Yes, I do hope that the Lacys get a more thorough investigation into Lennon’s case. It’s important to Claudia, and as a mother, I completely understand that. At the same time, Lennon’s case is one of dozens of those involving Black people found hanging publicly since 2005. They have all been ruled suicides, and the topic merits a comprehensive investigation. With a more thorough look at whether these cases are in fact lynchings, it’s important to also examine the inequities in the institutions that make the violence and lack of accountability possible. By understanding the details of lynching terrorism, we can take a deeper look at the systems that we move through daily, including policing, education, housing, banking, and more, and we have the power to reshape them to better serve everyone.
…you tell a lie and you start to believe it, then forget it was a lie. In the argumentative context, engaging in bad faith means to engage without really trying to understand or address the opposing view, which usually manifests in profound mischaracterizations of the other side. At that point — especially when caught up in the thrilling energy of group condemnation — it’s easy…
Though Harvard had its secrets dragged into the light by the lawsuit, the practice of all but trading spots at top colleges in exchange for major gifts is hardly confined to Cambridge, Massachusetts. But while conspiring with a college advisor and bribing SAT proctors and coaches is illegal—hence Operation Varsity Blues—donating $2.5 million to get your underachieving kid into a top Ivy League school is not. In fact, U.S. attorney Lelling specifically told reporters at Tuesday’s press conference: “We’re not talking about donating a building so that a school is more likely to take your son or daughter. We’re talking about deception and fraud.”