Wake Up White Boy
This is the title of an email I recevied recently. It asks a question(s) that really need to be answered in todays political arena. It reads: The animals pictured below; car-jacked, then raped Christopher Newsom, cut off his penis, then set him on fire and fatally shot him several times while they forced his girlfriend, Channon Christian, to watch. An even more cruel fate awaited her!
Channon Christian was beaten and gang-raped in many ways for four days by all of them, while they btook turns urinating on her. Then they cut off her breasts and put chemicals in her mouth… and then murdered her.
VICTIMS::
ANIMALS:
Knoxville (WVLT) - The District Attorney General of Knox County announced the list of charges facing now five suspects in the double murder of Chann on Christian and Christopher Newsom.
The District Attorney General Randy Nichols is not saying whether or not he will seek the death penalty, but he does say the State will seek conviction for all charges filed in a 24-page indictment from the Knox County Grand Jury.
Lemaricus Davidson, 25, faces a total of 46 charges. Davidson was indicted on 16 counts of Felony Murder growing out of rape, robbery kidnapping and theft of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, 2 counts premeditated murder of Christian and Newsom, 2 counts especially aggravated robberies from Christian and Newsom, 4 counts especially aggravated kidnapping of Christian and Newsom, 20 counts aggravated rape of Christian and Newsom, and 2 counts of theft from Christian and Newsom.
Letalvis Cobbins, 24, faces a total of 46 charges. Cobbins was indicted on 16 counts of Felony Murder growing out of rape, robbery kidnapping and theft of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, 2 counts premeditated murder of Christian and Newsom, 2 counts especially aggravated robberies from Christian and Newsom, 4 counts especially ag gravated kidnapping of Christian and Newsom, 20 counts aggravated rape of Christian and Newsom, and 2 counts of theft from Christian and Newsom.
George Thomas, 24, faces a total of 46 charges. Thomas was indicted on 16 counts of Felony Murder growing out of rape, robbery kidnapping and theft of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, 2 counts premeditated murder of Christian and Newsom, 2 counts especially aggravated robberies from Christian and Newsom, 4 counts especially aggravated kidnapping of Christian and Newsom, 20 counts aggravated rape of Christian and Newsom, an d 2 counts of theft from Christian and Newsom.
Vanessa Coleman, 18, faces 40 Tennessee state charges. Coleman was indicted on 12 counts of Felony Murder growing out of rape, robbery kidnapping and theft of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, 1 count Premeditated Murder of Christian only, 1 count Especially Aggravated Robbery of Newsom only, 4 counts especially aggravated kidnapping of Christian and Newsom, 20 counts of aggravated rape of Christian and Newsom and 2 Counts of t heft from Christian and Newsom.
Eric Boyd, 24, also arrested in connection with the fatal carjacking, only faces federal charges as an accessory after the fact. He was not indicted by Knox county grand jury.
Felony Murder carries a possibility of death, life without the possibility of parole and life with parole. Especially Aggravated Robbery is a Class A felony that carries a possibility of 15 to 60 years in prison. Aggravated Rape is a Class A felony that carries a possibility of 15 to 60 years of prison.
At a news conference Thursday, Nichols commended the cooperative efforts between several departments and credits that cooperation for the fast pace this case is moving through the court system.
Nichols says he hopes to move the case to trial on the first day its set.
The four are expected to make their first court appearance within ten to fifteen days.
This is certainly a case garnering a lot of public interest, Nichols recognizes that and says he expects all kinds of requests filed in this case, including a change of venue in order to receive a fair trial.. But he says he does hope 12 Knox County jurors will be able to determine the guilt or innocence of these suspects.
Where are Al and Jesse? Are they providing counsel and help to the families of the victims?
Of course not - the victims were white
Why hasn’t this received National coverage by the news media like the Duke “rape” case?
Oh, that’s right - the victims were white
Why hasn’t the NAACP, ACLU, New York Times etc., called for an investigation?
Must be cause the victims were white
Why hasn’t the FBI been called in to investigate this as a hate crime?
Oh, that’s right - the victims were white”
So, if a white radio shock jock uses the phrase “Nappy headed”, it gets 2 weeks of constant news coverage.
I realize it’s written rather accusingly, but it merits attention as to the media factor.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:42 am
TWS,
I read this post 2x before replying, or approving it. I’ve checked the net, and thought about my response.
What is your point? Seriously.
There is no question this was a horrific crime. There is no question that extreme punishment is due the guilty. I have no problem learning that if found guilty the accused got the death penalty.
So what else is there? Or was the point just to enflame and anger readers?
Because this has gotten some national media attention. Though when it hit it was drowned out by bigger news like Anna Nicole Smith’s death legal drama, Don Imus’ idiocy, and the Duke Rape case. 2 of the stories were about celebrities and the 3rd was about a place of higher education (and the media defended Duke and the Lacrosse players with intensity). Most news stories of the time were passed by as I recall.
The victims families have received conselling and support, just not from quasi-famous people to my knowledge. There was no need of an investigation as the police did a job that no one questions.
All investigations to date have not found evidence allowing a hate crime charge. It was horrific, but not a hate crime according to authorities.
So this is not about White or Black. This is about criminals. And there are horrendous criminals of all colors.
This blog is not about inciting readers. This is about highlighting systemic wrongs in society and the legal system. The hope is to create a discourse which might lead to a time where there will no longer be a need of this blog.
When I discuss cases like Oscar Grant, Sean Bell, Adoplh Grimes, Amadou Diallo, Robbie Tolan, Megan Williams, the Jena 6 and others it’s because there was a bias in each case.
In each case there is a systemic bias in the legal system, or police overreactions, or media interpretation that should be addressed. Because we can’t fix what we don’t see.
When I discuss various movies, or television, or entertainment in general, I am highlighting a systemic prejudice that harkens to the 1950’s and not 2009. I’m addressing a societal issue.
When I discuss anything on this site, it’s not because it happened once or that I don’t like it. It’s because I see a level of inconsistency, hypocrisy, and denial on a national level. An acceptance of ideas that publicly we all think are wrong, but still exist even so.
I have a purpose when I write on this blog. It may make some angry, it may offend some to see what I find apparent. But I always address the big issue.
When I make a comment I try never to insult (unless I have been blatantly and offensively insulted first, and often not even then). I try my best to clarify the issue I see, and justify why my post belongs on this blog. And when I am wrong, I admit it.
But always the goal is to move things forward by taking the time to bring to light the things we collectively ignore every day.
Your post does not live up to any of these ideals from what I read.
Could this story have gotten more attention? Sure. Does it address a systemic wrong, a bias in society, a prejudice in the media or politics? Does it highlight an injustice, or identify an unconcious predisposition? No.
I don’t care what issues anyone takes up on this blog, as long as they are respectful, honest, and have a purpose that benefits the reader. Inciteful raw anger, or anything that blatantly tries to promote prejudice, racism, sexism, or whatever means of deminishing and demeaning any group of people is something that is not the intent.
I realize that in discussing volatile topics and issues, it is easy to be misunderstood. Perhaps this happened in this post. But I want to be clear, that every post that appears here should always be intent on breaking down barriers, not supporting them.
If I have misunderstood your intent in this post, please do clarify. I look forward to seeing more of your writing.
Michael Vass
August 21st, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I have been following the 5th day of the trial on volunteer.com and I believe these, I wouldn’t even call them animals, that have no respect for human lives and no souls inside them. They should receive the death penalty.
I agree with you that a criminal is a criminal no matter what the color. You can’t blame a whole race of people for this crime, but you should blame the individuals involved in the crime instead.
Read my blog post and please leave a comment,
I would appreciate that,
Take Care,
Ray.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Personally I don’t think that hate crimes should be any different from regular ones as far as punishment. Yes hate crimes are absolutely disgusting but so are other cases. I don’t know that much about racism as I am a strait white middle class male living in a nice suburb so maybe my view on this issue is not the best.
August 31st, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Thanks Ray,
I agree that one race cannot be blamed for such a crime. However,unlike the police investigation stated, I strongly believe that it had to be a hate crime.
As I commented to Michael Vass, although I posted a great deal of the email which I received, and it strongly referred to white-black issues, my purpose in renewing attention to the crime was simply MEDIA BIAS.
The crime was inconceivably horrible and should never have missed front page attention regardless of “other news” which occured in the same time period.
We are certainly a info fed people, and make daily decisions, mental determinations, and judge by what we know. And, what we know is that we’re not getting the total picture.
Media bias has always been there and no doubt will always be. But, is it worse? Does it cause us to wonder how much we really know? How is the bias fed? HOW DOES IT BECOME ACCOUNTABLE AND TO WHOM?
Tom (Bishop)
August 31st, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Thanks Conrad,
I appreciate your comment, they’re always welcome.
I too feel that I know very little about racial “things”. I grew up in the deep middle south and remember segregation well. I am white and a good many of my friends, during my life, are and have been black.
Crime is crime and should be punished according to the prevailing laws of our land. I believe that one should, and will eventually, reap what they sow.
Thanks,
Tom
November 20th, 2009 at 8:54 am
I RECEIVED THE POSTING OF THESE FIVE MONSTERS AND AM INFURIATED. ONE STEP A BIT DEEPER IS MY FRUSTRATION WITH THE “SYSTEM” THAT IS IN PLACE TO “PROTECT US”. FAIR TRAIL MY BACKSIDE. IF THERE WERE HARSHER PENALTIES IN FORCE ONE MIGHT THINK TWICE BEFORE COMMITTING A CRIME. HERE’S MY SPIN ON IT. IF CRIME WERE REDUCED WHY WOULD WE NEED TO SPEND TAX DOLLARS ON COURT BUILDINGS, JAILS, LAVISH SALARIES, HIGH TECH EQUIPMENT ETC…NO, WHAT “WE” AS A SOCIETY DO IS GIVE THEM THREE HOTS AND A COT PLUS CABLE T.V. DRUGS, MEDICAL/DENTAL A BASKETBALL, GYM EQUIPMENT I MEAN C’MON ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. IF WE WENT BACK THE THE OLD WAYS (HANG THESE SONS OF BITCHES) WE WOULD SEE A DRAMATIC DECREASE IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. BUT THERE IS NO MONEY FOR THE CROOKED POLITICIANS TO MAKE AND HIDE (AND THEY ARE SO SELF ABSORBED AND SO DEEP INTO IT THEY HAVE NO CLUE.) IT’S TIME THE PEOPLE TAKE BACK THAT WITH WHICH WE FOUGHT FOR YEARS AGO INSTEAD OF LEAVING IT UP TO THE “POWERS TO BE”. IN SUMMARY I WOULD SUGGEST WE ARE LIKE SHEEP LOOKING FOR A SHEPARD…WELL GUESS WHAT? THERE IS ONLY ONE AND HE IS NOT LIVING IN THE WHITE HOUSE OR COURT HOUSE OR DRIVING A SQUAD CAR OR PATROLLING THE JAIL. IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP PEOPLE AND TAKE BACK WHAT WE FOUGHT FOR (NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO DO IT FOR YOU.) OR SIMPLY LAY THERE WHILE YOUR HOME IS TAKEN AWAY AND YOUR JOB IS TAKEN AWAY AND YOU HAVEN’T THE MEANS TO PROVIDE FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR FAMILY. THIS COUNTRY IS GOING TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET AND ALL OF US ARE PUTTING THE GAS IN THE VEHICLE….DUH!!! AND BY THE WAY WHEN IT COMES TO MATTERS SUCH AS THESE…I AM COLOR BLIND.
November 21st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
David,
You’re hot/angry and well you should be. However, anger doesn’t get it done. We have the laws in place that are capable of dealing with all such horrible crimes. What we don’t have is proper recognition of crimes like this.
Think for a second, and answer this question. “What force in America elected our current President?” If you answered “MEDIA” you are correct, if not… I don’t know where you live!!
Yes, our nation is in a mess and headed downhill at a frantic rate. The only thing that can derail the catastrophic head long plunge is to get the undivided attention of the American people. Do this and you will see the same patriotic fervor that brought about the original “tea party.”
We are an information based people. That’s what we’ve become, and that’s OK! But, when the source of our information is biased, we are coerced to believe incorrect, insufficient and incomplete data.
If we choose wisely whom we allow to feed our intellect, we will vote properly and, consequently, our then elected officials would properly adjudicate the laws of the land, the desires of the majority, and America would once again belong to the people instead of the government. The US Constitution would once again be the banner under which we live and are governed. Then such crimes, as the one we are discussing, would be properly noted and prosecuted.
Our task obviously crosses major party lines and racial color lines and lies directly at the heart of the most basic instinct of true Americans… IN GOD WE TRUST!
Thanks for your comment David. Let me know what you think.
Tom
Under that
December 6th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
When I think of what these two people went through and was murdered it really makes me sick. We have laws to portect and punish and in this case they should be tried and if found guilty, sentenced to death. Our jails and prisons are already full of murderers and the tax payers are paying to keep them, feed them, provide medical and just about anything they want. If found guilty they should have an opportunity to appeal and when that is finished, then they should be put to death. The only way this country is going to be what it once was is to put God back into our schools and our government. There will come a time when all these people who are for abortion and gay rights and taking Christ and prayer out of everything will have to face God. You will be judged and if not saved, you will be judeged and cast into a lake of fire. It won’t do any good to say I’m sorry or try to use any excuse, you will be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire forever with no hope of ever getting out. God is not mocked, you will pay.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Thank you for the comment Robert. But in general I would prefer that comments not devolve into discussions of religion and faith. That is a personal set of views that are not relevant to the topic in question.
December 13th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hi I would like to comment on this horrific crime…The last poster on this site has it right….Yes there are laws that protect the people but were where the police? How come these animals could kill this two people without the police being called in to rescue thise two innocent kids…..
They deserve the death penalty….look at how horrific this crime was….Look at the way these two kids suffered…..
I cried when I read this because I have a daughter of my own….God forbide this ever happening to her….
But yes I am outraged about this hate crime….