This week, it seemed like even the most out-of-it kids at school were talking about the tragedy at Fort Hood. The alleged shooter, Nidal Hasan, killed 13 people. At first, some reports said he had been killed, but subsequently it was discovered that he was still alive. Currently, he’s in the hospital, and may be paralyzed. I was thinking about the mantra that you’re “innocent until proven guilty.” But in this case, does anybody seriously doubt that Hasan is guilty? And is it fair to assume he’s the shooter at this point? Obviously, the evidence is stacked against him, and he’s the only suspect. I’m not arguing that he is innocent. But will he receive a fair trial? After all, his name has been plastered in the news, and his association with the crime is clear. It would be hard to find a jury that wasn’t biased. It’s nearly impossible to sympathize with Hasan, but at the same time, I feel that everyone is entitled to a fair legal process, and I can’t see how he’ll get one.
- Will