tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16607511.post3069223525820196619..comments2008-03-16T23:33:13.660-03:00Phillipe Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342490962831946701noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16607511.post-62431528052564745852008-03-16T23:33:00.000-03:002008-03-16T23:33:00.000-03:00Reed these are fair questions to ask which is why I presented the issue as a question rather than making a declarative statement. From the current information available, this was a fight between two men and one man. The point is that given Jena 6 and other numerous cases of differences in sentencing based on race one has to consider critically whether that is involved in the "attempted murder" sentence. The DA is making a decision to seek that sentence rather than a lesser sentence. Why not ask why? Also if it had been two black men attacking a white man would the sentences be the same as they are now? Whether or not what is happening in this case represents justice or not remains to be seen.Phillipe Copelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342490962831946701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16607511.post-81303089543942879642008-03-16T22:15:00.000-03:002008-03-16T22:15:00.000-03:00Phillipe,<BR/><BR/>You asked "The question for me though is why the young man who was allegedly attacked is being charged with attempted murder while only one of his attackers is being charged and a much lesser charge at that? Is this justice or is it a local version of the Jena 6 episode?"<BR/><BR/>I believe that the answer is that: <BR/><BR/>1/ we don't have all the facts the police have, e.g., what caused Bowes and Bosse to verbally and then physically attack Vassell (and his friend?)<BR/><BR/>2/ It is significant that the DA has applied the "hate crimes" charge - not an easy card to play<BR/><BR/>3/ Vassell escalated the fight from fisticuffs to attacking with a knife -- introducing a deadly weapon and the subsequent multiple stabbing merits more serious charges than the broken nose. I'm sure self-defense will be brought into play, but the presence of the knife is serious. Again, we don't know how many people were present (at least two on each side) but we can assume that the entire dorm didn't sleep through this. If so, there are probably witnesses to Vassell stabbing and uttering intent.<BR/><BR/>4/ Was Vassell's attempted murder also a "hate crime" - we don't know. Racism has many colors and no normal mortal is exempt.<BR/><BR/>Just some thoughts.<BR/><BR/>ReedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com