Making assumptions about nameless woman to voice your opinion in school paper, a gutless thing to do
In reference to the article in the DN on Nov. 16, Jeff Nicoson's Event Horizon column, I would like to express my disdain regarding the author's insulting assumption about a complete stranger in an airport. Insulting, because he knows nothing of her, or why she acted in such a way. The only lack of decency in this case was the fact the she was slandered in this paper, and sadly, behind her back. If the Nov. 16 article has faded from your memory, it can be found online at HYPERLINK "http://bsudailynews.com" http://www.bsudailynews.com.
As the verdict for the Scott Petersen trial was about to be read, I was alone standing in my small living room apartment. The only other spectators were my Nordic track, couch and some coffee tables. As the jurors began to affirm their concurring guilty verdicts, my pumped reaction was something similar to this: "Yes! Thank God!" My fists were clinched and my heart was upbeat as I sounded off my very emotional elation. I had nothing to win, and no one to impress. My thoughts that followed were, "I hope he is put to death." Does that count for cheering? Absolutely not. If someone would have been standing next to me, I would have vocalized those emotions as well.
Had I been standing in an airport or the BSU Atrium amongst people who may or may not share my same feelings, my reaction would have been exactly the same. I would not have cared if an alumnus from Ball State, who writes his opinions and freely labels people "idiots," was standing right beside me. Assume all you like. Does it mean that I am an idiot with no sense of decency, based on my reaction? I personally make no assumptions that individuals are devoid of decency and are idiotic based on a moment spent in their company. If someone had witnessed my reaction, I would have gladly welcomed a conversation about the case and my own opinion.
As a part of the criminal justice community from BSU, I have paid close attention to the Peterson double murder trial and several other cases. I have spent several hours studying evidence from the prosecution and defense. In case some of you have forgotten what this poor excuse of a man was just convicted of, let me remind you. Scott Petersen has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for the premeditated murder of his wife Lacy and his unborn son Connor.
My opinion of Scott Peterson has been forged by the overwhelming amount of circumstantial evidence against him and his behavior following the disappearance of his pregnant wife. My stomach turned several times as I pored over his flimsy defense and the evidence the state had against him. I am pleased that he was found guilty. I am also truly sad for both families involved. They have both lost more than most of us on the outside can understand.
My elated reaction to the Peterson verdict was based on my well-informed research. If you watch a stranger in an airport or any other public place act the same way or differently about something you feel strongly about, take a moment (and some conviction) to meet them and ask why they feel the way they do. You might add some knowledge to your own way of thinking. It does no good to assume who or what someone is in a fleeting moment, and then to write about your perception of them. Take the time to inquire, then make a more informed opinion to share with others.
Write to Jason at
jrbush@bsu.edu
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