Justice not blind in Raiders case | Napa Valley Register

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Justice not blind in Raiders case

Thursday, October 29, 2009

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Dear editor, Over the years I’ve been subject to much criticism from my family and friends because I have little faith in our political elite to manage our governmental and judicial affairs in an efficient, even-handed manner. For that reason I do not vote.

The recent affair regarding Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable has given me more reason than ever not to bother with the electoral process, especially when it involves members of law enforcement standing for election.

As a manager in an industrial concern I work with a middle management team of six people. While my decisions are what we go by, often discussions occur between myself and the managerial group regarding my decisions. More than once, tempers have been frayed and loud words were spoken.

If, rather than yell, I violently confronted one of my employees, and inflicted injury, I have no doubt that the police department would be called, respond quickly and investigate the matter.

In all likelihood I would be arrested, held in jail if I could not make bail and have to face charges in open court.

Based on the explanation offered by the Napa County district attorney, there seem to be two standards of justice in Napa County — one for the powerful and well connected and another for the rest of the population.

I’ll always do my very best to obey all laws, not only because that’s the right way to behave, but also, quite frankly, because I don’t have the juice to have any case against me dealt with in a softball manner like Tom Cable’s was.

Lady Justice is said to be blind, but in Napa County she’s got one eye open looking out for the powerful.

Charles E. Smith / Oakland

4 comment(s)

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on Oct 29, 2009 12:50 AM:

" To charles,

Im not sure if you heard the entire reason why he wasn't arrested or had charges pressed on him. When the coach went to the hospital he didn't say he was assaulted to begin with. He said that later. So right there he is lying about one or the other. Why would they arrest and charge Cable when the guy said he wasn't assaulted, but then retracted his statement and said he was. Wouldn't be fair to Cable if the guy was lying about being assaulted. Also nobody who was there would back up the coaches story about being assaulted. This happends all the time in courts. Its one guys word against 6 others, and the one guy was lying to begin with so his credibility goes right out the door. This isn't a double standard, this is the way the world works for everyone. "

kevin wrote on Oct 29, 2009 8:36 AM:

" I agree with everything you said Charlie EXCEPT the part about voting.

It's BECAUSE people like you DON'T VOTE that we have elected officals who abuse their office... "

Lexme2 wrote on Oct 29, 2009 11:20 AM:

" Wow, these are the same people that would get upset if the DA did file charges and they were dismissed because there was, as the DA stated, NO EVIDENCE!
The asst. coach denied being assaulted initially but you think PD should have arrested hinm anyway? Really? Is that how you wish to be treated if you are accused of something? When there is no evidence, and witness statements do not back up the complaint there is not much else the DA can do.
You may say the asst. coaches are lying etc. and maybe they are. That has nothing to do with PD or the DA.
How will your view change if it is confirmed in the future that Cable never touched him? "

balance wrote on Oct 29, 2009 1:20 PM:

" Why do you think it's okay to yell at your employees, Mr. Smith, as long as you don't physically attack them? Do you really think you're getting the best work out of them that way? If you ever have to deal with a workplace harassment law suit, you'll have an even lower opinion of the justice system.

And if you don't vote, you shouldn't be complaining. It's very easy to sit back and gripe about things - we can all do plenty of that, but it sure won't fix anything. "

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