”
It’s extremely premature to make a decision right now,
”
Cantu said.
”
Before we file, we have to be certain that there is sufficient
proof in order to go before a judge.
”
If it is
”
extremely premature
”
to make a decision, and without
”
sufficient proof,
”
why is the issue being tried in the local
”
court of public opinion?
”
“It’s extremely premature to make a decision right now,” Cantu said. “Before we file, we have to be certain that there is sufficient proof in order to go before a judge.”
If it is “extremely premature” to make a decision, and without “sufficient proof,” why is the issue being tried in the local “court of public opinion?”
I firmly believe in punishing those who are guilty. If there was indeed a case of juror misconduct in the Orabuena case, file the charges, investigate and prosecute if necessary. I am firmly against people making accusations for which they don’t have the facts to back the charges. This is such a case.
While we are at it, let’s hang our local judges, DA, Sheriff, Supervisors, City Council, etc. Let’s build a gallows in the center of town and hang ’em all. Anyone got a rope? If it’s in the paper, it must be true. Right?
Don’t get me wrong. If elected officials or other citizens are guilty of an offense, investigate it. But if you read the local papers, you would have to conclude that EVERYONE is guilty. For a government to run efficiently it must have the support and trust of the people. People making inaccurate or unfounded statements completely undermine the credibility of our local government.
We have a great community. But this community is being divided by people making unsupported accusations. If someone has a legitimate claim, please file it. Everyone in the community wants justice.
We all have a constitutional right to free speech. We do not have a constitutional right to make false accusations.
To those who wish to make statements, identify yourself, check your facts, and be willing to stand up in court. If you are not willing to do those things, don’t make unfounded or untrue statements.
To the local news organizations: Please continue to report and investigate. That is your job and responsibility. But don’t provide a forum for people to make false or unsupported accusations.
Closing the barn door after the horse gets out is too late.
Briggs Latham,
Hollister
