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).]
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