In Zacarias Moussaoui's trial today, they have been presenting as much of the horror as they can manage, to the jury. I don't know why this is allowed because it is irrelevent to the jury's task. The jury has to decide if 9/11 act of terrorism would have been prevented if he had told his story to the FBI. (I don't think anyone could possibly think that the FBI would have suddenly straightened up and taken notice, they'd have decided he was a nutter).
They only have to show that one death occurred on 9/11, anything beyond that is simply an attempt to inflame the jury; to instill a need to kill someone in revenge.
Yes, I thought that. He wasn't on Flight 93 so why are recordings from that relevant?
The man is a nut but he makes quite the scapegoat too, I guess.
Gone are the days when simply a "pound of flesh" would do!
There is no way if can get, or ever was going to get a fair trial, guilty or not, he'll be made to pay dearly for this countries lack of legal morality.
I agree totally. I've never agreed with those "victim impact testimonies" in trials. The trial is there to ascertain whether or not the crime was committed and to see justice is done, not revenge. Therefore the sentence shouldn't reflect the feelings of victim's families as this would make the law irrational.
I agree about the victim impact statements. They are common in the US and IMHO deeply unjust. Basically they will favor an attractive victime over an unattractive victim, an articulate victim over an inarticulate one - or to be more provocative - a white victim over a non-white victim and an english speaking victim over a victim who does not speak english.
As to Moussaoui. He is quite obviously a basket case and a fantisist. No one actually believes he had any role in 911 and he most likely knew nothing of the plans beyond that there was some plan.
However, sick bunny that he is, indoctrinated by some radical imam, he want to be a martyr.
Meanwhile the Bushies are so desperate to convict someone, anyone that they will settle for what ever they can get and pervert justice as much as necessary. They have attempted to nail several people and been thwarted by the courts unfortunate insistence on due process and other constitutional rights (damn that liberal activist judge Luttig!)- so that leaves Moussaoui.
The whole farce would be funny if it wasn't so tragic. Not only will they execute a man that everybody knows in mentally sick and not guilty. They will will set a new precedent - conviction and execution for failing to tell the FBI something (that it already knew and was actively ignoring). and the rest of the world, including all those radical imams will point to this and have prima facae evidence of the corruption and injustice of the great satan.
I heard the prosecution started to get lots of blown up photos of body parts and began placing them around the court. The judge gave short shrift and said that would be enough of that.
I don't want him killed, if he's killed he gets by his religion his reward in heaven and martyr status on earth. I want to see him banged up for life breaking rocks on a chain gang.
I heard the prosecution started to get lots of blown up photos of body parts and began placing them around the court. The judge gave short shrift and said that would be enough of that.
I don't want him killed, if he's killed he gets by his religion his reward in heaven and martyr status on earth. I want to see him banged up for life breaking rocks on a chain gang.
Why? Annie, the man did nothing, he is a wannabe, they had already decided not to use him for any real work because he is an unreliable flake.
The USA could have made a huge impact in the world by conducting the trial properly and acquitting him if that is how things panned out, and as it seems they should.
Having looked over the 4-day prosecution presentation for his sentencing, I wonder if this could be classed "Death by Powerpoint".
Previously, I thought this just applied to me when I'm forced to sit through boring presentations, with hand-outs that are word-for-word on the screen and being read by the presenter.
It was a compelling prosecution case and I doubt the defense will be able to muster much to counter it but it also doesn't feel like 'justice' - just vengeance.
As with my view with the death penalty as a whole it would be vengeance.
If he told the truth, would have changed things. Ummmmm I don't think so.
Could this all be a bluff and he is not what he claims, ummm maybe.
Is this beyond reasonable doubt. I do not think so, and thats what we convict on and especially in a case where the DP is being meated out.
you know, lock the twit up and forget about him and move on and work on the issues at hand...
Right now this is a good smoke screen for this admin and their dodgy way of doing things...
Anyone else notice that "regime" crept into the vernacular with rice and mcllennan today?
Th Repthuglicans are so done for...
you know, lock the twit up and forget about him and move on and work on the issues at hand...
Right now this is a good smoke screen for this admin and their dodgy way of doing things...
Anyone else notice that "regime" crept into the vernacular with rice and mcllennan today?
Th Repthuglicans are so done for...
Yep, noticed that the wording was being shifted.
Done for? nope, still too many dumb asses out there ready to re-elect this SOAB I fear!