Luis Ramirez: Sounds A Lot Like Vincent Chin

Monday, May 11, 2009

Last week I posted up that the prosecution rested its case against two Pennsylvania teenagers (Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Doncha) who were charged in the murder of Luis Ramirez - attacked by a group of racist white high school football players last summer.

Care to guess what happened?

The all white jury acquitted both of them of all serious charges including third degree murder and ethnic intimidation, and even though the Department of Justice may be investigating the case -- it's still a win for hate crimes, prejudice, racism, and xenophobia - all during a climate where the economy is weak and the blame needs to be put on someone.

Sounds familiar.

I've asked this question before - and I'll ask it again - what needs to be done in order for people to not just recognize a hate crime, but also to convict?