Violence is not okay.

Chris Brown Pleads Guilty To Assault. But Does His Punishment Fit The Crime?

Okay. Chris Brown pled guilty, because his attorney is intelligent enough (even if Brown isn't) to understand that had this gone to trial, he would have been found guilty. The evidence is incontrovertible. Instead of prison time, then, Brown's August 5 sentencing will likely result in "probation for 5 years and...6 months of community service" plus a restraining order separating him from Rihanna.

This is where I start to have issues with the idea of a plea deal in any case except for murder, where the accused is going to have some sort of jail time no matter what. Spare me the refrain -- "the prisons are overcrowded, etc." I have two brain cells to rub together and I know how to read, so I understand that. But, as a survivor of and witness to domestic violence, I stand before you and say without hesitation: this punishment in no way fits the crime.

What sort of message does a milquetoast slap on the wrist like this send to the perpetrator? To the victim and, in such a high-profile case as this, to the millions of people who are following or who hear/read about it?

Violence is okay.

Tell that to the person whose boyfriend or girlfriend (lest we forget that violence is an equal-opportunity offense) tried to solve last night's argument with their fists, possibly putting the victim in the hospital but definitely trapping them in a world of terror for the duration of the scene and condemning them to relive it whenever something goes just a little wrong. Try explaining to a child who heard Daddy come home yelling and sees Mommy's bruises the next morning, or the teenager who steps between them, crying for a moment of peace and getting her own bruises for the trouble.

We all have the right to live our lives without fear that anybody, let alone somebody who claims to love us, will violate us in such a heinous manner. Hence, we have an unequivocal responsibility to hold those who would try to take that right away accountable. What, one offense while on probation means prison? Spare me. People guilty of domestic violence (or really, any violence) deserve to be placed in the same position of terror and lack of control to which they subjected their victim. Prison is too good for them, but if that is our greatest punishment then that is what we should levy against them.

One final note: Judge Patricia Schnegg, before you preside over another case of violence against another human being, perhaps you should examine your own mind and heart. It is NOT commendable for a person who has committed such a horrific act to admit to doing it, especially when that admission is calculated to result in a less severe punishment. You know what is commendable? Exhibiting restraint and maturity in a tense situation and choosing not to violate the sanctity of another person's body, no matter how angry you are. Personally, I think you should lose your position, but sadly you will probably get nothing more than a lukewarm reprimand.

Violence. Is. Not. Okay.

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The Uprising

Iran Updates: Live-Blogging The Uprising

Protestors beaten, tear-gassed in streets (developing story)

There is little to say, and so much.

The world's eyes are on the events unfolding as we speak in Tehran. And while there is a push for a public response from our own political leaders, there is concern that such a response could undermine the Iranians' pursuits rather than aid them. I am inclined to agree, and to this point President Obama's comments about the ongoing protests have been appropriate. (See HuffPost's live blog, 2:47 pm update)

That, however, does not mean that as everyday citizens we should remain silent. No -- we are citizens of the world, descendants of brave men and women like those who are today dying for their right to have their voices heard when it comes to the selection of their political leaders. Though we be not Muslim, and though our beliefs may not align with the Iranian people's, still we should unite with them in recognition of their inalienable rights to freedom and expression -- we share those rights, and we should share their struggle, if only in spirit.

Just as important is the reminder we should take from the Iranian people. Though they were threatened with and now face oppression, violence and the possibility of death, they do not turn tail and flee. Instead, they stand strong for what they believe in and continue to face those who would oppress them. Their struggle today should inspire each of us to be proactive in facing our challenges, rather than sitting back as passive observers to the decisions that will affect our lives. More, we should each remember the protests and struggles of yesterday that have allowed us the ability to openly question the decisions of our elected leaders without fear of reprisal.

Today, my heart, my mind and my prayers are with the people of Iran, and I stand beside them in spirit as I wish I could in person. I hope you can say the same.


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