As most of you know I have 2 children. They are 7 and 10 (almost) now and I can no longer shield them from the goings on of the world. As we were driving yesterday from Florida to NC I listened to the verdict of the Casey Anthony trial on the radio. As I was informed of the idiotic result, I may have uttered an inappropriate word that my child heard (I said, "Are you fucking kidding me"). My 10 year old asked why I was so mad and I responded that I felt that this mother had hurt her child and was not going to be punished. This stumped both kids for a minute and then the questions began.
I know, I know, I opened myself up to this one but how in the world do you explain that even though everyone in the world thinks this woman is guilty (and crazy) she is going to walk away? What does this say about our justice system and what does this say about the prosecution in this case? I navigated the questions as best I could and dropped the subject quickly but (and this is a big but) I know that both of my kids will be thinking about this for awhile (as will most of us).
I am disappointed that I even had to have the conversation and am scared of what this woman will do once she is released. Pregnant again in 6 months (bet you $20), and she will hurt someone again. Not feeling real proud and protected at the moment.
1 comment:
I so understand your reaction. I think I said those exact same words!
Tell them that when the government has the ability to remove your freedom, incarcerate you and take your life (which was at stake in this case) you want them held to the very highest standard of proof. The prosecution didn't meet the burden with this case.
Also, even though the rest of us know something happened, and we believe she is responsible for her child's death, we don't have the ability to take justice into our own hands and thank God for that. We know what mob justice can do and it isn't pretty.
Once DNA came along and people were being released from death row after being proved innocent we realize that justice isn't perfect but we do the very best job that we can.
Post a Comment