Thursday, March 1, 2007
from the Kennebec Journal
QUESTIONS REMAIN
No complaints from those who switched to Somerset County center
Vote on 1 may hurt some in election
Steeple at center of debate in Whitefield
VETERANS REQUIRE ASSISTANCE: Homelessness takes center stage
J.P. DEVINE: Overcome sadness with hope
BASKETBALL: NBA Hall of Famer Barry doles out advice at Thomas College
HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY: Maranacook sophomore Mace dominates Class B field
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
A year later, families await answers on fatalities
Owner of topless coffee shop on the comeback trail
Officials report cheaper, better service after switch
Two people in critical condition
Young Marines stick to program
Issue of homeless veterans at center stage
GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Winslow falls to York in Class B
Bard hits her marathon stride
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
Dechaine just spent his 19th Christmas behind bars in what many believe is a classic example of wrongful conviction. Books have been written about this case, lawsuits have uncovered hidden evidence and amendments passed to correct flaws in Maine law.
Yet those who control the levers and dials of the system continue to stonewall against a reinvestigation and retrial. Others (perhaps you?) turn away rather than risk their jobs or careers.
Besides, what difference would it make to stick their necks out? It's only one case.
Ironically, the importance of Dechaine is not confined to a cell in Maine State Prison. It is a symptom of an epidemic disease. According to some estimates, 20,000 inmates in U.S. prisons have been wrongfully convicted. Twenty thousand. And beyond our borders -- in Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib and elsewhere -- people are being imprisoned and sometimes tortured without having been tried at all.
Can we really believe there is no connection between local justice and global peace? Can we really sleep soundly without taking responsibility for making sure our state behaves justly?
I hope someone within the system who knows an injustice is continuing to occur will be empowered to speak out.
It will make a difference.
Bob MacLaughlin
Warren
wordplay@midcoast.com
Reader comments
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And, sad to say, officials who talk a good game without having the intestinal fortitude to play the game outnumber the truly courageous public servants who believe in Justice enough to make it happen.
We see turkeys everywhere.
As for me, I'd rather see one than be one.
Give Dechaine a trial where a jury of Mainers hears ALL the evidence.
A smart old Greek named Plato said it centuries ago: "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."report abuse
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