Monday, November 13, 2006
Melton Madness
Well, it’s over. In less than two days the infamous trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton is a done deal. The controversial case has been big news locally and has garnered some national press attention as well. We were all planning days, even weeks of coverage only to have the sides reach a plea deal.
At Newschannel12 we’ve received hundreds of e-mails from viewers on each side of this case. While some believe the charges against Melton were politically motivated, others question whether a civilian facing similar charges would get off so easy. Time will tell. Just today a former Hinds County Community College student carried a gun onto campus and IT WENT OFF. It happened in Raymond at the Sheffield-Woolley Residence Hall. Apparently the young man was showing off the gun and it accidentally fired, hitting another young man. I wonder if we will hear any more about this case? What’s more disturbing to me is what’s become so apparent during this trial. We have a serious backlog in our court system. It’s true, the mayor’s case was heard just months after the indictment. However, hundreds of other more serious cases, two and three years old still haven’t been heard. This is not a problem unique to Jackson or Hinds County. While I was living and working in Indianapolis, jail overcrowding and delayed court cases constantly made news. We can continue to try more cases and build more jails to house the convicted…but that’s really the tail wagging the dog don’t you think? There’s no easy answer but to me it really starts with responsibility. Being responsible for your actions. The actions of your children. The actions of those in your community. How sad that our society has become one where so few seem to take responsibility. So few accept the challenge of accountability. Whether the mayor of a city or a college student…I believe in my heart, both know right from wrong. I guess if they don’t…that’s a whole ‘nuther problem don’t you think?
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