24 Comments
Dec 2, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Thank you Ari. It was extremely painful to watch the trial. Almost as difficult as watching the January 6th Insurrection.

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Hi Ari . In my opinion and closely following the Rittenhouse case , I feel

the Justice System failed. I’m from Wisconsin and he should of been charged with murder, opening carrying an assault weapon across state line , under age illegally. Self defense I disagree with. He came there with intent to use the assault weapon in tact to use. He was playing policeman.

Then the police let him leave. He went to a bar, underage in Wisconsin, and celebrated with the militia group that he joined up with attacking protestors.

I’m happy with justice served in the Arbery case. If there would not been a video showing the murderers attack on Arbery, they would of got off , Scott free.

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The Rittenhouse trial was not a true and honest trial. So much was not allowed by a defense friendly judge. Attorneys on both sides are held to a high standard. Why isn't a judge held accountable for his/her actions during the trial? So heartbreaking for the families of the victims. On the Aubrey trial, the fact that it took so long for the killers to be even arrested, is infuriating. The cover-up and dismissive manner in which this case was handled was absolutely criminal. If it wasn't for the video being released, these killers would still be free. As I have stated before, the love and determination of Ahmauds mother was also a big factor in bringing these criminals to justice. Thanks Ari, please continue to keep us informed on the injustices in our justice system.🙏

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No video, no charges. Justice was only served thanks to an intrepid local newspaper reporter and the arrogance of one of the accused thinking releasing his phone video would sway public opinion that these three racist murderers were "not the bad guys" The ultimate example of hoisted on their own petard.

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Hi Ari…I definitely think there would not have been a trial or conviction without that tape. The fact that the prosecutor tried to cover up the crime is despicable.

The Rittenhouse verdict was very disturbing to me. I understand him claiming self defense. I cannot understand why he wasn’t convicted of a lesser charge. Why was a 17 yr old kid touting an illegal weapon probably after curfew.

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Two trials with two different outcomes. Two Americas

“The rule of law dictates accepting the validity of that outcome, even (and especially) if one disagrees.”

I will never agree with the verdict of the WI case. I don’t think that it is valid because the whole trial is filled with bias.

A kid who crossed state line, carried a weapon illegally and killed BLM protesters will never ever be acceptable. Unfortunately, the victims are no more and cannot give their side of the story.

The biggest flaw with WI case is the judge’s conduct. The jury looks like that were bought. Basically this verdict fully endorsed vigilantism.

For the GA case, yes I agree with you on the this title “a trial that was never supposed to happen.”

But you know what, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”

Thank God that video surfaced (after protests) and helped to substantiate that Ahmaud was murdered which led to the guilty verdict.

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Without the tape, there wouldn't have been a trial.The two prosecutors had to recuse themselves, for obstruction of justice, and for not arresting the three men. One of the prosecutors, have been arrested. They were trying to cover-up and paint Mr. Ahmaud Arbery as the criminal.

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Great analysis. It seems in the Rittenhouse case, the justice system worked, but justice wasn’t served. In the Aubury case, the justice system was finally applied,, justice was served, but it was accidental or a miracle. And what could the second prosecutor ( in the Aubury murder) be charged with for providing a cover story? How are the police held responsible? What both these cases show is how troubled and fragile our legal system is, and has always been. Thanks for the comprehensive explanation. (And shout out to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree!)

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But, they didn’t start at the beginning. Only part of the situation was talked about. It began when Rittenhouse was given the deadly weapon! UNDERAGE!

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I wish I could think of something profound to say in regards to this piece but honestly it is all to sad for me to digest. Too many lives being murdered, dying of covid, and our country seeming to be sliding down into the murky waters of hate. Too much! 😪

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Hi Ari. Thanks for the article. It really brought out every point in a clear and concise manner. How many cases (involving Black folks) would not have come to light without a video camera. The justice system needs revamping.

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I though he got the best defense money could buy, funded by his supporters. That is another problem with the justice system - money talks.

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Thanks, for breaking it down. No, the trial, in my opinion, would not have happened if the word on the streets, the footage, etc.. had not been leaked.

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In Ahmaud Arbery’s case, the leaked tape was definitely the catalyst to a trial. I think in both trials, the outcomes (favorable or not) were severely spun by the judge and the prosecutors. Rittenhouse’s proceedings were chaotic, racist, and designed for him to walk freely. Arbery’s trial was methodical, controlled from the bench, and factual. Plus, Atlanta is literally a melting pot. Although the jury’s component was 11 whites and one Black, I wondered, if that was the makeup of family and friends?

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Correction: I meant Georgia is a melting pot, although it has its rural areas. Many of those rural areas, in the south, are riddled with drugs, which has changed the family dynamics.

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Hi Ari, thank you for writing about these two recent cases. The case and outcome of the Rittenhouse case was baffling to me. The actions he took that awful day were wrong right from the start by picking up that AR15. He had to know what would happen. I look in on Hate TV (Fox) website once in a while just to see what they are saying. It's unbelievable how they see this guy as a hero. In the Arbery case, if not for the video, there would have been no justice for Ahmad. It's a scary thought to know people in positions of authority tried to cover this up and almost got away with it. Thanks again Ari for keeping our justice system in the spotlight. Have a great day!!

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Hey Ari, I don’t think we would of had a trail. Thank God for good people wanting justice. I think we will have many more of these type of trails. I’m hoping that people start to think twice b/c of videos.

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