Don Imus was fired after his remarks about the Rutgers women's basketball team. His comments were bigoted and ignorant; he hurt feelings, but didn't propose violence against another, unlike Bill O'Reilly’s comments about Michelle Obama.
On February 19, 2008 in response to a caller identified as Maryanne, Woodbury, Connecticut, O’Reilly mentioned lynching. Although Maryanne obviously had issues with Obama's statement, it was O'Reilly who brought up the concept of violence.
O'REILLY: Maryanne, Woodbury, Connecticut: What say you, Maryanne? Maryanne --
CALLER: I'm here.
O'REILLY: -- you're on the air.
CALLER: Here I am.
O'REILLY: OK.
CALLER: I just wanted to say that I think Michelle Obama is an angry woman -- is speaking, I think, with her real voice for the first time. And --
O'REILLY: But how do you -- what do you base that on? You're basing that on what?
CALLER: Well, your representative asked me not to talk about this, but I have a friend who had knowledge of her and said to me months ago, "This is a very angry," her word was "militant woman."
O'REILLY: All right. What I want you do then, Maryanne, if -- I want you to stay on the line.
CALLER: OK.
O'REILLY: Because it's not fair to Michelle Obama for you --
CALLER: Oh no, all I'm saying is --
O'REILLY: -- because we don't know who you are, and we don't know who your friend is, but we want to know. We want to know, OK. But it's not fair at this point for you to say, "My friend said X and Y," because we just don't know. But if you would give us your information, we would like to talk to your friend. And then whatever your friend tells us, we'll track it down. We'll do it in a fair and balanced and methodical way. That's how we're going to cover this campaign -- all of them, all of them. So stay on the line, give us your information. If indeed Michelle Obama is angry about something, if she has a history, we would like to know that, and then we can put it into some kind of context so that we can be fair to everybody.
You know, I have a lot of sympathy for Michelle Obama, for Bill Clinton, for all of these people. Bill Clinton, I have sympathy for him, because they're thrown into a hopper where everybody is waiting for them to make a mistake, so that they can just go and bludgeon them. And, you know, Bill Clinton and I don't agree on a lot of things, and I think I've made that clear over the years, but he's trying to stick up for his wife, and every time the guy turns around, there's another demagogue or another ideologue in his face trying to humiliate him because they're rooting for Obama.
That's wrong. And I don't want to go on a lynching party against Michelle Obama unless there's evidence, hard facts, that say this is how the woman really feels. If that's how she really feels -- that America is a bad country or a flawed nation, whatever -- then that's legit. We'll track it down.
1-877-9-NO-SPIN. Right back.
For those who not only understand history, but who have faced bigotry, Obama’s statement is easy to comprehend. Those who that came into adulthood after the 1960's understand the political and social the disillusionment. The early to mid 1960’s were filled with optimism, hope and change. The Civil Rights movement not only helped minorities start to gain equality, but also the younger generation were actively involved in political and social reform. They were out to change the world by ending the war, protecting the environment and creating equality. People marched the streets for peace and equality. Violence was isolated and was only used in response to the harassment by law enforcement.
All that started to end on April 4, 1968 with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. which was followed by Robert Kennedy’s execution on May 4 of the same year. These two heroes were slain for the positive changes they were attempting to create; they represented the civil rights, peace and equality on all levels. They were more than just symbols of hope, but they also were representative of the younger generations. Their deaths along with the continued bigotry and persecution turned that hope into the disillusionment and violence. The more the “establishment” attempted force the old standards and to stifle civil liberties, the more unrest and violence spread. From the Weatherman and the Chicago 8 to middle Americans being assaulted in the streets by police officers, the faster the country became a pressure cooker ready to explode. The leaders of the civil rights movement were murdered, jailed or harassed into submission. It is this history that Michelle Obama and many others can’t be proud of. With the reawakening of political activism and participation, hope has been reborn as one or both glass ceilings will soon be shattered.
O’Reilly continually promotes his own narrow political, social and religious beliefs; nor is he a stranger to down playing the horror associated with nooses and bigotry. When the Jena 6 were overly prosecuted, O’Reilly ignored the social implications and focused on the teenage indiscretions of the accused, while discounting the same offenses of the so called victim. When the other nooses where hung around the country, he casually glossed over the stories if he mentioned them at all. October 2007 he mocked the protest of a Wiccan when she protested the witch being hung in effigy on her neighbor’s lawn. O’Reilly attacks what he doesn’t want to hear. While campaigning John Edwards exposed not only the poverty in this country, but the lack of support of the returning veterans. In spite, of the information released by the Veteran’s Administration and his own expert guests, he denied that 200,000 vets were homeless. He kept repeating that it wasn’t the fault of the economy that vets were without homes but the fact that they were addicted to drugs and mentally ill. No one said the economy as the source of the problem. The lack of proper physical and emotional care after their tours is the issue. PTS, closed head injuries, and loss of body parts are the reason vets are homeless. O’Reilly also turns a blind eye to civil rights violations. In nearly every case of police abuse of power that he bothers to mention, he has always come down on the side of law enforcement in spite of the evidence against them. According to O'Reilly, unless you have led a pristine life, law enforcement has the right to harass and abuse you.
In days following his remarks about Obama, O’Reilly issued a non-apology. It was clear that he feels his remarks were justified and accurate--fair and balanced. Obviously, he has different definition of those concepts than those with IQ’s over 85.
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Showing posts with label Jena 6. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jena 6. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Police Abuse: Jena 6 and a Tasering at a Kerry Speech
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
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
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