“Not guilty” does not mean “not innocent.” Casey Anthony is guilty of much. She is, without a doubt, guilty of not reporting her child missing for 31 days. Her attorney admitted that. He also suggested she might be considered a “slut.” In reading the various comments posted not only on my blog, but all over the social networks, I would ask just this one question of the American public:
Did you reach a decision that Casey Anthony was guilty before or after the trial began?
While millions bemoan a lack of justice and want to draw and quarter each and every one of the jurors for the poor job they feel was done, I can’t help but wonder how many of those millions would fight to serve jury duty next week in their own district or circuit? You know, for a no-name criminal case? Comments have been made that perhaps they would have reached a different verdict if they had the opportunity to see and hear all the public was privy to during the proceedings. That’s what makes our legal system what it is. The jury is not supposed to be tainted by media or public opinions. They are to look at the evidence, they are to scrutinize the evidence, and they are to come together as a group to deliver what they all agree is the right verdict. I have sat on a jury hearing a criminal case.
Do I still have questions? You bet your happy bum I do! The whole 31-day period of a missing baby still bothers me. I am a grandmother of four granddaughters. If I could not pick up a phone and speak to one of them for maybe, just maybe a week, I’d be causing such a ruckus that somebody would put me in contact with my grandbabies. So, is there not some culpability on the parts of George and Cindy for not pitching a fit themselves? I applaud Cindy that she actually went to Universal to confront Casey and see Caylee, where they were purported to be. We cannot second guess anyone, and I truly do not think it would have made a hill of beans bit of difference, but just maybe if she had caused a scene much earlier on, demanding that DCF or Orlando Sheriff’s Department or ANYBODY help her find her granddaughter, at least there would have been a body and forensic evidence. Maybe it was not her responsibility to do such, but I am convinced it was her grandparental obligation to look under every single leaf. When she caught Casey in the third or fourth lie, every red flag in the State of Florida should have gone up.
Now, having said that—I say this. It may not be a perfect system, but I am firmly convinced our legal system continues to remain the best in the world. In most foreign countries the burden of proof is on the defense, if they don’t just kill the accused without a trial ever taking place. A close family member recently recalled to me that when he was visiting another nation, two men were accused of rape. Their trial? Well, it consisted of tying both of them to the bumper of a truck and dragging them through the streets and roads of the town until they were dead. It seems that is the sort of justice many want for Casey Anthony. We knew there was no way everyone would be satisfied with the verdict, no matter if it came back “guilty” or “not-guilty,” but to see the feeding frenzy that is taking place in our nation saddens me. Did the system work, or did Casey’s defense work the system? Either way, I’m still honored to live in the United States of America.
Carolyn is an advocate for sexual/domestic violence and assault awareness, also focusing on child sexual abuse. She is a Life Direction & Empowerment Coach, working with victims and survivors of molestation, sexual assault, domestic violence or spousal abuse, and bringing training to organizations seeking to help victims. Listen to Carolyn’s interview with Cynthia Brennen, on “Help, Hope & Healing.” Visit her website at orangeblossomwishes.com.