General Discussion
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As I am preparing for tomorrow mornings court hearing, I want to again thank all of you who have supported my family and I since the 10-27 shootings. And I speak for my cousin, his daughter, his siblings, nieces and nephews, and his parents. The District Attorney has also asked that I convey his thanks, as well. By 48 hours ago, the public response -- phone calls, letters, and e-mails -- had already been the most that Chenango County has ever received, on any case. And 100% of these provided the same message: no bail for John Guzy.
Anyone here familiar with my rants over the years, knows that I am fascinated by the workings of systems. Having said that, I want to briefly note a couple of discussions that Ive read here recently. They were focused on if the Democratic Underground was fading into insignificance. Now, granted, I am but one cranky old man, and my opinion is of no more value than any other individuals. But in light of the fact that the DU community stepped up, for no reason other than their beliefs in the need for social justice, and more than tripled the previous record for statements on a legal case in Chenango County
..I think it speaks loudly about just how significant this forum is.
This case is, of course, related to the many others that now infect our culture with hatred, racism, and violence. Guzy is a retired NYC cop, and had indeed just finished a shift as a sheriffs deputy. In fact, he had left work furious, because he was required to work a 12-hour shift, rather than a regular 8-hour shift. As one of my good friends noted, he was going to kill someone that day, and my cousin and his son were the first people he encountered.
This case is unlike many of the others currently in the news, in that the victims were not black. Yet I can relate to those -- as can my family -- if only from a 1998 incident where a racist hate gang savagely attacked my nephew. This took place in the same town where the shootings occurred. One of the Assistant District Attorneys advocated prosecuting the case as exactly what it was -- attempted murder. Seventeen thugs attacked a high school student, because they were enraged that a brown-skinned youth was getting state-wide press, recognizing him as a top scholar-athlete. They left him for dead in a dark field.
The DA opted to charge the gang leader, who admitted that he had punched and kicked his unconscious victim in the head, at least 12 times, with a misdemeanor. When the ADA introduced testimony that the gang leader had called my nephew a dumb nigger (among other things), the (in)Justice of the Peace said -- in open court -- Well, I dont believe that indicates that race played any role in this. Then what the heck did it indicate? I remember the disgust I felt for this man, when he rendered his decision -- a $50 fine, for having an open beer at the time of the assault.
When I see people who are outraged by the legal systems frequent refusal to hold violent criminals responsible for their crimes, I understand it. Oh, yes I do. I would be lying if I said that I didnt have thoughts about going after the men who inflicted permanent physical damage on my nephew. Non-violence was not my first nature, and those days sorely tested my attempt to live a peaceful life. It would have been easy -- very, very easy, indeed -- to react in a most violent manner.
Even today, I have periods where I wrestle with feelings of hatred for John Guzy, because he seriously wounded my cousin, and killed his son. He did a lot more damage to my family and our friends than merely shooting two men. I cannot describe how difficult it is to see my 84-year old aunt, and 86-year old uncle, suffering as a consequence of Guzys violent outburst. It would be easy for me to hate, and to feel justified in doing so.
But I will not. For if we are to change these systems that our lives experience daily, we must stop the violence and hatred. We have to rise above that, and identify the higher ground that is found in human potential.
So again, I want to thank each and every one of you who has supported me in recent weeks. It is much appreciated. And, if not before, then I look forward to talking with you tomorrow afternoon.
Peace,
H2O Man
hlthe2b
(102,359 posts)My best wishes for justice to prevail and whatever might bring some peace, comfort and closure to your family
hootinholler
(26,449 posts)mountain grammy
(26,648 posts)I have a bad feeling that if your family was African American, the treatment likely would have been more like your 1998 experience and this violent murderer would be out on bail, or worse, not charged at all. After all, he is a cop. Justice is supposed to be blindfolded, but we all know that's a lie.
daleanime
(17,796 posts)is do every thing we can.....And pray we're turning the corner on those kind of situations.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,699 posts)May there be no bail granted tomorrow!
onecaliberal
(32,894 posts)herding cats
(19,567 posts)Hopefully the letters will help expedite the process of both.
H2O Man
(73,605 posts)talking to more reporters in the past 36 hours, than I have for a few years. (Except when I did my hunger strike a couple of years back, I've largely been a hermit.) Man! It has been fun to teach my assistant some of the methods that I use to be sure that the exact message I want to get across is communicated. She asked me how I came to learn these things? Years of experience, plus closely studying Minister Malcolm X's ability to come up with solid sound bytes.
H2O Man
(73,605 posts)caught the attention of everyone connected to the county's legal system. And that, of course, allows word to spread throughout the various county agencies.
Years ago, when I worked at the mental health clinic, I served as the VP of our union. So we have a lot of folks interested in where all these letters are coming from. They know that I'm involved, and so I assume there will be some new people reading DU.
I think it's outstanding that my aunt and uncle have been reading DU:GD lately. They are FDR Democrats, and at the far left of today's political world.
ReRe
(10,597 posts)... a hug from another FDR Democrat! And here's one for you.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)I think we're far overdue for some justice in this country. I hope it is bestowed on your family.
bearssoapbox
(1,408 posts)My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
spanone
(135,874 posts)Hekate
(90,793 posts)Your words are more powerful than anything I can say. Just keep on.
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)I've told your story to many family and friends who were all horrified by it, and they're all praying for your family.
There will be a lot of people with you all in spirit tomorrow.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)because at the end of the day, we love each other. That's the definition of "Community".
marions ghost
(19,841 posts)dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)but it is not until we have a specific project that we can join together and help, as in your case, and of others.
Looking forward to hearing teh results and you know we are here if there is more we can do.
marble falls
(57,204 posts)Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)I have felt all along that in this case at least, justice will rule. Deservedly so.
Generic Other
(28,979 posts)we shall not be moved. We demand justice for your family.
H2O Man
(73,605 posts)from the second school board meeting of the week.
Sipping a Guinness, and making posters.
BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)and justice for your family. I wish that for all people. I hope to find a way to make that happen.
renate
(13,776 posts)... you and your family have been through so much. It's AWFUL.
You are incredible. I don't think I could avoid feeling hatred towards the people who have hurt your loved ones, or towards the people who let them get away with it. Every moment that you don't feel hatred is a victory for you and a testament to the kind of person you are (and the kind of person I would like to be).
Thank you for keeping us up to date on your pursuit of justice.
riqster
(13,986 posts)Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)h2oman, may your family not experience one more tragedy, you all have had too many.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)malthaussen
(17,216 posts)... sometimes are misunderstood, but I think the rewards of self-control outweigh the penalties. Though sometimes indeed, the difference is mighty slim.
-- Mal
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)even if it looks like the odds are against us.
gwheezie
(3,580 posts)I will be thinking of your family. Your posts on this tragedy have made me exam my own feelings thank you for sharing with us. Let us know if we need to do more.