A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
I’m beginning to have doubts that the Flathead’s leading human rights organization does. On 19 January, the trial of David Lenio, charged with malicious intimidation, begins (if a deal, still a possibility, isn’t cut first). A charge of criminal defamation was dismissed in September on constitutional grounds.
Yesterday, in a letter in the Flathead Beacon, three founders of LLH, good men and women all, argued that:
…David Lenio should be convicted of a felony so that he can no longer own or use firearms, will be evaluated by mental health professionals, and treated if he is diagnosed with mental illness.
Figuratively speaking, that assertion translates as “Let’s give him a fair trial and hang him.”
How can these community leaders be so convinced of his guilt without first hearing his defense? They are neither calling for a fair trial nor defending the principle of innocent until proven guilty. Instead, they’re lobbying for a conviction without waiting for the rest of the story.
I doubt LLH’s conduct will “taint” the jury (I take a dim view of the belief that potential jurors are so lame-brained that reading the news renders them incapable of arriving at a just verdict). But LLC’s crusade to convict Lenio may very well taint the organization’s reputation as an advocate for tolerance, fair mindedness, and civility.