The Jena Six

[gumby_145]

Soooo there's this news story about an unfortunate incident in a racially tense town down in Louisiana. Apparently a group of black students went and sat at the "white tree" one day on the lawn. The next day, there were three nooses hanging from the tree. Very uncool. The students who did it were suspended for a number of days (an insufficient

Comments

[courtasaurusrex]

I have a plethora of issues with this case. I can see why you think it would be a completely different story if the roles had been reversed, but I don't think the punishment fits the crime at all. Yeah, the black students shouldn't have retaliated, but they hardly beat the shit out of the guy. He was sent to the hospital and treated for bruises and a minor concussion. He was released the same day and out partying that night

[gumby_145]

good points. And yes, I agree attempted murder charge was ludicrous and was rightly dismissed. I also agree that a change of venue would have been appropriate because believing justice is color blind is just naive. And while I do think that 15 years for a school yard fight is severe, the fact of the matter of this being racially charged does require more than a typical slap on the wrist that a playground fisticuff would normally draw. I was unaware of the other things that had taken place in that town and I agree that if those took place it was a failure of justice. As for the minor being tried as an adult, I think a 17 year old assaulting someone in a racially driven confrontation should be tried as an adult. The kid does need to do some time but I don't think 15 years is appropriate.

[i_am_aspen]

What a world we live in...