Moral Side

Topics for "The Moral Side of the News" - April 15, 2012

TOPIC 1:  George Zimmerman to Be Charged in Trayvon Martin's Death

A Florida special prosecutor has decided to charge neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman in the shooting death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin, sources told ABC News. The decision by Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey is expected to be announced at a 6 p.m. news conference in Jacksonville, Fla. The prosecutor's ruling is certain to provoke controversy in Sanford, Fla., where shooting took place and across the country.

Zimmerman, 28, an Hispanic neighborhood watch captain, shot and killed Martin, who was 17 and black, on Feb. 26 after following the teenager for several minutes.

The special prosecutor's ruling came one day after Zimmerman's legal team quit because they had lost contact with him, and suggested that the pressure of the case had "pushed him over the edge." His lawyers said that Zimmerman was no longer in Florida and ABC News has learned that prosecutors do not know his exact location.

Earlier this week, Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett said his city has become a "kindling box" due to the high emotions surrounding the case, and that he would "plan for the worst and hope for the best."

The case gained national prominence with rallies across the country demanding that Zimmerman be arrested and charged with murder. Zimmerman and his supporters say that the shooting had nothing to do with race and that he shot Martin in self-defense. The city of Sanford has been getting increasingly tense as the decision neared. Six shots were fired into an empty police cruiser earlier this week in the neighborhood where Martin was killed.

The New Black Panther Party offered a $10,000 bounty for Zimmerman and his lawyers said Zimmerman had received death threats. The New Socialist Movement, a white supremacy group, said they were patrol Sanford to protect whites and racists comments about the shooting have sprung up on social media sites. Debate over the shooting became so widespread that even President Obama commented, saying if he had a son he would have looked like Trayvon Martin.

On his website, Zimmerman released a statement about the shooting this week, calling the incident a "life-altering event." "As a result of the incident and subsequent media coverage, I have been forced to leave my home, my school, my employer, my family and ultimately my entire life," he wrote.

CONTINUE READING: http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-charged-trayvon-martin-killing/story?id=16115469

Law enforcement source: Zimmerman will be charged 

(CNN) -- George Zimmerman, the Florida neighborhood watch volunteer who says he shot Trayvon Martin in self-defense, "will be (criminally) charged, if he hasn't been charged already," a senior law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN Wednesday. State Attorney Angela Corey said she will present new information about the case at 6 p.m. in Jacksonville. Martin, 17, was killed February 26 as he returned to his father's fiancee's house in Sanford after picking up candy and an iced tea at a nearby convenience store.

The news that Zimmerman will be charged came shortly after the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Martin family attorney called Wednesday for the public to remain peaceful, whatever the decision of the special prosecutor turns out to be. "We do not condone or support in any way acts or language of violence," Sharpton told his National Action Network's 14th annual convention in Washington. "Trayvon Martin's name must not be tarnished by those who are either for or against us with any reckless behavior, even verbally." He and Martin family attorney Benjamin Crump said Martin's parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, have conducted themselves with dignity and set an example for others. "Nobody can be hurting more than them," Crump said. "Nobody can be more outraged than them."

Corey said Tuesday she planned to release new information about the case within three days. The special prosecutor's announcement came the day that two lawyers who had been giving legal advice to Zimmerman, Craig Sonner and Hal Uhrig, told reporters that they had lost contact with their client and no longer represent him.

Phyllis Kotey, a former prosecutor in Florida, told CNN's Brooke Baldwin that Corey may be considering a second-degree murder or manslaughter charge. "You really just want to weigh the evidence even though you all have all these very public things going on," Kotey said. "It really shouldn't be a political decision." A second-degree murder charge would look at whether the shooting was done with any kind of provocation and with possible reckless disregard for the safety of another human being. "When you look at manslaughter ... you are talking about an issue of culpable negligence," Kotey said. "One of the things you would look at would be the issue of how Zimmerman acted," she said, "whether there was anything unlawful about his actions, in terms of continuing to pursue, continuing to go after an individual in a lawful place... perhaps whether a gun was pulled on an individual in a lawful place."

Brad Conway, a defense attorney in Florida, told CNN that Zimmerman needs to hire a new attorney -- quickly. "One thing is of key concern to everybody is Mr. Zimmerman's safety," said Conway.

The case has sparked a nationwide debate about race in America and Florida's "stand your ground" law, which allows the use of deadly force by anyone who feels a reasonable threat of death or serious injury. Readings of the law are crucial to a prosecution, Conway said. Thousands of protesters have descended on Sanford to demand Zimmerman's arrest. But, Sharpton said Wednesday, "this is not anti-anybody," noting that white people, African-Americans, Latinos and Asian-Americans have joined what Martin supporters have described as a call for justice. "We're not talking about a conviction," Crump said. "He'll have his day in court. ... All we're asking for is an arrest."

CONTINUE READING: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/11/justice/florida-teen-shooting/index.html

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the Florida Prosecutor’s decision in the George Zimmerman case?

 

TOPIC 2: Board recommends dismissal of anti-Obama Marine

(CNN) -- A Marine Corps board has recommended that a politically active Marine sergeant who questioned President Barack Obama's authority be dismissed from service with an "other than honorable" discharge. Sgt. Gary Stein, 26, who posted anti-Obama comments on his Facebook page, stands accused of violating a catch-all military justice provision against conduct endangering "good order and discipline." He is also accused of violating a Department of Defense policy limiting the political activities of service members. The case has raised First Amendment issues.

The recommendation for dismissal, made late Thursday after a 13-hour hearing, will now go to a separation authority headed by Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo, commander of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, said Maj. Michael Armistead, the public affairs director for the installation. It could take two to three weeks for the authority to hand down a decision, Armistead said.

If he leaves the Marines with an other than honorable discharge, Stein will be demoted a rank to lance corporal. One of Stein's lawyers, Capt. James Baehr, said Stein would also lose benefits and his uniform. Baehr said his client was extremely disappointed. "I don't think any law was violated by Gary Stein," he said. "The reason we have this reticence in the military to get engaged in politics is that we were afraid a long time ago of military dictatorship," Baehr said. "We are so far from that in suggesting that on a private Facebook page, you can't say something about politics." Stein came under scrutiny from Marine officials after saying he would not obey Obama's orders.

In a January 26 post to the Armed Forces Tea Party Facebook page, Stein called Obama a liar. Two days later, he said the president is "the 'Domestic Enemy' our oath speaks about." In a March 4 posting, he questioned Obama's birth certificate. Another discussion on the site in March said he would refuse to obey orders given by Obama. He later clarified to say he meant illegal orders, which he has explained as orders such as sending the military to Syria without congressional approval. "The allegations drummed up against me are no more than an agenda by the Marine Corps to use me as an example," Stein said in a statement posted to his page. "If I am guilty of anything it would be that I am American, a freedom loving Conservative, hell bent on defending the constitution and preserving Americas greatness." He noted that the opinions he expressed were his own, saying, "I have never spoken on behalf of the Marine Corps or in uniform."

CONTINUE READING: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/06/justice/marine-obama/index.html?iref=allsearch

Military Board Says Marine Should Be Dismissed

A Marine who criticized President Barack Obama on his Facebook page has committed misconduct and should be dismissed, a military board recommended late Thursday. The Marine Corps administrative board made the decision after a daylong hearing at Camp Pendleton for Sgt. Gary Stein. The board also recommended that Stein be given an other-than-honorable discharge. That would mean Stein would lose his benefits and would not be allowed on any military base. The board's recommendations go to a general who will either accept or deny them. If the general disagrees with the board, the case could go to the secretary of the Navy.

Stein's lawyers argued that the Marine, whose nine-year service was to end in four months, was expressing his personal views and exercising his First Amendment rights. "We're truly surprised and disappointed but it was an honor to fight for a hero like Sgt. Stein and every other Marine's right to speak freely," Stein's defense attorney Marine Capt. James Baehr said. Stein addressed board members during Thursday's hearing, tell them he loved the Marine Corps and wanted to re-enlist, Baehr said. During the hearing, the prosecutor, Capt. John Torresala, said Stein went as far as superimposing images of Obama's face on a poster for the movie "Jackass."

Torresala argued that Stein's behavior repeatedly violated Pentagon policy that limits the free speech rights of service members, and said he should be dismissed after ignoring warnings from his superiors about his postings. The government submitted screen grabs of Stein's postings on one Facebook page he created called Armed Forces Tea Party, which the prosecutor said included the image of Obama on the "Jackass" movie poster. Stein also superimposed Obama's image on a poster for "The Incredibles" movie that he changed to "The Horribles," the prosecutor said. Torresala also said anti-Obama comments by Stein that were posted on a Facebook page used by Marine meteorologists were prejudicial to good order and discipline, and could have influenced junior Marines.

Stein's security clearance was taken away and he has no future in the Marine Corps because he can't do his job without that clearance, Torresala said. "The Marine Corps community views the command's lack of action as some kind of knock on good order and discipline," Torresala said. "Our own people are questioning why this Marine is not being held accountable."

Baehr said during the hearing that prosecutors were trying to dredge up any damaging information they could against Stein. "There is no basis in this case," Baehr said. "Sgt. Stein has broken no law." Baehr expressed after the hearing that he hoped that the recommendation would be rejected by the general, saying the case will go forward. "The issues are too important for this to end today," he said.

The military has had a policy since the Civil War limiting the free speech of service members, including criticism of the commander-in-chief. Pentagon directives say military personnel in uniform cannot sponsor a political club; participate in any TV or radio program or group discussion that advocates for or against a political party, candidate or cause; or speak at any event promoting a political movement. Commissioned officers also may not use contemptuous words against senior officials.

CONTINUE READING: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/06/justice/marine-obama/index.html?iref=allsearch

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the Marine Corps administrative board’s decision to dismiss Sgt. Gary Stein for information posted on a Facebook page?

What Al Sharpton and Other Race Profiteers Fail to Tell Us

I was struck by the presence of Al Sharpton standing behind the family of Trayvon Martin as they listened to the special prosecutor make her announcement about the charges against George Zimmerman in the murder of their loved one.  I was struck; but not surprised.

Sharpton has made a lucrative career out of chasing tragedies, twisting them into his own vision of racial conflict, and profiting from it.  Fact and reality rarely get in the way.

The death of Trayvon Martin is a personal tragedy for his family and for the Zimmerman family.  I am pleased that the justice system will continue to work for the victim's family...and for Mr. Zimmerman.  I am pleased that Mr. Zimmerman is apparently cooperating with authorities.

I am not pleased at the bounty that the Black Panther Party put on Mr. Zimmerman.  I am not pleased that President Obama and other politicians are using this tragedy to increase their "compassion factor" and make false statements.  I am not pleased that race profiteers are using this sad event for their personal gain.  I am sad that the mainstream media is complicit in promoting false conclusions and is active in re-interpreting the evidence.

I am sad over the death of Aliyah Shell on March 17, 2012, in Chicago.  This six year old girl was killed by a stray bullet from the crossfire of a battle between gangs.  Nothing was sad in the media or by politicians or by Al Sharpton.  She was white.

We are being poorly served by the mainstream media when they argue that the death of Trayvon Martin is indicative of white racism and the epidemic of blacks being killed by whites in America.  Neither are true.

As to the white racism or lack thereof on the part of George Zimmerman I cannot speak because I do not know.  I cannot read his heart from this distance.  I do know that Mr. Zimmerman is as white as President Obama is (half, to be exact).  I do not know with what race or ethnicity Mr. Zimmerman self-identifies.

I can speak to the alleged epidemic of blacks being killed by whites in America.  I can because I can read statistics, and while each death is in itself a tragic event, we must look at these collected events to see if there is indeed a trend.

I turned to the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division ((home page) for information.  The most recent information that I could find was for 2009.  I have reproduced portions of the  charts with reference links on the attachment that you may download here (Download Homicides).

Allow me to repeat two important findings for 2009.  I use the term murder to include manslaughter:

• There are more than twice the number of whites (454) murdered by blacks than blacks (209) murdered by whites. (click here)
• A black person is 12 times more likely to be murdered by a black person (2,604) than by a white person (209). (click here)

Where is the racism?  I do not see it.

There is an epidemic.  The epidemic is "black-on-black" violence.

What is the cause of this violence?  In my opinion it is the despair, hopelessness, and fatigue that is caused the welfare policies of the Left that have entrapped individuals, fractured families, marginalized faith communities, and created a new slavery for blacks...and poor whites...whom the Left promises to provide everything in exchange for their votes.

You may protest that white racism can be found in the imbalance of blacks that are victimized by and convicted of murder in relation to whites.  Well then look at these statistics:

• More than 8 times as many men are murderers than women. (click here)
• More than 3 times as many men are victims of murder than women. (click here)

Is this evidence of sexism?  I have yet to hear that argument made.

Al Sharpton and the race profiteers are smart; but they are incorrect as to the facts and wrong as to the morality of their argument.

The Moral Side of the News for October 31, 2010 - President Obama and Jon Stewart, Officer Messer and the New Albany Police

Racism and Zero Tolerance

The recent forced resignation on July 19, 2010, of Ms. Shirley Sherrod from her position in the US Department of Agriculture has raised the issue of Racism and Zero Tolerance.  At the time of this posting Ms. Sherrod has been offered a new position in the USDA, but has yet to make a decision.

Ms. Sherrod has gained notoriety recently from a video of a speech that she gave before she was a government official that was first posted by Andrew Breitbart and later by the NAACP.  Mr. Breitbart's context for his posting was the NAACP condemning the "TEA Party" movement as Racist because there was evidence that Racist attitudes were reflected by a small minority of persons attending TEA Party rallies.  Mr. Breitbart's focus in the Sherrod video was not her comments, but the reaction of many persons at the NAACP gathering to her comments.

In looking at the full video (Sherrod Video from NAACP) it is apparent that Ms Sherrod is being confessional in her speech.  She confesses past Racist attitudes that she had prior to joining the USDA.  She tells a story from her past and her growth from those attitudes.  The full video reflects a woman who has grown in her own life and a society that has grown as well.

Though Ms. Sherrod's understanding the history of slavery in the United States and thought her politics are very slanted, I see evidence that I should consider her a sister in Christ.  She seems to have a good and gracious spirit.  Her heart is right.

In addition, the video supports Mr. Breitbart's point.  The audience - unaware of Ms. Sherrod's eventual point of moving from her own racism, responds very positively to her confessed early Racism.

The NAACP, USDA, and the Obama Administration responded swiftly with zero tolerance of Racism and condemned Ms. Sherrod's remarks - even though the NAACP had the full video.  USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack took full responsibility for calling for Ms. Sherrod's resignation.  Ms. Sherrod says that she was pressured by "the White House."  The Obama Administration denies any involvement.

Secretary Vilsack late apologized and took full responsibility.  That was fine.  In his press conference, however, he mitigated his hasty response to the video by smearing his own agency.

The Obama Administration helped feed this story in trying to distance the President from the situation.  This incident reveals either an administration that is hyper-sensitive or incompetent or both.

It is important to make some observations about Racism and Zero Tolerance.

1. No reasonable person wants Racism in this society.  No reasonable person wants to have Racist feelings and attitudes in their own life.  Ms. Sherrod shows a way for a person to grow beyond these attitudes and feelings.  Can we give others that opportunity to others to allow them (and ourselves) to be redeemed and not be defined by our past sinfulness?
2. ZERO TOLERANCE IS TOTAL INTOLERANCE.  Ms. Sherrod was forced to resign because of zero tolerance.  Zero tolerance in intolerance.  Zero tolerance quickly becomes intolerance (prejudgment) of any view except "mine."
3. The Obama administration is increasing the polarization of this society on racial grounds.  The President has mobilized support for his agenda on racial grounds.  Race, instead of being less a factor, has become more of a dividing line.

Let us pray for a society and communities where race is recognized and does not matter.  Let us work toward a system of government that where race does not matter.  Let us thank God for a society that has taken big steps and for people with a spirit and grace like Ms. Sherrod who, though I disagree with her politics, is my sister in Christ.

The Moral Side of the News (July 4, 2010)

The clergy panel discusses the appointment of Dr. Deonte Hollowell to the Louisville Metro Council seat vacated by the death of George Unseld and the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Moral Side of the News (April 25, 2010) - New Albany Police Officer and Financial Regulations

Liberal Racism in America - Not Too Far from the Surface

There is a subtle and paternalistic racism that exists just below the surface in the Liberal agenda; and on occasion in bubbles to the surface.  Take a quick look at this collection of quotations as examples and ponder them a moment.

"I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." - Vice President Joseph Biden (February 2007)

Senator Harry Reid in 2008 (during the Presidential campaign) described Barack Obama as a black candidate who would benefit from his "light-skinned" appearance and speaking patterns "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."

"He is post-racial by all appearances. You know, I forgot he was black tonight for an hour." - MSNBC Commentator Chris Matthews (see below)

Also, as reported by Media Matters - a liberal media watch group:

• "Can Obama now win over the regular folks, white folks, against John McCain?" - Chris Matthews on MSNBC, July 2008
• "[Obama] can't walk into a dinette with five or six guys there, white guys, in some cases ... He can't just shake hands and hang out." - Chris Matthews on MSNBC, April 2008
• "Let me ask you about how he - how's he connect with regular people? Does he? Or does he only appeal to people who come from the African-American community and from the people who have college or advanced degrees?" - Chris Matthews on MSNBC, April 2008
• "[T]his gets very ethnic, but the fact that he's good at basketball doesn't surprise anybody, but the fact that he's that terrible at bowling does make you wonder." - Chris Matthews on MSNBC, March 2008

I do not suggest that these men are racists.  That is an accusation that is too quickly made against conservatives in order to close all meaningful discussions.

I find, however, in these comments a representation of a liberal paternalism that is surprised by a person who is an ethnic minority but does not act the way an ethnic minority should.  They think, "The President is articulate, bright, clean, good-looking, and having no Negro dialect."

"There must be a reason for his success," they wonder.  "Of course, he is light skinned."  At least we know he can play basketball.

I have two observations:  First, if you forget the President is black for just one hour, does that mean that you are mindful that he is black at all other times?  Second, if white people are "regular people," then what are black people?

Again, I do not suggest that these three men are racists, but I do suggest that their paternalistic liberal agenda is a subtle - even unintended - racism that assumes a person from an ethnic minority group cannot be a regular guy, or that such a person can compete and succeed without special treatment.

Certainly there are idiots and crazies on each side of the spectrum.  I hold to the mainstream conservative view that treats persons not as representatives of ethnic groups (is that not profiling?); but sees value and ability in individuals.

Beer Summit Held to Defuse Gates Controversy

President Obama will welcome a well-known scholar and the police officer who arrested him to the White House on Thursday, in an effort to put to an end the racially charged controversy caused by the arrest near Harvard University earlier this month. President Obama is trying to defuse the political fallout from his comment at a news conference that police had "acted stupidly" in arresting Gates at his home after responding to a call about a possible break-in.  Dr. Gates, who is black, was arrested by Crowley, who is white, after Crowley accused him of disorderly conduct for protesting the policeman's actions. The charges were later dropped.

 

The 911 caller who reported a possible burglary at the home of Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates said Wednesday she would make the call again if she had to.  "If you are a concerned citizen you should do the right thing," Lucia Whalen said. "I would do the same thing."

Whalen spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time about the incident in Cambridge, Mass. She spoke haltingly and nervously during a 25-minute press conference.  Whalen said she had not planned on speaking publicly, in part because the criticism leveled against her on the Internet and phone calls were "so painful."

What do you make of the whole Gates controversy? Based on what you know, do you think the initial arrest was justified? Do you believe this was a case of racial profiling? Is racial profiling by police still a serious problem in America? What do you think Obama’s handling of the controversy, including his initial remarks about the police “acting stupidly” and his holding of the “beer summit.” Are you concerned that the treatment by some of the 911 caller might deter others from acting such as she did?  What have we learned, if anything, from this controversy?

We had a robust and friendly discussion on this issue on the program that will air at 5:30am Sunday on WHAS TV and 9:30pm on WHAS radio.  The program also airs on various radio stations in the Louisville area on Sunday at either 7:00am or 7:30am.

I have already posted my commments on this issue (see below).  I would only add that the moral lesson we should learn is that our initial assumption in any relationship should not be the worst in the other.  Dr. Gates and President Obama should not have assumed that Sgt. Crowley acted with racist intent or motives.  The default position in race relations should not be that a white male is always racist.

Your comments are welcome.

My Opinion: Henry Louis "Skip" Gates, Jr. Helps Advance Race Relations

We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Henry Louis "Skip" Gates, Jr.  He has done more to advance race relations in America than any other person in recent years.

I'm not kidding.

Gates (who is black), you will remember, was recently arrested by Sgt. James Crowley of the Cambridge (Mass.) Police Department.  Sgt. Crowley (who is white) responded to a call reporting a possible break-in in progress at Gates' rented home in Cambridge.  There had been an earlier attempt at a break-in while Gates was gone.

It seems that Gates and his chauffeur were trying to gain access to Gates' own home, and were mistaken for burglars.  When the Sgt. arrived on the scene, Gates had already entered the house.  The Sgt. tried to investigate further, but Gates was very uncooperative - playing the "race card" almost immediately.  Gates was arrested for disorderly conduct.  The charges were later dropped.

Professor Gates is one of the more respected "Black Studies" scholars in America.  He has made a career in the east coast liberal intellectual circuit - Yale, Cornell, Duke, and Harvard.  He is currently a professor for Black Studies at Harvard.

Gates' books and television shows (mostly PBS productions) are about race and his perception of race relations in America.  His identity, status, income, trips to Europe, and comfortable home in Cambridge are the result of his articulate involvement in what could be called the "race industry."

None of us can deny that there have been racial problems in the United States, but none of us should deny that many of us and our nation as a whole have made great progress and are ready to move beyond race.  Gates is an example of this progress.

The problem in this particular instance is that Gates believed his own rhetoric and went to his default position - all white males (especially police officers) are racists.  Gates, I would imagine, needed this confirmation that he was still a part of the "struggle for liberation" and a "man of the people." After all, I am sure it is hard to remember how hard life is when you return to your home from a trip to Europe driven by a chauffeur.

Gates got a lot of "street credit" with this event.  He'll be dining out on this for years to come - no matter what the facts are.

Many of us want to move forward and onward.  It is hard to do so when the default profile of every white male is "racist."

Once I had a black woman say to me in a conversation, "Well, you just don't understand what it is to be a black woman in America."  That comment is always intended to shut down all conversation by playing the trump card.

My response was, "Well, then I guess you should also say that you don't understand what it is to be a white man in America.  So where do we go from here?  If neither of us can understand, then both of us are trapped - but it is a trap you are creating, not I."

The best way for us to advance race relations in America is to one-to-one take race out of relationships.  That is what I have been doing.  I treat persons as individuals, not as representatives of groups.

Gates helped us move forward because he showed us that some people are still buried in race.

From every indication Gates is an elitist snob who verbally abused a man who was trying to protect his home while he was in Europe.  Gates' question - "Do you know who I am?" - did not come from a person who is used to suffering and disappointment in life.

Gates' was a jerk in this situation, not because he is black, but because he is Professor Gates of Harvard.