The Innocent Man by John Grisham, his first non-fiction book, is an important book which tells the story of the perversity of the criminal justice system when prosecutors are narcissistic despots, cops are corrupt, judges are officious functionaries, and juries are prejudiced mobs who care nothing for facts, evidence, and the truth.

Ron Williamson, a mentally ill ex professional baseball player, is framed for a murder he did not commit and was a couple of weeks from being executed before some diligent indigent defense attorneys finally got a decent judge to review the error riddled original trial and put a stay on the execution. Barry Sheck's Innocence Project finally did DNA testing which found that Williamson and the other man framed, Dennis Fritz, could not have committed the crime.

If you have the misguided notion that our criminal justice system is fair, impartial, and accurate, you will be quickly dissuaded from that notion reading this book.

This is one of Grisham's most important books, and it is a book every American who cares about the criminal justice system and human rights should read. I highly recommend it.

Link: Amazon.com: The Innocent Man: Books: John Grisham.

In the letter from the editor, Sarah Ruth van Gelder, in the Fall, 2005 issue of YES! magazine says a number of good things like:

Hillary Clinton is my senator and as much as I hate to say it she is an idiot.

The North Coast Cafe had a good article on her on 12/09/07.

Here is one of her stupid quotes. She sounds just like George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and the neo cons.

"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including Al Qaeda members, though there is apparently no evidence of his involvement in the terrible events of September 11, 2001. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. Should he succeed in that endeavor, he could alter the political and security landscape of the Middle East, which as we know all too well affects American security. This much is undisputed."

-10 October 2002

Unlike John Edwards she has never apologized for her idiocy. The thing that scares me is she is not that stupid so what is her game?

Unless you want a smarter George W. Bush in the white house and more of the same crap, don't vote for her.

Link: North Coast Cafe: Hillary Clinton.

North Coast Cafe posted an interesting video on December 19, 2007 when Miss Teen  USA contestant from South Carolina was asked a simple question, "Why do you think 1/5 of
Americans cannot find the US on a map?" Her answer is pitiful and my only thought about her confused response is that she has been watching too many of the presidential contender debates. I would love to see her and George Bush in a discussion of weighty policy issues.

Link: North Coast Cafe: The Brilliance of American Youth.

I visit the InternetBumperStickers web site periodically and here are my favorites for Christmas.

   

Link: Front Bumper - Internet Bumper Stickers®.