Jena 6-A Civil Rights Revolution
By
Theresa Chaze
The small town Jena Louisiana could very be the spark that ignites the new civil revolution that demands equal protection under the law. Justice in this country is no longer blind, but based on economics, ethnic background, gender and connections. From Bush commuting Scooter Libby sentence to the unpunished excessive violence by law enforcement, the judicial system is not base on guilt or innocence but on how much money the individual has, who he or she knows and how much media air time the issue acquires. Law enforcement no longer serves and protects, but follows its own agenda. Frequently including intimidation, harassment and prosecutorial misconduct, both district attorneys and police officers miss use their authority and power as they bully others who have differing political options, lifestyles or cultures.
The Jena situation began in September 2006 when three white students hung nooses from the "white tree" at the high school. The three students only received a three day suspension. As the school year progress, racial tensions increased. The main high school building was burn down. A white teenager attacked a black student who attended an all white party. Within a few days, another white man pulled a shotgun on three black students at a convenience store. Neither of the white attackers were punished for there actions. In protest of the unfair treatment, all the African American students stood peacefully beneath the tree. It has been rumored that the Jena Six were the organizers of the demonstration. After the protest, prosecutor came to the school and threatened the African American students, when he said, “Stop making trouble. I can make your lives disappear with a stroke of a pen.” December4, 2006, Justin Barker was beaten during a fight; he was temporarily knocked unconscious and suffered cuts and bruises. He was treated and released on the same day. The Jena Six were arrest. The five oldest were charged with attempted second degree murder. June 26, 2007 after public outcry, the district attorney reduces the Bell's charges to second degree battery and conspiracy. Eventually the charges against the other four are reduced as well. September 4, 2007, the District Court judge dismisses the conspiracy charge against Bell but the battery conviction remained. September 14, 2007, the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals over turns Bell's conviction on the grounds he was improperly tried as an adult; however, he was not released from custody. September 21, thousands of civil right advocates marched through Jena protesting the unequal treatment of the Jena 6. That evening two local white boys were arrested for driving past the protestors with nooses hanging from the back of their pickup and for driving under the influence.
In Jena, the prosecution of the white offenders was radically less than the Jena 6. Even the man, who pulled the weapon, received. no legal penalties. However, Bell’s past was infractions have been used to excuse the charges against him; it has been yet be asked if the previous charges were also blown out of proportion in relation to the incidences. When questioned by CNN reporters, many of the town’s folk refused to be interviewed. Those that had the courage resented the spotlight shining on their town and their business. Most of them saw the racial issues as being blown out of proportion. However, it was only after the situation started receiving national attention were the bigots’ finger pushed off the scales of justice. Even with all the media attention, justice still has come to the Jena Six.
On September 17, Andrew Meyer attended a speech given by John Kerry at the University of Florida. Meyer started by thanking Kerry for his public service; he then followed with several unpopular political questions. He was animated but not threatening to Kerry or the police present. He was simply trying to get his questions answered. His time ended, yet he continued. The police intervened without be asked or responding to a threat. On the videos, Kerry can be heard asking the police to stop and saying, "That's all right, let me answer his question." The police not only ignored Kerry, but Meyer’s attempts to leave. Instead, they restrained him. When he tried to free himself and leave, they became abusive. After he was handcuffed, he was tasered and forcibly carried off. He was arrested on charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace but the State Attorney's Office had yet to make the formal charging decision. There are many videos available from many different angles. The following are links to only two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqAVvlyVbag and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NWukZhsiBw.
Although, Myer is as known prankster who often posts practical jokes online, his questions were insightful and on topic. He was passionate about his questions, but not aggressive. The police were the one who were not only violent but caused the situation to escalate. No one asked them to intervene, yet they were increasing antagonistic toward Myer. They tasered him after he was already restrained. They didn’t like what he had to say about the Florida elections so they tried to shut up the messenger. Their actions were beyond their authority. No one was in danger until the police over reacted. It was their actions that caused the situation, not Myer’s questions.
In both cases, the rights of the individual were trampled by law enforcement. The Jena Six were victimized by a prosecutor whose motives were clearly racial. Myer claiming that Kerry had actually won the elections is what prompted the police to attack him. Until they interfered there was no issue. This country is based on we the people; as long as we back down, small minded individuals will continue to abuse their authority. However, by standing up and being counted, we the people take by our power and can rebalance the scales of Justice.
To contact the prosecutor:
J. Reed Walters
P.O. Box 1940
Jena, LA 71342-1940
Phone: (318) 992-8282
Fax: (318) 992-4731
No comments:
Post a Comment