As we now know charges for Jena "6" have been reduced and the one conviction has been overturned.   In the beginning, the only thing that was being protested was equal time for equal crime. The Jena "6" should not have orginially been charged as adults nor with 2nd degree attempted murder. That is the injustice, while a white student who beat a black student was charged with a misdemeanor and ultimately given probration for a fight that also occured because of the tension at this high school.  That is truly the injustice!


There is never an excuse for a student to be beaten up. However, just to bring this situation into proper prospective...there were several white on black instances that occured before the young white student was beaten up that were never pursued. In addition, no person in the year 2007 should be taunted with nooses hanging from a tree whether it be a taunt, threat, joke, etc. Those days are long gone and remind African Americans of how their Ancestors were hung to death. This is not African Americans being too sensitive it deserves at the very least to be probed as a hate crime. The same as if someone sprayed "***"  on a house, the same as someone burning KKK in a yard, the same as someone spraying a swastikas on a house. It should be considered a hate crime. Such as the case when Germantown officials right here at home concluded to fire the GPAC employees who left nooses hanging in the building.  

If there was no pressure or media attention for what is right these young black men would be spending 22 years behind bars for a high school brawl and those are the facts!

You neglected to mention that an all-white jury was responsible for the verdict--probably reason enough for the conviction to be overturned on appeal?

ok --i must be in the twillight zone?? r we back in the 60's??in the south where as blacks and white r not allowed to go to the same school?? where as whites can do what they wish to blacks and get away with it,but if  blacks do the same to whites they r punished beyond unbeleiveable levels??its to my understanding that if u r caught fighting in school, u get suspended !!i guess the principal at that school can  make his own laws,because clearly hes not standing up for the rights (rules and laws)of the ones that r written!!!  

The true justice here is "Mychal" will be released into the black community where the bulk of his five previous (some violent) felonies were perpetrated.  Most of his future crimes will be committed there .  I guess that is why the murder and victimization rates for murder are ten times higher than the white community.

Black Kids have a new hero - Mychal Bell to go along with OJ, and all the NBA and NFL thugs.  I say we deify him.  St. Mychal.

Yeah I guess that is justice - about as much justice as saying 5 students stomping another unconscious students is a "simple school fight".  But hey I guess that is the genesis of the ONE THOUSAND PERCENT difference in murder rates between blacks and white.  

Simple school fight - simple aggravated assault - etc.  the tolerance of blacks is really paying dividends for them.

"A black student was eventually beaten by a white student.  The accused attacker was given a misdemeanor. "

Actually a GROUP of black students was "assaulted" by a white student after the black students had tried to crash a private mixed race party.  The only time a "group" of white students was involved was against a group of blacks.  However on two occasions a "group" of black students assaulted lone whites.

The facts hurt.

As I said earlier the only justice is Mychal is coming to live among your sons, daughters, and old people AT YOUR INSISTENCE.

He is only 16 and on his SIXTH arrest (mostly felonies and violent) - surely he will improve your neighborhood.  Black children need a leader and hero like Mychal. Thank you for making him one!

Does Mychal wear blue or red?

My first inclination was to scold Tim with the use of some very ignorant verbiage; however, my cooler head prevailed.  I now wish to educate Tim on a few facts.

Fact #1:  Two wrongs never make a right (no matter who wants it).  I don't know anyone of any intelligence level, economic standing, or address (hood or otherwise) that would want anyone (individual or group) to get away with assaulting another human being (be it black, white, green, or purple).  With that being said, I'm sure these same level-headed people would not want to see someone punished more harshly than their peers for similar crimes.  If Mr. Bell does in fact have an extensive criminal record as you describe, then I heartily pray this experience deters him from such future behavior.  I also realize unfair punishment in this case does not "right" any punishment he should/could have received in the past (that's likened to unringing a bell - what's done is done).  Hopefully, this young man will remember how God spared him this time for something greater.  If not, then, he should receive the appropriate punishment relative to the crime(s) he commits (the emphasis being on the word "appropriate").

Fact #2:  My role models in life have been my parents, grandparents, and those family and friends closest to me in my formative years.  I dare not idolize athletes, actors, rappers, etc. as my life has been fully blessed with positive influences in all my 32 years.  

I will attempt to address why you believe the way you.  Maybe it's because most news you hear regarding the black community is negative (trust me there are far more positive things going on - they just don't make the headlines).  Maybe you had a negative past experience with someone of color that tainted your view.  Whatever the reasons, painting "all" of anything with the same brush makes for a boring/dull view of life.

Fact #3:  To whom much is given, much is expected.  If you feel your community has suffered due to "the tolerance of blacks", then instead of bemoaning the atrocity, stand, take action, and speak a (sensible) solution to the problem.  

Ordinary people can complain.  It doesn't take much mental wherewithal.  Extraordinary people develop dynamic solutions to such complaints.  Such a solution could be to volunteer in a mentoring capacity.  Why?  Why not?  If what you believe is true and blacks have no true role models, have you ever thought of offering yourself as one?  Know anyone else that could positively influence a child (any child regardless of race).  Once you've released the hostility and faced that we are members of the same race - the human race - created by the same Being - Christ, I believe your eyes will open to the fact that solutions are far more productive than spewing hurtful language (whether in the heat of passion or well-thought).  

"If you feel your community has suffered due to "the tolerance of blacks", then instead of bemoaning the atrocity, stand, take action, and speak a (sensible) solution to the problem."

Seven strikes and you are MAYBE out has worked well for the black community so far.  How many black men are killed (only blacks count to blacks) by people like Mychal? (Per capita ten time as many as whites - but hey white people won't tolerate whites like Mychal.)

Karl Wilson probably fell to someone like Mychal - but hey lets keep giving them another chance to get around to commiting felony murder.

Let me again attempt to broach this with civility.  I said if "you" feel "your" community has suffered.  Your reply does not address my statement.  

I didn't ask you how you felt the "black community" (FYI I am black but do not consider myself a member of the black community exclusively - I'm a member of the greater community at large as well).  I assume you are not black (I could be wrong - if so, please accept my apologies).  Speak a solution to the problem as it relates to "your" community (however you define "your" community).  

Ask a few questions.  Why is this happening?  Maybe it begins with babies having babies.  How can a child teach another child about morals when they know so little (again this is not the majority)?  Maybe it starts with abuse and abusive tendencies that are passed down from generation to generation.  Can I help one woman to see she's worth more than rubies (look up "Virtuous Woman" in the bible - it's there).  Maybe it's lack of knowledge.  Where can I sign up to mentor one child about the benefits of a college education to ensure a better life?  Maybe it's a combination of all these things.  Now, what can you do to help solve just one of these items?  If you can't come up with anything, then maybe you should reserve your judgment until you become a part of the solution (just like voting - don't vote - don't complain).

You feel we are a violent people.  I won't deny the things I see before my eyes (inner city crime, drugs, etc.); however, I will take issue with anyone saying these are actions of the majority.  Sir, it is so far from the majority.  I've never committed a crime in my life.  No one in my inner circle (or outer for that matter) is a drug user.  I have my high school diploma, bachelor's degree, and master's degree.  So does my husband (yes, I am married).  So do most of my friends.  Neither I nor my sister got pregnant in our teens.  My husband has no illegitimate children.  None of my friends went this route either.  Finally, my father (and stepfather) has played active roles in my life since day one.  Things like this don't get broadcast on the evening news day after day.

Instead of reminding us there are things that divide us, why not attempt to pull the curtain back on the things that unite us and can heal this city.  I'm not originally from here; however, this is where I live.  Therefore, I want much more for Memphis and the surrounding area.  I do not agree with the politics of the Memphis Mayor, so don't tell me to tell him to do so.  I do not agree with the politics of the Ford family (save Harold Jr. - love him!).  So, don't tell me to tell them to do better.  I am not a follower of Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton either.  I understand what they "say" they are trying to accomplish, but sometimes the message gets muffled in their attempts to highlight themselves.  Contrary to popular belief, we didn't hold an election and ask these two to lead.  I live by my conscience.  I stand for what I believe.  I draw on my own faith in the Father to lead me down the right path.

Sir, it is my prayer that you would release some of this anger, bitterness, and resentment you're carrying.  It's going to start to get heavy and weigh you down.  I would hate to see you (or anyone for that matter) miss what God has in store just because you refuse to "let go, and let God".  Thanks!

You know it is almost impossible to be civil when any discussion of facts is decried as racism, hate speech, or the ubiquitous white "anger".  It is also impossible to address any of these problems without screams of racism and/or police abuse.

The facts are that in the 60's and early 70's this city was relatively crime free (even in black communities where my grandparents lived), got the cleanest city award for several years, had very low taxes and a criminal justice system that protected its citizens.

What are the facts now?

Memphis is the third most violent Metro area.  Only Detroit and New Orleans are more violent.  The year before these rankings we were number two but the homeboys in the self proclaimed chocolate city got on the ball and beat us.
http://www.morganquitno.com/cit06list.htm#MET

Now what do these cities have in common?  Utterly corrupt governments, police departments, and a population that repeatedly puts the same people in power. They have one other thing in common - they are black.

Black people have a long history of TRUE oppression in this country - anyone who denies it is a moron. Slavery - followed by Jim Crow etc led to most whites saying this is ridiculous and protesting - including my father.  The black family and community survived these with their family relatively intact and crime while higher that the "white" community still relatively low.

Now the blacks greatest oppressor is their own men and their complete, self defeating knee jerk  defense of the criminals in their midst AND their utter inability to comprehend their BLATANT double standard on "racism".

First to a few facts on crime - If there was no black on whatever crime in this city - Memphis would be CRIME FREE.  Go down to criminal court and look around.  Young blacks are murdering themselves and others at a rate TEN TIMES higher than everyone else.  I will say that again TEN times higher.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/ageracesex.htm

Blacks comprise thirteen percent of the population and yet represent 49% of all victims and an even greater percentage of the perpetrators.  This is a travesty on blacks and the society as a whole.  The black people should be in the streets protesting and snitching out the criminals in their midst. Instead the only time they take to the streets in any number is when a white officer shoots a black child who has a fake gun wandering around a high crime area at 10 at night.

Now don't get me wrong I recognize that this incident should be thoroughly investigated and am well aware that the police can be thugs but God bless - in ten years one black child dies at the hands of a white cop and the black community is out in the streets.  

In the same ten year period better than 1200 people - largely black - died at the hands of mostly young black men!!!!

The double standard is blatant. Any attempt on a white persons part to point it out is decried as racism.  The black people that are pointing it out are ignored.  Yet one cop who may have made a mistake while doing his job has Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton raising ##!!.

BTW since the West Memphis Police took the hands off policy that the Ministers demanded, burglaries and robberies have DOUBLED in those areas.  That really worked out!!

The black community is awash in thugs - full to the brim.  When a teenager goes bad in my community we snitch him out and run him out.  Why don't blacks do the same thing - don't tell me they do - I have many friends who were/are Memphis Police.  

This is a black problem - the white community has barely any indigenous crime in this city.  White people realize that blacks are not confronting it and are leaving in droves.

Then there is the racial double standard.  Black people throw around the N word all day long EVERYWHERE.  Yet if a white person utters it, it is grounds for a physical assault.  Black people describe other white people as crackers and honkies to me in conversation and don't think about it.  What would happen if I described a black person as a N-word to them?  I would be fired and quite possibly physically assaulted.

In Jena a white person hangs up a rope - the school get burnt down - blacks form gangs and assault white kids - and blacks all over the country run to support the six time felon who is at the center of the gang/thug activity!?!?!?!?

Here is Mychal - the Mychal who you support:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070825/NEWS03/708250353/1062/NEWS03

Yet if you listen to the national press and the professional race baiters Mychal is a star football player and honor student jailed for a simple fight at school.  

In actuality he was the leader of a gang of thugs that singled out solitary kids on the basis of race to be assaulted.  He was a thug on the order of some of the KKK losers of the sixties.

Yet you support giving him another chance.

WELL SWEETIE - WHITE PEOPLE SEE THAT AS WHAT IT IS - RACISM.

I know you think I am a racist - I am not - I am plenty prejudiced but I want only the best for blacks - my friends or not.

You know in the city government we see whole departments black with few if any whites represented.  Blacks call that justice or affirmative action - we call it RACISM and that is plainly what it is.

We see a white kid from South Dakota FIRED for tying a common stage knot that "offended" some black female and yet blacks who vocalize similar racial animus are promoted to supervisors.  Well that is racism.

Face it - the BIGGEST RACISTS in this city numerically or otherwise are black. We are sick of the double standard.

It is time blacks start taking responsibility for their actions -but that is impossible when EVERYTHING is SOMEONE ELSE'S FAULT!!

Keep blaming white "anger" (should read disgust) for your problems.  It has really worked out for the black community so far.

I never thought I'd say this, but I give up.

I wholeheartedly thought I could reach you on that one level we all share - a common desire to live peaceably on one accord with no violence or ill-will.  I see my efforts are fruitless.

Denying any of the things you listed would only reinforce your belief in them.  Addressing them point by point would be pointless.  I will only say as I said before, this is not the majority.  Yes, these things have happened, are currently happening, and will probably (shamefully so) happen in the future.  Sometimes in life, the minority speaks louder and garners more attention then they are entitled (especially when acting in the manner in which some Memphians do).  

I will say this.  Don't blame black men.  I married a wonderful, smart, intelligent, witty, and very well educated black man.  He's the son of a wonderful, hardworking black man.  Lay blame at the feet of those individuals who have committed atrocities; however, remember they are not everyone.  If judged Caucasian people by the venom you just spewed, I'd never leave my home for fear of daily retribution.

When I said I pray you release your anger, I wasn't referring to your positions.  Everyone is entitled to their positions and opinions.  I was referring to the way in which you expressed your positions and your lack of action to positively solve them.  

Like it or not, blacks and whites (and many more beautiful colors) occupy this planet together.  It is together that we need to come up with positive solutions to these problems.  I truly believe if we could reach some of these people (their not just all black mind you) before they reach a certain age or point in life, we can redirect their paths.  Let them know it's okay to come from where you come from, but they can still rise above their circumstances.  

What you see, sir is a group of people without hope.  When you lose hope, what else is there?  If you don't feel as though you have something better to aspire to do or be in life, then why care about today, tomorrow, yesterday, or any day.  Education, education, education is the key!  Education is not always formal.  It can come in many forms/shapes/opportunity.  When we cease to learn - we cease!  Period.

Again, I pray that God will get in your heart, soften it enough to know I've said what I've said in hopes that you would accept with understanding and truth.  I also pray for you what I pray for myself daily - that God would empty your of your foolishness and fill you with His Holy Spirit.  Foolishness in this context is not degrading you.  It is something that is within us all that sometimes keeps us for doing/saying/acting as we should.  I hope you will one day release that load you're carrying.  Thanks!

TO MR TIM.  I AM 27 YEARS OLD.  AND YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO SAY MINDS LIKE YOUR IS WHY MY GENERATION IS SUFFERING RIGHT NOW.  BOTH BLACK AND WHITE.  YOU CAN PULL OUT ALL THE STATISTICS YOU WANT.  BUT EXACTLY WHO ARE THOSE STATISTICS DONE BY.  AND DO THEY DO THE SAME FOR OTHER RACES.  I'M NOT SURE IF THEY DO.  YOU SEE PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE THAT WE ALL HAVE MOVED ON BUT SEE PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE ALL STILL ALIVE.  ALLOF YOU PEOPLE WHO HAD A PROBLEM WITH MARTIN LUTHER KING, AND PEACEFUL PROTESTS.  RATHER WHAT ALL HAPPENED YOU JUST AS WELL AS EVERYONE ELSE THE PENALTY WAS STIFF.  I DON'T CARE IF MYCHAL HAD A RECORD AS LONG AS HIGHWAY 78.  PLEASE UNDERSTAN I AM NOT TRYING TO BATTLE WITH YOU BECAUSE SIR IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT NOW YOU NEVER WILL.  IT'S LIKE TALKING TO A BRICK WALL.  I JUST HOPE YOU ARE NOT A RELIGOUS MAN.  BECAUSE YOU ARE DOING THE ONE THING THAT WE AS CHRISTAINS ARE NOT TO DO AND THAT IS JUDGE.  YOU CAN'T BLAME ALL THOSE WRONG ON AFRICAN AMERICANS.  SO AGAIN SIR I WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR HEART BECAUSE IT NEEDS IT.  AND FEEL FREE TO PUT YOUR FULL NAME SO WHEN I DO PRAY FOR I CAN CALL YOU BY NAME.  YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART THAT THE PENALTY WAS STIFF.  AND FOR THE RECORD WHILE YOU ARE PULLING OUT YOUR STATS YOU FORGOT TO CHECK THE FACT THAT NONE OF THESE BOYS HAVE A RECORD. NONE OF THEM ARE NOT INVOLVED IN GANGS.  ALL OF THEM WERE HONOR ROLL STUDENTS. BUT I GUESS YOU FORGOT TO CHECK THAT ONE.  STAY BLESSED

Until the black leaders and people recognize and confront the true issues facing them, they will continue down the same path.

The comments on this page ignoring the truth about and defending Mychal, his lengthly criminal history, his vicious racial attacks tell all we need to know.  Their belief that attacking white people because they are white is justified by a perceived racial slight is disturbing to all honest and thinking individuals.

The double standard is obvious and the only defense is I am angry.  Well I am angry - this city is being destroyed.  I will state that truth no matter how uncomfortable it may make some.

-------------------------------------------------

"I wholeheartedly thought I could reach you on that one level we all share - a common desire to live peaceably on one accord with no violence or ill-will.  I see my efforts are fruitless."

--------------------------------------------------

That statement is completely offensive.  I am hateful because I speak the truth backed up by facts that make some uncomfortable.

I have a complete desire to live with no violence and ill will toward all in this community.  However the only way some would say I was doing that is if I agreed with everything they said and ignore the terrible cancer of hatred and anger consuming their community.  I will not.  The black community is being consumed by anger and hatred.

At work I must smile when blacks talk about N-words, crackers, Fags, and white boys and display a complete double standard about racism.  These comments are tolerated but a rope knotted in a common stage knot results in whites being fired.  Forget a white person saying the N-word!! It is utter and complete hypocrisy on the part of the black and white community.  Blacks are so deluded they cannot even recognize it.

They are truly incapable of realizing that Mychal is the type of trash that commits murder in their community and they are defending him.  They are incapable of admitting that Mychal is the leader of a group of thugs that acted the same as the KKK committing vicious attacks based on race.

This type of delusion will result in many more deaths and tragedies before or if it is ever confronted.

The KKK was a benevolent force compared to the young males in their community.  That is a fact that cannot be denied.

"AND FOR THE RECORD WHILE YOU ARE PULLING OUT YOUR STATS YOU FORGOT TO CHECK THE FACT THAT NONE OF THESE BOYS HAVE A RECORD. NONE OF THEM ARE NOT INVOLVED IN GANGS.  ALL OF THEM WERE HONOR ROLL STUDENTS. BUT I GUESS YOU FORGOT TO CHECK THAT ONE.  STAY BLESSED"

Oh really?? Honor students?!?!

Honor students don't attack people in gangs.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070825/NEWS03/708250353/1062/NEWS03

I think you need to do some real research and not believe everything you are told.

now how can they tell us the correct way is Geena when they say"l-u-s-e-e-a-n-n-a

Lee M blacks were called in for jury duty, but none of them could get to the courthouse for their duty. Now it's racist that only whites could get to jury duty?
Hey Dee, do you plan on telling the truth anytime soon?

Maybe someone can explain this to all of us. Integration was to put us altogether then why do blacks want to now be segregated....with BET,Black Caucus in Washington, NAACP,Black Miss America pageant, etc. Why is this allowed for blacks and denied for others?  Is that fair?  Is that not defeating the original  purpose..to work and live together in harmony? Why is race always the first thing mentioned in these situations? Violence is no way to solve the problems. It only make the situation worse. All nine boys should be  expelled from school...do community service so they can learn  to live & work together. Mychal Bell's behavior shows that he has not learned from his other problems. If he does not get intervention now, he will  have  more jail time in his future.

that was very wrong

that was very wrong