Jena 6: "See this pen? I can end your lives with the stroke of a pen."

[wndycty]

To me this is one of the most offensive comments I have ever heard. I'm not sure if this is the DA who is prosecuting the Jena 6 but if he is, I think his words have to be used against him.

District Attorney Reed Walters and the "pen statement"

http://www.ldaa.org/roster/walters.html

Accounts conflict as to what happened afterwards. According to some accounts, on September 5, a number of black students organized a peaceful sit-in under the white tree in response to the commuted punishment of the perpetrators. The protest was then dispersed by police.<5><6> U.S. Attorney Washington, speaking in July 2007, he could find no confirmation of this protest occurring. He could confirm that police were called to the school several times in the days after the noose incident in response to a rash of interracial fights between students.<3>

The principal called an impromptu assembly on September 6, which segregated itself into white and black sections. The Jena Police Department asked LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters to attend and speak. Walters was unhappy with the request because he was busy preparing for a case and, upon arrival, felt that the students were not paying proper attention to him.<3> Walters is alleged to have threatened the protesters if they didn't stop fussing over an "innocent prank" and to have stated, "See this pen? I can end your lives with the stroke of a pen." Black students state that Walters looked specifically at members of the black audience as he said this. Walters and school board member Billy Fowler, also present, deny that the comments were specifically directed at black students.<1> Nevertheless, police began patrolling the halls of Jena High on September 7 and the day after, the school was declared to be in total lockdown.

On September 10, several dozen black students attempted to address the school board concerning the recent events but were refused because the board was of the opinion that "the noose issue" had been adequately resolved.<7> Racial tensions and fights continued through the fall but were held in check by the ongoing football season. The high school team was doing unusually well, in large part due to efforts of several star black players, and students were unwilling to do anything to upset the season.<1>
-snip-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jena_Six#District_Attorney_Reed_Walters_and_the_.22pen_statement.22

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Boy, I sure hope our next president...

Brings federal authorities down on these freaks' heads.

Speaking of which, the first presidential candidate who makes this an issue is going to earn my respect.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. This DA is a state officer, not a fed.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

8. Yes.

And I'm hoping the feds come down on him because obviously the state isn't going to take care of it. Like so many other civil rights abuses.

[IndianaJones]

2. this case involves african americans that aren't fighting dogs....

therefore it will receive limited coverage in the mass media and limited outrage from the citizenry.

[wellst0nev0ter]

3. Nor Does It Involve White Lacrosse Players

But Nifong had his license taken away, so justice is alive and well! :sarcasm:

[IndianaJones]

4. I was going to let someone else take up the oppressed caucasians mantle. nt.

[wndycty]

5. Didn't one of the Duke Lacrosse players say he wants to fight for . . .

. . .people who are victims of overzealous prosecutors? Well he can make a huge statement by speaking out on behalf of the Jena 6.

[IndianaJones]

6. I would certainly be impressed....and surprised to see that. nt.

[wndycty]

9. Does he he have a website . . .

...someone should let him know his voice is needed, unless of course it was talk.