I have been encouraged of late by the outpouring of support for Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito by a particularly important group, at least to me: Brits.
As a proud Welshman by heritage (my grandmother was born in the Rhondda Valley, the daughter of a coal miner), I have always considered my British heritage a source of great pride and an important part of my identity, which I have attempted to pass on to my children.
So it has not been without some emotional pain that the Knox/Sollecito case has seemed to cleave along national lines (notwithstanding a few Americans of dubious motive) creating a ‘gap’ between myself and some British citizens. That people with whom I would otherwise likely enjoy spending a pub evening are capable of such vitriol, especially directed and my wife and me, is more disappointing than the vitriol itself.
As a proud Welshman by heritage (my grandmother was born in the Rhondda Valley, the daughter of a coal miner), I have always considered my British heritage a source of great pride and an important part of my identity, which I have attempted to pass on to my children.
So it has not been without some emotional pain that the Knox/Sollecito case has seemed to cleave along national lines (notwithstanding a few Americans of dubious motive) creating a ‘gap’ between myself and some British citizens. That people with whom I would otherwise likely enjoy spending a pub evening are capable of such vitriol, especially directed and my wife and me, is more disappointing than the vitriol itself.
The thought that I (or my wife) would decide such an important matter on national pride and not facts is an anathema to me—especially if the allegation is that I am prejudiced against the British. Michelle’s grandfather was a B-24D pilot stationed at Hardwick near Norwich in 1942. He flew 10 missions before being shot down over Cologne, Germany. (Or as he liked to say, “10 takeoffs and 9 landings.”) We visit Britain often and plan to be back soon. (We’ll likely see some of you then.) Tragically, the painful disconnect seems to result not from a difference of opinion, but a large “gap” between fact and fiction.
Ironically, I am accused of siding with Amanda because she is an American, and a woman. Interesting fact: More than 90% of all the people I ever arrested were American. I am completely comfortable with the fact that Americans can be criminals. Are American criminals to be favored above non-American criminals? It makes no sense. I have also arrested American women—some of them very attractive. In fact, I’ve never arrested a woman who was not an American.
I want the killer of Meredith Kercher to be punished to the full extent of the law. The problem is that the evidence clearly establishes that the killer of Meredith Kercher was a lone attacker, Rudy Guede. And because of the tragic mistakes of the Italian investigators and prosecutors, Rudy Guede will leave jail after serving a sentence unworthy of Meredith’s suffering and the Kercher’s loss.
Certainly, even if another irrational verdict is handed down, no rational person believes that America, or any other civilized country would extradite one of their own citizens to the host of such a witch trial. Certainly Britain would not, and I would support Her in that decision.
Of more significance is a historical look at what happened after the first, tragic "guilty" verdict for Knox and Sollecito in December, 2009. Almost immediately, there was a worldwide outcry from rational people over the injustice. This cry of "foul" rose in strength and volume, and it took only two years to reverse the travesty.
If this appeals court acquiesces to the outrageous demands of the Court of Cazzione, history shows us that a chorus of indignant cries will soon be heard and justice will not be denied. It will strengthen pro-justicve groups for years to come--at the potential (albeit temporary) cost of the freedom of one fine, innocent man.
I want the killer of Meredith Kercher to be punished to the full extent of the law. The problem is that the evidence clearly establishes that the killer of Meredith Kercher was a lone attacker, Rudy Guede. And because of the tragic mistakes of the Italian investigators and prosecutors, Rudy Guede will leave jail after serving a sentence unworthy of Meredith’s suffering and the Kercher’s loss.
Certainly, even if another irrational verdict is handed down, no rational person believes that America, or any other civilized country would extradite one of their own citizens to the host of such a witch trial. Certainly Britain would not, and I would support Her in that decision.
Of more significance is a historical look at what happened after the first, tragic "guilty" verdict for Knox and Sollecito in December, 2009. Almost immediately, there was a worldwide outcry from rational people over the injustice. This cry of "foul" rose in strength and volume, and it took only two years to reverse the travesty.
If this appeals court acquiesces to the outrageous demands of the Court of Cazzione, history shows us that a chorus of indignant cries will soon be heard and justice will not be denied. It will strengthen pro-justicve groups for years to come--at the potential (albeit temporary) cost of the freedom of one fine, innocent man.
Lately, however, I have enjoyed some encouragement.
More and more, a large group of British nationals are concluding that the evidence certainly clears Knox and Sollecito of any crime, and are becoming more involved in their defense. It does my heart good to know that Scots, Welsh, Irish and English, are joining the cause, as well as Australians, Canadians and Europeans from more countries than I can quickly call to mind. It is a great relief to realize that for every angry, misinformed Brit that I have encountered, I am finding even more who display the characteristic British fairness, civility and sober judgment.
It’s my hope that I too, can counterbalance certain misguided, hateful Americans, and that these articles help to close the gap between fact and fiction regarding the Kercher murder.
More and more, a large group of British nationals are concluding that the evidence certainly clears Knox and Sollecito of any crime, and are becoming more involved in their defense. It does my heart good to know that Scots, Welsh, Irish and English, are joining the cause, as well as Australians, Canadians and Europeans from more countries than I can quickly call to mind. It is a great relief to realize that for every angry, misinformed Brit that I have encountered, I am finding even more who display the characteristic British fairness, civility and sober judgment.
It’s my hope that I too, can counterbalance certain misguided, hateful Americans, and that these articles help to close the gap between fact and fiction regarding the Kercher murder.