Why is the black community up in arms about this? Mychal Bell had prior convictions for battery on his record. Prosecutors throw the book at repeat offenders who do not accept a guilty plea. It sounds like he's had enough chances. Also, this was CLEARLY a hate crime, when people of one race band together and beat a member of another into unconsciousness, it seems obvious. If this was 6 redneck teens and black kid, this would have been viewed very differently. Personally, I think the whole notion of hate crimes being treated more seriously than others is a slippery slope, and should not exist. However, if it is the law, it should be enacted equally, not just against white people.

Yes, all the actions of the white community in that High School, including having a segregated tree, nooses and all were horrible. If any white people had resorted to violence I would hope they would have the book thrown at them. But you cannot compare the two crimes. Acting ignorant is not the same as 6 kids, some with prior convictions on assault charges, beating another into unconsciousness because he's a different color. And most boggling of all NO ONE has stated had anything to do with earlier incidents. Mychal Bell is an undeserving martyr. There is too much talk about how people FEEL and not enough actual thinking going on in Jena.

Sent by Michael Bryan | 5:28 PM ET | 09-26-2007

The community (because Whites, Hispanics, and Asians were/are appalled)was up in arms because you had a charge of attempted murder, in adult court, no less, for something that should have been dealt with in juvenile court, and not attempted murder (if those 6 young men wanted to kill the young man they jumped on, he would have been hurt worse than he was). Do I think Mychal Bell should be punished for his actions? YES; all involved should be. But the punishment should be in line with the crime, legally.

Sent by AWM | 4:44 PM ET | 10-12-2007