The road to JenaCharleston area residents joining Louisiana protest By Adam Parker (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Photo GalleryBuses to Jena Two Charleston groups loaded buses and vans to participate in the rally in Jena, La.
Charleston area residents joining Louisiana protest The push toward Jena is under way, as hundreds of vans, cars and chartered buses are expected to converge on the small central Louisiana town, their passengers prepared to protest what many are calling a pivotal case of racial injustice. A mass rally is planned for 10 a.m. today by the courthouse where Mychal Bell, 17, a black student at Jena High School, was convicted of second-degree aggravated battery after an initial attempted murder charge was reduced. A state appeals court overturned the conviction Friday, saying Bell should have been tried as a juvenile, not as an adult. Five other black students still face aggravated battery charges in the beating of a white student. Fights between white and black students broke out when a black student wanted to sit in the shade of a tree used by whites. The next day, white students hung three nooses from one of the tree's branches. The three white high school students were briefly suspended but not charged with any crimes. The school superintendent called the incident an "adolescent prank." District Attorney Reed Walters, breaking a long public silence Wednesday, denied racism was involved. Walters said the suffering of the beating victim, Justin Barker, has been largely ignored. Barker was knocked unconscious and his face badly swollen and bloodied, though he was able to attend a school function that night. "With all the emphasis on the defendant, the injury done to him and the serious threat to his existence has become a footnote," Walters said of Barker, who accompanied the prosecutor but declined to speak. Walters also said the reason he did not prosecute the students accused of hanging the nooses is because he could find no Louisiana law under which to charge them. "I cannot overemphasize what a villainous act that was. The people that did it should be ashamed of what they unleashed on this town," Walters said. 
Tyrone Walker Carol Richardson of Charleston boards a bus headed to Jena, La., on Wednesday to join a protest over the treatment of a group of black students following the beating of a white student. Critics allege the cases show authorities in this predominantly white town are disproportionately harsh toward blacks. Civil rights leaders, including the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, plan to address the crowd at the Jena rally in front of the courthouse today. Civil rights organizations are encouraging people to join the rally. The Charleston Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has chartered a bus to transport activists to Jena, and students at the College of Charleston have rented several minivans. The rally is expected to attract tens of thousands of people. Abria Justice and Jamila Harper, both College of Charleston seniors, along with junior Jennifer Repede and senior Jermaine VanHannegeyn, organized a local caravan after fellow students expressed interest. "We've been speaking with fellow classmates and they were really fired up about the rally," Harper said. The contingent includes 25 students and a faculty chaperone. Harper said she has been following the media coverage of the "Jena 6" for a class assignment and has been interested to see how something that began as a local story in a small town has become a national story that has captured the attention of observers with no direct stake in the outcome. "People in Northern states don't necessarily know that this stuff still is going on in the South," she said. The media attention and public outcry have appeared to influence town officials, Harper said. Lisa Robinson is the faculty adviser accompanying the students. Robinson, who teaches women's studies, said she was planning to attend the rally anyway, but that, by joining the students, she could ensure that they experience firsthand what they've read in textbooks. "It's so powerful to see undergraduates marching in unity, experiencing what they've learned in class," she said. "I know it will be a powerful experience for them." On the Charleston NAACP-chartered bus Wednesday night, Ashley Drayton, a 19-year-old Charleston Southern University sophomore, said she has heard a lot about the era of segregation from her mother and grandparents. "I would have never expected anything like this to happen in the 21st century," she said. She said was determined to represent her own generation in this current conflict. "Now that I have the opportunity to (go), I'm taking full advantage of it." Dwayne Pearce, 41, runs a Charleston catering company called Juicy Steaks International. He said he's going to Jena to try to understand the larger lessons and then share those lessons with people back home. It's not necessarily just about race, he said. It's about justice. "It's wonderful to talk about what's happening in Jena, but what are we going to do here in Charleston?" he said. The rally is about what it means to be American, he said. "You can't just wake up, go to work, pay the bills and call yourself an American." You have to understand the dynamics and values that help define national identity, he said. The protest in Jena should not divide black and white, North and South. It should show people that justice is everyone's right, Pearce said. "We must band together as Americans," he said. Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@postandcourier.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
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Comments
This article has 138 comment(s)
Posted by europereader on September 20, 2007 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is wonderful. My husband retired from the US Army and I used to hear civilians say "thank for ensuring our freedom". Even now we hear those sentiments in reference to the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are people in Jenna and other parts of the States who are still waiting to be freed. I'm glad he's retired. How easy it is to try to fix someone else's home(country)when ours is so messed up.
It would be wonderful if the families involved could talk because there is a lot of healing that needs to be done there. These sre still children who sometimes don't think their actions through to the consequences. The lawyers just want to win and move on, but these families will be scarred for life. I pray God move on the hearts of the families and get help for their children.
Posted by hotrod2007 on September 20, 2007 at 4 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Go C of C!
Posted by nivag1 on September 20, 2007 at 5:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The fact of the matter is that regardless of the heinous acts of the victim (hanging nooses on the tree), the defendants here cannot take the law into their own hands. You cannot go and beat another human being that way and expect to escape the law.
Posted by Mayor on September 20, 2007 at 6:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Dot Scott gets rear ended by Al Sharpton.
Posted by poorboy on September 20, 2007 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
way to go again NAACP! Continual blind support of "your people" irregardless what they do. Look at the facts of the case and there should have been racial upheaving, in the white community! Check the criminal records of the Jena 6 and I bet you'll get the clear picture. The hanging of a noose in the tree was absolutely stupid but it didn't constitute what happened. So stop blindly supporting your people. You reap what you sow, just watch the news every night!
Posted by mggoose2000 on September 20, 2007 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Poorboy:
I agree and would add; Every time that a black is the perpertrator, the NAACP and Rev Jesse and brother Al, come to the rescue. The message to the black community is "the whites are always wrong and the blacks are always right! The last time I looked, Aggravated Assault is a felony and punishable by prison time. In the lowcounty, students that have commited this kind of act have been charged with Lynching! If the incident was reversed, they would be!
NAACP, when are you going to come to your senses and realize that you are part of the "racist" problem in this country? By your very name and your doctrine, you are a racist organization. You only come to the rescue and defense of blacks, no matter the guilt of those accused. Everytime you do this, you bring down the very people you profess to support. When one of your own commits an act like this, you should publically and officially denounce the act and distance yourselves from the perpertrators. I'd also run as fast and as far away from the two charlatans, Jackson and Sharpton, as possible. They don't help your cause and they certainly aren't lily white, pardon the expression.
Posted by lillycollette on September 20, 2007 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Walters also said the reason he did not prosecute the students accused of hanging the nooses is because he could find no Louisiana law under which to charge them."
DUH (i.e., no brainer):
http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp...
Criminal Law
(showing a number of chargeable offenses);and,
http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp...
§107.2. Hate crimes
Posted by kam5507 on September 20, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If that were 5 white people beating up 1 black person forget about it. everyone would want them hung or imprisoned for life. But let it be the opposite and the whole world cries out like the world is going to end. Bunch of juvenille degenerates. Should be treated like an adult. but yes the attempted murder would be too harsh. All people should be treated the same. Forget the black/white pity me nonsense. You were not alive in the slavery days so get over it. Yes that boy was in the wrong, so instead of 1 on 1 like a man you go get your whole GANG. NO wonder you kicked his ass couldnt do it yourself loser.
Posted by Mayor on September 20, 2007 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These kids are getting what I call, "Nifonged". The prosecutor in Jena should get a lot harsher treatment than our boy, Mike, got in Durham. The Dukie's never spent more than hours in jail. However, the Jena 6 are guilty, but not of attempted murder, how about lynching, as we would do here in Charleston? National attention really shows what the blacks care about in our country. The real problem in the country and the black community, is the same, black on black murder, child neglect and family issues. Does Al forget he's a descendent of Strom? You won't see Obama around this mess, who would he root for? He's as white as he is black! Half and Half, should I go or should I stay now? What a MESS!
Posted by prosperous_hb on September 20, 2007 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yet again, the media has misled people in this case. This not just about 6 blacks beating up 1 one white kid. Do you some of you even know that the black kids got beat up first? Why wasn't the white kid charged for being under aged and having a gun? The media never give all information involved. What happened in Jena is INJUSTICE and I hope especially that DA get's fired and sued for his wrong doings.
Posted by MtP on September 20, 2007 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with poorboy and mggoose2000.
NAACP is the problem with our country. They are the reason why racism still exist. Maybe get rid of NAACP and everyone would be treated fairly and have a fair trial.
There is not a white organization to step in every time a white person does something to draw public attention.
Posted by proud2bme on September 20, 2007 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mggoose2000,
very well said!
Posted by greyrider on September 20, 2007 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The US does have its problems, but we're still the best country on the planet. When any of you finds a perfect country, let me know. In Jena, the white kids were wrong, the black kids were wrong. They should ALL be punished, and any public official who wants to show favoritism either way needs to be run out of office. Those kinds of public officials don't belong in America.
Posted by kam5507 on September 20, 2007 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
where did you hear he had a gun and beat the other kids up first? wondering...so i can actually read it.
Posted by common_sense_plz on September 20, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
READ THE ARTICLE AGAIN AND GET THE FACTS BEFORE JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS!!!
The white students did beat a black student first for sitting in "white world" under the tree. They were just suspended. I am all for treating everyone equal - do the crime - pay the time!!
But make sure everyone pays the same price!!
Two fights - 5 whites beat 1 black = school suspension.
5 blacks beat 1 white = felony charges.
This time the NAACP is only asking for fair treatment!!!
P.S. Anyone can join. They also fight for injustice for gays, lesbians, and even whites.
Posted by kam5507 on September 20, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no. they hung nooses(however u spell it dont use it often)
they got suspended so little man got pist and got all his posse couldnt do it alone. face it. thats the way it always is. someone always cries Racism. Black white and hispanic are all guilty of that. it will never change because stuff like this is always overblown and the whites are always wrong and the poor neglected black community. we dont run to the kkk when ya'll screw up do we. just stick with your version of it. al sharpten. he'll get ya right back where
Posted by kam5507 on September 20, 2007 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
whatever....this is all blown way out of proportion.
see ya
Posted by obrbob on September 20, 2007 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone is jumping to conclusions on both sides of the fence. I don't know what the kids did that hung the noose, I don't know that the kids did that beat up the other kid. Nor would I guess that most of the people rallying or attending the rally know any more or less than I do. It should be equal treatment under the law. If the prosecuting attorney is not doing that, he should be brought up on charges. But when kids and people take the law into their own hands, this is the result. Let the law handle the law. Don't feel like your getting a fair shake? Climb the ladder of the justice system and be heard. But do it withing the confines of the law. Don;t like the law? Petition to change it. And stop pointing fingers...not everything is "black and white"...pun intended.
Posted by kam5507 on September 20, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i apologize if i have offended anyone. its tiring. always the same crap. this world will never improve and its just sad.
Posted by yougogirl78 on September 20, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems like it is ok to beat up a white man because the NAACP will have your back if you're black.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1. In math two negative directions Induce a positive conclusion however two wrongs don't make a right but should make those who observe Deduce some constructive conclusion.... Natural Law
2. One of the white young men pulled a shotgun on a black young man and was not punished at all, yet the black man was punished for disarming the fellow.
3. How can you dispute that there is one law for some and another for others. This includes economically challenged whites. Quoting Marley, Wake up and live.. Ex. Ravenel gets simple possession treatment in an instance that would get a black offender and even the average white offender trafficking charges. Question, if a drug dealer sells his drugs at half price will he get half the sentence? This is the logic of giving drugs away is not as bad as making a profit from it..?? Oh yeah, you can't tell me there was not some bartering going on... Wash my back and have some coke.
4. There are a great deal of emotions tied to lynchings and it drives some people over the edge. Case in point. Please do not view the link if you are easily disturbed by savagery to your fellow man. Please keep in mind that during this period film was still a relative luxery so just imagine what instances did not make it to film. The first time I saw this, I could think about nothing else for a long time. Some sick people made them into post cards. I am sure some out there still take delight in seeing these. I was hesitant to post for that reason but it is still part of AMERICAN history. http://withoutsanctuary.org/main.html
Posted by DCartisan on September 20, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
common_sense_plz
Finally, someone that knows what's going on. What most people responding don't know is the various times blacks in Jena have reported a crime and nothing happens. They get hit in the head with a beer bottle and nothing happens. They gen loaded guns pulled on them on school grounds and nothing happens. They get beat up by their counterparts and nothing happens. Darn it, how many times must you be treated unfairly before you strike back? Maybe what they did was wrong but, how could you explain them getting felony charges and nothing happening to their counterparts for doing the exact same thing? Why hasn't the justice system there caught up with the 20th century. Hanging nooses in a tree is "adolescent prank". Give me a break.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And for the rebuttal of, the shotgun was taken by the young black man... Well if you pull a shotgun on me and I managed to get it out of your hands. I am not giving it back. sorry, peace
Posted by chozen24 on September 20, 2007 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early: If you are gainfully employed, I am sure that you have heard of personal time or vacation time. I personally have six weeks of vacation and ten personal days a year. And the comment that you are referring to was supposedly said by Jessie Jackson and not Al Sharpton.
The thing that some of you are not getting is that the constitution of this country states that the punishment must fit the crime. The punishment that is being sought did not fit this crime. There are, and has always been, racial disparities when sentencing like crimes against races, ex: look at the sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine vs. powder cocaine. Crack being mostly sold by Blacks receive much harsher sentences than Whites for selling powder.
While I do not always agree with everything that is said and done by the NAACP, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton and others, I do feel that this march is warranted. Let me give some of you who simply write, without researching the real issues a little background: Last fall, when two Black high school students sat under the "white" tree on their campus, white students responded by hanging nooses from the tree. When Black students protested the light punishment for the students who hung the nooses, District Attorney Reed Walters came to the school and told the students he could "take [their] lives away with a stroke of [his] pen." Racial tension continued to mount in Jena, and the District Attorney did nothing in response to several egregious cases of violence and threats against black students. But when a white student--who had been a vocal supporter of the students who hung the nooses--taunted a black student, allegedly called several black students the N word, and was beaten up by black students, six black students were charged with second-degree attempted murder. If you look at the totality of circumstances, the violence was 100% wrong, but the white student was looking for trouble, and found it.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One more thing. You seem to bring up valid issues regarding organization like NAACP, etc. Are you going to stand by and watch all the negatives or you doing something?? A person who witnesses a tort against his fellow man should ask, what could I have done to prevent this. I think some have stood by and watched for too long. Starting with myself. It is not white and black or colored... What is white and black or and colorred anyway..?? A lot of you should have some dna tests. You would be suprised... Whole other subject matter but just a hint don't you think African desecedants who could pass for white did just that.. Get your dna test boi.. Back to the subject at hand.. When your kester is on the operating end of some unjust doings what are you going to do? Wake up citizens....
Posted by glovla on September 20, 2007 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the whole situation is terrible. It should not be a black and white thing. Yes the kids were wrong for hanging the nooses in the tree. The other kids were wrong for lynching Mr. Barker. They all should have been punished fairly and obviously none of them were. This town does need some help with judgement and justice but it is going to take more than the naacp protesting
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello fellow readers, I just wanted to take a brief moment to respond to this case. First off I want to say I have a friend who lives in Jena and her children attend the school that these events took place in. Second off this entire issue is being blown out of proportion on BOTH sides. The boys were suspended for hanging the rope from the tree. Yes it was wrong and at the very least rude but they were punished. Now when the white boys beat up the black boy he did not require the medical attention but the white boy did. Now on that same note, the white boy was in only on the hospital for three to four hours. This DOES NOT constitute attempted murder! If no charges were filed when the black child got beat up then no charges should have been filed when the white child was beat up. However I do think that far too many people are playing the RACE card here. We have got people saying it is racism that the boys were charged and they are wanting the charges dropped. SO what is the message we are conveying... if your black you can get away with RETALIATION? Because that is what this was. We should focus on putting the correct values in our children and we will not have this problem. When a white child is charged in a crime we do not have RALLEYs and protestors and all of that crap! Come on people! If all of the parents involved in this had busted their kids butts when they were little and taght them right from wrong, we would not be in this situation at all!
Posted by kam5507 on September 20, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
chrissy baggett: that was the best comment i have read!!!!!!!!! 100%
maybe you should go run for office in jena and clean that mess up
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kam5507
Well that would be kind of hard seeing as how I am not in that State and I am focusing on my pre law studies along with being a mother of four, but thanks for the kudos!
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://withoutsanctuary.org/main.html
Left you speechless huh? Nothing you can say about these instances, huh.. Yeah, did that to me too. May those poor souls rest in peace. I wish film was available for the Middle Passage which if you beleive it is possible was much worse than these pictures, I hear... Some may say, why am I so concerned with the past. Well because this part of AMERICAN history is ignored much like it is being ignored now. Everyone is silent when it comes to the history of Lynchings and the MIDDLE PASSAGE. Well, sorry if it offends it was bit offensive to those who experience it, I imagine. Nevertheless, it is part of AMERICAN history that all should know and then just maybe people would not use a mockery of racial epitaphs as a prank. Far more people died in the MIDDLE PASSAGE than all of the holocaust. Let me see someone use Auchewitz in a prank, though we throw the word Plantation around like it is nothing. It is nothing but offense to me. Take ownership of your history AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Missthang on September 20, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of the previous comments posted on here were obviously made by people who have no knowledge of the case. Early you are ignorant. Oh yeah the kkk is a white organization. Don't act like it doesn't exist.
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on September 20, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I HATE when people say not everything is black and white. This is true, but somethings ARE black and white, like this case and in many instances in America are justice system is as much black and white as it is Rich and Poor.
Everyone on this board should research this case. Find out the facts, THEN form an opinion instead of jumping to conclusions because the NAACP, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are involved. Last time I checked, they were also involved here in NYC during the cases of Abner Louima and Amadou Diallo and also in North Carolina after a young man named Darryl Hunt was wrong imprisoned, convicted by an all-white jury and served over 19 years in prison, even though NO evidence linked him to his crime. You may have your beliefs, prejudices or biases against certain organisations and individuals but no need to disparage every cause they are involved in.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
chrissybaggett, you do seem to be less biased.. What about the shotgun incident?
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on September 20, 2007 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oh and hanging nooses is an adolescent prank??
I suppose burning crosses is just "boys being boys" Give me a break...
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://withoutsanctuary.org/main.html
Speak up.. I didn't hear you..
Well except for SCdeacinNYC.
Speak up the lot of you..
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is what is wrong with America. No one READS. The majority of you don't even know the whole story. All you know is "If 6 white boys beat up a black boy blah blah blah". Do you think the noose issue and beating are the only parts of the story? Get a grip. Like I've said before media (liberal media? yeah right) only shows what they want to and in this case it seems to have a conservative twist doesn't it? I have been following this case for awhile so kam5507 how about you go on the net like everyone else and find it yourself.
And for everyone else! The NAACP is not the reason racism still exist. YOU ARE!!! Idiots...
Posted by CADguy on September 20, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
After reading the events that happened, this simply appears to be a case of injustice in regards to being punished for a crime. Solve the problem by sentencing all of them involved for assault and battery, regardless of who provoked who. Let them spend a little time in jail and or community service.
This sh*t will never change. Both sides of the fence will not let it happen. You can talk about it until all you want. The only thing you can hope for is coexistence.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
COEXISTENCE. Oh like, cats and dogs?? Don't taz me Bro. I am just like you. I hope coexistence did not mean that I am somehow different from you?? I am sure that is not what you meant.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
chrissybaggett, you do seem to be less biased.. What about the shotgun incident?
Still didn't hear you..??
Posted by Kytten104 on September 20, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All of this would be taken care of if the Boys who hung the nooses were charged with a hate crime to begin with. If justice was served from the begining then there probably would have been no fights. Violence was returned with violence, and now six kids could have their lives ruined by a racist society, and as a whole we are racist. This should have been stopped before it was aloud to get this far. Alot of these types of incidents could have been stopped had someone taken the initiative to call out those who were guilty first.
Posted by JonWithnal on September 20, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are involved you know it's got to be a credible worthwhile event.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://withoutsanctuary.org/main.html
Apathy is what got us here ironically from day one. When a freed nation was created for some and the burden of nation building for others. Those who apathetically stand on the sidelines as unjust people have their way. Stop the apathy the lot of you and I bet you will see a change.
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JonWithnal - and everyone else
I hate to be the one to bring it up but Jesse and Al JUST got involved in this issue. When I heard about it first, it was in the news but it wasn't even associated with them. So get your heads out of your butts. In fact most issues attributed them are things that have ALREADY been going on before they come on board. You see people, if you think jesse, al and the naacp is the cause of all racism then you are seriously deluded. This board by itself gives insight into how and why racism still exists.
Posted by trod on September 20, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all the white and the black kids should be doing time for the attacks.second when jesse jackson and al sharpton the black panthers and the naacp apologize to the duke lax players whom they basically tried to railroad with out any facts or ignoring the facts then i may take what they say seriously maybe wheres the outrage .theres a double standard in this country on several different levels and changes depending on what is done to whom and where it happens.as it is ok to hurl racial taunts to whites nothing is said but if its black the whoa the world stops.affirmative action is a joke why not just take the most qualified person for the job period regardless of race.as long as you have race based organizations racism on some level will never stop theres money in it and they will run it forever until its made nonprofitable.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://withoutsanctuary.org/main.html
Not even as much as a backhand racist comment about this link above, huh..?? Apathy at its most absolute.
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth Sorry I was working on a project for class! I think that the boy who removed the gun should NOT have been charged here! The boy rather white yellow green or purple should not have pointed that gun at anyone! That was wrong to pursue those charges! The boy that pointed the gun should have gotten in trouble. But we have to look at the bigger view though... how many crimes go uncharged for whatever reason? Thanks Chrissy
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Citizen Trod, what a simple solution for such a complex problem. Ironically another natural law. Genius.. Why didn't we all come to that conclusion sooner..?? That was mean but now the question is, how do we put that in action??
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello Minority where are you
Posted by carolinabeachgirl on September 20, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth: what reaction would you like to the link? I am not sure if you are trying to invoke social change or incite the tension of the issue. Is what happened in Jena disgusting, yes. Does someone need to be punished for it, hell yes. Who should be punished, the parents and the children. The parents for not teaching their kids the hate and ALL of the kids for their complete and utter stupidy.
Posted by CADguy on September 20, 2007 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, coexistence. We are different. Different in beliefs, the way we live our lives, and the way we talk and treat each other. I was not stating that one is better group/race is better than the other. And yes, cats and dogs can live together, coexist. Now, if you said alligators and man, that might cause more contriversy.
And what is up posting old photos of lynchings? The newest one I noted was 1960. The majority were at the beginning of the 20th century. In addition, a lot were noted that they were executions for crimes. I do not doubt that there were racially motivated lynchings.
To many people live in the past.
Posted by scrisn on September 20, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure if it was reversed and 6 white boys jumped, kicked and knocked out a black kid it would be a diffrent march for diffrent reasons. Not once in any interview has anyone wished for the well being of the child hurt. What a shame that people will use this to gain attention to themselves and not to the real issue. 6 people beating on 1 person is not right in any regard, and to say that they waited 4 months after to attack and respond to the actions they felt lead them to due this, (3 nuices hung in a tree) just goes to show it was all premetiated, and they deserve to be tried to the extent of the law. Regarless of race, color or creed.
Posted by onlyGodcanjudge on September 20, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me start by saying that by "supporting the Jena 6," we are not condoning the young men's behavior. Instead we are supporting legal justice for these young men. Why was one group criminally charged for a fight, while another group only got suspended? "Supporting the Jena 6" means wanting equal treatment for everyone under the law, whether they're white or black. For the people who are jumping to conclusions about us "taking up" for the Jena 6, please get a background of the things that happened. If you are able to open your mind, imagine that these six boys were your children. You would not condone them fighting, but you would not want them charged as an adult for a school fight (when others involved in a fight previosly were only suspended). Even if you don't believe the Jena 6 were treated unfairly, do you honestly think everyone was treated equally? I think not. (Before you answer, please read the facts surrounding the case and not jump to conclusions based on what you heard.)
Posted by lvhasnocolor on September 20, 2007 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
EVERYONE WAS INVITED TO THE RALLY. SAME CRIME SAME PUNISHMENT!! OUR CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE... The outcome off a crime comitted by all races produce the same outcomes. Everyone knows when something is unequally leveraged one side is going to crash and hit the ground... Stop screaming color and start screaming education. LEARN TOGETHER WORK TOGETHER PRAY TOGETHER LIVE TOGETHER. MAYBE THEN WE CAN TRULY BE THE U N I T E D STATES of AMERICA..SAME CRIME SAME PUNISHMENT!! SAME CRIME SAME PUNISHMENT!! SAME CRIME SAME PUNISHMENT!!
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Fellow readers I am trying to find a law that would have allowed the boys legal ramifications for hanging the ropes from the trees, however I am coming up empty handed. Yes it is distasteful, rude, vulgar, and a horrible reminder of what some people experienced as their last waking moments on this earth, but show me where the law could have punished them for that and I will be right there with you. This all reverts back to most of the actions that surround this case are the parents fault on both sides! A parent has a great responsibility in raising a child. Now lets lay the blame where it should go here! Stop splitting hairs and speaking of the Naacp! They get involved no matter what. Lets just set them to the side and view the facts and the realization that most of the southern states still have some morons raising their children to be biggots while others teach their children zero tolerance for the stupid. Think about it!
Posted by scrisn on September 20, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"onlygodcanjudge"
The other kids involded in the fight did not "knock" out a student then when he was on the ground, kicked, and jumped on him repeatedly.
That is the basis of the entire legal issue. They just didn't fight but attempted to cause severe injury without prejudice. Had they not kicked him while he laid on the ground, out cold, the charges would not be severe, and they too would have just been suspended.
And the next issue will be but the kid was released later from the hospitial, so his injuries were not that severe. But the intent to cause those injuries is the basis of the case.
Example: I shoot you with a gun in the leg, aiming for there. I am still charged with attempted murder, had I shot you in the chest and you survived, same charge, only diffrence was my intent on where I shot you.
6 people kicking another human being while "out cold" laying on the ground shows the intent of the injuries they inteneded to cause.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://withoutsanctuary.org/
Oh, don't complicate the issue now. Your statements are quite different from the general vacuous narrow minded analysis posted.. Ofcourse their are crimes that go unnoticed. I was behind this white woman this morning on the way to work. She was in an SUV and did not put on her turn signal for a right hand turn. I am sure she is a nice lady and she did Not pull a shotgun on me threatening me not to tell you guys about her infraction but if she did I hope you would bring her to trial, she may pull it on you next..?? Now I know that is a bit of a tangent but you started it, with the crimes going un-noticed statement.. This young man noticed a shotgun was pulled on him hard to miss given the life threatening nature of the instance. Their were witnesses present in addition to him.. He, the youth of African Descent, took the weapon that belonged to the other youth. Now in all fairness no pun intended(fairness as in "just" not "pigmentation"). It could have been self defense on the part of the youth of European Descent's but given the seriousness of the "sitchiation", I think it is better left up to a jury to decide rather than being dismissed by Jena's Law Enforcement officials.. Yet, the youth of African descent was charged with some sort of theft charge for possessing the weapon, correct me if I am wrong the details change from day to day..?? Was he suppose to give the weapon back to be shot in the hand that momemts before gasped the weapon that threatened his life...?? What would have done at that point?? The Law Enforcement office seems a hair baised if you ask me and if it were to go to trial in that town, where are they going to find an unbiased jury given their history of building that just team of women and men of their Law Enforcement office..??!!
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth; That site was absolutely heart wrenching to view. The only thing that I can say to that site is that we as human beings should learn from the past... Not LIVE in the past. I truely dislike when blacks generalize whites for slavery and hangings. I can not help what my anscestors did or did not do. We should not ponder on this fact! I am white but I also have Indian in me, but I dont yell at white folk and complain of all the injustices that they did to my ancestors. Think about it. Learn from the past dont live in it. You will find yourself much happier!
Posted by ln1959 on September 20, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
POORBOY, and MO.what ever... Here you two go not knowing the whole story and putting up your bigot comments again. They did not go out to beat this kid up, the kid was screaming racial slurs and got his butt kicked. A gun was pulled on these boys and they got charged with a crime for taking the gun away from the white man. Their life is getting taken away from them for a school yard fight. 22 years for a school yard fight, how many of us would still be in jail for fighting in school. Read the whole story, before commenting.
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hello cant hear you minoritysouth
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scrisn - You forgot to mention how bringing a gun and pointing it at someone could be attempted murder. Also, before that "attack" some kids (white) jumped a black kid. Read the facts. Don't just pick the parts you agree with. The supposed "attempted murder" charge is only a small part of the story.
PS He seemed well enough to party later that night so I guess we have a different take on what almost beaten to deah means.
Posted by Ontherighthand on September 20, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If anyone can tell the District Attorney of LA what law the white kids broke, he'll be more than happy to put them in jail. Yes, their act was stupid, shameful, and I would dare anyone to say it was not racialy motivated. However, their stupididy does not justify anyone else's actions. When will people begin to realize that the only reaction we should take in the face of idiots is to stay above them, not sink to their level. All of them were wrong, from the displaying of the ropes to the beatings.
If you're still struggling to find a law to charge the white boys with, I suggest the District Attorney review the laws governing "terrorestic threats".
Posted by RTC on September 20, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
chrissy, you have stated what I have thought all along. The blame lies with the parents. A child is not born with either racism or hatred in their hearts. This is something that is instilled into the children and carries over from generation to generation. The chain has to be broken somewhere. Find the weakest link, and then you can start to repair the damage that has been done.
Posted by cnast777 on September 20, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone is a bigot, period.
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on September 20, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree chrissy, but its hard to not LIVE in the past when its remnants are confronting you every day. You dont want the past racist and horrific acts of your ancestors and others brought up, but people don't want to admit to what this historical legacy has meant not just for Black people but our nation in general. They think everyone should just get over it...get over something, a legacy that America has never addressed on a national scale. We still have some cleaning up to do on that legacy.
Think about it.
Posted by kam5507 on September 20, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i just read he was reduced to 15 yrs. one of the charges were dropped and they are hoping for more. they should all be charged with battery and forced to do community service TOGETHER AND LEARN ABOUT EACHOTHER
Posted by greyrider on September 20, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A quick history lesson - The City of Charleston at one point in the 19th century had to outlaw the public auctioning of slaves for fear of riots. All historical research shows that by 1861, 70-80% of white southerners OPPOSED slavery. There's an old saying "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it" People assume that the Civil War was over slavery because it existed in the South. That's nonsense, it was over the fact that the Northern politicians heavily taxed the industries attached to slavery. This unfairly affected innocent people who didn't own slaves and didn't support it. Slaveowners kept slavery legal by speaking louder than the majority of white southerners who quietly opposed it. Let's not let this same jumping to conclusions affect the Jena situation. The injustices now occuring in Jena don't prove anything about any "widespread" racism. Slavery remained legal as long as it did because the slaveowners were the original "special interest" group. In Jena, you've got a handful of racists in positions of power. This does not say anything about white people in general. The problem is, that as long as people don't get involved in politics and don't vote in people of high moral fiber into public office, corruption and injustice will continue.
Proverbs 29:2
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chrissybaggett - if i was native american i would be even MORE angry. If there is anyone who has gotten the short end of the stick it is them. I for one think that they SHOULD be outraged over the injustices that were done. If my people actually discovered this country and hundreds of years later a lot are still living on reservations? Hell no. I am mad thinking about it and I am not native american. The fact that you aren't is a little sad. There used to be native american groups in the 70s also that fought for change. Sadly I am not sure they are in place anymore.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
chrissybaggett, It is a grey area of freedom of speech, the whole noose thing( http://withoutsanctuary.org/), just maybe not as grey as not allowing supports to wear free Jena 6 t-shirts but I see your point. I say it is grey because it incites a very violent image that carries a lot of unhealed wounds, yeah back to apathy, no apologies. I guess we would have to ask the offenders what were their honest intentions of hanging the nooses was it like Dave Chappelle "haha" funny or did they mean, if you sit underneath this tree again, I will be putting one of these around your neck the moment I feel it can go, ah,.. what are the words that I am looking for, apathy?? no too pretentious, doesn't really fit in context, yeah, "UNNOTICED"!! Only their conscious knows.
Posted by scrisn on September 20, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wow..
never in any legal breif filed in either of the cases is there mention of a shotgun. Had a shotgun been brought to school and pulled on school property during school hours that would have made national news as well.
the gun incident happened after a party at a convience store with no date and time, nor any charges filed either way, nor a police report done. How can we say these things told second hand are fact or fiction, or just someone trying to talk an incident up.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/crime/jen...
hmm the facts of the case the weapon they are referring to was the tennis shoes worn by one of the charged for jumping and kicking..
Please read and then look at the legal breifs filed in the case.
also the one charged had been on probation for violence already and while on probation commited 3 other crimes.. That shows a pattern !!!!!
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't live in the past. I feel it is my duty to educate those who are unaware or have not been in this country long enough to know the history. I certainly learned this stuff outside of the various American History class that I have experienced. Just called me the enforcer fighting against Selective Revisionist Idealistic American history. My Great Grandfather was a Cherokee from North Carolina, my Great Grandmother was French, Cajun, from Baton Rouge. I have been told by Nigerians that I look like them and I have been told I look like Djimon Hounsou but my African heritage has been stolen I am fairly clueless about that side of my genetic pool. I am saving for DNA tests not that race is material but I find it material in this society and I am just curious about history in general. I apologize if that offends you. Historical awareness to the wise prevents mistakes like the one at hand. That's like saying their should be no 911 memorials. As horrible as that was, those deaths are like a grain of sand at the beach compared to your brother's and sister who died coming to build this Great Country you and I both enjoy to this day. Just those of fairer skin have more opportunities to enjoy than those that are less fair given their life is lived under a legal microscope in comparison to their fairer citizens. Again no pun intended.
Posted by sjmehlhose on September 20, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey people. The noose was politically protected speach (I amy not agree with that particular viewpoint, but it is political speach nevertheless). What these six did was attempted murder. When six people beat a person into unconsciousness, it is attempted murder regardless of the skin color. WAKE UP!!!
Posted by onlyGodcanjudge on September 20, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scrisn,
My correct username would be "onlyGodcanjudge."
But in response to your comment, "Not once in any interview has anyone wished for the well being of the child hurt"
I do hope the young man who was beaten has healed properly. However, I am sure he is fine as he was well enough to attend a party later that night.
In addition, you argue that the "intent" in the two fights were different which justifies the difference in punishment. What do you think was the "intent" of the students who hung the nooses? Considering the context of the happenings on that school's campus prior to the nooses being hung, a "reasonable person" would assume that it was racially motivated and was meant to intimidate Black students. But no charges were filed in that case. Do you have a reasonable explanation for why no charges were filed in this case based on your explanation of "intent"? I don't mean to single you out; I'm merely trying to get a feel for your way of thinking. I'm pretty open-minded and love to hear other people's opinions.
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
navy - The Duke situation is sad but is there a comparison? HELL NO. There are people who are wrongly convicted in this country. Served dozens of years and they don't get any settlements. Why the hell should they? Did they sit in someone's cell? Don't get me started. The Duke situation seems to be a raving banner for a lot of white people. "Ya see, they were 'wrong' this time". If that is the only thing you have then go for it but I am damn tired of hearing about it. Those guys were not sweet and completely innocent even IF they did not rape that girl. I never understood why you would want black strippers for a white college party anyway (damn odd if you ask me). What about those rednecks in W. VA that raped that girl? Jesse and Al haven't taken that one up yet it still made news.
tripsa - If we need to do something about "black leadership" then you should do something about "white leadership". Bush, Rush, Bill O'Reilly, Rove (former). Get a life. I will say it once and I will say it again. Stop generalizing people. Idiots...
scrisn - When we resort to getting news from Snopes.com we know there is a problem in society and just because you think there is a "pattern" and I use that term loosely, does not mean that this is less of an injustice. I love how all of that is hearsay now that you have the FULL story. THIS is why racism will never die in this country. Not because of jesse or al but b/c people want to sweep it under the rug. Frickin idiots...
Posted by sjmehlhose on September 20, 2007 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
onlyGodcanjudge: The noose was politically protected speach (I may not agree with that particular viewpoint, but it is political speach nevertheless). What these six did was attempted murder. When six people beat a person into unconsciousness, it is attempted murder regardless of the skin color. WAKE UP!!!
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have time to debate with all of you, tripsa. I am not African so why would I consider going back to Africa?? Secondly, your folks voluntarily came here and were not forced to stay, could also blend in once they ditched the accent and changed their names... I guess if you saw some one being mugged you would pick any items that the muggers shaked out of the victim's pockets huh?? Not much of a comparison
Posted by lillycollette on September 20, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Walters also said the reason he did not prosecute the students accused of hanging the nooses is because he could find no Louisiana law under which to charge them."
DUH (i.e., no brainer):
http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp......
Criminal Law
(showing a number of chargeable offenses);and,
http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp......
§107.2. Hate crimes
Now will the person who refered to the legal briefs please post where they can be found?
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tripsa - POP QUIZ time. You think Africa was ALWAYS like that? ummm don't let me get started on the diamond mining that has STRIPPED that continent. Apartheid anyone? At least I can say America didn't really have a BIG part of destroying Africa. Europeans screwed it all up. Read up on how the Rwanda genocide got started. All this war in Africa didn't just come out of nowhere and it hasn't been happening for centuries like some cultures (middle east). And also, the Irish were actually some of the worst racists in Boston the 50s - present. In fact, Boston is still worst than some cities in the South. Guess they forgot how they were treated when they came over huh?
Everyone knows that SOME africans sold their own people into slavery but NOT all. Get your information straight. I love that excuse too. Oh well their own people sold them so lets chain them up and enslave them for years. What they did was WRONG but what was done to people who came over was WORSE and doesn't excuse slavery at all. I will also tell you that no one, I MEAN NO ONE tells Jewish people to get "get over" the holocaust. No ONE does and I sure won't tell them that either b/c that has LASTING effects on a people. Why can't slavery (middle passage had more victims than holocaust) be cast in the same light? It's also not just about slavery. Do you even remember when blacks got the right to vote? It was within the last 40 or so years. There are people still alive who remember that crap. Still frickin alive. So get over it does not cut the butter buddy.
Posted by onlyGodcanjudge on September 20, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjmehlhose,
I respect your opinion, but I beg to differ. It is not protected speech if it infringes on the rights of others. This was public school property and ALL students have a right to an environment free of intimidation, whether they are White or Black. I don't think that fighting is an answer to your problems and I agree that fighting is a punishable offense. My point is that everyone should be treated equally and fairly under the law. Should the Jena 6 be punished? Yes. Should they be charged with attempted murder and charged as adults? NO. I think they should have been suspended like their White counterparts.
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tripsa - Saying things like "liberal talking points" obviously means you aren't thinking for yourself. Once you stop watching fox news for 5 minutes and stop railing about this "liberal" agenda then maybe your comments will mean something. I am glad that you don't blame anyone for your adversities. Good for you. Everyones struggle is different. It's good when you don't have adversity. But that's just you. You can't speak for everyone. So you shouldn't try.
Posted by RTC on September 20, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just read on MSN where David Bowie has donated $10,000 to the legal defense fund for the Jena 6.
What do today's posters think about that? He is just being a bleeding heart, or does he have a genuine interest in this case?
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh dear MinoritySouth, You have not offended me. I do not take offence in someone whom is proud of their heritage. I am a college student and while I will leave the Universities name out of this forum I would have to say that I feel like the minority their. But I do not take offence to the sorities or phrats that are all black, nor do I get mad when their are scholorships for those deemed "black". However I have found knowwhere on campus that excludes blacks but some do exclude whites. Now from your stand point this is ok because of your heritage... right? We need to look at both sides of this.I am sure you carry a vast knowledge of the black history that you speak of, now look at it like this, how many History classes are labled "White History"? None that I am aware of, but their are classes labeled "Black History". Why? Would you call me extended family since I decend from Charokee also even though I am five foot two, fair skinned, red hair, high cheek bones and indian eyes? Would you welcome me to a family reunion? Yes we should remember 911, desert storm, holocaust, lenchings, and many other horrible injustices that plague our history, however we should not HATE because of mistakes or stupidity that others participated in! I must also say that those of fair skin have more opportunity is not the case in all places. Yes the South is still known for that bias but not everyone takes that position. That is why the courts overturned the verdict for the person being tried as an adult.
Posted by Ontherighthand on September 20, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjmehlhose:
Threatening speach is not protected by the First Amendment. We all know that freedom, in and of itself, is not absolute. The noose hung in a tree at a school is, in my view (the view of a straight white southern born and raised man), a violent threat. Suspension was too graceful, they should have been thrown out of school.
I am not justifying the actions of the "Jena 6". They acted just as foolishly as the white boys. They need to face what punishment awaits them.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Citizen Scrisn,
You should read a bit closer. This link http://www.snopes.com/politics/crime/jen...... is pointing out that the charges against the Black youth are in appropriate because in La. Tennis shoes are not considered a dangerous weapon. That I agree is debatable but for the life of me I could not find a copy of the incident report regarding the shotgun incident or any of the other incidents. Now of the various torts that have gone back and forth I would definitely say that the shotgun was the most material if it did happen. I have found various sources that includes the shotgun incident in their chronicles of the incidents but I could not find the official accounts recorded by Jena's law enforcement officials. Should that be available to the public? Well unless there is something to hide I guess?? Could you very capable people show me where to locate the official "public" records of all the incidents?
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth, I think that it was wrong for them to pull the gun yes, but from a legal stand point... was the gun loaded? Was the safety on? Was the gun pointed as self defence? Was the gun pointed with the intent to shoot the other child? Why did the boy who took the gun not turn it into police? Why did the boy not file a complaint? Why wasnt the owner of the gun prosecuted for allowing a minor to bare arms? There are alot of aspects that need to be addressed here.
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth; I do think that a definite change of venue is completely justified here, however look at it from this stand point... the southern state that they are in.... could they find a fair unbias jury anywhere in the state?
Posted by JerseyLady on September 20, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Again, we have people on this board talking about issues that they have no knowledge about. As parents we all are aware of fighting that continue to happen in our children schools. Sometime the school will address and settle the dispute, and other times the assault will be handle by the courts. As a probation officer for the judiciary with 11 yrs experience working in the legal field I have the knowledge and the experience. Any first year law student would tell you that this is injustice on how the the DA the school and the court in Jena LA handle this matter. No one is saying that these young men should not be held accountable for their action, but people are saying to be fair. If you want to voice your opinion on and issue learn about the issue, that happen a year ago not today when you read it online are in the newspaper.
www.colorofchange.org/jena/
www.democracynow.org
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth and those who want specific documents... www.state.la.us/gov_judicial.htm
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Test2007 I do not feel that anger will solve or evolve anything. It is sad that the indians were and to some degree still are treated like they are but I can not and will not dwell upon it. Will I teach my four children the truth of their heritage and how the world is fair or unfair what ever the case may be. I WILL NOT teach them to hate all those involved with historical errors. Hate teaches us nothing but that history will repeat itself! Do you have children?
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Citizen chrissybaggett, I would embrace you as family.. Sincerely. My opinion is that race is divisive and grey at best. Ultimately since man has walked this earth, he has formed groups that have dominated various portions of this globe. This has been done by various cultures Fair and not so Fair, pigmentation this time. In doing so, he has procreated with "races" other than his own, example modern day "Blacks" are not Africans. So just that alone presents the question, who is in charge of defining race. Another small possible material fact is, genetics has proven that what we call the human race finds its roots in Africa making us all related.. Do a little research and you will find that there are indeginous people throughout the entire world who resemble Africans, Phillipines the Nigrita, Latin America Olmecs, Jamaican Arawak, Australian Abourigines(mispelled)..?? How did that happen?? Geographically, just a thought, the world is thought to have been one land mass at one time. History doesn't lie.
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Flyboy68: Why are you bringing up irrelevent topics?????
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth; Yes they say our continent was once called Pangea. I too paid great attention in geology. It does make sense and on the grand scale of things you can fit all of the continents together like a puzzle. They also believe that we will converge onto one another again, ofcourse on a geological scale, so we will not be around to see it. But I do get your point and agree. So whens our next reunion.. LOL? Take care and been nice chatting with you!
Posted by BIGDEE on September 20, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you really want to help the people of Jena, marching and waering black won't help. this isn't the 60's anymore. I feel that we alwayS jump on the band wagon with out knowing the facts and the background of the story. What would really help those 6 boys is money to pay for there defense.After today's march everyone's going to go back home an forget about those kids. I hate it when people compare todays march with the marches of MLk. MLK and other lived it and put forth action after the marches. All we do is march and go home an watch it on our HDTV. No one talkS about why the Judge in the Jena case gets elected year after year to the school board and the bench. Can the black folks in Jena not vote. Or why are there not black town official or town employees in Jena. Instead of attacking the simptons we need to attack the root of the problem. Why do we sit idily by and elect official who don't mean us any good. PLEASE OF JENA VOTE STEP UP AND HAVE SOME SAY SO OF WHO RUNS YOUR TOWN!!! AND WE FOLK STOP MARCHING A GET INTO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND MAKE CHANGES!!!!!
Posted by lvhasnocolor on September 20, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The noose-hanging incident and the DA's visit to the school set the stage for everything that followed. Racial tension escalated over the next couple of months, and on November 30, the main academic building of Jena High School was burned down in an unsolved fire. Later the same weekend, a black student was beaten up by white students at a party. The next day, black students at a convenience store were threatened by a young white man with a shotgun. They wrestled the gun from him and ran away. While no charges were filed against the white man, the students were arrested for the theft of the gun.2
That Monday at school, a white student, who had been a vocal supporter of the students who hung the nooses, taunted the black student who was beaten up at the off-campus party and allegedly called several black students "nr." After lunch, he was knocked down, punched and kicked by black students. He was taken to the hospital but was released and was well enough to go to a social event that evening.3
Thanks Jersey Lady
Posted by CADguy on September 20, 2007 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BigDee - looking at the census of the town, 85% are white and 12% are black. Out of 3000 residents, there would only be 360 blacks.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Jena 6 could be you could be me tomorrow, no matter what race you claim. Race is a political game that is just played out. Why is it even part of the subject matter?? Rhetorical. Well because their is one law for some one law for others. I say again though your skin my be white as snow it could be you tomorrow getting raked over the coals. You'll be Black after that. The historical significance of this divisiness is truly about resources. Wake up. For those of you who believe in King James Bible, you will find that Ethiopia (Cush) is the second, maybe first, I must re-read, country mentioned in the Bible, it also describes the Garden of Eden being feed by 4 rivers that break off from the Nile, well geographically speaking you are likely to find Nubians in this area. How often does science and the Bible agree.. What a coincidence.. Many key biblical figures are Ethiopian. There is an entire Jewish tribe in the King James Bible that were Nubians.. Ishmeal's (of Islamic, of Jewish as well as of Christian significance) mother was Ethiopian. Abraham, disputable a Nubian, he did not want to enter Eygpt because his wife was fair, some say this means beautiful but why would you not enter Eygpt because your wife is beautiful, I think it is more likely that she was lightskinned and he feared the political significance of have a fair wife when he was wasn't fair. The list goes on and on.. For those of you who are not religious, study genetics, agnostics, atheist etc. Stop seeing race and see the reality of the situation first. Africa was thought of as less because it is more. It is the cradle of civilization that has been and is still being raped of its resources flyboy68 I agree and the mechanism was the divisiveness of race, the common school of thought by the colonialist was that those people were less than human, ironically they needed to be converted to an Abrahamic Religion, so lets have our way with them and their land full of resources. Well, Wake up, Africa is not the cradle of my civilization but the cradle of everyone's civilization!!! Made many rich and is still making many rich, these people are the true modern day monarchs who share just enough with you and me to keep us quiet. Don't take my word for it do your own unbiased studies, enconomic, politics, race etc. Study it in the context of a historical perspective and when you are done, you will realize that the Jena 6 are your brothers too, treat them justly and you will also come to realize issues bigger than race exist, there is an entire forest out there among the trees distracting you from reality. In other words, try to right the wrongs or it could be you next.
Posted by greyrider on September 20, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BIGDEE - I couldn't agree more about MLK. If you can get a copy of the "I Have A Dream" speech (I own an old VHS copy) and watch it, you get a totally different vision and strategy than you get from the modern-day NAACP. People TALK about that speech all the time, but I wonder how many people have actually heard the entire thing? It's worth the time and the effort. MLK had the answer. All they have today are soundbites and rhetoric.
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
navy - Mugabe is not the answer to every african question. Find a new rhyme and reason buddy. Did you ever read up on Rwanda? probably not.
tripsa - You may want to be careful about insulting public school education. It might give everyone the impression you are an elitist idiot. Guess what? You're it. An actually most of the things I know did not come from school. Personal research is great.
Africa is a continent. Each part is different but you're right maybe when I can figure how years and years of rule under a white government minority can screw up a country. and when they finally "give" it back oh i don't know, 20 or so years ago it still has problems?
I didn't blame the US for the crap that is happening to blacks ALL over the world. Europe screwed up MOST of Africa. Colonization and imperialism. If you don't believe it then research it (you too navy and NO the answer is not mugabe). What has America done to right past mistakes? Personally I would just loved it if people actually acknowledge that mistakes were made without coming up with an excuse (past is past, africans sold you over here, etc). Like I said, once you make the "get over it" argument, I stop listening. And I will reiterate. No one tells Jewish people to get over it. Never.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by chrissybaggett on September 20, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MinoritySouth, I think that it was wrong for them to pull the gun yes, but from a legal stand point... was the gun loaded? Was the safety on? Was the gun pointed as self defence? Was the gun pointed with the intent to shoot the other child? Why did the boy who took the gun not turn it into police? Why did the boy not file a complaint? Why wasnt the owner of the gun prosecuted for allowing a minor to bare arms? There are alot of aspects that need to be addressed here.
Question 1, hard to tell when you are on the operating end of a shotgun.. That will not change it from being a tort..
Question 2, hard to tell when you are on teh operating end etc..
Question 3, hard to tell when you are on the operating end etc..
Question 4, hard to tell when you are on the operating end etc.....
Question 5, Well, given the history of this Law Enforcement agency, I would not suggest rolling up there in the drop top with a sawed off. Serious answer, they had no confidence in the law at this point. Welcome to the caveat of being a minority. Those who ment to protect are not always a conducive part of enforcing civil rights of a minority..
Question 6, Well, given the history of this Law Enforcement agency, I would not suggest rolling up there in the drop top with a sawed off. Serious answer, they had no confidence in the law at this point. Welcome to the caveat of being a minority. Those who ment to protect are not always a conducive part of enforcing civil rights of a minority..
Question 7, Good question. You got me..
Posted by Test2007 on September 20, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oh quick lesson -
Mugabe came into power to fight colonialism (British - didn't i say europe was involved?) Hmmmm.
Zimbabwe - once a british colony (rhodesia)
Idi Amin - Was actually IN the colonial british army.
Uganda - once a british colony (actually a good read if you get a chance)
Posted by NicholasGlover on September 20, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a former resident and Charleston and am tremendously saddened by the state of affairs in Jena, Louisiana. Make no mistake about my aguish – it is not because of the race of any of the parties involved; however, it does frighten me greatly to know that a ghost still walks among us. A resurrected Jim Crowe has managed to muddy the waters progress in Jena and this country. For that we should all take responsibility. Beyond this, our young people have decided to take matters into their own hands – matters that would not be there’s if, and only if, the school’s administration would have done what was right from the beginning.
Perhaps what we all can do now is revisit the idea of cooperation and justice. Our children need us and we need them. The duties and responsibilities incumbent upon each of us should not be taken lightly or for granted. Instead of pointing the finger at individual political leaders or action groups we should encourage our youth to remember the doctrine of tolerance.
Posted by DCartisan on September 20, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What does it matter if the gun was loaded, safety was on, pointed with intent? If I walk into a bank and TELL them I have a gun I would be charged with armed robbery. I would NEVER stand around asking someone who has a gun pointed at me for his intent, if the safety is on or if the gun is loaded.
Geeeeezzzzz...
Posted by preachlove on September 20, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Minority South & Test2007 - Just like Bush does not want to admit mistakes, many people in this country will not admit that mistakes were made by authorities in Jena. Everything is always peachy, nothing can be attributed to being racists and having a biased system. Imagine what some people are saying at home in front of their families about different races and that can be attributed to whites and blacks. I must admit we are seeing a little bit of civility on this board. I haven't seen any post removed - so that does tell me something. As you have said in your posts, they were all fighting, why weren't the other kids charged. In some Charleston schools you will be arrested for fighting, not just blacks, everyone. THE QUESTION REMAINS: Why weren't the white kids charged for fighting along with the black kids?
You're wasting your time trying to educate some of these people, because just like our present government will not choose to adher to the facts and do the "right" thing and bring our brave troops home who are dying in an unnecessary civil/sectarian war, these people will continue to be set in their pre-historic ways.
Posted by prosperous_hb on September 20, 2007 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NicholasGlover....very good point. If the school administration handled this better, this would probably not be happening.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Citizen tripsa Well, that is pretty astute of you to know that Africans took part in the slave trade but you fall short with the logic that everybody is doing it, so why point the finger at America.. Citizen Please.. You may be held to the same litmus one day, may there be some mercy for you if that is the case... Do you also realized that non-Africans have propped up rogue governments with money, guns etc. sometimes playing both sides of the fence to keeping that place divided for the last 400 or so years.. Putting people who are more thugs than civil servants in charge to exacerbate the dire situation there up to this very day. Secondly, I am still waiting on an unbiased economic model that would forecast the wealth of America without slavery. If you think the wealth and industry spun off from slavery had not happened could we have pooled all our resources into cranking out Tanks, Planes, ships etc for WWII and all the other conflicts before and after?? If it were not for the wealth of this country generated by 400 years of supplying the WORLD with the produce from the South, feeding, clothing, supplying tobacco etc. to the world.. We are talking about a lot of resources/money here or wealth and control... All that tax base generated that the Greedy North tried to get as much as they could while using it to build infrastructure. The North even went as far as trying to discount African descendants as citizens yet took the tax dollars generated by those non-citizens. These descendants of Africans received none of the reallocation of tax dollars and to be honest the South as a whole did not get much of that money either hence they started shooting folks, blood brothers even I hear... It would appear to me and ironically the North used that infrastructure/industry built with the wealth generated by taxing the South and along with shear troop numbers to defeat the South in the Civil War.. Hence the bitterness to this very day.. My ancestors were then cast aside as if we could go back to Africa now that we were no longer Africans and with not as much dignity as a mediocre race horse past its prime after all we were treated as livestock. Oh, we love to simplify things on this website, looking at everything in a vacuum or a homogenous pool of white but the world is not that simple . Good Day my Fellow Citizens
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on September 20, 2007 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have nothing else to say except...MinoritySouth you know your material and I second everything you have said.
I am glad there is some intelligence on this board after all. Snaps to you my friend.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I left out the fact that Northern companies were heavy investors, insurers, etc of the institution of slavery. In other words, Slavery was an major component of this entire economy/GNP for a long time and the amenities we all enjoy today can be traced back to the dollars of a time that everyone who didn't own slaves wants to pretend never happened.
Posted by 7green0 on September 20, 2007 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok we have over 100 post on this story time to move on. I even made it easy, just click on the link let's get it started.
http://charleston.net/news/2007/sep/20/w...
Posted by Nick29 on September 20, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just do not understand any of you people. Most of you don't even know the whole story. I feel that everyone of the children involved were all wrong for thier actions and they should be punished equally. Not punish one and let the others get away with what they did. I don't care what any you think and you can say what you feel, but racism still exists. All you people who feel like black people are just wanting pitty for what happen, well the black people don't want pitty from anybody, they just want fairness. And what is happening right now in Jena is not fair. I support the rally that is going on right now 100%. So if they want to charge the black children with a crime, then charge the white kid who had the gun who started this mess in the first place. Who ever is reading this, if you don't like what I have said, so what, get over it.
Posted by MinoritySouth on September 20, 2007 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And I was questioning the relevance of some of my writings on this page in relation to the article. Then you dissonantly chimed in Citizen 7green0 but thank you for the suggestion. Though that subject has already been touched on by several others, there are other issues out there. Don't worry, I b