Home » Fighting Racism, Justice System, Justice for the Jena 6

Mychal Bell is released on bail and Reed Walters loses it…

By Carmen D. on Thursday, September 27th, 2007, 8:58 pm Comments

This is really ugly. Reed Walters’ racism and ignorance of history glistens like a pus covered carcass in midday desert sun. His reaction to the proud and peaceful demonstration last week?

“I firmly believe that had it not been for the direct intervention of the Lord Jesus Christ last Thursday, a disaster would have happened,” LaSalle Parish District Atty. Reed Walters told a nationally televised press conference.

When a black Jena pastor attending the press conference called it a “shame” that the prosecutor was crediting divine intervention for the orderly behavior of the demonstrators, Walters, who is white, said: “What I’m saying is, the Lord Jesus Christ put his influence on those people, and they responded accordingly.” Teen in Jena case gets out of jail, Howard Witt, Chicago Tribune

No way dedication to justice, restraint and discipline could have played a roll. No sirree, Bob. That’s right Mr. Walters, remind your base to be afraid of “those people,” tell them that what they saw on that awesome day a week ago was a mirage whipped up by the Lord Himself. Afterall, only the Lord could suppress the savage and destructive urges of “those people.” African American human beings, united for a cause, could have never pulled off anything so grand on their own.

This man is the District Attorney of LaSalle Parish. I can’t wrap my mind around it. Sorry, I just can’t.

  • Hello Changeseeker, welcome to the conversation. I do not regularly attend church, but I certainly refuse to let small minded people like Walters have any influence on my decision.
    What Carole says is so critically important. I feel the impulse to attend church just to speak out against the hypocrisy that lives within them. I know, I know, I'll stay away. But you get my point, I hope. And thank you for adding me to your roll and for the kind words. I love our street. We have cool neighbors. ))
  • I totally agree with this, Carmen et al. When I read Reed's version of what happened, I shuddered. I hate to say it (with those who already have), but this kind of sickness is one of the reasons I abstain from church. It's just TOO easy (apparently) to make the whole thing an intellectual exercise cut to fit your personal ugliness rather than a "spiritual" guide to learn a more excellent way to be. I wonder what Jesus would think of Reed turning him into a white sheet complete with hood. Yuck!

    And incidentally, Carmen, this is my first time here, but it sure won't be the last. Beautiful site (kudos, Nez -- I'm jealous!), true to the topic, and smooooth presentation. I've added you to my blogroll, of COURSE! You're a wonderful addition to our street in the blogosphere. Thanks for doing what you're doing.
  • Humans can be so self-mythologizing. I'm sure Reed pictures himself as the great defender of the holy and pure south. Ah the arrogance! Ah the ignorance! I'm sure white people are patting him on the back for standing up for his faith in the face of media (northerner) atheism, unAmericanism, and persecution. But I know also that some white Bible-believing christians out there are probably ashamed as heck. The question though is...why don't they stand up? It's like some Islamic friends of mine who don't stand up when someone does something atrocious in the name of their God. Why are good religious people so quiet when stuff like this stands up? Why isn't there a group called Southern white Bible-believers for racial equality? Why isn't there a group called Muslims against terrorists? Reed and racist Christians have co-opted Jesus and the Bible...and the rest of white Bible believers are just standing around shaking our heads embarassed...but not doing anything publicly. It just makes it look as if the only protestors are blacks or white non-christians.
  • Hi BlueBlackSoul, welcome to the conversation. Bill O Lie ly - funny. Walters comment was revealing in ways that he and his constituents refuse to see. His core belief about black people is that we are savage and white people are rational and honorable. Just think about how those beliefs influence his prosecutorial decisions.
  • Mattbastard, dont let hypocrites like Reed Walters influence any decisions in you life! I gotta tell you, having deep faith sure helps me deal with the anger directed at this site.
  • Hi Nez. You know, there is a time honored disconnect in much of the white Christian community. On Sundays, they go on and on about the teachings of Jesus but somehow on Monday those same people choose to ignore those teachings when dealing with black and brown people. Doesnt seem to me that this is what Jesus would do.
  • Hi Eddie, welcome to the conversation. Walters words are so cliche. This whole concept of claiming to have THE inside track when it comes to knowing the will of God is not a new or original craziness. It has long been the justification for perpetuating racial injustice, particularly in the South.
  • Hi Kevin, welcome to the conversation. I heard a news story that Walters is under increased pressure to proceed less recklessly. Apparently, Walters colleagues are worried that new juries will nullify cases brought by local law enforcement. That would be disasterous as well. Let this be a stark reminder to all of us not to throw away those jury duty summons. We must always sit on juries when we can.
  • BlueBlackSoul
    OMG! This definitely tells you the manner in which some regard us. Are Reed and Bill O'lie-ly related? Obviously he's lacking a good therapist. Next he will use his God to justify any and all of his actions. He seems to be of the Willie Lynch mindset.
  • Reed Walters is delusional. He believes a lie as if its the truth. This presents new dangers insofar as, damn-to-hell, he still plans to have his way. He believes that God is on his side.
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