Opinion: What Kyle Rittenhouse's tears reveal about America

[Tennesseer]

Opinion: What Kyle Rittenhouse's tears reveal about America

Despite last year's demonstrations supporting racial justice and substantive efforts at political reform, the system that devalues Black lives remains largely -- and powerfully -- intact.

Kyle Rittenhouse, the 18-year-old on trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for shooting three people and killing two of them, represents the epitome of White privilege in America run amok. Rittenhouse, who has pleaded not guilty to six charges including reckless homicide, intentional homicide and attempted intentional homicide, cried during emotional testimony on Wednesday. Anyone watching the proceedings who was unfamiliar with the events that led to this trial would be forgiven for assuming that Rittenhouse was the victim of an unspeakable crime rather than being its accused perpetrator.

His protracted sobs -- and people's telling reactions to them -- spoke volumes about the moment America now finds itself in. Whether or not Rittenhouse is convicted, the perspective he represents -- galvanized by the anger, fear and prejudice of White Americans -- has already achieved its ends: normalizing a kind of racial privilege exposed, but far from extinguished, in the wake of George Floyd's murder last year.

During racial justice demonstrations in Kenosha in the summer of 2020 that were sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake, Rittenhouse allegedly crossed state lines, driving from his hometown of Antioch, Illinois, and later arming himself with an AR-15 style rifle. Yet Rittenhouse tried to tell a different story with his tears on the stand, portraying himself as a non-aggressor, saying that he felt in fear of his life as he fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and shot and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 27.

The baby-faced vigilante has become a hero to many among the far right-wing political establishment, who have hailed him as a paragon of virtue brave enough to stand up to the sinister forces of the Black Lives Matter movement. The circumstances of his trial reflect the way in which race shapes America's unequal criminal justice system.

Rittenhouse, even after police were alerted to an active shooter being on the scene, was never arrested and turned himself in, accompanied by his mother. Amazingly, Rittenhouse was released on a $2 million bail, money raised by right wing supporters. He was seen photographed with actor Rick Schroeder shortly after being released -- who told the New York Post that he was "infuriated" and "Kyle's life [was] being destroyed."

Complete article here: Opinion: What Kyle Rittenhouse's tears reveal about America

[andi9899]

I've been following this trial. The crying was for show. There were no tears. He was well prepared by his lawyer. Add in the fact that the prosecutor keeps pissing off the judge, and he may very well get a mistrial declared.

Do I think he's a cold blooded killer? No. I think he is a kid who was hyped up by adults around him. He never should have been there and he was not old enough to possess a firearm. He's not old enough to make decisions like that. I do think he needs to be convicted of some of the charges against him, but not all of them. I do think his parents bear some responsibility as he was a minor and should at the very least be sued. Either way this works out, it's not going to be good.

[Tennesseer]

Nov 12, 2021 12:12:07 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

I've been following this trial. The crying was for show. There were no tears. He was well prepared by his lawyer. Add in the fact that the prosecutor keeps pissing off the judge, and he may very well get a mistrial declared.

Do I think he's a cold blooded killer? No. I think he is a kid who was hyped up by adults around him. He never should have been there and he was not old enough to possess a firearm. He's not old enough to make decisions like that. I do think he needs to be convicted of some of the charges against him, but not all of them. I do think his parents bear some responsibility as he was a minor and should at the very least be sued. Either way this works out, it's not going to be good.

He never should have been there period. And after he shot the first person he should have gotten the he'll out of there.

He claimed he was there to offer first aid to anyone injured. Yet he had no first aid training. And if he really was there yo offer first aid, he offered none to the people he shot.

The person who bought the rifle for him should go to prison.

There is so much for the jury to convict him of but will they? And the judge should be removed from ever trying a court case again. Judge won't allow the prosecution to call those injured and killed 'victims' but will allow the defense to use the terms 'rioters' and other negative terms. Talk about influencing the jury.

[dondub]

Nov 12, 2021 12:23:07 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Nov 12, 2021 12:12:07 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

I've been following this trial. The crying was for show. There were no tears. He was well prepared by his lawyer. Add in the fact that the prosecutor keeps pissing off the judge, and he may very well get a mistrial declared.

Do I think he's a cold blooded killer? No. I think he is a kid who was hyped up by adults around him. He never should have been there and he was not old enough to possess a firearm. He's not old enough to make decisions like that. I do think he needs to be convicted of some of the charges against him, but not all of them. I do think his parents bear some responsibility as he was a minor and should at the very least be sued. Either way this works out, it's not going to be good.

He never should have been there period. And after he shot the first person he should have gotten the he'll out of there.

He claimed he was there to offer first aid to anyone injured. Yet he had no first aid training. And if he really was there yo offer first aid, he offered none to the people he shot.

The person who bought the rifle for him should go to prison.

There is so much for the jury to convict him of but will they? And the judge should be removed from ever trying a court case again. Judge won't allow the prosecution to call those injured and killed 'victims' but will allow the defense to use the terms 'rioters' and other negative terms. Talk about influencing the jury.

I do believe he had first aid trains. He was a certified lifeguard and I believe he also participated in some junior emt program with his local police force. He spoke about his “pelican bag” and his first aid Fanny pack.

[Tennesseer]

Nov 12, 2021 12:29:37 GMT -5 dondub said:

Nov 12, 2021 12:23:07 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

He never should have been there period. And after he shot the first person he should have gotten the he'll out of there.

He claimed he was there to offer first aid to anyone injured. Yet he had no first aid training. And if he really was there yo offer first aid, he offered none to the people he shot.

The person who bought the rifle for him should go to prison.

There is so much for the jury to convict him of but will they? And the judge should be removed from ever trying a court case again. Judge won't allow the prosecution to call those injured and killed 'victims' but will allow the defense to use the terms 'rioters' and other negative terms. Talk about influencing the jury.

I do believe he had first aid trains. He was a certified lifeguard and I believe he also participated in some junior emt program with his local police force. He spoke about his “pelican bag” and his first aid Fanny pack.

I was a certified lifeguard when I was his age and I wasn't trained on how to stop someone from bleeding to death after being shot.

And I am unaware of certified EMTs carrying rifles as they treat and transport the injured.

[Tennesseer]

[Value Buy]

If anyone watched the trial live, you would be asking how could the Prosecutor do such a bad job. His own witness torpedoed his entire questioning of the witness with one answer.
I thought a lawyer was never supposed to ask a question he did not know what the answer would be.
This guy is guilty of Prosecorial (sp) misconduct.
It stems from thew DA charging the defendent within two days of the shooting without reviewing the many videos that were taken. If they did view them before charging, they way overcharged him. 
The two that died were shown to being attacking Rittenhouse.
Even the person who was only wounded said he was the aggressor against Rittenhouse
On top of that he openly said in court the kid refused to talk to the prosecutor invoking his fifth Amendment rights, so he had to be hiding things (or something to that affect)
Today the Judge refused to allow for lesser charges to be allowed from the prosecutor.
I would not be surprised if the jury finds him innocent on all charges as he was not proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

That said, if the DA had checked all the evidence and indicted him on lesser charges, he might have put on a good prosecution.
Trouble is the leftwing mob wanted a hanging.

And yes, he should nt have been there or with a weapon. Neither should the rioters.
The police should have been there in an actual defense mode, rather than watching the town burn. there is culpability from the politicians for not to enforcing crowd control and preventing violence. That void allowed this situation to happen.
And please, if you did not catch much of the trial live, you missed justice in action. Granted it may not be the justice you wanted, but it is justice, and let's not forget, the jury can still find him guilty. I just feel this was a fair trial regardless of what the Prosecution did. I was shocked the defense lawyer rarily said anything to stop the questioning, of so many repeat questions. Ever hear, "I object your Honor, asked and answered" He set there and let the prosecutor embarrass himself. Obviously he knew the trial was over and Rittenhouse won.

[dondub]

Nov 12, 2021 12:32:13 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Nov 12, 2021 12:29:37 GMT -5 dondub said:

I do believe he had first aid trains. He was a certified lifeguard and I believe he also participated in some junior emt program with his local police force. He spoke about his “pelican bag” and his first aid Fanny pack.

I was a certified lifeguard when I was his age and I wasn't trained on how to stop someone from bleeding to death after being shot.

And I am unaware of certified EMTs carrying rifles as they treat and transport the injured.

Perhaps any first aid he was prepared to perform was not of the gun shot variety. Although I think we all know to compress the wound and call 911.

[swamp]

The prosecutor is being a fucking idiot. You NEVER NEVER NEVER comment on a defendant choosing to remain silent. In NY that’s basically an automatic mistrial.

[andi9899]

Honestly I'm surprised the judge he put up with the prosecutor this long. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm pretty sure he's fucking up big time.

[Tiny]

I disagree.   I do think he's a cold blooded killer.    HE intentionally went to Wisconsin  He intentionally armed himself with AR-15 style rifle.   He went to participate.   He went to a "fight"  dressed for  and expecting a "fight".   

I would not have been selected as a juror.   He didn't kill someone by accident or in self defense.   He went intending to "protect" something armed with a AR-15 style rifle  -- which means he was willing to shoot probably kill someone right from the get go.     

I saw his "tears" as fake.   If anything he's crying because he's afraid of going to prison.   



OK, maybe I'm "victim blaming"...  he got into the mess he's in based on how he presented himself ?        You know the old "she was wearing a short skirt - she was asking for it!"   "If she didn't want it, why would she have gone to the bar? or walked down the alley alone?  or a dozen other reason's it was her fault something bad happened?)   

In this case Kyle was carrying an AR-15 style rifle in the middle of a chaotic riot.    

[andi9899]

Closing arguments are Monday. I guess we'll find out his fate then.

[Value Buy]

Nov 12, 2021 16:53:16 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Closing arguments are Monday. I guess we'll find out his fate then.

Maybe
I forget how long each side gets to address the jury, and then the Judge spends time instructing the jury.
I am hoping the jury deliberates for a few hours at a minimum. A decision by Tuesday is possible
There are issues to discuss.

Unless the Prosecutor entirely f'upped his case.......
then there is a chance the Judge throws the case out 

[busymom]

Crocodile tears.  Talk about fake...

[bean29]

Governor Evers has called in the National Guard for Next week.  I don't think anyone is expecting Justice to be served.

I agree with Tiny.  He went to Kenosha anticipating using his AR-15 to kill people.  He is a Psychopath, I think he will get off, and I expect he will kill again.  

[Tennesseer]

Nov 12, 2021 17:41:57 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Governor Evers has called in the National Guard for Next week.  I don't think anyone is expecting Justice to be served.

I agree with Tiny.  He went to Kenosha anticipating using his AR-15 to kill people.  He is a Psychopath, I think he will get off, and I expect he will kill again.  

If that is the case let's hope someone paints a symbolic target on his back. Would not bother me one bit. Should have happened to George Zimmerman too.

[Opti]

I don't believe his tears. I'm glad I'm not in Kenosha. If I had to bet, I'd bet the only homicide charge that might hold is the attempted one. 

news.yahoo.com/everything-know-kyle-rittenhouse-trial-205131374.html
What are the charges?



Count 1: First-degree reckless homicide, use of a dangerous weapon



Count 2: First-degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon



Count 3: First-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon



Count 4: Attempt first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon



Count 5: First-degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon



Count 6: Possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18

[andi9899]

There is no way he can get off on all those charges unless a mistrial is declared. There would be a huge riot.

[djAdvocate]

he can cry all he likes.
it's a free country.

[happyhoix]

Nov 12, 2021 17:41:57 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Governor Evers has called in the National Guard for Next week.  I don't think anyone is expecting Justice to be served.

I agree with Tiny.  He went to Kenosha anticipating using his AR-15 to kill people.  He is a Psychopath, I think he will get off, and I expect he will kill again.  

I don’t think he’s a psychopath, I think he’s a brainless 16 year old eager to participate in a fight. Honestly most 16 year olds are fairly brainless. He got caught up in the excitement and used a gun it wasn’t legal for him to have.

If I remember right his father is out of the picture and he’s been hanging out with his friends’ dad who is a big gun nut. His mom wouldn’t allow him to have a gun, so he saved up money he gave to his friends dad to buy his gun, and he kept his gun over at his friends house. So mom didn’t know he owned it.

I have to wonder if mom will end up suing the friends dad - or if the friends dad will get prosecuted for buying a gun for a minor. That has to be illegal.

[billisonboard]

Nov 15, 2021 8:15:38 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

Nov 12, 2021 17:41:57 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Governor Evers has called in the National Guard for Next week.  I don't think anyone is expecting Justice to be served.

I agree with Tiny.  He went to Kenosha anticipating using his AR-15 to kill people.  He is a Psychopath, I think he will get off, and I expect he will kill again.  

I don’t think he’s a psychopath, I think he’s a brainless 16 year old eager to participate in a fight. Honestly most 16 year olds are fairly brainless. He got caught up in the excitement and used a gun it wasn’t legal for him to have.

If I remember right his father is out of the picture and he’s been hanging out with his friends’ dad who is a big gun nut. His mom wouldn’t allow him to have a gun, so he saved up money he gave to his friends dad to buy his gun, and he kept his gun over at his friends house. So mom didn’t know he owned it.

I have to wonder if mom will end up suing the friends dad - or if the friends dad will get prosecuted for buying a gun for a minor. That has to be illegal.

Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old man who prosecutors allege purchased and supplied the gun used by 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse in the fatal shootings of two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin. link

[Opti]

He's 18 and was 17 at the time of the shooting. According to an article I read his sister's BF bought the gun for him. 

www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/11/was-kyle-rittenhouse-a-patriot-or-a-kid-in-over-his-head-verdict-likely-to-move-the-window-on-whats-acceptable.html
Rittenhouse wasn’t old enough to buy a firearm. But in May 2020 he gave money to his sister’s boyfriend, Dominick Black, with whom he had gone shooting in northern Wisconsin, and Black bought the Smith & Wesson for him. The gun was supposed to remain in a safe at the home of Black’s stepfather, Black testified.

Then on Aug. 23, a white Kenosha police officer responding to a domestic disturbance call shot Blake, who investigators said was armed with a knife. The shooting sparked the protests where people damaged buildings and started fires, at one point burning over 100 vehicles in the lot of a car dealership.

Black said that was when his stepfather got the guns out of his safe in the garage and brought them into the house.



On Aug. 25, Rittenhouse traveled to Kenosha from his home in Illinois. He and Black helped clean up businesses damaged in the unrest, then went back to Black’s house. When they left again for the scene of the protests, they both took their guns.

[Opti]

Nov 15, 2021 8:53:32 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Nov 15, 2021 8:15:38 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

I don’t think he’s a psychopath, I think he’s a brainless 16 year old eager to participate in a fight. Honestly most 16 year olds are fairly brainless. He got caught up in the excitement and used a gun it wasn’t legal for him to have.

If I remember right his father is out of the picture and he’s been hanging out with his friends’ dad who is a big gun nut. His mom wouldn’t allow him to have a gun, so he saved up money he gave to his friends dad to buy his gun, and he kept his gun over at his friends house. So mom didn’t know he owned it.

I have to wonder if mom will end up suing the friends dad - or if the friends dad will get prosecuted for buying a gun for a minor. That has to be illegal.

Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old man who prosecutors allege purchased and supplied the gun used by 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse in the fatal shootings of two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin. link

Those are serious charges. Probably will stop some people from buying guns for minors for at least a little while.

[Opti]

A verdict hasn't been reached yet, but I saw this-


(The judge dismissed a misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18.)
www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/fact-check-did-kyle-rittenhouse-prosecutor-point-gun-at-jury-telling-them-to-convict/ar-AAQO0MU?ocid=BingNewsSearch

What is up with this judge? How is it OK for this charge to get dismissed yet the buyer of the gun be charged?

Just found an article, apparently he dropped the charge on Monday due to the law being confusing per him.

www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/explainer-why-did-the-judge-in-kyle-rittenhouses-trial-drop-the-gun-possession-charge/ar-AAQMRqP?ocid=BingNewsSearch

[andi9899]

The judge has been incredibly biased from the very beginning. I expect him to go easy on him. He's not going to get off completely, but he's not going to spend his life in jail.

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

Nov 17, 2021 8:27:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

The judge has been incredibly biased from the very beginning. I expect him to go easy on him. He's not going to get off completely, but he's not going to spend his life in jail.

is a prosecutor allowed to appeal a ruling and sentencing? I know a defendant is.

[andi9899]

Nov 17, 2021 8:35:50 GMT -5 Cheesy FL-Vol said:

Nov 17, 2021 8:27:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

The judge has been incredibly biased from the very beginning. I expect him to go easy on him. He's not going to get off completely, but he's not going to spend his life in jail.

is a prosecutor allowed to appeal a ruling and sentencing? I know a defendant is.

I have no idea. swamp should know.

[Opti]

Nov 17, 2021 8:27:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

The judge has been incredibly biased from the very beginning. I expect him to go easy on him. He's not going to get off completely, but he's not going to spend his life in jail.

I think its possible he'll get off completely now that the gun charge has been dropped. The jurors will likely decide the people he killed, were killed in self defense. The jurors are likely to look at everything from the POV of Kyle, not the people he killed or shot. The guy with the skateboard was probably trying to stop an active shooter situation, and died for his trouble. There are pro Kyle memes on that. 

Unfortunately there is no law against panicked stupidity. Had he only killed the first person and then retreated, I don't think we'd be on the verge of a riot. Instead, he decided running through the street with a loaded gun was a good idea. 

[andi9899]

I don't think he's getting off. Something is going to have to stick or there is going to be a huge riot. Plus, he's guilty of some of those charges. Which ones are up to the jury. He had no business being where he was and illegally possessed a firearm. You can't go starting shit and then cry self defense.

[Opti]

Nov 17, 2021 8:53:26 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

I don't think he's getting off. Something is going to have to stick or there is going to be a huge riot. Plus, he's guilty of some of those charges. Which ones are up to the jury. He had no business being where he was and illegally possessed a firearm. You can't go starting shit and then cry self defense.

There will be a riot. The firearm charge has been dropped, so there is no slam dunk charge against him. He was asked to be at the car dealership. If he was an active shooter, he probably would be convicted on killing the second person and shooting his last victim. I don't think that's how the jury is going to see it.

I feel we are now in a Zimmerman situation. The dead can't talk and the reasonable doubt is going to help the defendant.