White Privilege at its Finest

[e_blazer]

Rape is rape isn't a chant. It isn't a bumper sticker. It's a fact. Bottom line:

6 months is a travesty of justice and clearly shows the privilege it is to be white in this country.

Six months is a travesty of justice, absolutely. The second half of your sentence is supposition and opinion. As with most things in this world, there's more at play than one simple dynamic. Do whites have a better chance at getting lighter sentences than non-whites? Data certainly supports that conclusion. How much of that is due to skin color and racial prejudice vs. variance due to financial means is a tougher question. All things considered, I'd take being wealthy and able to afford the best legal defense over relying on the relative lack of melanin in my skin pigmentation.

I find it interesting that the national debate on this issue went immediately to the race issue rather than the screwed up mess that the California legal system allows judges in imposing sentences. In Oregon, mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines would have required a minimum of 100 months behind bars for a conviction of first degree rape, or 75 months for second degree rape. California allows judges major leeway in imposing sentences.
If you are convicted of “rape” pursuant to California Penal Code Section 261, you face the following penalties:

• A felony conviction
• Formal probation with a maximum sentence of 1 year in county jail OR
• Up to 3, 5, or 8 years in the state prison

In this case, the prosecution asked for a six year sentence. In California, the judge is allowed to consider mitigating factors in imposing a sentence lighter than the recommended range. In this case, according to this article on OregonLive, the judge considered Turner's otherwise spotless criminal record and letters from family and teachers requesting leniency. A pre-sentence report is prepared by the California Probation Department. According to OLive: "The county probation department interviewed the victim and Turner, researched sentences in similar cases and recommended Turner get less than a year in jail." The report quoted the victim as saying she preferred Turner receive counseling: "I don't want him to feel like his life is over and I don't want him to rot away in jail; he doesn't need to be behind bars." She later disputed that statement and said that Turner never displayed remorse, but the judge's report included the above quote.

It seems to me that if Californians are as outraged by this decision as they ought to be, they need to consider the amount of leeway that they allow judges in imposing sentences. That's a debate that should be taken up nationally as well.

 

[Sedatedfork]

In Oregon, mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines would have required a minimum of 100 months behind bars for a conviction of first degree rape, or 75 months for second degree rape.

Well, as El Pres has already said, he wasn't convicted of rape because the DA pulled that charge.

 

[e_blazer]

Well, as El Pres has already said, he wasn't convicted of rape because the DA pulled that charge.

True. I was a bit sloppy in my discussion. He was found guilty of

1. assault with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated or unconscious person,
2. sexual penetration of an intoxicated person and
3. sexual penetration of an unconscious person.

I'm no attorney so I don't know the exact equivalent here, but Oregon's minimum sentences for 2nd degree unlawful sexual penetration is 6 years, 3 months
and for 1st degree Sexual abuse 6 years, 3 months.

 

[dviss1]

Six months is a travesty of justice, absolutely. The second half of your sentence is supposition and opinion. As with most things in this world, there's more at play than one simple dynamic. Do whites have a better chance at getting lighter sentences than non-whites? Data certainly supports that conclusion. How much of that is due to skin color and racial prejudice vs. variance due to financial means is a tougher question. All things considered, I'd take being wealthy and able to afford the best legal defense over relying on the relative lack of melanin in my skin pigmentation.

I find it interesting that the national debate on this issue went immediately to the race issue rather than the screwed up mess that the California legal system allows judges in imposing sentences. In Oregon, mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines would have required a minimum of 100 months behind bars for a conviction of first degree rape, or 75 months for second degree rape. California allows judges major leeway in imposing sentences.
If you are convicted of “rape” pursuant to California Penal Code Section 261, you face the following penalties:

• A felony conviction
• Formal probation with a maximum sentence of 1 year in county jail OR
• Up to 3, 5, or 8 years in the state prison

In this case, the prosecution asked for a six year sentence. In California, the judge is allowed to consider mitigating factors in imposing a sentence lighter than the recommended range. In this case, according to this article on OregonLive, the judge considered Turner's otherwise spotless criminal record and letters from family and teachers requesting leniency. A pre-sentence report is prepared by the California Probation Department. According to OLive: "The county probation department interviewed the victim and Turner, researched sentences in similar cases and recommended Turner get less than a year in jail." The report quoted the victim as saying she preferred Turner receive counseling: "I don't want him to feel like his life is over and I don't want him to rot away in jail; he doesn't need to be behind bars." She later disputed that statement and said that Turner never displayed remorse, but the judge's report included the above quote.

It seems to me that if Californians are as outraged by this decision as they ought to be, they need to consider the amount of leeway that they allow judges in imposing sentences. That's a debate that should be taken up nationally as well.

Cool story bro. He got his light sentence due to skin tone alone. Hence the name of the thread. Watching you all defend this coward's sentence is shameful.

 

[e_blazer]

Cool story bro. He got his light sentence due to skin tone alone. Hence the name of the thread. Watching you all defend this coward's sentence is shameful.

Good thing you're not reffing this thread because that's 100 percent BS. I didn't defend the asshole or his light sentence. I actually read the facts relating to the case instead of jumping to the conclusion, based on sheer speculation, that the judge's decision was based on white privilege.

 

[crandc]

Holy shit. Even worse. A white state trooper in Alabama was called to the scene of an accident. He put the victim in a cage area of his car, drove off, raped her, forced her to perform oral sex, then dumped her by the side of the road. He got 6 months to be served in increments of his choosing.

 

[blue32]

So did the guy actually have sex with her, or just finger her?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Holy shit. Even worse. A white state trooper in Alabama was called to the scene of an accident. He put the victim in a cage area of his car, drove off, raped her, forced her to perform oral sex, then dumped her by the side of the road. He got 6 months to be served in increments of his choosing.

Link?

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Link?

Right? Because as described the guy deserves life.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Everyone who hasn't seen the movie Crash with Matt Dillon, Terrence Howard and others needs to watch it. Then come back and discuss this stuff.

 

[MarAzul]

sentence due to skin tone alone

This is a sick view. ^^^ The judge is going down. That does seem like the correct thing to do.

 

[e_blazer]

Link?

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-alabama-state-trooper-accused-of-rape-gets-jail-time/

Plea agreement, not a judge's decision.

"Both sides have to agree to it, so in that sense there was that discussion about is this acceptable to both sides," said James Williamson, one of the attorneys who represented McHenry. Williamson said state prosecutors offered McHenry the plea deal.

Prosecutors and McHenry's defense team reached an agreement after about three hours of negotiations, said Judge J. MacDonald Russell Jr., adding that judicial ethics rules prevent him from giving further details on the case.

"I suppose the court can always refuse a plea bargain but that's not done very often," he said. "I've never refused a plea bargain that the parties have hammered out and worked on since they know the facts."

Stanford University law professor Robert Weisberg, who was not involved in McHenry's case, said the reduced charge may indicate a lack of evidence to prove force was used - a key point in a trial that could have hinged on the trooper's word against the victim's.

 

[crandc]

I was off line all weekend, sorry, forgot the link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articl...-6-months-for-raping-car-accident-victim.html. But it looks like e_blazer also posted a link.

Yeah, "both sides" had to agree, but the victim very likely figured going to court meant she'd be dragged through the mud. Rape is still the only crime where the victim has to prove she didn't "want it". And the cop might have completely gotten away with it. My quibble is not with her accepting this travesty but that she felt she had to.

 

[Natebishop3]

Supposedly they test cops for psychological problems...... but IMO they need to do a better job. Way too many psychos seem to get through the selection process.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Supposedly they test cops for psychological problems...... but IMO they need to do a better job. Way too many psychos seem to get through the selection process.

I've said it before, we need to draft cops. 90 percent of people who want to be one are the type of people who shouldn't be one IN MY OPINION.

 

[Natebishop3]

I've said it before, we need to draft cops. 90 percent of people who want to be one are the type of people who shouldn't be one IN MY OPINION.

The problem is that most cops are former military. When you serve in the military for 4+ years, and you're trained every day in military rules of engagement, and then you spend 6 months learning how to be a cop, which training will your muscle memory fall back on? It would be interesting to see if police shootings increased after 2001.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

The problem is that most cops are former military. When you serve in the military for 4+ years, and you're trained every day in military rules of engagement, and then you spend 6 months learning how to be a cop, which training will your muscle memory fall back on? It would be interesting to see if police shootings increased after 2001.

Wouldn't be surprised. I want vets to have jobs, but if they have issues keeping calm when unruly citizens give them shit then they shouldn't be cops.

Hairdressers should be cops, the shit customers say to their poor hairdressers is insane. Especially bald men who freak out when you cut their 10 inch comb over hair section an eight of an inch too short.

 

[Natebishop3]

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-m...are-deaths-police-shootings-highest-20-years/

Interesting graph. It looks like shootings increased in the mid 90's (right after all the Gulf War vets got out of the military) and then took a dip, and now it's climbing back up after Afghanistan and Iraq War vets are getting out of the service.

 

[rasheedfan2005]

Sorry cant post this deleted

 

[rasheedfan2005]

Supposedly they test cops for psychological problems...... but IMO they need to do a better job. Way too many psychos seem to get through the selection process.

*Bats eyes*

 

[rasheedfan2005]

The problem is that most cops are former military. When you serve in the military for 4+ years, and you're trained every day in military rules of engagement, and then you spend 6 months learning how to be a cop, which training will your muscle memory fall back on? It would be interesting to see if police shootings increased after 2001.

As someone who works close to the industry i can agree for the most part. There are certainly some vets who are good, but i do think many fall back to military training and you just cant do that here. Everyone should he as laid back as me and we'd be great.

On the other hand though culture today says dont trust cops, and a lot of culture praises killing or hurting cops. Its a fine line of protecting yourself and dealing with stresses of job. Imo it takes a special kind of person. Ive found cops who have a strong spiritual life do well because there is less stress when you believe that death brings happiness. You still dont want to be killed of course, no sane person does. But like paul said death where is thy sting?

Oh wait christians just want to control people and kill gays/ abortion doctors my bad.

 

[dviss1]

Rape a woman: 6 months

Sell faulty Hamilton tickets: 3 years

 

[MarAzul]

Sell faulty Hamilton tickets: 3 years

Ha! and what sort of punishment is appropriate for this asshole?

 

[dviss1]

Ha! and what sort of punishment is appropriate for this asshole?

6 months and 3 years probation.

 

[MarAzul]

6 months and 3 years probation.

I would have said, restitution, 3 months hard labor and one year probation.

 

[Natebishop3]

As someone who works close to the industry i can agree for the most part. There are certainly some vets who are good, but i do think many fall back to military training and you just cant do that here. Everyone should he as laid back as me and we'd be great.

On the other hand though culture today says dont trust cops, and a lot of culture praises killing or hurting cops. Its a fine line of protecting yourself and dealing with stresses of job. Imo it takes a special kind of person. Ive found cops who have a strong spiritual life do well because there is less stress when you believe that death brings happiness. You still dont want to be killed of course, no sane person does. But like paul said death where is thy sting?

Oh wait christians just want to control people and kill gays/ abortion doctors my bad.

It doesn't help that cops are out walking around in plate carriers. They look like they're ready for combat at all times. I understand the need for safety, but they don't look like cops anymore. They look like military.

 

[rasheedfan2005]

It doesn't help that cops are out walking around in plate carriers. They look like they're ready for combat at all times. I understand the need for safety, but they don't look like cops anymore. They look like military.

I dont have a problem with them looking the part, especially in high crime areas. As long as they arent looking for trouble. The goal should always be to serve the community. Earn the trust of the community by being friendly and respectful. There are times when you have to go into combat mode, but for the most part you just need to be available for bullshit calls. Just remember that other peoples bullshit is important to them and try to serve them like they were your own mother.

Burnout happens often. Its a high stress job and you are often taking shit from your superiors, your community, and of course the people you arrest. There's very little positive reinforcement in the field. Ive only been pulled over a few times but ive always thanked the officer for doing their job, even when i got a ticket.

 

[Natebishop3]

I dont have a problem with them looking the part, especially in high crime areas. As long as they arent looking for trouble. The goal should always be to serve the community. Earn the trust of the community by being friendly and respectful. There are times when you have to go into combat mode, but for the most part you just need to be available for bullshit calls. Just remember that other peoples bullshit is important to them and try to serve them like they were your own mother.

Burnout happens often. Its a high stress job and you are often taking shit from your superiors, your community, and of course the people you arrest. There's very little positive reinforcement in the field. Ive only been pulled over a few times but ive always thanked the officer for doing their job, even when i got a ticket.

Since 9/11, there has been a definite shift in policy. The police have been moving closer and closer to militarization. I'm just unhappy with the "us vs them" mentality with law enforcement these days. It was never supposed to be about making money, but law enforcement has become big business for the government. Whether it's things like photo radar, traffic stops, or property seizures from drug enforcement. The police weren't supposed to be watching our every move, but we are seeing things like cameras and license plate tracking. It's just very troublesome.

 

[MarAzul]

It's just very troublesome.

I totally agree, it is very troubling. But I don't see it as a police problem. I see it as a greedy politician problem, power seekers going for more revenue, using he police to rake in the money. The police will always be working for the politicians so they have little choice but to do their bidding. Then we have the interference from the federal government, funding the local police with federal dollars so that the local government is force to enforce the government programs so that they receive the revenue to support the local police force. This is shear corruption to send that money to Washington in the first place, then only to have the local Sheriff be force to assign officers the federal government programs. A terrible system.

 

[Natebishop3]

I totally agree, it is very troubling. But I don't see it as a police problem. I see it as a greedy politician problem, power seekers going for more revenue, using he police to rake in the money. The police will always be working for the politicians so they have little choice but to do their bidding. Then we have the interference from the federal government, funding the local police with federal dollars so that the local government is force to enforce the government programs so that they receive the revenue to support the local police force. This is shear corruption to send that money to Washington in the first place, then only to have the local Sheriff be force to assign officers the federal government programs. A terrible system.

It worries me because we have a lot of vets coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq. They have been policing a hostile indigenous people (a job they never should have been asked to do), and now they're back home and they're taking jobs as law enforcement officers in the states because that's one of the only jobs available to them. Now they're in the US and they're essentially policing people in a similar way. The government is treating us like a hostile populace. They're illegally tapping our phones. They're illegally searching our internet history. They're tracking our movements through our phones.

This is NOT how America was supposed to be. The damn 4th amendment is supposed to prevent this from happening.