4/6/2005 6:00:00 PM EDITORIAL / Trial of the century
Observers are already calling the upcoming triple murder trial of reputed Ku Klux Klansman Edgar Ray Killen the “trial of the century” and journalists, attorneys, legal observers and a host of others from literally around the world are making preparations to be in Philadelphia.
The fact is, we don’t know how many people will ultimately descend upon us for the trial but hundreds for sure, maybe thousands.
This will be an opportunity to showcase our state and community and tell about the profound, genuine change, not to recoil in denial and bitterness.
Circuit Judge Marcus D. Gordon has already proven that he will run a tight, disciplined ship inside the courtroom after he scolded the media following the Jan. 6 indictment of Mr. Killen. We have absolutely no doubt that Judge Gordon will maintain the most solemn decorum possible in a court of law.
What we’re concerned about, however, are activities outside the courtroom and the impact that will have on this community.
Are adequate preparations being made to provide law enforcement the resources required, will the media be accommodated, precisely what level of security will be necessary and what are the threats if any?
Planning is already under way on some levels and we encourage continued cooperation.
The murders for which Mr. Killen is accused were a major turning point in the civil rights movement, a fact that has been largely underestimated here.
Because the murders were such a major turning point in U.S. history, this case is very emotional and is a magnet for extremists on both ends of the spectrum, particularly now that a man known to associate with white supremacists has been accused.
The reputation of our community is on the line. Every, single action will be amplified under the microscope of worldwide media attention.
All it’s going to take is one spark to set off the powder keg, whether it comes in the form of another swing at a television cameraman or a full-fledged riot. Every measure necessary, if it means closing or partially closing streets and establishing a secure perimeter, should be taken to ensure safety.
For 40 years Philadelphia and Neshoba County have been synonymous with redneck vigilante justice, and we’ve been saddled with the “Mississippi Burning” stereotypes. The role of law enforcement in the murder conspiracy seems to amplify the disdain outside observers feel, a certain breakdown in civility and law and order.
Most decent people here have felt the shame of a crime unpunished and applaud justice.
Before us is an historic opportunity to once and for all set the record straight, to do the right thing by bringing the murder or murders to justice.
In New York and Boston last summer there was much concern over the political conventions in a post 9/11 world. And more recently there was the Inauguration.
All those events went off without incident but they were not without extraordinary measures, professional guidance and sacrifice on the part of citizens, some of which might be applicable in Philadelphia and Neshoba County.
The eyes of the world will again be on Philadelphia, Mississippi. The threat here must be assessed.
There is a fine line. We don’t want an image of an armed camp, — six-shooters at the ready — but officials should not be bashful about taking the necessary precautions, even if it means inconvenience. Safety for all should be the utmost concern.
We must strive to go about our lives as normally as possible, confident in the call for justice and seeking opportunity to warmly greet strangers, and perhaps by doing so we will negate an ugly, bitter image that has been burned indelibly on the minds of generations from continent to continent.
As those who have to live with the verdict, we have two options 1.) support the call for justice, put our best foot forward and tell our story confidently and truthfully or 2.) continue in defiance and denial and risk condemnation forever.
No matter the outcome inside the courtroom, this community has done the right thing by calling for justice.
If indeed this truly is the trial of the century we would want history to record that outside the courtroom matters were handled with the utmost dignity and professionalism, soaked in warm, genuine Southern hospitality.
Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Article comment by:
S B Lewis
In a decent world, Mr. Killen would confess his crime of premeditated murcer and ask to be forgiven. His partners would do the same. OUr troubled nation would learn why such killings were commonplace in our south, compassion might assert itself, and we would allow the 80-year old with his new found decency to live out his days. To forgive is devine. The shame of racism is an inherited shadow on us all. May we all be forgiven, may the blessings of honesty find their way.
Posted: Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Article comment by:
Lynda Woulf
I read your editorial of April 06, 2005 entitled, Trial of the Century, in which the citizens of Neshoba County in Philadelphia, Mississippi are preparing for an onslaught of visitors for the upcoming triple murder trial of Ku Klux Klansman, Edgar Ray Killen. This is not only a chance to “showcase� your great state of Mississippi, but an opportunity, as you stated, “to set the record straight.� Despite the crime was committed over 40 years ago and the defendant in the case is 80 years old, I await anxiously for the trial to begin and for the citizens of Neshoba County in Philadelphia, Mississippi to finally bring to justice the murders of Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney. In doing this final act of justice the nation and the world will give homage to those righteous individuals who gave their lives so that all men would be treated equal.
