There's a sad irony in the situation of the McKinney family. In many ways, they are in a similar setting as Michael. They're walking through the darkness, abandoned by many, in search of home, which in this case is truth, justice and answers.
Only they're not the ones intoxicated. This time they do not encounter the single rookie cop but a multitude, many too cowardly to name themselves, drunk on the certainty of their own rightness and superiority. They make the same mistake Officer Robert Duplain made on that autumn evening. Young and inexperienced, they draw their weapons -- in this case, harsh and damning words -- and fire.
As a result of filing their lawsuit, the McKinneys have received harsh, harassing criticism, most visibly via the DAILY NEWS message boards. They've been called "dirt," "selfish," "moneygrubbers" and "greedy." Others, slightly less sadistic, go on to make quick judgments despite the fact that, frankly, they don't know as much about the situation as they would like to think. The McKinneys have read these comments.
We've seen this all before, we see it everyday. This is the behavior of people who live in a black and white world. Almost from the day Mike died, people had already aligned themselves with their respective camps.
Either Mike was "an innocent saint brutally murdered by a trigger-happy, wannabe cop" or Mike was "an irresponsible alcoholic who assaulted an officer of the law fully justified in his professional actions."
Now a new battle arises: either "the McKinneys seek justice and answers for the death of their son" or "they want to exploit his death for financial gain at the expense of his former classmates."
This whole situation is a massive shade of uncomfortable gray. There are no easy answers. Those who have it all figured out only demonstrate their own ignorance. Mike was a greek, so I'm sure he'd appreciate the words of one of the greatest of them all: "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."
We must refuse to fall prey to the seductions of either side in this argument. Take one step at a time as the facts continue to present themselves. Rational individuals must perpetually discard weak, human judgments. Trust that the McKinneys are noble, caring people. Trust that the pain of Duplain is on par with the McKinneys. Refuse to prejudge their lawyer based on his high-profile cases.
We must calm ourselves. The McKinneys do not want to take money at the expense of our educations.
This lawsuit is very important. I'm not saying that because I believe the McKinneys deserve money. If I make that judgment at all, it will be as the facts unfold.
If Ball State, Duplain, and Police Chief Gene Burton are not guilty, then the trial will demonstrate that and justice will be served.
But I implore everyone: show your humanity and restrain the misplaced anger inside you. Use caution and discretion in your words. As always, the good opinion spoken in evil language loses all meaning. You slander yourselves most of all.
Let us stand back, grow up, suspend our judgment and watch as a trial brings new truths to light.
Write to David at swimminginbrokenglass@yahoo.com
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