I have around eight posts that were only half finished awaiting my attention; however, I haven't been well... flu-like symptoms. No big deal except that it is causing my mind to fog. In the meantime, I will offer some random thoughts on several situations in the news. I also decided that I will change the YouTube in the blog header at least a couple of times a week. Hopefully you will look forward to that as I am selective when it comes to what I watch.
At this moment the YouTube shows a news conference with the West Memphis Three: Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr. They were all teens (two were juveniles) when convicted of murdering three eight year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. Echols was sentenced to death in the case and Baldwin and Misskelley Jr. were both given life sentences. They were arrested, tried, and convicted with no evidence. Investigators, a prosecutor, the judge, and the jury all convicted these teens because they listened to heavy metal music and wore black often. The prosecutor painted a fictional picture of a satanic cult and the jury bought it because they wanted to.
I will summarize my thoughts on this case, which I also stated in comments on an Orlando Sentinel article on the topic:
I am really happy to hear that the West Memphis 3 have finally been released. I am really unhappy to hear that the state closed the case and the real killer(s) will never be prosecuted.
This case represents all that is wrong with the US criminal justice system, from the interrogations and coerced confession to the Alford pleas that releases the state from criminal misconduct and financial liability. And then, of course, is the fact that there is a brutal child killer (or 2) running loose. How many more have died because of bad cops and a bad prosecutor? We have no clue how many - what about other missing children cases? The sadistic murders of the three young boys didn't take place in a vacuum - not much doubt that the killer(s) went on in life to kill again.
Damien Echols wrote a book while in prison, though it is about his life before the case and not the case itself: Almost Home: My Life Story Vol 1. I admit that I am holding out for the Kindle edition to be released, and no, it isn't an elitist thing; it is an eyesight issue (with reading). So Damien, Jason, and Jessie – please do get a deal going for a ghost writer to write each book, or write it yourself, but make sure it is released for Kindle and Nook readers at the same time the hardcover is released. Thank you.
In other less important news...
Clearly Michele Bachmann is another Palin. Sure, they're both cute in a dress, but what the hell else are they good for in politics? Bachmann actually stated that, “Americans are nervous about the rise of the Soviet Union”. First we must wonder what Americans she is referring to. Newsflash baby: It has long been the former Soviet Union, with emphasis on former. Really – since dissolution in 1991. I think Bachmann would benefit from a return to college, but we sure as hell do not need her representing the country anymore than we need Palin, who eyes Russia from her porch. Good grief!
I am torn as to whether I will vote in the 2012 presidential election or not. I admit that I like Ron Paul and anyone else is out, so if I do decide to vote... I really do like Ron Paul, but the rest of them are all like talking heads and cutie pies. What in the hell is up with politics in this country? Our politicians are supposed to be some of the best in our society, but instead they're often some of the worst.
Okay, back to sleep for me. I'll tackle those half-finished posts in the coming week.
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