Thank you Little32 & DreamCatcher. I must, however, clarify something. I should have said "almost get murdered in her own home", but my anger over this incident still bubbles up for time to time. My aunt is alive and well almost 10 years later and had a grand time dancing (in 3 inch heels!) with all of the eligible young men at my wedding 5 years ago. The second trial had a better jury and they convicted his triflin' butt.

I agree with you Little32 that the burden of proof is always on the prosecution and that Puffy and Shyne were/are innocent until they are proven guilty. I just don't think that being judged not guilty in a court of law is the same as being innocent (like OJ--yeah, I went there too! Let the flames begin!), nor do I think that being judged guilty in a court means that you are not truly innocent (see all of the cases recently that have been over turned because of lying witnesses or new DNA evidence). I really don't think we are that far apart in our opinions here, I just choose not to celebrate because there seems to be some culpability on his part.

Well for me, its not like I threw a party. I don't know the guy. It doesn't make or break me whether he goes to jail or not. You'll notice that I did not post on the topic until Discogoddess posed her, I think, thought-provoking question. I was trying to discuss what the underlying motivation is when black people, collectively, kind of breath a sigh of relief when these trials end well for the defendants.

What I take with a grain of salt is the evidence that is presented by the media and how the media would tend to present a case that is open and shut, while forgetting major points of evidence that might contradict or negate the case that they have built. I don't know if Puffy is guilty or innocent. Many of the reports that I heard and read contained conflicting evidence, so for me there really wasn't any certain answer. All I know is that the people on that jury did not seem to believe that the prosecution had proved their case beyond reasonable doubt, which says a lot.
What some might see as Puffy getting off because of his fame, I tend to see as him getting off in spite of his fame. It is dangerous to be a successful, well-known, well-liked black man in this country. It seems to me that the media preys on these individuals almost viciously. Case in point you Chicagoans out here might remember several year back how the media tried to make a big issue of the fact that Michael Jordan went to Altantic City, or Vegas, the night before a play-off game to gamble. Now I ask you, is this a story that is important to anyone but Michael Jordan. When a man of stature is involved in anyway in any sort of violent crime, it is even worse. Of course, if they are guiltly of wrong-doing, than they should be punished accordingly, but the fact remains that the jury found him not guilty.
Now, if Puffy got off because of his fame, that is a shame just like it is a shame when any guilty individual escapes retribution for the crime they have committed. (Of course it happens all the time in other communities too--but that doesn't make it right.) But the people in the court room, the people who heard all sides of the story, believe him and in the end it really comes down to that. So now, it's time to find the real culprits, rather than spending another six monthes trying to pin it on Puff.

[This message has been edited by Little32 (edited March 21, 2001).]

Shyne's sentencing was today. Poor thing got 10 years in prison, and I believe it said he must serve a minimum of 8 1/2.