Source: Eastern New Mexico News
by Kent McManigal
“The Daniel Penny trial had me worried. I don’t trust juries to do the right thing anymore; too often they simply rubber-stamp whatever the state — meaning any political government — wants. Most jurors seem to believe, ‘If the defendant isn’t guilty, why is he on trial?’ The state is usually on the wrong side, especially when self-defense is the issue. Penny stepped up to protect his fellow subway passengers in New York City from a mentally ill person who was making threats. For his act of compassion, government decided to treat him as a criminal. … This isn’t a triumph of justice, though. Daniel Penny was harmed by the justice system, even though the harm has been mitigated by the jury coming to the right verdict – not guilty. The police, prosecutor, and judge owe him restitution, which he’ll never see.” (12/15/24)