Is it 2007 or what?

Originally posted on 09/05/07 on a former blog of mine:

For those of you who are unaware of the most recent and shockin proof of "racism at its peak", I want to draw the case of the "Jena six" to your attention:
Jena is a small town nestled deep in the heart of Central Louisiana. Until recently, you may well have never heard of it. But this rural town of less than 4,000 people has become a focal point in the debate around issues of race and justice in this country.
Last December, six black students at Jena High School were arrested after a school fight in which a white student was beaten and suffered a concussion and multiple bruises. The six black students were charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy. They face up to 100 years in prison without parole. The Jena Six, as they have come to be known, range in age from 15 to 17 years old.
Just over a week ago, an ALL-WHITE JURY took LESS than TWO days to convict 17 year-old Mychal Bell, the first of the Jena Six, to go on trial. He was convicted of aggravated battery and conspiracy charges and now faces up to 22 YEARS in prison!!
Black residents say that race has always been an issue in Jena, which is 85 percent White, and that the charges against the Jena Six are no exception.
The origins of the story can be traced back to early September when a black high school student requested permission to sit under a tree in the schoolyard where usually only white students sat. The next day three nooses were found hanging from the tree.
Now. . . you can decide to just close your eyes and pretend like this doesnt concern you. . .because it is "so far away" and "it may not happen in your immediate surroundings"....or you can step up and sign a petition for these six boys who in my opinion do NOT deserve to send the rest of their lives in prison for standing up for their righs. Yes, violence was not the "best" way to try and solve the matter, but these sentences are just ridiculous!!!
Please show your support and sign this petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/aZ51CqmR/petition.html
In love and light, my prayers go out to these boys and to everyone who has to suffer from the horrible consequences of racism and prejudice!!I feel your pain!