My heart goes out to Nicole Paultre Bell and the rest of Sean Bell's family, but I don't believe these "pray-ins" will have much impact. Unless Ms. Bell goes after these officers in a civil suit, not much else will happen to them. I don't have much faith that the NYPD blue will sanction them in any fashion.

http://thepunkin-patch.blogspot.com

Sent by Kim | 1:04 PM ET | 05-07-2008

God bless 'em. The protesters, of course.

Sent by Thomas B | 5:58 PM ET | 05-07-2008

Ignorance! Ignorance of the circumstances surrounding this matter. That's what I think of your panelist today. Ignorance, that although loosely speaking two of the cops are black, one is Hispanic and the other is African American. Ignorance, that the white cop shot 31 bullets, the Hispanic cop shot 11 bullets, the Black cop 4 bullets. Aint that America when it comes to race! And finally, ignorance that only the African American showed any remorse by apologizing to the family after the verdict. I hope you set the record straight at your earliest opportunity.

Sent by EJ | 6:09 PM ET | 05-07-2008

I think these acts of civil disobedience are quite ineffective. Using 1950's & 1960's techniques in the 21st century no longer works. We need to find new methods.

Sent by KALW Country | 1:25 AM ET | 05-08-2008

I don't mean to undermine the fact that the kid was unarmed- but Sean Bell was known by the police as a drug dealer. He sold twice to undercover officers. Why are we lamenting the death of a drug dealer?!

Sent by Sara | 2:44 PM ET | 05-08-2008