December 23, 1987:
The Times called the verdict in the Howard Beach death of Michael Griffith, ‘criminal justice at its best.’ The editorial further stated, ‘But only hours before the tensely waited verdict, an ill-timed demonstration recklessly inflamed the atmosphere. What did it accomplish, other than to frustrate hundreds of thousands of commuters and create a climate of danger for the whole city?’
‘Some black lawyers and clergymen could not show respect for either the law or the public interest. Even while the jury was doing its work, they exploited the tension by leading a widespread disruption of subway and Brooklyn Bridge traffic during rush hour. Such a demonstration after an acquittal might have been understandable. Occurring when it did, it can only raise the question: Did they anticipate the possible consequences?’ And the editorial closed with the observation: ‘Racism is hardly limited to Howard Beach or New York City. All over urban America, economic shifts, crime and disintegration of neighborhoods feed racist fears and reactions. That was the atmosphere in which the How-
Auteursrechtelijk beschermd