Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The end is near.

The following is from Christopher Emdin writing for HuffPo today as Troy Davis is probably about to eat his last meal before his 7:00 date with a needle. *cheers from the pro death penalty crowd*

"For hundreds of thousands of people across the globe, the world seemed to come to a standstill when the news was released that the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles had turned a deaf ear to pleas for clemency for Troy Davis. Hundreds of thousands of supporters, who range in profile from teenagers in public schools to former presidents, have written letters on behalf of Davis, and hoped that their words would sway the state of Georgia away from the Death Penalty.

Davis was convicted for the shooting death of off-duty police officer Mark Allen MacPhail 22 years ago in a case shrouded with allegations of police coercion of witnesses, blatant inconsistencies in witness statements, a drunken confession from another possible suspect, a lack of physical evidence, and consequently, doubts about whether or not Davis committed the crime.

The rallying cry from people around the globe has been loud and clear: we cannot put someone to death if there is some doubt about whether or not they committed the crime. Human Rights organizations are also expressing condemnation. The NAACP, who undoubtedly connects the Troy Davis case to the fact that he is a black man, a member of the racial group that is arguably, the most likely to interact with the criminal justice system and receive harsher penalties than other racial groups, is speaking up against the death penalty in this case.

As the Troy Davis case unearths the flaws in our justice system, and shines a light on the fact that there are many inequities in society at large, it has brought anger, frustration, and even a renewed sense of commitment to fighting injustice. However, in the midst of the bevy of emotions surrounding this case, it is important that we focus on the many teaching moments it provides us. Therefore, I outline 5 lessons that parents can learn from this case, and that must be shared with urban youth.

1) Urban youth must be aware of this case. In many ways, they are Troy Davis.
This is especially the case for black males. Parents must let youth know that Davis has been placed in a situation that many of them could potentially be placed in as well. Many urban kids exist around crime and it's possible that they could be a witness to one, or be accused of something they did not do. Parents should introduce their children to the case, and discuss any potential risk they have of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Let them know that it's important to voice complaints about what they feel is unjust so that they can make the world better. Encourage your children to write letters, or even write a reflection about how they feel about the case. Making them feel like they are part of a social movement empowers them, and also lets them vent their frustrations constructively.

2) All youth must be wary of the company they keep. They should be taught that if something doesn't look or feel right, they should leave immediately.
One of the most powerful pieces of the Troy Davis case is the set of events that led to the murder of an innocent man. Allegedly, Davis, was at a party, left with a friend, and got into an argument with another group of men. He then met with another man who was arguing with a homeless man. The second situation quickly escalated into the shooting of MacPhail, who came to the rescue of the homeless man. It is important for youth to know that any scenario where voices are being raised or someone is arguing with someone else has the potential to escalate into violence. When this happens, they should leave as soon as they can.

3) Remind youth that the unspoken "No snitching" rule is useless.
For many urban youth, their negative interactions with the criminal justice system have caused them to develop the idea that they should not "snitch" on each other, no matter what. The common belief is that a code of street ethics is broken when someone tells another person (especially the police) about a crime that has been committed. It is important to let youth know that this belief is often the source of an innocent person being implicated for a crime they did not commit. In the case of Troy Davis, he witnessed the shooting and did not report it. Instead, another person who has been accused to be the shooter, told police that Davis committed the crime.

4) Youth must be encouraged to describe exactly what they see. Nothing more, nothing less. In the Troy Davis case, many witness statements that were the anchor of the case against Davis were later recanted. Witnesses mentioned that they felt pressure by the police to make statements, and in one case, mentioned that she believed that the shooter had gotten away. This pressure by the police happens too often to urban youth, and has serious implications on who gets accused and/or convicted of crimes. Parents must let youth know that they do not have to bend to pressure by those who have more power than them. The truth is always sufficient if it is told respectfully.

5) Youth must know that when all is said and done, things may not go their way. However, they must handle every situation with dignity and grace
In the Troy Davis case, one of the most powerful things has been the response of Davis and his family to the recent decision to deny clemency. Even in the face of what they feel to be unjust, the family continues to remain in good spirits and fight until they can no longer do so. This response has done a lot for furthering their cause, and brought much needed visibility to this case. This certainly does not mean that what is right has been done. However, youth must see that this response does much more to further their cause than reacting violently. [Source]

All good rules and words to live by. But the killing of Troy Davis won't deter one single knucklehead in the hood from taking another life. (I guarantee you that there will be another murder in Georgia before the end of the week.) Those who should hear this message will not be reading Huffington Post, and they sure as hell won't be tuned in to the Troy Davis case. That is the reality of the world in which we live.

In a way, the killing of Troy Davis is society's revenge for all of those crimes committed by violent criminals in the hood. He might not have shot that officer, but somebody did. So we might as well sacrifice one (potentially) innocent person to send a message. Just think of all the killings that might be prevented in the future. Or so they think.

"Davis's pending execution has sparked an extraordinary outcry nationally and internationally that continued Wednesday, with thousands of people expected to participate in evening protests and vigils at Georgia's death row prison and the state capitol. By early afternoon, dozens of protesters were already singing and praying in a small cordoned-off area on the prison grounds.

Earlier this week, the state's pardons board was bombarded by hundreds of thousands of petitions to spare Davis's life, including calls from former FBI director William Sessions and Bob Barr, a four-term Republican congressman from Georgia and death penalty supporter. Many of those opposed to the execution noted the lack of physical evidence tying Davis to the crime and the recantation of critical eyewitness, many of whom told attorneys for Davis that they had been pressured by police to testify that Davis was the shooter.
"Imposing an irreversible sentence of death on the skimpiest of evidence will not serve the interest of justice..." 

It might not "serve the interest of justice" Mr. Barr, but it sure feels good.

*Pic from Cleveland Leader.

43 comments:

  1. Bravo Field, Bravo!

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  2. My heart just broke a little when I realized that Charlie Manson will fall asleep in his cell tonight and Troy Davis will go to an eternal sleep.

    Wow just wow...

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  3. Students at Howard got arrested fro protesting in from of the WH, and STILL no word from Prez. Obama?

    DAMN SHAME!!!

    Of course if he speaks out, he "gets it" from the Repubs.

    Personally, I'd rather lose because I stood for something important with my pride and dignity in tact, but that's just me.

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  4. Anonymous7:05 PM

    They kill a black man if he's innocent.

    They kill a black man if he's guilty.

    The life of us black men ain't worth sh*t here in Amerikkka.

    Can't get the black man in the white house to say sh*t about it.


    Who gives a f*ck?Just another dead nigga.

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  5. I see that Supremes granted a halt to an execution tonight. This one was in Texas. I am glad for Mr. Foster. I hope that his life will be spared.


    http://news.yahoo.com/court-halts-texas-execution-ex-army-recruiter-212213215.html

    Now back to Mr. Davis....

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  6. "the reprieve came before he was served his requested final meal, which included two fried chickens and a five-gallon bucket of peaches"

    So Foster had TWO fried chickens for a last meal, huh? Wonder what the HAGs (hatin' ass goobers) have to say about that!

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  7. Democracy Now reports Supreme Court just issued a stay of execution for Troy Davis.

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  8. Anonymous7:50 PM

    I hope the horror of the Davis case will be the straw that breaks the back of the death penalty in America.

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  9. The US Supreme Court has now announced they too will be reviewing the Troy Davis case as well. They have up to 7 days to render a decision.

    Keep Hope Alive!
    Keep Hope Alive!

    http://ravenanda.blogspot.com/

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  10. Anonymous8:10 PM

    Obama,

    It is your turn to step in because this isn't fair.

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  11. Yes, let's hope for the best.

    BTW, that racist white supremacist, Lawrence Brewer is scheduled to be put to death in Texas for the murder of James Byrd.

    http://www.kens5.com/news/130314468.html


    And, for the record, his life should also be spared. I say let him rot in prison for the rest of his life.

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  12. Anonymous8:36 PM

    Field, I see that you are now taking sponsors. What a disappointment.

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  13. Anonymous8:47 PM

    Brooklyn, "My heart just broke a little when I realized that Charlie Manson will fall asleep in his cell tonight and Troy Davis will go to an eternal sleep.

    Wow just wow..."

    Brooklyn, don't tell me you don't know that being White means you get fair reasonable consideration, no matter how heinous the crime. However, if you are Black, well...I'll let you finish the sentence.

    I will continue to speak the hard unspeakable truth: It is no fun being Black in America. It sucks.

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  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  15. "Field, I see that you are now taking sponsors. What a disappointment."

    NO! No! No!. That was a fluke. (Think Huff Po) That won't happen again.

    I apologize to all my readers for those ads that got through. Wont happen again.

    Now back to Mr. Dais. I see that the po po in Georgia are out in full force and daring demonstrators to even think about trying something.

    Why the show of force?

    CNN is reporting that all the demonstrators have been very peaceful.

    RIOT GEAR?!! WTF?

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  16. field negro said...
    Why the show of force?

    CNN is reporting that all the demonstrators have been very peaceful.
    >>>>>>>>>>>

    Some politician is probably considering running for president. Gotta look "tough" to the good ol' boys!

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  17. Anon@:36PM, those sponsors have been removed from the post.

    TY.

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  18. News reports are that Lawrence Brewer was executed and had expressed in a recent KFDM's interview in July, that he was innocent & expressed no remorse for taking part in the crime. Which part is unclear & is a moot issue as far as I'm concerned especially when he was quoted as saying....

    "I know in my heart I participated in assaulting him but I had nothing to do with the killing as far as dragging him or driving the truck or anything," Brewer told KFDM reporter Lindsey Kovacevich. "I have no regrets. I'd do it all over again to tell you the truth."

    Read more: http://www.kfdm.com/articles/lawrence-44888-russell-brewer.html#ixzz1YdWqo7CO

    I've been following the live stream on Democracy Now (Davis Execution broadcast)and the twists and turns have been disconcerting to say the least and I can only imagine what Troy and his family are going through.

    When I read statements made by this made up moniker nsangoma; I feel that this is representative of the feeling of many who really don't care if he did it or not. They just want a black man to die as a symbol for what they despise most in this country.

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  19. Anonymous9:15 PM

    With all the racist black mobs attacking innocent white people, you really have to ask why a show of force?

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  20. Anonymous9:28 PM

    As a resident of Gawguh, this has just been the same old story told over and over. Picka Nigga justice down south. Police work without justice, judgment, and investigative work is how they handle bruthas down here.

    My prayers have gone out to the Troy and the Davis family. I'm very a little optimistic that they delayed the execution, but this only puts this back into Gawguh's hands to make a historical decision. Unfortunately I don't think we're ready. Only ATL is diverse. The rest of the state is RED!!!!

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  21. Anonymous9:30 PM

    please for give my gramar, I'm at work and rushing to post...

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  22. "With all the racist black mobs attacking innocent white people, you really have to ask why a show of force?"

    The idiot brigade continues. Hey genius, half of those protestors are white.

    This is a long time for the Supremes to take to decide. (Three hours and counting) Given the makeup of the court it might take a small miracle to keep Davis alive. *fingers crossed*

    Man, the wait for this poor guy. Cruel and unusual punishment?

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  23. Anonymous10:17 PM

    This guy killed a police officer. Beat a homeless man and was involved in a shooting just hours before all of this.

    Cry me a river.

    I feel sad for the victim's family.

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  24. The Supremes have said death! Davis will be killed in a few minutes.

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  25. As a woman who loves a Black man, NO Georgia for me! Not for ANYTHING!!!!

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  26. ECONOMIC PROTEST OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA!!!!! NOW!!!

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  27. Anonymous10:36 PM

    Dr.Queen said...
    ECONOMIC PROTEST OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA!!!!! NOW!!!

    Yeah, fake dr. queen.Lets do more to hurt poor black people in the state of Georgia.

    You should have finished mlk high school.

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  28. I guess Rethugs only want to protect the life of fetuses.

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  29. Isn't it ironic that this application went to Uncle Clarence and the 11th circuit? Fitting.

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  30. field negro said...
    Isn't it ironic that this application went to Uncle Clarence and the 11th circuit? Fitting.
    >>>

    Of course it did, I was never under the disillusion that Clarence wouldn't have a say in this. You know, so the good white folks can say that race wasn't an issue in their decision.

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  31. Anonymous10:56 PM

    Queen, "I guess Rethugs only want to protect the life of fetuses."

    Somebody has to. The Dumbocrats aren't interested in saving the lives of innocent children.

    Dr Queen, you must be related to Obama because you are a compulsive liar. How did your med test turn out, now that you won't be moving to Georgia? I swear, you tell so many lies no one can keep up with them, not even you.

    But you bring some 'color' to the blog and common lying traits of DC/Bowie folks from the hood.

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  32. Anonymous11:01 PM

    Field, you said you read Troy's case and had some serious doubts. Yet, the Supreme Court had none. So, why are so far off from the decision of the highest court in the land?

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  33. I don't mean to be crass but it's about time people started giving a shit about a black man.

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  34. Rottnkid said...
    I don't mean to be crass but it's about time people started giving a shit about a black man.
    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Good point, but what about tomorrow? Back to the business of the war on Black men!

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  35. Anonymous11:13 PM

    Isn't time for the black man to start giving a shit about himself?

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  36. Tyrone Shoes11:23 PM

    Anonymous said...
    Isn't time for the black man to start giving a shit about himself?

    Hear, Hear - God helps those who help themselves not demand others do it all.

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  37. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf2q7yCME2U

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  38. "Hear, Hear - God helps those who help themselves not demand others do it all."

    I see that she is really helping you. Did you tell her that you always wanted to be a troll?

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  39. Anonymous said...

    Isn't time for the black man to start giving a shit about himself?

    11:13 PM

    Let's start with you.

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  40. "Anonymous said...

    Isn't time for the black man to start giving a shit about himself?

    11:13 PM

    Let's start with you."

    Sorry Rottnkid, it's too late for that. At this point lets just keep it away from our young.

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  41. That goober ain't black.

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