History is written by the winners

[drwex]

http://digg.com/2014/darren-wilson-testimony-transcript

That quote is echoing through my head as I read the transcript (hosted on Scribd, Digg link above) of the grand jury testimony. Officer Wilson's testimony begins on page 195.

My immediate takeaway from this is that I'm quite sure Mr Brown would have given different testimony were he still alive to tell his side of the story. Officer Wilson's testimony focuses a great deal on the initial altercation, for which Wilson has supporting evidence, and seems almost to skim over the final confrontation that resulted in Mr Brown's death. The questioning after his testimony goes back to that part, somewhat, but it's clear that we're in Officer Wilson's narrative at this point.

If the other witness to the initial incident and then (I believe also) the shooting, Mr Johnson, also testified I didn't see it here. I expect his story would differ considerably from Officer Wilson's. I've read elsewhere that other eyewitnesses to the shooting that killed Mr Brown have given accounts that are substantially different. I wonder if the grand jury also considered those accounts. I wonder if they felt, as I do, that a court of law exists to help us sort through conflicting accounts, to weigh evidence and reach decisions.

There have also been accusations that the police department of Ferguson conducted its own investigation and has not fully revealed its findings. I cannot help but assume that this is because those findings would cast further doubt on Officer Wilson's narrative. In an open court of law one could have subpoenaed those findings and examined them for further revelations. Perhaps as the FBI pursues its civil rights case against Officer Wilson we may yet get to hear that fuller story.

But today the fact remains that Officer Wilson is the one alive to write history.

Comments

[asia27.livejournal.com]

I would agree with you and the autopsy reports won't substantiate Wilson's version, especially the pictures taken of Wilson's face which have been on the news. They don't support his claim that Michael hit him in the face at all. I hated living in Missouri; it is almost backwards at times. Unless one lives there, one has no idea of the circumstances of the lives Black citizens live. Literally, the white and black sections of towns are separated into two sections of town and one doesn't cross into the other much. You better believe the white section didn't have a problem and that's partly why the verdict was released at night. Remember, too, the holiday is coming up.

Wilson was able to marry during this time but he'll be able to remain a copy, public statements notwithstanding. That is pure 'good old boy' country there so don't be misled. Even if he doesn't stay in Ferguson, he'll have great job references.

Michael will still be dead. As the mother of a son, I fear for his life whenever he walks out that door. White parents don't have to worry about their sons.

[drwex]

My brother went to school in St Louis - I remember it being pretty racially divided back then and I am sad that it has not improved.

I further agree with you that autopsy reports are important evidence that could be challenged if this case was every brought to trial. A coroner or medical examiner can form an opinion and have expertise, just as the MDs who saw Officer Wilson when he was brought to the hospital can. However, in court those opinions and expertise can be questioned and challenged or substantiated. We cannot just take any story - no matter how "expert" - as given.

I am also a parent of two sons and though mine do not have to worry about the risks of being young men of color I still fear for their safety in a country where police are permitted to operate outside of lawful restraints and without having to answer for their actions.

[sariel-t.livejournal.com]

*pebble*