Mychal Bell is released on bail and Reed Walters loses it…
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.
Posted by: Carmen D. in 
Reed Walters is just wrong on every level.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:27 am -If Jesus ever comes back, he’ll come back swinging. And people like that are why.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:57 am -Quote of the Day: ‘You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up’ Edition…
by matttbastard
September 28th, 2007 at 11:18 am -x-posted @ Comments From Left Field
elle, Kevin and Carmen D. (and countless others, I’m sure) all beat me to this:
[LaSalle Parish DA Reed] Walters credited the prayers of people in this small central Louisiana town with averti…
[...] Kevin and Carmen D. (and countless others, I’m sure) all beat me to this: [LaSalle Parish DA Reed] Walters [...]
September 28th, 2007 at 11:23 am -No offense to believers, but people like Reed Walters remind me why I wholeheartedly embraced apostasy.
Ok, fine, so there are numerous examples of idiocy out there via my fellow atheists - Christopher Hitchens immediately springs to mind.
God help us all.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:15 pm -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.
September 28th, 2007 at 2:54 pm -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.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:45 pm -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.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:11 am -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.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:16 am -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.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:21 am -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.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:26 am -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.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:33 am -[...] graphic design firm Xolagrafik.com did an amazing job with very warm colors on the newly-designed All About Race, so I’m slavishly imitating [...]
September 29th, 2007 at 12:11 pm -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.
September 30th, 2007 at 6:24 am -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.
September 30th, 2007 at 7:13 am -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.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:35 pm -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. ))