Blog Archives
When Words Of Comfort Don’t Seem To Be Enough
Just some thoughts on this dreary, cold day.
It is hard when loved ones die from disease or old age. It is horrible when loved ones die from an accident. It is devastating when loved ones are killed by others. Those left behind always seem to have a feeling of guilt, but that’s mainly from being helpless. I’ve said on this blog many times that death does not discriminate. It doesn’t care about age, gender, or the color of skin. Money might buy medical care to extend life, but it cannot bribe death when the time comes. That sense of helplessness runs deep.
When loved ones are killed, people look to the justice system. The only comfort that comes from that is the sense of juries and judges acknowledging right from wrong. However, what juries hear and see is painted by their own hearts and minds. People are not computers programmed to process data without bias.
There are times when there are no words sufficient in bringing comfort to the hurting, to those who have lost loved ones, the ill, the tired. There are times when I feel that there must be more – something I can do, and not merely say. If I had the power of resurrection, I would walk through the hospitals, the morgue, the graveyards, calling out names and saying, “Come forth.”
Today, because I feel that there are no words sufficient to directly comfort the living, I will address their loved ones who have gone on. Read the rest of this entry
3 ½ Minutes – A Documentary Film About The Death Of Jordan Davis
From the documentary film, 3 1/2 Minutes.
At Sundance, the premier independent film festival, the documentary titled 3 ½ Minutes will take the screen in Utah. Minette Nelson wanted to document a story that would continue the discussion on race and gun violence with a focus on Florida, but she wanted a story that was not as well-known as the Trayvon Martin story. Her son told her about Jordan Davis. She read everything she could about the killing and mailed Ron Davis, Jordan’s father, in April 2013.
“My letter stated that I felt that Jordan’s case could be exemplary of what is wrong with post-racial society in America and that Jordan was no different from my son. Thirdly, that if there had been no gun in the equation, Jordan would’ve gone home safely to his bed that night.”
The 2013 festival’s award for best cinematography went to Marc Silver for the film, “Who Is Dayani Cristal?” Marc Singer directed “3 ½ Minutes.” He has a promotion for the film on his website.
Michael Dunn Sentenced to Life Without Parole
Michael Dunn
The man who was found guilty on three counts of attempted 2nd degree murder, firing a missile, and 1st degree murder, for killing 17-year old, unarmed Jordan Davis, has been sentenced.
Michael Dunn will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole, plus 105 years.
Dunn gave a half-ass apology, stating;
“I want the Davis family to know I truly regret what happened. I’m sorry for their loss,” If I could roll back time and do things differently, I would. I was in fear for my life and I did what I thought I had to do. Still, I am mortified I took a life, whether it was justified or not.”
As soon as a video of the sentencing hearing is available, I’ll update here.
R.I.P. Jordan
Michael Dunn Retrial – Day 6 and Verdict Watch
Closing arguments concluded yesterday evening. The State conducted effective closing argument, incorporating the use of Power Point. The defense however, talked for about 80 minutes, often being redundant, and took statements out of context.
Judge Healey is bringing in the jury to give them instructions, and then they start deliberations. We will be on verdict watch.
To watch the jury receive instructions, and if they have any questions for the judge, and when they announce that they have reached the verdict, use any of the following links.
JUSTICE FOR JORDAN DAVIS!
Michael Dunn Retrial – Day 5
It is day 5 of the retrial of Michael Dunn for 1st degree murder. Court ended yesterday with the defense bringing on character witnesses. Then, the judge and attorneys started going over jury instructions.
Dunn’s previous trial took 6 days, and that included the state’s rebuttal case. Today, we just might hear from Dunn.
Here are the links to watch live stream:
As videos become available, I will embed them here.
Thanks for watching with us, and for your comments and discussion.
Justice For Jordan!
Michael Dunn Retrial – Day 4
We continue following the 1st degree murder retrial of Michael Dunn. Trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. EDT.
Judge Healey instructed the defense to have at least one witness for this afternoon. He expects for the prosecution to rest its case. If things go like they did last time, the defense might take a day and a half, followed by the prosecution conducting a rebuttal.
The defense plans on calling Michael Knox, who is a reconstruction consultant. He reconstructs car accidents. If you’re not familiar with Michael Knox, during Zimmerman’s trial, LLMPapa did a series of videos proving Knox wrong regarding how Trayvon Martin was shot. Rather than use garments, Knox used cardboard in his reconstruction. Our BlushedBrown wrote about it on this blog.
This time, Knox did not go on television showing his reconstruction. Judge Healey has ruled that Knox cannot use animation at trial. We’ll have to wait and see if Knox comes to court with cardboard representing the SUV, its rear seat, and Jordan Davis. Actually, we’ll have to wait and see whether Judge Healey allows Knox to testify as an “expert.”
Live stream can be accessed at the following:
Videos of today’s hearing will be embedded here as they become available. A HUGE “thank you” to Croaker Queen for taping the trial.
If you have been unable to follow the trial and want to catch-up, just click “Justice for Jordan Davis” in the top menu. The posts will appear in order with the most recent date first. Click on the title for the complete post with videos from that day.
Michael Dunn Retrial – Day 3
Judge Healey is holding trial on Saturday because the jury is sequestered. Based on statements he made at the end of yesterday’s hearing, he expects for the defense to have witnesses ready on Monday.
As Judge Healey stated, things are rolling along. One reason for that is because the defense has not cross-examined all state witnesses that have testified, and its cross-examination of other state witnesses was mostly a repeat of their testimony.
I will update here with videos as they become available.
JUSTICE FOR JORDAN!
Michael Dunn Retrial – Day 2
Good morning caterpillars, butterflies, moths, and all creatures great and small!
We’re following the Michael Dunn retrial.
Yesterday consisted mostly of State prosecutors going in chronological order of witnesses on the scene and law enforcement that first reported on the scene. Click here to watch videos of yesterday’s hearing.
Judge Healey plans to hold court on Saturday because the jury is sequestered.
For live stream, here are some links:
As videos become available, I’ll update here. Read the rest of this entry
Jordan Davis Timeline
Attorney Phillips, thank you so much for this timeline. If anyone is unfamiliar with the consistent work by and efforts of Jordan’s parents this brings them up-to-date. We look forward to your reports on jury selection and stand with Jordan’s parents in justice for Jordan.
Senate Hearing On Stand Your Ground
The original Senate hearing was postponed due to the shooting at the Navy Yard. It is now scheduled for October 29, 2013, at 10 a.m. EST. The Senate hearing is officially titled “‘Stand Your Ground Laws: Civil Rights and Public Safety Implications of the Expanded Use of Deadly Force.“ The purpose of the hearing is to explore the civil rights and public safety implications of state laws that allow deadly force to be used by citizens to protect themselves
Sybrina Fulton and Lucia McBath
Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, and Lucia McBath, mother of Jordan Davis, will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights.
Majority members on the subcommittee are Dick Durbin (R-Illinois), Al Franken (D-Minnesota), Christopher Coons (D-Delaware), Rick Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). Minority members are Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Orrin Hatch(R-Utah).
The hearing will be aired live. Check your C-Span schedule or click here for the live webcast.
Stand Your Ground Is Unconstitutional Read the rest of this entry
Please Boycott Cruises Boarding In Florida
Florida is not t
he only State that has conceal carry of guns and stand your ground law, but this nation’s most recent experience in the injustice committed upon Trayvon Martin brings the spotlight upon the State of Florida. I would like to add the Trevor Dooley and Marissa Alexander cases to the reasons for why cruises boarding in Florida should be boycotted. Juries in the State of Florida have one stand your ground law for White defendants, and another stand your ground law for Black defendants.
We await to see if Michael Dunn, charged with the murder of unarmed 17-year old Jordan Davis, and also charged with attempted murder of others who were in the vehicle with Jordan, will be judged by the written law, or acquitted by racist jurors.
The Soul Train cruise is scheduled to leave Ft. Lauderdale in February 2013. Those disagreeing with any or all of the three aforementioned cases should boycott the Soul Train cruise and all other cruises leaving out of Florida, and encourage their friends and relatives to do the same. This will be a most difficult decision for those honoring what Soul Train stands for, but we need to make a powerful, economic statement.
Airlines flying into Florida, and cruise ships boarding in Florida, will feel the economic effect.
A current list of performers who have joined Stevie Wonder in boycotting Florida includes:
Mary Mary; Eddie Levert; Rod Stewart; Madonna; Usher; Pattie Labelle; Kanye West; Mary J; Rolling Stones; Justin Timberlake; R. Kelly; Rihanna; Alicia Keys; Joe; WillIAM; Keyshia Cole; Erykah Badu; Frankie Beverly; and Parliament. Let those of us who can, join their efforts beginning by boycotting cruises boarding in the State of Florida.
The Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is the nation’s largest citizens’ lobby to prevent gun violence. They work to pass, enforce, and protect sensible laws and public policy that address gun violence at the federal and state level. Their advocacy campaigns include the Million Mom March and Brady Chapters, working locally to educate people about the risks of gun ownership, honor victims of gun violence, and pass sensible gun laws.
The Brady Center provides “Take Action” that includes 5 steps that individuals can take to make our voices heard and have meaningful legislation passed at the federal level. Among the actions, the Brady Center provides a forum where Americans of all ages can share how gun violence has affected them personally.
Through their Legal Action Center, the Brady Center seeks justice in the courts for victims of gun violence, bringing civil liability cases against irresponsible gun sellers and owners. Their attorneys have won millions of dollars in damages for gun violence victims, as well as forcing changes in how gun companies do business.
Dan Gross President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
Dan Gross, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence called the verdict in the George Zimmerman case, “part of a tragic event that could have easily been prevented.”
Gross said, “There is sharp disagreement over the verdict, but there can be no disagreement over the reason why Trayvon Martin is dead. George Zimmerman had a gun that night, and the state of Florida allowed him to carry it virtually anywhere despite a violent history. Virtually anybody roaming our neighborhoods with hidden handguns is the gun lobby’s vision, but it is not the vision of the rest of the American public truly committed to safer communities. We will work as long, and as hard as it takes to prevent more tragedies like Trayvon Martin’s.”
The Brady Center, the legal arm of the Brady Campaign, recently filed an amicus brief on behalf of the parents of Trayvon Martin, and Jordan Davis, asking the entire United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to review and reverse a 2-1 decision that held Illinois law restricting the public carrying of firearms unconstitutional.
Trayvon Martin
1995 – 2012
“The American people should be allowed to decide whether they want people like George Zimmerman carrying loaded guns in public places where their children walk home,” said Brady Center Legal Action Project Director Jonathan Lowy. “Most courts have properly recognized that reasonable public safety laws do not infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Courts should listen to the parents of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, who lost their sons to people whose states entitled them to carry guns in public.”
Jordan Davis
1995 – 2012
Its website includes scorecard ranking all 50 states on the basis of laws that can prevent gun violence, such as background checks on all gun sales, permit-to-purchase requirements, limiting handgun purchases to one a month, and retention of sales records.
This is an organization worth supporting. Please subscribe to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence to stay up-to-date with their activities and what we can do to have our voices heard.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn . . .
“…for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
To all of those in sorrow for children gone too soon.
Devotion by Earth Wind and Fire. Written by Maurice White and Philip Bailey.
We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident 