President Bush Signs Emmett Till Bill Into Law

How does it benefit anyone, not just minorities, when we have current crimes to be investigated and most of the perps for these 50 year old crimes are already dead or soon will be? (Not to mention witnesses that have passed way and evidence discarded years ago.)

One person that Amy Goodman interviewed about this gave this answer:

Once again, it is very important to understand that these type of acts are still going on in this country today, and it is so important that young people, my peers, get involved with the movement that still exists. Just like this case was a catalyst for change back in 1955, we continue to believe that it will be a catalyst for change today. The message at hand is the 50th anniversary to Emmett Till’s murder, what are we going to do? This case serve as a reminder of how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. 

And there are a set of online lesson plans for teachers about this case. One of the Learning Outcomes is I think especially clear.

Students will make informed connections between past events and issues today, as well as creatively express historical understanding through multi-media. In addition, students will critically reflect upon the role historical memory plays in promoting informed civic practice.

Justice delayed is justice denied. A lot of people who perpetrated civil rights crimes were never punished for it and went on to enjoy life, an enjoyment that their victims and victims' families were denied. Local law enforcement has been unwilling or unable to pursue these cases so I'm glad that the extra weight of the federal government will be brought to bear.

Yes, I do think there are folks that really care but they have mostly died out and so have the perpetrators.  What good does it do to imprison and infirmed 90 year old racist now?  Like his views will change.  He/she are proud of their actions.  Still!  And I truly believe that.  And the hate crimes in the past few years? ok, I'll give you that one but it is still too little, too late.  Real justice, non-existent.  If it were existent, it would not have taken this long to get this little bone thrown.  And look at the time it was done, right before we usher in a bi-racial President.  GWB had 8 years to do this and all the others before him both Dem and GOP.  Again, I say, too little, too late but we'll take it.  Better than nothing, I suppose but now let's see who has the balls to actually go after the ones in fault.  A bill is simply a piece of paper.  Is there real action behind the paper.  I guess now I can sue those who bombed my late father's church in Alabama and almost killed him?  yeah right...............  

But, let me hold my disgust at bay. 

Notice, he QUIETLY signed it..........  Oh gosh, just let me get this over with so I can get on back to the race and have a civil rights chapter for my new memoir. 

From the act:

...for investigating and prosecuting violations of criminal civil rights statutes in which the alleged violation occurred before January 1, 1970 and resulted in death.

The Emmitt Till case has been actively pursued for the last several years and there is a near certainty that nothing can come from the effort. Without a doubt this was an injustice, but it's done and cannot be undone. All of the principals are now dead. There was an effort to pursue others who may have been involved, but found that current evidence wasn't adequate.

This act effectively takes resources away from the current crime you mention above.

So what happened pre 1950 is irrelevant?  Ok, let's say we do?  How many teams of lawyers will that take?  Are you cognizant how many hate crimes JUST to African Americans alone have been perpetrated?  Especially in the deep South, many we are still unaware of?  I got four just in my family alone.  Four that I can still see in my minds eye.  But you insist on a positive posture and for that; I'm gonna try to see what you see.  So, yes, it CAN be worthwhile IF enforced TO THE LETTER OF THE LAW. 

But that naysayer jumps right back atcha?  Will it?  It that be the case, let us start with just one.  Find and prosecute the persons or person who almost killed Georgia Representative John Lewis on the Selma bridge.  Somebody knows who did it? Vindicate him. 

John Lewis is the sponsor of the act and I would speculate that he would prefer others be served by it. He is a very gracious man and has moved on. Plus the act is written to specifically address murder.

Here's a link to the full text of the act. I cannot post a link, so it is in non-hyperlink form:

www (dot) govtrack (dot) us/congress/billtext (dot) xpd?bill=h110-923

Replace the dots to visit the site. This bill essentially allocates funds to pursue civil rights murders prior to 1970 and it expires in 2017.

Thanks Grayhouse.  I will check it out.  Maybe I am somewhat jaded.  I'll try to feel hopeful!  But knowing this info, John will not benefit directly but, he has made it possible for someone to benefit, hopefully.