posted on Nov, 17 2003 @ 01:37 PM
I don't live or work in Florida, so I can't say that I can personally identify with the problem they are trying to fix. However, I do work in
downtown nyc, walking distance from the courts there, and the fact is when there are protests of that magnitude going on, it's very difficult to keep
things in order.
Of course I do agree with protecting the right to a speedy trial, but what about the right to a trial without hazardous disruptions and a trial in a
safe environment. I'm sure some of you remember in the not too distant past the violent protests regarding the same topic. If I worked in a
building near where these protests are taking place, I'd be quite tempted to call in sick. As would many people.
Read the article that sircyco posted but read it carefully.
A state constitutional law professor said Anstead's decision ``makes sense'' because Miami officials are fairly certain that they will be
``inundated'' with protesters who could disrupt court operations.
.
Disrupt court operations. It's not because "they have other business to attend to". This is something causing genuine concern due to past
documented violent history.
Tragically the mouthpiece at the ACLU said the most disgusting thing I have heard in my life.
But a lawyer representing the American Civil Liberties Union said it was premature for such a decision.
``Let's say nothing does happen next week. Then you have people whose speedy trial rights were impacted'' for no reason, John De Leon said.
According to this heartless idiot, we have to hope and pray that there IS violent rioting. Because according to this man, taking preventative
measures is STUPID unless something 100% happens. "Don't give your kids the hepatitis vaccine!! If you give it to them and they go through life and
never encounter it, you've wasted your time! You better hope they encounter hepatitis or else you were wrong for giving them the shot.
This is tragically backwards. You know what Mr. De Leon, I personally hope there are no violent protests and nothing happens and everyone is happy
that things went well. Speedy trial is important, but so is the safety of the people involved in the justice system. If it requires a tragedy to
make people understand this, than i think the so-called protectors of constitutional rights have things all wrong. One of the essential rights we
learn about is "Life", how about we protect those, and then worry about three days or ten days.