A LOT of people have spoken their minds over the past few days, and Ive been thinking long and hard each day. Ive observed some things, read some things, and had time to think of it from a law students perspective... so, in one of the longest posts Ill probably have for awhile, the only thing Ill write on the topic. Take it or leave it, read it or dont, but here it is. 1. I WAS spanked as a child. Not often, because I didnt want it to happen. But it was never with a switch or anything other than a hand. It never caused me a physical, lingering injury. Many people say that they were whupped as children, and dont think its a problem. That may be true, but it doesnt mean that its legal. Many people used to drink and drive, many people still do... it doesnt make it legal. Intent *is* important in criminal matters, but its not always required. Keep in mind also: the injuries we saw from pictures are days old, and they still look significant. We dont know how bad they looked when they happened. 2. I do NOT think AP is a bad guy. You can do a bad thing, but it doesnt make you a bad person. He didnt intend to cause the injuries he did, and I take him at his word when he says he is sorry for what he caused. I still support him as a person; no one is perfect, and I do not believe for a second that he meant to cause the lingering injuries that he did. 3. A LOT of people are supporting AP, like me, but a lot of people are also writing what, to me, are some pretty irrational, emotional, illogical things. I find it hard to believe that, if this were Aaron Rodgers or Clay Matthews, that a LOT (but not ALL) of people wouldnt be chomping at the bit to vilify them. Being objective is a skill and a gift that is hard to hold tight to. While we support one of our own, lets also be realistic. (I also acknowledge the anger I felt toward Ray Rice, but in my mind, his violence towards his now-wife is significantly different than the negligent injuries that AP caused.) 4. The Vikings never should have re-activated AP. They acknowledged this mistake, and, while it was late, it was a good decision to ask for him to go on the exempt list. Chris Cook was ordered to stay away from the team during his legal matters, and AJ Jefferson was cut instantly. Their legal problems werent even as far along as APs is. This isnt a DUI that someone could still play through unless/until they get suspended. This is a serious, personal matter, and in my opinion, had they left AP inactive, a lot of the firestorm might not have flared up. 5. Everyone on here has some sort of internet access. I would like to remind people that sources like Wikipedia are out there, should you need to scream legal jargon, like due process. Blacks Law Dictionary defines due process simply as The conduct of legal proceedings according to established rules and principles for the protection and enforcement of private rights, including notice and the right to a fair hearing before a tribunal with the power to decide the case. Like the First Amendment, which many people frequently mis-use, Due Process is a term for legal proceedings, and is meant to dictate how individuals are treated by the judicial system, NOT by private employers or any other persons or entities (like corporate sponsors). APs case *has* been following due process, from what we can see on the outside anyway. Stop screaming that hes not been receiving his due process. Its incorrect and abuse of the term. Im pretty sure that covers what Ive been simmering on since Friday. Ill just leave it at this quote from Malcolm X: “Im for truth, no matter who tells it. Im for justice, no matter who it is for or against. Im a human being, first and foremost, and as such Im for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” Im leaving it at this. I hope that we can quietly keep an eye on the proceedings and go back to being a loud, crazy, supportive group of purple people. All I will ask, is that people do not use this post as a debate forum. I have my opinions, others have theirs. My page is not a discussion board, be mature and resist the urge to fight with me or others on here. (I shouldnt have to say this, but unfortunately, I do know Ill inevitably have to delete some disrespectful comments.) Lets move on, and focus on the Saints.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 22:24:35 +0000
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