This is a tough one. It’s possible to reflect on the jury decision in the homicide case of Kyle Rittenhouse and come to the conclusion that the prosecution failed to successfully plead its case. It’s surely possible to look at the antics of the judge and his siding with the defendant and understand why the jury would be positively inclined toward finding the 18-year-old not guilty. But it’s hard to see how the jury finding Rittenhouse not guilty on all nine counts doesn’t give a green light to radical extremists determined to pursue vigilante justice with a gun. That means, despite the right of peaceful assembly protected by the First Amendment, we may witness a growing population of armed extremists who believe that gun laws (open carry and right of self-defense) give them the ability to threaten, intimidate and even kill. That makes our public square more dangerous.
There’s a deeper human level here, a tragedy that will continue to play out in the days and weeks ahead: A teenage boy who killed two human beings with an AR-15 assault rifle is being hailed like a hero and celebrated by some members of Congress and on Fox News and other right-wing media. He’s even been offered an internship to Congress by GOP extremists. It doesn’t take much insight to suggest that this is a sign of sickness in the soul of America.
So here we are. There are tough days ahead. But we must go forward and find positive responses. Will this inspire new forms of peaceful protest? Will it intensify the commitment of the nation’s majority that rejects lax gun laws to demand change? Will it expand the population of people who care about justice—particularly racial justice—to work for legislative change? In short: Can we find a positive way forward? Or does this decision cause you fear and doubt?
I look forward to learning what you all have on your minds today. As always, this is a chance for us to share with each other, so I ask you to be thoughtful in your responses and considerate of each other.
PHOTO: Former Congresswoman and shooting survivor Gabby Giffords speaks during a Nov. 3, 2021, demonstration with victims of gun violence in front of the Supreme Court as arguments begin on a gun rights case involving a New York law that limits the carrying of guns outside the home. (Photo by Joshua Roberts/Getty Images)
hard to avoid feeling hopeless. I walk with my young dog in a beautiful area each morning, partly because her joy in running and discovery picks ME up. We need to tap into that joy, however possible - along with deep, abiding anger at the imminent loss of our country. Today, I also thought we need visible, vocal leaders, aside from President Biden on the legislative side. I believe we need well known personalities to help us begin to speak as loudly as those tearing down democracy. Sort of in the vein of John Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you….” Only more in tune with this time and place and with the passion that meets the moment. And each of us needs to begin to make noise in unison - now. In our neighborhoods, on TV, the radio, (bravely!) in the public square. Actors? THE PRESS! Politicians? Business leaders? Well known, visible people - and the rest of us must affirm every word of it. We’re being much too quiet!!
The Judge did not strike me as impartial or mentally balanced. When Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all counts it was heartbreaking. The families of the dead and the person who survived deserved better
And the Supreme Court, in its “supreme” wisdom will probably rule next year that New York state’s 108 year old hand gun licensing law is unconstitutional. This will lead to people carrying unrestricted, concealed handguns in the open “for self defense.” I think I’ll be staying in my house after that. I, a 77-year old, don’t want to lose my life over a stupid “self defense” ruling.
I am so worried. I've been worried for the past five years, and am growing more worried by the week as I watch what is happening across the US. I've been re-watching the series "Homeland" and last night watched the episode in season 7 where the standoff between the FBI and a group of right-wing rural "militia" ends in a shootout, with many dead and wounded. I cried as the guns blazed, the teargas wafted, and the bodies fell, because it truly felt like I was watching a real scene, not a fictitious one. I fear we are going to see vigilante "justice" run rampant; I fear we are going to see pitched battles between government agents and right-wing conspiracy addled heavily-armed groups, and I fear we will see gun battles between groups of citizens, enraged at each other, inflamed by extremism and lies. The majority of Americans do not want this, and I'm sure like me are horrified by the prospect. But here's the question: what are we going to do to stop it? And it's a serious question. It's not "how can we stop this?" It's what are we willing to do? Are we willing to put our bodies on the line? To link arms and stand steadfast in the face of weapons brandished, taunts screamed? Remember the mothers in Portland, OR? Do we have their courage? Or are we going to hunker down, stay home, stay safe, and watch as the far right takes over the Senate, Congress, and the White House, demolishes voter laws, and marches us toward 1930s Germany? I AM TERRIFIED.
I am so sad for America and for my grandchildren and great grandchildren- they will never know the proud America that I grew up in where so much hate wasn’t prevalent - I am frightened for all the people of our country and ashamed of the behavior of my fellow Americans with constant gun threats for the sake of the power they hope to gain through intimidation. If we lose our democracy, that’s it, America is doomed and the American people will live in constant fear as our freedom and privileges are gradually removed from us. I guess those who are perpetrating hate, violence, lies don’t realize the tide can turn on them also by those with more power and hate. Please wake up Americans and let’s work on uniting one another again to create a more perfect union!!!
Steven, I read all of your posts. And many of your readers comments. I believe you all have a valid voice and a natural-born God-given right to express that voice. So do the people you label with a variety of names. The 1st and 2nd amendments are the constitutional right of every single American citizen.
Rittenhouse was an idiot. I don't know if he is a racist. I met a lot of white racists in prison, and had to ride their car in there to survive. Most racists I've met are quite verbal about their beliefs. See a post I wrote about that very topic here -
The illegal gun charge against Rittenhouse was dismissed because the prosecutors did not measure the barrel of the gun. The prosecutor agreed with that decision. He charged an invalid crime.
The drop-kick jumper was in fact known to prosecutors as he was offering to testify in exchange for immunity of his pending criminal charges.
There was one individual in this case (all four white people, btw) the witness who was shot. He admitted on the stand that he was not legally permitted to carry a gun. He did reveal that he was carrying a gun despite having an expired concealed carry permit.
So of all of the gun laws violated by the individuals in this case, none were by the defendant, but by a witness cooperating with the prosecution. Why not charge that lawbreaker?
One of the deceased white guys, the convicted pedophile that sodomized 5 boys between the ages 9-11, is seen and heard dropping the n-bomb repeatedly and indiscriminately at the BLM protest. That's irony.
Newly released documents obtained by Wisconsin Right Now from the Pima County (Arizona) Clerk of Courts confirm Rosenbaum was charged by a grand jury with 11 counts of child molestation and inappropriate sexual activity with children, including anal rape. The victims were five boys ranging in age from nine to 11 years old. He was convicted of two amended counts as part of a plea deal. See those documents here.
The other deceased white dude was only slightly less odorous, at least he didn't rape boys.
Huber had a disorderly conduct conviction from 2018 as a domestic abuse repeater, which is a misdemeanor. He gave a Kenosha address. Here are the charges in that case.
940.19(1) Battery Misd. A Dismissed on Prosecutor’s Motion
Modifier: 939.62(1)(a) Repeater
Modifier: 968.075(1)(a) Domestic Abuse
2 947.01(1) Disorderly Conduct Misd. B Guilty Due to Guilty Plea
Modifier: 968.075(1)(a) Domestic Abuse
Modifier: 939.62(1)(a) Repeater
I am not sure how aligning your cause with these folks furthers your goals or enhances your moral superiority over others. Your questions are valid, and I hope asked in good faith. Why not change the gun laws? Check out the gun-buying stats over the pandemic, when the protests were active. Highest ever, with women and POC leading the buying binge.
Rittenhouse did not break ANY gun laws. One of the dudes that got shot did, and was not arrested. What do you and your readers make of that?
As always, if you or any of you readers desire a different point of view that doesn't rely on labels or skin colors to assign belief systems to, stop by my platform. It's ok to talk to people from other tribes.
Depends what the meaning of "We" is. I do not think there is an American "we" anymore who want to find a positive way forward. Indeed there are many who are openly committed to tearing it down. This is me in my optimistic mood.
It is hard to see a way forward here. I want to, as I guess most of us do. I'm a veteran of a foreign war ('73 and part of '74) and as progressive a voice as I know (imho). I want to fight. The better part of me says leave or keep my head down. It's not my battle and I'm done "fighting". If my new wife, at 67, and my thirty year old daughter, say fight, they will be at my side.
As for our community at large - we need to be patient. We need to do the hard work. Volunteer, organize, lobby politely, and vote local. Perhaps serve, or try to.
Perhaps the best solution is a radical (and, hopefully, relatively bloodless) split in America. History is replete with precedent. Our flag is no prettier than a thousand others that came before the 1770's or will come long after America, like Rome, is an interesting historical footnote.
Perhaps, violent revolution is the answer. I'm not going to spend my final years being an inflamed radical - I'm far too selfish. If I were truly alone, I'd embrace the chaos. My actions might be the pablum of the six-o-clock news. I'd have my fifteen microseconds of fame (thanks Andy W.).
Read “Darkness Over Germany” published in 1943. It’s commonly cited as “a warning from history” and, indeed, the similarities to the post 2016 years in America are chlling.
I fear thing will get worse before getting better. And if the Republicans take power they’ll dismantle election administrations and control the outcomes. It’s a vile, evil move and it’s achievable. And then? How does change happen?
I find the whole Rittenhouse trial has been a comedy of errors so to speak. Starting off with the judge dismissing the one charge. I did watch the trial and saw the defense attorneys signal the judge when they thought their witnesses were in trouble. It was then when the judge stepped in on several occasions to either give his opinion or to reprimand the prosecution. I believe that if the jury came back with a guilty verdict, the judge would have dismissed the case. This whole trial sent the message that murder is acceptable and that vigilante justice is acceptable.
If we turned it all around and Rittenhouse was black, they would have convicted him and threw away the key. There are 2 justice systems in America. It really saddens me that all aren’t treated equal and ppl like Rittenhouse are held in high esteem by the far right extremists. What message does that send? You can be a murderer and do whatever you want if you’re white.
It was ever thus. We’ve made progress and will continue. We’ve stepped backwards at times, and surely in these times. But we never give up hope, even in the darkest hour. It’s what makes us human.
I’m reminded of Television westerns where the family and gangs of murderous thugs enter town shoot anyone who tries to stand up against them; Causing the town’s people to hide in their homes, close shops, and the thugs take over. Morality, justice, and common good disappear, replaced by greed, power, and the thoughtless whims of of the band of thugs. Threats in Congress, the January 6th attack and calls to murder Mike Pence and Nancy Peloci. Bill Barr’s vigilante Justice is in place even today with corrupt judges spattered across America and judges who are trying to succeed from our country, making up their own rules while lying to their States people.
Yes, I am afraid for the state of our union, all our good citizens, and the imbalance of haves and have nots. The holidays are upon us and families as well as people who live alone are suffering with the price of food, clothing, and gas going up. Then, there’s COVID19.
There doesn’t seem to be a great remedy and government moves so slowly, people are losing faith trust and the will to fight the thugs. America is shutting up, and shuttering in hoping the thugs don’t notice them.
I think what we’re experiencing is an epidemic of narcissism. Actually, I would call it “trickle-down narcissism.” Knowing what I know about narcissism, it’s terrifying.
Initially I was deeply angered by the injustice of what Mr. Rittenhouse seemingly got away with. And there is no question that he did escape justice through the court system and the influencers who used their position of power to affect the outcome. And it is right that we confront and challenge the obstacles of injustice, but that we do it in such a way that does not include violence and harm. If you live justly and mercifully, accusers have nothing to justify harm against you. It takes immense strength and courage to overcome the unjust acts of others. …. It brings to mind the wise words and message of Martin Luther King who portrayed truth and had his life stolen away from him. For those who are disheartened by the outcome of the court proceedings I would urge you to take comfort in knowing that while Mr. Rittenhouse escaped the justice of the courts he has not escaped the justice that his own conscience will visit upon him. His life will never be the same. Deep down he will not escape the justice coming his way. What has been done is wrong, and we all know it. The false precepts that build up and support lies cannot stand. This can be a turning point to take us away from the evils of injustice and return us to the truths spoken by Mr. King. Stand in truth against lies and falsity’s, illuminating to the world another way.
I feel grief, deep abiding grief. It’s so
hard to avoid feeling hopeless. I walk with my young dog in a beautiful area each morning, partly because her joy in running and discovery picks ME up. We need to tap into that joy, however possible - along with deep, abiding anger at the imminent loss of our country. Today, I also thought we need visible, vocal leaders, aside from President Biden on the legislative side. I believe we need well known personalities to help us begin to speak as loudly as those tearing down democracy. Sort of in the vein of John Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you….” Only more in tune with this time and place and with the passion that meets the moment. And each of us needs to begin to make noise in unison - now. In our neighborhoods, on TV, the radio, (bravely!) in the public square. Actors? THE PRESS! Politicians? Business leaders? Well known, visible people - and the rest of us must affirm every word of it. We’re being much too quiet!!
It’s getting close to midnight.
The Judge did not strike me as impartial or mentally balanced. When Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all counts it was heartbreaking. The families of the dead and the person who survived deserved better
And the Supreme Court, in its “supreme” wisdom will probably rule next year that New York state’s 108 year old hand gun licensing law is unconstitutional. This will lead to people carrying unrestricted, concealed handguns in the open “for self defense.” I think I’ll be staying in my house after that. I, a 77-year old, don’t want to lose my life over a stupid “self defense” ruling.
I am so worried. I've been worried for the past five years, and am growing more worried by the week as I watch what is happening across the US. I've been re-watching the series "Homeland" and last night watched the episode in season 7 where the standoff between the FBI and a group of right-wing rural "militia" ends in a shootout, with many dead and wounded. I cried as the guns blazed, the teargas wafted, and the bodies fell, because it truly felt like I was watching a real scene, not a fictitious one. I fear we are going to see vigilante "justice" run rampant; I fear we are going to see pitched battles between government agents and right-wing conspiracy addled heavily-armed groups, and I fear we will see gun battles between groups of citizens, enraged at each other, inflamed by extremism and lies. The majority of Americans do not want this, and I'm sure like me are horrified by the prospect. But here's the question: what are we going to do to stop it? And it's a serious question. It's not "how can we stop this?" It's what are we willing to do? Are we willing to put our bodies on the line? To link arms and stand steadfast in the face of weapons brandished, taunts screamed? Remember the mothers in Portland, OR? Do we have their courage? Or are we going to hunker down, stay home, stay safe, and watch as the far right takes over the Senate, Congress, and the White House, demolishes voter laws, and marches us toward 1930s Germany? I AM TERRIFIED.
I am so sad for America and for my grandchildren and great grandchildren- they will never know the proud America that I grew up in where so much hate wasn’t prevalent - I am frightened for all the people of our country and ashamed of the behavior of my fellow Americans with constant gun threats for the sake of the power they hope to gain through intimidation. If we lose our democracy, that’s it, America is doomed and the American people will live in constant fear as our freedom and privileges are gradually removed from us. I guess those who are perpetrating hate, violence, lies don’t realize the tide can turn on them also by those with more power and hate. Please wake up Americans and let’s work on uniting one another again to create a more perfect union!!!
Steven, I read all of your posts. And many of your readers comments. I believe you all have a valid voice and a natural-born God-given right to express that voice. So do the people you label with a variety of names. The 1st and 2nd amendments are the constitutional right of every single American citizen.
Rittenhouse was an idiot. I don't know if he is a racist. I met a lot of white racists in prison, and had to ride their car in there to survive. Most racists I've met are quite verbal about their beliefs. See a post I wrote about that very topic here -
I Confronted A Racist With Logic https://riclexel.substack.com/p/i-confronted-a-racist-with-logic
The illegal gun charge against Rittenhouse was dismissed because the prosecutors did not measure the barrel of the gun. The prosecutor agreed with that decision. He charged an invalid crime.
The drop-kick jumper was in fact known to prosecutors as he was offering to testify in exchange for immunity of his pending criminal charges.
There was one individual in this case (all four white people, btw) the witness who was shot. He admitted on the stand that he was not legally permitted to carry a gun. He did reveal that he was carrying a gun despite having an expired concealed carry permit.
So of all of the gun laws violated by the individuals in this case, none were by the defendant, but by a witness cooperating with the prosecution. Why not charge that lawbreaker?
One of the deceased white guys, the convicted pedophile that sodomized 5 boys between the ages 9-11, is seen and heard dropping the n-bomb repeatedly and indiscriminately at the BLM protest. That's irony.
Newly released documents obtained by Wisconsin Right Now from the Pima County (Arizona) Clerk of Courts confirm Rosenbaum was charged by a grand jury with 11 counts of child molestation and inappropriate sexual activity with children, including anal rape. The victims were five boys ranging in age from nine to 11 years old. He was convicted of two amended counts as part of a plea deal. See those documents here.
https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/2021/03/12/kenosha-shooting/
The other deceased white dude was only slightly less odorous, at least he didn't rape boys.
Huber had a disorderly conduct conviction from 2018 as a domestic abuse repeater, which is a misdemeanor. He gave a Kenosha address. Here are the charges in that case.
940.19(1) Battery Misd. A Dismissed on Prosecutor’s Motion
Modifier: 939.62(1)(a) Repeater
Modifier: 968.075(1)(a) Domestic Abuse
2 947.01(1) Disorderly Conduct Misd. B Guilty Due to Guilty Plea
Modifier: 968.075(1)(a) Domestic Abuse
Modifier: 939.62(1)(a) Repeater
I am not sure how aligning your cause with these folks furthers your goals or enhances your moral superiority over others. Your questions are valid, and I hope asked in good faith. Why not change the gun laws? Check out the gun-buying stats over the pandemic, when the protests were active. Highest ever, with women and POC leading the buying binge.
Rittenhouse did not break ANY gun laws. One of the dudes that got shot did, and was not arrested. What do you and your readers make of that?
As always, if you or any of you readers desire a different point of view that doesn't rely on labels or skin colors to assign belief systems to, stop by my platform. It's ok to talk to people from other tribes.
Thanks
Ric
These morons want a gun fight, what comes to mind is…”Be careful what you hope for, you might get it”…
Gordon Herz1 min ago
Depends what the meaning of "We" is. I do not think there is an American "we" anymore who want to find a positive way forward. Indeed there are many who are openly committed to tearing it down. This is me in my optimistic mood.
It is hard to see a way forward here. I want to, as I guess most of us do. I'm a veteran of a foreign war ('73 and part of '74) and as progressive a voice as I know (imho). I want to fight. The better part of me says leave or keep my head down. It's not my battle and I'm done "fighting". If my new wife, at 67, and my thirty year old daughter, say fight, they will be at my side.
As for our community at large - we need to be patient. We need to do the hard work. Volunteer, organize, lobby politely, and vote local. Perhaps serve, or try to.
Perhaps the best solution is a radical (and, hopefully, relatively bloodless) split in America. History is replete with precedent. Our flag is no prettier than a thousand others that came before the 1770's or will come long after America, like Rome, is an interesting historical footnote.
Perhaps, violent revolution is the answer. I'm not going to spend my final years being an inflamed radical - I'm far too selfish. If I were truly alone, I'd embrace the chaos. My actions might be the pablum of the six-o-clock news. I'd have my fifteen microseconds of fame (thanks Andy W.).
Read “Darkness Over Germany” published in 1943. It’s commonly cited as “a warning from history” and, indeed, the similarities to the post 2016 years in America are chlling.
https://www.cumberlandlodge.ac.uk/about-us/darkness-over-germany
I fear thing will get worse before getting better. And if the Republicans take power they’ll dismantle election administrations and control the outcomes. It’s a vile, evil move and it’s achievable. And then? How does change happen?
I find the whole Rittenhouse trial has been a comedy of errors so to speak. Starting off with the judge dismissing the one charge. I did watch the trial and saw the defense attorneys signal the judge when they thought their witnesses were in trouble. It was then when the judge stepped in on several occasions to either give his opinion or to reprimand the prosecution. I believe that if the jury came back with a guilty verdict, the judge would have dismissed the case. This whole trial sent the message that murder is acceptable and that vigilante justice is acceptable.
If we turned it all around and Rittenhouse was black, they would have convicted him and threw away the key. There are 2 justice systems in America. It really saddens me that all aren’t treated equal and ppl like Rittenhouse are held in high esteem by the far right extremists. What message does that send? You can be a murderer and do whatever you want if you’re white.
I am honestly too numb to comment. However, this outcome is also the result of lax gun and self defense laws in Wisconsin. Red states are a factor.
It was ever thus. We’ve made progress and will continue. We’ve stepped backwards at times, and surely in these times. But we never give up hope, even in the darkest hour. It’s what makes us human.
I’m reminded of Television westerns where the family and gangs of murderous thugs enter town shoot anyone who tries to stand up against them; Causing the town’s people to hide in their homes, close shops, and the thugs take over. Morality, justice, and common good disappear, replaced by greed, power, and the thoughtless whims of of the band of thugs. Threats in Congress, the January 6th attack and calls to murder Mike Pence and Nancy Peloci. Bill Barr’s vigilante Justice is in place even today with corrupt judges spattered across America and judges who are trying to succeed from our country, making up their own rules while lying to their States people.
Yes, I am afraid for the state of our union, all our good citizens, and the imbalance of haves and have nots. The holidays are upon us and families as well as people who live alone are suffering with the price of food, clothing, and gas going up. Then, there’s COVID19.
There doesn’t seem to be a great remedy and government moves so slowly, people are losing faith trust and the will to fight the thugs. America is shutting up, and shuttering in hoping the thugs don’t notice them.
I just keep thinking about all the battered women and children sitting in jail for having killed their abusers.
I think what we’re experiencing is an epidemic of narcissism. Actually, I would call it “trickle-down narcissism.” Knowing what I know about narcissism, it’s terrifying.
Initially I was deeply angered by the injustice of what Mr. Rittenhouse seemingly got away with. And there is no question that he did escape justice through the court system and the influencers who used their position of power to affect the outcome. And it is right that we confront and challenge the obstacles of injustice, but that we do it in such a way that does not include violence and harm. If you live justly and mercifully, accusers have nothing to justify harm against you. It takes immense strength and courage to overcome the unjust acts of others. …. It brings to mind the wise words and message of Martin Luther King who portrayed truth and had his life stolen away from him. For those who are disheartened by the outcome of the court proceedings I would urge you to take comfort in knowing that while Mr. Rittenhouse escaped the justice of the courts he has not escaped the justice that his own conscience will visit upon him. His life will never be the same. Deep down he will not escape the justice coming his way. What has been done is wrong, and we all know it. The false precepts that build up and support lies cannot stand. This can be a turning point to take us away from the evils of injustice and return us to the truths spoken by Mr. King. Stand in truth against lies and falsity’s, illuminating to the world another way.