Letters to the Editor
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Wow.
Many of the letters here operate under the presumption that Waters was somehow involved in the arson. Yet there is no evidence of that, other than the testimony of two witnesses of questionable credibility, whose testimony was derived in a fashion that compels suspicion of the investigation itself (and thus any evidence submitted by the prosecution).
You see, people are quick to judge, quick to convict, and quick to condemn. The letter-writers above see themselves as "concerned citizens," and ape that the sentence was perhaps harsh. They miss the one simple fact: there is no credible evidence which places Waters at the scene of the crime. There is considerable reasonable doubt as to her complicity and involvement.
That is the standard in this case, people: reasonable doubt. Not preponderance of evidence (of which there is none). Not guilt by association (of which there is some). There is a great deal of reason to doubt the case of the prosecution. In their presentation of the case before the court, the prosecutors did not overcome reasonable doubt. But they did managed to activate the unreasonable qualities of the people on the jury - their ignorance and fear.
It is possible, even probably, that an innocent person has been unreasonably convicted of a crime. It is perhaps unquestionable that, even if she did serve as lookout, the sentence is (and will be) unreasonably harsh. As the letters here indicate, even those who sympathize have her convicted in their minds. That she associated with "elves" is enough for many Americans to either judge and convict, or merely shrug their shoulders and suggest Waters got what she deserves.
I am not surprised (not one iota) by the unreasonable outcome of this case. The judge was American, the lawyers were American and the jury was American. Locked into this system of fear, denial and ignorance we the people and out elected representatives have created, there is little likelihood one can expect reason from a jury of Americans. One cannot even expect it from a legion of ostensible "liberal" and reasonable letter-writers, who are as quick to judge on scanty evidence, quick to react from prejudice and fear, as those who sat in actual judgment of Waters.
There is not a preponderance of reason among the American people. But there is a good deal of fear, denial, and ignorance. In such a climate, there can be no true justice.