if-you-can antics are over, no one can deny that he went out on his own terms. Reports have it that a single shot had been heard from the cabin, indicating that Dorner, sensing the game was over, took himself out.
The staging for that final episode couldn't have been better. There was so much media attention that police had to mandate reporters in helicopters stay out of the area. The number of law-and-order folks was enormous.
Dorner had also recognized the power of social networks. On Facebook he had posted his manifesto. That enhanced his image as a guy who knew exactly how to take on the system. Although Dorner's act would likely have done well at any time in U.S. history, it especially resonated currently when the system seems to be tilted against Everyman. The BigBoys on Wall Street seemingly manipulate whatever, to their advantage. Climate change, which many in authority deny, inflicts Sandy and Nemo on us. And are we going to wind up killing off each other with guns that can be bought on the street for peanuts?
Dorner did it his way. Wouldn't we love to have a crack at that kind of approach to our own little lives?
Comments