I often remark that some of the best writers around will never get published, while much swill is rewarded mightily. I consider myself neither, for anyone debating hopping on.
The Omar Khadr issue is a brilliant, terrifying flashpoint for much that has happened since 9/11. The Toronto Star's Michelle Shephard has spent years on this case, and her recently published book is nowhere near the end of the discussion.
In a most unexpected forum, I found this. Read this beautifully balanced piece on this issue by an anonymous poster in Craigslist. Yeah, that's right. That hotbed of crap-on-a-stick rants produced this.
Earlier today came this piece from Slate on Jon Benet Ramsay by William Saletan. Her family has been officially cleared in her death. Remember when everyone was so certain her parents killed her? Or her brother? Remember? Everyone playing judge and jury based on headlines and photos and their long distance gut feelings?
Both pieces lend a sane voice to a contentious issue - justice. We think it's there. We think it rides the leading pony. We think we are entitled to it, and we think we will receive it.
Think again.
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