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Lynching
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Lynching |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/06/13/lynching.apology.ap/index.html For those unfamiliar or in need of a direct definition of the term, here they make a good definition of it: "Lynching is variously defined as a violent act, usually racial in nature, that denies a person due process of law and is carried out with the complicity of the local society. There were reported lynchings in all but four states, with Mississippi at the top with 581 documented incidents between 1882 and 1968, according to researchers at Tuskegee University." In light of this, the "Mississipi Burning" trial has also begun, as an old lynching victim has also been properly re-buried this week. * I myself believe that this apology is wayyyyyyyy overdue, and find it not only disgusting that it took this many years to do so, but also saddened that there are so many no longer in office or even alive who have ever apologized for these previous crimes, so somehow the apology will never fully be complete or genuine. As an aside, let me present to you the list of fifteen senators who haven't co-sponsered the resolution yet: Lamar Alexander (R-TN) - (202) 224-4944 Robert Bennett (R-UT) - (202) 224-5444 Thad Cochran (R-MS) - (202) 224-5054 John Cornyn (R-TX) - (202) 224-2934 Michael Crapo (R-ID) - (202) 224-6142 Michael Enzi (R-WY) - (202) 224-3424 Chuck Grassley (R-IA) - (202) 224-3744 Judd Gregg (R-NH) - (202) 224-3324 Orrin Hatch (R-UT) - (202) 224-5251 Kay Hutchison (R-TX) - (202) 224-5922 Jon Kyl (R-AZ) - (202) 224-4521 Trent Lott (R-MS) - (202) 224-6253 Richard Shelby (R-AL) - (202) 224-5744 John Sununu (R-NH) - (202) 224-2841 Craig Thomas (R-WY) - (202) 224-6441 I just find it shameful there remain those who won't just simply go out and condemn lynching, and this is just another example of how far off these fifteen are from mainstream America. Shameful how there actually are those who run against the sentiments of James Cameron and others who had to endure those hardships. Sincerely, Noah Eaton "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other" Mother Teresa |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
People is people, and will always seek that pound of flesh. Lynching has been illegal for decades, and I hope a special place in Hell is reserved for those participants, like those who lynched Byrd in Vidor, TX not that many years ago. I ask you though, why should any public servant sign on to something that has been federal law for decades? Politically correctness? While you're busy listing Republicans, how about giving the political affiliation of that lyncher, and his cohorts, while you're at it, at the time of the commision of the crime? If you want to wax political, they were all Democrats, to save you some time. Does that mean the Democratic leadership is full of Klansmen? Nope. Does that mean those listed Republicans should sign on? Nope. It's a PR and PC moment, and should be seen as such. It does absolutely nothing for the families of gang violence, even gang violence 40 years past. Heal old wounds? Nope. No amount of 'measures' will bring back their beloved, or heal the hate. That takes the very thing Congress has tried to destroy, thanks to special interest: faith in Something Greater. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
That's true, Alicat, you bring about some true, genuine points here. And let me add myself that there was in fact one Democrat (Conrad of North Dakota) among ninteen senators who didn't immediately co-sponser the resolution, and then finally bowed in along with a few Republicans including Voinovich in Ohio. I also am not thrilled with Robert Byrd's history. In terms of isolating his history from politics, I believe Byrd has generally had the right idea, but still both the political is personal and the personal political and can understand how some see that gray aura around Byrd always. I guess this is just kind of a character issue to me too. This wasn't any random forced apology resolution, it came parallel with this trial that has just started and with James Cameron appearing in some headlines again reflecting on his story. And I admit it still troubles me deeply, even if there isn't much of a point to the resolution or at least can't ever remedy the atrocities that already happened for over a hundred years before 1968, there's still character behind just saying its wrong anyway. And because some didn't just join the other 81 senators from the beginning and a combined 85 now, it still sends out some kind of message, and it can't help but pique a response or curiousity in why they wouldn't do one simple thing and follow their lead. That's what I'm concerned about here. Sincerely, Noah Eaton "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other" |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
Ever look at most of those senators and how long they've been in office? A good chunk of em were junior senators in the late 60's/early 70's. How many spoke out then? Do they speak out now from so many sickos finally dying out? There's many things that is. Bravery ain't one of em. |
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timothysangel1973
since 2001-12-03
Posts 1725Never close enough |
Well said Alicat, and Noah... I understand where you are coming from as well. However, we won't ever put an end to violent hate crimes because there are too many politicians that say 'this is wrong, that is right' and so... these hoodlums take it into their own hands to rid the world of blacks, homosexuals, and anyone else that doesn't fit into the box. We live in a country where people would rather live by their own standards as oppposed to treating others as equals. I posted a thread earlier in the week about Edgar Ray Killen whom is JUST NOW being tried again for a murder that happened in 1964. The ones that were tried and convicted only served 6 years or so. It won't bring these young men back, and it certainly won't ease the pain that these loved ones felt. It should have been taken care of 40 years ago, hell... that man has lived his entire life as a free man. Going to prison now, would just mean going as an old man that already has severe health problems and he won't get the full impact of having served his life for the part he played in the murder of another human being. Saying your sorry is a really nice thing to do, but it wont being anyone back. |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
I think you got the Byrds confused, Noah. I was referring to James Byrd, who was lynched by Klansmen, after being dragged for miles behind their pickup in June, 1998. |
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