I've been trying to write this post since Friday. I've been trying to process my experience of being a juror. . .of determining a verdict. . .and of watching a young, Black man being handcuffed after the verdicts were read. To be honest with you - I don't think I'll be able to ever process this experience. I don't think that I will ever get the sound of the handcuffs being slapped on this boy's hands by two Marshalls out of my head. I don't think I will ever get the sight of that boy about to spend 10 years to life in prison out of my mind. So, if this post is "all over the place", I beg your indulgence because right now, that is exactly where my head is - ALL OVER THE PLACE!
Sojourners, this was a case of choices. The choices that these two young people made. Dumb choices by both the accused and the victim! A 19 year old boy chose to hire an escort at 3 o'clock in the morning. A 19 year old girl and mother of two, chose to be an escort and take that last call before going home to her mamma and kids. A 19 year old boy chose not to STOP when told to by the victim.
Sojourners, this was a case of choices. The choices that these two young people made. Dumb choices by both the accused and the victim! A 19 year old boy chose to hire an escort at 3 o'clock in the morning. A 19 year old girl and mother of two, chose to be an escort and take that last call before going home to her mamma and kids. A 19 year old boy chose not to STOP when told to by the victim.
And on what basis were these choices made? What is it about present day society that would make these two search out the American Dream by entering the "dark side"? Where have we failed that our young men are not taught that "traps" that could imprison them for life? Are not taught respect for women or themselves? Have we failed to instill a sense of self-respect in our young women where realize that it is their brains and not their bodies can change the world? Where are the fathers or mothers to teach their sons respect and accountability? Where are the fathers or mothers to also teach their daughters respect and accountability?What choices have we made - as members of the "older generation" - that have caused so many of our youth to be lost?
I don't know the answers to these questions - I just know that on Friday afternoon, I along with 11, probably sent a young man away for the rest of his life because he and his victim made dumb choices.
Is justice blind? Yes, Justice is Blind. And after this past week, I beginning to think that we are too.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner('s Place) ain't got nothing more to say.
holla back! SjP
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