It’s day four of jury deliberations, and it seems that all the world is awaiting the verdict of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Was it self-defense? Murder? Did Rittenhouse even have a reason to be in Kenosha, Wisconsin that fateful evening? These questions will be legally answered once a verdict is in, but for now, there’s no shortage of opinions.
Is It a Race Thing?
Not surprisingly, many left-leaning celebrities and politicians, including actor Rosanna Arquette and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), are accusing Rittenhouse of being a white supremacist and domestic terrorist. Apparently, a white male with an AR-15 and a medic bag in the middle of an unpoliced warzone is not expected to defend himself. Since he did, he must be a racist. It doesn’t matter that the other “protesters” were destroying property and threatening completely innocent people. It seems the only one who is forced to answer for his actions that night is Kyle Rittenhouse.
Kyle Rittenhouse (Photo by Sean Krajacic – Pool/Getty Images)
To be fair, let’s explore the reasons the leftists feel that Rittenhouse is nothing but a racist terrorist. AOC claims that if he were a Muslim, he never would have gotten out on bail. She even described the U.S. justice system as “Law and Disorder.” In obvious defense of BLM (Black Lives Matter), Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) stated that Rittenhouse drove over state lines with an AR-15 to kill people who were “assembled to affirm the value, dignity, and worth of black lives.” It is difficult to see affirmation of value and dignity through the billowing smoke coming from burning cars and buildings.
Views From the Right
Former President Donald Trump was to quick support Rittenhouse, claiming that he likely would have been killed had he not acted in self-defense. Many on the right agree that he was there to provide medical attention to those who needed it and only opened fire when he felt his life was in danger. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) showed his support for Rittenhouse by offering employment as a congressional intern and in his own office, no less.
Does It Even Matter?
The result of the trial is only the next in a long line of obstacles for Rittenhouse. Though a job may be waiting should he receive a not guilty verdict, there could be some unpleasantries looming in his future. Some say that Rittenhouse will forever be seen and treated as a white supremacist, while others fear that more protesting could arise if he is acquitted of the charges. Residents of Kenosha have already expressed fears of a second attack on the city. Wisconsin governor Tony Evers has made plans to increase police presence and use over 500 members of the National Guard to ensure the safety of the citizens of Kenosha. No matter the verdict, it seems there may be no good ending for Rittenhouse or the city of Kenosha.
Aside from a select few, it appears that if celebrities and politicians filled the seats of the jury, Rittenhouse would be ordered to hang with or without a trial. Fortunately for him, that is not the case. The whole world will pay attention to hear the verdict. Will the left’s cries of prejudice be heard over the right’s cries of self-defense? We will know soon enough.
~ Read more from Kirsten Brooker.
