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A group gathers on the Dunklin County Courthouse steps on Monday, protesting the charges against Heather Ellis, a woman facing up to 15 years in prison for allegedly assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and disturbing the peace during an incident at Walmart in 2006.
Staff photo by Deanna Coronado |
Protestors for Heather Ellis chanted, "No justice. No peace," during an organized rally in Kennett on Monday, claiming that the allegations against the African-American woman accused of assault on police are false.
Approximately 100 protesters gathered at the Kennett Walmart at around 11 a.m., including members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Also attending was event organizer and founder of the Syracuse, N.Y.-based Your Black World Coalition, Dr. Boyce Watkins.
The march led from Walmart, down First Street to the steps of the Dunklin County Courthouse. Along the way, approximatley 30-40 counter-protestors held up confederate flags with skulls and crossbones and swastikas.
At the courthouse, various individuals took turns speaking on behalf of Ellis, claiming the incident is one of "civil rights abuse."
One of the speakers was Ellis' father, the Rev. Nathaniel Ellis.
"We are summoned here today from all over America," Ellis said, "because Dr. King, Jr., was right when he said, 'An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' Your presence here today has proved that love is thicker than hate.
"As we march forward, the question may be asked, 'What are we here for?' These proverbial questions are asked because seldom is Bootheel justice challenged with a force of this magnitude. We have converged upon Kennett, Missouri by the thousands because the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of a young, black, vibrant, intelligent, and well-educated young lady's rights have been strictly violated.
"This young lady happens to be my first born daughter. The daughter of a Church of God in Christ pastor who pastors in this town and an adjoining town, who happens to be an educator. We are here to voice our outrage and to publicly say that Heather Ellis is innocent of all bogus charges and I demand that all charges be dropped and her record be expelled."
Heather Ellis is facing up to 15 years in prison as a result of the incident at Walmart on Jan. 6, 2006.
Witnesses have told authorities that during the incident, Ellis cut in front of waiting customers at the Kennett Walmart, shoved merchandise already placed on a conveyor belt out of the way, and became belligerent when confronted, according to court filings.
Ellis maintains she was merely joining her cousin, whose checkout line was moving more quickly.
In a written complaint to the NAACP, Ellis claimed that she was then pushed by a white customer, hassled by store employees, called racial slurs and physically mistreated by Kennett police officers.
Police say in court documents that Ellis refused requests to calm down and leave the property, allegedly kicking one's shin and splitting another's lip while resisting arrest.
Ellis' written account to the NAACP describes she and her cousin getting into separate checkout lanes before Ellis switched into the faster-moving line. Ellis claims the woman behind them had placed items on the conveyor belt, and she alleged the woman pushed her when she tried to put her own items down.
Witnesses instead told police that Ellis shoved the woman's merchandise back, according to court filings.
Ellis wrote that a security officer and manager were called over and that although Ellis said she wanted to pay, the manager yelled at her to leave the store. Police were called and arrived.
Officers eventually followed her to the parking lot, Ellis said, using racial slurs and telling her to go back to the ghetto. Ellis said as her aunt and uncle drove into the parking lot, the officers "jumped" on her even though she said she was not resisting.
Officer A.W. Fisher wrote in a probable cause statement that Ellis was given "every opportunity" to comply with officers and leave the property. He said she used an expletive in telling him she would beat him if he put his hands on her.
Fisher said he then told Ellis she was under arrest, but she would not stop fighting while being handcuffed.
Ellis trial is set to begin Wednesday morning in the Dunklin County Courthouse, with Judge Joe Z. Satterfield presiding.
Ellis is officially being charged with two counts of the Class C felony of assault on a law enforcement officer, one count of the Class B misdemeanor of peace disturbance, and one count of the Class A misdemeanor of resisting arrest.
According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff, each count of the Class C felony carries a punishment of up to seven years in prison, or one year in jail, or a fine of up to $5,000, or a combination of jail time and a fine.
Sokoloff said the Class B misdemeanor carries a punishment of up to six months in jail or a $500 fine, or a combination of jail time and a fine. He also said the Class A misdemeanor carries a punishment of up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, or a combination of jail time and a fine.
Associated Press reporter Betsy Taylor contributed to this report.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
Heather's father is correct. She is innocent of all bogus charges. Problem is, there are no bogus charges. Every charge is legit. Heather acted like a child, is still acting like a child, and will continue acting like a child after she's found guilty.
The only thing "racist" about this is the Ellis family thinking Heather should be excused of her awful behavior because she is black.
With people coming from "all over America," Memphis, and KC, they could only muster up 100 people to march with them??? That's embarrassing. What does that say about Ms. Ellis, her family, and this "injustice?"
im all for equal rights but this is ridiculous and to use a racial card to boot it. Kennett PD deal with black people, etc daily... Ok what about video cameras?
This lady should have been a lady and waited in line like everyone else has to do
I think the march on both parts were ignorant..
To use the "it happened b/c I'm black" and for the whites to march doing what they were doing is no better.
Its ignorant this lady is seeing her chance to get out of jail free card b/c ppl think if they are minorities they shouldnt be held accountable, tahts not the case...
It chaps my hide extremely bad for all this freaking junk!!!! Lady whether you are black, white, brown, yellow, or even purple I dont care you broke the law you were ignorant... I dont think she deserves 15 yrs in prison thats overboard
To all people in that check out line on that day, to the cashier, to the law officers that upheld the law, I commend you for your actions on that day. This arrogant, so called "educated", woman that thinks she is beyond the common courtesy we should show our fellow human beings, much less above the law, deserves every action the law can bestow upon her. This behaviour must be stopped and it starts with US, the every day people that witness it. If you dont speak up, you cannot expect anyone else to. If we don't speak up and speak up often against this kind of behaviour, our nation is doomed. The "You owe me", or "Your too scared to say anything", attitude is no longer acceptable with me. I am standing up for MY rights, and MY belief in treating the human race with kindness, and MY belief that I have the right to confront you if you are acting like an oversocialized, idiot. And if more of us "Do the right thing" and speak up when we witness things like this, we WILL eventually take back our pride in ourselves and our country.
Tawana Brawley is that you? Or is it you Crystal Mangum?
People are FED UP with Blacks Behaving Badly and then realizing the have NO defense so invariably they play the RACE card. They do this because: 1) they can and 2) there is NO COST--if their allegations are proven to be untrue NOTHING HAPPENS TO THEM! Both Tawana Brawley [1987 claimed to have been beaten/raped by 5 White Cops and even an ADA!] and Crystal Mangum [2006 falsely claimed she was raped by 3 Duke Lacrosse players] should be IN PRISON for their LIES!
When any minority acts like this and even THREATENS the POLICE [Officer A.W. Fisher was threatened with "I will beat you if you touch me"] they should be RECORDED ON VIDEO so when they invariably play the RACE CARD their LIES can't gain any traction in the Far Left Media.
If these people REALLY WERE abused, they'd WELCOME the CAMERAS. The camera is your BEST FRIEND OR YOUR WORST ENEMY ;) Speaking of cameras, did NO ONE at the WalMart capture video of this LYING RACIST in action?!? I'd LOVE TO SEE THE SURVEILLANCE VIDEO OF THE CASH REGISTER AREA+PARKING LOT THAT YOU *KNOW* WALMART HAS :)
I GUESS THIS RACIST LIAR DIDN'T THINK HER "STORY" OUT! LOL.
I cannot stand it when people think that they are better than anyone else. That is the case here she thinks she is above the law. When she isn't. Because of her bringing the media and whoever else into the picture some innocent by stander could get hurt. Do you think she cares, no because she is selfish and shallow.
Mr. Ellis is either horrible at math, or naively prepared his speech. He said "thousands" converged. He didn't even have "hundreds" there. I guess he assumed more would support his and his daughter's cause. Truth is, Kennett has been able to see right through him and these bogus claims.
"Ellis maintains she was merely joining her cousin, whose checkout line was moving more quickly."
It's fine to get into the line a cousin is in, but not by cutting in front of others. What is that teaching?
I think all you have to do is look at this lady's photo and see that she (and her mother) have a major chip on their shoulder. It ain't about cutting in line, it's about acting like a human being. I looked at the responses from an article posted today on USA Today about this (can you believe this is national news????) and all were the same as those above. As a person who grew up in Kennett, I take a major offense that these people are portraying us as redneck racists. They need to look in the mirror to see just who the "racists" are.
where are the tapes?
Perpetual victimhood syndrome is a terrible affliction to go through life with.
Got to comment. I watched in awe at the news on TV last night. This thing is outrageous! Of COURSE her father doesnt think his baby should be punished. Evidently she didn't learn manners at a young age. Thank the Good Lord that this woman is not teaching my grandchildren. I am a white woman married for 11 years to a well mannered, hard working black man. Nobody has ever given us a problem because he is black. Maybe this is due to his manners! Most people comment on how great his characteristics are. Race has nothing to do with Ms. Heather's charges. If she had never cut in line, this would not be hanging over her head. She has the "chip on her shoulder look" because she learned this from her mother's side of the family. All those women have a chip on their shoulder and think they are so high and mighty! They appear to be full of hatred themselves for white folks because I have seen them in action a few times. As a matter of fact, "Grandma" approached my daughter when daughter was about 12 because she said my daughter was harrassing her grandchildren. Excuse me.....I saw it all. My daughter said NOTHING until her grandkids started mouthing at her because she is white. Also..I was inside a house VISITING (not partying) some years ago...Here comes "Grandma" with a shovel, busts up in her rent house and threatens me with the shovel!" I was sitting on a couch doing nothing. Why did she do that???? DOn't forget, I am white.God don't like ugly...it is not about what we say or the money we donate to the church and "other causes" It is about acknowledging God and our ACTIONS. They better wake up. They need to be wearing out their knees repenting.
This is way too long...just trying to prove my point. I would like to say this....15 years is a bit too long BUT Ms Heather needs to have some sort of consequence for her behavior.
This is beyond ridiculous. An embarrassment for all races! I am very ashamed of the counter protestors with the swastika flags etc. Grow up. You ARE making yourselves look like stupid rednecks. If people just stay away from the fire it will die down. This girl needs to get some community service time. Jail time would be ridiculous. She IS a bully though for sure. But I have met many white people like that also....very sad in this day and age.
MY OPINION IS THAT EVERYONE THAT WAS OUT AT THE PROTEST YESTERDSAY "WHITE AND BLACK" WERE JUST SHOWING HOW RACIST PEOPLE CAN BE. ABOUT MISS. ELLIS, I AM A WHITE AMERICAN, I, MYSELF HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH ASSULT ON A POLICE OFFICER AND WENT TO JAIL, DO NOT PASS GO DO NOT COLLECT $200 DOLLARS. NO PROTEST OR MARCH WAS HELD. WHAT I DID WAS "VERY" WRONG. I DID GO TO JAIL AND DID MY TIME FOR THE CRIME. WHICH IT IS A CRIME NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT. THIS MADE ME A BETTER PERSON IN THIS COMMUNITY. IT DOESN"T MATTER WHAT COLOR YOU ARE ASSULT IS ASSULT. I AM NOT A RACIST I HAVE VERY GOOD FRIENDS OF ALL COLORS. COLOR DOES NOT MATTER. THIS MATTER HAS BEEN BLOWN WAY OUT IN LEFT FIELD. LETS GET BACK ON TRACK ABOUT WHAT THIS IS REALLY ABOUT. I HOPE OUR LEGAL SYSTEM IS NOT BLIND. THEY HAVE TURNED KENNETT INTO A CIRCUS FOR THE MEDIA.
My comment is about the Rev.Montgomery in a speech commented saying 'the town of Kennett is thick in bigotry'. I am sorry but what does someone that doesn't even come around here know about our town? My theory is do unto others as you would want done to you! If you want to play the racist card and try to say it was all about slavery well read again!! The black man sold the black man to the white man!!! The racist stuff is a JOKE!!! It's just a card the blacks like to play but it is gonna bite them in the butt. Grow up!! If she did it then she did if she didn't then she didn't!I am so tired of hearing it!! This makes me wish I didn't live around here. I know it is everywhere but yeah the blacks in this community act like they are owed something. Sorry most of the ones I see are hustlers and getting checks on how many kids they can have and not take care of! GET A JOB! Pay for your own way and not depend on the government.
I saw people, a few at the courthouse, and the Ellis woman is not in a very good position. We are and continue to be a peaceful town. That family called the Naacp, we didn't and nor did anyone call those baldy men to be here. Glad that is over til Wed.
So the "reverend" believes his daughter's record should be "expelled"? Because she's black and "the daughter of a Church of God in Christ pastor"? This is sad. There are real injustices in the world, including racism -- which I abhor --, but this isn't one of them. This is just some spoiled bully who thinks she can pull the race card whenever challenged. (And the "reverend" must have been sick the day they explained the difference between "expelled" and "expunged" in junior high English.)
Charged with a crime- Do the time! Ellis family shame on you for degrading Kennett like this. We have had so many promising young adults become famous for their talents and praise the fact they were raised in a town where a community raised them to be what they are today, and giving back as they do for the future generation. Now look what you have brought, what you leave for the children nothing but disgrace! Shame is brought onto you and your family with the chip on your shoulders.
Heather Ellis is a buffoon, she was in the wrong from the start and she has let her arrogant pride put her in the position she is now in.
She has gone through three attorneys and dragged this out for years, and to what end? She has little support because it is such a stupid issue to begin with. What kind of an idiot lets something like this escalate and consume so much of their life. If the police tell you to leave.....LEAVE!!! But I'm pretty sure she understands that now.
None of this surprises me at all in SE Mo. Thank goodness I no long reside is such a place. Nothing has changed in over a century. I find that many use patriotism to shield racism which is nothing less than an old KKK mantra!
So where are those security tapes, mysteriously disappeared? Those will tell the facts with any testimony, dummies.
Yes, I would like to see the tapes and I would be the first to support here if there was any wrong doing on the part of the police. But this cuts both ways if she was in the wrong you agree she should pay....right!
Looks like old K-town is up to its old tricks again. When will the truth shine through? It is good that Ms. Ellis is not letting this go. That is what "THEY" want... and what so many have done in the past. I do find it very suspicious that there is not any video to prove either sides allegations. It would seem that the individuals at Wal-Mart and/or police officers have done well to cover there tracks.
here are some questions: what if the person she cut in front of was black? or what if this was a white person accusing this of a black person will there be justice? doubt it. will whites march claiming racist? doubt it. what if this were a male would it be less racist? doubt it. because this racist card is really being taken advantage of.
The only card she is about to play is solitaire.
There is a video. It will be presented Wednesday in court.
...15 yrs. for punching a cop? Do you people think a white would have gotten 15 yrs, for the same (alleged) offense?
I think when she is found guilty, I will be equally as happy as I was in 2006 when St. Louis won the World Series. People are forgetting that she is NOT going to prison for cutting line, she is facing fifteen years because she wouldn't accpet a plea agreement for less time, and now she has to pay the consequence. I believe that whoever says a white person wouldn't get fifteen years for this is right, because they would have simply taken the plea agreement, and been out by now. This is a matter of a very ignorant, belligerent, black woman. The family feels that they are owed something, when they are not at all. Her aunt who appeared on tv LYING about the events isn't owed anything, because she has never done anything except raise a trouble starting son. They are all ignorant, and they are all liars. They have blown it out of proportion and it is about to catch up to them when the gavel drops and the guilty sentence is given. And rightfully so.
Asking if a person is racist? Puhlease. Lets see what happens Wed. Go KPD
I'm not racist, it seems though that the blacks as a people are belligerent and ignorant. This isn't true for all, but for most. Just like the majority of white people are racist, secretly or openly. I hate alot of black people, completely because of their attitudes toward everything and their demeanors, nothing at all to do with color. I hate white people that are ignorant as well. Racism is everywhere, it's a harsh reality, accept it. I would bet my life that Heather Ellis did exactly what is alleged by her actions proceeding her arrest. She is ignorant and belligerent, which is obvious in the videos and her speeches. More african-american's are in jail than in college. African-Americans make up 46% of the prison population, but only 13% of the entire American population. Explain that? How can you not put race behind some things? 37 percent of African Americans are illiterate. Racism is out there, and I would also bet that 90 percent of african americans are racist. The march yesterday was racist.
I've enjoyed this controversy up until now, much like I used to enjoy the Gong Show. But to see a picture of a Nazi swastika flying on court square just yards away from the Veterans Memorial has enraged me. The names carved on that memorial gave their lives fighting those mass murderers. The honor of those heroes has been insulted by a handful of redneck "Schweinhunde!" Nazis arose from the scum of the earth in Germany. Nazi flag wavers yesterday ARE the scum of the earth. But, I nevertheless feel that Ms. Ellis and her father should leave this city with their heads hung low. They don't deserve to live anywhere in Dunklin County where so many men and women, black and white, have given their lives for democracy and for the RULE OF LAW. Shame on those perpetual whiners. Get on with her trial.
If you are lucky/unlucky to be involved in the decision making on the outcome of this judicial event I believe there is a basic question that needs to be answered since the family and Ms. Ellis has gone to these lengths to draw this out.
Are these the actions and decision making that you would accept from anyone of responsibility?
Do you think on of the local Doctors or Educators would have butted in line at Wal Mart or any other store just to get ahead of someone else? Then to compound the event, after the Police were called would a Doctor or Educator acted in a mannor that would have ended in an arrest in the parking lot?
It is time to either gently or aggressively spank this child and remind her that she ultimately incomvienced a lot of people by her decision making!!
"But, what about White people who pretty much stole America from Native Americans and committed the largest land grab and the largest genocide that the world has ever seen?"
They were done wrong, but I MYSELF never stole a thing from any Indian. Again, they had every oppurtunity to keep their land, it's about the "white people" being smart enough to take it from them.
You said: "African-Americans make up 46% of the prison population, but only 13% of the entire American population. Explain that?"
These are facts, not my personal beliefs or opinions, truth hurts. Facts are not arguable. So yeah, I did say that.
There's no more defending her, I guess what I say is just too hard to swallow.
Let's leave RACE out of it completely,
Ms. Ellis first committed a crime against her fellow humans, by being an insensitive, impolite, and down right rude human being, by breaking in line and showing HER beligerent attitude.
Then, thank God, someone, spoke up and acted on this injustice. She then continued to argue and show her ingnorance and rudeness by arguing with management. STILL NO LAW BROKEN, Just and ingnorant, beligerent, black woman, showing her true color and her expectation that no one would challenge her, a tactic used by many blacks today.
THEN, when police intervene, SHE BY HER OWN CHOICE BROKE THE LAW!!! PLAIN AND SIMPLE. She was only asked to leave but, SHE BY HER OWN CHOICE BROKE THE LAW, as she resisted and physically assaulted police officers.
You all can write till you pass out on here about RACE, or BLACK AND WHITE, BUT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO DOING WHAT IS RIGHT. SHE CHOSE TO DO WHAT SHE DID.
I only hope our legal system works as it should and she pays for her behavior. I would say the same about ANYONE WHO ACTED THIS WAY!
Several thoughts....the national press will take the side of Ms. Ellis and will make the area look like racist rednecks..that is what they do. In fact, I saw the bit on CNN...the commentators, who were just supposed to be reporting the news were appalled at the Nazi's and the Rebel flag protestors...so was I...but they failed to mention those were just scum who come to all protest marches involving black people...they get their 15 minutes of fame. CNN represented it as if all of the non-black residents of Kennett were Nazi's.
No doubt this lady is guilty. She is obviously a bully and no way did any police officer say the things she is accusing them. The officers could be racist...I do not know them...they also could not be racist....but they did not say what she said they said.
Last of all....she is not going to be convicted. She may get a mistrial...but mark my word....think OJ Simpson.....but if she were found guilty....no judge in his right mind would ever sentence her to jail for this. It was bad....it was stupid....it does not warrant 15 years or any jail time....and she will not get it.
But...as I said earlier...that is a moot point....she will never be found guilty. I am predicting a "hung" jury.....no matter how obvious the evidence.
SEE THAT SMIRK ON HER AND HER MOMS FACE,THAT SMIRK MEANS THEY HAVE A ATTITUDE.
I feel like this if the police was black and the woman was white would we be having all this drama wrong is wrong justice knows no color if she did the crime she should do the time
What happened to Tompson45's posts? Am I going crazy - or are they gone?
"We have converged upon Kennett, Missouri by the thousands"... Yeah, uh, it seems the reverend dr. is not very good at math. I hope he knows more about the art that he teaches.
When she's found guilty - and by all I can tell, she will be - I think she should be made to apologize to the officers that she assaulted, to Wal-Mart, to the people of Kennett that her NAACP buddies negatively stereotyped, and of course pay a reasonable fine. In addition to that, a little community service...ringing a little red bell, in front of the Kennett Wal-Mart during the Christmas season, would fit perfectly.
Hang on "THE ACTIVE VOICE" White or Black, Male or Female 15 years is the max for the assult on an officer. NOT that she will get that. DO NOT HIT A COP STUPID. PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID. SUCK IT UP AND AND DEAL WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, if she is found guilty this probably won't be over. I'm sure she will find some reason to appeal.
HEY KENNETT CHECK OUT TO B/S THEY ARE TRYING TO SHOVE DOWN THE REST OF THE COUNTRIES THROAT. THIS FAMILY IS SHAMELESS.
http://www.theheatherelliscase.com/
THE S..T POSTED HERE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT REALLY HAPPEND. FOR THIS SHE SHOULD DO TIME.!
Why are Liberals never incorrect about anything and never responsible for any negative outcomes? Because they're Liberals ;) LMFAO
Why i think everybody should protest at least once in awhile. If we dont, how did we know we alive. Just last week, I protested at Aldie's, that dang grocry store or whatever it is. I went looking for some puppy chow, but they didnt have none. Had some last week, sure, but none this week. I told em my puppy cant go a week or two without puppy chow, his favorite food, but they didnt think much of it. So I protested. I gots me a sign and stood out front with it. I thinks it disgraceful that puppy chow isnt always in the store. I stood up for puppys, a minority and neglected species. I wasnt arrested or nothing so I cant say I was mistreated by the cops. Actually, those store folks just ignored me. Thats when I got boiling mad and decided i would make a sene. I went inside the store and demanded that they give my dog some puppy chow, or i would throw a big tantrum, the like of which they had never seen. I told them i'd pull a heather ellis and get the letters to come to kennett to help me protest their discrimination agin puppys. Thatll show em. Surely one of those letters would come. Surely the NAACP isnt only for black people. Dogs have rights too, ya know. Id get on CNN, The Factor, Jerry Springer, who knows where my fame would lead. I had em where i wanted em, or so i thought, till the manager came out behind the closed curtain, where those dang security camras live and said he was filming the hole thang. That's when i told him i was a good citizen and hoped he had a nice day. Imagine what would have been if little ol heather had thought the same thoughts before her catastrophe.
this is so stupid. the only ones racist is the ellis family. its so stupid that all the media is eating it up and helping ellis. if she didnt get all the publisity she would have shut up by now. i hope she gets the 15. just for making this stink. she should have taken the ple bargon.
Sen. John Kerry's daughter has been arrested on DUI charges after a traffic stop in Hollywood, an LAPD spokesman says.
----
Kerry's Daughter will probably try to blame it on Bush--can you REALLY expect a Liberal to own making decisions which result in a negative outcome? lol
She's a schoolteacher at present (having put med school on hold due to this issue). Okay, teachers deal with this all the time, if not everyday then at least several times a week.
Teacher - "Johnny, said you cut in line. Did you? Tell me what happened"
Child: - XXX XXXX XXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXX
Teacher: The rules are XXXXXXXX. We don't crowd, we don't push, we don't cut in line, XXXXX. If you do, you will lose recess, and have detention.
So, as teacher how can she go to school and tell school-children they shouldn't do this or that when she did, she in fact STARTED THE WHOLE MESS, and then refused to take responsibility for her actions.
In legalese it's a "but for" incident. But for Ellis cutting in line, moving items that didn't belong to her, getting loud, cursing, this whole incident never would have happened.
Good morning, Kennett!
I write to you today from Germany. I want to tell you that I read this story on CNN. Many foolish things were said.
1) "Americans are racists." The French do not allow Muslim headscarves in public buildings. The Italians have a crucifix in every public building. In South Africa, not only are they segregated by black and white, but by subcategories of black and brown. This is utter nonsense. Here, we have a myriad of Christian holidays as part of the national calendar and you cannot be forced to work. A fact which does not account for Jewish (I know!) or Muslim (5% of the population) citizens.
2) "This woman did nothing wrong." Anywhere in the world forcing yourself into an established queue (line) and moving someone else and/or their things is rude. She had no right to this action. This is not grade school with "cutsies" and "frontsies" and "backsies". Silliness!
3) "Fifteen years is too long." Since when does the media announce the "probable" sentence as opposed to the most explosive sentence? Never. Not only is fifteen years probably not on the table, she may only do some small amount of jail and mainly probation, not to mention some form of payments.
On the merits, I must say that this looks like a complete non-issue. Her behaviour was abysmal. She acted entitled for no good reason at all beyond her playground-level logic that she had some right to be in the line because her cousin was. You have a nice word for this - horseshit!
All you need to see was her arm moving the products of the other customer over and over again to know she was the aggressor.
Chins up, mates. Justice will prevail. She gets no free ride.
Guilty