Thoughts on the Sean Bell verdict, Mayor Bloomberg, WCBS-TV, and the NYC situation.

[speedoo]

For background, go here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3205839&mesg_id=3205839

In short, three police officers were acquitted this morning in a case involving the shooting death of an innocent young black man here in NYC. To say the least, the verdict was a shock to the black community in NYC.

For the last hour or so, I have been watching WCBS-TV's coverage of the verdict and the aftermath.

The calm in the city, and the professional job WCBS-tv has done so far is just stunning. Especially in comparison for what poses as news coverage and journalism elsewhere.

Kudos to Mayor Bloomberg and all the officials and police for being prepared for this. You can be sure that if Giuliani and Kerik were still in charge here, New York City would now be in the midst of frenzy and violence.

Kudos to the Bell Family, Al Sharpton and others in the black community.

I'm proud of my city today.

[NightWatcher]

1. but but the witnesses had records, were out late, had 'credibility issues' ...

in other words:
"If you're black you might as well not shown up on the street
'Less you wanna draw the heat."- Robert Zimmerman (B.Dylan)

The cops had been staking out the club (from the inside). I wonder if they were subjected to a blood alcohol test at 4:30 AM


A white cop shoots 31 rounds at a man who was never found to have a weapon. I'm surprised the cops didnt plant one fo their throw downs in the car.

[speedoo]

2. It was a judge's verdict, not a jury trial.

The judge heard all the witnesses and evidence. While I was shocked at the verdict, based on what I have heard of the case, I'm not going to trash the judge's verdict without studying the facts much more carefully than I have to date.

And it's notable that Al Sharpton and the Bell family have not yet spoken out. These police officers, and very likely their uncharged lieutenant, are by no means out of the woods. I believe the NYPD and a civil case jury, will make them pay for their errors.

[NightWatcher]

3. I know it was a bench trial, but if I were the prosecution I would have asked for a jury trial

I'm not a big fan of bench (judge based) trials.

On the face it seems fishy

[speedoo]

4. I'm not a lawyer, but I think the judge earned his pay.

I can't envision a judge in this city rendering that verdict without a strong conviction that it is the correct verdict. You can bet there will be very close scrutiny of the verdict and of all the evidence.

[leftynyc]

5. I'm almost positive that in New York

the decision to waive jury is wholly on the defendent. So far, I'm very proud of how my city is handling this disturing verdict. We'll see what happens as the day goes on.