Decent manners, respect for others and just plain common sense and patience would have prevented all of this.

It is amazing to me when people won't acknowledge rude behavior and then refuse to accept the consequences of what they themselves could have prevented. Regardless of what happened after the incident....appears that this woman used very poor judgment in getting herself into it. And what in the world does the NAACP have to do with resolving something that shouldn't have started in the first place.

Joining your cousin in another line that is moving faster is called line jumping or cutting in line. It is rude behavior which lead to criminal behavior. Go to just about any amusement park and see how much "joining my cousin" goes on.....

There are undoubtedly real cases of racism that require legal action. This is not one of them. Her "crying wolf" should be a crime of it's own, for if true racial discrimination is a civil rights offense, false accusations of it are essentially "filing a false criminal complaint".

We have got to keep people from using the claim falsely and willy-nilly. It's accusation can destroy lives (the Duke rape case for instance). There should be a consequence to this false accusation. It clouds other, real instances that need investigation.

she was then pushed by a white customer, hassled by store employees, called racial slurs and physically mistreated by Kennett police officers.

I am myself a minority and for some reason I still thing this lady is full of sh*%.

Great and this is the role model that's teaching our children?

Oh wait, she's teaching in Louisiana now, no problem.

racism is a serious issue no matter what color or race you are. but screaming racism every time you screw up or just don't get your way is ridiculous. MLK was looking into grouping all races together now we got these jokers who really just want to advance themselves and couldn't care about anyone else.

I have to agree from what I can surmise from this story. As a part-time W-Mart employee, I'm trying to envision what really happened but someone who cuts in line and pushes someone else's merchandise aside would not get a pass from me and I wouldn't care what color skin they had. It sounds like this woman behaved immaturely and inappropriately. I'm surprised she was able to get a teaching job.

This is a case of racism...oops, I forgot racism is a white person only crime. If a black person does something that is racist, it is called justified instead of what it is. Pure racism at the hand of a black person.

Get a life and quit using a double standard, if you want to stop racism, quit being racist.

Ellis maintains she was merely joining her cousin, whose checkout line was moving more quickly.

And I would have to ask her again what gives you the right to cut in line? I don't care if it is your daddy, mommy, brother or sister in a different line. If she was in that much of a hurry, maybe she should of asked nicely...or just not been in that much of a hurry.

Well, I'm black and I can't sympathize with this woman. If she cut in front of me in line, she'd have hurt a few choice names from me as well. She got exactly what she deserved. Not saying that racism doesn't exist in this country, however, labeling every incident of someone reacting to rude or inconsiderate behavior as racism only diminishes the effect it should have on American citizens when it actually does happen. Crying wolf just to get your way is self-defeating.

I am myself a minority and for some reason I still thing this lady is full of sh*%.

So am I...so do I. I wouldn't doubt the escalation of tensions and verbage and such, but she was more than likely the instigator according to the details. I know the potential is there in my neck of the woods, but I don't go looking for or antagonizing that dormant beast either. As long as there's mutual respect for others, this normally doesn't happen.

Of course, there are those in this day and time manipulating followers and doing their best to erode any foundation for mutual respect. This scene based on short fuses may become more common. That's another story.

Here's what I think. If I was only one of 1500 blacks living in a town of 11,000, I think I'd be watching my P&Q's on a regular basis and not giving anyone a reason to "take me out." I live in the south and in our city of 14,000, about 28 percent are black. We all seem to get along just fine. Those who try to push the buttons of others' come in all colors and sexes. But I believe the article because occasionally it happens everywhere. A black will assume 'privilege' on their part. The rednecks do too but in their case, it's just plain ignorance. Where are the cameras in that Walmart and those ouside that are supposed to be placed on the roof edges trained on the parking lot. Seems like a simple he said/she said if there are cameras that caught the action.

I agree with chris-335678 regarding lines at amusement parks and people "joining their cousins" or whomever. I tell these people if you want to be with "your cousin" let them come back here with you, not get in front of everyone else. Typical - cry racism when you are in the wrong or all else fails.

Cat Woman, you are totally right on. The NAACP has absolutely done more to hurt the black community than to help it. And butting in line (jumping the que) is NOT acceptable behavior in most western cultures. And to think that she's a school teacher who should be setting an example for others, especially our children.

Doesn't the NAACP have better things to do than defend these idiot crybabies?

I think what bothers me the most about this is the fact that she is now a teacher. What is she teaching? That it is ok to cheat and then make excuses for your actions? Unbelievable. Racism, racism, racism... that word has really lost its effect. It's like crying wolf now... Give it a rest.

This woman is the epitome of ignorant - in more ways than one...where's the media whores...Jesse and Al for their photo op?

Totally agreed with your comment.

Maybe she did cut the line sort of speak, but this does not give anyone the right to curse her out and call her names and even call the police! If the other customer would have handle it in a mature way that would not be a problem. It takes two to tangle. The police over reacted when they arrived by calling her names and attacking her. Someone please answer this: Why they offered her a pled bargain? Because they are both wrong. It takes two to tangle.

Doesn't Wally Mart have cameras in the check out lines?? Why can't they just pull the camera feeds and prove what happened with them???

Wal-mart probably doesn't want to get involved any more than they already are.

Oh, don't worry your pretty little head, Jesse and Al will definitely show up. Along with Louis also, can't forget about Louis!!

It's not a case of BLACK and WHITE. It's a case of RIGHT and WRONG.

I too am sick and tired of the race card.  When are people going to grow up and accept responsibility for their own actions. You can rest assured that 90%of the "racist" accusations we hear of are completely false. Most people just don't think like that anymore. I think the NAACP needs to get a new focus.

I always thought it was, it takes two to tango; I guess it works either way. Chris, are you really defending this woman? This involved far more than two people. This was her versus the rest of the store and later, the police. I'm sorry, if I feel like I've wronged, I'm going to say something. If the person that wronged me becomes beligerant when I make my feelings known, then I am going to call the cops. If when the cops show up she becomes irate enough to strike two officers, then she is has then committed a criminal act punishable by law. Just because somebody does not roll over and take whatever injustices come their way, does not mean they lack maturity; it means they have fight. So good for those that stood up to her. A plea bargain does not mean she is not punished; it means they are having leniency on her and if she were an ethical person, posessing any remoteness of the conviction that her daddy probably preaches from the pulpit, she would apologize and accept her punishment with dignity.

Crying "racism" has the same effect as a car alarm going off in a parking lot. I don't even pay attention because it happens so often for no reason. At most I might just roll my eyes as I keep moving along.

Here, here!!! Rude is rude! You know if this keeps up pretty soon we'll need a NAAWP, NAAPRP, NAAHP, etc. I truly hope justice is served without prejudice. One solution for her is to stop shopping with her relative(s) and wait her turn like the rest of us.

I know an African American women and she receives all kind of help from the government (or taxpayer). When she was fired at work she cried "racism." When it was time to buy a townhome she cried black and got a real good deal. At her current job, she is crying "racism." When it was time to send her daughter to college she cried black and got a real good deal. Follow the bouncing ball. Sometimes it is real nice to be black in America.

I am starting to wish I were black. Then I would not be held to the same standards as anyone else, and would have a ready excuse for why I can't succeed, get a job, etc. I want to be able to cut in line, park right in front of the store, not adhere to company dress codes, benefit from affirmative action programs, get free stuff, have someone diligent defend me on national tv whenever I think I was treated poorly. (even when it's my fault.) Being honest and working hard are difficult. I've been doing it a long time and I'm kind of tired. Someone please hand me a "race card" so I can get some of the perks.

Poster 'cantakenomore' brings up a great point.

I bet if the lady politely asked if she could join her cousin in line, the other customers probably would have let her in. They may not have liked it, but if she asked nicely, they probably would have allowed it without any confrontation. But thats not how THAT society works. Its all rudeness and arrogance and blame. Instead of helping race relations by being respectable, responsible citizens; they continue to make things worse for themselves.

"What a shame the system can destroy a young person's future like this because of bad cops," Ellis wrote to the NAACP in April.

What a shame you have no manners. Simple manners would have been a preventative measure.

TXChris61...

Sometimes, you just can't turn the other cheek when you have someone blatantly, even defiantly, imposing their will on someone else. I'm curious to know what you would have done if this woman had have jumped in front of you in line and pushed your merchandise aside to make room for hers!! I'll tell you what I'd have done. If I could bite my tongue to keep from cursing this woman out, I would try to bring attention to the store rules infraction immediately to store management. I don't care if the woman was black, white, rich, poor or 112 years old....rules are rules!! Damn, I hate it when these minorities try to use their ethnicity to say that the rules shouldn't apply to them! If cooler heads had prevailed as far as the person whom this woman butted in from of, she probably could have either gotten store management to ask the person to leave (at which time she probably would have made a big scene), or she could have just brought it to the cashier's attention that the person butted in and nothing was done by Wal-Mart to stop her, and the victim could have probably gotten her merchandise at a discount as a goodwill gesture by the store.

But, the altercation happened, and the cops came in and did what they had to do to bring this biligerant woman in for an arrest. As far as I have seen, she and her family are the only ones saying the cops verbally abused her. Other store employees and witnesses are denying that ever happened. Now, anyone who has read any of my other posts can tell you I am no advocate for the police, but when a person resists arrest, they get what they get as far as being roughed up by the police (within reason, of course). It's not a racial thing. If this had been a middle-aged white man doing this instead of a young black woman, and if he had acted like she did, he would have gotten the same treatment from the police, IMHO.

I am curious to hear if Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton will try to spin this into a national hoopla. They get everybody's gander up, then they sit back in their easy chairs, sip on their cognacs and watch the fur fly!! It just burns me up when they make something out of nothing like in this case.

Many of the racists I have encountered in life are black. The ones that use the race card are typically racist themselves. It is called projection.

I'm automatically suspicious any time a racist organization like the NAACP is brought into the fight. Same goes for a Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpeton.

It's hard to tell from the article who did what to whom, but it does appear this lady thought it was OK to switch lines and cut in front of another customer. That typically gets people blood boiling.

Beyond that, I would expect Walmart has surveillance cameras of the registers that will paint a better picture.

Assaulting police officers is rarely a good idea. Just saying.

Stop the presses!!!! A black person is claiming racial dercrimination!!! This is almost never heard of. Did the other people not understand that as a black person she was entitled to go to the front of the line. Get Al and Jessy on the line, we need to cut this woman a blank check for her pain. I can not even believe you publish this crap. You get in line like everyone else, and that means tha back of the line. It is not racism, it is manners not that I would expect you to know this.

"Racism". The semi-automatic charge when a Black person get caught going something wrong. I wonder who in the NAACP had the "KKK cards" made up to divert attention?

This ought to be simple to puzzle out... there isn't a Walmart in America that doesn't have security cameras trained on their cash registers. Where's the video? (Although who are we going to believe? The "victim" or our own lying eyes?) (Oh heck, just forget I made such a racist comment.)

I hope the judge adjusts her arrogant attitude with a nice little stay in the slammer.

I agree on your comment about the NAACP. This lady was trying to advance her way through the line by taking cuts, not in equality in getting an education or a career.... Helloooo! There are many legitimate cases of racial unjust out there to attend to. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that this lady backed herself into a corner and is trying to take advantage of the fact that America has become so wimpified when it comes to being politically correct regarding race that many will roll over and accept this kind of behavior. Just think how many people have pulled this kind of stunt before and instead of being called out, they were showered with apologies and then some????

If "USUALLY WRONG" Sharpton isn't at her side to get in the media spotlight, you know she's just another nutball who thinks the race card will get her out of being held responsible for her own actions!

harley -

God knows I'm tired of the race card; however, there really is no need to act like that. It isn't so much the word as the derogatory way in which you choose to use it. People like this lady, like Sharpton, Jackson and Wright are disgraceful but you are no better. I have black friends that would love an opportunity slap the sh*t out of this woman but in equally racist fashion you lump them all together as 'pack animals'. Trust me, I understand your frustration but that is an extremely unfair comment. You and this woman are practically the same person, just on opposite sides.

I agree Cat Woman, If someone tried to do to her what she did, not only wouldn't she allow it but from the sounds of her mentality she would have whipped out the race card on that scenario also. I also agree that the NAACP is the black mans worst nightmare. That is if you do not count Jesse and Al. Why aren't they in the middle of this fray? I mean it has garnered national attention and we all know regardless of race that Jesse and Al are nothing more then media sluts!

People like her CAUSE racism. She's definitely not doing the MLK movement any favors or helping improve the African-American image(or whatever isn't racial to describe the color these days). I've heard so many claims like this that it doesn't even make me blink to hear the racist accusations any more. All I think of are false claims and dismiss it.

Based on her behavior and the implication of racism indicating the person she cut in front of was white, I'd have to say there was definitely racism going on but not the way she thinks.

Thank God this happened at Wal-Mart.

I say that for they only have about 2 cameras per square inch there.

That being the case, I hope that the footage of this incident is able to be reviewed so we can have a better understanding of what went on instead of the usual "he said, she said".

Then again, if the camera shows what the majority of us already suspect happened, the camera will be racist too.

What a shocker, a black person using their race as a crutch for failures in their lives.

"A call to the KKK headquarters went unanswered."

I don't even know how to respond to this one.

Anon Y Mous - "...Then again, if the camera shows what the majority of us already suspect happened, the camera will be racist too."

Well, I guess it makes sense that a camera can be racist, I mean, I think we've already been introduced to racist Teleprompters! :P

I'm shocked that she hasn't sued Walmart yet, so she can make millions by being a rude and uncivil human being. Standing up to someone with rude behavior does not make you a racist, but I guess it's the only defense her lawyer could come up with.

I have been in check out counters and have been asked by people if they could jump ahead.I always let them..Being courteous always pays dividends with me..I have also stood in line with one or two items and the person i front of me has a whole cart full, they would never ask if I wanted to go ahead...

Fifteen years is a bit extreme,but when you act like an ass you get treated like one...

did i read it right this happened years ago? 3 years or so? Now Msnbc is trying to stir a Race Card. go figure i bet they are surprised that Most Americans regardless of RACE find this Lady's Action to be unacceptable it wont be long before they pull this down as they do real quick with most of there stories.. it does'nt fit the america they want you to believe is out their.

I wonder what her supporters will say when they play the video ( we all know that Wal-mart videos everything)

Why the comments about the KKK? Is that supposed to make what she did ok now?

I'm sick and tired of this "entitled" attitude. No one owes any body anything. Act like good people and you might get treated like a good person. She thought she could just jump to the front and was entitled to it, for some reaon, then act like a fool when the cops came.

Time for another "beer summit?"

I am going to say something that is bound to piss off someone, but please bear with me.

Black people (and Hispanics, Asians have been known to do this to), have a way of taking advantage of a situation using intimidation, because they know most White people, and many other people of color, will simply let them get away with it. Then when someone does confront them, they will scream "racism" among other things, and more often then not get away with it. This is one of the rare occasions when someone did not get away with this sort of behavior, and I hope she is forced to pay the price for it.

We cannot have it both ways. People of color cannot expect to be treated as colorless, then expect to get away with ignorant behavior under the guise of everyone that gets fed up with it, must be racist! Eventually you will encounter people that are as ignorant as you are, and they will not let you get away with it. So either act the way you expect to be treated, or don't be surprised if you get treated the way you are acting!

Why the comments about the KKK? Is that supposed to make what she did ok now?

Of course it is.

After all you and I both know that the entire country is "racist" against Blacks and no one else.

I have also stood in line with one or two items and the person i front of me has a whole cart full, they would never ask if I wanted to go ahead...

That's because you haven't stood in line behind me. I always tell people with a few items to go ahead of me. :-)

This is a joke, who the hell does she think she is, just because her cuisine is in another line that is moving faster what gave her the right to switch, lock her butt up, now she it trying to make a racial issue out of it, that's the problem created by people like this who would drag their race into something they created, and if her race stands up for her that only makes things racial ......

And to all those so keen to blame the NAACP for all this. I have looked through this article twice and although I see that this young woman contacted the NAACP, I don't see where they have taken her case, or are representing her. So why the animosity toward the organization?

Oh, yeah. Because you can! Just to be clear, the NAACP has done absolutely nothing to hard this particular person of color...nor have they done anything to help me recently, but I can let that go. Of course, I wonder if t he person at the top of this thread can?

And the comments about the "KKK" are most likely because this incident ocurred in Louisiana, where there is still somewhat of a KKK presence.

Just thought I'd point that out.

bsbfankaren

So everyone of color is like her, your the one with the problem and are a racist plain as the nose on your racist face ..................... To lump people together as a group shows you're ignorance....

Richie, I AM a woman of color! And where did I say everyone of color was like her?

Seriously, you are no better than the folks on here that scream "reverse racisim" at the drop of a hat. You know that type of behavior this young woman and her cousin displayed, because you have seen it time and again just as I have. Ignoring it or trying to pretent it does not exist, just makes matters worse, and adds to the tension that already exists.

The Worm Turned, I couldn't agree with you more.  There are real cases of bigotry (or being wronged) that get clouded by all of the false ones.  Such is life. 

It is an injustice to dismiss every claim of racism as it is a lie. And yes, I would go as far as to say that those that jump to that conclusion (without a verdict) are acting on racist inclinations.

Unbelievable. I am an 44 yr old white man with two BIRACIAL sons, i said BIRACIAL sons, meaning of two ethniciites. I haved watched first hand for the last nineteen yrs(oldest sons age.) of alot black blk people who act like this. Because it seems they think somehow they have a license to do so. Its a cultural thing. "DISSING" white people whenever possible is the mindset of these blacks. If this was a predominately black area of a city and those that she butted in line on were black, it wouldnt have happened. On a personal note, i was knifed after a fight over a basketball game that i was particiapating in 1989. Apparently this black man didnt like a white boy dominating( I know its sounds made up, but true.) I didnt want to fight but protected myself. After kicking his butt i let him up. Oops mistake, he pulls a knife. POINT: I could have hated all blacks but i didnt. In fact a yr later my biracial son was born. There is still so much "white racsim" in this country and thats a fact, ask my sons who attend an all white, small high school. But ask them about the racism they had tolerated from blacks while attending a mostly black school in a larger city. they were not black enough. One son was "TOO WHITE" This is just a smaller version of a larger topic that truely most people dont want to touch. Treat people with respect and generally you will get it back.

There were threatening letters scattered at a place where they were holding a rally in support of Ellis, and it was blamed on the KKK, so the writer of the article attempted to get a comment. I thought it was bizarre that one could call them. I wasn't aware they had a hotline.

catwoman- if you knew their history you wouldn't say something so stupid about the naacp doing 'more harm' to the "black community". They've done alot of good regarding civil rights in general.

That being said, people should separate the fact she likely got some morons using racial mockery of her which she should handle by herself with those in question rather than declaring none of the incident before hand was her fault and everything was racially motivated.

She was a moron for jumping ahead in the line and store staff should just get security to tell her to get back or get out of the store for being a pompous selfish arrogant hag. Then call the cops if she continues being a moron.

And if she indeed assaulted others, they should press charges. There's no way she can be let off for her provocative and apparently criminal behaviour.

double post error- oops!

Where the hell is the Rev. Al & Jesse Jackass?

And to think someone actually hired this nutcase to teach kids.

OK Kids today I'm going to teach you how to cut in line at a Walmart (Pissing everyone off) and then claim racism. If you do it right, the NAACP, ACLU, REV. Al and Jesse Jackass will come to your assistance and spew lies about what really happened, otherwise know as "THE FACTS".

Hell I'm wondering where Obama is? You know he'll say Walmart and the Police acted "Stupidly". I see another Beer summit in the future. But after seeing Heather Ellis and her mother, they'll need a keg.

Again, to think this Piece of Dog Dung is Teaching Kids.

You've got to be @!$%#ing kidding me!

Can anyone say "Throw away the Key"!

I was reading this with an open mind until I saw NAACP and I remembered that they do not defend the more "MODERATE" among the membership.

I keep hearing "Uppitty".

As a member of the I-Stand-In-Line-Like-I-Am-Suppose-To-Race, I grow a gray hair standing in line at Walmart everytime I go. And, most members of my race grow FANGS when confronted by a I-Break-In-Line-Because-Its-All-About-Me-Race. I think this person is in trouble, because the I-Stand-In-Line-Like-I-Am-Suppose-To-Race is by far the majority in this country.

Ellis deserves jail. SHE caused the incident. Had she NOT CUT IN LINE, there would not be an issue.

Ellis hit a cop and split someone's lip. That is called BATTERY in a court of law.

If it is a permanent disfigurement, then it's felonious as opposed to a misdemeanor.

Why couldn't Ellis wait her turn in line like the rest of us AMERICANS?

This out of control "*****" calls it racism when a white person shoves her for not only cutting in line but shoving another's items, already on the counter, out of "her way"???? WTH???  What an idiot...racism...what a crock....

When you are ugly in public, you are going to have people and I mean people of any color are incredibly offended will react negatively...geez...what a total idiot.

I'm going to bet that since this is going to trail, that the Prosecutor of the State already has the video surveillance from Walmart, the statements of all witnesses, and now has a strong case against this woman. This is not about race; it's about her rudeness and now she's going to pay for that rudeness!! She thinks that she's being discriminated against now?? Wait til she goes to prison!! If this woman was my kids teacher, I'd demand a different one. I wonder what she's teaching? How to get to the front of the line fastest?

A sad commentary indeed. Righteous indignation abounds, and everyone is sure they have the truth. Two questions come to mind, though. The first, what would love have done? And the second is like it; what would love do now? How sad that we are a society that chooses self and personal rights over love. I do too, so I'm not labeling anyone. People's pride gets hurt, and then all sorts of mischief happens. Humility would have brought a much different outcome.

I feel the same as you, and I am Black man. I feel like that she should have handle the situation differently, and I am pretty sure the employees at Wal-Mart could have handled it in a different maner. The only true victim is the woman she cut in front of, and obviously this county, that it happen in. Listen, we live in a diverse world, and not everybody get along with one another, with this economy the way it is, people shouldn't be throwing gasoline on the fire.

I will say one thing, 15 yrs. is a little excessive, but I hope it all works out in the end. The NAACP has done a lot of good in champion rights for Black citizens, and I feel that, they are reaching in this instance, they should be standing up for real victims of racism like Oscar Grant.

FACT CHECK - It did NOT happen in Lousiana. The incident happened in Kennett Missouri. The woman is NOW living in Louisiana working as a school teacher. What an example she sets (as others have pointed out).

I think she just wanted to get out of the line quicker. Way different if you send your kid to go get something you forgot. ONE thing, not a cart full. The two of you are together. Not like oohhh you try this line, I'll try that line, if yours moves faster, I will just get behind you. Happens several times at the store and to me has nothing to do with race. Only gets ugly when an adult can't act like one and butts in line.

Not rocket science, one line was moving faster, they were together and the H+++ with the people in between. Entitlement, we should be able to leave together.

I thought I was done, but I have to say, if this is an easy way for you to make money off my back, jail time is good for you. And THAT doesn't matter what color you are. Plus a ridiculous misuse of taxpayers dollars, because everytime some YA HOO wins, the costs comes back to the people that work.

Let me just state that I remember a Communist rule that stated something about over populate and conqueror from within. Seems that the Commies ain't the only ones who think this. Just a sign of things to come. Someone who remembers this Communist statement please feel free to state it. I simply am old now and do now remember exactly what it said.

Thank goodness the majority of comenters have some real sense. I would like to thank the black folks who commented for pointing out that crying racism only hurts society. We've come a very long way and I agree that racism is rarely an issue. Also, it's the "victim mentality" that keeps one from growing. No one holds you back but yourself. Everyone has the opportunity to succeed in this country at this time of our history. If you measure success as receiving a formal education or beginning a small business or even having a great job, wife and kids and on your way to buying a home; it doesn't matter, only that you believe you have had that chance and did your best. This young woman hasn't learned this yet; she beleives what others have told her, that whitie is out to get you and you can use that to get what you want.

I will say one thing, 15 yrs. is a little excessive,

Marvin - you're right. 15 years IS excessive.

It's just like CA. We have 3 strikes laws that put petty thieves in jail for life.

15 years? I suggest community service as appropriate punishment.

Karen in LA-

Her community service should be working as a Walmart greeter for while! ;)

Look a snake is a snake that county sound racist and backward the slime that underminds the forward progression of the rest of the nation. This is just another reason to stay out of all Walmarts. with huge monopolies like this that backwater town will stay backwater, its toothless limited gene pool remain the same for generations. I feel sorry for this young women, to have been insulted and injured and now she can't shake the stink of this small little racist towne. whatever happened to the video which would prove her innocents or guilt. every walmart has cameras on the cashiers. video unavailable shes innocent or that would be u-tubed by now.

Good place for her black ass in louisiana. She will fit right in.

Marvin - you're right. 15 years IS excessive

For battery and/or assault?

Plus any charges over being stupid that can be pinned.

In this case, I would give her the maximum punishment allowed by law, simply because the message needs to be put out that people CANNOT act like this, no matter what race, religion, creed, etc.

Not only did she act like an ass, but also is still doing everything in her power to get out of trouble and lay the blame on someone else. This kind of behavior helped lead our entire country to where we are today. If others (bankers, CEOs, all the way up to the President and all the way down to the average Joe) were to take responsibility for themselves, crap like this wouldn't happen.

JSmith-1359455,

You're obviously a wise and thoughtful person!

(for agreeing with me that is! :-))

"chris-335678Joining your cousin in another line that is moving faster is called line jumping or cutting in line. It is rude behavior which lead to criminal behavior. Go to just about any amusement park and see how much "joining my cousin" goes on....." >>>>>>>You can't be serious. In our stores here it is regular practice to join another shorter line. Sometimes the clerks wave you over to their register, or open another one and wave you over. I never heard of having to stay in the same slow-moving, long line before!

I find it interesting how the Police ruined her life. Had she not tried to bully her way into another line, regardless of the way others acted, this whole incident would have been averted. I have a very good friend who is a Policeman. Once, when in court for a drug and driving arrest, the defendant, who was black, accused him of racism. It matters not that the Cop was also black, it was his only defense for the indefensible. After the trial, where the Black Judge found him guilty and sentenced him to a jail term, the criminal's mother came up to my friend and told him he just ruined her son's life. Mt friend the Cop had only one reply to her: "I was not at the party, I did not convince him to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, I did not put the cocaine in his pocket, and I did not force him to use the cocaine at the party". the mother still brought suit against my friend and the Department, which was dismissed. Bottom line, don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

What this lady needs is 15 years in prison to learn to control that temper of hers...

Bottom line? She was just rude! An "excuse me, would you mind if I joined my cousin up there?" might've been all that was needed for her to "politely" cut in line.

She might've been told to wait her turn, but that would've been an appropriate response as well.

Your right how can people with no respect for themselfs or anyone else demand respect.

bsbfankaren,

I go to the Walmart stores here in Vegas quite frequently and rarely see or experience Blacks, Hispanics or Asians, Caucasians or anyone else cutting lines as you had mentioned. That also goes for everywhere else I have been to in town. Maybe your area may be different but it's not like that here.

To generalize any particular race as typical of that kind of behavior is unfair because it is not true. That kind of behavior really boils down to the individual and their behavior and way of thinking. Rude and inconsiderate people are not indicative of any particular race.

Doesn't Walmart have cameras?

In my long life the biggest raciest are the black people the think they deserve entitlements they demand respect yet respect nothing. Have been supported for many years given no incentive to find work or the means to better themselves. Now with oboma the only ones who will profit from his plans are the minoritys

If you're in that big of a hurry, Wal Mart is the LAST place to go.

It is acceptable to move to a faster moving line but you move to the end of the line. Basically you get out of line and start over.

She was a line jumper and deserved what she got and should have to pay all costs to all (if any) who required a band-aid and the administrative costs of her prosecution plus of course a little jail time.

I hate when people do that...I've had them switch lines to join their family or whatever. Pisses me off when I've been waiting patiently and someone comes in with a basket of crap and I have to wait longer...patiently of course.

And if someone had done the same this this young woman, she would have pitched the same fit she did when someone tried to stop her from doing it.

Ignorance begets ignorance!

She should have, but I have seen where 2 people are going down different isles. Had this just last week, I re-met them in the check out, my cart was filled. Both ppl met up in the checkout behind me, but I saw them in different isles. They used the multiple carts because they lived with each other 3 generations, economy not so good. Maybe why this article was written and I can sue as well, and the lady behind me at the store???

kattlekween or (heffer-queen is probably more like it) your an idiot. Get off your fat butt and off this vine..... you're probably gonna eat it. Just leave some for the rest of us.

camry, am I missing something? What did kattlekween do that was so bad?

I think that's misuse of law enforcement. Murderers and rapists frequently get less than 15 years. This stuff could've been solved by a competent cashier.

Did you read the article? This is not about what necessarily happened in line, but what happened after she was asked to leave the store!!

"Her trial on charges of assaulting police officers, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace......"

Each count carries a different amount of years as punishment....I'm guessing it add up to 15 years.

This stuff could've been solved by a competent cashier.

Oh I see...it's the cashier's fault that this whole thing happened. Gotcha... *eyeroll*

Almost like using the race card now to subjugate other races. Maybe some statistics should be done about sue rates between races. Let's see who comes out first and then tell me why.

Dude thanks for standing up for the cashier!!!

The DA always files for the most they think they can get. The DA offered a plea deal that surely was for less than the total. A year with probation or no jail time with community work. She likely is in danger of losing her job for the type of offense that it is if she is convicted or pleas to anything.

If you assault a police officer, you deserve jail time. I think fifteen years is a bit extreme for a busted lip but there definitely should be punishment. Unfortunately, she will probably win her case, come back and sue the city, Walmart, the employees and the customers, and shortly thereafter be hired by Harvard or Berkley to teach cultural studies, minority heritage, or successful frivilous litigation, etc...

JQ 12261891

I believe it is compilation of multiple charges against her. I doubt that anyone will get 15 years for one charge but I don't doubt that she done other things she will be charged for as well.

Time served concurrently: If she hit a cop it's highly likely she will do time; real good chance of "just probation" though.

I wish they would have tased her.

Don't tase me bro!!!!

Unfortunately, she will probably get probation only. But!!! She will most likely lose her job and won't be allowed to teach. After all....she'll have a record! So there is a bright spot.

This is NOT about race, it's about a woman who doesn't know how to act right in public and now wants to blame the rest of the world. Sad, sad, sad!

Exactly! What do the tapes show?

And how was the other woman in line suppose to know the two of them were related? For all she knew this woman just walked up and started laying her stuff down in front of hers. I'd be ticked myself and I don't care if you are related - you can wait your turn!

White, Black, purple, or blue skin.......................if someone cuts in front of me like that at a store and started throwing my things like that, you bet I would do something.

Most of those black bubbles in the ceiling do not have a camera behind them. It is just a deterrent. Wall mart is not a casino. I worked loss prevention for several retailers. These days, most do not even have a dedicated LP person on site.

Ronald Mcdonald, you probably shouldn't be telling that, even though that's the way it is.

But Wal mart does have a dedicated LP associate assigned to every store and their camera systems are more complete than most retailers.

Doesn't sound like they need the tapes, there are plenty of witnesses.

Yeah, but they are white witnesses, and that don't know how credible that can be. She will say they are all racist against her and lying.

How do you know they're all white witnesses?

Because according to Ms. Ellis, she says all the witnesses were white and being racist toward her for cutting in line.

And Black, Afro-American, have stated on THIS page, they would be mad, had nothing to do with race, LINE cutting, short and sweet. It may be a form of abuse to other races to be able to pull anything out to blame from 200 years ago. I think the people that did that then thought it was ok, the rest of us left didn't have any part of it and still get blamed.

All I know is if there is a tape I hope they play it like a replay on a sunday afternoon! Instant Replay! Slow Mo! You name it. Sounds like this lady needs to be busted if she is guilty, if not do the same thing, so she can be proven innocent! That will put it to rest once and for all.

She does make herself look bad right now with all that she did attacking the officers and what not. That can't be explained away. I think that tape will put it to rest once and for all.

There's cameras above EVERY register.

Terry, you hit it on the nose, she's the racist. It's happening more and more often but that's never written about.

The point is, if you were white, the white store manager would have simply moved you to the back of the line, not tossed you out of the store.

I keep wondering where the parking lot video is to show what happened with the cops. She can always write a book in prison "How to Succeed in Line at WalMart Without Really Waiting"

Desertbro -

Thats something a racist would say in this case.

Sorry bad manners has nothing to do with color.

If a white or Asian refused to move the end of the line when asked they would have gotten the same treatment.

Desertbro, I think a manager would have asked anyone to move to the back of the line if that person were behaving in a civil manner. If they are not, they'll be escorted to the door regardless of color.

I realize you may have a skewed view. But white people get escorted out of stores and get the police called them too.

I'm sure this may be a shock, but white people get arrested every day. It's true, you can look it up.

Desberto, did you even read the story?

Witnesses have told authorities that Ellis cut in front of waiting customers at the Walmart in Kennett on Jan. 6, 2007, shoved merchandise already placed on a conveyor belt out of the way, and became belligerent when confronted, according to court filings.

The did confront her before calling the police. She refused. Based on her allegations of racism, she was well aware that those she cut in front of and the check out clerk were white so she reacted in a racist manner. She was clearly in the wrong to do this and defending her just makes the term racism meaningless. If you want to change the definition to "a term that describes not letting an African-American get away with murder or behave in a disruptive manner", go for it. Thanks to people like her, O.J., and all the Obama supporters who scream racism to those who don't like the health care bill, that's all it means anyway.

Allen, there is nothing in the article saying the other customers in line were white.

I wonder what her law abiding (hopefully) state trooper fiance has to say about all this!!

It took almost 3 years to come to trial. I guarantee that the prosecutor has videos, written statements and witnesses all lined up. Otherwise, there wouldn't be enough evidence to proceed.

Allen, did you read the story? She offered to pay for the items and leave but the manager decided to escalate the incident and have her tossed out -- the management chose to disrespect her as a customer.

The manager could have let her pay, then walked her to the door and informed her that she was banned from shopping there.

The manager could have opened another register and invited the people who were cut in front of to go first.

Why don't "managers" try management before punishment?

Desertbro,

So if I cut in front of you in line, start throwing your items off the belt, then if I offer to pay for my items and leave, this is ok?

The manager did manage, he was protecting the CIVIL AND WELL MANNERED customer.

The manager could have let her pay, then walked her to the door and informed her that she was banned from shopping there.

The manager could have opened another register and invited the people who were cut in front of to go first.

She could have waited in line like everyone else, instead of thinking she had the right to charge off in front of others. The manager was 100% within his rights to ask her to leave the store immediately. She was the instigating factor here, not the manager. Pushing it off onto him (or the cops, as she did) just shows how no one is willing to take ownership when they screw up. She did something wrong, and in response the manager did something that was within his rights to do. Where is the conflict Desertbro?

Zanilth, there is no question about who instigated the disturbance. What I'm saying is why did the managers escalate the issue? According to articles, she was thrown out after the cashier took her money, asked for an I.D., and denied giving her change. IF the transaction is over, why call the police and chase her out like that? Why not stay level-headed, let her LEAVE and then tell her not to come back?

Just because it's within your rights, doesn't mean you need to act like an azz. Customers have rights, too. You don't seem to want the manager to take responsibility for turning a disagreement into a scuffle.

According to articles, she was thrown out after the cashier took her money, asked for an I.D., and denied giving her change.

Please oh please show me where this is stated anywhere in any article. She hadn't paid yet, the manager wasn't letting her pay. By letting her pay, she was getting away with what she did, which shows her that she can get away with it and also shows other people the same. IF she had already paid, then the situation WOULD have been over, but SHE HADN'T PAID YET.

Just because it's within your rights, doesn't mean you need to act like an azz.

And 99% of the population of the world will act an ass in return if someone starts acting an ass to them. That is how it goes, and it IS within the manager's right to do such. It also goes to show the employees AND other customers that acting such in public will NOT be tolerated.

Desertbro,

What article did you read? Its states none of what you are saying in the article.

So you condone this persons behavior? So If someone cut in front of you, threw your things on the ground.......................you wouldn't say anything?

If the manager did nothing like you wanted him/her to, this person would be in another store doing the exact same thing.

ps........................... I hate pulling the racial card (might as well though since this line cutter did), but can't the white person that had there stuff thrown on the ground call this a Hate Crime?

And the fact that affirmative action simply means "back of the line, white boy". I didn't even get to go to college for the degree I wanted because they didn't have enough minorities in the seats for me to be accepted. They had dozens of empty slots too. Things like that happen every day and she thinks not being able to cut in line is racist?

The NAACP was founded by and for black people. Their sole purpose is to defend black people no matter whether they are inocent or guilty. This organization does not exist to defend any skin color other than black, that's why you don't see them anywhere within a 1,000 miles when anyone of another skin color is wrongly accused of anything. This woman is totally guilty and should have to pay for all damages and court costs.

There is one color that matters to the NAACP. Always has been. Jesse Jackson would not have had to invent the "Rainbow Coalition" otherwise.

The chief of police said he doubted the KKK had anything to do with this. He said there was no KKK presence in the town or surrounding areas. It might be a case of baiting to inflame the issue (her supporters trying to get pity and support by posing as KKK). It's happened before.

I wonder how this obviously racist teacher treats the white kids in her class? I wouldn't care to find out.

I wonder how this obviously racist teacher treats the white kids in her class? I wouldn't care to find out.

I'm sure it's fair...................

You know line up kids, Blacks in the front whites in the rear.

Line up alphabetically. You know "B" comes before "W"

I had the same thoughts!!

I'm pretty sure Ms. Heather Ellis made this a race issue. I'm thinking that she needs all the media attention she can get. No one is throwing out the claim, it seems most are taking it seriously.

When you cut in line and act with disregard & contempt to/for others and their property it's not a race issue. It became a race issue when Ms. Ellis shouted it after being met with resistance at her belligerent behavior. Basically, she didn't get her way, hopefully was ashamed of her own behavior and then played the race card to ease her own embarassment.

I do agree with others who said it should have been overlooked and ignored. Are we so immature that we must cause a scene over someone cutting in line? That's for elementary school. It's not an assault on our pride or our rights. It's just someone being rude, this isn't new! People should stop being so self-righteous and more forgiving of something so trivial. If she had cut in line in front of me I wouldn't feel the need to defend myself as I'm sure she made her actions clear to the others in line.

However, if she started throwing my sh*t around, I might have to say something but I wouldn't take it to this level. I don't care what race she was.

But wait -- they will say it's part of their ethnicity, part of their heritage. Our police force actually had to back off making loitering arrests aimed at cutting down on drug-dealing and public drinking, because that neighborhood's leaders said it was unfair and "hanging" on corner was part of the population's culture.

And that is why you have suburban sprawl.

This points to a major problem we have today. America used to be a melting pot where everyone tried to fit in. Nothing wrong with having pride in your heritage but we should strive to be Americans, not Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Irish-Americans .... After the first generation, drop the hyphen or go "home".

It is her heritage and culture to be rude and disrespecful.

Chuck,

 In a few short, precise sentences you managed to state the problem AND the solution.  Rock On!

And why are some posters referring to this woman as a 'lady'?

Woman, female, perhaps, but 'she ain't no lady!' Her behavior is 'not becoming of a lady'. Her mama is probably ashamed.

Chuck_454,

Thank you for putting that so eloquently! First and foremost I am an American born and bred. When asked on paperwork, what is my ethnicity, I always mark other and write in American! Rock on!

Trust me, all the respectable black people are rolling their eyes at this sh*t. I bet after all this she doesn't cut in line anymore! Plus, I've watched too many cops episodes, ANYBODY that resists catches a beatdown!

If she still believes she's correct, I'm sure she'll be "educated" by other inmates when she cuts in the lunch line. Someone is going to "join their cousin" in the line for the beatings.

I feel for you living in a place like that.Sounds like you are being over-run by trash.That's the problem with the laws in this country.People like you aren't allowed to take care of things the way they need to be taken care of.These low life's use the law to hide behind.

I'm not a minority but I have grandchildren of mixed culture. In their case, it isn't black/white, it is hispanic. Thanks to the recent hate mongering of certain media personalities against "illegal immigration" relations have gotten very ugly all across the country. One of my son-in-laws, Mexican-American family has been in this country since before Texas was a part of this country. My other son-in-law came here legally from a central American country 20 years ago. Non of that matters. My 14 year old Grandson is still called names and told to go back to his own country. He has experienced some of the same things that Steven C. has. These days, there is always someone who is trying to start something with my Grandson or one of my son-in-laws. None of which are drug dealers or gang members. Race baiting happens. Anyone who doesn't believe that lives with blinders on.

If the illegal problem was fixed, the legal people would not be hassled. Blame the people who ignore illegals for the woes.

No, I think I'm going to blame the people making stupid assumptions.

Tired of silly: You are silly if you belive that "if the illegal problem was fixed, the legal people would not be hassled." No one walks around with a sign on their forhead that says "Born In the USA." (And I hope it never comes to that.) They are hassled because idiots make assumptions! They are still brown therefore, cashiers, tellers, police and people like you make assumptions that they are illegal, drug dealers, gang-bangers and wife beaters who are on welfare. My son-in-law told me years ago something I will never forget. "Because of my brown skin I have to be twice as smart, twice as ambitious, and twice as hardworking to get half the respect as a lazy, uneducated white man." Sad, but so true.

I'm guessing that some of you didn't understand, that the rude, baiting people in these instances, were african, and I am caucasian.

Also, a little over a year ago, this same web site had a video of an assault that happened in a fast food chain. The video clearly shows an african woman, who intentionally cuts into the line, while her boyfriend watches from behind, and waits for someone to complain. As soon as the person she cut in front of complained, her boyfriend hit the complainer in the head from behind, knocked him to the ground, and almost kicked and beat him to death.

This is what I've been speaking about, with regards to race baiting. These people are terrorists, who hate white people, and have come to realize that they are protected by the government, and the liberal citizens. This is all about race, and hate, and this is what it is to be african, in America at this time. Everyone who isn't african, is at their mercy, and there is safety no where, nor is there any justice. Each and every post here today, that says this isn't about race, is sadly disconnected from what is going on. Each and every one of you who honestly believes this was just a bad mannered woman, is someone who doesn't live, work or associate with more than one african. Those Americans who do, know what is going on, and the rest of you should get some experience, your safety and your lives will depend on it if you ever leave your entitled neighborhoods.

It doesn't really matter that you are caucasian any more than it matters that I am. It doesn't matter if it is black insulting white or white insulting black or white v brown or brown v white. There is obviously enough hate and mistrust, anger and resentment in this world to go around. This whole one race against another, this whole race-baiting game has to end. We all live together, like it or not, isn't it time we all start getting along? Maybe, if we start talking TO one another, not ABOUT one another some of this will end. I'm sorry you've had to go through all that. I'm sorry my 14 year old Grandson has had to go through all that too. The first time he was called a "greasy beaner" on his way home from school, in the neighborhood he had lived in since he was born, (4years ago), he came home and cried. He couldn't understand what he had ever done to anyone, that they would stand in their yard and yell filth at him. He shouldn't have to go through that any more than you should, or anyone else. It could all be avoided if we opened our minds a little.

Steven C-1209801:

You are 100% correct, sir.

Steven C-1209801: I saw that fast food restaurant video, it was horrible and obviously contrived. Its really hard to see something like that and realize that people would set you up simply to cause a hassle, but like I said, its very obvious in that video that's exactly what happened.

The NAACP helped to create this "race baiting" so they need to for once do the right thing, (and yes, its been a very long time since they were really the good guys), and put an end to it by only giving aide to those who truly deserve it, not these baiters. Unfortuntately, they'll hop on any bandwagon, regardless of right or wrong, which is why they're not really considered reputable anymore.

I don't believe that was the case in this situation though. In this situation it seems simply like a young woman who is so use to getting her own way and bullying other people, its second nature to her.

Julie, Are you capable of reading and comprehending or are you merely an Obama hater? You do realize that this incident happened THREE years ago, don't you? It is just coming to trial because the defendant refused to plead to lesser charges. This has NOTHING to do with the current administration, so you are full of it.

julie-spouse

any other way to bash obama? i mean really, no longer reading any story. "lost puppy" that's obama's fault!

Julie-spouse, perhaps we can blame Obama for your reading comprehension skills too, because the story reported that the incident happened almost three years ago -- well before Obama was elected president.

So, Julie, since you found out that this incident happened three years ago, I'd like to hear your revised post on how it was Bush's fault.

Where'd Julie go?

Ignorance has no boundaries! Is your mouth big enough for both feet?

Although I know that this episode took place while Obama was still a do-nothing nobody, Julies point is right. SINCE Obama took office, cries of racism and racial profiling have increased to a disgusting level. Skippy Gates got a meeting with the president over his whining. If I were the cop in that (non)story I would never have gone for that meeting. Why don't these people get it that the more attention they bring to their own bad behaviour, the more (most) white people are going to dislike/distrust them. Once again, someone is looking for attention and to dig into someone's deep pockets. I would be ashamed if my daughter behaved this way.

Julie-spouse,

Obama wasn't president 3 years ago when this happened.Do you know what year Obama became president?

Please!! I'm still trying to forget!

"I am starting to wish I were black. Then I would not be held to the same standards as anyone else, and would have a ready excuse for why I can't succeed, get a job, etc."

Well, you could put your hair up, put on a skirt and heels, and pull the "sexism" card like Sarah Palin does. Works for her every time.

I don't know about letting her fly in a balloon . . . It is kind of irritating that she thinks she is entitled to start something in the grocery store, resist arrest, then call the NAACP because she is in trouble. Where's the National Association for White People? Let me call them up next time I get into a fight at Walmart . . . Wait, there isn't a society like that?!

Jeankins, This is a story because she faces up to 15 yrs in jail for "cutting in line" at a Walmart. The fact that she is Black and claiming racism may be of interest to some, but is minor given the actual facts. Her argument is essentially that a White person would not have been arrested for doing the same thing. Unfortunately for her, she ignores the fact that a White person didn't provoke this particular incident, she did. I do find it curious that she was still arrested after having LEFT the store...

She's not facing 15 years for cutting in line at Walmart. Her rude behavior that caused her to cut in line started a chain of events where she assaulted another customer, disturbed the peace, assaulted an officer, and resisted arrest. 15 years is the maxium, and I agree is excessive, but as we can see today that most people don't get those. Actions have consequences. Apparently, she hasn't learned a thing as she is still playing the victim and not taking any responsiblity for her part.

If this lady were the teacher of my children, I would take action to remove my children from her class room pronto, she has a lot of pented up anger and a lot of issues, she should not be around children, parents who have her as a teacher to their children better keep their eyes and ears wide open, some one with this much angry should not be teaching, period.!

Hummm she was apparently pretty lucky - I was spiked into the back the of the patrol car after I did essentially the same thing - just not at Wal Mart -took me 10 minutes to get seated upright - hard to sit up with cuffs behind your back and wedged on the floor - oh yeah... there might have been some alcohol involved ... a little bit of attitude ... and they said I shouldered the cuffing officer ... and threatened the person who called the police ... jeez I didn't even think to call the ACLU or NAACP ... I did however never do that again-

Shoot her, bury her on the spot - saves a lot of money and time.

Stupid, egotistical, self-rightous witch.

Yea.. she wouldn't be cutting in front of me either... I give her a set of fat soup coolers...

You really think the NAACP would let that be shown? WM would get sued!

without a doubt

RJ I agree and must admit to being guilty of doing the same thing. I however would find fault with the actual store. There have been plenty of times I have gone into Wally's world or other places for that matter and it's the middle of the day and there are only 3 cashiers for 45 people. So I would have someone stand in one line while I waited in another. However the purchase would be made as one thus not inconveniencing those behind me. At least I would hope not. I think this is horrible to have gone so far and yes as a minority I feel she is taking advantage of the situation and hiding behind her race. The ruckus should have stopped with her leaving the store and items behind. Any disrespect or physical force she may have made towards the police officers should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. These people put their lives on the line everyday and should not have to put up with an angry shopper who could not get her way.