Jan 09 2009
Innocent until proven guilty, but come on folks!
I cannot believe that transit police officer Johannes Mehserle is not behind bars. Having watched the video, I do know this-if you or I had pulled the trigger that killed Oscar Grant we would be in jail!
I understand that there needs to be a trial. I know how the justice system works. But the man with the gun shot before he thought. There was no imminent danger. Grant wasn’t resisting as he lay flat on the ground. He was totally vulnerable and unarmed and now he is dead. At the hands of a police officer. Someone who takes a pledge to serve and protect. And he’s still free.
Some have suggested that Mehserle thought he was going for his taser. In looking at the tape I’m wondering, why would he need a taser? Who did he need it for with all the police officers there and nobody fighting them? The truth is that he didn’t need any weapons at the moment.
It isn’t acceptable to ‘protect your own’ when they are guilty. I believe the lack of an arrest is part of what has angered the citizens of Oakland. I wasn’t there and I’m not in the guy’s head, but it sure looks like he’s getting away with murder. He should at least have a trial so we can find out! Someday his four year old child will want to know.
