I watched most of the two day hearing and that was a dog and pony show if I ever saw one. The proceeding was all but scripted. And Nifong knew the script. He was just too smug. His previous apologies notwithstanding, Nifong was in the spotlight once again acting as if "something happened" that night at 610 Buchanan. And his lies and insinuations went unchallenged in one of the worst cross-examinations I ever seen.
As I predicted 16 months ago, Crystal Gail Mangum will never be put on the witness stand in any proceeding related to this case. She be the wrong poster girl for this "white-on-black" hoax.
Yes, it was a better outcome than I --jaded thing that I am-- expected. Nifong is out from his coveted position of power as Durham DA and he has been disbarred. He's been found guilty of criminal contempt and he's received his symbolic single day sentence.
But does anyone here think that trust has been restored to the NC justice system? You all feel better after hearing that testimony from Judge Marcia Morey that it's okay for a prosecutor to lie until the trial stage? And what about Judge Stephens, the first judge who aided and abetted Nifong's efforts to railroad the three innocent lacrosse players? After hearing his blubbering statement in support of Nifong, would you feel confident about appearing in his courtroom?
The courthouse crowd prevailed. It'll be business as usual in Durham. It's over, folks. There will probably be some payments from the state and/or city to the families, but I don't think for a second that there will be any investigation or indictments by the feds, any heads rolling at the DPD or at Duke, or any meaningful reforms by the State of NC.
You are right, Mad-Margaret! The only hope left is for a Federal Justice Department investigation into the civil rights violations of the Duke players. Only a full scope investigation of the NC political and justice system will completely reveal all the corruption.
The City and Couny politicians, the law enforcement, the judicial and the university educational systems here have ties that lead to the sex industry that gave us Crystal Gail Mangum. Digging into the City Council and police departments of Durham would find all sorts of corruption.
Just look at what they have found here in the state government this past year, with former a former Agriculture department head, and former House speaker and a former state lottery director all in prison. The State of North Carolina has more than its share of corrupt officials. And the Democrats are mentioning Governor Easley as a potential Vice President? ROTFL!!