Your 104 : Dead-on accurate assessment. In my reply 83, I speculated on the likelihood of violence against the players at the hands of an angry "citizen" who just wanted to see a white guy sent to prison regardless of guilt. (As you and I both mentioned, there is a sentiment among many in the black citizenry of Durham for convicting the students simply to 'right past injustices') Can you imagine how much angrier such people are now that the rape charge has been dropped-and how enraged they'll become if all charges are dismissed? It is patently obvious that the university will not and cannot protect these students. They are insane if they return to Duke.
I have felt all along that the only way to end this is with a trial that absolutely beyond a doubt proves their innocence and the accuer's and Nifong's complicity.
I understand the risk that entails to these boys, but in my mind, the only way sane people will ever be sure they are innocent is to see it laid out in front of their very eyes day after day.
Then, after their vindication, any "uproar" caused by certain segments of the town will be seen as what it is -- demand for pandering.
It was final exams week and Brodhead kicked the boys out of their dorm rooms for safety reasons because he (Brodhead) agreed to allow the black panthers come on campus to rally.
That's how bad it was.