Bullsh*t

As many of you know, or may not have known, I lived in Tennessee for two years after graduating from college. More specifically, I was a resident of Knoxville -- Go Vols! It was, to say the least, a major culture shock for me at that time. The lack of diversity, the down south hillbilly atmosphere, the UT culture. It certainly was an experience that helped me grow as a person and that I will remember for the rest of my life.

While I was down there, an interesting story popped up that really got the good folks in Tennessee to talking.

Back in March of 2006, in Selmer, Tenn., about 80 miles east of Tennessee, Mary Winkler shot and killed her husband Matthew in their home. Matthew was a minister at a local church and by all accounts, the two were an ideal couple who were well-liked in the community. Mary shot Matthew once in the back and immediately took the couple's three kids and left town. She was found three days later in Alabama.

This case started off fickle as, for whatever reason, people refused to believe Sis. Winkler was capable of committed such a crime (although she admitted to it) and that something this bad could happen to the perfect family. Many, including myself, called bullshit simply because it didn't appear from the get go that Mrs. Winkler was getting the same treatment for committing that that a men and, dare I say, I black person would. Some blamed the small-town atmosphere for that and many felt she was the one being presented as the victim because of alleged very and physical abuse by here husband.

Originally charged with murder, which could and should have left her looking at at least 50 years of prison, Winkler was charged with involuntary manslaughter -- a much lesser charge. While awaiting trial, Winkler was able to work at a local cleaners and walk around as if nothing had happened. When it was all said and done, Winkler served only seven months in custody and was released this week.


Seven months...for killing someone, and seemingly no uproar. Now, when men kill their wives or female partners i.e. Scott Peterson, all hell breaks loose. Or, to get all racial on ya'll, then this happens in the black community, there's no way in hell it would blow over like this has.

We already know our judicial system is suspect, but when something like this occurs, we are in a world of trouble.