Eyewitness Testimony Part 1
March 12, 2009 9:14 AM
Lesley Stahl reports on flaws in eyewitness testimony that are at the heart of the DNA exonerations of falsely convicted people like Ronald Cotton, who has now forgiven his accuser, Jennifer Thompson.
Recent Segments
Scroll Left Scroll Right
- 1
- 2
- 3
- next
See all 28 CommentsThe vast majority of men falsly accused in America is "African American" men. It is egregiously appalling to do a piece on wrongful conviction and not to mention the effects of bigotry and racism with identification and convictions. The stereotype hold true: "They all look alike." Rhetorically speaking, how many people have heard and have shamefully said this?
This piece have removed accountability from police personelle and those claiming to be eyewitnesses. By not addressing one of the greatest root cause of these false convictions, which is racism, they will continue; only now, no one will be held accountable because they were given a way out.
I find it purplexing that a correspondent of Lesley Stahl's calibar would neglect to report on this most fundamental subject in America's criminal justice system?
Clif
We all should be demanding that the defense is given access to all DNA evidence.
All though it would not have helped in Cotton's original trial, to often today is considered the property of the state. And what about the backlog of DNA that convicts have been waiting for years to have evaluated.
What is wrong with a justice system that is not interested in justice?
We want the United States Congress to immediately rescind all state and federal contracts that permit private prisons ?for profit? to exist in the United States, or any place subject to its jurisdiction. We understand that the problems that currently plague our government, its criminal justice system and in particular, the state & federal bureau of prisons (and most correctional and rehabilitation facilities) are massive. However, it is our solemn belief that the solutions for prison reform will remain unattainable and virtually impossible as long as private prisons for profit are permitted to operate in America.
Prior to the past month, and the fiasco of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG, Lehman Brothers, and now the ?Big Three? American Automobile manufacturers, the NPSCTAPP has always felt compelled to highlight the ?moral Bottom line? when it comes to corrections and privatization. Although, we remain confounded by the reality that our government has allowed our justice system to be operated by private interests. The NPSCTAPP philosophy has always been ?justice? should not be for sale at any price. It is our belief that the inherent and most fundamental responsibility of the criminal justice system should not be shirked, or ?jobbed-out.? This is not the same as privatizing the post office or some trash pick up service in the community. There has to be a loss of meaning and purpose when an inmate looks at a guard?s uniform and instead of seeing an emblem that reads State Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prisons, he sees one that says: ?Atlas Prison Corporation.?
Let?s assume that the real danger of privatization is not some innate inhumanity on the part of its practitioners but rather the added financial incentives that reward inhumanity. The same logic that motivates companies to operate prisons more efficiently also encourages them to cut corners at the expense of workers, prisoners and the public. Every penny they do not spend on food, medical care or training for guards is a dime they can pocket. What happens when the pennies pocketed are not enough for the shareholders? Who will bailout the private prison industry when they hold the government and the American people hostage with the threat of financial failure??bankruptcy?? What was unimaginable a month ago merits serious consideration today. State and Federal prison programs originate from government design, and therefore, need to be maintained by the government. It?s time to restore the principles and the vacated promise of our judicial system.
John F. Kennedy said, ?The time to repair the roof is while the sun is shinning?. Well the sun may not be shinning but, it?s not a bad time to begin repair on a dangerous roof that is certain to fall?. because, ?Incarcerating people for profit is, in a word WRONG?
There is an urgent need for the good people of this country to emerge from the shadows of cynicism, indifference, apathy and those other dark places that we migrate to when we are overwhelmed by frustration and the loss of hope.
It is our hope that you will support the NPSCTAPP with a show of solidarity by signing our petition. We intend to assemble a collection of one million signatures, which will subsequently be attached to a proposition for consideration. This proposition will be presented to both, the Speaker Of The House Of Representatives (Nancy Pelosi) and the United States Congress.
Please Help Us. We Need Your Support. Help Us Spread The Word About This Monumental And Courageous Challenge To Create Positive Change. Place The Link To The Petition On Your Website! Pass It On!
The SINGLE VOICE PETITION and the effort to abolish private ?for profit? prisons is the sole intent of NPSCTAPP. Our project does not contain any additional agendas. We have no solutions or suggestions regarding prison reform. However, we are unyielding in our belief that the answers to the many problems which currently plague this nation?s criminal justice system and its penal system in particular, cannot and will not be found within or assisted by the private ?for profit? prison business. The private ?for profit? prison business has a stranglehold on our criminal justice system. Its vice-like grip continues to choke the possibility of justice, fairness, and responsibility from both state and federal systems.
These new slave plantations are not the answer!
For more information please visit: http://www.npsctapp.blogsppot.com or email: williamthomas@exconciliation.com
To sign the petition please visit: http://www.petitiononline.com/gufree2/petition.html
- 1
- 2
- 3
- next
See all 28 Comments