Gay Student 'Branded' in Bias Attack

Quinn Matney An openly gay college student in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was assaulted with searing hot metal by a man who seemingly targeted him for his sexual orientation, the Huffington Post reported on April 12.

[Pattysboi]

I sincerely hope they catch Mr. Matney's assailant, arrest, charge, AND convict him to the full extent of the law as a hate crime.

[Frank Stanton]

I think the Death Penalty SHOULD apply to a lot more crimes than it presently does.

So, someone please give a logical reason WHY the person who committed this crime, if apprehended, should NOT be executed ?

[JohnInToronto]

The assailant needs to be killed in the manner Edward II supposedly was. Let the punishment fit the crime.

[ScottyMatic]

Frank Stanton wrote:

I think the Death Penalty SHOULD apply to a lot more crimes than it presently does.
So, someone please give a logical reason WHY the person who committed this crime, if apprehended, should NOT be executed ?

I find it disturbing that they allow you to vote, Frank

Two wrongs do not make a right, and punishments should be measured against the crime. We already have laws condemning this crime and prescribing the appropriate punishment.

Now, the authorities need to enforce those laws, and catch this jerk. The D.A. needs to prosecute the hate crime, and then mister assailant will get to enjoy the accomodations of a federal prison, where there are experiences to be had which considerably worse than a quick painless death.

But I'm curious about the incident description. According to Matney, this drunk guy sprang from a nearby bench... where he just happened to have been heating up a piece of metal? Something about the story doesn't completely add up for me.

But at least if the account is accurate, then it can be proven that the attack was premeditated. One does not just casually sit around on a bench with a hot piece of metal. It would take time to heat it up, with the intention of inflicting harm. That'll add ten years to the prison time. No "gay panic" defense is gonna hold water on this one.

[Frank Stanton]

ScottyMatic wrote:

<quoted text>
I find it disturbing that they allow you to vote, Frank
Two wrongs do not make a right, and punishments should be measured against the crime. We already have laws condemning this crime and prescribing the appropriate punishment.
Now, the authorities need to enforce those laws, and catch this jerk. The D.A. needs to prosecute the hate crime, and then mister assailant will get to enjoy the accomodations of a federal prison, where there are experiences to be had which considerably worse than a quick painless death.
But I'm curious about the incident description. According to Matney, this drunk guy sprang from a nearby bench... where he just happened to have been heating up a piece of metal? Something about the story doesn't completely add up for me.
But at least if the account is accurate, then it can be proven that the attack was premeditated. One does not just casually sit around on a bench with a hot piece of metal. It would take time to heat it up, with the intention of inflicting harm. That'll add ten years to the prison time. No "gay panic" defense is gonna hold water on this one.

The Death Penaly CAN and DOES apply to some non-violent crimes in the U.S.

Unfortunately it's not applied to enough crimes, nor carried out often enough.

And as ALWAYS, I am being Fair. And Balanced.

[Here Kitty Kitty]

Pattysboi wrote:

I sincerely hope they catch Mr. Matney's assailant, arrest, charge, AND convict him to the full extent of the law as a hate crime.

The perpetrator may turn out to be just head of the snake
.
The FBI may find the rest of the critter crawling around an altar somewhere in 'chapel' hill
.
Feed 'em to the lions

[RalphB]

I think we should wait for the final outcome before we all go jumping to conclusions on this one. There is just to much left unsaid and to the imagination for this to be open and shut.

[Ura Dimwit]

Frank Stanton wrote:

<quoted text>
The Death Penaly CAN and DOES apply to some non-violent crimes in the U.S.
Unfortunately it's not applied to enough crimes, nor carried out often enough.
And as ALWAYS, I am being Fair. And Balanced.

Yes, as always, you are fairly unbalanced.

[ScottyMatic]

Frank Stanton wrote:

<quoted text>
The Death Penaly CAN and DOES apply to some non-violent crimes in the U.S.
Unfortunately it's not applied to enough crimes, nor carried out often enough.
And as ALWAYS, I am being Fair. And Balanced.

Frank, if you were fair and balanced, you wouldn't have to go around telling everyone all the time how fair and balanced you are.

Methinks the lady doth protest too much.

The only crimes in the U.S. for which the death penalty is currently being applied are, in general, rape of a child under 14 (or younger ages depending on the state, or in the case of Montana, a second conviction for rape resulting in serious bodily injury.

There are some state statutes for which the death penalty may be applied (though there are currently no death row inmates convicted on these charges): treason, aggravated kidnapping, drug trafficking, aircraft hijacking, placing a bomb near a bus terminal, and espionage. The Federal death penalty applies to: espionage, treason, trafficking large quantities of drugs, and attempting, authorizing, or advising the killing of any officer, juror,or witness in the case of a continuing criminal enterprise.

What mister Matney suffered was a (North Carolina) Class-E Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon without intent to kill, resulting in serious bodily harm. Under NC law, this offense is punishable by 15-31 months in prison (for a first offense), plus whatever would be tacked on for the hate crime classification.

What you have to remember is that a court is NOT a court of JUSTICE, it is a court of LAW. Mr. Matney can never be made whole again, so there is no final justice to be had. Killing the assailant would not deliver justice. It would, in fact, be RADICALLY ABUSIVE of the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. constitution which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, in that it would be incredibly disproportionate to the damage inflicted by the crime committed.

If you want a legal system that cuts of someone's hands for stealing a goat, then I suggest you go somewhere that they practice Sharia Law.

Incidentally, there is a photo of Mr. Matney's injury attached to the following report of the story. Looks a lot like he was burned twice with a car cigarette lighter. And how would a guy sitting on a bench outside have a hot car cigarette lighter? I still think there's more to this than we're really getting thus far.

http://www.dallasvoice.com/brewing-maryland-s...

[SFer]

There are places in the world, China and Iran, where execution is relatively routine, even for crimes other than murder.

Perhaps you should go there. You can be "fair and balaned" (sic) all you want.

Frank Stanton wrote:

I think the Death Penalty SHOULD apply to a lot more crimes than it presently does.
So, someone please give a logical reason WHY the person who committed this crime, if apprehended, should NOT be executed ?

[Frank Stanton]

ScottyMatic wrote:

<quoted text>
Frank, if you were fair and balanced, you wouldn't have to go around telling everyone all the time how fair and balanced you are.
Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
The only crimes in the U.S. for which the death penalty is currently being applied are, in general, rape of a child under 14 (or younger ages depending on the state, or in the case of Montana, a second conviction for rape resulting in serious bodily injury.
There are some state statutes for which the death penalty may be applied (though there are currently no death row inmates convicted on these charges): treason, aggravated kidnapping, drug trafficking, aircraft hijacking, placing a bomb near a bus terminal, and espionage. The Federal death penalty applies to: espionage, treason, trafficking large quantities of drugs, and attempting, authorizing, or advising the killing of any officer, juror,or witness in the case of a continuing criminal enterprise.
What mister Matney suffered was a (North Carolina) Class-E Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon without intent to kill, resulting in serious bodily harm. Under NC law, this offense is punishable by 15-31 months in prison (for a first offense), plus whatever would be tacked on for the hate crime classification.
What you have to remember is that a court is NOT a court of JUSTICE, it is a court of LAW. Mr. Matney can never be made whole again, so there is no final justice to be had. Killing the assailant would not deliver justice. It would, in fact, be RADICALLY ABUSIVE of the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. constitution which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, in that it would be incredibly disproportionate to the damage inflicted by the crime committed.
If you want a legal system that cuts of someone's hands for stealing a goat, then I suggest you go somewhere that they practice Sharia Law.
Incidentally, there is a photo of Mr. Matney's injury attached to the following report of the story. Looks a lot like he was burned twice with a car cigarette lighter. And how would a guy sitting on a bench outside have a hot car cigarette lighter? I still think there's more to this than we're really getting thus far.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/brewing-maryland-s...

Since we do not have effectve Death Penalty statutes at the federal level, nor does each state, I am a BIG supporter of "Three Strikes Laws" whereupon convition ona third felony, or a misdemeanor after 2 felonies (alifornia), the sentence is life in prison.

I've never commited a felony. I'll bet at least 99% of you people here have never done so either. Why should honest citizens be victimized by repeat offendors ?

[BS Detector]

ScottyMatic wrote:

<quoted text>
Frank, if you were fair and balanced, you wouldn't have to go around telling everyone all the time how fair and balanced you are.
Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
The only crimes in the U.S. for which the death penalty is currently being applied are, in general, rape of a child under 14 (or younger ages depending on the state, or in the case of Montana, a second conviction for rape resulting in serious bodily injury.
There are some state statutes for which the death penalty may be applied (though there are currently no death row inmates convicted on these charges): treason, aggravated kidnapping, drug trafficking, aircraft hijacking, placing a bomb near a bus terminal, and espionage. The Federal death penalty applies to: espionage, treason, trafficking large quantities of drugs, and attempting, authorizing, or advising the killing of any officer, juror,or witness in the case of a continuing criminal enterprise.
What mister Matney suffered was a (North Carolina) Class-E Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon without intent to kill, resulting in serious bodily harm. Under NC law, this offense is punishable by 15-31 months in prison (for a first offense), plus whatever would be tacked on for the hate crime classification.
What you have to remember is that a court is NOT a court of JUSTICE, it is a court of LAW. Mr. Matney can never be made whole again, so there is no final justice to be had. Killing the assailant would not deliver justice. It would, in fact, be RADICALLY ABUSIVE of the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. constitution which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, in that it would be incredibly disproportionate to the damage inflicted by the crime committed.
If you want a legal system that cuts of someone's hands for stealing a goat, then I suggest you go somewhere that they practice Sharia Law.
Incidentally, there is a photo of Mr. Matney's injury attached to the following report of the story. Looks a lot like he was burned twice with a car cigarette lighter. And how would a guy sitting on a bench outside have a hot car cigarette lighter? I still think there's more to this than we're really getting thus far.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/brewing-maryland-s...

Wow. Talk about an outstanding response! Well done. While I don't support hate crime enhancements, I learned something from what you wrote. Really well done.

[ScottyMatic]

Frank Stanton wrote:

<quoted text>
Since we do not have effectve Death Penalty statutes at the federal level, nor does each state, I am a BIG supporter of "Three Strikes Laws" whereupon convition ona third felony, or a misdemeanor after 2 felonies (alifornia), the sentence is life in prison.
I've never commited a felony. I'll bet at least 99% of you people here have never done so either. Why should honest citizens be victimized by repeat offendors ?

On the other hand, Frank, the cost of trying a death penalty case at the federal level is $620,932. That's about 8 times the cost of a non-death penalty case. Those are my tax dollars; over half a million of them.

In California, the cost of maintaining the death penalty system is calculated at $137,000,000 per year.

In North Carolina where this offense occurred, a death penalty court case costs the state $2,160,000 MORE than a non death penalty case.

Consider that the death penalty doesn't really accomplish anything, except to drain the wallets of taxpayers who have to foot the bills for the prosecutions, and the housing of inmates on death row. Studies have proven that the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime. There have always been, and will always be, violent criminals in society. And the more heavy-handed the government, the more violent the society tends to be.

Personally, I think there are plenty of "victimless" crimes, such as possession of marijuana, that should be legalized, thereby freeing up space in our prisons so that we can manage to keep the really dangerous criminals incarcerated.

Killing them is not the answer. I believe that because killing people for any reason has really never solved anything. From a moral standpoint, I can only see it justified in the case of an immediate threat, i.e., self defense. But for most of the murderous, raping scum out there, I can't see how spending two million taxpayer dollars to have them killed benefits society in any way. It just makes lots of rich lawyers, and makes my taxes go up.

Wouldn't it be better if people like you, who are so heart-set on punishing the offenders, take justice into your own hands, seek them out, and kill them yourselves? If you feel so strongly about it, you should be willing to sacrifice yourself for it.

It seems only fair. And balanced.

[ScottyMatic]

BS Detector wrote:

<quoted text>Wow. Talk about an outstanding response! Well done. While I don't support hate crime enhancements, I learned something from what you wrote. Really well done.

Thanks. I learned something while I was looking up the information to support my assertions. Isn't learning wonderful?:)

[Frank Stanton]

There's a story on the AP that just appeared a short time ago, which illustrates my point exactly.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PRI...

A prison guard was murdered by 2 prison inmates during an unsuccessful escape attempt. One of the men is servinga life term for murder while the otehr is serving 80 years ( a de facto life term) for kidnapping.

If either of these men had been executed for their heinous crimes, this prison guard might estill be alive.

ANOTHER case of teh Death Penalty NOT being used early enough nor soon enough.

To those of you opposed to the Death Penalty, what would you sentence these men to ?(each of them is alread serving a life sentence).

If you simply give each of these men another life sentence, then there is no punishment. Clearly, they can't be rehabilitated, so what is your solution ?

I say execute em in 90 days.

NEXT !

[Frank Stanton]

ScottyMatic wrote:

<quoted text>
On the other hand, Frank, the cost of trying a death penalty case at the federal level is $620,932. That's about 8 times the cost of a non-death penalty case. Those are my tax dollars; over half a million of them.
In California, the cost of maintaining the death penalty system is calculated at $137,000,000 per year.
In North Carolina where this offense occurred, a death penalty court case costs the state $2,160,000 MORE than a non death penalty case.
Consider that the death penalty doesn't really accomplish anything, except to drain the wallets of taxpayers who have to foot the bills for the prosecutions, and the housing of inmates on death row. Studies have proven that the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime. There have always been, and will always be, violent criminals in society. And the more heavy-handed the government, the more violent the society tends to be.
Personally, I think there are plenty of "victimless" crimes, such as possession of marijuana, that should be legalized, thereby freeing up space in our prisons so that we can manage to keep the really dangerous criminals incarcerated.
Killing them is not the answer. I believe that because killing people for any reason has really never solved anything. From a moral standpoint, I can only see it justified in the case of an immediate threat, i.e., self defense. But for most of the murderous, raping scum out there, I can't see how spending two million taxpayer dollars to have them killed benefits society in any way. It just makes lots of rich lawyers, and makes my taxes go up.
Wouldn't it be better if people like you, who are so heart-set on punishing the offenders, take justice into your own hands, seek them out, and kill them yourselves? If you feel so strongly about it, you should be willing to sacrifice yourself for it.
It seems only fair. And balanced.

So because of the FINANCIAL COST, we should NOT execute ANY of the prisoners at GITMO (which Obamaniac® has kept open, and will continue to keep open indefinitely, just as he PRMISED to do during the campaign !:)).

Never mind exercising a just sentence of Death.

Right ?

:)

[Anonymous]

This story is missing information. It doesn't make sense and leaves too many questions.

[Roisia]

Frank Stanton wrote:

<quoted text>
The Death Penaly CAN and DOES apply to some non-violent crimes in the U.S.
Unfortunately it's not applied to enough crimes, nor carried out often enough.
And as ALWAYS, I am being Fair. And Balanced.

So killing someone who brands someone else is fair and balanced?

I'd hate to see the "fair and balanced" punishment for me J walking.

[nhjeff]

Frank Stanton wrote:

<quoted text>
Since we do not have effectve Death Penalty statutes at the federal level, nor does each state, I am a BIG supporter of "Three Strikes Laws" whereupon convition ona third felony, or a misdemeanor after 2 felonies (alifornia), the sentence is life in prison.
I've never commited a felony. I'll bet at least 99% of you people here have never done so either. Why should honest citizens be victimized by repeat offendors ?

Seeing as drug possession is a felony in many states, your 99% figure may be a bit, ummm, made up.

[Frank Stanton]

nhjeff wrote:

<quoted text>
Seeing as drug possession is a felony in many states, your 99% figure may be a bit, ummm, made up.

Are you telling me that most people on Topix are guilty (whether arrested or not) of felony drug possesion ? I don't believe that.

I'm in my 50's and I have NEVER possessed a single illegal drug in my life. And I did not associate in any way, shape, or form, with people who did. Those people were NOT my crowd.

I don't believe too many other people are as you imply.