As we emerge out of the worst newsweekend ever, let’s take some time to quickly recap how justice is dead. The Marisa Alexander case is a good place to start, as both a counterpoint to the Trayvon Martin case, and as a stand alone example of why everything in the world is totally skewed.
Alexander was defending herself in a confrontation with her estranged, abusive husband. In order to escape another “brutal beating,” Alexander allegedly fired off a few warning shots to ward him off. Theoretically, being that this was self-defense, it could be protected under the “Stand Your Ground” law. The law states that “the victim of a crime does not have to attempt to run for safety and can immediately retaliate in self-defense.” Sounds fair.
But lol, no. Instead, Alexander’s defense was rejected, and the mother of three is set to serve the mandatory minimum sentence of attempted murder: 20 years– that’s TWO DECADES – prison time.
Meanwhile, George Zimmerman used the Stand Your Ground law for shooting a black teenager to death and doesn’t even get manslaughter. He is, in no way held accountable.
There have been arguments (mostly in the comment section of every article or status update) that these cases have been painted over by the “liberal media.” That Alexander seemed to be “provoking” her husband, and that Trayvon…what…looked like a hoodlum? Let’s not pretend this isn’t a race issue. The whole thing looks pretty black and white to me. That was a really bad joke. I am so sorry.
To clarify: these are not stories I follow intently. I’m the pop culture girl here. I’ll marathon two seasons of Community and deconstruct how Britta as a character has been diminished with each season, but as for real life? Real life is hard.
But certainly anyone else who has internet access and a dream has felt the need to air their feelings, so why stop now? So I’m just opening another venue for conversation.
In other news, the Texas 20-week abortion bill passed? And that guy from Glee died?
The latter I’m only mentioning because my mom said I had to blog about it. Worst weekend ever, tho.
What do you think? Who are laws supposed to protect? Are you at all skeptical about these cases? Or just horrified? Do any of you actually watch Glee? My mom is convinced that you do.
Tell us how you really feel in the comments.
Original article via CBSnews.com
Images via CBSnews.com and businessinsider.com
