A Shadow.

Please, everyone, please. I know you'd like this to be over and done with, and justice meted out by we the jury of the man's peers but let's not be unduly hasty. You don't have to tell me it looks bad, I know it does. You don't have to tell me that you know he's guilty, you've all made that clear. But is it that clear? We are tasked with deciding this man's fate beyond the shadow of a doubt, and I, gentlemen, see a tinge of darkness where light should be.

Imagine, if you would, youwere this man: surrounded, brated, being pelted with objects. You might fear for life, certainly he did. You all know how it is out there, sentiment against the british has never been worse. They say w are the verge of revolution, and whatever you may think about that it's not the fault of the young private. Look into your own hearts and you know this. These were scared young men who fired intot he crowd that day, but to say they did it from a malice in their hearts is a lie.

We were promised a fiar inquiry into what happened. But has it been fair. I should say not. I am no friend of the crown, but I am a friend to decency. If the rule of law is to mean anything in these colonies, then it must be applied evenly and fairly. If we wish to have our own country some day, we will want these same rules to apply to us. Now is our chance to set an example for the people who desire liberty. justice, and fairness. Will it bring you liberty to condemn these men? No. Will it bring justice for those killed? I should say not. And finally is it fair? How could it be fair? These men are as aliens to us. We feel no loyalty to them or the masters they serve. Yet, are they not simply broken men as we all are? We would do better too show mercy and compassion to these men. If we cannot do that, then what we would stand for in our independence? Keep a close watch on your hearts, and be sure it's your reason sending these men to the gallows, and not your hatred.