60 Minutes: Readers' comments post

This post is for reader comments on 60's Duke lax episode.

After the episode, I'll spend about 45 minutes putting together my "first take" post.

Once that's up, I'll come to the comment thread here and start taking the comments and putting them here on the main page.

If a comment's more than 200 words, I'll pick what looks like the "money" part of it and post that, unless the commenter asks that I not, in which case I'll leave the comment on the thread.

I'll be checking the thread until 11 pm EDT.

John

Michael said...

Part I is a strong set up (versus a setup) for Part II. Sounds like the second segment will be where Bradley discusses those who haven't let facts get in their way... I promise to have an open, though not empty, mind while watching.
7:53 PM

Michael said...

Here's my initial take:

1) I was left wanting more, but

2) the piece definitely showed that the three young men have almost certainly (oh, hell, be bold, have definitely) been railroaded by an electioneering ass.

3) It has been too long since I have seen Mr. Evans, Finnerty, or Seligmann "live," and that was an important reinforcement of the fact that three very real young people are caught up in this debacle.

I do wish there had been more about the media's coverage, and I wish there had been more about the faculty and administration response. I am glad Professor Coleman was prominently featured, specifically because he had a part in creating the very rules that Nifong broke AND he was charged with thoroughly investigating the team and has come out in favor of Nifong's removal from the case.

On a minor note, I did enjoy the shots of Nifong strolling along with his fast-food soda. Not sure why, but it paints an even less professional picture of him than he paints for himself...

MOre later - Michael
8:16 PM
A
nonymous said...

The most shocking revelation was that the false accuser was back in the clubs pole dancing two weeks after the non-rape. Didn't Gottlieb write in his 33 pages of memory that she was too physically beat up to sit properly? What a dirt bag he is. And, Nifong said she was too tramatized on 4/11. OMG! What a liar!!!!!

Coleman was fantastic. He spoke from such a base of knowledge and principle. He was fantastic!!!! What a great man. Not because I agree with him, but because he so perfectly summed up why Nifong is so dangerous.
8:47 PM

Anonymous said...

As some have said earlier, who would you rather have as Duke president, Brodhead or Coleman?
8:57 PM

Anonymous said...

Brodhead was pathetic.. Why didn't he just dodge the interview?
A "night of unacceptable behavior..."
9:17 PM

Anonymous said...

According to an AP story quoting Cheshire, the defense team provided the tape of Precious dancing 2 weeks after the alleged rape. They must have some serious detectives on her butt. Question. Why didn't the DPD know about the performances? Oh yeah - they don't seek evidence. I forgot.

You can bet the defense has even more. I wonder if she is still active in other ways. Ugh!

The fact that she kept returning to the hospital for rape-related injuries indicates to me that she is after money. It will be a cold day in hell before she'll get anything except a lawsuit out of the families.

IMPORTANT
I read on talkleft that there will be another installment on 60 Min. next week. Can that be true? There is more to cover.

All in all, I think Bradley did a great job. I am also much more aware of how corrupt a DA can be and how black poor people can be wrongly prosecuted. I will be much more skeptical of all prosecutions in the future. Coleman is right; if it can happen to these guys, it can happen to anyone.

Final thought: I think the 60 Min. editors did a good job of not getting off topic. They didn't chase after the prosecution of the taxi drive or mention Nifong's emotional outbursts. That's ok. The piece is solid journalism.

Final final thought: the 3 guys did well for themselves. RS is very charsimatic and Evans appears mature beyond his years. CF came across very honest and likable. His comments were also very mature. They don's have any sense of self importance or entitlement that I see. They are all extremely likable and they certainly look and act like normal 20 year olds. Compare their poise to the bafoon Nifong with his smirks. They make this real. Nifong makes it unbelievable, which in many ways it is.

(Note: The 200 word limit was waived because I'm very tired and don't want to edit now.

I'll stay up until 11 pm as promised.

This is a greast series of comments.

John )