Reply #113: well done, mighty warrior. we agree completely. additionally

[Piewhacket]

Punishment of crime is reserved to the state alone, and
actions or attempts by individuals to inflict extrajudicial
punishment on the accused are themselves crimes.
Some here in DU should take note of that.

nonetheless, even when protected from the mob
the person accused of crime must face an awesome array, the naked
power of the state. This while armed only with some basic
rights to fair proceedings, an advocate who works on their behalf
instead of for the state, and the obligation of the prosecutor not
to seek just conviction, but to seek justice in the case.

but even when it works perfectly
it is a very one sided contest. conviction rates tend
to 95-98%. Yet even former AG Thornberg (R), has admitted
that as many as 20-25% of those in federal prisons may be
actually and factually innocent of the crimes for which they
were convicted. it is an appalling admission in light of
the ethical duty of a prosecutor. but AG Thornberg said it with
straight face, and with no apology. I know, I watched him say it.

and when all breaks down? when the prosecutor is ambitious or
corrupt, the judge biased or abusive or dishonest, the defense
attorney incompetent or just plain sells his client out? what then?
how good is the system of justice then? what good is it to anyone?

why not just round up people at random, to fill the prisons.
or select only DUers, those radical scum deserve whatever they get! right?
what difference between that and the broken system?

yet despite this travesty of justice, this ADMITTED oft broken criminal justice
system, still the mob howls for the blood of the accused. even
before the facts are established. based only on the inflammatory
accusation. even in the face of a plea they howl. they don't care
to understand anything, even the meger established facts.
where is their reason? it has fled before the howling.

thus all sense of proportionality also disappears, the law itself
becomes perverted, the man who steals a pack of cigarettes must be
imprisoned for life, the one who steals bread to feed his family
must have his arms severed. The law in its majesty must forbid the
sleeping under bridges and begging in the streets, the smoking
of pot, cocaine gets a pass while crack is a scourge. The lie must
triumph over truth. The prisons must fill! The mob must be appeased.

Yet even in the face of this abomination, there are many, even here in DU,
who refuse to recognize and actually degrade the right to a fair
process in prosecution. They say they do not care whether the law
is obeyed. We might ask them if if they care if the law is obeyed
in THEIR case. but they do not even answer that, their reason has
fled. only the howling remains.

There is but one weapon against this beast that crouches on all fours
and howls. To turn a mirror upon it until it simpers in pain,
transfixed by the horror of its reflection.

Its not a great job, not even a safe job, and the pay and benefits
are pathetic. yet someone must do this dangerous task of turning
back the beast. so we drew straws, and I chose not wisely.
now here i stand nearly lost in a sea of howling. a few others, brave
heroes holding up their mirrors, so few, stand nearby.

oh great warrior, mighty warrior, it is a hard and harsh world we
must stand in. but at least some of us may stand in it upright.
excuse me, i must return to work.

COME HITHER, OH HOWLING BEAST, GAZE THEE DEEPLY INTO THE MIRROR!
MIRROR MIRROR, SHOW WHO IS THE GREATEST EVIL.