The rich gets richer

The post in April, on the North Carolina NAACP website, shows the mindset of the NAACP at the time. Of particular interest is this sentence, posted in early April, which advised not only vocal participation by the NAACP but quick action by the Duke president even before the DA's investigation was completed:

First, we must clearly denounce any code of silence, which seeks to inhibit ascertaining the facts.

Second, we must have deep compassion and concern for the victim and challenge any attempts to demean or destroy her rather than to seek and ascertain the truth.

Third, we must ensure that the D.A.’s investigation be completed thoroughly and promptly and that serious consequences be meted out if all the allegations are proven to be true. All of the allegations include sexual violence/gang rape, racial slandering/hate crimes, underage alcohol use, and any prior history of racial bigotry and intimidation must be fully investigated. We do not want a rush to judgment. But neither do we want a delay of justice. While the D.A. completes his thorough and prompt investigation, we want Duke to zealously conduct and complete its own internal investigation.

The idea that Duke should wait until the D.A.’s investigation is completed is wrong-headed.

I mean, this is too easy. It took me four minutes on the North Carolina NAACP website to find the above passage, which encapsulates perfectly the mindset of the NC NAACP nine months ago. So different now: "Keep moving, folks. Nothing to see here." This attitude is so in-keeping with Lawrence O'Donnell during his year-end appearance in The McGlaughlin Group, when he pronounced the Duke Hoax (though he didn't call it that) the most overrated story of 2006: "It doesn't need a this kind of daily examination. Let the story play out."

Poor fellows. Gradually at first, and then suddenly, all fun went out of the game. Now, we're (mostly Joseph Cheshire, but the rest of us as well) are supposed to be quiet. Now, we're supposed to sit back, turn away . . . you know, let the process play out.

Not a chance, guys. Nine months of facts, revelations, and story after story after story later, now it's our turn to bang the pots. Outside your window, in case you were wondering.

(I owe an Anonymous for this tip; in my previous comments box I was made aware of the so-called "82 Crimes and Torts," whatever the hell that means, the NAACP claimed the Duke players committed, a claim made just as the case was congealing. I'd thank Anon if I knew Anon's name; as it is, a word of thanks as it is.)