Our
current
topic:		 A 32 year old Spokane Washington White man was recently sentenced to 1 year in jail (with all but 5 days suspended) and 40 days community service at the local Martin Luther King Community Center, for allegedly making a racially motivated threat against a 19 year old Black man while they were both playing in a community touch football game.
Is this a case of excessive prosecution, or instead (as the local NAACP asserts) an example of inadequate sentencing?

Past discussion topics



Submit Date: 1 APR 1999
Name: philip Branch
Email: pmuzibranch@yahoo.com
Response: I am not in favor of the death penalty, but if ANYONE should be executed John King's crime deserves that punishment.


Submit Date: 28 FEB 1999
Name: Terry Moten
Email: tertramoten@msn.com
Response: Not knowing the nature of the threat, or how it was communicated, I would be making an uninformed judgement, as to whether or not the sentence was fair and proper. In our system of jurisprudence the judgements on convictions are subjectively handed down, within set parameters. Here in the state of Texas, conditonal threats without the imminent threat of harm are classified as class C misdemeanors, punishible by fine only not to exceed $500. I, being a policeman here in San Antonio, must say I have never seen such a sentence imposed on someone for making a threat that does not place another in fear of imminent harm to himself or property. Many times, custodial arrests nor misdemeanor citations are written for such offenses that take place in the presence or view of officers, much less jail time and community service as punishment! There are times in large disturbances were many are shouting obscenities, racial slurs and threats and all that is done is a dispersing of the crowd. And maybe an arrest of the more vocal antagonist, but for whom the disturbance would all be over. Even for those arrested, to spend more than 8 eight hours (maximum amount of time it would take for them to see a magistrate and be released, time served) in detention, would be extremely unusal. However, I say again, not knowing the nature and the circumstances under which this threat was communicated, I hesitate to pass judgement. Time, place, past criminal history, nature of the social climate, media attention, recent or not so recent similar volatile issues can and do have an affect on sentencing, as it should. Though I am willing to assume that such a sentence for a threat without imminent harm is most defintely an exception and not the rule. I would love to see the offense report that was generated regarding this threat made. As the media is very rarely accurate in their accounts of such incidents, and have a way of writing that seeks to be more inclined to spark interest in its readers than accurately representing facts.


Submit Date: 28 FEB 1999
Name: Bakari
Email: usoto@swbell.net
Response: As I read the continued comments on this subject I begin to wonder what is it that we are looking at. Sure, the two people were involved in an emotional game, however, this does not excuse the threatening of another individual. When you break the law you should be punished, and the punishment should fit the crime. This is also a warning to the local law enforcement, in case something happens to the black gentleman they will have a starting point. To those who feel that the punishment was to harsh, they should remember that the individual could have followed through on the threat and then where would we be. We would be sitting here making the same statements those being made as a result of the New York police(execution squad) action against the unarmed brother. We must start insisting that the punishment of those that cause harm are quick and severe. This way we will show that we are no longer willing to be the victims of such unwarrented attacks. Unitl we are willing to stand up for ourselves, those that are out to cause us harm will continue on their design of destruction. I have said all of this to say that the punishment is not to the level I would like to see. As other communities unite and bring about changes in laws that they feel are not in line with their thinking, we to must begin to do the same. Hotep Bakari


Submit Date: 28 FEB 1999
Name: Tui
Email: Two_O@bigpond.com
Response: Why didnt the black dude just smack the white dude out?


Submit Date: 28 FEB 1999
Name: larry lee
Email: netmaillarry@netscape.com
Response: I beleive that the sentence was not harsh enough had he been black,he surely would have received quite a bit more,and that is always the case. thank you very much for allowing us a voice


Submit Date: 27 FEB 1999
Name: Nehemiah
Email: chngagent1@aol.com
Response: It is a case of how this society is reversing its course in the improvement of society for all people of ethnic and racial decent. African Americans need to realize that what we need is to start using the African principle of community, for the good of the group, not just self. Society will treat us as 3/4 of a person rather than a whole person. When we do not want to help each other. Blacks have always received an unfair decision in courts.


Submit Date: 27 FEB 1999
Name:
Email:
Response: I do not care what color a person is, but nobody deserves to be treated unfairly and unjustly. We all live in this world equally and nobody should feel superior above others. To me this type of character is rooted from being ignorant and utmost stupidity.


Submit Date: 25 FEB 1999
Name: Al-Qiyas
Email: alqiyas@hotmail.com
Response: I don't know the full story of what happened, but if it was just a case of a white man making a threat to a black man, and using racial slurs, then yes, the punishment is excessive. I am a young black man who has experienced racism all through out my life. And no, I am not one of those nigroes who think America is now color bilind. And no, Black people do not recieve equal justice in America. But to give a man a year in jail for making an idle threat is too much. His punishment isn't going to change his mentallity anyway.


Submit Date: 25 FEB 1999
Name: simon
Email: talib@swbell.net
Response: It was both excessive and inadequate. IT was too much of the wrong thing. Of course a little bit of the worng thing is too much. Anywho, The man needs some training in the area of anger management and community relations. He does not have to like the young brother, but neither is he free to make threats to his person. Bravo! to young brother who kep his head and did not REACT to the ACTION, but was PROACTIVE in the area of bringing about a right solution. Peace \V/


Submit Date: 25 FEB 1999
Name: Eleisha Faith :) :)
Email:
Response: Would someone please respond to my first comment, I would really enjoy knowing other opinions. Thanks :)


Submit Date: 24 FEB 1999
Name:
Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net
Response: My correct address is posted as you see it. Maybe you made a mistake. Try again...bradfo43. While I'm here, one more attempt on my part. I believe people are getting an "Idle Threat" confused with a "Serious Threat" made to someone! An idle threat says "I'm going to kick your butt" (but you know i'm just kidding), A serious threat says "I'm going to kick your butt" (and I'll do it)!! Now, when someone is threatened and the recipient reads it as being serious, and seeks legal action because of that threat, it was made with the intent of being carried out! Come on folks, get your heads out of your butts...Reality time here!!! If you don't understand that you're all helpless! Forget it. Let's go to another question please!


Submit Date: 24 FEB 1999
Name: CLAUDIA
Email: CLADYQT@AOL.COM
Response: I THINK IT IS A CASE OF INADEQUATE SENTENCING.


Submit Date: 23 FEB 1999
Name: Arnet Wagner
Email: Arnwa@webtv.net
Response: I totally agree with Urban Guerrilla! Threatening is intimidation! It is meant to induce fear into the mind of the person. A person cannot tell you he's going to kill you, your family, and all of your relatives! That's a threat. Some of you speak of fair treatment? Martin Luther King, Jr., along with our people in Selma, Alabama, sought fair treatment in seeking to acquire voting rights. What they got was fire hoses, the force of which swept them off their feet! Dangerous Attack Dogs, biting their Backsides!! Vicious, hate filled white cops, forcefully swinging nightsticks, Clobbering women as well as men! Would you call what they got "Fair Treatment?" Resolvement you say?? You want this white male (the Intimidater), and the African-American young man (the recipient), to resolve their conflict? How many years have we attempted to resolve racism, and hatred between our races? Have we succeeded yet?? Overreaction you say? Rodney King, He received overreaction! Maniacal, power crazed white cops, devoid of human decency, savagely pounded Rodney until he was Black and Blue! The hyena of darkest Africa was never more cruel, even in acquiring food. When will you upgrade your minds??


Submit Date: 23 FEB 1999
Name:
Email: bradfo43@ccvax.mmc.edu
Response: Urban Guerilla, please post your correct e-mail address. I attempted to e-mail you personally for further dialogue.


Submit Date: 23 FEB 1999
Name: Holly
Email:
Response: I think this is excessive prosecution, because he or both of them could have been upset most people are during a football game. Threats are made everyday, I still think he should have some kind of punishment, such as community service.


Submit Date: 22 FEB 1999
Name:
Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net
Response: I'm quite disturbed by some of the responses I've read here. Threatening someone is a serious Crime, Punishable by Law! This is not a Tea Party being presented here! Threatening someone is the same attitude that tells the mentally deranged to Burn a Cross on your front lawn; and then, to Return the next night to Burn down Your Home -- With You In It!!! You unfortunate Gullibles don't realize what kind Dementia runs through the Murky minds of Delusionals such as this!! It becomes Crystal Clear why we're such easy Prey for the Assassinating Predators; YOU expect the Rattlesnake to Invite YOU For Dinner! GOD HELP US...


Submit Date: 22 FEB 1999
Name: michael
Email: christisking000
Response: I am a young black man and i feel that was excessive if we want fair treatment we must also give fair treatment


Submit Date: 20 FEB 1999
Name: Mrs. M
Email: mcsdw4315@aol.com
Response: Over reaction? An astounding, Yes! This is something that could have been resolved between two people through mutual respect, forgiveness and education. It was an opportunity to learn from one another for both men. People do make mistake, or in this case, However, I must add, this extremism is the inheritance we received from our founding fathers. You know, they should have stuck to the constitution "...All men are created equal." Oh no, it was business as usual "if you're white, you alright. If you brown, stick around (and work our farms) But, if you Black, STAY BACK." Well, looks like we reap what we sow, sooner or later. That's what the good book says. Sounds like a case of "reverse discrimination" to me? Try that! God Bless.


Submit Date: 20 FEB 1999
Name: Robert
Email: "
Response: When are we going to stop expecting any kind of justice from white people. I think we are being foolish to expect anything different from the masses of white people. To ask them to change is like asking a rattlesnake not to bite its prey. Its the nature of the beast. Like the snake, the white man cannot change his nature.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Darnel Tanksley
Email: DarTanksley
Response: In the short time that I have been in this forum I have avoided responding to people. And in this forum I have respected all perspectives from Negroes. But when Whites enter with their "who's racist" angle it kinda upsets me. I acknowledge that I'm racist but my culture here in America has no power to do good our bad with this racism. Yet George Washington never admited he was racist. Of course as he held slaves, there was no such word as racism. Abe Lincoln never admited he was racist. He just felt that we should be treated with the decency of a dog. Ronald Reagan never admited that he was racist he just took the phrase "revenue sharing" off the political map. Now we have Bill Clinton, who finally admited that he's had feelings that he regreted and white republicans took him to the cleaners for consensual sex. So in a world where Negroes couldn't play pro-ball until the 50's and Larry Byrd is smart and everybody else has "natural ability" few, very, very, very few whites have ever admited that they are racist. Meanwhile it almost isn't fair for the goverment to do stings at loan agencies because even today they can easily show the discrepency between how Negroes and Whites are treated. And every time the loan officer says "it's company policy". So Mr and Mrs White America as you take that 2 hour commute to your inner city job from your beautiful suburbia remember this: If it could happen to the Jews in nationalist Europe in 1939, It can happen to Rodney King in racist America in 1999.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Kristine
Email:
Response: I don't think what the man did was right but I don't think he deserves to go to jail for it either. The community service was a good idea but I don't think what he did was really that drastic. All he did was threaten him. That kind of thing,while it is wrong, goes on every day. Why should this man be the only one punished? I feel this is a case of excessive prosecution.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: chris
Email:
Response: I think that this act of punishment is neesasary for the situation at hand. Its a sad world when it takes the goverment to make people do the moraly correct thing. Something that people dont under stand is that the only way to erratict racisam is to remove the vairy essance of the divtion , to make socity to forget . I think that the movement can counterdict its self by focusing on the divition stering the emotions of the masses. some times you need to pick the scabe so it can heal right. Some times it is not wise to focus on the divition unless nessacary.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Eleisha :) :)
Email:
Response: I am by no means a racist person, but why does the color of ones skin determine what the out come should be? It always does. Here is a statement for America..... A person commits a crime, that person is cought, that person needs to go on trial, now, would'nt the outcome of the trial be diffrent if the jury did'nt know the race of the person on trial????????


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Jen
Email:
Response: I think the guy got exactly what he deserved. I don't think it was excessive prosecution or inadequate sentancing.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Ashley
Email:
Response: I feel that if a black man said something nasty or rude to a white man then the same thing would have happened, but probley worse. I also thing that its a little to extreme with the punishment, but at least he will learn respect and thinking before he speeks.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Heather
Email:
Response: I feel that a year in jail is to much punshiment for a threat. People are always threating others when they get caught up in a game.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Jocey
Email:
Response: I feel that he should not be punished by being put in jail. Sure he did a bad thing by threatening but did he act on his thoughts? A man will say anything to look big in front of other men. That is just how it goes.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Melissa
Email:
Response: I know that they really couldn't send him to prison ( he'll do time in county for a year or less), but they needed to do more. Like give him a huge fine and make him apology in public to the man he made the nasty remark to! I belive that would make him think twice about his respect for other people!


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: sarah
Email:
Response: If you really want my opinion, than I'll give it to you. I think that the white man deserves what he's got coming to him. Picking on a poor helpless 19 year old black male, he should really be ashamed of himself. I guess that is just what I think it's not like a really have any choice in what his punishment should be anyway, so why does it matter?


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Jennifer
Email:
Response: In my opinion I think that they are doing the right thing. I mean they are making him do community service and are sentencing him to one year. I think if he is really preverted then he should get even more years.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Jessica Booth
Email: Jbooth@tm.net
Response: My opinion on this case is as follows: I believe that the sentence for this man was too extreme. He should be made to do the community service if in fact he was threatening the other man because he was black. However if he was just venting anger during a football game which I'm sure most of us have done then no charges should ever have been brought against him. Putting a man in jail for one year becuse he threatened another man during a football game is not constitutionally correct. This is definately a case of excessive prosecution. If any of you who are reading this are wondering, no I am not rascist by any means if this case would have been switched around I would still feel the same way.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Kelly
Email:
Response: I think this is a case of excessive prosecution because a year in jail to me is quite harsh for a threat even if it is racially motivated. I mean a threat's a threat and it was just during a football game. Stuff just like that gets said all the time.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: ann
Email:
Response: the man who gave the threat shouldn't receive jail time but he does need to be told that it is wrong and he should have some sort of punishment like community service


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Becky
Email: rebeccajo@aol.com
Response: I think that the punishment is way too severe. All that was said was, supposedly, a racially discriminating comment. The article said that the comment was ''alledged,'' so was it even proven? Either way, I think there should not be jail time for this. Our constitution protects our freedom of speech, and this person had the right to say what he wanted to say. However, I do not agree with the accused; I believe he was way out of line for saying anything of the sort. But punishment is not appropriate, because almost everyone is racist at one time or another. And why doesn't anyone ever hear about blacks racist against whites? That happens just as often. If we sent every person to jail who had said something racist, we wouldn't have a country left.


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: alex
Email: nascar3116
Response: this is a case of inadaquit punishment because any type of thret should betaken more seriously and they should spend there full time in jail


Submit Date: 19 FEB 1999
Name: Julio V.
Email: cause17@hotmail.com
Response: Under our present prison industrial complex no amount of time would help this individual. In prison his rasict feelings would explode when he's ushered into a setting where you stay with your own kind(Aryan Nation, Mexican Mafia, etc.)and where ethnic warfare is prevalent. To truly confront racism we need programs of true uncomfortable dialogue. To confront the 3 strikes law, the cia confession of drug trafficking, and the attempting legalized killing of Mumia Abu-Jamal (all three have racist implications) there will be a march in Los Angeles on April 29 at 4 p.m. The march will begin at Bethel AME Church on to Florence & Normandie.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Phillip Le'sean Bouknight
Email: webslingr62@hotmail.com
Response: I think that that man had a case of excessive prosecution. There was no violence involved for him to be going to jail. I can see why he got community service but I think that 1 year in jail is a little bit to much.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Darwin Johnson
Email: deugenius
Response: I think there is too little information given to make an intelligent arguement either way on this topic specifically. Generally speaking, all THREATS should be taken seriously (too many of us are dying at the hands of the white citizenry because of the color of our skins.... Next, I would like to clear up a misconception that seems to permeate our brothers and sisters, there are TWO meanings (definitions) for the word racist 1.One who believes, without scientific support, thatthere are racial differences in character, intelligence, etc., that asserts the superiority of one race over another and that seeks to maintain the supposed purity of a race or the races. 2. one who practices discrimanation, segregation, etc. based on such beliefs..... So as you can see it is POSSIBLE to be a racist(def. 1) in thought and speech, as well as by withholding power (def.2). Definitions from the 97 Merriam Webster. Collegiate


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Sarah
Email: smclin@yahoo.com
Response: From the small amount of information that has given to us. I'd say that it was a case of excessive prosecution or better yet; reverse discrimination.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Nikki
Email:
Response: I think that it was excessive sentencing. That, yes, the guy did do something wrong, and should have been punished, but I think it was a bit over done. Then again, the guy, and others may learn from this, that comments need to be kept to themselves. Expecally racial ones!


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Holly Davidson
Email:
Response: I think that it is a good thing because something has to be done to stop this type of action. What gives anybody the right reguardless of there race or whatever it may be to make a comment or criticize another person.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Ryan, Jamie, Brent
Email:
Response: If a black person calls a white person a racial slure they will get in less trouble than if a white person called a black person a racial slure.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Karen and Greg
Email:
Response: We both think that the sentencing was correct. The guy got punished for what he did, without the courts overreacting.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: BJ Potter
Email:
Response: I think it was a good sentence because racism is a big problem in this country and racists should be punished. The 40 days of community service is the best part because it makes the racist apologize and to rub in the apology.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Rassie
Email: rassiemiwo@excite.com
Response: I think we need to begin to take some steps on trying to resolve some of the issues that we as BLACK Americans have to confront on a daily basis. This can mean anything from on the job problems to neighborhood crimes. We need to take action with how we feel about where we are going as a race and come up with solutions and ways to support our ideas. I know of many people, including myself that can not come to terms with the injustices that we allow ourselves to be charged with every single day. Questions like; why we (BLACKS) can not trust one another, we don't stick together, we're like crabs in a bucket, all Black men are dogs, all Black women are too dependent upon men, forcing Black men and women (mostly men) to unite in happy relationships or families with other races other than the original race that they were meant to be with, we are quick to kill one another for money, power, and respect. These things that the Devil (The White Man) brainwashes us with on the daily- anything to tear us apart -anything to keep us down- anything to allow us to remind ignorant to the fact that we have the power to change everything; take a look at Black History. WAKE UP! Fellow brothers and sisters look at around you. Something's going on and we are letting it happen. I'm not paranoid, wait 20 more years. I really would like for people to stop saying we need to come together, we need to do something about this, we need... OK it's already established that something needs to be done. Our next step is coming forward with some solutions to deal and to correct some of the problems we have. Any ideas?


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Dave Cronk
Email:
Response: I think that this is exessive prosecution. I also think that it stupid for him to be going to jail for making an empty threat. These type of things happen on a daily basis, and I believe they were making an example of him because it was racially motivated.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: K&J
Email:
Response: We think it was inadequate, too harsh for saying something.


Submit Date: 18 FEB 1999
Name: Tracy and Mike
Email:
Response: I think the criminal should have to serve cumunity service but not serve time in jail. Thanks


Submit Date: 17 FEB 1999
Name: Dean
Email:
Response: I do not think that there is enough information to render an intelligent decision here. We are not told what was exchanged between the two men prior to the event, nor are we told what was said, what each man did. Secondly, you have a question which only allows for two possibilities; I would hope that your readers are discerning enough to consider all possible scenarios and outcomes, not merely the simple-minded picture of whether a white guy got what he deserved or not. The general tone and content of your articles focuses upon how the Blacks are being "hurt" by the Whites. I think this kind of thinking merely fans the flames of racism and prejudice. What is the difference between this kind of "jounalism" and racism?


Submit Date: 17 FEB 1999
Name: Craig
Email: Malclm7@aol.com
Response: Since when did a threat have to be racially mo- tivated? Once again, the fact that color has been mentioned, puts this into this so called racist view that those in power wants us to re- main in.


Submit Date: 16 FEB 1999
Name: Frances Murphy
Email: FrankieLou@aol.com
Response: It all depends on which side of the fence you are on. If you switched the words Black to White the answer becomes clearer. It was wrong. The punishment wasn't excessive, in fact it was inadequate as the NAACP said. It is time we make other people understand that we too bleed.. and the blood is red whether the skin is Black or White.


Submit Date: 16 FEB 1999
Name:
Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net
Response: Brothers...Sisters...! Listen to yourselves! Everyone of you are speaking as if you "personally" has the perfect answer to solve the African-American problem!! You each suggest a one solution to resolving all our Ills! "It ain't gonna happin'...! How many of us Brainy Wizards are actively bustin' our Brainy-Butts to bring a speedy demise to the Sick Force that entraps us?? (and this incluldes myself as well-- I know somebody was going to go there!) Well, let's talk about me first. I am currently building my own website to display the information I possess. This is not bragging, I finally became tired of the Bull-Crap that's injected into our lives day in and day out! We all need to come to the realization that enough is enough! Until everyone of us comes to that reality, and to actively get involved and fight the demented demons of our destruction...we all are just Blowing Smoke up each others you know what...! Your ENEMY knows this! Why don't YOU know this??? Write to me; I welcome your input...


Submit Date: 16 FEB 1999
Name: TheIntern
Email:
Response: Inadequate sentencing: He should spend 40 days in jail, PLUS 40 hours volunteering at the King Center for Non Violent Change. What I wonder is, will the taxpayer have to fund his flight, stay, and meals while travelling to and staying in Atlanta? It's not like our opinion matters anyway, the sentencing has been set, and the guy while serve his little time, then turn around and do the same thing all over again, so what difference does it make? I'm still incensed over Howard getting his job back in D.C. The Black pundits and scholars are so busy being "scholarly" that no one seems to realize that it is not the literal meaning of the word that the guy used, but the SOUND of it in conversation, and the fact that he chose THAT particular word to use in conversation with Blacks. The article regarding the matter painted the official from Marion Barry's administration as trouble-making, but I don't think so. Both situations show me how little power Blacks really have in this society, EVEN when we are in so-called positions of power. We are only able to do SO much to promote our own cause, or fight our own injustices, PARTICULARLY when to do so would require inconveniencing, or "stepping on the toes" of a white person.


Submit Date: 15 FEB 1999
Name: Bakari
Email: usoto@swbell.net
Response: The question is not the prosecution, but instead the values that we hold dear. The individual that is now serving the sentence has received what is right and just. However, what have we as a race received? This is just another small(tiny) victory in a battle that goes well beyond of that a verbal threat!! We, must rise above this and take command of our emotions!! We cannot afford to allow ourselves to be drawn into the abyss that is the name game that in the past has distracted us from the bigger issue. It is true that the incident should not have happen, but who is the true winner in this situation? We must refoucus, get our minds moving in the direction of the greater goal. This also show you has the power in a situation like this. The white individual was able to get in the head of this other gentlemen and take his concentration. This is the same tactic that is being done in the boardrooms, office spaces and classrooms across America. It is up to us to bring this to a complete halt!! This will not be an easy task. The idea that when someone calls us a name that we must respond is embeded deep within us. To dig this out will take both strength and courage. These are two attributes that the African race, both in and out of Africa, possess and display on a daily basis. The first step is all ways the hardest and it is very easy to get side tracked, remember that it is up to us to take control of our lives. Hotep


Submit Date: 15 FEB 1999
Name: Jenice Ambey-Brown
Email: boudoir@bellsouth.net
Response: I agree with Bonnie Jackson, there's not enough information for an intelligent criticism of excess or excise. However, I don't agree that due process is a way of begging for assistance, it is a way of doing for self. For hundreds of years add today "we the people" (brown, red, olive, yellow) have been disciplined and scared subservient by big brother/massa. While the democratic system created by "those people, for those people" turned a deaf ear to our plight. I know the only way to trim fat and gain muscle is through a strong heart and consistent exercise. Why wouldn't "we" apply that same scientific rule with something as abstract as freedom? Due process is the only language that history truly remembers. Only with exercise could sufficient muscle gain be achieved for all people. I know the American Indian, South African, Croation, survivors of the Rainforest and all disassociated people of this world would enjoy some more muscle.


Submit Date: 14 FEB 1999
Name: Craig Simpson
Email: cls09071@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu
Response: First, some facts: In order for a person to be racist their race must possess power. Unfortunately, in America Blacks can not be racist because we lack that essential ingredient power. Yes, we may be prejudice, but we can not be racist. In a society, where blacks have been persecuted as individuals and as a race any battle that is victorious against the racist America is well deserved. We as a people must wake up and maintain a connection to our ancestors who have shed their blood for the little freedom we have today. We have to many spies among our ranks, people like Mr. Thomas. Until, we can get our people on the same page we are fighting a war that we can never win. We need to stop and ask what can I do to help or improve the life of a fellow Black American. Whether this person is a relative, a friend, or some stranger, it is your duty being black to help them pull themselves up in a system that is designed to cause failure in our communities. Modern racism is potent, and to me welfare is just another way to enslave black America. We must work together and not against each other. The NAACP is just a name, it is the people inside it that makes it operate. But you are a single man or women who could make the difference in one life, who do not have to follow rules and regulations. You can start now, Help save Black America. Don't just sit there and complain and hope someone else will do it. You might as well join the k.k.k or any other white nationalist groups, if you sit and do nothing. GET UP AND DO SOMETHING.


Submit Date: 13 FEB 1999
Name: ZAYID
Email: Zayid@aol.com
Response: We all know that the system is a mockery when it comes to justice. How do we as a people find justice in a society that is base on injustice to Africans in america? As Brother X said, "by any means necessary". Or do we keep crying to the same pain of racism.


Submit Date: 12 FEB 1999
Name: Monte Pratt
Email:
Response: I don't know what sentencing guidelines are for those who "communicate threats." If the "32 year old" white man communicated credible threats against anyone (black, white, red, yellow, or whatever) and was found guilty by a jury of his peers, then he is subject to whatever he gets. The victim being black does not make this case any better or any worse (although it seems to have guided the judge's ultimate determination of punishment). I do think it is better that the legal system deal with this individual rather than leave the victim to defend himself and then have to face the justice system for perhaps committing a more serious "offense.".


Submit Date: 11 FEB 1999
Name: Jeffrey
Email: jazmanj@hotmail.com
Response: I am so proud!!! (of the responses thus far) It is as though the system keeps us playing the "name calling", "I'm talking about your mama" game. And we keep getting mad and angry so we retaliate and make a serious statement by putting someone in jail for doing us wrong! "Now we've accomplished something",right(?)!! We are majoring in the minors and minoring in the majors. Yes, we should fight as a people; but it seems to me that the system is designed for us to focus on Emotional racism (what a concept- new isn't it?) "I get so emotional baby, everytime I think of you... " (Whitney Houston) The real racial issues are not on a football field(or are they)? "If we keep their MINDS{thanks Bonnie} occupied by calling them 'this and that' then they are still trying to get 'our' (the white folks) respect. If they (the black folk) are looking for our approval,{"beggin"-thanks Darrin} they maintain their subordinate place in society. Just like economically, whites and other cultures specialize in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, computers, and education, (the "majors" in this system) we as blacks specialize in Nauticas,Tommy Hilfiger, new cars, Daytons, and how to be a player.(the minors) As long as we as a people focus on getting the minors, we have no chance of ever elavating ourselves. We should definately "choose our battles" But shouldn't the NAACP sentence someone 1 year for something like... ? Think about it!!!


Submit Date: 11 FEB 1999
Name: Joe B
Email: joebart
Response: I think the Judge punishment was intended to change his behavior. But I think the Judge is playing in a pool of sharks with open cuts on each if his feet. I think rule of law may not be as favorable to the Judge, as compare to the number of hours before the sharks start to feed!!


Submit Date: 11 FEB 1999
Name: Bonnie Jackson
Email: bonjac@aol.com
Response: Even if it was not a case of inadequate sentencing the NAACP would say that it was -- their very existence, their survival, their basis is that you believe this. Have you ever been to a doctor who couldn’t find anything wrong with you? A psychiatric who gave you a clean bill of mental health? A fitness center that said you didn’t need to be there because you are in excellent condition? A lawyer who wouldn’t sue? What we have to learn to do (just as we do when we visit the doctor, psychiatric, health spa and lawyer) is get a second opinion. That second opinion should come from yourself and its foundation should be facts. I continually allude to one “freeing one’s mind”. Before you become inflamed based on little knowledge, ask yourself some key questions (who, what, when where and how?). Answer and evaluate them. Then, make your decision. The NAACP has been such an important part of our struggle for civil right and I never would underplay that; but, as a free people we need to begin to evaluate conditions ourselves. We are quite capable of forming our own opinion. Blacks don’t think with a singular mind. Our minds are as the colors in the rainbow (varied). Let us not continue to let anyone inflame us with little knowledge (of events) and lead us to suffer the rest of our lives with ‘foot in mouth disease’. Knowledge is power. Remember: Who, What, When, Where, How? If you can’t answer these questions, chances are you are forced to conclusion without facts. Don’t jump unless you are equipped to handle the force of the fall. Free your mind!!! What good is physical freedom if the mind is not free. Free your mind!!! How would I answer the forum’s question? Hmmmmmm I just don’t know, there is so much that I don’t know to give you my feelings, sir.


Submit Date: 11 FEB 1999
Name: DORA DORITY
Email: nalset@fuse.net
Response: It is difficult to comment when the exact threat in wording and context is not known. However, one must keep in mind that they were involved in a very aggressive sport in which tensions naturally run high. As in regard to Darrin's comment, I got the gist, however we need to drop the "We as a people" and ultilize "We The People" then perhaps when one is requesting "DUE PROCESS AND EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW", it would not appear that one is begging and it is naturally given.


Submit Date: 11 FEB 1999
Name: Darnel Tanksley
Email: DarTanksle@aol.com
Response: Between two equals on a common playing field, the government has no place. I consider myself to be racist so I avoid "drawing the line" everytime a White shows a reflection of their racism. I've often thought how can I be mad at Whites for saying at their Thanksgiving Dinner, what my Aunt Sally and myself say at our Thanksgiving Dinner? It's one thing for my boss to be racist, it's another when I realize, ten years to late, that all the whites got promoted!


Submit Date: 10 FEB 1999
Name: Darrin Cypress
Email: Emanon528@aol.com
Response: Hello, I don't understand why we as a people consistantly beg a race of people that are enemies of justice for due process. As long as we continue to prove the world that the original race can not be a self-sufficent unit, cases of inadequate justice, miseducation of the black children, chronic unemployment, etc will continue. Elijah Muhammad said it best, "Do for self or suffer the consequences!" Wake up Black America!


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