Always Reforming

Let me ask you a question.  Do you believe that the McMichaels deserve a fair trial? Think about your answer for a moment. Now, allow me to rephrase it. Do the McMichaels, human beings and citizens of the United States, deserve the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law? If you say No , you are denying the most fundamental principle of our justice system. Let me be clear.  I think it is likely that the McMichaels are guilty of a heinous crime.  I believe that they should be tried in a court of law, and, if convicted, be punished for that crime. Again, let me be clear.  Public outcry was warranted.  They should have been (and now have been ) charged and put on trial for their acts. But they do deserve that trial.  They deserve to have their day in court. Even war criminals get a trial. Even serial killers get a trial. Even terrorists get a trial. Even the McMichaels deserve a trial. And these trials are not me...

After watching (and rewatching) the video showing the terrible death of Ahmaud Arbery , here are my initial thoughts. 1) The video isn't as clear as people are saying it is.  The video really only captures the last moments of the situation.  What we do know is that two men made decisions that resulted in the death of another man.  They should stand trial and be punished accordingly.  Right or wrong, I suspect that they will be convicted of manslaughter. 2) We can't read hearts or minds.  We do not know what their precise motivation was.  It is unlikely, however, that they randomly decided to murder a jogger because he was black. 3) It is likely that Mr. Arbery's skin color contributed to his death and the lack of charges brought against his killers. 4) Racism exists, but not all white people are racists, nor is every crime committed against a black person racially motivated.  We need to let this case be its own case.   5) ...