Dear Editor:
As I write this, I write with my heart in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. A heart that knows first hand, what it feels like to have a loved one killed, as well as injured, as a result of a DWI related crash. A heart, that through a local Long Island organization, has connected with the hearts of all too many others who share the same anguish in knowing first hand, the reality of living with such a horrific and senseless loss. Loss that continues to plague our society with ongoing destruction. Destruction, which is PREVENTABLE and the reason that I, among all so many, continue to stand up and speak out loud on this issue.
How on April 22, 2012, in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a small group of us gathered together in front of the memorial sculpture situated at the Garden of Hope in Eisenhower Park, to remember our loved ones. A group of people who stood together in the rain, listening quietly to the pages of names that were being read. Names of loved ones who were someone's child, spouse, sibling, family member or friend.
Bottom line, no one is immune or protected as long as people think its okay to drink and drive. Just ask the countless numbers of people throughout our towns, states and country who now spend the remainder of their lives, living with a huge hole in their heart. Just ask the mothers and fathers who had to bury their children. Ask the children who had to bury their parent(s). Ask anyone who knows what it is to bury a loved one because of someone else's choice to drive drunk or drugged. Ask if you have the courage to do so. Ask if you have the courage to face their truth, their pain, their tears that never end.
In honor of all our loved ones ... WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Is the author of this letter the same person who tried to rationalize some drunk's actions by asking people to think back "to a time in their own lives where they made a youthful indiscretion that was caused by being under the influence" Hypocrisy much?
When was the last time Hollywood celebrities used their pressure and publicity to support a White crime victim? When was the last time politicians spoke out to support White crime victims. They have a history of supporting convicted Black cop killers and White revolutionaries, who they claim are victims of a government conspiracy and police corruption.
•Help victims assert and encourage enforcement of victims’ rights. •Promote compliance with victims’ rights laws. •Fund grant programs and other activities to implement provisions. •Provides an enforcement mechanism for rights delineated in the Act. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/rights/legislation.html
(1) The right to be reasonably protected from the accused. (2) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding or any parole proceeding involving the crime, or of any release or escape of the accused. (3) The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding, unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding. (4) The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding. (5) The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case. (6) The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law. (7) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay. (8) The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/rights/legislation.html
http://www.ovs.ny.gov/Home.aspx
According to HPPA Laws, reporting that rapist tested HIV+ or suffers from AIDS, violates his rights of privacy, even for those he raped. And Im not even sure an accused or convicted rapist or sexual abuser can be forced to take a STD blood test, since his privacy rights supercede those of his victims. Has that changed?