Comments on: Clinton: 'Jena 6' a 'teachable moment'

By: Tia, Chicago, IL

Tia, Chicago, IL — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:53:41 +0000

I find it sad that so many of these comments are so ignorant. More than six white kids beat up 1 black kid and they were not charged the same nor were hate crime charges attached despite the use of racial epithets. By the way, the black kids didn't beat the white kid nearly to death....the white boy was a party having a blast the next night. Do your research before you comment. The issue isn't so much that the black kids were charged with a crime but that the white kids weren't charged for any of the crimes that they committed. Second, that the black kids were charged for ATTEMPTED MURDER where the weapon was a TENNIS SHOE. It's not ok to attack anyone be they black or white but everyone should receive the SAME TREATMENT regardless of their race.

By: Mike Ohio

Mike Ohio — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:08:14 +0000

The Jenna 6 case is an interesting case because it has put so many people in a ackward position. By all mainstream media accounts, there seems to be no issue about the fact that these 6 juveniles beat another juvenile unconsious. It also appears from everything in the public record that the DA intentionally overcharged the defendants to get them into adult court where they would face longer sentences. Based on the information in the public domain it appears that the juveniles should have been charged with what Louisanna law defines as Second Degree Battery" and prosecuted in the juvenile system. And that is what should happen to them. The fact that white students hung nooses in the tree does not justify beating some one unconscious. The students responsible for that display should be prosecuted as well for what Louisanna law defines as "Assault" or potentially "Aggravated Assault." As for the DA the State Bar should look into whether or not he abused his power relative to how he handled this case, much like the Duke prosecutor was. Clinton is right this is a teachable moment. Rather than trying to justify the actions of one side or the other, we should be able to say that all parties are wrong and should be held accountable for their role. This is a time for a national conversation about personal responsibility and accountability. Rather than a rally cry of Free the Jenna Six, the rally cry should be for Justice in Jenna. Justice for the victim of beating, Justice for the accused (ie a prosecution that fits the crime), Justice for the black students who suffered an implicit threat of violence, and Justice for the whole community in the knowledge that the law is not being minipulated to serve personal or political purposes.

By: J. Detroit, Mi

J. Detroit, Mi — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:10:47 +0000

Also the assumption that there is a different legal system for whites and blacks is both racist and ignorant.

For the rich and the poor yes...but not whites and blacks.

By: J. Detroit, Mi

J. Detroit, Mi — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:08:32 +0000

Does this mean Hilary Clinton is a racist?

Sounds like it doesn't it?

How can anyone think Sharpton is anything but a racist? He consistently treats Black and white people differently.

By: Plainfield, NJ

Plainfield, NJ — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:05:43 +0000

A lot of you continue to mention the Duke Lacrosse incident. Although I feel as though it was wrong for them to be wrongfully indicted, the factor still remains that they were vindicated. Unfortunately there are two legal systems in this country-one for whites and another for minorities. We need to remember that the Duke students were not held in jail with and outrageous bail, and the prosecuter is now unemployed. At the end of the day, justice was served because they were innocent and went free. Will the same happen for The Jena 6?

By: Dee, Ashburn, VA

Dee, Ashburn, VA — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:13:50 +0000

Correction: You're only the bully majority in the USA. There are plethoras of countries now that hate this country solely because of idiots like you.

Seek professional help.

By: Sasha Quintana Portland, OR

Sasha Quintana Portland, OR — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:09:26 +0000

I am in total disgust by the lack of understanding... Yes, six Black kids did beat up one White kid but it wasn't attempted murder. The young man who was beat up walked out of the hospital two hours after he was admitted. The issue here is not that we "free" the Jena six but that we as a country and among people of color stand up. Stand up for the fact that these six young boys are being charged with attempted murder and facing unfair harsh treatment. I being a person of color am not protesting that these six boys be free from the consquences of their actions, but I am protesting the rather harsh treatment they are recieving. It's apparent that most of you whom are writing these henious and ignorant comments are white. White people who are upper class and have never had to deal with a civil rights issue personally. It's easy to judge from the outside looking in. Teens are going to fight eachother and with all do respect hanging nooses from a tree isn't the brightest idea. Of course the sensible thing to do was for the teens to notify the school staff and simply ignore their acts of hate. However, we all know teens can get out of hand while emotions are running wild. The fact of the matter is that these six boys are being taught a "lesson" that will ruin any future professional and personal goals. They don't deserve to sit in prison for 20 years for beating someone up. Which by the way happens everyday in Highschools around the country. I am not justifying their behavior but their unfair acusations are unwarrented. People can tip toe around this issue all day, but racism is still very much alive.

By: V. Fair, Pine Bluff, Arkansas

V. Fair, Pine Bluff, Arkansas — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 02:16:40 +0000

As a Black female, from Senator Clinton's home state of Arkansas, I applaud the stance she has taken against racial injustice in this country. However, the world MUST be made aware of the fact that here in the deep south, not much has actually changed for us. The racial inequalities are VERY MUCH alive, and running rampant here in the deep south.

Take me for instance... I am a fifty-one year old Black female, with a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master's Degree in Social Work. I have 20 years experience as a Legal Assistant in a local law firm, and 12 years experience working in a State Prison, here in Arkansas. Yet, notwithstanding all of that... I make only approx. $27,000 per year, while WHITES with NO EDUCATION at all, besides a GED, and some who can barely write a sentence literally earn twice my salary. This type of racial injustice is how whites systemically treat most educated Blacks here in the South. This is the blatant truth of the matter. One truth that is ignored by the rest of the world. The only alternative is to file costly litigation, and have the very same prejudicial whites decide the fate of such a case. Our only help is for the Department of Justice to take a more active role in investigating these claims, and thereby righting some of the wrongs that continue to take place against Blacks here in the south. The media plays a very important role in making the public aware of the fact that Blacks in the south have no equality or justice! America needs to wake up, and realize that the spin southern White government officials and polititions put on racial conditions in the south are just good sound lies, so that the real "truth" never surfaces. However, when situations such as the "Jena 6" arise, the world gets a small peek at what happens on a daily basis in the south. Thanks CNN for reporting on this matter.

V. F.

By: H.Thomas New York, NY

H.Thomas New York, NY — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 23:00:08 +0000

Please inform yourselves people! These kids were retaliating from a previous attack where a group of white kids beat up a single black kid. So for all of you who are saying "if the situation were reversed..." HELLO it was reversed. And the white kids walked away unpunished... And the black kids were charged with MURDER. PLEASE get all the facts before you respond in the future.

And CNN blogger I encourage you in the future that if you are going to post an abbreviated version of the story please at least link to the complete coverage so that people can take in the news IN CONTEXT.

Folks do not allow the media to think for you. Get the FACTS as often as you can! And reading all your uninformed comments have certainly been a teaching moment for me, though a scary one.

Please visit the CNN Timeline outlining the racist events and fights preceeding the charges being filed against the JENA 6
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/law/09/20/jena.six/index.html#cnnSTCOther1

or watch this video which was released back in July to raise awareness of this case: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuoiZnr4jLY

EDUCATE YOURSELVES

By: Ken Pace

Ken Pace — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 02:25:14 +0000

Bill and Hillary ae no more than slim that has formed into human like substance and have slithered through life telling lies that liberals believe

By: Betty

Betty — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:25:22 +0000

This should have been handled by the school. The boys who put up the nooses should have been expelled from school.I hear some say it is not racial,Then what was it?A prank is meant to be funny.That was not funny and it sent a messange to every child in that school. If your not the right color you are not welcome everywhere. Well you know what, every Child has the right to go to school and feel safe.Not be threaten by other kids.Each has the same rights as the others and that is what our children need to be taught at home.The Jena 6 should not have beat up that boy but we really do not know why and I would would like to know what else has been happening in that town.

By: Ryan M., Arlington, VA

Ryan M., Arlington, VA — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:06:45 +0000

I am a supporter of Hillary, although now she looks to be courting some votes in her answer. There is injustice and inequality all the time. As long as we divide ourselves on race, it will always create tension.
Kids fight. They argue and they are harsh to one another. I was gay in high school and got called all types of names and death threats. Did I feel that it was a call for violence? NO.
Any violence, unless it is for defense, is wrong. Even during the Civil Rights Movement, we embraced non-violent change in an issue that was more important then kids scuffles.
Now 6 kids, that want to get off, are playing a race card. These kids took it too far and now they need to do murder is too harsh of a charge for a fight, but doing time for an assult is not.

By: Dr Durand, Sunny, California

Dr Durand, Sunny, California — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:17:30 +0000

And it's so sad she didn't teach them and prevent this nonsense in 1992.... "The events related in this case are all a microcycle of socio-economic descent, resultant from a dysfunction of the Representative Government, the Grand Jury (Civil and Criminal) in Louisiana.....which is a stage two to stage three International Criminal Overthrow (Attack) Strategy....and results in massive quantities of debt being produced (as well as the worst form of Terrorism, that your government will be your attacker, and is therefore due the $500,000 Reward of 18USC3071, if any cases are)....until you get these New Scientific Government Training Programs implemented (directly, by government administrators at city or parish councils; or indirectly, via the Grand Jury's verdict or finding), you'll never fix the problem. It's like Dr. Einstein's disproof of Faraday's physical assertions, from that point forward, everything else was either a counterfeit of Dr. Einstein's materials or outright-fraud (producing debt, either way)....so too it is with these Scientific Government Training materials, as I told them, since 1988-89 in opposition-admitted Louisiana Lawsuits (before the $8 Trillion-plus deficit it produced, through counterfeits of these materials and otherwise). If the Grand Juries were working properly (instead of having knowledge of a crime, upon it being presented to them, without taking appropriate action and, resultantly, becoming principal to the crime alleged and all future crimes), these matters would've been prevented at the first beating stage of this socio-economic-descent event (or before), instead of later (after more crime and debt had occurred)....... We have the only programs, they need only implement them....... Without support and defense of the U.S. Constitution (properly functioning Grand Juries---the ONLY Representative Government Body---as the Scientific Government Training Programs proved in an opposition-admitted case in 1988-89, in Louisiana); there is no justice...and those doing otherwise aren't seeking justice (just undue gain). Where your Grand Juries aren't issuing Civil Debts, True Bills, EVERYTIME wrongdoing's officially alleged...you have no representative government, just ever-worsening criminal organization (and debt, unto collapse). Only when the Grand Jury has convicted or acquitted, will there be justice (for the children beaten at the party to those beaten later, as has been reported)---it is slavery and all those doing otherwise are agents of slavery's continuance (black, white, brown, and otherwise, as slavery's always been).FREE LOUISIANA, NOW, GET THE GRAND JURIES WORKING THERE, CIVIL AND CRIMINAL (THE SCIENTIFIC GOVERNMENT TRAINING PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED, ASAP)!!! The Jena 6 (and noone else) will be FREE in Louisiana, until you do.......USRecovery@gmail.com.....write for the Program's Test Materials......when you're ready to get started....everything else expands debt and crime, instead of resolving it.....The Materials that would've prevented Every Major Disaster in the U.S., since Reagan left office (1988-89), if unobstructed by forever-prohibited (in 1776), jury bypassing, International-criminal-determinations, right here in America ($500,000 Rewards are due for those convicted of obstructing such grand jury, representative government, function....18USC3071)....After writing for "THE TEST FROM THE MATERIALS THAT WOULD'VE PREVENTED EVERY MAJOR U.S. DISASTER, SINCE 1988-89, AND WOULD'VE PREVENTED THE DISRUPTION IN THE LIVES OF THESE CHILDREN (AND SHALL PREVENT SUCH DISRUPTIONS IN THE LIVES OF ALL FUTURE CHILDREN IN LOUISIANA, UPON BEING IMPLEMENTED)...GUARANTEED".......You can start to distribute them to your newsmedia (Franklin-like "Mercury(s)" and Marx-like "Mouths of the Empire", alike) and government employees, until they're implemented and you'll actually be eliminating the problem (everything else will just make things worse, with scientific certainty, while pretending it's an improvement for illegal-profits-sake). RCCFM; Always: Dr. Eric Durand, Ph.D..... usrecovery@gmail.com

By: KarmaKills New York, New York

KarmaKills New York, New York — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 04:15:31 +0000

As a Native American, I am apalled by this. Where has this country's reason and common sense gone? The 3 white boys hung nooses from a tree, which was wrong and unacceptable, and for which they were suspended. The 6 black boys assaulted and beat a single white boy until he was unconscious and are facing criminal charges.

One act is by far more vile than the other and is being treated as such, but only by the school and the judicial system. Though what the white boys did was wrong and racist, they didn't harm anyone. What the black boys did was also wrong and racist, but they chose to gang up, 6 on 1, and beat a white boy until he was unconscious.

It is very indicative of how warped our society has become that there is an uproar not over the fact that what the 6 black boys did was racist, violent, and could have killed the boy, but because they are facing criminal charges due to it and because the white boys, who did not harm anyone were only suspended and did not have criminal charges brought against them.

Nevermind the fact that the 6 black boys participated in a violent hate crime, or the fact that they ganged up on the boy 6 to 1 and beat him until he was bloody and unconscious, or that one of them was on probation and has a criminal record, or that the attack place months after the noose hanging event. Don't concern yourself with the fact that the D.A. attempted to find something to charge the white boys with but could not find any law which they had broken.

It becomes more and more evident with every passing year how biased our media has become, how overly PC our country is, and how racist the majority of the black community is. Our nation should be in an uproar over the fact that these boys ganged up on another lone boy and beat him until he was bloody and unconcious because his skin was the wrong color. Our nation should be in an uproar because 5 of those 6 boys are out walking the streets right now. It should be in an uproar over the slant and biased with which this is being covered by many news outlets, how the story and facts are being twisted, and most importantly by how the black community behaves.

Every year I see more and more of this, blacks protesting because blacks were arrested, because the government or someone else did something that angered them. They, the media, and the PC/Thought Police attempt to villinaize anyone who speaks out, yet it's perfectly acceptable to for the black community to say anything racist they like, even for 6 of them to beat a white boy half to death until he passed out. Then they want the 3 white boys who hung the nooses to face charges, though it was wrong and at school, they WERE exercising their freedom of speech. It's ok when the black community does or says something racist, even violent, but the no one else is allowed to even express an opinion they don't like without being attacked and villainized.

By: Jim, Durham NC

Jim, Durham NC — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:56:23 +0000

Still waiting for Jesse to apologize to the Duke lacrosse players...

(oops, they're white, nevermind.)

By: Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR

Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:53:11 +0000

Hillary is the Prima Dona of racial baiting. Leave it to her to further the divide and kiss Mr. Jackson's er, um feet.

What are we teaching these boys, any color when we say, well so and so got off easier...? And we don't focus on the grossness of the crime? That sounds like something my kids would say to get out of a consequence...

You got to be kidding. If there was too lenient of a sentence in the past, do look at it, but don't ignore the grossness of today's crime. These boys are being made heros and/or victims. Is that really in anybody's best interest, especially these boys?? NO.

By: Rhonnybay Indiana

Rhonnybay Indiana — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:21:15 +0000

WOW...its so clear that you guys don't know the complete story.

Its not that the kids shouldn't have been charged with something but its the sentencing that people are taking issue with especially when there was a group of white kids that beat up some black kids and were charged with a lesser crime.

The bonds were set higher. This is about fairness. Let's not compare Duke and Jena especially when you even have some of the Lacrosse parents going to Jena in support of the rally.

Jena is wrong. Duke was wrong.

By: RuthieM

RuthieM — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:56:28 +0000

Why did Clinton make her comments well AFTER Obama made his? If she's such a leader, why didn't she step up to this plate first? Funny, and now all you see is Clinton's face on the Jena 6 issue. Where was Obama's face in the news when he was the first among all the presidential candidates who spoke out about this outrage? Nowhere.

By: Chris, Middletown, CT

Chris, Middletown, CT — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:13:59 +0000

PEOPLE...people should be outraged about Hillarys support for the 6 kids who beat up another and were celebrated. First she stands with the unions (who have crippled this country) and now stands with racists Sharpton and Jackson – and rumor has it there are some who would vote for such a person for President?? We are a nation of people...all different types....in the end....we are people – and as elected King of the people – we decided that Hillary is no longer a viable candidate...and should be deported to the first socialist country that wants her (and her waffler husband)

By: patricia, oakland ca

patricia, oakland ca — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:04:46 +0000

in response to Steve...you should read before you type. a groupd of white kids did beat up 1 black child and guess what no charges were filed. Try reading more next time before you speak. There is a lot to this case that is pure racisim.

By: Bill Charleston SC

Bill Charleston SC — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:32:53 +0000

Awwwwww those poor minority students. Never mind that they beat a fellow classmate and put him in the hospital. Let's just concentrate on the color of their skin.

Amazing.

Let the justice system work people. Charges are already being reduced and verdicts overturned. So what is the big deal?

I wonder if Jesse and Al would be running their mouths as loudly if the Jena 6 were white and the beaten student were black. Probably. But they'd be calling for the maximum penalty if that were the case.

Yes racisim is alive and well in our country. But it is the black leaders who perpetuate racism today. And they do it for selfish personal reasons. And they disgust me.

By: Johney, FL

Johney, FL — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:38:25 +0000

Anytime Hillary does something or says something everyone here says she is pandering. BUT everyone knows that if she didn't say anything then there would be an uproar. There are a bunch of uneducated hypocrits posting their uneducated bashing of Hillary Clinton everytime she does something. So all these people think she should not do anything because that would look great? Hillary is just stating her beliefs and thoughts on current topics, but all of a sudden she's pandering? Get over it. I am not a big fan of Hillary either, but some people(and I mean uneducated people) always find something negative to say every time Hillary does something or says something. She is not pandering, she is just sharing her thoughts and beliefs much like everyone on this blog is doing. You all are a bunch of hypocrits.

By: Cathy M in Tn

Cathy M in Tn — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 03:56:35 +0000

I'm sick of all this black white c..p too. Fighting is wrong and fighting like a gang is even worse. Lessons must be learned here and color is not the lesson.

Hillary is just playing politics.

By: Anthony Davis, San Antonio Texas

Anthony Davis, San Antonio Texas — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:33:09 +0000

I am always amazed at the intellectual capacity of the American people. This topic is not about Ms, Clinton, but rather the "racial history of this country" once again rearing its UGLY HEAD. The commits by the anti Clinton crowd, is a depiction of why we wound up with a President like George Bush. Instead of recognizing what is important for our nation, our economy, and our people, some of us continue to get caught up in non related issues and diverted from what is really important. Something went wrong involving the (Jena6), and what we need to concentrate on is what went wrong. While we in the public will never know exactly what happened,something went wrong and we need to get as close to the truth as possible. The road to the White House is long; you will have plenty of time to bash HILLARY!

By: Andrew, Jakarta, Indonesia

Andrew, Jakarta, Indonesia — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:48:34 +0000

Pure opportunism on her part. There is something akin to Nixon in Hillary.

By: Devil's Advocate

Devil's Advocate — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:43:36 +0000

Just to stir the pot a little bit. I don't condone the noose prank. But, were they not just using a symbolic means to express their objection to the kids sitting under the tree? Would that not be covered under the first amendment? Or, is free-speech only allowed if it agrees with the agenda of the majority? There are KKK rallies and neo-Nazi rallies that take place in the public square, are those not symbolic racial ly energized events where the participants are exercising their right to free speech?

In the story yesterday, a majority of posters were livid at the police for tazering a young man for his free-speech antics, yet, it almost seems OK to beat the crap out of another for the same.

I know the acts were abominable, and the penalties seemed a bit severe, but on the other hand one of the six had a nice rap sheet. In Florida they have that three strike rule for handgun use while committing a crime and once the third strike is achieved, the severity of the crime doesn't really weigh-in, 10-20-LIFE!

Just sayin'

By: Eduardo, Los Angeles, CA

Eduardo, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:38:57 +0000

Why must Race always be an issue. If these kids are guilty, whether white or black, they should be punished..period. Do we have complete backgrounds on all youths involved and the complete story of what happened or led to the incident? Do these young men have criminal records? What's going on in our school systems? Why must a young man ask a Vice Principal for permission to sit under a tree? What's happening America? Metal Detectors in schools? However, religion is not allowed....perhaps that's what is needed...PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN THE HOME WHERE IT ALL STARTS! PARENTS NEED TO GET INVOLVED IN THEIR CHILDREN'S LIVES, WHO THEY HANG AROUND WITH AND ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY TO SET EXAMPLES...OTHERWISE DON'T HAVE THEM. WATCH WHAT YOU TEACH YOUR CHILDREN FOR ALL EYES ARE UPON YOU!

By: James, Phoenix AZ

James, Phoenix AZ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:47:19 +0000

Thomas – CO

You wrote, "but you chose to aim your partisan words at her. Is it because she is a woman? I guess you can pick and choose your reaction to perceived prejudice (black/white, male/female) or pandering when it is convenient for you."

My partisan words? I think any Presidential candidate that jumps on a band wagon with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are doing so because they are pandering to Jesse & Al's followers.

I could care less whether the politician is female, male, black, white, burnt orange, democrat, republican, libertarian. I, like many Americans, are TIRED of hearing the racists mouthpieces (Jesse/Al) crying how unfair 6 (black) young men charged with a crime after they beat 1 young man unconcious.

You don't want to be charged with a crime (assualt, attempted murder, WHATEVER) – don't punch, kick, or otherwise assualt someone. The result of Hillary, Jesse, Al (and everyone else jumping on this bandwagon) sends the message – violence is ok.

If my distain for this behavior of defending violent hooligans makes me partisan – then stamp a large P on me.

By: Tony....Louisville, Ky..

Tony....Louisville, Ky.. — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:31:58 +0000

Mrs. Clinton needs to stop sucking up to racist like Al Sharpton. The problem in Jena isnt inequality, its a parental problem, just like all over this country. Its a problem that occurred hundreds of years ago! I thought Lincoln resolved that problem?
White parents need to teach their children about slavery and how wrong it was towards blacks in those days.
Black parents need to teach their children that those days are over now.
Stop using the past as an excuse to get what you want. Some idiot white people think they're better than everyone else...Blacks think the people today still owe them something.
They're BOTH wrong in their thinking!
When we see packs of kids running the streets like a pack of dogs, you see which parents were too stupid to teach their own kids right from wrong! Black AND white!

By: C.LyOnS, New York, NY

C.LyOnS, New York, NY — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:31:55 +0000

Jeff from VA

HAve you read the full story surrounding these circumstances...? First the tree was considered the "white tree"...a black student sat under it one day-and the next day nooses were strung from it. Three day "in-school" suspension was the result...some time after a white student at the school pulled a gun on a group of black students at a convenience store-rightful got his behind kicked....The tension in that town was pretty thick but as an African-American I am in no way condoning the black students actions but to give the situation some context, while considering these are teenagers the situation was way out of hand...their are better ways of handling the situation but to charge the students with attepmted murder considering the fact that the defendant left the hospital the same day would be considered excessive....

By: MG - San Francisco

MG - San Francisco — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:26:35 +0000

To Keith and others....check your facts: 1. White kids originally assaulted a black kid in nearly the same situation and were not charged in the same manner as the black kids are being charged. No hate crime charged, no "conspiracy to commit murder" or even "attempted murder" charges.... 2. The white kid was not even close to nearly being "beaten to death", had a black eye and went to a party that SAME night.....hardly near death's door. 3. After the black kid was assaulted by a gang of white kids and the so-called prank of the nooses, the DA came to the school and addressed a largely black student body telling them he could take away their liberties with a stroke of a pen. 3. Why wasn't the white student who pulled a gun on 4 of the 6 charged with the beating even brought in or questioned or charged with "attempted murder"? Clearly, there are some disturbing issues of inequality here of "justice under the law". When we stop seeing things in terms of black and white and treat people equally under the law.....well....who knows how much better things could be. MLK was right when he said he had a dream.....because that's all it will ever be in this country. Only a dream.......

By: Greg, Phoenix, AZ

Greg, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:19:55 +0000

This woman has no shame.

SHOCKED that some of you would actually consider voting for her.

By: JW Kopp, Jackson, TN

JW Kopp, Jackson, TN — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:16:16 +0000

If six white kids had been involved in beating a black kid nearly to death we would not hear the end of it. Anyone hear about the atheletes at Duke?

If these kids get away with this then we will certainly hear from them again, perhaps with a death this time.

If six white kids had done this they should be punished as well. The problem is that this is going to increase the racial divide.

By: Rose Hann New London, CT

Rose Hann New London, CT — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:11:31 +0000

Thanks for sense and sensibility. The only competant candidate!
Hillary Clinton 08!

By: dawn -- Gaithersburg, MD.

dawn -- Gaithersburg, MD. — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:09:29 +0000

I believe I read about Sen. Clinton's condemnation of the severity of the Jena 6's punishment approximately a week ago. This would be before Reverend Jackson's comments about Sen. Obama today. Moreover, Rev. Jackson has already endorsed Sen. Obama so Sen. Clinton is unlikely to be pandering to him.
Finally, it doesn't appear that anyone is suggesting that the Jena 6 should go unpunished. The behavior alleged was certainly culpable. The issue is how severe the punishment should be. As reported, it sounds as though both the venue for the trial and the potential sentences are disproportionate to the offense.

By: Thomas, Denver, CO

Thomas, Denver, CO — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:09:13 +0000

James,

The irony of your post is that you have only singled out Hillary in your tirade. John Edwards was quoted similarly and more vehemently than her in the Ticker today, but you chose to aim your partisan words at her. Is it because she is a woman? I guess you can pick and choose your reaction to perceived prejudice (black/white, male/female) or pandering when it is convenient for you. And so, your entire string of logic is hypocritical and transparent. I am not decided in this election, but I listen fairly and I take all quotes and discussion into consideration. Your rhetoric is just the same old thing.

By: James, Phoenix AZ

James, Phoenix AZ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:23:37 +0000

JS – Orlando,

There is a huge difference between kids acting stupid (hanging a noose) versus a physical assault (6 boys against 1 boy). If you can't see the difference (as Jesse, Al, and Hillary) then the LESSON that needs to be taught is if you and your friends are going to beat up someone – BE prepared to be charged with a crime.

By: Coach Haughton

Coach Haughton — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:23:22 +0000

Its so interesting to watch this shapeshifting scum place her political chips.
Why aren't more democrats brave enough to change our party. 8 years of Bill was great, but it polarized America into 8 years of Bush. Lets start debating from the center, Governing from the center, electing faces that independant and republican voters can trust, repairing the greedy, corrupt image that the republicans have brought upon the federal government, respecting candidates for speaking what they believe instead of bashing them for being politically incorrect.

Let's realize that the nostalgia of our past is not a remedy for their failures. That we cannot change America by staying the same. Let's stop being spectators in a political game of ping pong and truly embrace broader America.

Simply being better than Bush is hardly good enough. Simply starting over from '92 is not good enough. In lawmaking, a simple majority is not good enough. We don't just want to win, we want to change America and we can't do so by staying the same. Corporations own the republican party, and a corrupt wing of the Democratic party who we need to rise above.(Clinton, Murtha, Dodd escpecially.)

Corporate lobbying has brought doubt, dishonor and shame on washington. Be brave enough to support ONLY those who refuse to buy in. Be part of the growing army of Americans who defend the honor and effectiveness of our legislative process. The Lobbyists don't represent real people. We are the real people. We are the taxpayers whose money is funneled into the pockets of Multi-Milloinaire CEO's. Can you picture a corporation making a monetary investment without a promise of return? Do you remember what killed healthcare in '93? Lobbying.

As a Democrats we choose canditates on their bravery, virtue and ability to unite at home and internationally. JFK,Bill,FDR,Carter etc. We do not choose candidates by right of succession. That somehow because someones dad was president we should ignore their track record. The names Bush and Clinton do wonders for news ratings. Let's not let it fool us anymore.

If I wan't a healthcare plan why would I elect a candidate who has already failed at it, and refuses to fix the reason it failed for?(HRC diry lobbying money.) If I believe Iraq was the worst foreign policy blunder in history why would I elect a candidate who voted for it and has not the descency to apologize to America and the troops fighting in vain?(HRC)
What does the junior senator from New York have to show for all of her experience except beating the republicans?

It is not enough to be the most popular name. We are electing a president not a prom queen.
I will say she looks great on the cover of fortune magazine.

Let's not just be a better choice than the republican party. Let's be the best choice for all of America.

Think about your vote a little more and you could help change the world.

By: Claude, Mesa AZ

Claude, Mesa AZ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:20:40 +0000

Good Ole Hillary strikes again. She could care less about these boys. If she can get votes out of it she'll do anything to satisfy her hunger for power. Her body language tells it all! Bill, please stay home.

By: Bev, Dallas TX

Bev, Dallas TX — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:07:45 +0000

By and by, people still don't know the story. THE SEED OF RACISM WAS ALREADY PLANTED when the black kids asked the principal for PERMISSION to sit under the "white's only tree" on school property. The next day the nooses. The principal expelled the white youth but it was overturned by the superintendant and they were suspended. The next day black kid jumped at party by white group. The next day whtie boy has a shot gun and it was taken out of his hands by a black guy. Black guy is charged for having the weapon. DA comes to the school and in the auditorium where one side is black and the other is white points to the black guys and tell them he can take there lives away with a stroke of a pen. White boy taunts black boys calling them the n- and got his butt kicked. Attempted murder charges are filed against the black guys.
You white people are in denial and now you think the black boys should go to prison for the rest of their lives. Get'em Rev Al.

By: Prodigy, Los Angeles,CA

Prodigy, Los Angeles,CA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:37:36 +0000

It's teachable in the sense that it teaches me Hillary is as fake as can be and only speaks out for political gain or to piggyback off of Barack. Calling Al Sharpton's show today and now Bill is going to Jena for the march. Wow. Barack has made strides in South Caorlina with black voters and now Hillary feels the need to speak out and have her husband run down to Jena. Not Fooled. Also, I posted a question not to long ago, but did not receive an answer. I would just like someone to let me know what "experience" Hillary has without mentioning Bill or her as First Lady of the White House or Arkansas? Those alone do not give you "experience" or make you "seasoned."

By: Lance in Monrovia, CA

Lance in Monrovia, CA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:35:16 +0000

Hillary Clinton is now going to talk about the Jena six because Jesse Jackson called her and Barack Obama too white to deal with the issues of black america.

Uh huh.

Barack Obama. Here is a man that as the Editor of the Harvard Law Review could have had any six figure corporate job he wanted out of college, but instead moved with Michelle into a cramped Southside Apartment and worked for 14 grand a year as a community organizer.

Here is a man that passed more bi partisan bills in the Chicago legislature than anyone and passed the first serious ethics reform both their and in the Senate, in years and years.

Here is a man that speaks out against the lobbyists that have hijacked American politics and against a "dumb war" even when when it was political suicide to do so in 2002, and yet he becomes the front runner in the race for President anyway.

Here is a man that has inspired people all around this country to get involved, to take back the moral arch from the hands of fear mongers, greed merchants and hate makers, so that together we might all bend it "toward justice" as he said quoting Dr. King in a recent speech.

Here is a man that has movitated people across this country who have never, ever been involved in politics before to speak out and get involved.

I saw this first hand after driving to Nevada over the weekend from LA to canvass for him. I spoke to 200 hundred people and so many of them said they had hope for change for the first time in years thanks to this man.

I attended a rally with 9000 people from every corner of California and watched their eyes as they spoke. They all knew that he was the only candidate that could change things.

I attended a book signing where hundreds of people waited in line for Bill Clinton to sign his book. With a handful of volunteers we held Obama signs and spoke to the crowd. We found a lot of Obama supporters even there.

The man is a phenomenon. He is able to use emotion for the positive in the same way Republicans have used to the negative for years. Instead of force feeding the basest, worst of human experience to get elected, he aspires toward the best of the human heart, he has worked not just now, not just since last year, but his entire life to bend that moral arch toward justice.

He understands what we all should. That the time has grown too short to allow another average leader into the white house, to allow someone controlled by any other interest than that of the American people, to allow the same old partisan politics as usual.

Here is a man that has more legislative experience than Hillary and Edwards combined and more real world experience than all the other politicians in Washington combined.

Here is a man who lost his mother to cancer while she was between jobs and more worried about her lack of health coverage and the bills that meant than coming to terms with her life and loved ones.

Here is a man that truly understands what it is to be American in the post cold war world.

Here is the next President of The United States.

A good man, for a change.

By: Conner

Conner — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:29:42 +0000

if she was'nt a racist she would nominate Barack Obama as her vice president she obviously wont do that because she is a power hungry racist, even the republican candidates are better than her,if she truely wanted to transform america than she would want to place a qualified black leader in a relavent position of power.

By: jay, Butte, montana

jay, Butte, montana — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:29:13 +0000

She is politicking, giving us the impression she cares, her ambition is second to none....I doubt she genuinely cares though.

By: Lakisha st.Louis, Mo

Lakisha st.Louis, Mo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:26:03 +0000

This woman is playing politics. It took her days to respond when people kept on trying to contact her.I am Black and I am proud to be supporting the most intelligent canidate regardless of race and that is Barack Obama.

Why is Bill going to jena tommorow to score some political points for Hillary. What an act but I am not buying it.

By: Common Sense

Common Sense — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:25:09 +0000

Why dont you just fix your damn page so mistakes like this dont happen.

By: Green, Dallas, TX

Green, Dallas, TX — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:25:01 +0000

Let's have justice for all. I don't care about a presidential candidate or a crack user on the streets. We need justice for everyone. Face it – We can inquire about the life styles of Britney Spears, OJ Simpson, and Michael Vick but can speak out about our youth regardless of race. WAKE UP AMERICA and stop focusing on intentions of one person over the next and let's fight for the AMERICAN JUSTICE of all

By: Sick of D.C.

Sick of D.C. — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:23:04 +0000

Where was she a week ago when everyone else realized something fishy was going on in Jena?

She waited for it to ride up the news charts first, so that she could try to ride it nice and high. That's not a leader. That's an opportunist and a scavenger.

By: T. Brewer, NC

T. Brewer, NC — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:22:28 +0000

Anyone who would compare the Jena 6 with the Duke Lacrosse incident is living in denial about racisim in The United States of America!

By: CP, Boston, MA

CP, Boston, MA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:11:01 +0000

Ha, disregard that last comment, wrong topic.

I still don't like Clinton though.