Potentially unrelated post...

... so mods, I won't be offended if you delete it. I just heard about the "Jena Six" case in Louisiana and I: 1) can't believe it hasn't been in the mainstream media, 2) can't believe this is happening, and 3) want to share this info and also get any ideas on what I/we can do to help.

Essentially a series of racist actions by white students against black students at a local high school culminated in a fist fight. One white student went to the hospital and was released the same day. Six black students were charged with attempted 2nd degree murder. Although this charge was later reduced, the first defendant was recently found guilty by an all-white jury and faces up to 22 years in prison. His (presumably white) court-appointed defender called NO witnesses in defense.

More details here:
http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/57253/
http://www.whileseated.org/photo/003244.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070307B.shtml

I am outraged beyond belief. There should be rioting, or congressional action, or something. A man wants to let his poor comatose wife go after 14 years and they're all over it, but 6 black teenagers are about to have their lives destroyed and we hear nary a peep. Where the hell is Atticus Finch when you need him?